Today, it's our pleasure to interview Efran Lebron, owner of Got It Covered Upholstery.  We have been so impressed by his commitment to community service - and by his gorgeous upholstery!

*If you're just finding our "Staying at Home in Woodstock" series, welcome! During the COVID-19 crisis, we are connecting with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profits to help encourage and support one another through this difficult time.  Please contact us directly if you would like to be featured.*

 

Who are you and where do you live? 

My name is Efran Lebron. I am the owner of Got it Covered Upholstery and live in West Hartford, VT.

What do you do? For how long have you been doing it?  

I began working for a local furniture mill as an upholsterer six years ago after moving to the Upper Valley from Atalanta, Georgia. I had no experience, but it became second nature since my background is in fashion designing. After a couple of years, I ventured out on my own and opened a little upholstery shop out of my barn. I recently moved my shop to the Galley Place in Woodstock. The shop focuses on upholstering furniture, boxed cushions, pillows, and a few other odd jobs from time to time. We also sell fabrics and curated fun pieces of furniture upholstered or waiting to be reimagined. 

How has your life and livelihood changed in the time of Covid-19?

Upholstery production was put on pause for six weeks when one of my main supply vendors couldn't deliver due to the shut down in New York. That shook me a bit since I was newly in my Woodstock location, and I was just starting to get into the swing of things again after the shop moved. But I took the opportunity to keep things moving at the shop by making masks for the local hospitals, businesses, local residents, and many others around the country and Canada. I created kits for locals to sew masks, and together we all donated over 1500 masks. There was no way I could let me new shop sit stagnant.

I'm glad to be upholstering again, we are offering masks to all of our customers and doing all we can to keep everyone safe. 

What is the most important thing that people can do to help support you and/or your business?

I'm stuck answering this question, because I don't know if I can ask for any more. The community has been so amazing to me and my business. 

What changes do you hope to see in a post-quarantine world?

I hope for more unity. 

We're so glad to have you in Woodstock, Efran!  Let's all keep working hard to support one another as we begin to explore our new future - together.  

 

Today we are delighted to share our interview with Caila McCabe of Red Kite Candy.   

*If you're just finding our "Staying at Home in Woodstock" series, welcome! During the COVID-19 crisis, we are connecting with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profits to help encourage and support one another through this difficult time.  Please contact us directly if you would like to be featured!*

 

Who are you and where do you live?

I’m Caila McCabe and I live in Thetford, VT.

What do you do? For how long have you been doing it?

I’m the Brand Manager at Red Kite Candy. I’ve been in this role for 2 years now, but involved in the family business for about 6 years.

How has your life and livelihood changed in the time of Covid-19?

Most of the ways our lives have changed are things everyone recognizes, like worrying about older friends and family members, and changing shopping habits. We washing all of our deliveries now, only family members are allowed in to our facility…but when put in perspective, I’m mostly grateful for what hasn’t changed.

What is the most important thing that people can do to help support you and/or your business?

Place an order online at redkitecandy.com. Right now, for every purchase over $25, we’re giving a gift to frontline healthcare workers on your behalf. You can include a message that we’ll handwrite. You can choose from several hospitals who have agreed to receive and distribute these gifts. Especially with Mother’s Day coming up, this is a great time to give a gift because it will instantly generate another gift to a healthcare worker.

What changes do you hope to see in a post-quarantine world?

I hope people can keep up this bootstrapping spirit. Not all of these problems or opportunities will go away with the virus. There’s always a need for innovation, compassion, and just making the most of each day. 

Thank you, Caila! We love your bootstrapping spirit, and we're thankful for everyone who makes this world a little sweeter.  

 

Today, we are interviewing Jeffrey Kahn, owner of one of Woodstock's most iconic shops - UNICORN! 

*If you're just finding our "Staying at Home in Woodstock" series, welcome! During the COVID-19 crisis, we are connecting with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profits to help encourage and support one another through this difficult time.  Please contact us directly if you would like to be featured.*

 

Who are you and where do you live?

Jeffrey Kahn.....I live in beautiful Woodstock, Vt.

(Note: Not Woodstock!)

What do you do? For how long have you been doing it? 

I own and operate UNICORN, an eclectic gift store, which I opened in 1978 - so, for 42 years.

How has your life and livelihood changed in the time of Covid-19?

My life has fluctuated between Groundhog Day (the movie) and The Twilight Zone in the time of covid-19. My livelihood has diminished to a trickle.

What is the most important thing that people can do to help support you and/or your business?

If people would like to help there are a few avenues, all of which start with a call to UNICORN at (802)457-2480. You  can purchase a gift card for eventual use, or I can take you on a virtual tour of the store via FaceTime, which can be a lot of fun (no charge for my commentary). We offer shipping and curbside service (you can knock at the door and I'll hand you a bag - but you can't come in!). You can view a lot of our videos @unicornvt on Instagram and Facebook. I'm generally in the store Mon-Sat from 9:30 to 5 these days, so please call or leave a message and I'll call back - I get lonely here!

What changes do you hope to see in a post-quarantine world?

In a post-quarantine world I expect folks hands will remain a lot cleaner and people will be more careful about getting into tight places with lots of faces. I also hope we develop a deeper appreciation for how fragile and valuable our lives are and perhaps we can transfer that same appreciation to our precious planet and governments start to take healing our planet more seriously and urgently.

Thank you, Jeffrey - we couldn't agree more.  Here's to that post-quarantine world! 

*All photos from UNICORN. 

 

Today, we interviewed one of Woodstock's most beloved caterers, Claire Mayock of Heart Rock Kitchen!  

*If you're just finding our "Staying at Home in Woodstock" series, welcome! During the COVID-19 crisis, we are connecting with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profits to help encourage and support one another through this difficult time.  Please contact us directly if you would like to be featured.*

 

Who are you and where do you live?

Claire Mayock, South Woodstock

What do you do? 

I have a catering business and an event and restaurant space in Woodstock - Heart Rock Kitchen. 

How has your life and livelihood changed in the time of Covid-19?

My last event was on March 14th before the closing of restaurants and the Shelter in Place order was issued. Since then all but two of my events have been cancelled or postponed through the month of August. At this point, even when we are allowed to reopen, the social distancing order and limited number of patrons allowed in the building at once will severely limit the types of events I can book.

What is the most important thing that people can do to help support you and/or your business?

Woodstock is a unique place. I feel so fortunate to live in an area where it is easy to go outside, take a walk, work in the garden, and have fresh, local produce and markets available. People are kind, caring and supportive. I am so appreciative of all those who reached out to check on me and ask if there is anything they can do to help. 

What changes do you hope to see in a post-quarantine world? 

My hope is that when we are allowed to reopen and we move towards a new normal, as a community, we will continue to support our local businesses as now more than ever we have seen how vital they are.

Claire, we can't wait to attend your next event or a Wednesday Night Dinner!  Until then, visit Claire's website to plan a post-covid celebration!  

 

We are excited to share today's interview with Karim and Isabelle, owners of The Woodstocker B & B! 

*If you're just finding our "Staying at Home in Woodstock" series, welcome! During the COVID-19 crisis, we are connecting with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profits to help encourage and support one another through this difficult time.  Please contact us directly if you would like to be featured.*

 

Who are you and where do you live? 

We are Isabelle Chicoine and Karim Houry. We live in Woodstock.

What do you do? For how long have you been doing it? 

We own and operate the Woodstocker B&B since March of 2018.

How has your life and livelihood changed in the time of Covid-19? 

We had to close our B&B since March 17 - we lost all the revenue we would normally have had since March. What’s more, we are not seeing any future bookings coming in as people are holding off on making any travel plans for the time being. Since our business model is based on a 50% deposit upon booking, this further impacts our cash flow. We had to ask our housekeeper to go on unemployment.

We’ve been offering breakfast-to-go to the community with curbside pick up. It brings in a little bit of cash and helps us keep a semblance of normalcy, with a daily routine and some customer interaction on the phone and through a glass door. We are also working on projects to improve the B&B. We are also involved in some community outreach efforts.

What is the most important thing that people can do to help support you and/or your business? 

They can follow us and interact with our posts on Facebook and Instagram -- that’s a morale booster for us! They can also purchase Gift Certificates for future stays (redeemable by friends and family members, or for themselves as a staycation).  And they can order our breakfast-to-go and get a literal taste of The Woodstocker at (802) 457-3896.

What changes do you hope to see in a post-quarantine world? 

We’ve noticed that the quarantine has brought people closer together, paradoxically. People spend more time checking on each other via phone, interacting through various video tools with friends and family who are across the nation or the world -- or just next door. They think more about what really matters. They feel and express compassion for those on the frontlines of the epidemic and those who are more exposed. We hope that this higher degree of humanity will carry on when we all resume business-as-usual.

Thank you, Isabelle and Karim!  We can't wait for you to open your doors once more, but - until then - we HIGHLY recommend ordering some OMG Chocolate Melts while you can!  

*Photos courtesy of Isabelle and Karim and The Woodstocker website*

 

Today we are delighted to share our interview with DJ Jesser of MoonRise Therapeutics!  

*If you're just finding our "Staying at Home in Woodstock" series, welcome! During the COVID-19 crisis, we are connecting with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profits to help encourage and support one another through this difficult time.  Please contact us directly if you would like to be featured!*

 

Who are you and where do you live?

DJ Jesser and I live in Taftsville.

What do you do? 

I work as a clinical social worker to help people know their worth, see their own goodness and gifts, and find belonging and hope in life. 

Since 2002, I have partnered with horses to do this work as they are much better at it than I am. 

In 2019, a group of us began a non-profit called MoonRise Therapeutics, which I direct, in hopes that this work will be sustainable into the future.  At MoonRise Therapeutics we offer therapeutic and educational experiences that foster self-discovery, empowerment, and build emotional resiliency by bringing together highly skilled clinical and equine professionals, a herd of well-loved horses, and a nurturing environment.  

MoonRise helps to transform life experiences through partnership with our horses. The programs are small and flexible, operating during the spring, summer and fall seasons. We work hard to design individual and group programming that meets the specific needs of our clients. Once a client understands the role of the horse they are usually very content to engage and relax around horses. It becomes easy to find joy in their presence. Unlike other forms of therapy, equine facilitated therapy has no stigma attached to it. It is easy to open up quickly since the horses don’t judge or criticize. Horses invite us to show up exactly how we are in the present moment and to get curious around improving our own mental health.  

For how long have you been doing it? 

I began wilderness education/counseling/social justice work in 1979 and received my masters in social work in 1985.

How has your life and livelihood changed in the time of Covid-19?   

For MoonRise Therapeutics, this has enabled us to work on shoring up infrastructure and working on strategic planning. In terms of our programs and clinical work these are hard times with a lot of mental health needs. We have had to close our farm, cancel programs and put some fundraising activities on hold. We are continuing our clinical work virtually but truly miss the horse presence which offers grounding, calming and non judgmental connection for clients that is so needed during these unprecedented times.  We are trying our best to meet all the need but requests for services are great. 

For myself and probably many others, it is a bit challenging being online so much!  As time allows for, I try to get outside hiking and biking which I love.  Focusing on gratitude in relation to myself, others and our earth has been an important connection point for me during these times. Throughout the day I try to notice things to be grateful for and this has a way of transforming what is difficult, into something manageable and an opportunity for moving forward. 

What is the most important thing that people can do to help support you and/or your business?

Spread the word of our work at MoonRise, follow us on instagram at @moonrt802 or like us on facebook, Moonrise Farm, volunteer once we re-open or help us raise funds to meet the demand for services. Fundraising is on-going and the smallest donation can help a person receive services. Moonrisetherapeutics.org/donation or email us to sign up as a volunteer, moonrisetherapeutics@gmail.com.

What changes do you hope to see in a post-quarantine world?

A more "horse wise world" where we recognize that our survival depends on the "health of our herd."  There are no "put downs," instead each of us can step up and play our part, enabling all of us to become more than the sum of our parts.

Thank you, DJ! Here's to a more horse-wise future.  

 

Today we're happy to chat with PJ Eames of Clover Gift Shop!

 

*If you're just finding our "Staying at Home in Woodstock" series, welcome! During the COVID-19 crisis, we are connecting with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profits to help encourage and support one another through this difficult time.  Please contact us directly if you would like to be featured.*

 

Who are you and where do you live? 

I’m Patricia (PJ) Eames and I live in Woodstock VT with my family; Jared, Caitlin, & Hannah. 

What do you do? For how long have you been doing it?  

I own Clover Gift Shop in the Village of Woodstock.  I’ve owned Clover for just over 12 years.

How has your life and livelihood changed in the time of Covid-19? 

Well, my store has been closed since March 16, so life has changed quite a bit.  Clover is where I used to normally spend 60+ hours per week,  but I’m now there maybe 4-5 hours per week to fill online orders & orders for curbside pickup.  

The majority of my time is spent at home, teaching my daughters, ages 5 & 7.  I am worried about the future, financially speaking, of course, but I’ve realized that this situation is out of my control, so I am trying to focus on the positive.  It always seems as though life is going by too quickly, and now I have a chance to slow down and spend quality time with my family.  

What is the most important thing that people can do to help support you and/or your business? 

Right now, ordering from our website is a huge support, also ordering gift cards for future use is a big help.   Our entire website is 25% off until we are able to re-open the store.  We have worked with several customers to put together awesome gift/care packages. Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and we’d be more than happy to put together some gifts for mom!!

What changes do you hope to see in a post-quarantine world?

I hope that people are more conscientious about where they are spending their money.  Small businesses are really struggling right now, but thankfully we are also seeing a tremendous outpouring of support.  People are shopping differently, trying to support their neighborhood businesses, and we need that to continue when this pandemic is gone from the headlines.  It will be a very long time until things get back to “normal”, and it will most likely be a very different normal.  The support of small businesses once the economy starts re-opening is going to be key to our survival.

Thanks, PJ - we can't wait to see your doors open once again! 

Photos from the Clover website and Woodstock Magazine. 

 

We are excited to share today's interview with Clint Hunt, founder of Abracadabra Coffee Co! 

*If you're just finding our "Staying at Home in Woodstock" series, welcome! During the COVID-19 crisis, we are connecting with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profits to help encourage and support one another through this difficult time.  Please contact us directly if you would like to be featured.*

Who are you and where do you live?

I am Clint Hunt and I live in Woodstock, VT

What do you do? For how long have you been doing it?

I am the founder of Abracadabra Coffee Co. The business started in 2015. 

How has your life and livelihood changed in the time of Covid-19?

When you own a small business, your life and livelihood are very much intertwined! The daily life of the business has completely changed, but the foundations of creativity, flexibility and resilience remain the same. Some parts of the business have been restricted, but we've taken that as an opportunity to expand in other areas. Until Covid-19, every weekend we would open our roastery to the public and serve a full coffee menu with pastries. Our retail hours are suspended until further notice, so we're putting our resources into promoting our coffee online and engaging with people through social media. 

What is the most important thing that people can do to help support you and/or your business?

The best way for folks near and far to support us right now, is to check out our website and treat themselves, or a friend, to some delicious single origin coffee! We are offering a pick up option for locals, and everything on our site is currently 15% off. If you live locally, you can find our whole bean coffee and cold brew cans at the Hanover Co-op Food Stores, Woodstock Farmer's Market, JUEL  Modern Apothecary. In the Burlington area look for us at City Market, and Healthy Living. 

What changes do you hope to see in a post-quarantine world?

There has been a huge community response to this crisis. Though we are physically distant, everybody is coming together to help out. I hope to see and and be a part of further cultivating that supportive and collaborative culture. 

Clint, we can't wait for coffee and waffles on some sunny day soon.  Until then, we'll just enjoy our Abracadabra coffee from the comforts of quarantine! 

**All photos courtesy of Abracadabra's social media***

 

Today we are delighted to share our interview with Deanna Jones, executive director of The Thompson Senior Center.

*If you're just finding our "Staying at Home in Woodstock" series, welcome! During the COVID-19 crisis, we are connecting with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profits to help encourage and support one another through this difficult time.  Please contact us directly if you would like to be featured!*

Who are you and where do you live?  

Deanna Jones. I live on 26 beautiful acres in Pomfret with my husband, Rob, and our four children, ages 4 -16.  We have been here for 19 years.

What do you do? For how long have you been doing it? 

I’m lucky to have my dream job as the executive director of The Thompson Senior Center in Woodstock. We make sure older community members have the resources they need to age well at home --  whether that means home-delivered Meals on Wheels, wellness classes, transportation, fun activities, life-long learning opportunities, medical equipment after surgery, or referrals to vetted service providers.  I’ve been at The Thompson for almost 10 years and love the staff and the connections we have with our older community members.

How has your life and livelihood changed in the time of Covid-19?

It feels like all normal life was paused and all of our energy was immediately shifted to providing meals and keeping our older Vermonters safe from exposure to Covid-19.  Normally, a big part of our energy is focused on keeping people from being socially isolated and the risks associated with isolation.  This isolation is the opposite of what we usually want for our older community members but is now a necessity.   It is not a shift that we like, but I’m super happy about The Thompson staff’s flexibility in serving our community together.  We’re having many phone visits with our patrons, delivering groceries, working with community emergency teams and volunteers, providing many more home-delivered meals, giving out puzzles/books and donated newspapers, and hosting some online classes too.  We’re a group that makes the most of things.   My personal life has changed with 4 children at home, but I’m thankful that both my husband and I have “essential” jobs that we can juggle time and be at home on alternate days.  The teachers and school programs have been well-organized, and our children are all adjusting to the changes pretty well (especially our dog).  

What is the most important thing that people can do to help support you and/or your business?

We’ve received a huge outpouring of love and support over the past month. Younger community members have stepped forward to deliver Meals on Wheels so that our older volunteers could be given this time off (only three of thirty of our previous Meals on Wheels volunteers were under age 75).  We have people volunteering to shop for groceries and even have received donated eggs from Pete and Gerry’s and other farm donations, too.   We’ve received homemade mask donations and financial support that are keeping us safe and going strong.   As this situation drags on, we really appreciate the continued financial support – not only are our expenses higher with more packaging, food, and gloves, but we’re not able to do our normal fundraising events, like dinner programs, that help support our operations throughout the year.  (Readers may VOLUNTEER or DONATE through the Thompson's website.)

What changes do you hope to see in a post-quarantine world?

I hope to see:

• Community connections continue, and younger people continuing to deliver Meals on Wheels along with older people,
• Emergency plans in place and improved for future situations,
• Recognition and celebration of the impact that our older community members have on our communities, and
• Recognition throughout the state and nationally that Senior Centers are an essential service.  Currently, senior centers in Vermont and many states do not receive any state or federal funding for administration or operations except for a limited amount per meal (1/3 the cost of the meals), but research shows that senior center participants have higher levels of health, social interaction, and life satisfaction. I hope after all this, it is more broadly recognized what a thriving, well-supported senior center can accomplish and contribute to their community. 

Thank you, Deanna, for all that you and The Thompson Senior Center are doing to keep our community well and fed during this difficult time. Visit the website to learn more, volunteer, or donate!  

 

Today we are pleased to feature our interview with Mark Knott of Woodstock Dentistry.

*If you're just finding our "Staying at Home in Woodstock" series, welcome! During the COVID-19 crisis, we are connecting with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profits to help encourage and support one another through this difficult time.  Please contact us directly if you would like to be featured!*

 

Who are you and where do you live?  

Mark Knott, DDS. I live in West Woodstock with my wife Rachel Hochman, and my practice is at The Mill in the East End of Woodstock. 

What do you do? For how long have you been doing it?

I’ve been a dentist in Woodstock for 13 years this May. We moved from the Ottaquechee Health Center to The Mill in April of 2015. April 17, 2020 is our fifth anniversary at The Mill building. It’s a wonderful, light-filled location overlooking the Billings Farm and its hay fields.  

How has your life and livelihood changed in the time of Covid-19

My livelihood has changed significantly. I temporarily closed my practice on March 17, 2020, following the executive order of Governor Phil Scott. Because it was unclear when we would be allowed to reopen, at that time, I laid off my seven employees, who I consider both family, coworkers, and friends. I can only see emergency patients at this time for severe bleeding or pain, but I’m not really even supposed to see them, but instead practice “tele-dentistry,” however, I’m not really sure what that is! It’s difficult to have no income when there is still office overhead and personal bills. This is the first time I’ve sought assistance from state and federal agencies. I’ve been working since I was 10 when I started mowing lawns. I miss my patients, and co-workers. 

On a positive note, I’m taking long walks with my wife and dogs, getting lots of projects done around our home, sheep farm and vegetable garden, and riding my bike and horse. I’m spending lots of time outside, and cooking a lot more. I am very grateful to live where we do, in this beautiful state of Vermont. 

What is the most important thing that people can do to help support you and/or your business?

1. Return  to us for your dental care - you can check for updates on our website: https://www.woodstockdentistry.com/

2. Trust that your safety, in terms of infection control, is paramount to our values. We are already taking steps to ensure additional safety measures for our return. 

3. Support other local businesses!

What changes do you hope to see in a post-quarantine world?

After this quarantine, I’m hoping to see stronger community connections.

We couldn't agree more, Dr. Knott!  In the meantime, we will look forward to visiting you and your team at The Mill.

All photos courtesy of Dr. Knott's website: www.woodstockdentistry.com