The Bobcat Shop: Alumni Gift Guide
The 2024 edition.
While doing your shopping for the holiday season or ANY occassion, check out these Bobcat-owned businesses! You’ll find something for everyone on your list, all while supporting our Bates Alumni!
Artists
Avi Farber Studio
Woodfired Ceramics & Landscape Photography
Avi Farber ’11
LOCATION: Santa Fe, NM | SHIPPING: Yes
Order Online | CONTACT: Avifarberstudio@gmail.com, (505) 660-3602
“I make functional ceramics with harvested clays that bring the raw beauty of landscapes to your kitchen table.
As a ceramic artist, designer, and photographer, I work across mediums to explore our relationships with the land, our changing climate, and alternative modes of production. I aim to make meaningful things that you will want to hold onto for years to come. Your favorite coffee mug or whiskey cup, or a landscape photo printed on metal for your wall.“
Draw Perlmutter
Art and Illustration
Drew Perlmutter ’18
LOCATION: Portland, ME | SHIPPING: Yes
Order Online | CONTACT: drewsperlmutter@gmail.com, (917) 575-9393
“I create hygge nature-inspired art to cultivate joy. My artwork is available on greeting cards, stickers and more!“
Jason Tamthai
Contemporary Art & Painting
Jason Tamthai ’98
LOCATION: Chiang Mai, Thailand | SHIPPING: Yes
WEBSITE | CONTACT:
j_tamthai@yahoo.com, (089) 167-6798
“In Jason’s unique color cascades, soft lines and limited palette, he expresses his love for detail, form, and sense of discovery while retaining his Asian background through delicate images. Ultimately, Jason’s work is a celebration of life, humans, beauty and the endless possibilities of abstract painting.”
Jenny Bova Design
Artist & Designer
Jenny Bova ’91
LOCATION: Powell, OH | SHIPPING: Yes
Order Online | CONTACT: jenny@jennybova.com, (614) 430-9805
“Jenny is an artist and surface pattern designer. Her signature style is both charming and evocative, with each pattern telling a story that inspires connection and creativity every day. In addition to licensing her artwork, Jenny has a small collection of products online. An annual favorite is her Desk Calendar. Each month features a different design and fits neatly into a standard 5×7 frame. She also sells silk scarves, soy candles, and art prints.”
Hannah Sessions
Fine Art
Hannah Sessions ’99
LOCATION: Addison County, VT | SHIPPING: Yes
Order Online | CONTACT: blueledge@hotmail.com, (802) 247-0095
“I’m a farmer from Blue Ledge Farm goat dairy in Addison County, Vermont. I draw inspiration from my surroundings, be it landscape, animals, farms, or food. I have a unique perspective as an artist; being a farmer gives me an ‘insider’s view’ of all things farm. When I paint, my life reduces to pure essence, and I hope my work expresses my love for this life and allows the viewer to share in a moment of awe in life’s everyday moments.”
Moments in Nature Photography
Artist
Barbara Peskin ’86
LOCATION: Lincoln, MA | SHIPPING: Yes
WEBSITE | CONTACT: photos@barbarapeskin.com, (781) 259-0770
Nature photography is available as coasters, prints, cards, and calendars.
Naturelogues
Artist/Photography
Scott Stoner ’79
LOCATION: Loudonville, NY | SHIPPING: Yes
Order Online | CONTACT: info@naturelogues.com, (518) 785-6760
“We offer note card prints, matted prints, and framed prints of our photographs of nature from across the U.S. We also give in-person and online programs about birds, national parks, and many other natural history topics.“
Susannah Bothe Photography
Portrait Photography
Susannah Bothe ’97
LOCATION: Salem, MA | SHIPPING: Yes
WEBSITE | CONTACT: susannahbothephoto@gmail.com, (415) 948-4832
“Susannah Bothe is a published, award-winning portrait, branding, and lifestyle photographer based on the North Shore of Boston. Her signature style is dramatic light and emotive portraiture. She also dabbles in fine art photography, capturing landscapes and details.”
Toddy Pond Designs, LLC
Abstract Art
Gretchen Warsen ’96
LOCATION: Westford, MA | SHIPPING: Yes
Order Online | CONTACT: toddyponddesigns@gmail.com, (603) 459-9638
“I’m incredibly grateful for my Bates College class, Color, taught by Professor Don Lent. In that course, I learned to ‘push’ color in new directions and gained an understanding of how color relationships shape a painting—skills I use daily in my work.
I create vibrant, original abstract paintings that capture a floral, organic essence, bringing color and movement to any space. Available in a range of sizes to suit different settings, each piece adds a unique touch of nature-inspired beauty. I also welcome commissions to create a custom artwork tailored to your vision.”
Authors
Considering Us and First Course
A Novel Set
Jenn Bouchard ’99
LOCATION: Bedford, MA | SHIPPING: Yes
WEBSITE | CONTACT: jlb@jennbouchard.com, (630) 881-1151
“Enjoy an award-winning novel set in coastal New England this holiday season!
First Course is for sale now in paperback, ebook, and audiobook wherever books are sold. Available through Amazon listing or order through your local bookstore!
Considering Us will be published on February 6, 2025. Preorders are available now through Amazon or your local bookstore!”
For the Table
Cookbook
Anna Stockwell ’08
LOCATION: Hurley, NY
WEBSITE | CONTACT:
anna@annastockwell.com, (603) 499-0809
“Stockwell has written a cookbook for a new way of entertaining that’s simpler, better, healthier, and more fun. Organized by season and full of helpful hosting advice, she provides accessible and modern menus; each is built around two large platters to pass around the table and includes suggestions for no-recipe side dishes.
Dinner parties don’t have to be formal or fussy, or even a lot of work, to be celebratory and gratifying. This book teaches you how to plan and prepare great-tasting and impressive-looking menus that are easy to pull off, as well as offers expert advice on toasts, prep-ahead strategies, and tips on handling guest lists and dietary restrictions.
With its mix of innovative food presentation and old-fashioned, homestyle technique, For the Table is a testament to the art of the dinner party and looks forward to the festive dinner gatherings of the future.”
Hope Beneath the Tree
Children’s Book
Kristen Vincent ’04
LOCATION: Shelburne, VT | SHIPPING: Yes
WEBSITE | CONTACT: Kristen@copperandbirchvt.com, (802) 923-6157
“I am the owner of Copper & Birch, a small wreath-making business. I give part of the proceeds each year to a local organization called Hope Beneath the Tree, which helps children who have incarcerated parents receive holiday gifts. This year, I have a children’s book about ‘giving’ that is also on the website and called Hope Beneath the Tree. Part of the proceeds from the book will go to this charity.”
LT Nichols Mystery Series
A Mystery Novel Set
Albert Waitt ’83
LOCATION: Kennebunkport, ME | SHIPPING: Yes
WEBSITE | CONTACT: albert@albertwaitt.com, (207) 229-9947
“Albert Waitt is the author of three novels, including the LT Nichols Mystery Series, set in 1980s Maine, which features the critically acclaimed books The Ruins of Woodman’s Village and Flood Tide. His debut novel, Summer to Fall, is also set along the Maine coast, capturing the atmosphere of the 1990s.”
Trouble in Nathan’s Woods
A Novel
Mary Morton Cowan ’61
LOCATION: Cumberland Center, ME | SHIPPING: Yes
WEBSITE | CONTACT: mmcowan@gwi.net, (207) 829-3805
“The First World War rages in Europe in 1917, but enemy spies lurk in New Hampshire, where eleven-year-old Nathan lives in his family’s lumber camp – and they intend to burn the woods! Convinced that a new woodsman is a spy, Nathan desperately tries to thwart his plan and save the lumber camp.”
What is Up in Space?
Children’s Book
David M. Bullock ’97
LOCATION: San Tan Valley, AZ | SHIPPING: Yes
Order Online | CONTACT: dmbullock@gmail.com, (701) 330-5602
“Take an adventure above Earth and amongst the stars to find out some of the things that are up in space! A great book for reading alone, or even with a friend. Use this book as a reference to find more information about space after reading it.
David M. Bullock is a self-published author of other books including, 2008-2018: A NewSpace Primer and When Two or Three’: Finding Purpose Through Spirituality. Order anywhere books are sold.”
Food & Beverage
Blue Ledge Farm
Dairy Products
Hannah Sessions ’99
Greg Bernhardt ’99
LOCATION: Salisbury, VT | SHIPPING: Yes
Order Online | CONTACT: blueledge@hotmail.com, (802) 247-0095
“Established in 2000, we are a first-generation, family-owned, and operated goat dairy and cheese-making operation. Our mission is to create a high-quality product built on the cornerstones of respect for consumers, land, and animals as well as our local community (all great values we learned at Bates!). With our dedicated team, we produce a full line of award-winning artisan goat and cow’s milk cheeses from our farm in Vermont.”
Branch River Farm
Preserved Local Produce
Becky Wason St. Cyr ’09
LOCATION: Milton, NH | SHIPPING: Yes
Order Online | CONTACT: BranchRiverFarmNH@gmail.com, (603) 988-2275
“Since my husband and I purchased an 18th-century farmhouse in 2018, I’ve embraced the challenge of making the most of what our land provided. I specialize in preserving local (often from my own property!), seasonal produce by making jams, jellies, marmalades, and pie fillings that can be enjoyed year-round. My homestead kitchen is licensed by the State of New Hampshire, and I love developing recipes that are delicious, versatile, and a bit unexpected.
Some of my favorite products include Chai-Spiced Apple Butter, Corn Cob Jelly, Blueberry-Peach Jam, Green Tomato Marmalade, and my signature Lilac Jelly. My inventory fluctuates with the seasonal availability of local produce, but I’m always happy to chat via email or social media about what I have and how I can get it to you!”
Jules Tomato Sauce
Tomato Sauces
Jordan Roth ’91
LOCATION: Glen Rock, NJ | SHIPPING: Yes
Order Online | CONTACT: laura@julestomatosauce.com, (917) 402-4700
“We are a family-run, woman-owned tomato sauce company. We offer four fabulous tomato sauces that help customers get dinner on the table faster, easier & so much more enjoyable. Our customers are busy but still want a delicious & easy way to prepare a meal any night of the week. Jules fills that need. Our dedication to quality and tradition delivers a tomato sauce that rivals the best homemade recipes, offering an authentic homemade flavor.
Jule’s is more than a tomato sauce. It is a jar of memories, a spoonful of home, and a tribute to our father’s legendary recipe. Experience the extraordinary homemade taste of Jule’s Tomato Sauce. A family recipe since 1962.“
Magnify Brewing Company
Craft Brewery
Eric Ruta ’14
LOCATION: Fairfield, NJ | SHIPPING: Yes
Order Online | CONTACT: info@magnifybrewing.com
“After interning for 2 years at Baxter Brewing Company in Lewiston while attending Bates, Eric Ruta returned home to northern NJ to open Magnify Brewing Company. Magnify Brewing Company focuses on hazy IPAs, fruited sours, and sweet stouts but also brews many other styles. We currently distribute to 11 states across the northeast and operate a tap room in New Jersey.
You can purchase our beer in retailers in NJ, ME, NH, MA, PA, MD, DE, VA, NC, SC and FL. We also have a tap room in Fairfield, NJ you can visit. If you reside in NJ you can order a home delivery through our website, magnifybrewing.com.“
The Sedgley Place
Restaurant
Ali Desjardin ’14
LOCATION: Greene, ME
WEBSITE | CONTACT: thesedgleyplace@gmail.com, (207) 946-5990
“Welcome to The Sedgley Place, where history, charm, and culinary excellence come together to create an unforgettable experience for our guests from nearby and from away.
Nestled in the heart of Greene, Maine, our restaurant is housed in a stately Federal home built in 1786, surrounded by lush rolling meadows and fruit trees. This historic setting provides a unique and enchanting atmosphere that complements our delicious food and impeccable service.”
Trinity Jubilee Center
Soup Kitchen
Erin Reed ’08
LOCATION: Lewiston, ME
WEBSITE | CONTACT: erin@trinityjubileecenter.org, (207) 782-5700
Need an easy, last-minute gift? Sponsor a Meal in their name and feed over 100 people! The “Sponsor a Meal Project” allows folks to fund a day, week, or month of meals at the Soup Kitchen, providing over 100 hot lunches for $100 per day. This sponsorship can be given as a holiday gift, with recipients receiving a notification and, after their sponsored day, an update on the meals served.
Retail
Ariel Grace Design
Custom-Made Canvas Rugs and Floorcloths
Gwenith Jones ’80
LOCATION: Portland, OR | SHIPPING: Yes
Order Online | CONTACT: gwen@arielgracedesign.com, (503) 206-2631
“Ariel Grace Design specializes in beautifully crafted, custom-designed canvas rugs. We employ the finest materials and time-tested construction methods to create heirloom-quality floorcloths. Our floorcloths marry craft, function, and beauty.”
ChopValue Boston
Sustainable Home Furnishings
Elaine Chow ’00
LOCATION: Charlestown, MA | SHIPPING: Yes
Order Online | CONTACT: boston@chopvalue.com, (857) 410-0440
“We make handcrafted home decor and furnishings out of chopsticks recycled from the Boston area. All products are highly sustainable, carbon-negative, and manufactured locally in Boston as well. We also welcome visitors to our micro-factory!“
Copper & Birch
Fresh & Faux Seasonal Wreaths
Kristen Vincent ’04
LOCATION: Shelburne, VT | SHIPPING: Yes
Order Online | CONTACT: Kristen@copperandbirchvt.com, (802) 923-6157
“In 2020 I started making holiday wreaths for a charity called Hope Beneath the Tree; I donated all the proceeds toward the organization that year, helping children, who have incarcerated parent/s, receive holiday gifts.
The next year Copper and Birch was born, and now I sell wreaths and teach wreath workshops, I also wrote a children’s book about the meaning of giving called Hope Beneath the Tree (available on the website). Each holiday season, Copper & Birch continues to donate part of the proceeds from wreath sales to the organization Hope Beneath the Tree.”
During Quiet Time
Quilts & Patterns
Amy Friend ’96
LOCATION: West Newbury, MA | SHIPPING: Yes
Order Online | CONTACT: amy@duringquiettime.com, (978) 257-2952
“I am an author, designer, and teacher, specializing in foundation paper pieced quilt patterns and modern quilt designs.”
Four Corners Supply Co.
Sustainable Home Goods and Gifts
Julia Traggorth ’09
LOCATION: Marshfield, MA | SHIPPING: Yes
Order Online | CONTACT: info@fourcornerssupplyco.com, (781) 312-9753
“Everything in the store is carefully selected. It’s produced with the environment and people in mind. It’s up-cycled, it’s made from sustainable resources, it doesn’t have forever chemicals that will pollute the environment, there’s no plastic, it’s made to last (where applicable), it’s made ethically by workers who make a fair wage and the companies I support put people over profit, meaning they give their time and their resources generously.
For locals, there’s a refill bar for soaps and cleaning products, but it also offers a number of sustainable home goods, gifts, and children’s items.”
Inner Child
Retail, Home Decor, Gifting, Accessories
Michelle Pham ’15
LOCATION: New York City, NY | SHIPPING: Yes
Order Online | CONTACT: michelle@shopinnerchild.com, (415) 283-9438
“At Inner Child, we bring happiness into people’s lives through whimsical and joyful home decor and accessories. Designed in New York City, our textiles and products are handmade, hand-loomed, or hand-printed by our skilled artisan partners around the world. We create slow textiles, made by hand.
We are passionate about craft revival, working directly with multi-generational artisans and small family-owned workshops to preserve traditional craftsmanship while creating unique, design-focused pieces that brighten your home. Our production is focused around small batch and sustainability. From using handlooms (no electricity required) to opting for AZO-free dyes, we create pieces that are made with integrity and care for our makers, our users and the Earth.”
Laughing Goat Fiber Farm
Mohair Blend Wearables and Decorative Items
Lisa Pelletier Ferguson ’77
LOCATION: Ithaca, NY | SHIPPING: Yes
Order Online | CONTACT: Lisa@laughinggoatfiber.com, (607) 351-7361
“Local, home-grown specialty fibers and beautiful handmade and hand-dyed fiber goods. Hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, blankets and more.
Purchase items for holiday giving or purchase gift cards. Take a tour or a Goat Walk when you’re in the Ithaca area.”
Lewis
Clothing/Organic Textiles for Baby & Kids
Liz (Coulson) Libre ’02
Lizzy (Sall) Ott ’04
LOCATION: Jersey City, NJ | SHIPPING: Yes
Order Online | CONTACT: liz@lewisishome.com, (610) 246-9596
“Both of us founders went to Bates! And we named our company after Lewiston! Lewis is a line of print-forward textiles for baby + kids. We make the things parents need in prints that also appeal to parents.”
Swiss Knife Shop
Pocket Knives
Heather Elmer ’97
LOCATION: Amherst, NH | SHIPPING: Yes
Order Online | CONTACT: customer.service@swissknifeshop.com, (866) 438-7947
“We offer the complete catalog of Victorinox Swiss Army Knives, as well as a wide selection of Leatherman multi-tools, Buck Knives, European kitchen cutlery, grooming gear, and more. We also have almost 100 Swiss Army Knives with handle designs/patterns created here at Swiss Knife Shop and made for us by Victorinox in Switzerland.
To make your gift more unique, we can add personalization to almost anything in-store. We engrave names, dates, phrases… Use your imagination to create a one-of-a-kind gift.”
Tina Labadini Designs
Retail Shop
Beth Athanasoulas ’94
LOCATION: Concord, MA | SHIPPING: Yes
Order Online | CONTACT: beth@tinalabadini.com, (617) 529-8636
“TLD creates unique, memorable art, which is printed on over 20 different products, including flour sack towels, decorative pillows, children’s clothing, bags, and other items, all of which make the perfect gift. Our team is based in Concord, Massachusetts, and our products can be purchased on our site and in boutiques across the country.”
Services
Attentive Leadership
Leadership Consulting and Coaching
Dana De Nault ’85
LOCATION: Redwood City, CA
WEBSITE | CONTACT: dana@attentiveleadership.co, (650) 656-1864
“We help you define and convert profound leadership and change strategy into pragmatic, high return alignment and results.
We use positive, systemic approaches and neuroleadership based coaching to improve organizational performance by empowering leaders to eliminate human generated challenges. We are the founders of the Attentive Leadership Model ©, the mindful intertwine of Transformational Change Practices with Agile Strategy Execution – a model that respects your time and your resources.
Try some leadership coaching with me! Any Bates student or Alumni is eligible for a cost free 30-minute session.”
Autonomous Opportunities
Health and Wellness Coaching Business
David M. Bullock ’97
LOCATION: San Tan Valley, AZ | Available Virtually
WEBSITE | CONTACT: dmbullock@gmail.com, (701) 330-5602
“David and Claudia Bullock offer health and wellness coaching sessions virtually for anyone who is looking for holistic change in their lives. In addition, David has written a book for those interested in finding one’s purpose through spirituality and are interested in an enhanced dialogue with their future. For those who are coaches with the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaches (NBHWC), David offers an asynchronous online course for Continuing Education credit with the organization. You do not need to be a board certified coach to take the hour long course for self enrichment, however.”
ELx Travel
Full-Service Travel Agency
Lexie Carter ’14
LOCATION: Saco, ME | Available Virtually
WEBSITE | CONTACT: info@elxtravel.com, (207) 317-1125
“ELx Travel offers tailor-made leisure and luxury travel specially curated by expert advisors. We simplify travel by handling everything from research to booking, so clients can save time and have peace of mind knowing their next vacation is in good hands.
We are women-owned-and-operated, and a small business operating remotely. ELx’s two founders, Emily and Lexie are lifelong friends who grew up together in Maine and separately traveled the world, but found their way back to each other to create ELx Travel in 2022.”
Lighthouse Life Design
Life/Career Coaching
Anne Shields ’80
LOCATION: Rochester, NY | Available Virtually
WEBSITE | CONTACT: anne@lighthouselifedesign.com, (585) 532-7868
“We help clients figure out their “What’s next?” challenges.
Liberal arts alums of all ages and stages are our sweet spot. Our clients include empty-nesters redefining their identity and purpose, Type A boomers anxious about their images of a sedate (boring) retirement, pivotors needing more meaning from their work and lives, and recent grads, lost and confused, wanting to believe that they “can do anything they want with a liberal arts degree” but having no strong passions or solid ideas about what they might want to do. Please work with us to focus on how you want to write your life’s next chapter.“
Mussel Cove Creations
Writing & Communications
Thomas Hiscock ’22
LOCATION: Falmouth, ME | Available Virtually
WEBSITE | CONTACT: fretlessthomas@gmail.com, (207) 232-9629
“Mussel Cove Creations is a freelance nebula that produces creative and commercial writing, communications, and sound design for clients across Maine; the country; and the world.
I specialize in social media/website writing; email marketing; and professional biographies. Confident and clear, I’m never at a loss for words!“
Piano lessons with Karl
Virtual & In-Person Music Lessons
Karl Steudel ’87
LOCATION: Santa Clarita, CA | Available Virtually or In-Person
WEBSITE | CONTACT: ksteudel@yahoo.com, (978) 386-5644
“For over 30 years, I have been teaching Piano privately. It is one of the great joys in my life. I earned a Minor from Bates in Music in 1987 and then continued on at Berklee College of Music.”
Pine Tree Dental Care
Dental Care
Irina Babayan ’01
LOCATION: Falmouth, ME
WEBSITE | CONTACT: info@pinetreedentalcare.com, (207) 781-4216
“We are often asked what sets us apart from other dental practices in the area. The answer is simple: Our commitment to your well-being on every level. We do more than deliver the very best dental care possible. We offer an environment optimized for patient trust, safety, and comfort. We work hard to make sure our patients get the most out of dental experiences with us and feel at ease every step of the way. We value quality, efficiency, collaboration, mutual respect, and continuous learning. It is this set of values that shapes our practice and informs our everyday interactions.”
Polaris Physical Therapy & Wellness
Physical Therapy
Tara Mattson ’94
LOCATION: Mechanicsburg, PA
WEBSITE | CONTACT: Tara@polarispa.com, (646) 789-3220
“In her private practice, Polaris Physical Therapy & Wellness, Tara Mattson (’94) provides health and well-being coaching, private and event/travel Yoga instruction, and concierge physical therapy (Pennsylvania only). For 20 years, she has helped patients learn to live well with chronic pain. With Polaris, Tara uses her decades of experience and expertise to assist her clients in achieving their health and wellness goals, using supportive and compassionate health coaching, physical therapy, and yoga instruction.”
SML Proofreading
Author/Editing Services
Susan Lovett ’81
LOCATION: Gloucester, MA | SHIPPING: Yes
WEBSITE | CONTACT: smlproofreading@gmail.com, (978) 239-9591
“My editorial mission is to help writers with grammar, spelling, punctuation and anything else needing attention. My mission as an author (and in life in general) is to make people laugh. My book Proof or Consequences! A Humorous Look at Typos, Misspellings, Wrong Words, and Misplaced Punctuation melds my two missions.”
Sparks
Experiential Education
Ryan Sparks ’04
LOCATION: Santa Fe, NM
WEBSITE | CONTACT: info@sparks.net, (646) 770-0290
“Sparks provides small group based rowing and running camps for high school athletes on three continents. The camps are focused on utilizing the challenge of sport to teach self-awareness and self-mastery”