Ann Roche, owner of ARCF, plans for big post-summer changes.

By Shelbie Ladue
After nearly 37 years in the industry, Ann Roche Casual Furniture (ARCF) owner Ann Roche is temporarily closing her Shelburne, Vt. location. Renovations are expected to go into full swing sometime after this summer season. Walking into the warmly lit building, one is greeted with a smile from Roche, who is fussing over her new haircut, an open candy jar on the counter, and more furniture than you’d ever imagine fitting in one room.
Although Roche has not yet announced a closing date, renovations are already underway in the lower level of the store where more shelving space has been added. When asked about her plans for the upper level, Roche laughed and explained, “It’s to be revealed.”
ARCF has steadily been moving up Shelburne Road over the last 17 years. “I can’t even believe how big it is!” Roche has decided that she doesn’t need 17,000 square feet of furniture. “You know,” she confides, “a lot of people think Ann Roche is a manufacturer.”
Downsizing is the focus of the upcoming renovations. The needs of customers today are much different than they were 30 years ago. It is no longer necessary for ARCF to carry six of the same chair, each one a different color. “I want to downsize,” Roche explains, gesturing to a chair. “Someone will come in and decide they want this, but they don’t like the cushion color. They want red instead of green. I intend to provide them with whatever they need, as I have always done.” Roche has decided that rather than having more furniture than is needed for display, ARCF will carry a variety of samples for each of the offered products instead.
“I know I will still be in business,” says Roche. “I am not closing. It’s too good of a business to close.” Despite the fact that there aren’t any specific renovation plans, Roche spoke of the possibility of renting out one of the floors or even purchasing a new building altogether.
“I will be right here,” she adds. “I’ve been here…well, for years!” The business has grown significantly since its beginnings in Roche’s garage. While raising six children, Roche took over selling Telescope’s products from her then business partner Bob Wood, owner of Rentz. Since then, ARCF has taken on the fine products of 30 manufacturers altogether, each artfully displayed around the store. Six years ago Roche moved into the current space and is still enamored with her Shelburne Road location.
Ann credits her husband Paul for much of the success of ARCF. He was supportive and provided financial guidance every step of the way. “I never give myself credit,” Roche admits. “I couldn’t have done it without my husband.” Currently, Roche runs the store with the help of her daughter Nancy. Perhaps this family dynamic – paired with the presence of a laughing baby – and Roche’s dedication to her customers contributes to the feeling of goodwill that is associated with the business. Over the years ANCF has become incredibly well-known in and out of Vermont. “I am so fond of all of my customers,” says Roche. “I wouldn’t be here without them.”
The summer season – the heart of furniture sales – is already upon us, and with it, a closing sale at ARCF. Customers are sure to be in for a few surprises when the store re-opens after this season. For a look at the current merchandise, visit ARCF online at www.annroche.com or stop by the store between 10 am and 6 pm Monday through Saturday, and 11 am through 6 pm on Sunday. For more information concerning the current sale or upcoming renovations, contact Ann at (802) 985-5300 or send an email to sales@annroche.com.

Alert Shelburne resident Tavis Cowan took and submitted the photo above of a moose swimming in Shelburne Bay paced by a Game Warden boat last Thursday, May 13. Photo by Tavis Cowan, 2013

Shelburne Community School 5th graders promoted the Hike It! Bike It! program on Route 7 before school on Wednesday, May 1, encouraging residents to walk and bike to SCS. The beautiful weather was only paralleled by the students’ enthusiasm.

Shelburne’s annual Memorial Day observance will be held on Monday, May 27, at 11 am on the Parade on Church Street.
The speaker for this year’s ceremony will be Mr. Alexander Wilde, a Holocaust survivor and Veteran of World War II.
Fr. David Cray, Pastor of St. Jude the apostle Catholic Church, Hinesburg and Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Charlotte will deliver the invocation and benediction. The Shelburne Community School’s Wind Ensemble, directed by Tim Buckingham, will provide the music. There will be no cannon salute this year because of the federal budget cuts affecting the Vermont Army National Guard. The Shelburne Boy Scout Troop 602 will also participate in the ceremony.
In keeping with past years’ established traditions, veterans and members of the audience currently serving in the military will be invited to come forward at the end of the ceremony to receive the recognition and thanks of their families, friends and neighbors for their service. The Memorial Day Observation is sponsored by the Shelburne Business and Professional Association (SBPA) and is organized by Carroll A. “Bud” Ockert, COL, USA, Ret. and Town Moderator Tom Little will be Master of Ceremonies for the event.
In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the Shelburne United Methodist Church across the street from the Parade.

The 20th annual Jogathon will take place Thursday, May 23.

The 20th annual Jogathon, sponsored by the Shelburne PTO, will take place Thursday, May 23 (rain date Wednesday, May 22).  In this morning event, all students at the Community School participate by running outside with their classmates and teachers.
There are two main purposes of the Jogathon (besides being a lot of fun for everyone involved!). First, the Jogathon is a wonderful physical fitness activity, encouraging the development of life-long skills for good physical well-being. Second, this event is an important fundraiser for the PTO.  This year, we hope to raise $6,000, much of which will be used to support our Grants program. In addition, the Jogathon is a unique school experience, bringing together the entire SCS community for one event.
Individual participation in the Jogathon varies from 20 minutes for the littlest people to an hour for the older students. The youngest children will run around the flagpole circle at the front of the school. The 3-5 graders will run one loop of the Davis Park neighborhood, and the Middle Schoolers will also run in Davis Park, but use both loops.  Each participant is rewarded with a frozen all-fruit pop at the end of his run (this is a health-filled day!).
The success of the Jogathon has been due in part to the dedication of the multitudes of parent volunteers who are stationed along the various Jogathon routes.
At lunchtime, all students picnic outside with their classes, enjoying the school community and the music from the Supersounds DJ!
The students, big and small, will be canvassing the neighborhoods of Shelburne with their pledge forms this week.  Your donation to the SCS PTO is most appreciated and is tax-deductible.
If you have any further questions about the Jogathon, please contact Alice Brown at 985-4918 or aliceandy@myfairpoint.net.

Balance Chiropractic and Acupuncture would like to welcome Miles Colaprete DC to the practice.  Miles was previously employed at Manhattan Sports Medicine, a spinal rehabilitation clinic in New York City. He recently relocated to Vermont with his partner Claire to enjoy the Green Mountains and bike trails. He is now accepting new patients at 4066 Shelburne Road, Suite 8, in Shelburne. Please call 985-5833 for an appointment. Above from left the Balance Chiropractic staff includes David Pierson DC, Jane Melrose L.Ac., Miles Colaprete DC, and Office Manager Nicole Cain.