Do you long to be calmer and more centered? Do you carry the strain of the world in your neck, shoulders, and back? Could you use a generous helping of self-care? Consider checking out our February Co-op Connection Business of the Month – Otter Creek Yoga! Let them know that you’re a Co-op member-owner and your first class is free! Wouldn’t that be a lovely Valentine gift to give yourself?
For 10 years, Otter Creek Yoga has offered our community an oasis of calm and healing – a place to come home to your true self. Their beautiful, peaceful, sunny studio is located in Middlebury’s historic Marbleworks and offers daytime, evening, and weekend classes for all ages and all levels of experience. Click here for detailed descriptions of the classes offered.
The Otter Creek Yoga faculty includes a total of nine experienced, certified, skilled instructors practicing a variety of yoga disciplines, including two certified Iyengar teachers. Click here to read more about the instructors and the various types of yoga they offer. Director Joanna Colwell founded Otter Creek Yoga in 2006 and it was Addison County’s first yoga studio! Joanna loves being a full-time yoga teacher and sharing this practice with students of all ages and abilities. She’s especially interested in exploring the ways in which yoga practice can be a method of self-care and believes that our ability to care for ourselves positively influences how we care for our families, our community, and the world around us. She invites us all to “come take a deep, cleansing breath, and then another. Let go of what you no longer need. Breathe in compassion – for yourself, your family, and your world. Breathe out peace and calm.”
Does your New Year’s resolution include new health & fitness goals? Check out Vermont Sun! They’re our Co-op Connection Business of the Month for January and they offer 10% off to Co-op member-owners!
Vermont Sun has been keeping our community fit since 1985. Whether you’re visiting their facilities in Middlebury or Vergennes, you’ll find their clubs geared up with the essential elements of a great workout. Their fitness equipment vendors are the best in the industry, and their club owners stay current with the latest technology! They offer a wide variety of cardio, strength, and free weight equipment to ensure that you get the best possible workout.
If you’re looking for great group fitness classes, you’ll find over 250 each month, including Yoga, Spinning, Zumba, Body Pump, Arthritis Aqua Aerobics, Senior Fitness classes, Self-defense classes, and more! There’s something for every age group from kids to seniors.
Their facilities also offer racquetball courts, saunas, and indoor pools for lap swimming, rehab, or recreation.
Need help to ease safely back into a workout routine? Or maybe you’re just looking to set some new fitness and nutrition goals and could use a professional guide? Vermont Sun offers Personal Training services and Nutritional Counseling from a knowledgeable staff of certified, credentialed specialists.
In short, Vermont Sun has everything you need to help make your New Year’s Resolution a reality! Stop in and find out for yourself why they are voted the #1 Fitness Center in the region year after year! And don’t forget to tell them you’re a Co-op member-owner!
BONUS!! Vermont Sun is offering a special perk for Co-op member-owners during the month of January! Show your Co-op member card at Vermont Sun for a FREE ONE WEEK PASS!!
Did you know that McDaniel Chiropractic Center is part of the Co-op Connection? Thanks to this fun partnership, Co-op member-owners can enjoy 10% off when visiting McDaniel Chiropractic Center! You can find their full-service clinic at 1330 Exchange Street, Suite 105, in Middlebury. They’re our featured Business of the Month for November, so we wanted to tell you a little more about the wide array of health services they provide. Read on to learn all about them!
McDaniel Chiropractic is more than simply a place to go when you’re experiencing neck or back pain. They offer a 360-degree approach to total body wellness incorporating diet, exercise, ergonomics, lifestyle management, and chiropractic care to help you achieve your health care goals! Unlike conventional medicine, which aims to treat symptoms of injury or illness in a reactionary way, Drs. Jim & Julia McDaniel instead hope to offer tools to help you reduce the risk of pain, injury, and illness in a more proactive manner. Their goal is to help you achieve and maintain optimal health through a tailored, personal wellness program that is targeted to your specific needs.
About the Doctors
Dr. Julia McDaniel received her Bachelors of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Vermont in 1983. In 1990 she graduated from Life Chiropractic College located in Marietta, Georgia. Dr. Julia has been in active practice with her husband, Dr. Jim McDaniel, in Middlebury since 1990.
Shortly after opening their practice, Dr. Julia became very active in chiropractic on the legislative level. In 1992 she was appointed to the Vermont Chiropractic Board of Examiners by Gov. Howard Dean, where she served the State for 9 ½ years. During this time she served two years as chairman of the board. Dr. Julia served as the State delegate to both the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards and the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
Dr. Julia has the distinction of being the first female doctor of chiropractic to serve on the board of directors for the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Dr. Julia has been an active voice for legislative change concerning professional regulation and patients’ rights. She served the Council on Chiropractic Education as a member of the Site Team Academy and as the Secretary-Treasurer on the Board of Directors of the Council on Chiropractic Education. In 2000 the Vermont Chiropractic Association awarded Dr. Julia the honor of Chiropractor of the Year.
Dr. Jim McDaniel is a 1990 cum laude graduate of Life Chiropractic College in Marietta, Georgia. While a student, Dr. Jim served as his class representative to the Clinic Judicial Review Committee. Since opening McDaniel Chiropractic Center in 1990, Dr. Jim has attended many continuing education conferences. He has a special interest in nutrition and neurology, completing over 150 hours of post-graduate training in clinical neurology through Logan Chiropractic College.
Giving back to the community has always been important to Dr. Jim. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Addison County branch of the American Cancer Society and the Parent-Child Center of Addison County. Currently, he is the treating chiropractor at the Middlebury Open Door Clinic and serves on the advisory council for the health careers program at the Hannaford Career Center in Middlebury. Dr. Jim is currently the Immediate Past President of the Vermont Chiropractic Association.He serves on the board of directors for the Council on Chiropractic Guidelines and Practice Parameters (CCGPP).
Dr. Erik Vose holds a Doctorate of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic West in California and a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Applied Physiology from the University of Colorado. After earning his doctorate degree, Dr. Erik received two years of additional chiropractic and sports therapy training in Walnut Creek, CA. Following his time in California, Dr. Erik started his own practice in Boston and joined OMBE, an integrative health center located in Copley Square, where he worked in conjunction with many practitioners including acupuncturists, naturopaths, dietitians, massage therapists, and yoga and pilates instructors.
Dr. Erik treats patients for a range of conditions from sports injuries to chronic pain by focusing on the entire musculoskeletal system. Dr. Erik combines soft tissue therapy with ultrasound, electric stimulation, stretching, and chiropractic adjustments. He is proficient in the diagnosis and treatment of extremity injuries as well as those associated with the spine. Dr. Erik develops comprehensive treatment plans that focus on both alleviating symptoms and helping his patients achieve optimal strength and well-being.
Services & Techniques
McDaniel Chiropractic offers a wide range of safe, comfortable, and effective services & techniques to help you achieve & maintain optimal wellness:
Advanced spinal correction adjustments using state-of-the-art chiropractic techniques
With back-to-school season looming large, perhaps the kids are asking for some new duds? And maybe those old, tired winter boots are no longer keeping the elements out? Or, maybe you’re in the market for a new pair of Carhartt’s or some Darn Tough socks? It’s a perfect time to check out our Co-op Connection Business of the Month – Green Mountain Shoe & Apparel! Co-op member-owners can enjoy 10% off when they shop at Green Mountain Shoe & Apparel! Read on to learn more about this family-owned local business and the wide array of products they offer to keep you covered from head to toe.
Here at Green Mountain Shoe & Apparel we believe that high-quality products and good service should also be affordable. That’s why we carry the brands you know and trust. We offer a wide variety of dress & casual shoes for the entire family. Sneakers by Asics, New Balance, & Saucony. Casual shoes by Merrell, Keen, Born, Haflinger, Sanita & Dansko clogs. We know which products run narrow or wide, which ones will break in and which ones hold their shape. Both quality and comfort are important to us. We’ll help you get the shoe that is right for you.
Our store is also chock full of fleece, jackets, hats, gloves, jeans, vests, and coats. We’ve got your favorite brands of casual clothing by Woolrich, Carhartt, & North River, and socks by Smartwool & Darn Tough. Our selection of Carhartt is one of the best in Vermont and if we don’t have your size in stock we are always happy to order it for you. Find out what the locals already know- Green Mountain Shoe & Apparel is their source for work wear, warm gear, and year-round comfortable clothing and footwear.
Our family-owned business has been serving our communities for over 12 years in Middlebury and 7 years in Bristol. We carry the items your family needs from head to toe!
We have two locations to serve you:
Middlebury- 260 Court St., Suite 4, near Hannaford.
Hey ladies; are you looking to REV up your fitness routine? Our Co-op Connection Business of the Month for July is REV Fitness and Certified Trainer/Owner, Michele Butler, offers a unique, refreshing twist on the typical gym routine. Located in a beautiful, sunny, women’s-only studio within Middlebury Fitness, REV Fitness aims to inspire women across Addison County to overcome life’s health challenges, with particular focus on strength and endurance training for weight loss, bone building, and heart health. We’re thrilled that REV Fitness recently joined the Co-op Connection, which means that Co-op member-owners can enjoy 10% off their enrollment fee and 10% off personal training at REV Fitness!
REV Fitness addresses the unique fitness needs of women, particularly those aged 40+. Their REV workout is designed for optimal calorie burn, bone building and cardiovascular endurance and strength. This 30-minute energizing and uncomplicated circuit routine takes the guesswork out of exercise and helps overcome health challenges for women.
What is REV Fitness?
A workout routine for women designed for optimal calorie burn and weight loss
Strength training to improve bone density & increase metabolism
Cardiovascular endurance to improve balance & to reduce the risk of heart disease
A recent visit to this bright, beautiful studio and a great chat with Certified Trainer/Owner, Michele Butler, made it clear why so many women are excited about this unique program. Michele’s passion, knowledge, and enthusiasm are positively contagious. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from Springfield College and has been a personal fitness trainer certified by the American College of Sports Medicine for 20 years. Her personal fitness philosophy includes:
Discovering your “why”. What motivates, what makes the effort rewarding?
Finding something active that you like to do – and doing it frequently
Recognizing that there is only now, do your best now
Enjoying the journey, acknowledging success and happiness along the way
Whether your goal is to build strength, increase flexibility, or lose a few unwanted pounds, it begins with the decision to change your lifestyle, and it can begin today. Each personalized program can include cardiovascular, endurance, strength, balance, flexibility, diet and nutrition components. Michele’s services are appropriate for anyone with health challenges such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease. Sessions are designed to provide variety and education and to keep fitness routines from becoming routine. Your unique 30 minute circuit workout is waiting for you!
Why Circuit Training?
Weight Loss – Ensuring that you’re burning sufficient calories over the course of the day is critical to fighting weight gain. Circuit training is excellent for women as it really helps to rev up your metabolism and increase total calorie expenditure by increasing muscle mass.
Bone Building – One in two women will fracture a bone due to Osteoporosis. By the time we’re 70, we have lost about 45% to 50% of our muscle mass. Circuit training encourages bone building because it incorporates weight-bearing exercises with strength-building exercises that can help prevent muscle loss and maintain bone density.
Heart Health – Up to 82% of heart disease is preventable in women by adopting healthy habits. Circuit training is great for women over 40 because of its fast paced nature, promoting cardiovascular benefits that reduce your risk for heart disease.
Balance – As we age our balance deteriorates due to lack of physical activity, visual impairment and lack of proprioception (sensors of position and movement in the feet and legs). The rev circuit cardiovascular stations encourage standing exercises that improve muscle strength, balance and coordination.
Classes:
REV It UP! with Michele – Every Monday at 5:15 PM & Every Wednesday at 12:15 PM. Join fellow REV members for this circuit class that bends the rules and shakes up your usual exercise routine. Experiment with different intensity levels, change your workout format, increase calorie burn, cardiovascular fitness and strength, all while having fun and challenging yourself. Learn new exercises and fitness facts. Michele provides encouragement and motivation throughout these 30 to 40 minute sessions. Appropriate for all fitness levels. Bring water and a towel, wear sneakers.
Walking Club – Meets Every Friday at Noon. Enjoy the many benefits of walking in the great outdoors. This 50 to 60 minute walk is social and can range from a moderate pace with hill climbs to a gentle stroll. No one is left behind and everyone is encouraged to participate. Meet at REV Fitness at noon on Friday. REV Walking Club welcomes members and non-members alike. So invite a friend! Bring water, and wear a hat, sunglasses and a smile! (Foul weather may cause us to go with Plan B, which is an indoor REV workout!)
Wellness Workshops and Special Events:
We regularly schedule events that focus on women’s health and wellness covering topics like diet, nutrition, personal care and menopause. These are often free and are open to members as well as non-members to enjoy. Check our website for upcoming events and join us!
On June 28th, we began the exciting workshop series “Shed Pounds and Gain Confidence” – a 4-part weight loss and body confidence program. Through this series, we’ll work together to discover:
The Underlying Issue That Has Your Body Holding Onto Weight.
How to Say Goodbye to the Cravings, Panic, and Self-Doubt That Keep You in a Constant Fight Against Your Body!
Tools to Take Control of That Critical Voice in Your Head!
How You Can Create an Empowering Relationship With Food, Find Pleasure in Exercise and Implement Self-Care
Into Your Life
“We’re all about women, their changing needs; their changing bodies. I look forward to meeting you at REV Fitness and inspiring you to do and feel your best everyday!” – Michele Butler
Have a hankering for a mouth-watering slice of pizza? Or how about a calzone, some pasta or a fresh, beautiful salad? Check out Green Peppers Restaurant! They’re our Co-op Connection Business of the Month, so we’re reminding member-owners that you can enjoy 10% off your meal at Green Peppers! Green Peppers, owned by Mark and Donna Perrin, has been serving up delicious food in Middlebury since 1982. It’s truly a family business, as Mark’s step-daughter Amy serves as the restaurant’s General Manager. A recent visit to the Green Peppers kitchen found Mark, Amy, and the rest of the crew hard at work keeping up with the lunch rush, while a large pot of their homemade sauce simmered away on the stove. The aroma was heavenly!!
In addition to being a great chef, family-man, and successful small business owner, Mark is also very involved in serving his community. He participates in Hunger Free Vermont’s local chapter of the Addison County Hunger Council, which aims to alleviate food insecurity for members of our community. He has also been actively involved in the community by serving on the Chamber of Commerce Board, Workforce Investment Board, and Middlebury Business Association Board. Governor Shumlin appointed Perrin to the State Board of Education on April 12, 2013 to serve a six year term (2013-2019) with a focus on policy concerning the education of Vermont students and assuring equal access for all Vermont students to a quality education.
Perrin also knows what it means to be a good neighbor. Last year, when a water main ruptured in front of the Co-op leaving us with a mountain of dirty dishes and no running water, Mark and the rest of the crew at Green Peppers welcomed us into their kitchen without hesitation! We were so grateful!
We’re proud to know Mark and proud to have such a wonderful local restaurant as our neighbor. Green Peppers is open daily at 10:30 am and offers dine-in or take out service. Choose from a mouth-watering list of soups, calzones, salads, pastas, pizzas, subs, and more! Gluten free? They’ve got you covered! Just don’t forget to mention that you’re a Co-op member!
With graduation, Mothers’ Day, and wedding season on the horizon, perhaps you’re in search of some special, locally made, hand crafted gifts. Look no further than Middlebury’s own Danforth Pewter! They’re our Co-op Connection Business of the Month for April and member-owners can enjoy 10% off when shopping at Danforth Pewter. Visit their workshop and store at 52 Seymour Street where you might catch a glimpse of their pewter crafters in action, thanks to the workshop viewing windows. They also have a beautiful retail store on Main Street in the heart of downtown Middlebury, or you can visit them online.
The Danforth family has a rich history of working with pewter, dating all the way back to 1755 when Thomas Danforth II opened a pewter workshop in colonial Connecticut. Several generations of the Danforth family followed him into the pewter trade. The last of the colonial-era Danforths stopped working in pewter in 1873. There is colonial Danforth pewter in the Smithsonian, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the Museum Collection at Colonial Williamsburg, and many other American museums.
One hundred years later, Thomas Danforth II’s great-great-great-great-great grandson Fred Danforth, and Fred’s wife Judi Danforth, revived the family tradition when they opened Danforth Pewter in Vermont in 1975. Over the next 33 years, the company grew to include four retail stores, a web store, a wholesale business providing products to several hundred independent gift stores around the country, a custom design business, and a corporate gift and recognition business.
Today, every piece of Danforth, Shirley and Pewter Port pewter is crafted by hand from 100% lead-free fine pewter in our Middlebury, Vermont workshop. Our line includes everything from miniature pocket charms to one-of-a-kind oil lamps signed by the artist, and our more popular categories are jewelry, holiday ornaments and key rings.
Here’s what Fred & Judi have to say about their pewter:
We are passionate about our craft and proud of our family’s longtime involvement in the rich history of pewter making in America. We strive to keep artisan pewter alive and well in the 21st century by offering a wide range of items, with both original contemporary designs and classic pieces.
Our pewter is 100% lead-free and meets or exceeds all FDA food-safety standards. Our designs and products are all hand crafted right here in Middlebury, Vermont.
We strive to make your entire experience special. From learning about pewter to receiving your final purchase, we want your every interaction with our company to be a reflection of our passion for beautiful pewter gifts. Our goal is your complete satisfaction, and to ensure that your ordering experience is timely, convenient, and enjoyable.
Click here for a full listing of Co-op Connection businesses and discounts.
