Cooking Course with Megan
Open Sky Small Business Spotlight
Featured by Naturally Lewis
OPEN SKY WELLNESS, LLC
Megan Kraeger, a Lewis County native, has pursued her dream of owning her own wellness center. Working towards her Clinical Nutritionist certification, Megan took a leap of faith that is helping to make her hometown community a healthier, better place to live!
Business Name: Open Sky Wellness, LCC / 7383 Utica Blvd, Lowville, NY
When did you establish your business? Open Sky Healing Arts Center was establisehd in 2001 by Kathleen Merrick. In July 2017, the name changed to Open Sky Wellness, LLC, under new ownership of Megan Kraeger, a Lewis County native.
Number of Employees/Therapists
1 – Megan Kraeger, Owner & Clinical Nutritionist
8 – Licensed Massage Therapists
1 – Licensed Esthetician
1 – Reiki Practitioner
Describe your start-up story. I finished my Master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition this past spring and was looking for a space to start my Nutrition practice. I reached out to the previous owner of Open Sky, Kathleen Merrick, to secure an office space to begin my practice. We had a great first meeting and decided I would start occupying the space on the weekends. Kathleen mentioned she was selling the business and she had an interested buyer. I told Kathleen, “if that falls through, please let me know, I may be interested.”
A couple of weeks later, Kathleen notified me that the opportunity to purchase the business had opened up. After several meetings and hours of research, I decided to pursue my dream of owning a wellness center. I transitioned from a full-time employee at Lewis County Public Health, to part-time, and began my journey as a business owner in Lewis County!
Why did you start your business in Lewis County, NY? I have lived in Lewis County my whole life. Although I love to travel, it is always good to come back home. I want to help make the community I grew up in a healthier, better place to live.
What challenges have you faced while starting your new business? Juggling my time managing the business, working part-time for Lewis County Public Health, starting my own nutrition practice and working towards obtaining the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) credential have been the initial challenges in starting this venture.
What are some of your business highlights since opening? One of the biggest highlights is the addition of Nutrition Services! We have also expanded the Care in the Community Veteran Program, which is a program where we provide therapeutic massage therapy to 36 veterans in Lewis and Jefferson counties. Veterans are authorized to receive weekly massage therapy to help with pain related conditions.
One of our newest additions to the wellness center is an Infrared Sauna, which has numerous health benefits! The infrared rays penetrate your skin to heat your body beneath the surface. It warms the body at much lower temperatures than a steam sauna because the rays penetrate into muscle tissue. The direct heat causes your blood vessels to dilate – therefore increasing circulation and heart rate, while decreasing blood pressure. Other benefits of the sauna include decreasing joint stiffness, weight loss, lowers blood sugar, lowers cholesterol and triglycerides, relieves muscle spasms, pain relief, helps with skin conditions: acne, eczema, psoriasis, burns and skin lesions, improves skin tone and elasticity, boosts immune system and detoxification.
What is the future of your business? I am looking to expand Open Sky by offering additional wellness services and health/wellness retail items. Two of our massage therapists are pursuing further education in cupping therapy, which we hope to start offering in the beginning of 2018. I also hope to bring back acupuncture to Open Sky. My goal is to have a variety of natural health services and products available for community members!
How has Lewis County Economic Development been of assistance to your business? I have attended a couple of the seminars Lewis County Economic Development has put on. They have also helped put me in contact with organizations as I started the business and planning process and they continue to assist with promotion of my business.
Want more information on Open Sky Wellness?
Check out their Facebook Page!
Kathleen Merrick Retires
Kathleen Merrick, owner of OPEN SKY Healing Arts Center in Lowville, NY retires from doing massage therapy on June 29, 2017.
Kathleen Merrick recalls moving from the Albany area to Lewis County more than 17 years ago, and attempting to start a therapeutic massage practice. It wasn’t an easy task. At that time, the concept of licensed massage therapy wasn’t well known in
the area, so she took every opportunity to spread the word about its many health benefits, both mental and physical. “I spoke at church suppers, women’s group meetings, and at the Elks clubs and Lions clubs,” said Ms. Merrick, a licensed massage therapist who trained at the Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy, Albany. “Anywhere they would have me, I would talk about massage.”
She explained how therapeutic massage could help release the stress in muscle tissue and increase the flow of blood within the muscles for added movement and comfort. She also noted the many reasons people might want to consider a massage – for stress reduction, to release tight and tense muscles, and for help with anxiety and depression. Other conditions that can be addressed with therapeutic massage include migraines, arthritis, aches and chronic pain, Ms. Merrick said.
A lot has changed since those first presentations she held so many years ago. Today, Ms. Merrick owns and operates the OPEN SKY Healing Arts Center, Lowville, which eight licensed massage therapists, along with a licensed esthetician (offering skin care services) and a reiki practitioner available for clients. The center also offers natural body treatments and facials designed to exfoliate, detox and rehydrate.
Ms. Merrick is especially proud of her partnership with the Veterans Administration in Syracuse through the agency’s “Care in the Community” program. The program is designed to help provide certain types of treatments for veterans which are not offered in VA facilities, including licensed massage therapy. “This is a wonderful program,” said Ms. Merrick. “It looks at services that could benefit veterans, and covers the cost for them to seek that type of care in the community.” The OPEN SKY Healing Arts Center staff provide massage therapy to 30+ veterans from throughout Northern New York through the program. There is no cost to the veterans, and the center is reimbursed by the VA system for their services. “They approve between six to twenty sessions at no cost to the veteran,” she said. “Many of them are coming off painkillers. Some had never imagined they would be seeking massage treatments as part of their care.” There are veterans receiving therapeutic massage at the OPEN SKY Center who have served up to 49 years in the military, she said. Others are younger, and in some cases, they are working to resolve pain issues in their shoulders, neck or back that may be preventing them from starting a second career, for example, in law enforcement, she said. “I’m so grateful to be able to provide this type of help to our veterans,” Ms. Merrick said.
She also promotes the practice of meditation prior to a massage, if needed, to help people become relaxed before getting onto the massage table. “Some clients may have a lot of tension and anxiety, and you just can’t get them on the table right away,” Ms. Merrick said. “A short meditation makes it more effective.” The practice of meditation “also gives them another way to manage their stress when they leave here,” Ms. Merrick said “I can do the physical massage, but they need to care for themselves outside of the center as well,” she said. “I try to teach people that they are in charge of their bodies, and the more they work with their thoughts, the better they can relax.”
(This article has been edited, the original article can be found at NNY Living Magazine in April 2017)
Exciting! 2 New Massage Therapist starting December 2016
Welcome to Laura Weaver, LMT joining our team! She will be working Monday afternoons, and some weekends! Welcome her and schedule a massage with her!
Welcome to Jessica Haag, LMT joining our team! She will be working Tuesdays and some weekends! Welcome her and schedule a massage with her!
Job OPENING – Massage Therapist
Job Posting at OPEN SKY.
Opening for a Part – Time NYS Licensed Massage Therapist
Begins January 2017
OPEN SKY Healing Arts Center, LLC — Lowville, NY
OPEN SKY is looking for a NYS licensed massage therapist to join our professional team. We are the largest Northern NY therapeutic massage practice, located in Lowville NY. Established in 2001, we serve a large population both from Lewis and Jefferson counties. Our 2,200+ sq. ft. commercial office space is located in Route 12 in Lowville. It is a beautiful, peaceful and calming space. We welcome you to come for a visit and meet the other therapist.
We have a part time transitioning to a full time position. A 6 month period as an Independent Contractor, allowing for you to build your client base. After 6 months a rental agreement may be offered.
—> Tuesdays (12-7pm) taking last client at 5:30 or 6:00pm
—> Thursdays (3:30-7pm) taking last client at 5:30 or 6:00pm
—> Saturday & Sundays available (9-4pm)
Grow your own practice and provide massage for our existing client base. You will be supported by our experienced and skilled massage therapists.
Visit our website to learn more about us. www.openskycenter.com
Call Kathleen at 315-376-2256 to discuss questions and set up for an interview.
or email me at openskycenter@gmail.com
Welcome Jennifer! Another massage therapist added to our team!
Welcome Jennifer! Another massage therapist added to our team!
Introducing Jennifer Adams, LMT, she begins at OPEN SKY on Wednesday, May 4, 2016. She is a graduate of Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage in Rochester, NY. She is currently working as a massage therapist in the Rochester area, and is eager to make her move to the North Country. She loves relaxations massage, and is attentive to creating individual sessions to meet the client’s bodywork needs. She would visit the North Country when she was younger child and always loved to this beautiful area.
Welcome her by scheduling a massage online with her. Our team is growing to meet the needs of massage therapy and healthy living in the North Country. We now have 7 massage therapist on our team and we encourage you to work with all of us!
Holiday STRESS Tips for Coping
STRESS depression and the holidays:
Tips for coping
Stress and depression can ruin your holidays and hurt your health. Being realistic, planning ahead and seeking support can help ward off stress and depression.
The holiday season often brings unwelcome guests — stress and depression. And it’s no wonder. The holidays present a dizzying array of demands — parties, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining, to name just a few. Article from Mayo Clinic.
Tips to prevent holiday stress and depression
1 Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can’t be with loved ones, realize that it’s normal to feel sadness and grief. It’s OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can’t force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holiday season.
2 Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events. They can offer support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.
3 Be realistic. The holidays don’t have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children can’t come to your house, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails or videos.
4 Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don’t live up to all of your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they’re feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression, too.
5 Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don’t try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts.
6 Try these alternatives:
◦ Schedule a couples massage.
◦ Give homemade gifts.
◦ Start a family gift exchange.
7 Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list. That’ll help prevent last-minute scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients. And make sure to line up help for party prep and cleanup.
8 Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can’t participate in every project or activity. If it’s not possible to say no when your boss asks you to work overtime, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the lost time.
9 Don’t abandon healthy habits. Don’t let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt.
Try these suggestions:
◦ Have a healthy snack before holiday parties so that you don’t go overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks.
◦ Get plenty of sleep.
◦ Incorporate regular physical activity into each day.
10 Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm.
Some options may include:
◦ Taking a walk at night and stargazing.
◦ Listening to soothing music.
◦ Getting a massage.
◦ Reading a book.
11 Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.
Mindfulness Based Healing
What can you do to take the next step in your journey?
How can you actively participate in your healing?
Where can you feel supported, listened to and begin your path to well-being?
There is an opportunity beginning in January 2016. Take a look at this link and explore the possibilities of feeling better in mind and body. Take a deep breath and enjoy this life, it goes by in a blink. Click here to find more details about Mindful Group meetings with Dr Lee Vance. Some insurance plans accepted. Mindfulness Group Flyer
Massage Therapist or Health Practitioner Office available
OPEN SKY has 3 rental openings for a N.Y.S. licensed massage therapist or health care practitioner. Our practice continues to grow daily. Our large client base of existing active clients over 2,000 is expanding.
You have the opportunity to be a part of the premier Northern NY Therapeutic Massage team located in the rural village of Lowville. Lowville is located in Lewis County, NY
one hour north of Utica. Check out this website to see all this area offers. www.lewiscountychamber.org
Kathleen Merrick, LMT owner and creator of OPEN SKY Healing Arts Center, LLC has dedicated 14 years of building a professional team, educating clients about benefits of massage and growing a community of healthy living choices. Kathleen moved to this area in 1999 from Albany, NY and has made it her home, close to the Adirondack Park and Tug Hill Region, it is an adventurist place to live and work. The people of Lewis and Jefferson counties are hardworking and authentic. There are several large businesses in this area including Kraft Heinz which makes Philadelphia Cream Cheese, hosting the annual Cream Cheese Festival. This is a wonderful place to raise a family and enjoy the outdoor activities in any season.
1 Full Time Therapist with your own room.
Our full time therapist committing to 15-18 massages per week. Monthly rental is $575 and a 1-year commitment lease is required.
1 Part Time Therapist with shared room privileges.
Our part time therapist commits up to 8 massages per week and working some weekends. Monthly rental is $300 and a 1-year commitment lease is required.
1 Part Time Weekend Only Massage Therapist.
Our part time therapist weekend only committing up to 5 massages per weekend, both Saturday and Sunday are available. Monthly rental is $200 and a 1-year commitment lease is required.
Established massage practice since 2001, we serve a large population both from Lewis and Jefferson counties. Our 2,200+ sq. ft. commercial office space is located in Route 12 in Lowville. There are 6 treatment rooms all on 1st floor level. It is a beautiful, peaceful and calming space. We welcome you to come for a visit and meet the other therapist.
Grow your own practice and provide massage for our existing client base. You will be supported by our experienced and skilled massage therapists. Flexible hours based on your availability. Visit our website to learn more about us. www.openskycenter.com
Call Kathleen at 315-777-0755 for an interview.