Brynn Evans

Express Care Clinic At Caplan’s Opening in August – Campaign To Raise Project Funding Underway

May 17, 2023 by Brynn Evans

Craig Taylor and Chris Towne stand outside the Caplan's Building.
Craig Taylor, Facilities Director and Chris Towne, Chief Strategy Officer stand outside the Caplan’s Building. Photo credit: Brynn Evans

Courtesy of Caledonian Record (May 12, 2023)
Article by Dana Gray, Staff Writer

ST. JOHNSBURY — The conversion of Caplan’s Army Store into a downtown express health care clinic continues, and owner Northern Counties Health Care plans an August opening.

What was a wide open floor space on which to shelve, stack and hang merchandise in the long-time Caplan’s footwear and clothing store is now a series of walled-off spaces forming offices, exam rooms and a waiting room.

The outside has not substantially changed. The large letters once affixed to the Railroad Street-facing facade that spelled out CAPLAN’S ARMY STORE are gone, but letters noting “CAPLAN’S EST. 1922” on the north-facing exterior remain. The two street-front entrances and the large front windows used by Caplan’s to showcase merchandise remain, but the windows are new and double-paned.

And that’s just two-thirds of the first-floor renovation.

The second street-front entrance leads to a space that NCHC wants to lease to someone. It’s an open floor plan with a wall separating the clinic space that offers about 800 square feet. The lessee’s rent will include the space, heat, water, and electricity. There’s flexibility in the lease terms, said NCHC Chief Strategy Officer Chris Towne, in both lease length and lease rate.

“We are seeking proposals that will provide a community benefit or assist with a community need in line with our vision to build healthy families and thriving communities,” notes NCHC.

Towne said the tenant can be a non-profit organization or a for-profit business.

He said NCHC doesn’t need the entire space the Caplan’s building provides for the clinic. Walling off a space for a tenant still left NCHC with about twice the space of its current home further south downtown at the corner of Railroad Street and Eastern Avenue.

Towne said NCHC will consider any idea for a tenant, but sharing the building with a retail tenant would be a good way to offer a use that reflects what the building once was. He said when Caplan’s closed, there was a hope that a retailer would step up to fill the space.

“The town had a desire to have retail,” he said. “If there is a desire for a small retail space, we’d like to hear from people about what they’re thinking.”

NCHC bought the building from Dave Caplan in October 2021. By then, it had been closed as a retail store for ten months.

The timing of the project, coming out of the pandemic with worker shortages and supplies pricier through inflation, has meant a higher cost and a need for NCHC to reach out for community support.

“As for the budget, with increases in labor and materials we would really appreciate the community’s support,” said Towne.

The renovation cost is $679,080.

A capital campaign is underway with a goal to raise $179,000. Local banks – Union, Community National and Passumpsic – have each contributed $25,000.

NCHC is inviting any level of support; donate online here.

Supporters who make a donation by June 15 will be recognized at the grand opening set for Aug. 10. Donors contributing $250 or more will be honored on a donor wall at the Caplan’s Building. Towne pointed to the wall in the waiting room where the listing of donor names is expected to be located. He said they’d find a bigger wall for the listing if the number of donor names is especially long.

Among the enticements for people to give is the effort by NCHC to honor as much as possible the building’s past. This includes the placement of the original Caplan’s sign letters inside, referring to it as the Caplan’s Building and putting a sign out front that notes that, the use of the original flooring (sanded and refinished) and a tribute to long-time Caplan’s Army Store employee Gary Ely.

“We’re trying to preserve as much of the building as possible,” said Towne.

NCHC’s Director of Development, Marketing & Communications Brynn Evans said, “Knowing just how much a part of the community this was, we want to do this right.”

The grand opening with ribbon-cutting is set for Aug. 10. The next day the clinic will welcome its first patient. Graves Builders in Barnet began work on Feb. 6. Between Graves’ crew and subcontractors about 20 people have been at work on the Caplan’s conversion.

If interested in occupying the Caplan’s Building next to the Express Clinic, submit a letter of interest via email to rhondag@nchcvt.org or drop it off, or mail it to Northern Counties Health Care – Rhonda Gilman, 165 Sherman Dr., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819. The deadline for submitting a letter of interest is May 31, 2023.

Northern Counties Health Care Seeks Proposals for Commercial Space at Caplan’s Building

April 21, 2023 by Brynn Evans

Rending of Caplan's Store Front showing shell-space entrance on the left.

St. Johnsbury, VT—Christopher Towne, Chief Strategy Officer at Northern Counties Health Care (NCHC) is pleased to announce that the organization is now accepting letters of interest from organizations, businesses, or individuals who are interested in leasing 800 square feet of commercial space at the newly renovated Caplan’s Building. The space is located at 457 Railroad Street in downtown St. Johnsbury.

NCHC purchased the Caplan’s Building in November 2022 and is currently renovating the building to be the new home of Northern Express Care – St. Johnsbury. The available commercial space is located on the street level adjacent to where that health care practice will be located. It features a dedicated entrance and the shell space can be retrofitted to meet the lessee’s needs. The space will be available starting August 2023.

“Northern Counties is committed to making the Caplan’s Building a place that serves our community,” said Towne. “We have kept part of the building available for a future use that will help build healthy families and thriving communities. We are eager to hear from businesses, non-profits, collaborative groups, and individuals with their ideas for making that goal a reality.”

NCHC is seeking letters of interest for use of the shell-space that will provide a community benefit or assist with a community need in line with the organizations vision to build healthy families and thriving communities. Proposals will be reviewed by a committee of members that includes representation from NCHC, NEK Prosper!, and the St. Johnsbury Community.

The deadline for submitting a letter of interest is May 31, 2023. The determination of the final use of the space will be made by July 31, 2023. Interested parties can view details on submitting a letter of interest here.

Northern Counties Health Care Offering Walk-in COVID Vaccine Clinics

April 17, 2023 by Brynn Evans

Visit our Mobile Health Trailer at the Kingdom Maple Festival on April 22nd from 10am – 3pm in St. Johnsbury, VT! We’ll be offering COVID vaccines and boosters and sharing community resources! No appointment needed!

Effective January 10th – May 26, 2023 – Northern Counties Health Care is offering walk-in COVID vaccines & Boosters:

Download the flyer here.

No appointment needed! Vaccines for all eligible ages: 6 months+.
Initial Vaccines and boosters including the bivalent boosters—effective against both the original and Omicron strains of the virus.

Northern Express Care – Newport: Wednesdays and Saturdays 8am – 2pm

Northern Express Care – St. Johnsbury: Saturdays 7am – 9am

Concord Health Center: Thursdays 7:30am – 2pm

Danville Health Center: Wednesdays 7:30am – 2pm

Hardwick Area Health Center: Wednesdays 2pm – 6pm

Island Pond Health & Dental Center: Tuesdays 7:30am – 2pm

St. Johnsbury Community Health Center: Tuesdays & Thursdays: 7:30am – 2pm

Temporary Maple Themed Mural at the Future Northern Express Care Site

April 14, 2023 by Brynn Evans

Photo of Caplan's Building with Mural

St. Johnsbury, Vermont – In the midst of construction, a temporary plywood wall has gone up on the façade of the former Caplan’s Army Navy Store in downtown St. Johnsbury. Northern Counties Health Care has plans for a temporary mural by local artist Larry Golden to beautify the construction site.

The temporary plywood ensures pedestrian safety during the construction of the façade, which includes upgrading glass for the windows. When community partners learned the wall would be up for around two months, they connected to brainstorm about how best to beautify the site.

The group landed on a maple-themed mural to tie in with the upcoming Kingdom Maple Festival on April 22nd and help usher in spring. Artist Larry Golden agreed to the plan and started work on the mural this week. Larry’s son Ricky will be assisting with the process.

The mural is made possible through a partnership with Catamount Film & Arts and resident Heather Alger and funds from Discover St. Johnsbury and Graves Builders. Aubuchon Hardware and Sherwin-Williams generously donated paint for the mural.

“We know the Caplan’s Building is well-loved by many people,” said Brynn Evans, NCHC’s Director of Development & Marketing. “Northern Counties is thrilled that this partnership will help the building be part of the downtown community, even during construction.”

Northern Counties Health Care plans to honor the history of the Caplan’s Building through the renovation project. Once completed later this summer, Northern Express Care – St. Johnsbury will relocate to the building. The new space will enhance walk-in primary services for the community. Details about the project can be found here.

Northern Counties Health Care Unveils New 3-Year Strategic Plan

April 10, 2023 by Brynn Evans

The Board of Directors and Management Team of Northern Counties Health Care (NCHC) are pleased to announce the new 3-year strategic plan for the organization. The plan took effect on April 1^st—the start of their 2024 fiscal year.

The Strategic Plan is based on the voices of the community, data about the community’s health and well-being, and the deliberations of the NCHC Board of Directors and Management Team. The plan follows a Community Health Needs Assessment that featured the input of 1,328 community members, including leaders from more than 30 organizations.

“Collaboration and community engagement are key to our success,” said Christopher Town, NCHC’s Chief Strategy Officer. “We will all be stronger together as we work to redefine health care beyond traditional healthcare services.”

The focus areas of the NCHC strategic plan are mental health, primary care, recruiting and retention, financial health, and inclusion. These areas are central to the strategic goals—the CARES framework—to expand Capacity, increase Access, leverage Relationships, promote Excellence, and advance Sustainability. The focus areas and goals will shape NCHC’s operational strategies and guide the organization’s work over the coming years.

“We believe that Northern Counties will be the leader in preventative care and wellness in the NEK,” said Tin Barton-Caplin, NCHC Board President. “We want to ensure our community members have opportunities for good health and great care, when and where they need it. That is the overarching goal of the new Strategic Plan.”

“Rural health care and our rural communities are facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities,” said NCHC CEO Michael Costa. “Our strategic plan will help us face those challenges and leverage the opportunities. It will guide NCHC in our work to build healthy families and thriving communities as it builds on our proud tradition of leadership and service to our patients and the communities we serve.”

The NCHC Strategic Plan can be viewed here.

Construction Begins at Former Caplan’s Building

February 13, 2023 by Brynn Evans

L-R: Northern Counties team members Craig Taylor – Facilities Director and Jim Windrow – Assistant Facilities Director stand with Bill Graves – Owner of Graves Builders on the first day of construction at the Caplan’s Building.

St. Johnsbury, VT – Construction began on Monday, February 6, 2023 at the former Caplan’s Building in St. Johnsbury. Northern Counties Health Care (NCHC) is transforming the space in order to relocate Northern Express Care – St. Johnsbury to the building during the summer of 2023.

The general contractor for the project is Graves Builders out of Barnet, VT. The first step in the project is demolition and prepping the space for the build out. NCHC strives to honor the history of the building and is working to keep as much of the building’s aesthetic as possible. The organization also plans to honor Gary Ely for his long-time commitment to the Caplan’s Army Store, the building, and the community.

Learn more about the Caplan’s Building project here.

Danville Health Center Welcomes New Family Physician

February 6, 2023 by Brynn Evans

Danville, VT – Northern Counties Health Care (NCHC) is pleased to welcome Emily Oleson, MD, to their team. Dr. Oleson is a Family Physician caring for patients at the newly renovated Danville Health Center located at 26 Cedar Lane in Danville.

“Dr. Oleson is an excellent addition to the team in Danville,” said Dan Sherman, NCHC’s Director of Primary Care. “Emily has extensive experience caring for infants, children, and adults, including women’s preventative health. She is passionate about collaborating with patients to help them achieve their health goals.”

Dr. Oleson was born and raised in Vermont. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Williams College in 2010 and her Doctor of Medicine from Tufts University School of Medicine in 2016. She completed the Middlesex Health Family Medicine Residency Program in Connecticut in 2020. During her residency, she completed additional training in maternal and child health, including obstetrics.

In 2018, Dr. Oleson received the David A. Baggish, MD Rapid Response Team (RRT) Family Medicine Award—an annual award given to a family medicine resident who exemplifies leadership, clinical excellence, and staff support.

Dr. Oleson returned to Vermont after completing her education and now resides in Danville with her family. Before joining Northern Counties, she was a Family Medicine and Obstetrics Physician at Little Rivers Health Care in Wells River, VT.

“Danville is a wonderful place, and I am grateful to both live and work in such a great community,” said Dr. Oleson. “I am excited to join Northern Counties Health Care and take up our shared mission of offering high quality, accessible, patient centered care. “

In her free time, Dr. Oleson enjoys mountain biking and skiing with her husband and trying to keep up with her energetic young daughters and their dog.

Dr. Oleson is now accepting new patients. Appointments can be made by calling the Danville Health Center at (802) 684-2275.

Northern Counties Health Care Welcomes New Board Members

February 2, 2023 by Brynn Evans

Left to Right: Suzanne Legare Belcher, Barbara Morrow, Michael O’Dell

Northern Counties Health Care is pleased to welcome three new Members to the Board of Directors—Suzanne Legare Belcher, Barbara Morrow, and Michael O’Dell.

“We are thrilled to have these stellar individuals join our Board of Directors,” said NCHC CEO Michael Costa. “Suzanne, Barbara, and Michael all have deep connections to the communities we serve and bring a wealth of experience and varied perspectives to the Board. Their viewpoints and passion for health care will help guide our work to build healthy families and thriving communities.”

Suzanne Legare Belcher, of Montpelier, recently retired from her role as the Vermont Agency of Human Services Field Director in Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans Counties. Prior to that, she spent about forty years working with children, families, and youth as a Social Worker in Ontario, Canada, and Vermont.

“In my work as a Social Worker, I saw how having good access to health care was key to a positive path for people,” said Legare Belcher. “I also have worked with many of the NCHC employees. Their energy and deep commitment to the people they served, and to the mission of NCHC was palpable to me and so admirable. I am looking forward to being a part of NCHC’s good work.”

Barbara Morrow, of Sutton, recently retired from her role as the Executive Director of the Orleans County Restorative Justice Center. Most of her career has been with nonprofits dedicated to education, justice, economic equity, and a healthier Northeast Kingdom.

“Health is a basic area of equity and justice,” said Morrow. “It’s a changing field and a challenging one. The very definition of health care is changing. I admire the Board and Northern Counties Health Care very much for its impact. I’m excited to help the tri-county area and to seeing what innovations we can manifest to lead.”

Michael O’Dell, of Lyndonville, Is a Licensed Nursing Assistant in the Cardiology Department at NVRH. He holds National Certification as a Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant and is a Level One Psychiatric Technician.

“I’m happy to serve on the Northern Counties Board,” said O’Dell. “I want to be another voice for our community and other healthcare professionals. Serving on this Board is an excellent way to accomplish that.”

Northern Counties Health Care is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who provide leadership and guidance in support of the organization’s Mission—to provide high-quality, accessible, patient-centered health care. Learn more about NCHC’s Board of Directors here.