OUT OF MILK Plant closures worry dairy industry
V ERM ONT ’S INDEP E NDE NT V OICE AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 VOL.31 NO.51 SEVENDAYSVT.COM
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Montpelier author Makenna Goodman, long-listed for the prestigious Booker Prize with Helen of Nowhere, talks about how walking feeds her work, the complexities of simple living and writing from bed
ROAD TO
Nowhere BY CHELSE A E D G A R , PA G E 3 0
WAS I SPEEDING?
PAGE 15
SoBu cops stopping more cars
’CUE RATING
PAGE 36
Sampling seven new BBQ spots
BIG IDEAS
PAGE 48
New sculptures at Saint-Gaudens
W H AT V E R M O N T TA S T E S L I K E
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SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
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WEEK IN REVIEW
emoji 48,000 how many that That’s Vermonters had their
information leaked in a June data breach involving AdaptHealth.
AUGUST 19-26, 2026
FILE: SASHA GOLDSTEIN
COMPILED BY SASHA GOLDSTEIN & MATTHEW ROY
ALL ATWITTER
Vermont state troopers on Church Street this month
Officials have installed bird noise devices to deter homeless people from sleeping outside the state Pavilion Building in Montpelier. Advocates are crying fowl.
TOPFIVE
MOST POPULAR ITEMS ON SEVENDAYSVT.COM
1. “Mountain Biking Case Signals Crackdown on Rogue Trail Building” by Kevin McCallum. Vermonters have long made trails without permission. A recent settlement in Stowe shows that the state is unwilling to tolerate that now.
HEALTHIER TRENDS
BURLINGTON TO VERMONT:
ANYTHING HELPS
FILE: SADIE WILLIAMS
In a rare moment of consensus, Burlington city councilors on Monday joined with Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak to call on Gov. Phil Scott to take immediate action to help the Queen City address homelessness and public safety. The measure asks Scott to help open more shelter space in Chittenden County, extend the state’s hotel housing program, reverse a planned reduction in mental health services and provide further support from state law enforcement. “This is an opportunity for us to collectively seek support to deepen our partnership with the state to address some serious challenges that are truly larger than us and too large for us to tackle on our own,” Councilor Allie Schachter (D-East District) said. Reiterating previous requests made by MulvaneyStanak, the resolution calls on the state to help the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity open a new 100-bed homeless shelter. It also asks for the Agency of Human Services’ help in expanding daytime shelter space throughout Chittenden County. Councilors also want the state to reverse course on a plan to limit people using the motel housing program to just 70 days each year, starting in September.
?? ? ? ??
true802
The Lord’s Prayer rock in Bristol
The resolution requests that the state reopen mental health beds in central Vermont and work with the University of Vermont Medical Center “to improve acute and short-term care for those with immediate mental health care needs,” including reversing the decision to cut a care-access coordinator. And the council wants Scott to restore the accountability court that temporarily brought additional judicial resources to the city. Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George has continued the effort in a more limited capacity as a weekly “support court.” The resolution asks for more support from the Vermont State Police, who recently patrolled downtown Burlington for a few weeks. It also calls on the state to help organize a regional collaboration to combat youth violence. At an unrelated press conference on Tuesday morning, Scott said he hadn’t had a chance to read the resolution in full and had only scanned it. But he said he was “disappointed” by the requests. “We’ve done a lot for Burlington,” the governor said. Read Aaron Calvin’s full story at sevendaysvt.com.
A recent survey of Vermont’s young people found that their mental health is improving and their substance use is declining. Good news!
2. “Burlington Business Association Shutters After Nearly 50 Years” by Aaron Calvin. Multiple organizations plan to fill the gap after the advocacy group closed suddenly. 3. “JJ’s to Replace Shuttered Langdon Street Tavern in Montpelier” by Melissa Pasanen. Scott Kerner, co-owner of Good Measure Pub & Brewery and Carrier Roasting, is opening an old-school sports bar with a pub-food menu and free chili on football Sundays. 4. “Turnover in Town Hall Could Impact Massive Killington Resort Project” by Ian Curry. The town is trying to manage a $110 million tax-increment financing plan for the ski area’s expansion despite workforce conflict and departures.
MISSED CONNECTIONS
The planned shutdown of Vital Communities’ listservs has sparked an uproar in the Upper Valley. Where, oh where, will residents now hash out the drama?
5. “Winooski Man Charged in Fatal Downtown Burlington Stabbing” by Colin Flanders. Police say the victim was stabbed a single time in the groin during a fight involving two other men. Hassan O. Haji, 24, pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder.
TOWN CRIER
L O C A L LY
SOURCED
NEWS
Cabot HQ Considered as Combined Valley Elementary School
BORDER BATTLE
Vermont officials are condemning the Trump administration amid an escalating trade war with Canada over tariffs. Any goodwill is all gone.
The Harwood Unified Union School District is considering buying the Cabot Creamery building in Waitsfield and combining several elementary schools there, according to the Valley Reporter. The 32,000-square-foot building, which is for sale for nearly $3 million, would require some retrofitting. Read more at valleyreporter.com.
THAT’S SO VERMONT
ROAD BLOCK? When driving through Bristol, it’s hard to miss the Lord’s Prayer rock — and that’s a problem, according to one local. Aside from grabbing attention, the word-covered glacial erratic poses a hazard to users of Route 116, just one reason the massive boulder should be demolished and removed, Santo Santoriello wrote in a letter to the selectboard. He also questioned the legality of having religious writing on town property; whether the message-on-a-rock is an illegal billboard under Vermont law; and whether the creator, in 1891, had obtained proper permits. “Appealing to history, or sentiment does not solve the serious issues listed,” Santoriello wrote, noting that the rock could leave the town susceptible to a lawsuit.
There’s no imminent plan to take action based on Santoriello’s missive, according to Bristol Selectboard chair Ian Albinson, but the suggestion has created an uproar in the Addison County burg. “We’re just a quiet, peaceful little town,” resident Jackie Aube told Seven Days. “What brought him to do this is beyond me … He wants it demolished, as in nothing left.” The rock, which juts out just to the edge of the roadway, is part of a one-acre town park that includes access to the New Haven River. Local legend has it that a boy who helped haul timber to a Bristol mill in the 1800s would say a silent prayer each time he passed the boulder for having safely made the treacherous journey. As an adult in 1891, Joseph C. Greene commissioned the inscription, which was signed with his name and new hometown of Buffalo, N.Y.
“Our father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,” it begins, carved in all capital letters. Back then, most vehicles were horse-drawn carts. Nowadays, cars and trucks zoom by, sharing the roadway with cyclists, pedestrians or photographers who come by to snap a pic of the tourist attraction. Since 2017, the town police chief has found no records of crashes in the immediate vicinity of the rock, according to Albinson. “There is no proposal before the Selectboard to alter, move, or remove Lord’s Prayer Rock, and nothing on the subject is scheduled for an upcoming meeting,” Albinson wrote in an email. That’s a relief to residents such as Aube. “It’s just such an important part of our history, part of Bristol’s history, part of just being a wonderful, welcoming thing when you’re coming into our town,” she said. SASHA GOLDSTEIN
SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
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Featured in the new PBS documentary, From Rails to Trails, the Island Line Trail is the longest rail trail over water in the world. It is a must see! We rent ebikes for the 10-mile-trip out to the Causeway. We also offer Segway tours and Vermont gifts and souvenirs at our shop downtown or online at
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SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
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C I R C U L AT I O N : 3 5 , 0 0 0 Seven Days is published by Da Capo Publishing Inc. every Wednesday. It is distributed free of charge in greater Burlington, Middlebury, Montpelier, the Northeast Kingdom, Stowe, the Mad River Valley, Rutland, St. Albans, St. Johnsbury and White River Junction. Seven Days is printed at Quebecor Media Printing in Mirabel, Québec. DELIVERY TECHNICIANS Harry Applegate, James Blanchard, Joe Bouffard, Pat Bouffard, Colin Clary, Elana Coppola-Dyer, Hypatia Forest, Matt Hagen, Penny Libercent, Nat Michael, Frankie Moberg, Dan Nesbitt, Dan Oklan, Ezra Oklan, Danielle Schneider, Isobel Hope Straub, Jenna Trexel, Teddy Waszazak, Andy Watts, Tracey Young With additional circulation support from PP&D. SUBSCRIPTIONS 6- 1 : $158. 1- 1 : $250. Please call 802-865-1020, ext. 132 with your credit card, contact circ@sevendaysvt.com or mail your check to: Seven Days, c/o Subscriptions, 255 S. Champlain St., Ste. 5, Burlington, VT 05401 Seven Days shall not be held liable to any advertiser for any loss that results from the incorrect publication of its advertisement. If a mistake is ours, and the advertising purpose has been rendered valueless, Seven Days may cancel the charges for the advertisement, or a portion thereof as deemed reasonable by the publisher. Seven Days reserves the right to refuse any advertising, including inserts, at the discretion of the publishers.
©2026 Da Capo Publishing Inc. All rights reserved.
Lisa Lynn
MIDDLEBURY
‘TOO MUCH CREDIT’
Thank you, Seven Days and Kevin McCallum, for “Rogue Rage” [August 19]. However, your article erroneously gives me a bit too much credit. Contrary to what you implied, I was not the first person to come across this “next-level” trail or to bring it to the state’s attention: Mike Snyder, commissioner of the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation at the time, was aware of it in October 2020, as your timeline states. Nor was I the one who, in June 2021, first alerted Stowe Trails Partnership or the Stowe Selectboard to the trail, as reported. That was another neighbor. Nor was I the one who named Aaron Rice as a builder. It was only in July 2021, after the trail had already begun to be demolished, that I wrote to the state about it, noting the need to focus on prevention over punishment. As the former editor of Bicycling Magazine and, later, Vermont Sports, I have written many articles about mountain biking and chronicled its growth. I have cheered when trail groups have received grants and praised the Ride With Gratitude campaign, prompted by the ugly actions of some riders. But rogue trail building — basically a land grab — is also ugly. It, too, needs to be addressed if the sport expects to be taken seriously. If leaders in the community spent as much honest effort condemning rogue
CORRECTIONS
Last week’s cover story, “Rogue Rage,” misidentified Lisa Lynn as having reported Aaron Rice to state authorities for the trail building. State documents do not identify who gave authorities his name. Last week’s art feature, “The World Builder,” misspelled the mural titled “Moringa the Medicine Woman.” Due to a transcription error, the story also slightly misquoted artist Will Kasso Condry. He said: “Black people seed culture, pollinators seed life, and both are in danger.” Also last week, “Winooski Man Charged in Fatal Downtown Burlington Stabbing” erroneously reported who had charged the suspect, Hassan O. Haji. State’s Attorney Sarah George’s office filed a second-degree murder charge in court.
SAD ABOUT SEAFOOD
[Re “Ray’s Seafood Market in Essex to Close After 75 Years,” August 10]: I’ve had many emotional reactions to Seven Days news over decades of readership: anger, empathy, incredulousness, curiosity and others. The news, though, that Ray’s Seafood Market is closing just made me sad. It is the place to go for a reasonable fried fish dinner — and my son’s favoritesince-little clam basket. It provides a great, possibly little-known, community service by honoring vouchers from Age Well for nutritious senior meals. Plus, it holds a special spot in my heart as the place said son and I went for cephalopods to showcase in an early elementary science fair project that was a huge hit! Just a good, solid, local old-time fish spot that I will miss. I wish everyone involved the best. Thanks for a taste of the shore here in the mountains and lots of great memories. Cynthia Haviland
BURLINGTON
MORE MONTRÉAL
[Re “Critique’s Choice: A Delicious Itinerary From a Former Montréal Restaurant Critic Includes the Museum Exhibit She Hatched,” August 12]: Thanks for the ongoing insider’s guides to Montréal treasures. Readers may also want to watch Chewdaism: A Taste of Jewish Montréal. This highly entertaining and fast-moving documentary visits a lot of the places featured in the McCord Stewart Museum exhibit and ends with a festive dinner at a Moroccan Jewish home. Weaving the food and cultural history together leaves the viewer with a new sense of the city and a full food itinerary for the next visit. The hourlong film streams at yidlifecrisis.com/chewdaism. Michael Levine
MIDDLESEX
LICENSE TO DRIVE
[Re “Power Surge: A Spike in the Use of E-Bikes and Faster E-Motos by Children Is Causing Communities to Worry — and Strategize,” July 22]: I live on the Burlington bikeway in Colchester, just across the bridge on the bike path. I have seen many people who are clearly not able to drive a vehicle, much
8/26
NOW PLAYING!
BIG STORIES. NEW VOICES. 123 FILMS. 12TH ANNUAL
AUGUST 26-30, 2026 GUESTS INCLUDE less an e-bike, riding down my street. I have witnessed at least two accidents on my street, one of which required an ambulance to be dispatched. The issue of battery-powered devices on the bike path and in general needs attention. I saw three teenagers in the middle of the road riding e-bikes down Lakeshore Drive, standing on the seat of the bike and popping wheelies. When does it stop? In case you forget: Driving a motor vehicle in any state requires a license and insurance on you and the device you are riding. For most kids, that means getting a job to support your mobility. Driving is a privilege and not a right and requires testing to prove you are capable of driving. Lose the battery and the motor! Robert Mongeon
COLCHESTER
A SAFER OPTION?
[Re “Power Surge,” July 22]: I have been noticing the uptick of teens on electricmotor bikes in my town and read the recent article about this with interest. Then today, while walking my dog in the woods around Winooski, I had what could have been a negative interaction with a teen boy on an electric-motor bike. I initially responded angrily out of fear for my dog, but he responded back politely and we had a positive exchange. He said: “Where are we supposed to go? This is safer than the roads.” And he was right! They are being given or purchasing these bikes, then don’t really have a safe and local option for where to ride them. I feel like we could be more understanding toward teen boys in general, and
this would be a good area to quickly find a solution before people get hurt. Stephanie Becker
WINOOSKI
JANE FONDA ANAÏS MITCHELL ROSS MCELWEE AND MORE JOIN THE CONVERSATION
CLEVES & WALDEN
[Re Feedback: “Publisher Erred,” August 12; “Drawing Comparisons: A Biographer Claims That Vermont Cartoonist Tillie Walden Borrowed Too Much in Her New Graphic Novel, Charity & Sylvia. Others Disagree,” July 22]: As a reader of both Rachel Hope Cleves’ biography Charity & Sylvia and Tillie Walden’s graphic biography Charity & Sylvia, I disagree with Abby Emerson regarding the cover art and title. A recent Vermont Humanities podcast explains that the silhouettes of both women are a focal artifact of the Henry Sheldon Museum archive of the two, and, furthermore, they themselves adorned the silhouettes in a frame of their interlocking hair shaped in a heart. The museum now uses that as part of its FEEDBACK
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BY CHELSEA EDGAR
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GREAT SELECTION
COVER DESIGN DON EGGERT • IMAGE JEB WALLACE-BRODEUR
NEWS+POLITICS 14
ARTS+CULTURE 42
Sour Milk
Night Shift
UVM President Shares Plan for Overcoming ‘Serious Challenges’
French Street Performers Tour Vermont With Breathtaking Inflatable Puppets
The loss of four processing plants in Vermont has the dairy industry on edge
Safety in Numbers?
As police make fewer traffic stops nationwide, South Burlington is bucking the trend
Burlington Business Association Shutters
STUCK IN VERMONT
8v-GreenLeafCentral081926.indd 1
Theater review: Lobby Hero, Dorset Theatre Festival
Page 32
Short takes on five Vermont books
Rachel Moore to Step Down as Head of the Current in Stowe
Online Now
8/18/26 7:29 PM
COLUMNS
43 A Grand Tradition
An artist-in-residence and a temporary exhibit present sculpture in a new light at SaintGaudens National Historical Park
Banding Together
Some of Vermont’s brightest up-and-coming high school musicians join forces as MINC
FOOD+DRINK 36 Right on ’Cue
Tasting seven smoking-hot barbecue spots around Vermont
11 Magnificent 7 13 From the Deputy Publisher 41 Side Dishes 46 Movie Review 56 Album Review 93 Ask the Reverend
SECTIONS 24 Life Lines 36 Food + Drink 42 Culture 46 On Screen 48 Art 52 Music + Nightlife 58 Calendar 70 Classes 71 Classifieds + Puzzles 89 Fun Stuff 92 Personals
We have
SUPPORTED BY: Michael “Spike” Hendrickson grew up boating on Lake Champlain and started Burlington Harbor Launch and Tow in 2019. With five boats at his disposal, Hendrickson provides a variety of marine services, such as emergency boat towing, dock installation and scuba diving. Seven Days’ Eva Sollberger took a boat ride with Spike.
Find a new job in the classifieds section on page 78 and online at jobs.sevendaysvt.com.
36 SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 8V-shelvine082626 1
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SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
COURTESY OF LAUREN VOLO
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STARTS FRIDAY 28
Spin City And just like that, the Champlain Valley Fair returns to Essex Junction to usher in the changing of the seasons and ease some of those back-toschool blues. As always, the county classic delivers dizzying midway rides and tantalizing carnival eats, as well as the highly anticipated Honky Tonk Hoedown, with an attempt to notch the Guinness World Record for the largest square dance.
MUST SEE, MUST DO THIS WEEK BY REBE C C A D R I S C O L L
THURSDAY 27
BATCH MADE IN HEAVEN At Burlington’s Phoenix Books, Domenica Marchetti guides gastronomes on a tour of the Boot with her new cookbook, Italian Cookies: Authentic Recipes and Sweet Stories From Every Region, in conversation with Seven Days food writer Melissa Pasanen. Tracing traditions from Piedmont to Sicily, the author serves up the flavorful lore behind the country’s most mouthwatering treats. SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 60
SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 61
SATURDAY 29
Park It Stowe Cider and Vermont Parks Forever team up to host Jam for the Parks at Waterbury Center State Park, supporting the preservation of the state’s 55 much-loved — and vital — green spaces. Festivalgoers grab bites from food trucks, sip locally crafted bevies, and rock out to groovy tunes by homegrown faves, including Reprise, Dobbs’ Dead, All Night Boogie Band and the Full Cleveland. SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 64
SATURDAY 29
Street Smart Revelers of all ages step to the late-summer staple Barnard Street Dance for a town-wide display of community spirit. The free family-friendly fête kicks off at Silver Lake State Park with boat races, then shuffles to Barnard Town Hall for touch-atruck opportunities, outdoor games, art making, a performance by Upper Valley roots-reggae outfit Radio Kingston and plenty of boogying. SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 62
SUNDAY 30
Tight-Knit Community At Winooski Falls Way, clever crafters and needle ninjas spin through the Fiber Fair, a stitchery spectacular honoring the city’s rich history as an epicenter for textile production. An array of vendors and nonprofit displays thread together with hands-on activities, from yarn doll making to recycled-fabric weaving, and a meet and greet with the festival’s MVPs: sheep. SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 64
FRIDAY 28
COURTESY OF FABIAN FIOTO
Old Gold Perhaps you’ve seen Americana music revivalist Pokey LaFarge on the silver screen in the Netflix period thriller The Devil All the Time, or in CMT’s miniseries “Sun Records.” Now you can see him live at Haybarn Theatre in Plainfield, where the vintage-voiced singer-songwriter summons sounds of yore with a potpourri of contemporized ragtime, country-blues, early jazz and western swing. SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 62
ONGOING
Play Stations Please, console yourself! Champlain College Art Gallery’s vintage nerdom exhibit “Next Level: Game History Collection” brings decades of button-mashing glory to Burlington. Visitors level up their gaming knowledge at 20 interactive stations that switch up every fortnite, with a focus in October on titles developed by late pioneering programmer and designer Rebecca Heineman. SEE ART LISTING ON PAGE 50
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messages and witnessed several pairs of grief-stricken parents leaving the building. A mom and dad who were parked next to me approached. “Did you just drop someone off?” I asked. “Yes,” the mom answered through tears. “Can you tell? I’m a mess!” I sympathized, then hopped into my empty car and headed back to Winooski, trying to process saying goodbye to my kids. Lost in thought, I sped past the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory — and a state trooper. He pulled me over and gave me a fat speeding ticket.
All across Vermont, college students have begun returning to their campuses for the fall semester. This year, instead of being a bystander, I’ve been part of this mass migration. My wife and I recently moved our two children into their Vermont State University dorm rooms for the first time. Ann-Elise trekked to Johnson with our daughter, Ivy, 18; I headed two hours south to Castleton with our 20-year-old son, Graham. Both are enrolled in VTSU’s one-year practical nursing program, the first step to JULIANNA BRAZILL becoming RNs. We’ve been easing into this inevitable departure for years. Graham and Ivy started attending overnight summer camp at age 7. By 15, they were each staying a month or more. They’re world travelers, But I did have something to be excited about: too. Ivy graduated high That day, Ann-Elise and I had been trading texts on school a year early, and last a new group chat with a couple and their friend — our potential new housemates. We’d decided to rent fall she and Graham pooled their money and backpacked around Europe together for two and a half months. out the kids’ rooms and give Graham and Ivy the money They’re probably not gone for good — both to help pay for school. have talked about moving back in after they Ann-Elise and I both lived in co-ops before moving in together 27 years ago. We’ve rented out a room in our house finish school to work and pay off student loans. So saying goodbye shouldn’t have been that several times since, to friends or Seven Dayzers who needed tempoemotional. Still, I got choked up occasionally rary housing. We like sharing our space — especially with people as Graham drove us down Route 7. We reminisced about the many, willing to pitch in around the house. many times we’d traveled that road together before, on the way to We’d interviewed these three twentysomethings and clicked and from football games and wrestling tournaments. with them. They reminded us of the chill, communicative people Those days are long gone — Graham spent the past two years who lived in our co-ops. Their references checked out. On the day living at home and earning his associate degree at the Community our kids left the nest, we officially welcomed our new housemates College of Vermont. Still, my heart ached remembering the thrill of to fill it, at least until June. Now we’re getting ready for their move-in day: September 15. cheering for him from the bleachers. When we arrived at his dorm, we discovered that each room door was labeled with a cartoon superhero sign announcing the Cathy Resmer occupants. Graham’s roommate got a Spider-Man sign; Graham got Captain America. “What is this, preschool drop-off?” we joked. Publisher Paula Routly is on vacation and will be back in September. I helped him unpack. He realized he had forgotten a few items, so we joined the legions of VTSU families wandering the aisles at If you like Seven Days and can help pay for it, the Rutland Walmart. Meanwhile, Ann-Elise and Ivy were blowing become a Super Reader! up our family group chat with texts from the orientation barbecue Look for the “Donate” button at the top of at Johnson. sevendaysvt.com. Or send a check with your When it was time for me to leave, I hugged Graham, who is address and contact info to: almost a foot taller than I am, and flashed back to the first time I SEVEN DAYS, C/O SUPER READERS held him as a newborn, swaddled in a hospital blanket — I’d had a P.O. BOX 1164 BURLINGTON, VT 05402-1164 similar moment earlier saying goodbye to Ivy. Both times I managed a cheerful goodbye before my eyes welled up with tears. On the Need more info? Want to give from a donor-advised way to the car in Castleton, I recalled that my own parents had fund or through a qualified charitable contribution? chauffeured me from East Detroit to a college 600 miles away in Contact Gillian English: Virginia in the pre-cellphone era. If they could let go, so could I. 802-865-1020, EXT. 115 I leaned against my car in the parking lot to respond to work SUPERREADERS@SEVENDAYSVT.COM
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The loss of four processing plants in Vermont has the dairy industry on edge B Y K E V I N MCCAL L UM • kevin@sevendaysvt.com
A
series of unexpected closures of milk-processing plants in recent months has shaken farmers and Vermont leaders. They worry that the sudden loss of local production capacity could damage the state’s vital but fragile dairy industry, a $5.4 billion sector. “While we’ve had a steady decline in the number of dairy farms, we’ve not seen such a precipitous decline in processors like this for a long while,” said state Rep. John O’Brien (D-Tunbridge), a member of the Vermont Milk Commission, which recommends ways to support the dairy industry. The HP Hood plant in Barre, which bottled milk under the Booth Bros. label, closed in April; 70 workers lost their jobs. In May, Dublin-based Perrigo announced plans to lay off 161 workers as it moves to close the Georgia plant where it makes infant formula by the end of 2027. In early June, the German owner of Franklin Foods 14
said it would shutter the cream cheese plant in Enosburg Falls where 100 people worked. A new owner plans to open a smaller operation there. Finally, a week after that announcement, Kansas-based Dairy Farmers of America said it would lay off 81 people and “idle” the St. Albans Creamery, which it acquired in a 2019 merger with the local co-op that had operated in Vermont for more than 100 years. The creamery, known as a balancing plant, turned local milk into a variety of dairy products, including cream that was sold to the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream plant across town. The co-op has agreed not to dismantle the plant while it arbitrates a claim by the Teamsters union that the closure was retaliation for a strike last year. That high-profile legal challenge is not the only pushback to the demise of the
SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
creamery. U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) criticized the closure, holding a press conference outside the shuttered plant last week and calling for its owner to “do the right thing” and reopen. He added that the shutdown looked to him like an effort at “union busting.” “The bottom line is, this plant is vital to dairy farmers; it is vital to this entire community,” Sanders said. “It must not be closed.” Sanders added that it “really pisses me off ” that the closure was being done not by some large corporation but by a farmer-owned cooperative that was supposed to be looking out for the interests of its members and their communities. Democratic political aspirants also expressed concern. Amanda Janoo, the
AGRICULTURE
SOUR MILK
» P.16
UVM President Shares Plan for Overcoming ‘Serious Challenges’ B Y LUC Y TO MPK I NS lucy@sevendaysvt.com
The University of Vermont is facing “a number of serious challenges” such as declining enrollment and rollbacks in federal funding, president Marlene Tromp announced UVM president to a ballroom Marlene Tromp full of staff and faculty at the first-ever “State of the University” address on Tuesday morning. But Tromp shared an upbeat vision for the university’s future, including plans to fundraise and to expand the pool of students eligible for free tuition. “We will not be daunted in the face of the challenges before us,” Tromp said. The hourlong address marked the beginning of Tromp’s second year as president of UVM. She took the helm at an especially turbulent time for universities that depend on federal support for grants and research. Enrollment has also been declining — a trend that will likely continue, Tromp said. In May, the university projected a 7 percent drop in undergraduate enrollment this academic year, creating an approximately $12 million deficit in the general fund. That projection appears to have come true, according to enrollment numbers Tromp shared during her talk. This fall, about 10,800 undergraduate students are enrolled, roughly 7 percent less than the 11,600 enrolled last year. Tromp attributed the decline to a “demographic cliff” affecting universities across the country, and to Vermont’s aging population. But she noted that these changes have been on the horizon for years, and the university is following a strategic plan “so we can be proactive rather than reactive.” In a short interview with Seven Days, Tromp said the university addressed the budget deficit in part by not filling vacancies and that no faculty were laid off. Tromp on Tuesday also announced several new projects and initiatives. Students whose households earn $125,000 or less a year will be able to attend UVM tuition-free beginning in fall 2027 — an increase from the current income threshold of $100,000. The university plans to begin a fundraising campaign this fall to help make up for the decline in federal grants and to raise more scholarship and research money. ➆
FILE: DARIA BISHOP
KEVIN MCCALLUM
Sour Milk
Sen. Bernie Sanders at a press conference in St. Albans last week
O SC BACK T
Safety in Numbers?
As police make fewer traffic stops nationwide, South Burlington is bucking the trend BY COLIN FL ANDE RS • colin@sevendaysvt.com
S
oon after taking over as South traffic stops have been declining nationBurlington’s police chief last ally as departments have faced staffing fall, Bill Breault began looking shortages and demands for criminal for ways to improve his new justice reform in the wake of George department. Floyd’s murder in 2020. But South BurlAlmost immediately, he heard from ington is bucking that trend, hoping that residents who were concerned about more aggressive traffic enforcement will speeding and other dangerous behaviors lead to safer roads — a plausible belief on the road. Tens of thousands of cars despite mixed data. pass through South The city appears Burlington, a main to be an outlier in commuter thoroughChittenden County, fare, each day. where most other He’s noticed the reckless road habits large departments are pulling over far himself when driving the interstate in fewer cars. his personal time. “My wife and I joke Essex stopped about 1,400 motorists that no matter how fast you’re going on last year, compared with more than 5,000 89, there’s always in 2019. Over that somebody going same time frame, faster than you,” he traffic stops in said. In Vermont, Williston declined as in much of the from 4,200 to 1,700; rest of the country, in Milton, 3,850 to “everybody’s in a 1,123; and in Burlrush to get to the ington from 5,500 next red light.” to about 1,000. The SOU TH B U RLIN GTON And yet South only department POLICE CHIEF B ILL BRE AULT Burlington would close to South go on to make fewer than 800 traffic stops Burlington’s level of activity is Colchesin all of 2025. ter, where police are on pace to pull over Breault, who spent 26 years as a cop about 3,200 drivers, which would be the in Dover, N.H., including the past seven most since 2018. as the city’s chief, believed the number In South Burlington, Breault stressed should be much higher. He came up with that he did not implement a quota, per se. a back-of-the-napkin annual figure he Instead, he’s made clear that he expects thought would be doable: 4,000 to 5,000, every officer, not just those assigned to the equivalent of 10 to 14 stops each day. traffic details, to enforce the rules of the “That’s a reasonable expectation the road. community should have of us, so that’s “We’re paying officers to be out there the expectation I put on our officers,” for 12 hours a shift. They should be workBreault said in an interview last week. ing for 12 hours, right?” Breault said. “It’s So far in 2026, South Burlington has not just driving around and waiting to pulled over about 3,300 drivers and is on respond to calls for service. We have to pace to reach 5,000 by year’s end. The be proactive.” reasons for the stops have run the gamut, Cops in Vermont have historically Breault said, from equipment-related pulled over drivers at rates far higher violations — think busted taillights or than the national average. After hovering around 170,000 in the overdue inspections — to failing to follow the rules of the road: excessive speeding, years leading up to the pandemic, the running a red light, passing a stopped number of traffic stops conducted by school bus, texting while driving. Once considered a pillar of policing, SAFETY IN NUMBERS? » P.19
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news Burlington Business Association Shutters B Y A ARO N C ALVI N calvin@sevendaysvt.com
After nearly half a century of advocating for Queen City entrepreneurs, the Burlington Business Association is closing up shop. The association announced the news on August 10. It had been without a full-time executive director since Kelly Devine left at the end of last year after 17 years at the helm. The nonprofit said other organizations, including Building Burlington’s Future, are well positioned to continue its work of championing the businesses in Vermont’s largest city. The Lake Champlain Chamber, meanwhile, is preparing to step into the void. On the same day the Burlington Business Association said it would close, the chamber announced a new Downtown Business Alliance division dedicated to “strengthening the economic health and vibrancy of Burlington.” The chamber will be hiring an “advocacy manager” to lobby for downtown businesses. In 1978, business boosters formed what was then known as the Downtown Burlington Development Association. Its dues-paying members helped transform Church Street into a pedestrian mall and supported projects such as the waterfront bike path, City Hall Park and the Champlain Parkway. Building Burlington’s Future is a nonprofit founded last year by a group of activists, politicians and residents interested in creating a new coalition through which to address the Queen City’s thorniest issues, including public safety. The group is already running two programs created by the BBA: the Downtown Ambassador Project and Downtown Action Group, according to Building Burlington’s Future executive director Sam Donnelly. The BBA created the downtown ambassador role in 2024 to instill a sense of community and security among business owners and employees. The position is currently held by Andrew LeStourgeon, who serves as a general neighborhood resource. He helps connect disparate groups with one another and to broader resources to address challenges they may be facing. The Downtown Action Group, a monthly meeting of business owners that the BBA used as a way to solicit feedback for its advocacy efforts, will continue but with changes, according to Donnelly. BBF plans to also include community-focused nonprofits in the discussions. ➆
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Sour Milk « P.14 Democratic nominee for governor, said in a statement the closure underscored that “when we lose local ownership, we lose local control.” Molly Gray, the nominee for lieutenant governor, called it a “tremendous blow to Vermont farmers in Franklin County.” The closures struck a chord because they tapped into Vermonters’ fears that the decisions could accelerate the decline of an industry deeply embedded in the state’s history and culture. While small Vermont dairy farms have been struggling for decades, the state’s signature industry has long proven its resilience. Big farms have gotten bigger and more efficient. Cows produce more milk than ever, thanks to improved nutrition. And inventive farmers and food manufacturers have learned to churn out high-value products such as cheese, yogurt and ice cream. “We are cows and covered bridges, so when people see this happening, it hits us emotionally,” Lyle Jepson, commissioner of the Vermont Department of Economic Development, told Seven Days. Losing milk processors hurts farmers partly because they pay to ship their milk to processing plants; sending it to more distant ones will be costlier. “This erodes already thin margins and threatens the sustainability of family farms across Vermont,” Kevin Kouri, chair of the Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance, said in a statement. The closures and the higher expenses will ripple across the dairy economy and should be a “wake up call” for a state whose “policies and leadership have not kept pace with the needs of this foundational industry,” Kouri wrote. The Dairy Farmers of America said its decision was not made lightly and “reflects broader operational and network changes needed to best serve our farmerowners and customers.” Milk previously processed at the creamery will instead be handled at plants in New York, Maine and Massachusetts. Mary White, president of the Vermont Farm Bureau, said farmers who had been delivering milk to the Booth Bros. plant in Barre for years must now pay to send it to an HP Hood plant in Concord, N.H. “It was sticker shock for them when they found out what their transportation costs were compared to what they had been,” White said. Not everyone agrees that the closures will deliver a devastating blow to dairy farmers. Richard Nelson of Derby, whose family owns one of the largest and most technologically advanced dairies in the state, said the transportation costs will rise but so
SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
FILE: CALEB KENNA
BUSINESS
will the amount he is paid for his milk in other markets. Cream from much of the milk processed in St. Albans was sold to marquee producers such as Ben & Jerry’s, but a lot of it was turned into powdered milk, which commands lower prices, Nelson said. Now his milk, which is produced from a 2,450-strong herd in Irasburg, is getting top dollar at a DFA processing plant in Franklin, Mass. And, he added, the St. Albans plant was operating at a reduced capacity — a drain on all DFA members. “If that plant stayed open at one-third capacity, it costs me money out of my milk check to keep it open,” he said. The amount of milk processed in St. Albans had decreased in part because Vermont has fewer dairy farms every year, and that loss is finally having an effect on total milk production. In the past decade, the number of Vermont dairy farms dropped from 838 to 405. In earlier decades, farms that kept
operating increased the size of their herds and production remained stable. But since 2016, the total number of cows has fallen by 14 percent and milk production by 8 percent, according to the University of Vermont. The St. Albans plant also faced competition from larger, more modern plants, such as those in upstate New York built by the owners of the growing Chobani yogurt and Fairlife milk brands, Nelson noted. Chobani announced plans last year for a $1.2 billion, 1.4 million-squarefoot dairy processing plant in Rome, N.Y., employing up to 1,000 people. And the Coca-Cola Company, which owns Fairlife, opened its new $650 million, 745,000-square-foot facility this month near Rochester, N.Y. Those processors are or will soon be soaking up much of the milk produced in western and central New York. Other Empire State processing plants are looking for replacement milk from farmers
in eastern New York who previously shipped their product to St. Albans, Nelson said. Modern plants are not only “ginormous” but tremendously efficient, requiring far fewer workers to operate than the aging St. Albans plant, which also faced significant maintenance and upgrade requirements, Nelson noted. When Dairy Farmers of America merged with the St. Albans Cooperative
2.7 percent in July, before some of the layoffs took effect. Jepson, the economic development commissioner, said he fully expected those seeking new jobs to be able to quickly find them. Those jobs may not be in dairy processing, but the state’s growing semiconductor, manufacturing and aerospace industries are providing significant opportunities, Jepson noted. Gov. Phil Scott is focused on finding ways to help businesses grow through favorable tax policies, workforce development and lower regulatory burdens where possible, Jepson said. But there’s only so much the state can do, according to O’Brien, the Tunbridge state representative. Vermont simply doesn’t have the money to subsidize large business development or help struggling farmers directly, he said. O’Brien had proposed a bill that would help subsidize farmers when milk prices dropped sharply, similar to the system in Maine, he said. Another bill would have taxed the sale of dairy products based on the number of miles they traveled to get to Vermont, to create another incentive for people to purchase local products. Neither got any traction this past session, O’Brien said. If she’s elected governor in the fall, Janoo said she has some ideas to help the St. Albans plant reopen. The state could, for example, help workers or farmers explore employee ownership models to buy back the plant and possibly provide financing for such a venture, she said. Janoo spent much of her career as an economist working on international industrial policies to support local economies. She is spending a lot of time on the campaign trail talking about the increasing consolidation of wealth and power in the hands of fewer corporations and people and the need for the state to break those cycles. It was “heartbreaking” to see that exact kind of power imbalance she has been talking about play out in real time, she said. Dairy Farmers of America may technically be a cooperative but in reality is a “huge conglomerate” based outside Vermont making decisions that affect local farmers and workers with little say in the matter, she said. The state should implement “strategic economic policy planning” that supports local industries instead of simply accepting their demise as inevitable, she added. “If we do not do something, the forces of ‘the free market’ will just turn us into some tourist playground, and we won’t have any actual production capacity here,” Janoo said. ➆
THIS PLANT IS VITAL TO DAIRY FARMERS; IT IS VITAL TO THIS ENTIRE COMMUNITY.
IT MUST NOT BE CLOSED. S E N . BERNIE SA ND ERS
Creamery in 2019, it pledged to invest $30 million in the plant and $5 million in its trucking company. Despite those investments, the plant struggled. It was found to have violated its wastewater permit multiple times between 2021 and 2024. The violations involved dumping “substantial amounts of raw milk and cream” into the City of St. Albans’ wastewater treatment system on several occasions without pretreating the waste properly, according to the Attorney General’s Office. The releases affected the health of a tributary of Lake Champlain and led to a $210,500 settlement in July 2025 that required the plant to upgrade its pretreatment system. The closure of the St. Albans plant could affect how Ben & Jerry’s sources dairy. The majority of the cream used in the brand’s two Vermont production facilities was produced in the state last year. “We are concerned we might not be able to maintain Vermont dairy products as a majority percentage this year, but we are acting to mitigate this,” Ben & Jerry’s spokesperson Sean Greenwood told Seven Days. Union officials said they suspect that Ben & Jerry’s factories in St. Albans and Waterbury had begun using cream from out of state months ago. Greenwood did not respond to additional questions. The state is doing everything it can to make sure that laid-off workers find other opportunities, Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts told Seven Days in June. “We’re all very concerned about the employees that are impacted by this,” he said. Through a spokesperson, Tebbetts declined an additional interview, citing the ongoing litigation over the job losses. The state had the third-lowest unemployment rate in the nation, at
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Safety in Numbers? « P.15
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Vermont law enforcement plummeted in 2020 amid COVID-19 lockdowns, according to data collected by University of Vermont researcher Stephanie Seguino and two coauthors. But while the flow of traffic has returned to normal, the rate of stops hasn’t. State law enforcement agencies pulled over about 100,000 drivers in 2024. One factor in Chittenden County, according to local police, was State’s Attorney Sarah George’s decision in 2022 to stop prosecuting most charges stemming from traffic stops for minor matters, such as a busted headlight, because people of color are disproportionately affected. These so-called pretextual stops now make up far fewer of the overall stops in Chittenden County compared to before George’s decision, according to the data. Local agencies also say they’re responding to an increasing number of 911 calls, particularly those related to lowlevel crimes and homelessness, leaving less time for traffic stops. As enforcement has waned, local officials say complaints about poor driving have increased. Burlington City Council President Ben Traverse (D-Ward 5) said he’s already hearing about speeding, reckless driving and excessive engine noise on the Champlain Parkway, the city’s newest road. And two recent high-profile crashes — a Pine Street collision that killed a 16-year-old cyclist and another in the Old North End involving a bus and a young woman on a scooter — have reanimated the public discussion about road safety. Traverse moved to Burlington 14 years ago and, during his evening commute, would often spot a city police cruiser in the parking lot of Champlain Elementary School on Pine Street. “And you knew that if you weren’t watching your speed
@phoenixbooksvt 8/24/26 4:03 PM
SOUTH BURLINGTON HAS PULLED OVER ABOUT 3,300 DRIVERS AND IS
ON PACE TO REACH 5,000 BY YEAR’S END. and got going a little bit too fast, you were potentially going to get into trouble,” he said. Those days are over. Without the threat of consequences, Traverse said, the social contract among drivers begins to erode. Burlington’s interim police chief, Shawn Burke, said his department began pulling back on traffic enforcement about a decade ago to focus on foot patrols. The department’s ongoing staffing crisis — with just 55 sworn officers, down from 92 in June 2020 — has further reduced its ability to police the roads, he said. What little discretionary time officers have is now spent downtown, where there’s been a rise in crime and disorder connected to the city’s unhoused population, Burke said. Vermont State Police did patrol downtown for a few weeks this summer, but city leaders want more help. Last month, Traverse helped introduce a resolution calling for the patrols to continue. The resolution also asked the Department of Motor Vehicles’ enforcement division to patrol the city’s main corridors. The DMV did send officers to Route 127 — the city’s Beltline — for about 100 hours between late July and mid-August. They pulled over 141 drivers in total, many for speeding, according to Capt. SAFETY IN NUMBERS?
» P.21 SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 3v-OGE082626 1
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Rising healthcare costs are squeezing Vermonters. Here’s how everyone can make more affordable choices. Vermont has some of the highest healthcare costs in America. This hurts everyone in our community and the well-being of our state. So, it’s the perfect time to learn ways to make care more affordable. Consider these cost comparisons for common procedures: Bone Density Study
Breast Biopsy
Cataract Surgery
CT Chest Scan
Gallbladder Removal
Hip Replacement
Laparoscopic MRI Hernia Repair of Spine
Upper GI Endoscopy
Vaginal Delivery
$913
$16,054
$9,785
$3,495
$35,057
$51,432
$30,361
$4,438
$7,768
$28,912
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital
Winsdor Hospital
Dartmouth Hitchcock
Northeastern VT Regional Hospital
Northeastern VT Regional Hospital
Dartmouth Hitchcock
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital
North Country Hospital
University of VT Medical Center
$359
$8,262
$4,806
$1,396
$16,262
$24,642
$17,569
$2,560
$3,626
$18,248
Porter Hospital
University of VT Medical Center
University of VT Medical Center
Vermont Open Imaging
Springfield Hospital
Dartmouth Hitchcock
Rutland Regional Medical Center
Northeastern VT Regional Hospital
Central Vermont Medical Center
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital
$64
$2,597
$2,712
$1,222
$13,293
$23,558
$10,761
$1,410
$1,928
$10,135
Thomas Chittenden Health Center
Northwestern Medical Center
VT Eye Surgery and Laser Center
Vermont Diagnostic Imaging
Central VT Medical Center
Central VT Medical Center
Central VT Medical Center
Vermont Open Imaging
Green Mountain Surgery Center
Northwestern Medical Center
(Spine or Pelvis)
(with Imaging)
Source: Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Axis Cost Transparency Data Averages, Spring 2026. Costs include facility and provider costs.
There are many reasons for this affordability crisis and no one entity or individual can fix it. That’s why our organizations continue working together to be part of the solution. We invite you to join us, take action, and explore these tips to save on your care.
Compare Where To Get Care & Save
Cut Prescription Drug Costs
• Costs for procedures can vary widely between hospitals, outpatient facilities, surgery and imaging centers. Knowing your options can help you save hundreds or thousands of dollars.
• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about options, such as generic medications instead of more costly brand name drugs.
• Carefully consider when it’s best to visit your doctor, urgent care or the emergency room. Telehealth can be a convenient, low-cost option for common health issues, including mental health support.
Know Before You Go • For routine procedures, there is usually ample time to explore care options, understand costs, and look for savings. • Ask for a written estimate before your procedure, so you have a clear picture of the costs beforehand. Afterward, review your itemized bill to understand the charges and confirm they are accurate.
• See if getting a 30-day, 60-day or 90-day supply of your medications can help you save. • Compare costs and look for discount coupons on websites like ArrayRx, GoodRx, RxSaver, WellRx, SingleCare, Cost Plus Drugs, and the new federal website TrumpRx.
Review Your Health Insurance Benefits • This Open Enrollment season is a great time to revisit your health plan’s benefits, premiums, deductibles, and copays to determine what makes sense for your health needs and budget. • When planning your care, check for “in-network” providers, which are more affordable and can help avoid unexpected expenses.
S p o n s o re d B y
Visit our website to get more cost comparisons, helpful tips, and free resources.
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SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
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news Safety in Numbers? « P.19
WINOOSKI FRIENDSHIP FESTIVAL GATHER . CELE RATE . ELONG .
WINOOSKI SCHOOL AUGUST 30 2PM - PM |
COURTESY
Matthew Nesto, chief of safety with the Vermont Highway Patrol. Burlington Mayor Emma MulvaneyStanak has advocated for legislation that would allow the city to use license plate reader technology for traffic enforcement. “As we look at the city of Burlington, about the best, most effective use of our limited police officer head count, it’s not actually doing low-level traffic stops like when people run stoplights or stop signs,” she told NBC5 last December. “But it’s still dangerous, and it’s still important that there be some level of accountability.” Enforcement is only one piece of road safety, according to experts. The city has installed traffic-calming infrastructure, such as speed bumps and curb bump-outs, and recently lowered the downtown speed limit to 20 miles per hour. It has also invested heavily in bike lanes. Officials say that’s one likely explanation for the decline in serious crashes in Burlington over time, despite the drop in traffic stops. The city recorded 150 crashes involving injuries in 2012 — the same year police pulled over 5,800 drivers. Compare that to last year, when the city recorded 108 crashes with injuries and just 950 traffic stops. Fatalities, meanwhile, remain rare, with seven road deaths reported since the start of 2016. Burke said he would be cautious about increasing traffic enforcement simply because some residents are calling for it. “A legitimate traffic enforcement strategy has to be evidence-based,” he said. Otherwise, residents may feel like they’re being “overpoliced for no apparent reason.” In South Burlington, Chief Breault said his officers have discretion over how to handle each individual stop. So far this year, they’ve issued tickets at 8 percent of traffic stops compared to 10 percent last year. The point is not to be too punitive, Breault said, but to show that officers are watching. “Every driver that passes by and sees that car stopped, they’re going to slow down,” he said. The increased enforcement has nevertheless raised a familiar question: Who is getting pulled over? Researchers have found racial disparities in traffic stops around the country. In South Burlington, the most recent analysis by UVM’s Seguino found that
between 2022 and 2024, Black drivers were pulled over at a rate 1.84 times higher than would be expected based on their share of the driving population. Breault plans to analyze his department’s stops at the end of the year to look for racial disparities. That review will include assessing individual officers for any worrisome patterns. Breault said
A LEGITIMATE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT STRATEGY HAS TO BE EVIDENCE-BASED. INTERIM BUR L INGTO N POLICE CHIE F S H AW N BUR K E
he performs a similar review for use-offorce incidents. Breault will also assess the data to see whether the stops are making the city’s roads safer. Early results offer a mixed picture. The city has actually recorded more car crashes during this year’s blitz: 596 through mid-August, compared to 580 in the same period last year. But only 5.5 percent of this year’s crashes have involved injuries, compared to about 9 percent last year. “Could be complete coincidence, but we will watch that over time,” Breault said. Yet the chief says the data are only one piece of the puzzle. If he gets enough complaints from residents about speeding, he will often send an officer to patrol their neighborhood. “I truly believe my role as police chief is to not only make sure we are actually safe from crime, but that people feel safe,” Breault said. “Because if they don’t feel it, then it doesn’t matter if they’re safe or not, right?” ➆
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• Bar Renée: Burlington • barrenee.com • La Reprise: Burlington • lareprisewines.com • The Local: Wine & Beer: Middlesex • thelocalvt.com • Standing Stone Wines: Winooski • standingstonewinesvt.com • Wilder Wines: Burlington • wilderwinesvt.com
FEED back « P.7
BEST HARD CIDERY
Stowe Cider
Why not go straight to the source for your spirited beverages? This distillery is the bee’s knees — and makes a darn good one, too. It earned a James Beard Award finalist nod for Outstanding Bar in 2024. (Montpelier • barrhill.com)
Other finalists: • Babes Bar: Bethel • babesvt.com • Blackback Pub: Waterbury • theblackbackpub.com • Wolf Tree: White River Junction • wolftreevt.com
Enjoy a cider après-ski — or après-hike. BEST BARTENDER Stowe sippers can sample a range of tap out in from the cold to buy a moderately BELOVED BY US selections all year round, thetrying gingerpriced home. [Re All the Best: “Best Dive Bar,” August spiced Mountain Glow to the limited-release Now is the time for Vermonters to 5]: I take offense to the first adjective of Strawberry Fields. (Stowe • stowecider.com) step up and confront the fake housing this write-up. Having worked in the local Other finalists: shortage promoted by Let’s Build Homes, bar scene for 21 years (Sneakers Bistro, the Vermont Futures Project and other Monkey House, Three Needs, Misery • Citizen Cider: Burlington • citizencider.com • Shacksbury: Vergennes • shacksbury.com supportive organizations. The homes are Loves Co. and T. Rugg’s Tavern), I have • Vermont Cider Lab: Essex • vtciderlab.com here, but too many are unregulated and in served, and refused to serve, hundreds of Whether serving complex cocktails anperson — • Woodchuck Hardthe Cider: wrong hands. thousands of imbibers. Notorone ice-cold Bud, Buley is a popular presence Middlebury • woodchuck.com not one! — has ever called me “beloved.” John Bossange behind the bar. He won the People’s Not even my loving wife! WTF?! Why the SOUTH BURLINGTON Choice award at Waterworks’ Great Shakes fiction? Has anyone from Seven Days ever cocktail competition in 2018. (Burlington, BEST CANNABIS Bossange is president of sat on the other side of the bar while I’m Winooski • olde-northender-pub.edan.io) BEVERAGE MAKER Better (not bigger)Vermont. behind the stick? Am I that good at my job that they have no recollection if they have? Other finalists: P.S. “Best Dive Bar”? You said it your• Brenna Goodine (St. Johnsbury Distillery): BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE self: Cleanest bathrooms in town should St. Johnsbury • stjohnsburydistillery.com Fast-acting with organic ingredients, An opinion you ran [Feedback: “Let Sleepput us in the “Best Janitors” category. With for-profit housing industries that are • Isa Masi (Switchback Beer Garden Upstate’s THC seltzers come in flavors flooding our local media with preseningorange Bears Lie,” love, Dunnsky. & Smokehouse): suchads, as green mango, popAugust and 19; Legals: Proposed tations and commentaries promoting State have Rules, July 29] contained several Burlington • switchbackvt.com blackberry zinger. They’ll you tasting the Mike Dunn unrealistic population growth numbers false statements. The new bear hunting • JC Dugan (Woodchuck Hard Cider):BURLINGTON rainbow, perhaps literally and figuratively. and anticipated housing (Burlington needs. rule does not extend opportunities to hunt Middlebury • woodchuck.com • upstateelevatorvt.com) The truth? Vermont has over 65,000 them with hounds at all. It does, however, is owner • Tatiana BrunoDunn (Doma Bar): of T. Rugg’s Tavern. Otherowned finalists: unoccupied homes, some by extend opportunities for other Burlington • doma.bar Wolcotthunters • sipcleann.com Vermonters, but many •byCLEANN: out-of-state because we have an • Sunset Lake Cannabis: investors and large investment companies. overabundance of bears, and BEST DIVE BAR South Hero • sunsetlakecannabis.com Vermont ranks second nationally for the hunters are the tool that can • Taunik:homes Hinesburg • drinktaunik.com highest percentage of unoccupied mitigate it. I don’t know the • Yut: Milton • drinkyut.com (19.4 percent). author, and I suspect they are These homes are often rented as a fine individual, but they are Beloved local bartender Mike Dunn bought this Airbnbs or other short-term rentals, entirely misinformed on this Old North End institution in 2021. It’s open 365 BEST SPIRITS DISTILLER topic. There will be days a year, from noon to 2 a.m., and has all no hunting of bears in the calling cards of a classic dive — pool tables, dens, especially with darts, a jukebox and plenty of PBR — but the hounds. That battle At the impressive Capital City distillery, bathrooms are clean. (Burlington • Facebook) cry isgins a red herring. try award-winning vodkas and unique Other finalists: While for their use of raw honey. USA Todaythere is no • Charlie-O’s World Famous: law“10 currently counts this place among the craft ginpreventMontpelier • Instagram ing the shooting of distilleries in the U.S. you need to know • Finnigan’s Pub: Burlington • finnigansvt.com sows with cubs, the about.” (Montpelier • barrhill.com) • JP’s Pub: Burlington • Instagram Vermont Bear Hound Other finalists: • The Other Place: Burlington • Facebook Association supported • Black Flannel Brewing &a prohibition Distilling: on knowEssex • blackflannel.comingly shooting sows • Mad River Distillers: Burlington, with cubs.Waitsfield, That is also Warren • madriverdistillers.com part of this change, and it would MR. BRUNELLE FAN • Smugglers’ Notch Distillery: Burlington, be good for folks to support these [Re All the Best, August 5]: Like many, I Jeffersonville, Manchester, Stowe, adjustments. enjoy Tom Tomorrow’s “This Modern Waterbury • smugglersnotchdistillery.com I would urge your readers to World.” I also enjoy “Mr. Brunelle Explains • St. Johnsbury Distillery: look into issues before taking It All” and saw Robert Waldo Brunelle St. Johnsbury • stjohnsburydistillery.com COPS AND ROCKERS SWEET SPOTS DRAWING FIRE alarmist narratives and running Jr. received honorable mention in two with them. We are never at our categories of the Seven Daysies, and he is 26 best when we allow ourselves to local. Speaking of local, I am not sure L.J. or they remain vacant until they can be be guided into an emotional response Kopf is available, but he was a cartoonist flipped for profit when the market shows a without examining the details. in Seven Days’ predecessor, the Vanguard sale to be advantageous. Worse still, newer Mike Covey Press. Last I knew, he lived in Richmond. homes are being built priced to the open WILLIAMSTOWN His cartoons were memorable. market, which satisfies investors even Mary Kintner more and leaves hardworking Vermonters Covey is executive director of the JERICHO Vermont Traditions Coalition.
Bryan Buley (Olde Northender Pub & Waterworks Food + Drink)
Upstate Elevator
BURLINGTON
Ferreira is an English professor emeritus at Norwich University.
NO HOUSING SHORTAGE
[Re “Housing Crunch: Short-Term Rentals Are Eating Into the Housing Stock of Some Vermont Towns. Without State Regulations, Communities Are Trying to Figure It Out on Their Own,” July 22]: Independent and well-read Vermonters have a long history of uncovering the truth and exposing hucksters pulling a fast one. We have seen this most recently with the state’s overwhelming rejection of the fake news and lies coming out of Washington, D.C. We see that same spirit of defiance at our selectboard, city council, development review board and planning commission meetings. Vermonters now need to apply their well-established tradition of scrutiny and skepticism to the fake news being marketed by the cabal of the quick, 22
SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
Barr Hill
2026-27
Patricia Ferreira
T. Rugg’s Tavern
VE R M ONT ’ S I ND EP E ND E N T VO I CE JULY 22-29, 2026 VOL.31 NO.46 SEVENDAYSVT.COM
own exhibit on the lives of the Weybridge couple. Given its personal importance to both Charity and Sylvia, it makes sense that Cleves, Walden and the Sheldon, too, would use it. But while Cleves’ has only the black silhouettes and the museum uses the original, Walden, in contrast, imagines the profiled faces of the two, as well as their bodies. And they are framed by symbols that represent their lives in Weybridge. This is an excellent choice by Vermont Humanities for this year’s Vermont Reads, and I recommend Seven Days readers enjoy both Cleves’ and Walden’s books, as well as the Sheldon exhibit.
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Intrigue in ChittCo sheriff race
PAGE 38
Home bakeries on the rise
PAGE 44
Charity & Sylvia stirs controversy
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lifelines
OBITUARIES, VOWS, CELEBRATIONS
OBITUARIES Phillip M. Bowler Sr.
and then in 1964 welcomed their daughter, Dawn M. Bowler. While the marriage to Jackie didn’t last, Mack was committed to his family and made sure Jackie and the two kids were taken care of and had a home to grow up in. If you knew Mack, you knew of his appetite to learn everything about anything. Graduating from UVM with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, later in his life he would begin a quest toward
a doctoral degree. In addition to his academic pursuits, he would take night classes on plumbing, electrical and even learning to speak basic Vietnamese. His love and support for UVM would follow him through life, supporting the men’s and women’s athletic teams, often catching their playoff games near and far. His love of college basketball was matched only by his enthusiasm for NASCAR races. His work life kept him busy, from General Electric to IBM, and he is remembered fondly by some for wearing his three-piece suit while riding on his Harley-Davidson to work, which was quite the scandal back in those days. He became a landlord in Burlington, operating 21 rental units for 27 years. The night classes helped to take care of the properties, and the language classes came in
handprint on the heart of all who knew her! She was loved, and she will be missed immensely! Sandy was preceded in death by her husband, Hawley D. Jones; parents, James Hubert and Dorothy Wiles Strang; and oldest brother, Donald Strang. Sandy is survived by her two children, Michael Lewis
Jones and partner Beth Kissinger, and Holly Jones Stricker; brother James Strang; sister-in-law, Laura Towns; granddaughters, Addy Rose Holowach and spouse Dean Holowach, Cariana Jones, and Lydia Don Stricker; and many nieces and nephews. The family of Sandy Jones wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Daniel Goodyear and the entire staff at Richmond Family Medicine, the nursing and medical staff on Baird 3 at the University of Vermont Medical Center, and St. James Episcopal Church of Essex Junction. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026, 11 a.m., at St. James Episcopal Church in Essex Junction. Donations may be given to the American Cancer Society.
JUNE 22, 1938-JULY 16, 2026 BURLINGTON, VT. Phillip M. Bowler Sr., 88, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the University of Vermont Medical Center. Known by most as Phil, and by many as Mack, Malcolm or Senior, it’s impossible to account for the many people that knew him during his storied lifetime. Born in June 1938, in Amsterdam, N.Y., to Frederick and Claire Bowler, he soon became big brother to Shirley (Bowler) Blanchard and Barbara (Bowler) Furman. After graduating high school, Mack moved to Connecticut, where he met Jacqueline Chapman. They soon married and had their first child, Phillip M. Bowler Jr., in 1960. A year later, they relocated to Burlington, Vt.,
Sandra S. Jones
OCTOBER 28, 1935AUGUST 15, 2026 ESSEX JUNCTION, VT. Sandra S. Jones, 90, of Essex Junction, Vt., passed away peacefully on August 15, 2026, in Burlington, Vt. Sandy was born in Clinton, Mass., to James Hubert Strang and Dorothy Wiles Strang on October 28, 1935. She went to school in Leominster, Mass., and graduated from Leominster High School and a two-year junior college. On August 23, 1958, she married Hawley D. Jones in Sterling, Mass. She worked as a decorator/ seamstress independently and for Fabric Place (formerly Sportswear Store) for many years before retiring. Sandy was an amazing human, and she left a
useful with his non-Englishspeaking tenants. When not working, which was extremely rare for Mack, he could be found anywhere and everywhere. This was the defining nature of his retirement years. He was extremely proud when he became part of the 251 Club, having visited all 251 cities or towns in Vermont. That wanderlust would eventually lead him to visiting every single county in all 50 states; cruising around the world many times over on container ships; multiple trips through both the Panama and Suez canals; and visiting, at last count, 80-plus countries. Simply “going through” any place wasn’t enough for him; he needed to be there for several days, on different repeat trips, and found every imaginable historicalrelated rabbit hole to go down. A rolling index on
Civil War generals? He knew it. Immersing himself in all the battle sites? He’s been there. Hours and years spent deep-diving through town hall records or library and museum archives? He’s done it all. There was no museum, monument, historical house or art gallery that he wasn’t excited to visit — especially related to artists Salvador Dali, Georgia O’Keefe and the Wyeth art dynasty. He even did some painting while on Monhegan Island during summer vacations with his niece Elisa and her family. Mack was preceded in death by his father, Frederick Bowler, in 1959; mother, Claire Howorth, née Reisler, in 1998; son, Phillip Bowler Jr., in 2015; and daughter, Dawn Bowler, in 2024. He is survived by his sisters, Shirley (Steve) Blanchard and Barbara (Joe) Furman; nieces, Elisa Blanchard, Aimee Blanchard and Pamela
Claudette Claire Bissonnette
OCTOBER 2, 1930-AUGUST 15, 2026 WINOOSKI, VT. Claudette Claire Bissonnette, 95, of Winooski, Vt., died on August 15, 2026, at Maple Ridge Memory Care after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. She was born in Colchester, Vt., on October 2, 1930, to the late Victor and Rose (Rousselle) Gratton. She spent her early years in Williston, Colchester and Winooski. She was married to Donald Bissonnette in 1950. Claudette worked at General Electric for over 35 years. Claudette is survived by her children, Anne Raymond (Terry), Ronald Bissonnette (Dennette), David
Wittemeyer; ex-wife, Jackie Blanchard, née Chapman; grandchildren, Phillip (Travis) Bowler III, William Bowler, Kyle Normandin and Melissa Normandin; greatgranddaughters, Aaliyah and Akara; and extended family members not listed. Two people he called every day later in life were his sister Barb and his friend Kathie Knight. From family to deep, lifelong friendships and the many people who he crossed paths with or kept up-to-date with his prolific travel emails, he has left an indelible mark on all our lives. He will be greatly missed. All are welcome at his Celebration of Life, which will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2026, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Elks Lodge on North Avenue in Burlington, Vt. In lieu of flowers, any donations may be made in his honor to the King Street Center, 87 King St., Burlington, VT.
Bissonnette (Nancy) and Gerry Bissonnette; six grandchildren, Matt and Crystal Bissonnette, Amy and Brad Bissonnette, Jesse Bissonnette, and Nathan Trombley; and four great-grandchildren, Chase, Wesley, Brynn and Landon. She was predeceased by her brother and two sisters. Her family extends a special thank-you to Maple Ridge Memory Care, Bayada Home & Hospice, and Dr. Emily Strout. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, 5 to 7 p.m., at LaVigne Funeral & Cremation Services, Winooski. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, 11:30 a.m., at St Francis Xavier Church, with burial to follow in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. To send condolences to her family, please visit vtfuneralhomes.com.
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OBITUARIES Gerald Richard “Jay” Kirby Jr. JULY 29, 1968AUGUST 17, 2026 COLCHESTER, VT.
Gerald Richard “Jay” Kirby Jr., 58, of Colchester, Vt., passed peacefully on August 17, 2026, at McClure Miller Respite House in the arms of his mother and with his Aunt Pam Gagnon by his side. Born on July 29, 1968, in Burlington, Vt., the son of Leah Ploof Racine and the late Gerald R. Kirby Sr., Jay lived a life marked by care for others and steadfast dedication to those in need. He graduated from Colchester High School in 1987 and soon began his working life as an LNA in several local nursing homes. In that role, he brought compassion and care to his patients in a way that was described as above and beyond. After the death of his first daughter, Jessica Marie Kirby, on April 12, 1990, at 17 months old, Jay continued his work as an LNA and eventually enrolled at the Fanny Allen School of Nursing. He graduated in 1994 as an LPN and went on to focus his nursing work in hospice and terminal care. That work reflected the compassion and caring that had been part of Jay’s life from the time he was a small child. On June 9, 2014, Jay married his best friend and the love of his life, Catherine Bessette, who passed suddenly on January 11, 2020. In May 2014, Jay was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and was placed on the heart transplant list at Tufts
Medical Center in Boston. In 2024, he was diagnosed with neuroendocrine carcinoma large cell cancer, an incurable cancer that he fought hard for two years. Jay is survived by his loving mother, Leah Racine, and stepdad, David “Papa Dave” Racine; children, Jonah Kirby, Malichi Kirby and their mother, Adriana Penalosa Kirby, and Rainia Underhill Kirby, daughter of the late Heidi Underhill, and Cathy’s daughters, Myra Bessette (Chris) and Maranda Bessette; and granddaughters, Chloe Leah Kirby, age 5, and Alana Denise Kirby, age 3, Jonah’s children. He is also survived by his dedicated brothers, Jeffrey J. Kirby, John C. Kirby, Richard G. Kirby (Jamie), Lee H. Kirby and Michael S. Kirby; his loving sisters, Laurie Reilly (Pat), Lisa Marie, Carrie Racine Nadeau (Todd) and Julie D. Racine; his very special aunt, Pamela Gagnon, who was there until the end; and his best friend, Christina Baker, who made his final days loving and supportive. Jay also leaves behind many close friends and relatives. In addition to his wife,
Cathy, Jay was predeceased by his father; grandparents; uncle, Calvin J. Ploof Sr.; cousins, Calvin J. Ploof III and Scott Ploof; and his precious first child, Jessica Marie Kirby. Jay had a lifetime love of buying and selling antiques and collectibles, from the time he was 11 years old working at the Charlotte Flea Market. He also loved going to the casino, with his last trip taken from the respite house in a limo driven by his special cousin Brad Kirby. Jay was a very compassionate and caring person, and those who met and knew him loved him. His life was defined by service, especially through his work caring for others in nursing homes and in hospice and terminal care. He will be remembered with love by those named here and by all who knew him. We want to thank all the wonderful staff and volunteers at the McClure Miller Respite House for their loving care of Jay during his time there. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to McClure Miller Respite House, 3113 Roosevelt Highway, Colchester, VT. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, 5 to 7 p.m., at LaVigne Funeral & Cremation Services, 132 Main St., Winooski, VT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, August 27, 2026, 11 a.m., at St. John Vianney Church, with burial to follow in Resurrection Park Cemetery. To send condolences to the family, please visit vtfuneralhomes.com.
IN MEMORIAM Sean “Seany” Hayes Seany, Happy 40th Birthday, Sweetheart! First of all, I just wanted to say just how much we all MISS YOU! Especially today! You loved birthdays! Seany, you also loved life! You loved your family, especially your children! You were such a generous and kind man! You wanted to help everyone! You will never ever be forgotten! You know we will have pizza for your birthday dinner, in your honor.
We love you! — Your loving family
Joshua Michael Kalven
AUGUST 19, 1980-JULY 13, 2026 SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. “Josh Kalven spent his life helping people see more clearly. A writer, editor, designer, photographer, animator [and outdoorsman], he was drawn to work that made complex ideas and important stories more accessible.” (excerpt from Invisible Institute tribute to Josh) Born on August 19, 1980, Josh was the son of Patricia Evans, photographer, and Jamie Kalven, journalist; the brother of Betsy Rose, designer; and the grandson of Dot Evans, founder of Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, and Lew Evans, former president of Lake Champlain Transportation Company. Josh was also the grandson of Betty and Harry Kalven Jr. Harry was a renowned First Amendment rights scholar, lawyer and author. Josh grew up in Chicago in a household shaped by journalism, photography and a deep commitment to public life, as well as by extensive outdoor adventuring. Those values stayed with him. From his work at Media Matters for America and Progress Illinois to founding Newsbound and later Lone Pine Creative, he explored new ways of telling stories and expanding access to information. His most current project was a screenplay, contracted by Disney UK. From his early days of hiking mountains with his parents and sister to his intense rock-climbing outings with friends, being physically active was his meditation. His gift was time spent being a thoughtful, inspired and very intentional resource for so many. On a stunning Vermont day, August 20, 2016, Josh married Mara Fox, nurse midwife. Mara delivered Josh to their wedding spot by the pond in the bucket of our family tractor. Family and friends took turns reading marriage challenges to them. Their dear friend Sage officiated, and after promises were made, Josh and Mara climbed into our canoe, complete with snack board and Champagne, and had a quiet paddle around the pond to ponder their future. Josh’s dad, Jamie, said to them in dinner remarks that night, “The most fortunate life is a vessel for tragedies as well as joys, for the cruel play of fate as well as mysterious turns of fortune.” In San Francisco five years later, Josh became a dad. His son, Luca, is super coordinated and brave, as well as uniquely expressive and curious, like his Dada. As a family, Josh, Mara and Luca hiked, mountain biked, climbed, skied and backpacked in the Eastern Sierra mountains, Joshua Tree and elsewhere. Luca learned from the best how to be courageous and to build skills and understanding through outdoor experiences. One day a wild turkey crossed in front of us as we drove to camp at Poker Hill School. Luca said to me, “Weezy, did you
know that turkeys have a short lifetime?” (I did not.) It was a segue to many conversations about the life cycles of all living creatures and why some die early. Together with Mara’s tenacious support, Josh fought hard against an aggressive and rare NUT carcinoma. Reading the books My Dad and the Dragon and Lifetimes: The Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children, Josh, Mara and Luca openly faced Josh’s diagnosis. In the days before and after Josh’s death, Luca spoke often with his 5-year-old cousin, Sydney, about his Dada and cancer. Luca: “Sometimes there is medicine that stops the cancer dragon, and sometimes it doesn’t work. I’m sad my Dada is going to die.” Sydney: “I’m sad, too.” Luca’s ability to speak the truth and accept the tragic reality of Josh’s illness inspired us all to reach deeper for the strength needed to do our best every day for Josh. Our gift to Luca was our tender honesty about what was happening. Though their family home was in San Francisco, from birth Josh had spent long periods of time on the family property in Underhill, Vt., swimming in cold streams, hiking Mansfield, skiing the Teardrop and Mount Dewey, mountain biking, and dipping in holes chopped in pond ice. As a small child, Josh had spent many bright summer days by the family pond with his sister and cousins, swimming and catching salamanders. His final wish was to spend his remaining days in Vermont. During that last month, Mara’s and Josh’s large family, and many friends, had multiple funny, heart-wrenching, heart-opening moments with Joshy Walnuts (his family nickname). That time was spent sitting by our pond, quietly telling stories, sharing good food at the big family table and preparing for what he wanted — a beautiful death in Vermont with his family. His friend Drew wrote about Josh, “While his earthly strengths were being shed from him, his essence just shone brighter.” On July 13, 2026, in the waning light of a classic Vermont evening, with many family members, including Luca and Mara, around him, Josh had the peaceful death he had wished for, so bravely. Cass McCombs’ song “Harmonia” played softly nearby. Cancer is indeed “a knife in the back,” but Josh still saw a friendly, loving world. As my youngest son, Sorrel, wisely observed, “Josh knew to bring us here, to show us the path, to remind us how strong we are together … This is where we were broken, and this is where we will heal.” The family thought we were brought together to be Josh’s caregivers, but we soon saw clearly that Josh was also ours. There are not enough words to describe all the ways that we will miss Joshy Walnuts. (Submitted by Josh’s aunt, Betsy Evans)
SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
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lifelines
OBITUARIES, VOWS, CELEBRATIONS
OBITUARIES Sally Borden
APRIL 30, 1957-AUGUST 11, 2026 SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT. Sally Borden, age 69, passed away peacefully in her home on August 11, 2026, with her husband of 38 years, Joseph Arioli, and her two children, Daniel and Melissa, by her side. Her passing came after living with colon cancer for six and a half years. Sally led a beautiful, full and meaningful life. She was a dedicated wife, mother, friend, sister, aunt, daughter and community member. She devoted her career to helping children and preventing child abuse and neglect, most notably as the longtime executive director of KidSafe Collaborative in Burlington. The second of four daughters, Sally was born in Columbus, Ohio, to Morton and Estelle (Schachter) Borden. Her father was a history professor, and early in his career his work took the family from Ohio to Montana, then Madrid, before they finally settled in her hometown of Santa Barbara, Calif. Her mother unexpectedly passed away when Sally was 8 years old. Remarkably for the mid-1960s, Morton raised his four daughters as a single father for four years before marrying Penn (Torganrud) Borden. Growing up, her sisters describe Sally as a fearless rebel who hung with the hippie crowd in high school and hitchhiked without fear. Her rebellious spirit and deep empathy led her to activism and service at a young age. In high school, she shared her love of the outdoors as a counselor for at-risk teens at Outward Bound. Sally graduated from the University of California, Davis in 1979 with a major in history and later
earned her master of education from Cambridge College in 1985. Sally began her career at the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, where she served as director of victim/witness assistance. At the DA’s office, she worked as an advocate for victims and witnesses of the most serious cases prosecuted in the district. She is credited with establishing many of the program’s training and hiring procedures, as well as safe waiting spaces for victims and child-friendly interview spaces within the DA’s office, practices that are now considered standard. A colleague from the time shared that “Sally was smart, a gifted communicator, and a fierce advocate. She was never afraid to call out an injustice or give credit when deserved.” Her work and training skills led her to accept a statewide position as director of training at the Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance, where she established statewide curricula and training on victimization and victims’ rights for those involved in sensitive cases. Her career later brought her back to California, where she served as executive director of Shelter Against Violent Environments, Inc. (SAVE) and as co-executive director of the Domestic Violence Law Project of Southern Alameda County. At SAVE, she directed a nonprofit that provided shelter, transitional housing and community services to domestic violence survivors and their children, while also advocating for policies and legislation affecting survivors. On July 23, 1988, Sally married her “rock,” Joe Arioli, with whom she shared a commitment to family, friends and serving others.
Throughout their long partnership, Sally and Joe embraced Vermont’s community spirit and natural beauty, as well as the ongoing search for the best maple creemee in the state. Joe still refers to her lovingly as “The Wife of my Life.” Sally and Joe became parents in 1993 when they adopted Daniel while living in Los Altos, Calif. Shortly after moving to Vermont, they welcomed Melissa, in 1996. Sally was an excellent mother and loved her children deeply and unconditionally. She was a calm and patient parent, never shying away from difficult conversations and always letting her children know they were safe and loved. In 1998, Sally began her work with KidSafe Collaborative, a communitybased nonprofit in Burlington, Vt., dedicated to improving the health, safety and well-being of children and families. She served as KidSafe’s executive director from 2001 until her retirement in 2023. Sally led KidSafe with vision and grace. She transformed the organization from a dues-paying member agency into a traditional nonprofit and put collaboration at the forefront of everything she did. She was a skilled leader and team builder with an extraordinary ability to make people feel heard, understood and valued. She put child protection at the center of her work and, even in the face of seemingly impossible situations, found ways to get things done. As one colleague put it, “Sally was magic, and she created magic.” Sally’s leadership extended to numerous community initiatives. She was involved with the Children and Recovering Mothers (CHARM) team, a multidisciplinary group that coordinates services for pregnant and postpartum women with a history of substance-use disorder and their infants. With a proven track record of improving health outcomes for mothers and their babies, CHARM has been nationally recognized as an innovative model.
For many years, Sally also served on the advisory board of Vermont Kin as Parents, a nonprofit supporting family members who are raising the children of relatives. She convened countless meetings of the Chittenden County Child Protection and Family Support Team, which brought together social workers, educators and others to support parents facing challenges to child safety. Sally guided the process with a firm but kind hand, helping identify practical solutions such as affordable childcare, counseling, transportation vouchers, or something as seemingly simple, but essential, as finding a bed for a child who had been sleeping on the family’s couch. At the statewide level, Sally cochaired the Vermont Citizens’ Advisory Board, the citizen panel that reviews the Vermont Department for Children and Families’ policies, practices and procedures related to child protection. She led the creation of Vermont’s mandated reporter training and served on the Vermont Child Fatality Review Team. Sally received numerous awards for her work and unwavering dedication. Her contributions were recognized with a California State Assembly Resolution of Recognition, the Administration for Children & Families Commissioner’s Award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Vermont Agency of Human Services Community Award, and the Queen City Police Foundation Antonio B. Pomerleau Medal of Honor, presented by U.S. senator Patrick Leahy. As meaningful as Sally’s professional life was, her work was only one part of who she was. She had a lively social network and maintained deep relationships with family and friends from every season of her life. A dedicated letter writer, Sally always remembered to send a card on birthdays, holidays and just because. An avid reader, she was known for her ability to give
the perfect book, often a signed copy, and then follow up to discuss it. She had a positivity and warmth that made anyone who was close to her feel special. She was known to listen without judgment and with genuine curiosity, no matter who was speaking. Sally cared deeply for other people and sought deep, meaningful connections with everyone in her life. She opened her home to those in need, and she never hesitated to pull up a chair to the table to welcome someone to sit beside her. She found immense empowerment through her workout classes at Artemis Fitness and peace in her backyard garden, where she and Joe lovingly tended their vegetables and flowers. She adored their dog, Taz, who stayed by her side until the very end. She remained the fearless activist her sisters remembered from her youth. Sally was outspoken against injustice wherever she saw it, and throughout her health challenges, she continued protesting every Saturday until she was physically unable to do so. Sally’s impact on her community and on the people who loved her was incredible. She will be deeply missed, and her memory lives on in the many people who are better for having known her. Sally was predeceased by her father, Morton Borden; her mother, Estelle Borden; and her stepmother, Penelope Borden. Sally is survived by her husband, Joe Arioli; her children, Melissa and Daniel; and her sisters, Jess Millikan, Lucy Cesar and Kate Erickson. The family would like to thank Dr. Marc Greenblatt and the entire oncology team for the excellent care Sally received at the University of Vermont Medical Center. Sally’s family is also deeply grateful to all who have surrounded Sally with love and support across these difficult years. Those seeking to honor Sally may consider a donation to the KidSafe Collaborative Sally Borden Fund (kidsafevt.org/sallyfund).
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SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
Eleanor Mood
FEBRUARY 13, 1928- AUGUST 17, 2026 ESSEX, VT. Eleanor Mood, 98, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026, surrounded by those she loved. Born February 13, 1928, in Syracuse, N.Y., Eleanor was the daughter of Charlotte Lynch and John Paul O’Brien. She was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, John “Jack” Mood, and their daughter, Lisa. She is survived by her children, Jacqueline Bolster (Glen), Thomas Mood (Jeannine) and Desiree Nichtula (James); eight grandchildren; and greatgrandson, Ezra. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 4, 2026, 11 a.m., at Holy Family Catholic Church, Lincoln Street in Essex Junction. Interment will take place at a later date at Resurrection Park in South Burlington. Arrangements are entrusted to Ready Funeral & Cremation Services. To read the full obituary and to share memories, photos, and online condolences, please visit readyfuneral.com.
Peter Harvey
SEPTEMBER 27, 1943- AUGUST 13, 2026 SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT. Peter Harvey, 82, of South Burlington, Vt., passed away on August 13, 2026, of natural causes. Born in Passaic, N.J., and raised in Rutherford, N.J., Peter spent his career in manufacturing control and management in Vermont, first as a cost accountant at Rossignol and later as planning and production manager at Wyeth Nutritionals. After retiring, he and his wife, Marsha (“Marty”) Weston Harvey, lived in Naples, Fla., and on Fox Island, Wash., before returning to Vermont to be near Peter’s children and grandchildren. Wherever Peter lived, he found his way outside. He hiked the Green Mountains with his children, climbed Mount Rainier with Marty and paddled the waters of Puget Sound. He remained an avid tennis player and hiker to the end of his life. Marty, his wife of 35 years, was the light of his life. They shared the trails and the tennis court and loved being active outdoors. Peter was always a kid at heart, and children recognized it immediately. He led them on nocturnal snipe hunts that anyone who went on one still remembers, and he ran Christmas games his grandchildren will miss and intend to carry on in his memory. He was predeceased by his parents, Alan and Mabel Harvey, and by his eldest brother, Alan “Dick” Harvey. He is survived by Marty; his children, Dawn Harvey and Christopher Harvey, and daughter-in-law Thuy Anh Harvey; his four grandchildren; his brothers David Harvey (JoAnn DeLuca), Steve Harvey (Patricia) and Robin Harvey (Ann); and his sisterin-law Margaret Harvey. A private family funeral has been held, and there will be no public service. Those who would like to remember Peter may consider the Green Mountain Club, which keeps the trails he so enjoyed walking.
Asunta Noel Borelli
DECEMBER 1, 1976-AUGUST 15, 2026 WALESKA, GA. Asunta Noel Borelli, age 49, of Waleska, Ga., passed away from cancer on Saturday, August 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Her last days were filled with hours upon hours of stories and laughter about all the amazing things she had done. Asunta was a badass mountain biker, chef and mom extraordinaire. She experienced three or four lifetimes’ worth of adventure, laughter, and fun with family and friends. She had a zest for life’s experiences, which could range from goat yoga to customized strength training, which she dubbed “Body by Asunta.” She was everyone’s favorite person to hang out with and quickly became more than a friend. Asunta was physically strong, but her superpower was the mental strength and resilience of a world-class athlete. No matter what was going on, she was always encouraging others to push themselves and experience new things, and then she would drag you along with her on her own new adventure. Asunta was born two weeks early
to Bob and Penny Finnegan, as she could not wait to get started in life. She spent her childhood chasing her older siblings, Bo and Holly, and their friends around the town of Williston. As part of the free-range kid generation, their days were filled with trampolines, bikes, skiing, horseback riding, gymnastics and playing soccer inside horse barns. And yes, the horses were in the barn while we were playing. After high school, Asunta graduated from the New England Culinary Institute and started her career in the culinary world. She started working as a sous chef for Hilton, which allowed her to travel and experience many different parts of the world. Asunta then became a pastry chef and returned to Vermont for a short time, where she developed her passion for mountain biking — a passion that would eventually take her all over the country. Asunta ended up in Florida, where she met the love of her life, Michael Borelli, while mountain biking. This, of course, led to Asunta learning how to ride a motorcycle and a motocross bike so that she could go ride moto with Mike. When her son, RJ, was born, she
Jean Millicent Briggs SEPTEMBER 18, 1927AUGUST 21, 2026 SHELBURNE, VT.
Jean Millicent Briggs died surrounded by her family on August 21, 2026, in Shelburne, Vt., after a period of declining health. Jean was born in Greenfield, Mass., in 1927 to Charlotte (Amsden) and Kenneth Sloan. She was raised in Bristol, Conn., and Reading, Vt., and graduated from Middlebury College in 1949. At Middlebury, Jean majored in French, enabling her to seek assistance from fellow student and native
French speaker Philip Briggs. They wed a month after her graduation and were married for the next 77 years. Together, they raised three children, moving periodically between
made sure he got to experience everything from tae kwon do and football to motocross and mountain biking. There was no such thing as a typical weekend, as she could find a way to fit in motocross, working out, mountain biking and cooking a gourmet meal, which often included her secret ingredient: truffle oil. The family garage was an extension of their home — a place where bikes were worked on but more importantly where plans were made, stories were told and the next adventure was usually being figured out. She loved bringing her family and friends along for the ride, and RJ grew up knowing that life was all about lived experiences, getting out there, trying new things, taking on challenges and making memories along the way. For Asunta, being a mom was never about sitting on the sidelines. She was right there in the middle of it all, riding, working, laughing, cooking, encouraging and making memories with the people she loved most. Asunta is survived by her loving husband, Mike Borelli; her son, RJ Borelli; her mother, Penny Finnegan; and her siblings, Bo Finnegan and Holly Finnegan. Per her wishes, Asunta’s ashes will be spread on her favorite mountain bike trails throughout Georgia, Florida and Vermont. There will be a celebration of Asunta’s life in Waleska, Ga., at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please don’t wait. Get out there and do something you’ve always wanted to do, and then pass on that story to encourage others to do the same — as Asunta would have loved hearing that story.
the New York City area and Ottawa, Canada, for Phil’s work. Throughout, the family returned to Lake Dunmore in Vermont in the summers, a place they all held dear. After Phil’s retirement, the couple split their time between Arizona and Shelburne. This allowed Jean to continue playing golf on a near-daily basis into her nineties – that is, except when Jean and Phil weren’t traveling the globe. Golf was, in fact, Jean’s passion. She was club champion at numerous clubs, including Vermont National, and scored a hole in one a remarkable six times over the years. Jean is survived by her
husband, Philip, and their three children and their spouses: Karen and Tony Ng (Brunswick, Ohio); Heather Briggs and Peter Erly (Shelburne, Vt.); and Peter and Peggy Briggs (Cornwall, Vt.). She was also the beloved Nana to eight grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren. She will be dearly missed by all. A private memorial will be held at a later date. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Wake Robin for the great care they provided to Jean in her final days and throughout Jean and Phil’s nearly 20 years there. Her family greatly appreciates their generous compassion.
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lifelines
OBITUARIES, VOWS, CELEBRATIONS
OBITUARIES Elizabeth Lyman (Dawson) Dubin
MAY 21,1964-JULY 24, 2026 SOUTH HERO, VT. Elizabeth Lyman (Dawson) Dubin, 62, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026, after a 26-year-long battle with head and neck cancer. Beth had entered hospice care at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston and took her last breath surrounded by her family. Her beautiful, gentle soul is now in heaven. Beth was born in Burlington, Vt., on May 21, 1964. She was raised on Charles Street in South Burlington and for many of her early years enjoyed wonderful and formative summers at her family camp on Lake Iroquois in Hinesburg. She graduated from South Burlington High School in 1982. She then attended New Hampshire College (now Southern New Hampshire University) where she earned her degree in computer science in 1986. After college she became a software instructor for McAuliffe’s Office Systems in Burlington. She then joined the Federal Office of Probation as its management information systems manager. She held that position for many years, until 2000. Beth next worked as a graphic designer at her father’s company, Vermont Ware, in St. George, Vt. She later joined Williston Central School as a house “mom” and loved every day of her job working with the kids. She officially retired around 2012. But Beth’s greatest joy and her “best job ever” was being a mom. With her first husband, Beth welcomed Timothy Clarke into the world in 1992. For a few years, it was just Beth and Timothy taking care of each other. During those years, Beth and
Timothy formed an unbreakable bond as mom and son. This is also when Beth first started going to Wells Beach in Maine for one week each summer. First it was just Beth and Tim, but it quickly expanded into an annual event with the extended family. This tradition lasted for many summers and created wonderful memories for everyone. On a cold March night in 1995, while attending a singles’ dance, Beth met the love of her life. Larry had just moved to Vermont from Philadelphia and was hoping to meet some new friends. Beth and Larry started dating right away, and two years later, on June 14, 1997, Beth, Tim and Larry became a family. Beth and Larry were married at Beth’s parents’ home in South Burlington. In 2000, Beth and Larry welcomed their daughter, Erika, into the world, and their family was complete. Beth and Erika grew to share a profound friendship that shined as mother and daughter. They had an undeniable bond of love, laughter and light. Beth was happiest taking care of her children. Beth’s favorite career was as a stay-at-home mom. Being a mother to her two children meant the world to Beth. She absolutely loved being a mom. It was the joy of her life. During their 29-year marriage, Beth and Larry shared
six different homes, first living in South Burlington, then moving to Williston in 1998. In 2004, the family relocated to Philadelphia and returned to Williston in 2005. Their last move to New Hampshire was meant to bring them closer to Boston and Beth’s care team at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. But their current home in South Hero was a true labor of love. Beth designed their beautiful postand-beam home and was instrumental in its 2014-2015 construction. Beth was a true “crafty” Vermonter. She channeled the handiwork of previous generations as an extremely talented quilter and skilled creator with a needle and thread. In 2017 she took her love of fabric and sewing and created her own sewing business, Sew Colorful. Her creativity and talent shined with every item she made. She sold her items via her website, and during the fall she would travel around New England to sell in person at holiday craft fairs. Another of Beth’s “Vermont talents” was being an incredible cook and baker, skills handed down from her mom and her grandmother. Beth knew her way around a kitchen like a professional chef. Most of her husband’s and kids’ baking and cooking skills were taught to them by Beth. Recently, Erika took this knowledge and skill and
is now a professional pastry chef in New York City. Beth made the best turkey gravy at Thanksgiving. She happily hosted family dinners and events, including, for about 20 years, her famous and well-attended holiday Cookie and Carol Party. Beth looked forward all year to the Cookie and Carol Party. She would spend weeks preparing the 30-plus cookies, treats, decorations and invitations. If there was a cookie you liked, Beth probably had it there for you. Larry would lead everyone in caroling. If there were holiday tunes you liked to sing, there were sing-alongs with Larry on the guitar all night long. One year, “Feliz Navidad” was sung for over 30 minutes and was led by Tim and his friend Carlos, an exchange student from Mexico. Besides baking, cooking and sewing, Beth was a true animal lover. In her early years, she owned a horse, Bunkerdo. Beth competed in dressage competitions and exhibitions. She loved every minute she spent with Bunkerdo. She had many cats and dogs in her life but developed a special attachment to her last dog, Layla. Layla faithfully sat next to Beth and was there for her through every surgery, illness or whenever Beth just needed a little extra love. Layla was always right by Beth’s side every time Beth
was in her garden. Beth loved to feed and listen to birds. She also loved chipmunks and would patiently hand feed chipmunks that came right up to her. Beth loved to travel, especially with family. Cruising was Beth’s favorite type of vacation. Once she set foot on a cruise ship, the weight of the world was off her shoulders. Together, Beth and Larry took more than 40 cruises and land tours to places like Alaska, the Mediterranean, France, Italy, the Caribbean, South America, Ireland, Iceland, Belgium, Spain, Scotland and Norway. Beth had a love of our country’s national parks. She was able to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, Arches, Canyonlands, Acadia, and, most recently, the Grand Canyon and Denali. Beth did not leave this world without a fight. To everyone around her, even her entire Dana Farber Cancer Institute team, Beth showed unwavering determination in fighting her cancer headon. Beth was an absolute example of being “Vermont Strong.” Beth had a fierce attitude toward beating this horrible disease and living life as long as possible. Through her 26-year battle with cancer, she endured 10 surgeries, two rounds of radiation, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, immunotherapy and four different chemotherapies. Although cancer took away her smile, her hair and her ability to eat, it never reduced her will to live. This amazing woman fought until the very end. Beth is survived by her devoted husband of 29 years, Lawrence Dubin; loving children, Timothy Clarke (Nicole Baker) and Erika Dubin; brother and sisterin-law, Tyler and Madeleine Dawson; nephews, Cory and Jake Dawson; sister-in-law
and brother-in-law Lisa and Mike Ehrenberg; an aunt; and many cousins from the Dawson and Lyman families. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dale and Elizabeth (Betty) Dawson. Beth also leaves behind many, many lifelong friends from all her experiences and endeavors. A warm spirit and true angel on earth, Beth always looked for the good in people and left a lasting impression on everyone she met. A Celebration of Life for Beth will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, 11 a.m., at the Congregational Church of South Hero. The church is located at 24 South St., South Hero, VT. After the service, a luncheon will be served. All are invited to spend time with Beth’s family and share stories about Beth. She is truly someone who enjoyed life and loved all her family and friends. If you’d like to honor Beth in some way, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to help with the fight against cancer. Donations can be made in Beth’s honor to the American Cancer Society, Dana Farber’s Jimmy Fund, Cancer Research Institute, Camp Ta-Kum-Ta in South Hero, or any other local or national cancer organization. Beth’s family wishes to thank all the incredible and dedicated doctors, nurses and medical professionals in Burlington, Vt., and Boston who worked so hard and for so long to help her in her battle. Beth fought cancer valiantly for 26 years. Despite her struggles and setbacks, she continued her quest for a cure with many medical and surgical procedures. Her spirit shined through, and her determination endured until the very end. Now may this “rock star” beacon of life and light rest in everlasting peace.
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SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
Timothy Sean Coleman
tirelessly to build bridges for those in need. Throughout his 40 years of work at the Committee on Temporary Shelter, he touched thousands of lives. Through his compassion, advocacy and unwavering belief in people, he helped countless individuals take their next step toward recovery, treatment, employment and housing. By helping people find stability and break the cycle of homelessness, he changed not only their lives but also the trajectory of future generations. Tim worked at COTS from its infancy in November 1983 until his retirement in August 2022. His life was one of service; his big heart, sharp
wit and ability to connect with people of all walks of life were truly his hallmark. Tim will be remembered for his progressive worldview and the legacy he left in the Burlington community. Tim met his lifelong companion and wife, Deborah Schlosser, in 1987 at Leunig’s Café in Burlington, where Tim was a regular, and quickly became a son, brother and uncle in Debbie’s family (Judy, Bill, Carl, Kim, Susan and Donna; their spouses, Tommy, Chris and Jaybird; their children, Shane, Meredith, Evan, Courtney and Carley). Tim had a kooky sense of humor and put people at ease with his easy banter. People confided in him. He
and Debbie bought the fixerupper of their dreams and raised their dear son, Devon, and many adored pets. They created a life together that included lots of gardening (especially garlic!) and over 20 years of musical collaboration in two bands, the Warrens and Willoughbys. Music was the mortar in their lives: farmers markets, the Monkey House, Nectar’s, private parties, weddings and the band in the band shell at the COTS walk-athon. Tim could belt out a fine Jayhawks cover; a solid blues tune; a soft, plaintive lullaby to his son when he was young; as well as a dramatic show tune. He loved Americana music. Being able to create music and harmonize with your spouse is a true gift. He was a rare bird, indeed. There are no words to describe the silence left in his wake. Summers were full of kayaking and swimming. Being by the water, whether ocean, lake or river, was Tim’s favorite place to be. A true Pisces. Popham Beach in Maine was a destination for many years, where he would spend hours bodysurfing and boogie boarding and walking the beach for miles with his family. He loved teaching
Maxine graduated from D’Arcy McGee High School in Montréal and then McGill University. She went on to devote her professional life to education. She taught special education at Castle Frank High School and, in her final posting, ran the coop department at Northern Secondary School. She was deeply respected and admired by the students,
families and colleagues whose lives she touched. Maxine was particularly proud of her work with her special education students and often shared stories of what they, in turn, had taught her. One observation from a student remained a favorite: “Miss — the life, it is not easy.” Her intelligence, dedication, and ability to understand and work with children with different needs made teaching a particularly meaningful part of her life. In turn, she made a lasting difference in the lives of many of her students. She was also a lover of the arts and an adventurer at heart. She traveled extensively throughout the world, even into her eighties, with journeys that took her as far as Easter Island and Egypt and frequent
returns to Rome, one of her favorite destinations. For the past several decades, she spent almost every winter in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, a city that was very dear to her heart. Maxine also believed strongly in giving back and was generous with both her time and her support of causes she cared about. She volunteered alongside her friend Nina at the International Festival de Música de Cámara de San Miguel de Allende and gave her time to homeless dropin programs in Toronto. Her kindness extended especially to those who were vulnerable, and she had a particular affection for animals, finding great pleasure in caring for the cats and dogs of friends. Maxine had a quick wit, a
MARCH 4, 1954AUGUST 9, 2026 FERRISBURGH, VT.
Timothy Sean Coleman of Ferrisburgh, Vt., passed away after taking his last swim of the summer on Sunday, August 9, 2026. He was in the presence of an open, blue sky; trees; beautiful clouds; and light reflecting on the waters of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. Everyone he loved was in his heart. Born in New Haven, Conn., on March 4, 1954, to Carole Ann Coleman and Raymond Coleman, Tim grew up with his younger brother, TR, and younger sisters, Lisa, Kimberly and Heather, in a huge bustling family of grandparents, aunts, uncles and many cousins. He adored his family and stayed connected with his sisters through “weekly Zoom.” Tim spent vacations in Vermont as a child and then settled in the Burlington area in the 1980s, where he became a deeply integral part of the community as a social worker. He believed in human rights and worked
Maxine Florence (Valiquette) Wardle AUGUST 14, 1942JULY 31, 2026 TORONTO, ONT.
Maxine Florence Wardle (née Valiquette) passed away following a short illness on July 31, 2026, in Toronto, Ontario, just two weeks shy of her 84th birthday. Toronto had been her beloved home for more than 50 years. Born in Newport, Vt., on August 14, 1942, Maxine was the eldest of six children. She was bright, independent and self-assured from an early age, qualities that would remain part of her character throughout her life.
his son, niece and nephew how to boogie board. Many afternoons were spent at the Huntington Gorge, New Haven River and Lake Champlain. In retirement, he was known for his daily walks on the trails of Kingsland Bay State Park, barefoot. He loved birds and nature and photographing flowers and water. He adored his pets. A fresh-ground cup of coffee in the morning and playing piano late into the night brought him great joy, as well as those homemade chocolate chunk oatmeal coconut cookies and milk before bed. He’d buy lottery tickets and make plans for who he’d help if he won! Hanging with old friends and musical brothers (you know who you are, loved ones) and going to music gatherings were highlights of his life. Driving around in his car with Annabelle, his dog, hanging her head out the window was always one of his favorite road trips. Tim was an extremely private and humble person who died in a public place. The consolation is that it was one of his favorite places. We don’t get to choose our last moment on this Earth. It might
be presumptuous to think the moment was chosen for him, but if the angels gathered to take him at that moment, it was a kind of solace for all of the time he spent in treatment after his diagnosis. If Tim’s will was involved at all, it would be Tim deciding to do it in his nontraditional way until the very end. Tim is survived by his best friend and wife, Deborah; son, Devon Coleman; adored sisters, Lisa Coleman (her children, Myranda, Rachel and Brian), Kimberly Coleman and Melissa, and Heather McDavid and husband Richard (her children, Wes, Melanie, Ian and Matt); sister-in-law, Anne Coleman (love you, TR), (her children, Brad and Zach); as well as a large clan of Coleman/Bjornberg family, Debbie’s entire family, dear friends, and beloved pets Neco and Elijah. A service is in the process of being planned sometime in late September. Please look to Seven Days for an update. Tim believes that food brings people together. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to COTS’ new kitchen or the Addison County Humane Society.
wonderful sense of humor and a capacity to charm those around her. She had a way with words, too, and those closest to her will remember some of her favorite expressions — including, “I zigged when I should’ve zagged.” She is survived by her children, Jennifer Wardle (Peter Stewart) and Jonathan Wardle (Cheri), and her grandson, Griffin Wardle, all of Toronto. She is also survived by her siblings Meg Donnelly of San Diego, Calif.; James Valiquette (Joan Kornecki) of Mooers Forks, N.Y.; Kathryn Valiquette of Colchester, Vt.; and Stephen Valiquette (Karen) of Spring Hill, Fla. Maxine also leaves behind many dear friends, including Adele Clarke, Chuck Barker, Roxanne Mackenzie and
Nina Martinez, whose friendships meant a great deal to her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Max and Gertrude Valiquette, and her brother William Valiquette. Her family and friends will remember her with love and gratitude — for her strength and independence, her quick wit, her adventurous spirit, and the many memories she created throughout a life lived very much on her own terms. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. A celebration of Maxine’s life will be announced at a later date. Her ashes will be scattered in her beloved Trinity Bellwoods Park, across from her longtime Toronto home — a place that brought her much joy and held a special place in her heart.
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Nowhere Montpelier author Makenna Goodman, long-listed for the prestigious Booker Prize with Helen of Nowhere, talks about how walking feeds her work, the complexities of simple living and writing from bed S T ORY C H E L S E A E D GAR • chelsea@sevendaysvt.com | P H O TO S J EB WA L L A C E- B R O D EU R Makenna Goodman and her dog, Pigeon, in the woods behind her Montpelier home
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very morning, Makenna Goodman walks her dog, Pigeon, in the woods behind her house in Montpelier. Midway through her loop, she passes through a clearing that looks like a set from a movie about a post-humanity world returning to its primordial state. A lichen-crusted pickup truck molders in a sea of ferns; a few yards away are a small bistro table and two wrought-iron chairs. The table and chairs appeared over the winter, Goodman said. She has no idea who put them there. On one of her recent walks, she came upon a dead fox, curled up in the middle of the path. “No rigor mortis or anything,” she said. “I was like, What the hell is this? What does a fox mean? It was extremely uncanny.”
people who puts out a beautiful salad in a beautiful bowl, and you’re just like, This looks like a magazine. Everything she touches is beautiful,” said Goodman’s friend Rose Friedman, of East Hardwick, whom she’s known for almost two decades. “And then you scratch the surface with Makenna, and it’s like — whoa! There’s this roiling lava lake of really intense ideas, filled with darkness and truth-telling and seeing. She’s very fun to do normal things with, because it’s like being high. She’s turned up.” Goodman works full time as executive editor for Portland, Ore.’s Timber Press, an imprint of Hachette Book Group, which publishes books on gardening, horticulture and sustainable living. She has no consistent writing schedule; sometimes she’s doing it a lot, and sometimes she’s not doing it at all. “I don’t have a relationship with writing that feels like work,” Goodman said. “I go through spurts, and then it stops, and then I just don’t worry about it.” For her, writing is an essentially furtive activity, cordoned off from the rest of life. She writes longhand in journals, at night, in bed, by headlamp, after everyone else in the house has gone to sleep. From these nighttime vigils, Goodman has produced her two acclaimed books: The Shame, published in 2020 and named a best book of that year by the Harvard Review and the White Review; and Helen of Nowhere, released last September. Both take place in some version of rural Vermont, but their real setting is the consciousness of the narrators, who are consumed with, or by, the question of what makes a good life. Goodman’s novels have a synaptic quality; their motor isn’t plot but the restlessness of the mind grasping for answers to unanswerable questions. The narrator of The Shame is an artist, homesteader and mother who becomes obsessed with a Brooklyn influencer and embarks on a deranged mission to find her, or become her, or some combination thereof. The Shame is about social media culture, which asks us to be both the story and the storyteller, but also about the flailing we occasionally do in the face of the fact that we only get to live one life at a time. As writer and Dartmouth College professor Alexander Chee wrote for the Paris Review, “This is a novel about how you can feel driven to take risks that don’t matter in order to avoid taking the risks that do matter.”
There’s this roiling lava lake of really intense ideas, filled with darkness and truth-telling and seeing. R O S E FRI ED M AN
Goodman, a novelist, is obsessed with the question of what is real and what is a story, and the thin line between the ordinary and the sublime. Last month, her second novel, Helen of Nowhere, was one of 13 titles long-listed for the Booker Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in English-language fiction. Past winners include Margaret Atwood, Kazuo Ishiguro, Marlon James and Iris Murdoch, and the roster of long- and short-listed writers is every bit as impressive: Patricia Lockwood, Percival Everett and Sally Rooney, to name just a few recent ones. Finalists will be announced in September at a ceremony in London; the winner, named in November, will receive £50,000 and an all-but-guaranteed boost in book sales and name recognition. The first Vermont writer to receive a Booker nomination, Goodman is the author of two slim novels, both clocking in at fewer than 150 pages and published by nonprofit indie presses. When Seven Days interviewed her at home in early August, about two weeks after the Booker announcement, she seemed deeply ambivalent about this attention. “There’s nothing to say about it, except that it’s a huge honor,” she said. “I mean, I can’t even think about it. I just live as if it’s not happening.” Goodman, 41, makes prolonged eye contact. She tends to speak as if she’s honing a thesis, even as she’s offering you a dandelion latte. “She’s just one of those
In Helen of Nowhere, Goodman recasts the myth of escaping it all through a parable of a man considering buying a home in the countryside. Four characters take turns as narrator: the Man, a once-esteemed college professor who has been sidelined in his field for a vague transgression, which has to do with failing to see women as real people; the Realtor, an earthy, free-spirited woman; Helen, the aging owner of the country house; and the Man’s Wife, from whom he is estranged. After the Realtor shows Helen’s house to the Man, she goes into a trance in which she channels Helen’s spirit, offering the Man a much weirder freedom from the prison of ego than the one he thought was on the market. The strangeness of the novel lies not only in its surrealism but also in its archetypal familiarity — the sense that you’ve dropped into a dream, which ROAD TO NOWHERE
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FROM HELEN OF NOWHERE I think a lot about fires, floods, the end of the world, don’t you? Seems like every day the end of the world gets closer and closer, and yet, it hasn’t happened yet. Maybe it will happen today! Maybe we’re done for. Maybe our demise is just outside that door, and we’re just biding our time until it comes to call. I think the end of the world is the most compelling thing to think about these days. And we keep waiting around for it like we want it to come. You know, professor, I’ve been talking, and I’ve been noticing this whole time that you look depleted. You look lost, completely burned out. I told her yes, completely burned out. I feel dead, I told her. I’m so tired. Perhaps there’s another way I could be of help. I have a service that I don’t usually mention when I’m selling a house. But I think I could let you in on it. It’s something private, something very intimate. It’s not what you think it is, but it’s not unthinkable either. It’s outside of what’s normal, I mean. I couldn’t help but find this proposition sexy. I have a gift, the realtor said. But I was scared. I had learned to be frightened of my own desire.
Helen of Nowhere by Makenna Goodman, Coffee House Press, 141 pages. $18. makennagoodman.com SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
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could be yours or someone else’s. “You feel like you’re in a place you’ve never been before, but that you always knew you would one day enter,” the writer Sheila Heti, Goodman’s friend, wrote in an email. Helen, inspired by writer and back-to-the-lander Helen Nearing, who lived in southern Vermont, embodies the paradox of the “good life” as a kind of virtuous cosplay — for whom is it “good,” the novel asks, when people with money buy land, then live as if the Industrial Revolution never happened? “I do believe one can hoard goodness,” Goodman said in an interview last September with the Chicago Review of Books. “One can become a perpetrator while living in the spirit of ‘good.’ I wanted Helen to serve as an example of a person who is actively living in this juxtaposition but who is not quite able to see herself in it, despite thinking she can.” The seductiveness and impossibility of leaving it all behind has been a central motif in Goodman’s life. She spent her childhood in Durango, Colo., in a family of professional artists. Her father, Miles Goodman, was a renowned composer who scored television and movies, including Little Shop of Horrors and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels; her mother, Katherine Leiner, wrote fiction, nonfiction and children’s books. When Goodman was 9, her parents split up, and she moved with her mother to New York City a year later. Shortly after that, her father died of a heart attack. Goodman was already homesick for Colorado, and her father’s death compounded that sense of loss. “I spent my adolescence dealing with grief and a real sense of isolation and sadness,” she said. When she was 16, she attended a semester at the Mountain School in Vershire, where students work on a farm and spend time in nature alongside their academic studies. The experience changed Goodman profoundly. Between her junior and senior years at Wesleyan University, she came back to the Mountain School for a job on the farm. Through a coworker there, she met her future husband, Sam Kelman, a carpenter who had graduated from Wesleyan several years earlier. After graduation, Goodman did a stint as an assistant at Grand Central Publishing in New York City, then moved to a literary agency. In 2008, she was laid off. (Goodman’s Wikipedia page says she was “fired,” to which Goodman takes exception: “[My boss] told me I was too creative, and she needed something more like a robot,” she explained.) The next 32
said. “All of a sudden, the ground falls out from under you, and then you’re like, Oh, I’m just another person in capitalism. Like, I was the whole time, but now I don’t have these props around me that are sort of helping me to...” She paused to reconsider the trajectory of this sentence. “It’s not just props. It was a relationship with the land, a real relationship. Forget about whatever artifice is there because of class, or access, or whatever. What is a farm, versus what is a fake farm, versus what is a homestead? Whatever it was, it was a homestead.”
Goodman’s novels have a synaptic quality; their motor isn’t plot but the restlessness of the mind.
Makenna Goodman with her dog
day, she had a train ticket to Vermont to attend a memorial service for the spouse of a Mountain School faculty member, and she simply never booked a trip back to New York. “I was like, ‘This is it. I’m moving here,’” she said. “Sam came down with his pickup truck, like, three days later and packed up my apartment.” From 2008 to 2015, Goodman and Kelman homesteaded on 90 acres in Washington, where they raised beef cows, chickens, sheep and pigs and tended a massive garden. They made maple syrup, grew Christmas trees and cultivated nearly 2,000 garlic plants, all of which they trucked down to Brooklyn once a year and sold on the street. Both Goodman and Kelman also had day jobs — at the time, Goodman was an editor at Vermont’s Chelsea Green Publishing, and Kelman was running a firewood and brush-hogging business on the farmstead — but their lives revolved around the elaborate ecosystem they’d built. “Everything was about the walk from
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the front door to the barn to check on the sheep, or the cabbage in the big garden that was going to become sauerkraut,” Goodman said. “Everything felt like it was part of this — what’s the word? Not ‘contrived,’ but the nicer word. It was big. I’ve never been a religious person, but I felt like I finally had something to believe in.” After Kelman got a full-time job at the Mountain School and their son, Theo, was born, they moved to Vershire, where they gradually began to scale back their farmstead. A few years later, they had a daughter, Juniper, and maintaining their livestock became impossible amid the demands of work and child-rearing. They sold off their cows, then their sheep. Then the chickens got eaten. Suddenly there was nothing left to do but brush hog the fallow fields. Without the intense daily activity that had provided the scaffolding of their lives, Goodman said, she felt bereft and somehow exposed. “It felt like leaving the church,” she
In 2022, Goodman and Kelman bought a house in Montpelier, where they can now walk to Shaw’s and buy cabbage. Their house sits near the top of what is essentially a cliff behind Dunkin’ and Cumberland Farms, in a neighborhood some locals have affectionately dubbed “Upper Dunkin’.” Their yard doesn’t get much sun. When I visited Goodman in early August, half a dozen bundles of tiny, anemiclooking garlic heads were hanging up to dry on the front porch. “It’s shitty for vegetable gardening,” she told me. “The only place we could really do it is the front, but that’s where the gas guy needs to fill up the propane.” As we talked, an Irving truck backed up to make a delivery across the street, captivating the neighborhood with its beeping. Then we wandered the trails of Upper Dunkin’ to discuss writing, walking and what even is an ash tree. Have you always had the impulse to write? When did you begin to understand yourself as a person who writes? At the Mountain School, I had this teacher, Jack Kruse. I have to name him. In my mind, he was, like, eight feet tall, like Paul Bunyan or something. He wore suspenders and Converse high-tops, and he had these horn-rimmed glasses. ROAD TO NOWHERE
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We would chop wood with Jack, and Jack would tell stories, and Jack was incredible. I was this kid who hated New York City and had lost her father, and the world felt small and hard and sad. And here I was in the woodlot with this incredible man, out of a fable. One of the coolest things we did in his class was that everybody had a journal, an old-school composition notebook, and you had to write by hand in it. You could write about whatever you wanted; it didn’t matter. You didn’t have to be personal. But you did have to turn it in at the end of the week, and the teacher would read everybody’s journals aloud, anonymously. It was this amazing, intimate experience we were all in together — hearing the inner monologues of your peers, who were all fronting. Someone over here is desperately homesick; someone over here is dreaming about their future; someone over here is thinking about how their crush doesn’t like them. And someone over here — who was me — was writing short stories. I had no interest in being personal, but I’d had this really cool job that summer working in a café in Colorado, and I just wrote stories about the people in the café. It was the headiest thing for me to hear my words read aloud to the class, and nobody knew it was me. After college, you worked in publishing. Was that a kind of sublimation of your desire to be a writer? I actually ended up not really studying writing in college, because I didn’t find it interesting. I wasn’t interested in the path of being a writer. I did not want to sit in a workshop. I was kind of allergic to it, actually. It was so unmagical and formulaic and competitive and strange. After I graduated from college, I moved back to New York City and lived with my mom and was miserable. I tried to get a job working at restaurants, but I guess I chose really cool ones downtown, so I didn’t get hired, because, you know, those are fucking professionals. And then I randomly got a job in publishing. I wasn’t even looking for it, which is always what happens to me. But yeah, my mom was walking her dog in the park, and someone was like, “My best friend can’t find a new assistant. It’s so hard to find good young people these days.” And my mom was like, “Well, my daughter’s looking for a job!” And this person was like, “She should go interview!” And I went, and I was the last person that they interviewed, and they hired me. And it was like: Dress up, go to work, eat the salads 34
from the soulless salad place where they chop it all up really tiny. By the time I moved to Vermont, all I cared about was living close to the land. That’s all I wanted to do. That’s all I thought about. I didn’t write at all. Didn’t write one goddamn word. I didn’t start writing again until I stopped working at Chelsea Green and had my second baby. And why was that? What made you want to start writing again? I guess it was sort of like when I was 16, when I was in the woods and out of context. I was on maternity leave, so I wasn’t working, and the second kid was a lot easier than the first, because I knew what to do. So I just strapped her up, and I would walk, walk, walk, all the time, just walking and thinking. I’d gone to this astrologer in Thetford, and she’d given me a little book about psychoanalytic theory and the myth of Eros and Psyche. The point was basically that you could see all the characters in the myth as a projection of the archetypal woman. There was something about that book that made me realize I could create a story in my mind that was loosely based on the Eros and Psyche myth but that had elements of contemporary life. And so I would just talk this novel [The Shame] out to myself aloud while walking, and then I would go home and I would write, and it felt therapeutic. I feel like I write because I have to figure something out. It’s less about writing for the purpose of writing a novel and more for the purpose of developing a theory. What’s happening in your mind on your walks? What is it about walking that helps you structure your thinking? For me, walking is about having a nonverbal being to be in constant relationship with. Having a baby was really important for me to write the first book, and having a dog was really important to me for [Helen of Nowhere]. And I’m also in relationship with all these incredible beings here. [Goodman gestures at the woods along the trail.] I’ve tried to take pictures in these woods, and I can never capture the feeling of the shift in a season or what happens after a rain. So I just witness it. Nature writing is so interesting to me. The desire to describe something that is beyond language — like, how do you… Yeah. How do you describe something without being reductive? Or imposing yourself on it?
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Makenna Goodman harvesting garlic at her Montpelier home
I write because I have to figure something out.
MAK EN N A G O O D M A N
Yeah — imposing a story on it. Like, what even is an “ash tree”? An ash tree is a story. The ash tree does not know itself as such, nor does it need to in order to be itself. So we’ve just created and concocted all of these things to make sense of the world where we are. Oh, my God, I’m all tingly thinking about it! Tell me about your writing process. What’s it like when you’re working on something? My writing process is mostly not writing. It’s just living, existing, observing, immersing myself in whatever world I’m in and then writing freehand in a journal. Honestly, it’s just like going right back to Jack Kruse’s class. I’m not writing in, like, trains or something. It’s always in the dark, always in this very solitary space, just writing from a place of emotion, whatever comes out. I’m not by myself physically, but I am by myself psychically and energetically. Sam’s asleep. He goes to bed so early. I love writing in bed. I love bed. There’s something about bed that is entirely separate from life. That’s where the subconscious takes over.
Later, when I’m putting it all together, it’s like quilting. I’m not a quilter, so I’m not sure this is exactly the right analogy. But you put on your backing fabric, and then you decide to get rid of all your circular shapes, and then you realize that this whole thing was actually meant to be diamonds, or whatever. And you keep going back to the question at the beginning, which is: Well, what even is a quilt? Do you ever dread writing? What arrangements do you have to make with yourself in order to do it? I don’t dread it. It comes when it comes, and then it doesn’t when it doesn’t. I have no interest in developing a structure for what I think is magic. I don’t know how long this will work, or even if it’s working. Maybe I’ll change things up for the next book, because I’m not sure that it’s working in the same way anymore. I don’t know. I’m kind of just letting it happen and trusting that in the living is the writing. So I’m writing right now. ➆ This interview was edited for clarity and length.
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THERE’S LONG BEEN A CULTURE OF WOOD-FIRED COOKING IN THE GREEN MOUNTAINS,
AND THE LOW-AND-SLOW SCENE IS HEATING UP.
Right on ’Cue Tasting seven smoking-hot barbecue spots around Vermont B Y SEV EN D AYS S TAFF
T
he Carolinas. Texas. Memphis. Kansas City. Vermont? If we’re talking giants of American barbecue, that last one is a stretch. But there’s long been a culture of wood-fired cooking in the Green Mountains, and the low-and-slow scene is heating up. New businesses — brick and mortar, pop-up, farmers market, and mobile — are smoking meat all around the state, pulling elements from those established traditions while adding their own Vermont secret sauce. (For news on one additional, justopened spot in Barre, see page 41.) We recruited Seven Days’ barbecue enthusiasts to check out seven of the newest spots, all of which have recently opened or found a new location. Most are in Chittenden County, but we also found a mobile smoker at the Bristol Farmers Market and a taqueria-adjacent restaurant in Hardwick. We tasted their brisket, burnt ends, pulled pork — even eggplant! — and got the owners to spill the baked beans on why they do what they ’cue. JORDAN BARRY
Leo’s BBQ appears at farmers markets in Bristol, Jericho and Richmond, plus pop-ups around Burlington; follow @leosbbqvt on Instagram for schedule.
If Vermont barbecue had a calling card, it might be “Made in a smoker pulled behind a Subaru Outback.” That’s how Leo Lehrer-Small brings Leo’s BBQ to farmers markets in Bristol, Richmond and his Jericho hometown. Not Vermonty enough yet? All the meat
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Leo Lehrer-Small at the Bristol Farmers Market
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SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
A fire-roasted eggplant plate and a beef brisket plate with smoked Thai basil sausage at Leo’s BBQ
he cooks on his custom tank-offset setup from Hyde Park’s Golden Goose Smokers is sourced from Vermont farms and butchered by Lehrer-Small himself. When Lehrer-Small, 27, started last summer, he arrived at the Bristol Farmers Market six hours early to set up a 30-cinder-block pit. This spring, he got the smoker and decided to run the biz full time. “Food is really important in my family, and I’ve always loved cooking with fire,”
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Lehrer-Small said. In high school, he dug a hole in the backyard to try to cook a brisket in the ground. He’s since gained experience working in high-end kitchens — including Philadelphia’s Michelin-recommended Zahav — and training as a butcher at Charlotte’s Philo Ridge Farm. Lehrer-Small serves cheffed-up barbecue plates with staples such as beef brisket, brisket pastrami and barbecue chicken alongside beef cheek, lamb shoulder, Thai basil sausage and coal-roasted eggplant. Rotating sides include homemade dill pickles, chipotle black beans with pork and brisket trimmings, and homemade corn bread. I tried Leo’s BBQ at a Monday market in Bristol, with fiddles playing nearby. When I ordered a brisket plate ($22), Lehrer-Small carefully unwrapped a black pepper-rubbed slab. A pink ring glowed around the edge; each glistening slice draped itself like ribbon into the takeout box. I had him add a generous pour of vinegary sweet sauce, fortified with bone broth made to use all parts of the animal. Lehrer-Small also slathered some of that rich sauce on my eggplant plate ($18), though he makes a vegetarian sauce, too. Compared with the 10-hour smoked brisket, the eggplant is a quick cook: Slices sit on a grate over live coals in the smoker’s firebox. Once it’s charred, he chops it and adds tahini and lemon for a baba ghanoush-style combo. The result is as meaty as a vegetarian dish can be. In the long term, Lehrer-Small hopes to park the Subaru and open a permanent spot. For now, find him on the road. J.B.
The Slow Burn 520 BBQ & Grill, 90 Center Rd., Essex, 802-662-5144, 520bbqgrill.com
Barbecue presents as simple food: meat on a plate. My husband’s response to our meal at 520 BBQ & Grill was equally simple: “Everything I ate was terrific,” he
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Matt Desautels demonstrating how he would deconstruct a brisket after barbecuing
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said, gnawing the last bit of tender, fatty meat from a smoked pork rib. He’d even declined to add barbecue sauce. Matt Desautels, 47, launched 520 BBQ in March in the Essex Center Shopping Center, a convenient stop-off for suburban commuters. A Vermont native, he learned the art of barbecue while serving in the U.S. Army (the restaurant draws its name from his former Army unit), then took a barbecue course in Georgia. He offers his customers the full range of smoked meat: brisket, pulled pork, ribs, smoked wings, sausage and — Desautels’ favorite, as well as mine — Kansas Citystyle burnt ends ($13). Those burnt ends come from a brisket smoked overnight, fueled by white oak logs that impart a “softer” flavor — easier on the northern palate than the more powerful smokiness of mesquite or hickory, Desautels said. The lean brisket is served in slices, but Desautels cubes the fatty ends of the cut, rubs them with salt and pepper, rolls them in barbecue sauce, and gives them a return trip to the smoker. Fat carries flavor, so it’s no surprise that, for my money, burnt ends have it over brisket. My helping was luscious: both crisp and tender, just slightly sweet and in no need of additional sauce. About three-quarters of Desautels’ customers opt for takeout; a handful of tables accommodate those who want to eat in. Brisket ($18 for an eight-ounce portion) and ribs ($15 for a half rack) are customer favorites. We ordered the Family Special ($30) with four meats and added burnt ends and ribs for an extra $20. Since all the meat is smoked and ready, our hearty order arrived in five
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Barbacoa Smoke, 127 E. Lakeshore Dr., Colchester, 802-343-2312, Barbacoa Smoke on Facebook
Louie Laberge grew up as a farm boy in Charlotte. After working his first job at Al’s French Frys in South Burlington when he was 19 years old, he started a career in construction that lasted decades. Then a friend gave him a meat smoker, and Laberge never looked back. He’d always liked cooking, and soon he was doing just that for his friends, as well as his fellow campers at Colchester’s Malletts Bay Campground, where he spends his summers. “They all started telling me I needed to start a food truck, because there just wasn’t anything like this in town,” Laberge, 57, said. In May, he made that idea into reality, opening the Barbacoa Smoke food truck on East Lakeshore Drive, tucked neatly behind the Pickled Perch restaurant. Laberge serves burgers, hot dogs and chicken fingers alongside his barbecue specialties: succulent Texas-style brisket ($18), pulled pork ($13) and ribs ($20 for a half rack; $35 for a full). Preparing the meat the way he likes it requires Laberge to be an early riser. He starts the brisket a little before 4 a.m. each morning, trimming and seasoning it before throwing it in the smoker. The RIGHT ON ’CUE
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Right on ’Cue « P.37 pork butts go on next, followed by the ribs, which take an average of six hours to cook to perfection. The result is mouthwatering, tender meat with a smoky, slightly sweet taste that has as much flavor as Laberge has patience. “With this smoker, I can push through the brisket in seven hours or so, if need be,” he said. “But the kind of brisket I like to make, I spend 12 to 14 hours cooking. The best brisket is a really slow-cooked one.” The Town of Colchester only allows food trucks to operate until October 1, so Laberge’s season doesn’t last as long as he’d like. Those in the know fill up while they can. On a recent afternoon, the line for barbecue included teenagers, construction workers from a nearby site and tourists staying near the bay. They’re drawn by the smell of slow-cooking meat and an ideal location for eating it, facing Bayside Beach. “I’ve got the view, the marina,” Laberge pointed out. “Hard to beat!” CHR IS FARNSW ORTH
Outta the Park Brisket and Beans BBQ, open Mondays only, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., in Park Place Tavern, 38 Park St., Essex Junction, 802-904-3418, Brisket and Beans BBQ on Facebook
a wood fire for 21 hours. He also makes sauces, including a ruby one with pomegranate molasses and lemon and an “umami tsunami” sauce, which tastes like steak sauce and barbecue had a love child. But for me, the true measure of good barbecue is whether it’s flavorful enough to eat sans sauce. By that standard, DeGuise’s meat delivered. The brisket ($8 per quarter pound; platters with meat and
two sides start at $10) was perfectly tender, and the rib meat ($8 per quarter pound) slipped off the bone like a negligee. DeGuise makes his baked beans with smoked jalapeño-infused maple syrup, giving them a light, not overpowering sweetness. The coleslaw, an afterthought in some barbecue joints, is Japanese-style and hand-shredded, made with sugar and apple cider vinegar. Simple, crunchy and tasty.
Casey DeGuise at Brisket and Beans BBQ
Louie Laberge preparing a brisket at Barbacoa Smoke
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For me, it was a toss-up whether the ribs bested the namesake brisket, and I regretted not ordering the burnt ends. Thankfully, that left room for dessert, baked by DeGuise’s girlfriend, Addy LeFebvre, who serves up a maple-brownsugar corn bread and a decadent flourless chocolate cake. It took DeGuise years to find his carnivorous calling. The lifelong Vermonter KEN PICARD
CHRIS FARNSWORTH
I make no bones about it: After six years of living in Austin, Texas, I’m an unrepentant barbecue snob. So when I heard that Casey DeGuise, owner of Brisket and Beans BBQ in Essex Junction, specializes in Texas barbecue, I was eager to give it a try — and was not disappointed. DeGuise, 37, makes his own hand rub and cooks his meat low and slow over
A sampler platter at Hardwick BBQ
food+drink started using drugs at 14, and when the feds arrested him for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, it “saved my life,” he said. Out of jail and struggling to find work in 2019, DeGuise applied for a job at what was then Mark BBQ in Essex Junction. Chef-owner Darrell Langworthy knew of DeGuise’s past but gave him a chance. Two years later, DeGuise was general manager. When Langworthy closed the business in 2024, DeGuise decided to carry on the tradition. He’s now smoking the right stuff, and we’re all the better for it. KEN P ICARD
Party Platter Hardwick BBQ, 154 Route 15, Hardwick, cajamaderatacotrucks.com
I rolled up to Hardwick BBQ with four family members and two pups in tow, unsure what to expect. Located beside Caja Taqueria and owned by the same folks — chef Bryan Palilonis, 48, and his partner, Gabs Benham, 35, with startup help from a longtime friend, chef Jeff Weiss, 60 — the business has such a minimal web presence that it’s hard to tell if it actually exists. In some places, the ’cue operation is referred to as Caja Pub rather than Hardwick
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BBQ, and although it opened in May, the website still says the location is “coming soon.” Would I find the brisket and ribs I was craving, or would delicious tacos be my consolation prize? Happily, the smoker was puffing away. Although musician Dave Keller sang the blues inside the dining room, my canine-laden crew had to stick with one of the picnic tables in the parking lot. The loaded sampler ($40), which comes with three meats, three ribs and two sides, is just right for a ravenous trio or a more temperate foursome. To stretch it for our quintet, we added sides and a few appetizers, including candied pork belly ($15) and golden nuggets of sweet corn ($8) mixed with batter and deep fried, then drizzled with creamy remoulade. Both were adorned with simple, crisp salads and pickled red onions. The tender beef ribs and smoky brisket were my favorites of the meats, and I enjoyed the tomato and cumin flavor of the baked beans — a change from the
maple-rich New England style. The platter came with pickles (cucumber slices, green beans, more onions!) and a petite loaf of corn bread with softened, spiced honey butter for slathering. One of the best things about the location is that it’s a two-for-one deal: If a party member isn’t into barbecue, they can peel off to the taqueria for a cup of pozole or a veggie burrito stuffed with plantains, beans and pico de gallo. For a place that’s “coming soon,” Hardwick BBQ is remarkably filling.
THE RIB MEAT SLIPPED OFF THE BONE LIKE A NEGLIGEE.
S U ZA N N E PO DHAI ZE R
Hog Wild Hangry Hogg, University Mall parking lot, South Burlington, and other local events; text “join” to 802-505-9455 or follow on Facebook for weekly schedule updates
Jason Evans grew up in central New York — not exactly barbecue country. But when he landed in culinary school in Charleston, S.C., he immediately fell for the tender, smoke-kissed meats.
Barbecue “kinda grasped me in my soul,” the chef said, but it remained a hobby through his several decades in fine dining. About five years ago, Evans, now 55, finally decided to launch the Hangry Hogg food truck in his then-hometown of Rutland. Late last year, Evans and his wife moved north for her job, and Hangry Hogg started serving lunch regularly in South Burlington’s University Mall parking lot. After a couple months of deep-winter closure, it reopened in March. Hangry Hogg’s menu blends barbecue staples with chef’s touches. Evans always has chopped brisket ($16) and pulled-pork sandwiches ($14), plus a “flight” of sliders, one of each meat ($12). Regular Nick Bushey of South Burlington said paying $2 for an extra serving of the “melt-in-yourmouth” brisket is “the way to go.” Evans rubs the meat with celery salt and a nose-tickling dose of black pepper. He uses pecan-wood chips for a lighter flavor that he believes pleases more northern palates. His not-too-sweet, tangy sauce combines fresh pineapple, oranges, onions, molasses, ketchup and canned chipotle. RIGHT ON ’CUE
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MELISSA PASANEN
Hangry Hogg’s sides are just as thoughtful: The creamy slaw ($4) features buttermilk and Duke’s mayonnaise generously seasoned with celery seed and pepper. Evans smokes his pinto beans ($4) before tossing them with barbecue sauce and an abundance of meat trimmings. On a recent visit, I tried all three weekly specials: a pair of chewy, flavorful Fred Flintstone-size beef ribs ($19); a half-rack of fatty, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs ($16); and a pound of crisp-skinned, deep-fried smoked wings ($16), which can be dressed with house sauces such as barbecue and Buffalo. At the chef’s recommendation, I went with the nontraditional salt and vinegar, which complemented the wings’ smokiness. In summer and fall, Hangry Hogg serves lunch at the mall Wednesdays and Thursdays, plus Fridays and Saturdays if Evans has no events booked. To avoid hangry disappointment, check Facebook for his weekly schedule.
From left: Hangry Hogg beef ribs, brisket smash burger, pork ribs and smoked wings
MEL ISSA PASANEN
Perfect 10 Tin Bucks Barbecue appears at farmers markets, pop-ups and special events around the state; find the schedule at tinbucksbarbecue.com.
DAN BOLLES
Maybe it’s his military background or his decade-plus in the food-service trenches, but Todd Cassell comes off as a no-nonsense kind of guy. At least at first. Slinging meats last Thursday from his mobile smoker rig at the Pinery in Burlington, the Tin Bucks Barbecue founder managed his steady flow of hungry customers with a mix of cheffy precision and cheeky bravado, the latter somewhere between that of a soldier on shore leave and a standup comic practicing crowd
Todd Cassell smoking meats at Tin Bucks Barbecue
work. Asked what sauce he recommends for his slow-smoked wings, Cassell quipped without breaking stride, as he sliced and plated an order of brisket, “I recommend you make up your mind.”
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He waited a beat to allow a customer to marinate in sudden anxiety before softening and saying with a grin, “Kidding. Go with the Buffalo.” Since launching Tin Bucks earlier this
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year, Cassell has made a local name for himself with smartly conceived, well-executed ’cue, saucily served — whether you opt for barbecue sauce or not. Based in Northfield, the gregarious former Marine and New England Culinary Institute alum rolls up to farmers markets, car shows and brewery parking lots across central and northern Vermont, five to seven days a week, and introduces customers to his brand of “Vermont-style barbecue,” $10 at a time. (Most menu items are 10 bucks, as the name hints, though he went with “tin” to give himself an out in case costs increase.) Despite his culinary training, Cassell is a self-taught pitmaster. He borrows from many different regional styles and techniques to produce his competition-quality ribs, brisket, chicken and pulled pork. His Green Mountain take on barbecue is subtle, starting with smoking on apple and maple wood and judiciously incorporating those and other classic Vermont flavors into his recipes. Rather than the traditional ketchup or vinegar, for example, one of his sauces has an apple base. There might not be a better deal around than Tin Bucks’ $10 menu — $15 for specials. For less than what you might spend on a single platter at fancier joints, a friend and I gorged on brisket, pork belly burnt ends, wings and an array of sides ($3 each or $10 for four). The only challenge? Making up my mind about what to try next. DAN BO LLE S
Barre, Williston, St. Albans & Plattsburgh, NY M-F 10-6, Sat 10-5, Closed Sun
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food+drink community,” Boomhower said. “Here I am in St. Albans, and I couldn’t be happier.”
Ralston’s Restaurant
JO RDAN BARRY
Sarky’s Smokehouse & Saloon Opens a Second Spot, in Barre ERIN and SARKIS HAND have added a second
SIDEdishes
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SERVING UP FOOD NEWS
Ralston’s Restaurant to Open in St. Albans
COURTESY
Chef MICHAEL BOOMHOWER’s career has taken him to California’s Bay Area, PLATE and Michael’s on the Hill in the Stowe area, and Union and Central Provisions in Portland, Maine. For the first restaurant of his own, he’s returning to Franklin County, where he grew up. The Enosburgh native, 38, will open RALSTON’S RESTAURANT in the historic Ralston building at 54 North Main Street in St. Albans in early September. The style of food is “a blank slate,” Boomhower said, though he and the staff will play with New England and French Canadian dishes, serving “reimagined classics evolved to 2026.” The seafood on the menu will reflect Boomhower’s experience in Portland, where his final gig before moving home was as chef at the Danforth, an upscale bar-restaurant from the team behind Death & Co., a giant in the cocktail world. “But we are in Franklin County,” he said. “And for me, Franklin County is beef — a lot of beef.” A steak section of the menu will offer different cuts to use all of the cow, sourced from local farms. Other
Rib and brisket plates at Sarky’s Smokehouse & Saloon
dishes will include fresh pasta, half chicken with seasonal accoutrements, and rotating proteins such as pork, duck and venison. Bar snacks might be tinned fish, marinated BOSTON POST DAIRY cheese curds and fried olives with citrus aioli. Boomhower is Ralston’s majority owner; friends turned business partners SCOTT COLLINS and JODY HAYES, who bought 3 SQUARES CAFÉ in Vergennes in January 2024, are involved behind the scenes. Boomhower has worked with them in Vergennes since he returned to Vermont.
With help from the City of St. Albans, which has owned the building since 2021, they’ve transformed the former Nourish Deli & Bakery space into a two-floor restaurant. A grand staircase connects the upstairs bar area to the intimate downstairs dining room. To match the stained-glass Ralston’s sign, the team has sourced Tiffanystyle lamps to place throughout the restaurant. “We’re excited to be stewards of the space, apply all the things we’ve learned and share the adventure with my home
outpost of SARKY’S SMOKEHOUSE & SALOON at 135 North Main Street in Barre. As of its August 12 soft opening, the new restaurant joins Sarky’s in Wells River. That 100-seat restaurant opened in December 2023 at 42 Main Street North after demand for the Hands’ barbecue and their “extreme” burgers outgrew Sarky’s original 3.5-year-old Groton location. In Barre, the Hands took over the 49-seat restaurant space in the historic Wheelock House that was renovated to become Foxy’s, the second food biz from the team behind East Montpelier’s FOX MARKET. Foxy’s closed in September 2025 after less than a year in operation. Sarky’s nods to a childhood nickname of Sarkis. The 47-year-old Waterbury native has cooked in restaurants since he was 18. He and Erin, 49, have worked in food together for close to two decades. They both cook and “do everything,” she said. “It never gets old,” her husband quipped. The Hands started experimenting with barbecue specials in the late 2010s when they owned Sarky’s Burgers and Wings in Delhi, N.Y. For their current restaurants, they run two smokers to cook ribs, pulled pork, chicken and brisket “low and slow,” Sarkis said. Both locations have a full bar and a broad menu, which includes wings, salads and loaded hand-cut fries, some topped with brisket or pulled pork. The popular Smokehouse Burger features a half-pound beef patty piled with housesmoked brisket, beer-battered onion rings, pepper jack cheese and sriracha barbecue sauce. “Barre’s been eating a lot of those,” Sarkis said. The couple plan to gradually expand hours in Barre and add the pasta dishes already served in Wells River. Check Facebook for updates.
ME LI S S A PAS AN E N
CONNECT Follow us for the latest food gossip! On Instagram: Jordan Barry: @jordankbarry; Melissa Pasanen: @mpasanen.
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Theater review: Lobby Hero, Dorset Theatre Festival B Y A L E X BROW N • alex@sevendaysvt.com
K
enneth Lonergan fills his plays with the exquisite flaws of his characters. He wraps the viewer in dialogue so realistic that the events and people are simply true, full stop. Four characters intersect in Lobby Hero, all with choices to make about power and weakness, knowledge and deception. There’s a murder, some romance and a great deal of comedy to be mined. But watching Dorset Theatre Festival’s razor-sharp production isn’t just seeing a story told. It’s an experience of emotional tension singing through four everyday lives. Jeff is a security guard on the night shift in a Manhattan apartment building. He’s got a slacker’s temperament but is taking the first steps toward making a life for himself. His boss, William, is a roving inspector who checks up on the building and on Jeff. William’s meticulously kept checklist is as clear-cut as his worldview. His ideas on personal responsibility are dispensed with the same conviction as his workplace rules, and he’s certain that unfocused Jeff could use the advice. The 42
ever-shrugging Jeff agrees but marches to a sloppier drummer. On the street outside, a seasoned cop and his rookie partner have just come back from breaking up a fight in which the rookie used her training to deliver a massive blow to stop a man much bigger than herself. Bill tells Dawn she handled herself well and that he’ll back up her account of the man’s aggression. Bill’s gun belt is made for his thumbs to curl under, the pose of pure swagger. Dawn mashes her fists in her jacket pockets, nervous and cowed. Bill looks like her protector, and she looks like his fawning pupil — until power and sexual dynamics start peeking through. At first, the play seems to consist of only the most superficial conversations. Jeff shooting the breeze to fill a long, empty night; William pausing to pontificate. Bill building his partner’s confidence; Dawn so eager to do well, the two of them regular visitors to Jeff ’s building. Lonergan excels at using the commonplace to expose a character’s soul — the more barren the topic, the more telling the preoccupations that emerge.
SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
A taut pace brings the tension of a thriller into the lackluster confines of a lobby. When William’s brother is tied to a brutal murder, the investigation ripples out to force all the characters to make decisions, but their precepts fail them. They each paw through the tangle of their messy lives to see if they can spot the best choice among loselose propositions. Lonergan’s structure and a fine ensemble steered by director M. Bevin O’Gara swing our attention through each point of view until we see how very hard it is to do the right thing in a messy world. Lonergan’s characters are decent people with aspirations that deserve sympathy, attitudes worthy of scorn and shortcomings silly enough to make the audience laugh out loud. Viewers will likely change their opinions as each character stumbles along. The dialogue is filled with sentences that start in one place, hesitate, change direction, vacillate and end in contradiction. Equivocal situations stir jumbled thoughts. Who has the power in a flirtation, a confession, a moment of soul-searching? Who has the right to correct a wrong?
It can be satisfying to sense an actor’s hard work producing emotion, but the best acting is invisible, leaving the viewer to experience emotion without anyone pointing to it. The highest praise for all four performers in Lobby Hero is noting that not a single one of them appears to be acting. O’Gara has built a fine ensemble that dissolves the line between audience and character — we observe people, not actors constructing people. Donathan Walters winds up William and lets him go, fortified by an ironclad sense of himself. Knowing right from wrong seems easy until he’s confronted with more gray than black and white. When William has to lie, and lie to himself, Walters has built a smooth on-ramp for the character to travel with no easy way down. As Bill, Lee Aaron Rosen portrays a cop who knows that power settles every fight, political, personal or criminal — it’s always worked, and it always will. Bill’s bravado gets stretched to its limit, and he’s in need of comeuppance. But Rosen makes space for us to pity him as well. Carmen Flood shows Dawn’s painfully constructed toughness. Dawn fought hard to become a cop and accepts the price of having Bill as her protector. Gender politics are etched deep in their relationship, and Flood reveals the toll it takes. Tobias Segal keeps his expression rubbery while playing Jeff as a chatty guy hoping to say what a listener wants to hear. Jeff fills in conversational crevices as if he’s trying out his own personality, mumbling jokes to see who he is. Segal has the courage to paint Jeff as a true fuckup without hiding behind easy likability. And when Jeff is in a position to fix something, Segal lets us wince, and laugh, at his incompetence. Scenic designer Alexander Woodward creates a placid lobby garnished with stately cornices and moldings. If it seems a calm, simple place, Woodward rotates our vantage point so the space is alive with diagonals, receding to a corner, not a flat wall. O’Gara uses the angles to set characters in natural collisions or offer little islands for retreat. The moral ambiguities that drive Lobby Hero have only increased since the play’s 2001 premiere. An intricate knot of confessions, power shifts and lies tightens until the characters see their greatest certainties fail them. They all wear badges, but a shiny shield doesn’t give anyone the insight to know how to do the right thing. Their choices — and their strained rationalizations — will stay with them. ➆
INFO Lobby Hero, by Kenneth Lonergan, directed by M. Bevin O’Gara, produced by Dorset Theatre Festival. Through September 15: Wednesdays through Fridays and Saturday, August 29, 7:30 p.m.; and Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, 2 p.m., at Dorset Playhouse. $62-74. dorsettheatrefestival.org
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Interactive puppets handmade by Plasticiens Volants in front of Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey in Normandy, France
THEATER
French Street Performers Tour Vermont With Breathtaking Inflatable Puppets B Y KE N P I C ARD • ken@sevendaysvt.com
Nearly a dozen schoolyards, soccer pitches, football fields and city parks across Vermont will transform into performance spaces next month as Burlington’s Flynn theater presents its fifth annual installment of Playing Fields. The free, family-friendly community spectacle combines art, theater, dance and puppetry. This year’s shows feature Plasticiens Volants, a French company of street performers who use inflatable puppets to tell their stories. Sea Fantasy: The Pearl plunges audience members into an underwater seascape populated by friendly creatures such as squid, hermit crabs and seahorses, who help a lonely pearl explore life beyond the limits of her shell. Now in its 50th year, Plasticiens Volants, based in Graulhet, France, has won international acclaim for its breathtaking inflatable puppets. Born out of the Paris student uprising of 1968, Plasticiens Volants — literally, “flying artists” — draws from the aesthetic of Europe’s centuries-old traditions of Carnival, processions and public festivals, which in the 1960s and ’70s were incorporated into the continent’s social justice movements. Founder Marc Miralès, who died last year, believed in “creating spectacles in the sky [and] telling stories above our heads,” said Sonia Kozlova Clark of Unicycle Productions. She has worked with Plasticiens Volants for years to bring its performances to communities around the U.S. Vermonters may see parallels to the work of Bread and Puppet Theater of Glover, which is famous for its expressive papier-mâché puppets. Though its aesthetic is very different, the Plasticiens Volants troupe has a similar rebellious streak and work ethos. Company members construct all the puppets themselves and always collaborate with local artists, builders and performers in the communities they visit. In fact, the
Vermont performances will feature some Bread and Puppet members. “They’re part of that same approach to art, as being something of the people and for the people,” Kozlova Clark said. Central to Plasticiens Volants’ shows are its awe-inspiring and sometimes massive handmade inflatables, composed of hand-painted lightweight fabric similar to boat sails. Unlike the floats in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which are tethered to handlers on the ground and simply drift along, Plasticiens Volants’ puppetry involves intricate manipulation with sticks and ropes to tell stories and interact with audience members, who are encouraged to touch them as they move through the crowd. “The stage and the audience are one and the same,” Kozlova Clark said. Though all the shows in Vermont are free and do not require tickets or reservations, the production is neither cheap nor simple to put on, Kozlova Clark said. Nine of Plasticiens Volants’ 30 company members will travel to Vermont. The company, which doesn’t always travel with the entire troupe, had to cope with significant increases in the cost of U.S. visas as well as helium — the latter always a significant production expense but one that has skyrocketed in recent months due to the war with Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. While Plasticiens Volants was born of social movements, Kozlova Clark noted that the 14 Vermont shows, which will include some on Montpelier’s Statehouse lawn on September 19 and 20, are not politically themed. “This show is very playful, peaceful and magical,” she said. “And that’s what we all need right now.” ➆
INFO
5/26/26 2:24 PM
Healthy volunteers aged 65-75 years needed for a research study on food and the brain. Up to 3-month-long study that includes screening and a 4-week study. All food is provided and compensation up to $1000 if all visits are completed. To learn more please email dietandbrain@uvm.edu. Larner College of Medicine Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit 6h-UVMDeptPsych(Fatty65-70)081226.indd 1
say you saw it in
8/10/26 10:08 AM
Playing Fields runs from September 8 to 20 at various locations statewide. Free. See the full schedule at flynnvt.org. SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 mini2col-sawit2024.indd 2
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7/31/24 4:50 PM
culture Short Takes on Five Vermont Books
S
even Days writers can’t possibly read, much less review, all the books that arrive in a steady stream by post, email and, in one memorable case, a snowy owl flying to the tune of “Hedwig’s Theme” by Oscar-winning composer John Williams. So this occasional feature is our way of introducing you to a handful of books by Vermont authors. To do that, we contextualize each book just a little and quote a single representative sentence from, yes, page 32.
Modern Vermont Innkeeping: A Memoir, a Modern Family, and 26 Years of Unexpected Adventures at the North Hero House
A Failure of Imagination: How the Healthcare System Fails Neurodivergent People — and What We’re Doing Instead
Asa James
Fruitlands: A Historical Novel
The Three Graces of Pearl Street
Jodi Lew-Smith, Köehler Books, 294 pages. $28.95.
Mark Pendergrast, Brown Fedora Books, 192 pages. $10.
Elizabeth Wellington Rollins, Atria Books, 400 pages. $30.
Walter Blasberg, Onion River Press, 250 pages. $24.95.
Melissa Marotta Houser, Beaver’s Pond Press, 336 pages. $21.95.
When he opened the door to the rear room, it was filled with smoke.
I knew what it was like to be on the other side of the exam room door.
“They should have told you. Before you learned like this.”
And at times I am subject to temptations of the flesh.
“I am Graziella Valentini.”
There was a whole lot of orange shag carpet to rip up when Walter Blasberg, a summer resident of the Champlain Islands with a successful investment management career, bought the North Hero House in 1997. Replacing it was a small part of the structural upgrade and complete redecoration he then embarked on — all of which was almost derailed by a fire in the third-story eaves the month before reopening. Blasberg sold the lakeside lodging and its two associated restaurants on North Hero’s main drag in 2022. Modern Vermont Innkeeping, a memoir written in retirement, recounts the property’s history as well as his own later-in-life coming-out story. Like black shale tossed across the lake from the inn’s Steamship Pier, Blasberg skips gracefully from one recollection to another. The result is conversational, as though Blasberg is welcoming a guest at the inn, handing over a dose of local color along with the room key.
Dr. Melissa Marotta Houser graduated from medical school with virtually no training in autism. Because most of the signs she was taught to look for appear in only a small percentage of people who are autistic, Houser often didn’t spot it in her patients. It wasn’t until she was 37 that she herself was diagnosed with autism, ADHD, dyslexia and other conditions that she now puts under the rubric of “neurodivergence.” In 2021, when Houser launched her Montpelier medical practice, All Brains Belong, she vowed never to treat her patients the way she’d been treated by the medical establishment: disbelieved, invalidated, ignored and traumatized because she didn’t fit the mold of what’s considered “normal.” A Failure of Imagination traces Houser’s path to discovering a more compassionate approach to medicine. But the broader lessons in her book apply to anyone who interacts with the American health care system — that is, all of us.
JORDAN BARRY
KEN PICARD
Hardwick author Jodi Lew-Smith’s debut novel, Asa James, transports readers to 1875 Vermont, where the 23-year-old title character resists the tethers of the only world he has known: the poor farm where he grew up. Forced to work as a cooper’s apprentice, Asa wants to study science, a pursuit deemed frivolous when there are mouths to feed. “Learning a trade is your privilege, not your prison,” he is told by the farm’s cheesemaker, who believes a mixed-race orphan with a scarred face should feel lucky to have work. Winner of the 2026 American Legacy Book Awards’ top prize for historical fiction, the work benefits from its creator’s master’s degree in botany. The expertise informs her “lovingly detailed descriptions of plant and animal life encountered by Asa,” Sandy Scott, co-owner of Hardwick’s Galaxy Bookshop, wrote in a testimonial. A shocking revelation catapults Asa from the poor farm. Liberated, he makes his own way in the world — until another exposed secret upends everything. MARY ANN LICKTEIG
A mad nudist, a depressed former asylum inmate and a young man spiritually anguished over his closeted homosexuality aren’t ideal candidates to found a utopian society. Yet they’re among the colorful and tragicomic characters who populate Fruitlands, a communal farm founded in the remote woods of Massachusetts in 1843. Mark Pendergrast’s novel Fruitlands consists solely of diary entries, letters and articles written by the commune’s inhabitants during its seven-month existence, including those of then-10-yearold Louisa May Alcott, who later wrote Little Women. Some of these materials are real; others, fictionalized. Pendergrast, a Colchester writer and scholar, has penned 14 books on an array of topics, from histories of mirrors, coffee and Coca-Cola to the myths surrounding repressed memories to a graphic novel about Donald Trump’s 2016 election. Fruitlands’ ascetic inhabitants, who eschew animal products, beasts of burden and goods made by enslaved people, offer a fascinating glimpse into the naïve idealism that fuels intentional communities and the reasons they fail. K.P.
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SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
With those four words, the 96-year-old matriarch of an Italian American family introduces herself to a New York City police officer during a Times Square evacuation. Left unsaid is what the cop will soon figure out: The lady will risk jail time to protect her family. The Three Graces of Pearl Street, the debut novel from South Pomfret’s Elizabeth Wellington Rollins, to be released on September 1, brings three generations of women named Graziella under one roof. The grandmother, a former nun, swears in Italian and feeds her workingclass neighborhood. Her daughter, a respected psychology professor who goes by Grace, is navigating a divorce. Grace’s daughter, Ella, is an anti-capitalist, environment-loving vegan who dropped out of MIT two weeks short of graduating. Rich, flavorful and as satiating as the abundant spread Graziella serves for the Feast of the Seven Fishes, Rollins’ story is an homage to her own maternal Italian heritage. Tempers flare and food flies during that holiday dinner. What else would one expect when three strong-willed women gather around a table? M.A.L.
culture Rachel Moore to Step Down as Head of the Current in Stowe B Y A L I C E D O D G E • adodge@sevendaysvt.com
Rachel Moore, executive director at the Current in Stowe, will step down at the end of the year, the organization announced last Friday. Moore has been with the art center since 2011, when she was invited by what was then called the Helen Day Art Center to curate the annual “Exposed” show of outdoor sculpture and the “Habitat for Artists” project along the Stowe Recreation Path. She has led the organization as executive director since 2016. Back when she started, Moore said in a phone call, then-director Nathan Suter, who died last year, was the only full-time employee. She has been instrumental in growing the organization, which now has six full-time and four part-time staff members; Moore said she is especially proud to have ushered in an era of livable wages and benefits, something fairly rare for arts nonprofits. During her tenure, Moore has tripled the organization’s budget. The Current has
recently hired a major gifts and campaign officer and is embarking on an endowment campaign to ensure long-term financial stability. “We’re in a really good place. We have really strong partnerships and programs coming up, and we have a really strong core team here,” Moore said. “It just feels like the right time.” The Current has already set its 2027 exhibition schedule, she said, and she envisions plenty of time to help the organization with a transition in the coming months. On her recommendation, she said, the Current board plans to hire both a new executive director and a full-time curator — an administrative structure she called “more sustainable.” As the art center’s curator, Moore has created dozens of thoughtful, heavily researched and often provocative shows with artists from Vermont and all over the world. She is most proud of those that have sparked conversations about social justice, such as 2014’s “Unrest: Art, Activism, and Revolution” and last year’s “It often rhymes.” Her goal with those shows, she said, was “presenting individual perspectives so that we can connect with each other with more understanding, more humanity, about topics that have been so divisive.” Building relationships with local
FILE: JEB WALLACE-BRODEUR
GALLERIES
Rachel Moore
educators and bringing in students for in-depth explorations of the exhibitions has also been a cornerstone of Moore’s time at the Current. When school groups started visiting, she said, “most of them had never been to a gallery or museum. They looked at all the work. They couldn’t believe that you could be an artist or that you could make your voice heard through artwork.” Moore said her future plans include more
time in the studio — she is a practicing artist as well as a curator — and focusing on her family. “I’ve put 200 percent into the Current,” she said. “This is an amazing opportunity for me to kind of step back and start to dream about what’s next.” ➆
INFO
Learn more at thecurrentnow.org.
AUG 29 - OCT 4, 2026
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8/21/26 11:38 AM
on screen Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma ★★★★★
F
COURTESY OF MUBI
or the past four years, I’ve been following the work of Jane Schoenbrun, whose low-budget indie films have irresistible premises. In We’re All Going to the World’s Fair, a lonely teenager gets sucked into an ominous online game. I Saw the TV Glow is about two misfit high schoolers whose obsession with a TV drama has unsettling repercussions in adulthood. Schoenbrun’s latest, the slasher pastiche Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, won the Queer Palm at the Cannes Film Festival. As of press time, see it at the Savoy Theater in Montpelier, Partizanfilm in Burlington and the Majestic 10 in Williston.
The deal
Young indie filmmaker Kris Williams (Hannah Einbinder) has been hired by a Hollywood studio to revive a “zombie IP” — the Camp Miasma slasher series, featuring a transgender killer known as Little Death (Jack Haven). The execs hope that Kris, who uses she/they pronouns and is in a polyamorous queer relationship, has the “woke” credentials to remove any taint of hatred from their vintage property. Kris travels to the Pacific Northwest to seek out Billy Presley (Gillian Anderson), who played the original Camp Miasma’s “final girl.” Having refused to participate in the sequels, Billy lives in seclusion, but Kris wants her to appear in the reboot. Kris’ partner (Jasmin Savoy Brown), who jokingly compares Billy to faded star Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard, doesn’t know the half of it. Billy’s home turns out to be the abandoned summer camp where Camp Miasma was filmed, complete with a cinema where the projector is always threaded with her star turn. Serving Kris dinner, Billy solemnly informs her guest that Little Death is alive and well on the property. The eccentric, turban-wearing actress is just kidding … or is she? As Kris ventures further into Billy’s private world, fact merges with fantasy.
Will you like it?
Let’s be clear: Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma is not a horror movie. In fact, it may be Schoenbrun’s happiest, least dread-inducing film. Instead of the inventive kills prized by genre fans, it features purposefully absurd scenes in which blood gushes in geysers. We get to see 35mm scenes from the original Camp Miasma, and the movie’s opening credits tell 46
Gillian Anderson and Hannah Einbinder bond over horror movies and sugar in Jane Schoenbrun’s surrealist comedy.
REVIEW the story of the series through wonderfully eloquent, period-accurate memorabilia. But simply re-creating the aesthetic of ’80s slashers isn’t the point. Schoenbrun’s focus is the people who love those movies — in all their problematic glory — and the strange reasons why they love them. The backbone of Camp Miasma’s early scenes is parody of the most affectionate kind. Beloved comic actors Patrick Fischler of “Mad Men” and Kevin McDonald of “The Kids in the Hall” play stock characters, while aerial shots and title cards recall The Shining. But the movie soon veers way past parody into the realm of surrealism. When Kris arrives in Billy’s domain, hand-painted matte backgrounds and obviously fake snow make it clear that Camp Miasma is less a place than a state of mind — playful, campy, dreamlike and shamelessly theatrical. Kris enters this otherworld as mousy and inhibited as any final girl character, but transformation is on the horizon. While Camp Miasma is a feast for cinephiles, a grab bag of horror styles packed with throwaway jokes and eye candy (actual candy is a recurring motif ), none of it would gel without Einbender and Anderson. (Amanda Fix also gives a haunting performance as the younger Billy.) Kris and
SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
Billy’s conversations simmer with chemistry: comedic, artistic, romantic, sexual. At first, Kris couches her admiration for the Camp Miasma franchise in prim, academic terms — “problematic,” “gender trouble.” Billy, who represents “big Gen X energy” (in Kris’s words), lights up a joint and nudges her younger guest toward being more real. When Kris finally reveals why the movies matter to her, the two have an explosive meeting of the minds (and other parts). Viewers’ feelings about Camp Miasma may hinge on their reaction to a pivotal scene in which Kris and Billy explore their mutual erotic fixation on the slasher. That fixation rests on an almost mystical connection between the viewer, the killer and the final girl — something Carol J. Clover explored in her 1992 book Men, Women and Chain Saws: Gender in the Modern Horror Film, the first influential work to suggest that slasher flicks weren’t pure misogyny. From such dry material, Schoenbrun crafts an unforgettable scene of imaginative reclamation, in which the stuff of nightmares becomes a source of power and pleasure. Camp Miasma suggests a Gen Z take on The Rocky Horror Picture Show — a joyous tale of sexual liberation with the hoariest of horror backdrops. Schoenbrun celebrates
the gothic ethos, in which the past dooms the present, while daring to propose that we might not be doomed after all. The movie defines “not for everyone,” but if horror is your love language, this Miasma could be hard to shake. MARGO T HARRI S O N margot@sevendaysvt.com
IF YOU LIKE THIS, TRY… I SAW THE TV GLOW (2024; Kanopy, rentable): Darker and moodier than Camp Miasma, Schoenbrun’s previous film is a must for anyone who was ever unhealthily fixated on a paranormal TV series. WE’RE ALL GOING TO THE WORLD’S FAIR (2021; Kanopy, rentable): More dreadtinged character study than horror, the filmmaker’s minimalist breakout takes us inside the private world of a teen who self-soothes with ASMR videos before venturing into an occult online game. SLEEPAWAY CAMP (1983; AMC+, Peacock, Pluto TV, PLEX, Prime Video, Roku Channel, Tubi, YouTube): The clear inspiration for Camp Miasma is this cult slasher series that notoriously features a killer with “gender trouble.”
2026/27 SEASON NEW IN THEATERS COYOTE VS. ACME: Looney Tunes’ Wile E. Coyote sues the Acme corporation for its faulty products in this live action/animated comedy directed by Dave Green. Will Forte and Lana Condor star. (101 min, PG. City Cinema, Essex, Majestic, Paramount, Star, Sunset)
TEENAGE SEX AND DEATH AT CAMP MIASMAHHHHH A filmmaker (Hannah Einbinder) rebooting a slasher series becomes obsessed with its original star (Gillian Anderson) in this horror comedy from Jane Schoenbrun. (112 min, R. Majestic, Partizanfilm, Savoy; reviewed 8/26) TONYHHHH Dominic Sessa plays the young Anthony Bourdain in this dark comedy inspired by his memoir. Matt Johnson directed. (106 min, R. Capitol, Essex, Majestic, Partizanfilm, Savoy)
FROZEN
TOXIC: A gangster vies for power in newly independent Goa in this historical crime epic from India. (192 min, NR. Majestic)
AN ARTIST RESPONDS TO WAR (Catamount, Sat only)
CURRENTLY PLAYING
BLACK SWAN (VTIFF, Tue only)
THE BREADWINNERH1/2 A man (Nate Bargatze) has to learn to be a stay-at-home dad in this family comedy. (95 min, PG. Sunset)
THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS 25TH ANNIVERSARY (Sunset, starts Fri)
THE END OF OAK STREETHHH1/2 A family must cope when their suburban home lands in a monsterfilled dimension in this survival thriller from David Robert Mitchell. (99 min, PG-13. Bethel, Bijou, Capitol, Essex, Majestic, Star, Stowe; reviewed 8/19)
TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY 35TH ANNIVERSARY (Essex, starts Fri)
HADESTOWN: THE MUSICALHHHHH Live recordings bring Anaïs Mitchell’s fusion of dystopia and Greek mythology to the screen. (141 min, NR. Big Picture; reviewed 7/29) ICE CREAM MANH1/2 Kids had better beware of the sweet treats in the latest splatter-horror flick from director Eli Roth. (86 min, NR. Sunset) INSIDIOUS: OUT OF THE FURTHERHH1/2 In the horror series’ sixth entry, a young mom (Amelia Eve) discovers she has a disturbing connection to the spirit world. (106 min, PG-13. City Cinema, Essex, Majestic, Paramount, Star, Sunset) THE INVITEHHHH A dinner party holds big surprises for two couples (Olivia Wilde, Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton) in Wilde’s comedy. (107 min, R. Big Picture) MINIONS & MONSTERSHHH1/2 The Minions cause chaos in 1920s Hollywood. (90 min, PG. Majestic) MOANAHH Catherine Laga’aia plays the title character in this live-action version of the Disney musical. (115 min, PG. Majestic)
Disney’s
THE BROADWAY MUSICAL
12 MONKEYS (Partizanfilm, Wed 26 only)
The Getaway Driver
BAMBOOZLED (VTIFF, Thu only)
The Weir
DIWALE DULHANIA LE JAYENGE (VTIFF, Sat only)
Much Ado About Nothing
MIDDLEBURY NEW FILMMAKERS FESTIVAL (Marquis, Wed 26 through Sun)
CHANGING LIVES, ONE STORY AT A TIME...
TOWNIES (OR, MY LITTLE TOWN) (Stowe, Sat only)
White River Junction, VT NorthernStage.org | @NorthernStageVT
OPEN THEATERS (* = upcoming schedule for theater was not available at press time) BETHEL DRIVE-IN: 36 Bethel Dr., Bethel, 728-3740, betheldrivein.com
Serena Brook in Wonder! A Woman Keeps a Secret (2026). Photo by Kata Sasvari.
*BIG PICTURE THEATER: 48 Carroll Rd., Waitsfield, 496-8994, bigpicturetheater.info. Closed through April 29. *BIJOU CINEPLEX 4: 107 Portland St., Morrisville, 888-3293, bijou4.com
Find joy in self-expression with support from encouraging instructors.
CITY CINEMA: 137 Waterfront Plaza, Newport, 334-2610, citycinemanewport.com ESSEX CINEMAS & T-REX THEATER: 21 Essex Way, Suite 300, Essex, 879-6543, essexcinemas.com
PARAMOUNT TWIN CINEMA: 241 N. Main St., Barre, 479-9621, fgbtheaters.com
SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAYHHH1/2 The world has forgotten that Peter Parker (Tom Holland) exists, but can he stay under the radar? (145 min, PG-13. Bijou, Capitol, Essex, Majestic, Marquis, Star, Stowe, Sunset, Welden)
8/24/26 2:00 PM
CATAMOUNT ARTS: 115 Eastern Ave., St. Johnsbury, 748-2600, catamountarts.org
THE ODYSSEYHHHH Christopher Nolan’s take on the Homeric epic of a weary warrior (Matt Damon) trying to return home. (180 min, R. Capitol, Essex, Majestic; reviewed 7/22)
SPA WEEKENDH1/2 In this comedy, three friends’ getaway goes awry when their chaotic pal joins them. Leslie Mann, Isla Fisher and Michelle Buteau star. (97 min, R. Essex, Welden)
8/25/268V-VTIFF082626 9:40 AM 1
CAPITOL THEATER: 93 State St., Montpelier, 229-0343, fgbtheaters.com
MAJESTIC 10: 190 Boxwood St., Williston, 878-2010, majestic10.com
PETER ASHER: EVERYWHERE MAN: This documentary traces the career of the manager and producer who helped shape the careers of James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt. (117 min, NR. Catamount)
Embrace Your Inner Artist
8v-NorthernStage082626.indd 1
MUTINYHH1/2 Jason Statham plays an industrialist’s lackey who must fight an international conspiracy in Jean-François Richet’s action thriller. (95 min, R. Essex, Majestic)
PAW PATROL: THE DINO MOVIEHH1/2 The team must save a dinosaur island in this animated family adventure. (88 min, PG. Bijou, Capitol, Essex, Majestic, Star, Stowe, Welden)
MAY 2026
OLDER FILMS AND SPECIAL SCREENINGS
MAR. APR. 2026
FINDING EMILY: A young man enlists the help of a psychology student to help him locate the dream girl he just missed in Alicia MacDonald’s rom-com, starring Angourie Rice and Spike Fearn. (111 min, PG-13. Majestic)
FEB. 2026
John Proctor is the Villain
NOV. 2026JAN. 2027
TOY STORY 5HHH1/2 Electronics are the threat in the latest installment of Pixar’s animated series. (102 min, PG. Majestic)
DO YOU LOVE ME: Lana Daher’s documentary takes a tour through 70 years of the cultural history of Beirut, Lebanon. (76 min, NR. Partizanfilm)
SEP.OCT. 2026
THE DOG STARS: In Ridley Scott’s adaptation of Peter Heller’s novel, an isolated pilot (Jacob Elordi) must fend off other survivors of a global pandemic. With Margaret Qualley and Josh Brolin. (118 min, R. Capitol, City Cinema, Essex, Majestic, Playhouse, Sunset, Welden)
SUPER TROOPERS 3HH The incompetent officers of the fictional Vermont State Police return in this comedy. (104 min, R. Bijou, Sunset)
MARQUIS THEATER: 65 Main St., Middlebury, 388-4841, middleburymarquis.com.
PARTIZANFILM: 230 College St., Unit 13, Burlington, 276-4588, partizanfilm.org PLAYHOUSE MOVIE THEATRE: 11 S. Main St., Randolph, 728-4012, playhouseflicks.com SAVOY THEATER: 26 Main St., Montpelier, 2290598, savoytheater.com THE SCREENING ROOM @ VTIFF: 60 Lake St., Ste. 1C, Burlington, 660-2600, vtiff.org STAR THEATRE: 17 Eastern Ave., St. Johnsbury, 748-9511, stjaytheatre.com *STOWE CINEMA 3PLEX: 454 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 253-4678, stowecinema.com SUNSET DRIVE-IN: 155 Porters Point Rd., Colchester, 862-1800, sunsetdrivein.com WELDEN THEATRE: 104 N. Main St., St. Albans, 527-7888, weldentheatre.com
Enrolling all levels for Drawing, Painting, and Fused Glass Classes. davisstudiovt.com • 802-425-2700 • 916 Shelburne Road, South Burlington 4T-davisstudio020123.indd 1
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art
A Grand Tradition
An artist-in-residence and a temporary exhibit present sculpture in a new light at Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park S TO RY & P H O TO S BY AL IC E D O D GE • adodge@sevendaysvt.com
E
nvision a national park, and you may picture an expansive, dramatic landscape such as the Grand Canyon, Grand Tetons or Great Smoky Mountains. Yet the U.S. National Park Service, which turns 110 this week, also stewards less rugged sites. At the Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park in Cornish, N.H., just across the Connecticut River from Windsor, behatted rangers help visitors explore a living tradition of sculpture. Augustus Saint-Gaudens, who died in 1907, was a big-deal sculptor in the beaux arts era. He created the bronze relief memorial to Col. Robert Gould Shaw and the African American 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment on Boston Common, the first such monument to Black soldiers. His 12-foot “Standing Lincoln,” in Chicago’s Lincoln Park, is one of the best-known images of the former president. And his “Diana,” now at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, was once the tallest point in New York City; the goddess perched on one foot atop Madison Square Garden until 1925. In 1885, Saint-Gaudens began spending summers in New Hampshire, where he established the Cornish Colony — a network of about 100 artists and thinkers who lived or summered in the area. They included dancer Isadora Duncan, painter Maxfield Parrish and president Woodrow Wilson. After Saint-Gaudens’ death, his wife, Augusta, established the Saint-Gaudens Memorial to preserve the home and studios. The nonprofit runs programming at the site, which was turned over to the National Park Service in 1964. The stunning property, its artworks and gardens are reason enough for a road trip. (Who doesn’t need a studio with a giant north-facing, angled glass skylight; a vine-draped colonnade; and a marble fountain fed by gilded fish?) So is the opportunity for a more private experience of Saint-Gaudens’ Shaw and Marian Hooper Adams memorials, versions of which live in the quiet gardens surrounded by a tall cedar hedge. But in addition to preserving this history, the Saint-Gaudens Memorial has two programs that illuminate it through the eyes of living artists. During open studio hours, guests can stop by the Ravine Studio — a tiny shack built around 1900 in the nearby woods — to visit the site’s sculptor-in-residence. The program, which began in 1969, is the oldest artist’s residency run by
REVIEW
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“Augur” (working model) by Sarah Peters
I WANT TO FEEL CONNECTED.
I WANT TO FEEL KINSHIP. S AR AH P E TE R S
the national park system. This season, the resident is New Orleans artist Heidi Mortensen. When Seven Days visited, she was carving a portrait bust out of super-smooth Laguna clay. Instead of memorializing a Gilded Age socialite or other historical figure, Mortensen said, the work is part of a series celebrating “people who are just really strong and interesting individuals but who probably would never have their portrait done in this way.”
In reference photos, Miss Katrina Peters, a casually smiling, older Black Louisiana woman, comes across as affable and genuine. The sculpted image of her retains those qualities beneath the sense of gravitas inherent to the traditional form. Earlier this month, Sarah Peters, the recipient of the 2025 Saint-Gaudens Fellowship, joined Mortensen on-site for an artist talk. While artists apply for the residency, fellowships are awarded by a nominating committee and include both a grant and a solo show. Exhibitions take place in the two-room Picture Gallery, which, according to Memorial executive director Jackie Rocha, was once Saint-Gaudens’ chicken coop. Peters, 53, who lives in Queens, is known for stark figurative sculptures that appear at once futuristic and ancient. Often coated with a chromelike finish, they look like something out of the silent sci-fi film Metropolis. The three presented here are white plaster working models for those pieces. “Augur” takes a helmet-like form, its smooth face balanced by a pyramid of wavy hair. “Charioteer 2” is more of a mask, with spooky, empty eyeholes almost like headlights. Behind them, the head bisects into two masses of hair that Peters said are inspired by chariot wheels. “Smile” has no facial features but references the place where two faces meet in a classical sculpture of Janus: a valley framed by the backs of two ears. Peters draws on Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Greco-Roman and Cypriot art for inspiration, as well as modernists such as Constantin Brâncuşi, but her processes aren’t so different from the way SaintGaudens made his work on the same site. (The large studio where his assistants cast sculptures burned down in the 1940s, and the outbuildings beside it became the Picture Gallery and a small museum of his work.) Though mold making and casting are now often done using computers and 3D printers, Peters said she values making the almost symmetrical, slightly imperfect plaster forms by hand. “It’s very important to me that they are not correct, even though I try really hard to do it correctly,” she said. Peters titled her exhibition “Sketchbook” in recognition of a sense of sculptural process that spans eras, including Saint-Gaudens’ own. “I asked if we could find the most chunky, messy maquettes that are in the collection,” she said; six such forms from Saint-Gaudens’ atelier are on view in a glass display case. In the next room, Peters presents a series of 20 terracotta reliefs that she carved based on a collection of photos
ART SHOWS “Amor Caritas” and reflecting pool by Augustus Saint-Gaudens
Always free. Always vibrant. midd.art/museum
she’s taken of art in museums over decades. Saint-Gaudens was a master of relief, and the series is a beautiful echo of his works that hang just next door. Peters’ slabs evoke sketching: thinking, trying, changing one’s mind, erasing, building back up. She focuses on the stance of a classical statue, the gesture of a Renaissance hand, the crouched pose of an ancient lion, as though trying to remember each one. Her sculptures remind us why it’s so important to contemplate such works, and historic sites such as this one. “When
I see an artwork made by another artist,” Peters said, “I want to be their friend. I want to hold hands with them. I want to feel connected. I want to feel kinship.” How utterly grand! ➆
INFO
“Sarah Peters: Sketchbook,” on view through October 26 at Saint-Gaudens Memorial in Cornish, N.H. Artist-in-residence open studio hours, Thursday through Monday, 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m., through October 31. $10; free for kids under 16. saint-gaudens.org, nps.gov
Kehinde Wiley (American, born 1977), Thomas Armory I, 2006, oil on canvas, 26 1/4 x 22 1/8 inches. Collection of Middlebury College Museum of Art, VT. Purchase with funds provided by the Walter Cerf Art Fund, the Friends of Art Acquisition Fund, the Reva B. Seybolt ’72 Art Acquisition Fund, the Calvert H. Seybolt ’80 Art Acquisition Fund, and the G. Crossan Seybolt ’77 Art Acquisition Fund, 2020.002. Copyright © Kehinde Wiley, courtesy of Sean Kelly, New York. Untitled relief by Sarah Peters 2V-middcollart082626 1
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8/24/26 11:29 AM
COURTESY OF WAYNE TARRS
art AUG. 26-SEP. 2 OPENINGS + RECEPTIONS ‘NEXT LEVEL: GAME HISTORY COLLECTION’: An interactive exhibition about the history of video games that encourages visitors to play original games at 20 stations that cycle through a new game genre every two weeks, with a special nod to games developed by Rebecca Heineman in October. Reception: Friday, August 28, 4-6 p.m. Champlain College Art Gallery, Burlington, through October 9.
Fun FORE All Ages! OPEN DAILY Midweek Special $7 @ 7pm 802-793-7229
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SEAN CLUTE: “10,000 Seeds and the Phantom Air” a multimedia installation by the VTSU-Johnson professor, whose work incorporates sound, technological experimentation and collaboration. Reception: Friday, August 28, 4-6 p.m. Julian Scott Memorial Gallery, Vermont State UniversityJohnson, through October 2.
8/7/26 1:41 PM ‘WALLFLOWER’: A group exhibition drawing on
the botanical and social meanings of the word and featuring work by Matteo Callegari, Amie Cunat, Francesco Igory Deiana, Jack Kenna, Jenny Kemp, Danielle Mysliwiec, Elizabeth Powell, Erik Probst, JD Raenbeau, Kelli Thompson and Velvet Other World. Reception: Friday, August 28, 4-8 p.m. Hexum Gallery, Montpelier, August 28-September 25. JANET FREDERICKS: “Inspirations and Field Notes,” artworks in which the Lincoln artist draws on the sights and sounds of the natural world, on view in the Lobby Gallery. Reception: Friday, August 28, 5-7 p.m. Bristol Suites, through September 30. ‘EXPLORATIONS IN COLOR’: The annual members’ exhibition from the Vermont Pastel Society. Reception: Friday, August 28, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Artistree Community Arts Center, South Pomfret, August 28-September 26. ‘10X10=AVA’: A pop-up exhibition of 10-by-10-inch works by 120 artists that will be part of a silent auction to benefit the organization. Silent auction and reception: Friday, August 28, 6-8 p.m. AVA Gallery and Art Center, Lebanon, N.H., through August 27. Free admission to the exhibition; auction, $25; collector preview, $100. BONNIE BAIRD AND KATHRYN MILILLO: “Between,” an exhibition of works that explore landscape through emotion and subtle geometries. Reception: Saturday, August 29, 4-6 p.m. featuring poets Becky McMeekin and Mary Elder Jacobsen. August 29-October 4. JANE KOLIAS: “METALSUM,” an exhibition of sculptures and metal quilts made from reclaimed objects by the Putney artist. Reception: Saturday, August 29, 4-6 p.m. Next Stage Arts, Putney, August 29-November 8. ‘WE WHO ARE NOT DEAD YET’: A collection of masonite prints made from woodcuts carved by Peter Schumann in the 1960s and only recently found and printed by Bread and Puppet Press. “The Isenheim Studies” are inspired by the famous altarpiece and explore themes of suffering and collective grief. Reception: Saturday, August 29, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Catamount Arts Center, St. Johnsbury, through October 31. JOANN DIMICK: “Ten Years Painting in Watercolor,” a solo show featuring local scenes of farms, flora and fauna. See Facebook for more information. Closing reception: Sunday, August 30, 4-7 p.m. White Water Gallery, East Hardwick, through August 30. MELISSA MORAN AND TRAVIS NUTTING: An exhibition of new works by the artists. Island Arts South Hero Gallery, September 1-30. ‘LAND & LIGHT & WATER & AIR’: A flagship exhibit of plein air and traditional landscape paintings, showcasing more than 100 works by regional artists. Some works receive awards, which are presented at the reception. Reception and award ceremony: Thursday, September 3, 5-7 p.m. Bryan Memorial Gallery, Jeffersonville, August 26-October 25. Free. 6v-FOAM082626 1
CA$H COW at the Choiniere Family Farm
PERFORMANCE ART
Sing in Me, Moos New York City artist Ed Woodham is known for his provocative performances with a social-justice bent and a flair for the absurd. He’s the founder of Art in Odd Places, which has brought strange interventions to 14th Street in Manhattan for two decades. Since August 15, as an artist-in-residence at Cold Hollow Sculpture Park in Enosburg Falls, he’s been learning about the park’s neighbors: specifically cows and their farmers. Both as himself and as a costumed character named CA$H COW, whom he describes as a “visionary outsider folk artist and international influencer,” he has visited local milk producers including the Choiniere Family Farm, a fifth-generation organic operation with pastured cows, and the milking barn at the Boucher Family Farm, both in Highgate Center. On Saturday, August 29, Cold Hollow will host “Free Range,” a kind of “cow carnival,” as Woodham described it. CA$H COW will be making monoprints and sharing stories, photos and videos of cows and farmers. The event will feature a “cow lick” kissing booth, free advice, a photo booth, refreshments and games, all in celebration of bovines and their besties. Woodham said the project started out “with a sense of whimsy,” but his process relies on listening to locals describe what’s going on in their world. For Franklin County farmers, that’s a lot. Because of them, he said, “the project has developed much more depth than I even imagined.”
CA$H COW PRESENTS ‘FREE RANGE’ Saturday, August 29, 2-5 p.m., at Cold Hollow Sculpture Park in Enosburg Falls. Free; registration recommended. coldhollowsculpturepark.com
‘POSTCARDS FROM HERE’: An exhibition reimagining vintage postcards and capturing the nostalgia of travel. Reception: Thursday, September 3, 5-7 p.m. Bryan Memorial Gallery, Jeffersonville, August 26-October 25. Free. RAY BROWN: An exhibition celebrating the life and work of the late artist and featuring his later bold, abstract color-field paintings alongside views of Vermont barns and landscapes. Coproduced with the Northern New England Museum of Contemporary Art. Reception: Saturday, September 5, 5-7 p.m. Front Four Gallery, Stowe, August 27-September 21.
VISUAL ART EVENTS OPEN STUDIO: A guided meditation followed by an hour of art making in any medium and concluding with a share-and-witness process. Many art materials available. In person and online. Expressive Arts Burlington, Thursday, August 27, 12:30-2:30 p.m., and Tuesday, September 1, 6:30-8:30 p.m. By donation.
LIFE DRAWING AND PAINTING: A drop-in event for artists working with the figure from a live model. T.W. Wood Museum, Montpelier, Thursday, August 27, 7-9 p.m. Free; $15 suggested donation. ARTIST TALK: SARAH ZAPATA: A discussion with the textile artist and sculptor of her work and practice, which draws on her Peruvian and Texan heritage and employs traditional handweaving techniques and vibrant colors. Friday, August 28, 8-9 p.m. Free. ‘VERMONT VICE’ GALLERY TALK: A discussion with curator Jaime Franklin of the exhibition’s highlights and his process in choosing what to include. Bennington Museum, Saturday, August 29, 11 a.m.-noon. Free with museum admission.
8/25/26 1:21 PM
say you saw it in
GET YOUR ART SHOW LISTED HERE AND ONLINE!
PROMOTING AN ART EXHIBIT? SUBMIT THE INFO AND IMAGES BY THURSDAY AT NOON AT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/POSTEVENT OR ART@SEVENDAYSVT.COM.
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FREE SHELBURNE SUMMER NIGHTS: One from a series of free after-hours events with live music, food trucks, gallery access and family activities, featuring the Ray Vega Afro-Caribbean Jazz Ensemble. Shelburne Museum, Thursday, August 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free.
SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
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7/31/24 4:41 PM
VISUAL ART IN SEVEN DAYS:
ART LISTINGS ARE WRITTEN BY ALICE DODGE. LISTINGS ARE RESTRICTED TO ART SHOWS IN TRULY PUBLIC PLACES.
ARTIST TALK: ED WOODHAM: “Free Range,” a “cow carnival” featuring images from local farms, a “cow lick” kissing booth, free advice, cookies and games celebrating local farmers and cows presented by the conceptual, social-absurdist artist, curator, producer and educator in his CA$H COW persona. Cold Hollow Sculpture Park, Enosburg Falls, Saturday, August 29, 2-3 p.m. Free; registration recommended.
GOOD OD NEWS NE EWS
ARTIST TALK: RICHARD HAYNES: A discussion of “Learning to See,” which focuses on healing racial divides, with the New Hampshire artist and curator Alison Crites. Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, Saturday, August 29, 5:30 p.m. Free; registration recommended.
TRAVELS TRA
SOCIAL SUNDAY: An opportunity for children and caregivers to stop in and complete a 15- to 30-minute activity during the two-hour workshop. Milton Artists’ Guild Art Center & Gallery, Sunday, August 30, 1-3 p.m. Free. WORKSHOP: POCKET ALTARS: A drop-in session at which participants will create small felt pocket altars to honor the memory of loved ones and carry a tangible reminder of connection, comfort and resilience. Open to all, particularly those affected by loss due to addiction and those navigating substance-use disorder. No art experience necessary; materials and support provided by manager of education Kate Milliken. Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, Sunday, August 30, 1-4 p.m. Free. PORTRAIT DRAWING AND PAINTING: A drop-in event where artists can practice skills in any medium. T.W. Wood Museum, Montpelier, Monday, August 31, 10 a.m.-noon. Free; $15 suggested donation. ‘UNDERSTANDING COLOR’: A hands-on workshop with Sabrina Fadial exploring color in gouache, watercolor, pencil or collage. Open to all levels. T.W. Wood Museum, Montpelier, Tuesday, September 1, 7-9 p.m. $15 suggested donation.
CALLS TO ARTISTS ART’S ALIVE FALL PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW: Seeking photography of any subject matter — landscape, portrait, experimental, etc. — for a show that runs September 25 to December 10. Contact Mariah at mariah@mainstreetlanding.com. Deadline: September 1. The Gallery at Main Street Landing, Burlington.
Now, so do your groceries. Fresh produce. Pantry staples. New stops. Route #9 Winooski now serves Shaw’s Supermarket and the Water Tower Hill area, giving Winooski residents a new, convenient grocery destination.
‘FALL OF FREEDOM/REIMAGINING THE FLAG’: Artists are invited to submit work that explores, questions, reclaims or reimagines the idea of the flag. We welcome a range of perspectives and mediums that engage with identity, belonging, resistance, community, memory or possibility. The exhibition runs October 2 to 4; drop off work September 28 and 29. Contact Jen Berger at attherootvt@gmail.com to submit. Deadline: September 28. The Hive on Pine, Burlington. ‘NIGHT SHADES’: Seeking art that is dark in nature, dark in tones and color shades, dark in concepts, or commenting on dark topics politically and socially for an October exhibition. Deadline: September 23. The SEABA Center, Burlington. $20 per selected artist. ‘NIGHT WATCH’: A debut multimedia event in Burlington seeks light artists to present projections, installations or other illuminations on Saturday, October 24, (rain date: October 25). The theme is “Artists dispel the darkness.” Visit nightwatchfest.com to learn more and submit your proposal. Email questions to info@nightwatchfest. com. Deadline: September 10. Various Burlington locations.
Walk to Shop trolleys are welcome aboard Route #9! These transit-friendly shopping carts make it easier to get your groceries home without the heavy lifting. Learn about trolleys at walktoshop.org.
Larger shopping carts can’t ride, so keep it trolley-sized.
‘TRANSITIONS’: Established and emerging artists are invited to submit one or two works in any medium on the theme for a September-toDecember exhibition. Register at jerichovt.org. Deadline: August 28. Jericho Town Hall. ➆
= ONLINE EVENT OR EXHIBIT
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music+nightlife OL
PHOTOS: LUKE AWTRY
CHO S O T K BAC
MINC performing at the SEABA Center
Banding Together
Some of Vermont’s brightest up-and-coming high school musicians join forces as MINC B Y CH RI S FAR NSW ORTH • farnsworth@sevendaysvt.com
W
hen Sam Acus auditioned for the band MINC last year, the teenage mandolinist from Richmond wasn’t sure what to expect. “I’ve played music since before I can remember,” said Acus, who grew up in a family of musicians and music lovers. “I’ve known for my entire life that this was going to be my thing.” For that reason, Acus, now 19, said finding other musicians his age with the same level of enthusiasm and commitment was difficult, even in school music programs. Then he heard about MINC, a student-run band made up of top high school players from all over Vermont. So he reached out to the band’s founder and lead vocalist, Satori Rossi, about joining. “When we all started playing, I was like, Whoa. This is seriously good,” Acus recalled of his audition. Unlike some of his soon-to-be bandmates, MINC wasn’t Acus’ first band. He’s studied with the likes of local mandolin ace Will Patton and former Yonder Mountain String Band mandolinist Jacob Jolliff. He also performs
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Sam Acus
with the Maine bluegrass outfit Breakin’ Strings. Yet he was still blown away by the skill of the young players in the room. This was not your typical high school garage band. “MINC is rare in that it’s a really high level of musicianship,” Rossi, 17, said, citing
SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
bandmates’ placements in Vermont AllState groups, among other accolades. “We all bring our own experiences and tastes and skills to the table.” Those tastes and skills have made MINC a force since forming four years ago. Typically consisting of six to eight
members — largely depending on who’s graduated and gone off to college — the band tours the state with a handful of shows a year. Once they replace the three university-bound players leaving this fall — including Acus, who’s headed to Berklee College of Music in Boston — MINC plan to tour outside Vermont and, later this year, release a debut record. It all adds up to a crash course in how to be a professional band for musicians who aim to pursue the a career in the field. Rossi and his bandmates handle everything from booking shows to promotion to coordinating rehearsals for a group that’s had as many as 16 members from all corners of the state. While Rossi has brought in professional musicians and instructors to offer guidance, he and his bandmates call the shots. In MINC, the students are the masters. Rossi, who attends Woodstock Union High School, learned many of the skills needed to run a band through SoundCheck, an annual program run by composer, multi-instrumentalist and music educator Brian Boyes. Boyes, who leads the local cosmic-jazz big band Saturn People’s Sound Collective and teaches at Harwood Union High School in Duxbury, brings together student musicians to perform original songs with a social justice bent. Four years ago, Rossi joined as a bassist, which laid the foundation for his own project. “Getting started in collaborative performance like that was so influential to me,” Rossi said. “Brian was a support structure, but he wanted us to do our own thing.” When SoundCheck ended, Rossi wanted to create something similar but make it entirely student-run. “If we’re doing all this work, composing and performing and managing our own band,” he explained, “then I wanted us to be the deciding factor on what we were going to be.” MINC’s first incarnation was as a small band formed to play a short set at East Montpelier’s Maple Roots Festival four years ago. Rossi’s father played drums. Over the next two years, Rossi added musicians he knew from local schools. (If you’re wondering, MINC is an acronym, though Rossi declined to reveal what it means, explaining, in the time-honored tradition of high school band names: “It’s kind of stupid, but we thought it was funny at the time.”) As players have moved on to college or other pursuits, Rossi has sought out new ones to replenish MINC’s ranks. Or sometimes, as in Acus’ case, they find him. “Sam was the first member of the band to ever reach out to us to join,” Rossi BANDING TOGETHER
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GOT MUSIC NEWS? MUSIC@SEVENDAYSVT.COM
FILE: LUKE AWTRY
Stone Church in Brattleboro
On the Beat
Regular readers of this column already know how highly I rate Stone Church in Brattleboro. The converted Gothic church is one of the coolest places to catch live music in the state, with an unmatched vibe and a penchant for booking seriously cool shows. I truly didn’t think I could love Stone Church more. Well, hold my beer. (Just kidding, it’s a seltzer; it’s 11 a.m., you philistine.) Last week, HOWARD WEISS-TISMAN of Vermont Public reported that Stone Church had slapped concert-ticket resale giant StubHub with a lawsuit. Seeking damages in excess of $5 million, the venue alleges that StubHub has manipulated ticket prices and misled potential buyers about ticket availability. The suit states that StubHub is in violation of the Lanham Act, the federal statute prohibiting any unauthorized use of trademarked names. I could regurgitate StubHub’s very corporate response, which essentially breaks down to “Nuh-uh, no way,” but the beauty of having your own column is that you can just say: I hope Stone Church fleeces that music fan-abusing collective of organized ticket scalpers. If you think I’m being harsh, kindly recall that StubHub got hit with a $10 million bill from the Federal Trade Commission in April for violating laws by, you guessed it, promoting deceptive ticket prices. Stone Church owner ROBIN JOHNSON declined to comment — not surprising, considering it’s an active legal matter — but as far as I’m concerned, he’s doing the Lord’s work. Independent venues such as this one have been under siege in recent years. A report released last year by the National Independent Venue Association revealed that, due to factors including
Listening In (Spotify mix of local jams) 1. “GOOD INTENTIONS”
by Wild Leek River 2. “BONE BROTH” by Fowl 3. “PIAV” by Pattern Addict 4. “SECOND CHANCES” by FAZE.
ONE, Buddy Rockwell 5. “FALL (INTO THE ARMS OF GRACE)” by the War Turtles 6. “THE COYOTES OF CAPE BRETON” by Bow Thayer 7. “VELVET RABBIT PORTAL”
by Some Velvet Sidewalk
Scan to listen sevendaysvt. com/playlist
“predatory ticket resale practices,” 64 percent of American stages didn’t turn a profit in 2024. It’s early days with the lawsuit, but stay tuned. Should Stone Church prevail, there’s potential for a much-needed overhaul of the secondary ticket market. TODD HOWLAND of White River Junction is
a human rights scholar and the interim director of Vermont Law & Graduate School’s Environmental Justice Clinic. His work to build what he calls a “human rights economy” has taken Howland from Harvard University to serving as the director of the Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center ON THE BEAT
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music+nightlife On the Beat « P.53
Add another festival to the itinerary: The inaugural Mojo Burlington Music Festival hits Waterfront Park on Saturday, September 26. Mojo is a relatively new entity putting on a collection of “local” music fests. Several University of Massachusetts Amherst students launched the company in 2021. Breaking out beyond the Boston area, this year Mojo has festivals planned for a handful of other cities, including Happy Valley, Pa.; Columbia, S.C.; and Mansfield, Conn. The Burlington fest leans heavily on local DJs such as KATE KUSH, MATT PAYNE and DAVID CHIEF. There’s not much sign of Burlington’s thriving indie-rock scene on
COURTESY
in Washington, D.C., as well as a human rights representative for the United Nations in Colombia. His most recent project? Launching Human Rights Radio, an online collection of socially conscious music cataloged by Howland and the other members of an advisory board composed of human rights experts and artists alike. The database features more than 200 songs from multiple genres, in various languages from all over the globe. It’s organized into separate playlists, such as “Economic and Social Rights,” “Cultural Rights and Cultural Identities,” and “Children’s Rights.” Tracks range from JOHN LENNON’s “Imagine” to “Zombie” by the CRANBERRIES to FELA KUTI’s “Colonial Mentality.” The idea is that gathering the music in one place will inspire awareness and action. “Human Rights Radio emphasizes how human dignity comes first before profit, before ego and self-interest,” Howland wrote in an email to Seven Days. Listeners can also upload songs and create their own playlists. Check it out at humanrightsradio.org.
Banding Together « P.52
Twin Fin
the lineup, which is a little curious. The headliner is surf-rock outfit TWIN FIN — hailing from Hawaii — and artists such as DEW GALVIN and EM DONOVAN (aka Mojo director EMILY DONOVAN) are from Boston. But local jam acts SOUNDHOUND and ACID WASH are on the bill, plus Vermont newcomers indie-soul band BACK POCKET BEER. So while some Queen City heavyweights are missing, the fest might be a good chance to catch lesser-known Vermont artists. According to Mojo’s founders, the company’s mission is to give local musicians and independent artists a platform by bringing their festival to different scenes and shining a light on the resident talent. “We kind of wanted to create one central hub where people could find out about the local artists,” Donovan told Boston station WGBH in May. I’m all for supporting indie scenes and local artists, so hopefully Mojo can deliver. It does seem odd to have people from another state come to Burlington to curate and present a show of our own music scene to us. But exposure is exposure — I’m not trying to gatekeep! To learn more and purchase tickets, visit mojobrand.us/mojoburlington. CHRIS FARNSWORTH
said. “Otherwise, I brought everyone together.” Rossi is currently recruiting new musicians for the upcoming school year and has an open call out for crew members — sound engineers, lighting designers, roadies, media managers, etc. It shouldn’t be a difficult sales pitch. The pop-funk big band has lately logged pro-level gigs at BarnArts’ Feast & Field series in Barnard, Zenbarn in Waterbury Center, and the SEABA Center in Burlington. For teens with musical aspirations beyond high school, these are formative experiences. “I’ve been drumming since I was 3, and I always dreamed of going on a tour,” said Grayson Eley, a 15-year-old drummer from Duxbury who joined MINC a year ago. “Just getting to be on these stages we’ve played has been a S A M A C U S huge step for me and gave me so much exposure to the whole process of being in a band.” According to Rossi, every member of MINC plans to pursue music after high school. So each show offers valuable reps, both onstage and off. The band gathers every weekend to rehearse, plan out the next run of shows, review promotion materials and craft set lists. Just as importantly, its members train together as collaborative artists, working on each other’s original music and tightening their musical rapport. “The band is such a great learning experience, but it’s also, you know, a band,” Acus said. “When I joined, I fit right in, socially and musically. There’s a real sense of camaraderie wrapped
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SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
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into the whole experience that I don’t take for granted.” MINC perform a variety of funk- and soul-laced covers but have increasingly added original songs to the mix. To Acus, hearing an expanded version of the band take on a song he wrote at a SEABA Center gig earlier this month was a highlight of his time in the group. For that show, MINC enlisted a string quartet and a trio of vocalists, swelling its ranks to 16 musicians — “all high school students, even the sound guy,” Acus said. “To hear that many people playing and singing a song that I wrote,” he went on, “it was just completely incredible.” MINC recently recorded a debut EP of original music and hopes to release it later this year. It may prove to be the band’s swan song in Vermont. Rossi graduates from Woodstock Union High School next June. MINC will gig that summer, but their founder will head off to Boston for college — possibly Berklee, but he isn’t certain yet. One thing he does know is that he plans to continue with MINC. “My plan is to bring the band to college with me,” Rossi said. “I’d love to keep as many of the members the same as possible.” With Acus and bassist Xavier Mayhew bound for Berklee, MINC seem destined to become the latest Vermont band to seek their fortunes in Boston. If so, the lessons they learned in Vermont, both in and out of the classroom, should serve them well. ➆
WHEN WE ALL STARTED PLAYING, I WAS LIKE,
WHOA. THIS IS SERIOUSLY GOOD.
INFO Learn more at minctheband.com.
Barre, Williston, St. Albans & Plattsburgh, NY M-F 10-6, Sat 10-5, Closed Sun
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CLUB DATES WED.26
COURTESY OF DEVA O’NEILL
live music
Find the most up-to-date info on live music, DJs, comedy and more at sevendaysvt.com/music. If you’re a talent booker or artist planning live entertainment at a bar, nightclub, café, restaurant, brewery or coffee shop, send event details to music@sevendaysvt.com or submit the info using our form at sevendaysvt.com/postevent.
TUE.1 // BROWN HORSE [INDIE]
Chad Hollister, Eli Elkus (singer-songwriter) at Bent Nails Roadhouse, Middlesex, 8 p.m. Free. Dobbs’ Dead (Grateful Dead tribute) at Zenbarn, Waterbury Center, 7 p.m. $10. Jazz Jam (jazz) at the 126, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free.
Split in Half, Void Bringer, Chartarum, DISHPIT (punk) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $15.
Northern Ramble (folk) at Halvorson’s, Burlington, 6:30 p.m. Donations.
Swampytonk (bluegrass) at Foam Brewers, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free.
Ryan Sweezey (singersongwriter) at Two Heroes Brewery & Public House, South Hero, 6 p.m. Free.
The Wildflowers (folk, jazz) at Big Heart Social, Vergennes, 7 p.m. Free.
THU.27
SUN.30
Bob Cotton (covers) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 6 p.m. Free.
Bluegrass Brunch (bluegrass) at Madbush Falls, Waitsfield, noon. Free.
Giddy Up Hailing from Norwich, England,
BROWN HORSE craft intimate classic-
Charu Suri (jazz) at the Mill, Westport, N.Y., 8 p.m. $40.
country sounds tempered with a rougher, alternative-rock edge. On its latest offering,
Clive (soul, funk) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 11 p.m. $10/$15.
Lincoln Sprague (piano) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 5 p.m. Free.
Total Dive, the band serves up dynamic alt-country anthems brimming with shimmery
Coane, Rowell & Schabner (folk) at Charlie-O’s World Famous, Montpelier, 5 p.m. Free.
Marc Gwinn & Dee Davis (folk) at Charlie-O’s World Famous, Montpelier, 8 p.m. Free.
period for a quartet that shares writing duties — and this latest effort veers into darker
Martin Decato (singersongwriter) at the Den at Harry’s Hardware, Cabot, 7 p.m. Free.
South Burlington for a performance at the Higher Ground Showcase Lounge on Tuesday,
Moonbird (soul) at Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling, Essex, 6 p.m. Free. Summer Concert Series on the Patio: George Murtie (singersongwriter) at Folino’s Pizza, Williston, 6 p.m. Free. Thunderbolt Research (rock) at Foam Brewers, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free. Thursday Night Live Music at the Eleven (live music series) at the Foundry Pub & Grille, Jay, 6 p.m. Free. Wolfhand, Phantom Suns, Sabrehound (alt-rock) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 8 p.m. $10.
guitars and a reserved sort of ferocity. It’s the group’s third album in three years — a prolific territory, both sonically and lyrically. Brown Horse’s North American tour swings through September 1, with local opener Eastern Mountain Time. Brass Balagan (brass band) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 10 p.m. $10/$15. The Cobras (rock) at the Old Post, South Burlington, 7 p.m. Free. Cold Engines (rock) at Foam Brewers, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free. Danny Lang (singer-songwriter) at Poultney Pub, 6 p.m. Free. Dead Man Strumming (Grateful Dead tribute) at River Roost Brewery, White River Junction, 5 p.m. Free. Free Range Band (covers) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 9 p.m. Free.
ACID WASH (jam) at Einstein’s Tap House, Burlington, 8 p.m. $10.
Freedom & Unity Revolutionary Roadshow: Dani-Rae Clark Cajun Dance Party (Cajun, country) at the SEABA Center, Burlington, 6 p.m. $20; free for farmers, veterans, nurses and firefighters.
Ali T (singer-songwriter) at 1st Republic Brewing, Essex, 6 p.m. Free.
Good Gravy (bluegrass) at Two Heroes Brewery & Public House, South Hero, 6 p.m. Free.
FRI.28
Organized Dead (Grateful Dead tribute) at the Den at Harry’s Hardware, Cabot, 7 p.m. Free.
Saturday Night Live Music at the Eleven (live music series) at the Foundry Pub & Grille, Jay, 7 p.m. Free.
Mad Caddies, the Supervillains (ska, punk) at Stone Church, Brattleboro, 8 p.m. $25/$30.
The Meditations (reggae) at Stone Church, Brattleboro, 8 p.m. $25/$30.
Morning Giants, Guesstimate (prog rock) at Monkey House, Winooski, 7:30 p.m. $10.
Porch Sessions: Tyler GeorgeMinetti (indie) at the SEABA Center, Burlington, 11 a.m. Free.
Luke Borchelt, Troy Millette & the Fire Below (country, roots) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 8 p.m. $22.50.
Jazz Night (jazz) at Haybarn Restaurant and Lounge, Plainfield, 6 p.m. Donations.
Moondogs (jam) at Shelburne Vineyard, 6 p.m. Free.
Pattern Addict (indie rock) at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington, 10 p.m. $10.
Jazz Night with Ray Vega (jazz) at Hotel Vermont, Burlington, 8:30 p.m. Free.
Funk Jam (funk) at the 126, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free.
Mary Go Round, Banjo Bob (folk) at the Whammy Bar, Calais, 7 p.m. Free.
Jamie Hughes (acoustic) at Gusto’s, Barre, 6 p.m. Free.
Jazz Night (jazz) at the Whammy Bar, Calais, 7 p.m. Free.
Rigometrics (rock) at Lost Nation Brewing, Morrisville, 7 p.m. $20.
Just Us (covers) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 5 p.m. Free.
Rob Meehan (singer-songwriter) at Bent Nails Roadhouse, Middlesex, 8:30 p.m. Free.
Kulluh, Goodnight Nobody, the War Turtles (indie rock) at Burlington Odd Fellows Hall, 7 p.m. $10. Live Music and Hot Pizza at Wood Fired Fridays (music series) at the Clubhouse Grille, Jay, 5 p.m. Free. Luis Betancourt (acoustic) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free. Moonbird (soul, R&B) at Switchback Beer Garden & Smokehouse, Burlington, 5:30 p.m. Free. Moondogs, Sift (jam) at Zenbarn, Waterbury Center, 8 p.m. $10. Mowgli Gianitti Group (jazz) at the 126, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free. Porch Sessions: Remi Russin (indie) at the SEABA Center, Burlington, 5 p.m. Free.
The Dad Bods (rock) at 1st Republic Brewing, Essex, 6 p.m. Free. Dea and the Drips, Frank Erickson, Oum Kamar (indie) at Burlington Odd Fellows Hall, 7 p.m. $10. Doom Scroll, Hans Gruber and the Die Hards (punk) at Stone Church, Brattleboro, 8 p.m. $15/$20. George Nostrand (acoustic) at Poultney Pub, 6 p.m. Free.
Runner, Pleasure Systems, Fowl (indie) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 7 p.m. $20/$25.
Grace Palmer (singer-songwriter) at Hotel Vermont, Burlington, 4 p.m. Free.
Soulshine Revival (Allman Brothers Band tribute) at Shelburne Vineyard, 6 p.m. $5.
Hustle Souls (funk, soul) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 8:30 p.m. $10/$15.
The Stragglers (bluegrass) at Jericho Café & Tavern, 7 p.m. Free.
Jeff & Gina (acoustic) at Two Heroes Brewery & Public House, South Hero, 6 p.m. Free.
The Strictly Hip (Tragically Hip tribute) at Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington, 8 p.m. $20. Vacation Manor (indie rock) at Stone Church, Brattleboro, 8 p.m. $20/$25.
SAT.29
Acid Wash (jam) at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $10. Bluegrass Jam (bluegrass jam) at Dick Wright Public House, Franklin, 6:30 p.m. Free.
Laura Fedele-Rasco (covers) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 5 p.m. Free. Liquid Light (jam) at the Alchemist, Stowe, 3 p.m. Free. The Lloyd Tyler Band (Americana) at Jericho Café & Tavern, 7 p.m. Free. Made in Iron (Iron Maiden tribute) at Charlie-O’s World Famous, Montpelier, 8:30 p.m. Free.
D.R.I., Words That Burn, Slob Drop (punk) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 7 p.m. $15. Hard Scrabble (folk) at Lawson’s Finest Liquids, Waitsfield, 3 p.m. Free. Reprise (Phish tribute) at Stone Church, Brattleboro, 7 p.m. $25/$30. Seth Yacovone (acoustic) at the Alchemist, Stowe, 4 p.m. Free. Sunday Brunch Tunes (singersongwriter) at Hotel Vermont, Burlington, 10 a.m. Supernova: Warped Tour Summer (punk) at Standing Stone Wines, Winooski, 7:30 p.m. $12. Vermont Synth Society Presents: Synth Night (electronic) at Foam Brewers, Burlington, 5 p.m. Free. Wine & Jazz Sundays (jazz) at Shelburne Vineyard, 5 p.m. Free.
TUE.1
Big Easy Tuesdays with Jon McBride (jazz) at the 126, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free. Bluegrass Jam (bluegrass) at Poultney Pub, 7 p.m. Free. Brown Horse, Eastern Mountain Time (indie) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 8 p.m. $15. Dead Is Alive with Dobbs’ Dead (Grateful Dead tribute) at Einstein’s Tap House, Burlington, 8 p.m. $15.
LIVE MUSIC SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
» P.57 55
6
music+nightlife
PRESENTS
this
Neil Simon’s
Aug.28-30 REVIEW and Sept.4-6 Grace Potter, At The Historic
Directors: Natalie Dunn, Jack Wildwood, Kimmy Rose, Jeff Bickford Hyde Park Producer: Holly Biracree Asst. Producer: Hilde Thoeni Opera House
"California Suite" is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
$20 (adults) $15 (students,seniors,military) Friday, Saturday 7pm Sunday 2pm 8h-lamoillecountyplayers081926 1
8/12/26 3:48 PM
8h-vacationhospitality082626.indd 1
8/20/26 4:13 PM
ANNUAL SUBSTANCE USE SURVEY
Parents of 612th Graders in Central Vermont Take our short, anonymous Survey on Youth Substance Use and tell us: What you think What you need How we can better support young people and families in our community
SUBMIT BY OCT. 5 TO WIN ONE OF TEN $30 GIFT CARDS!
IT ONLY TAKES 7 MINUTES!
Trespasser
(THIRTY TIGERS, CD, DIGITAL, VINYL)
Hauling down dusty roads and interminable highways is intrinsic to the American character. Call it poetic; call it stark reality: It’s a big country with a piss-poor public transit system, built for gas-guzzling cars and trucker speed but also perfect cruising soundtracks. So we romanticize the road trip, a liminal experience that can feel dreamlike the longer one stays on the road. That nearhallucinatory weariness and the ragged, secondwind energy of gearing up for another 18-hour drive permeates Trespasser, the latest LP from Grace Potter, released last week. The Waitsfield native, who when not in the Green Mountains spends a chunk of the year in Topanga, Calif., has logged a lot of hours trekking coast to coast. And while 2023’s Mother Road was a tribute of sorts to that commute, Trespasser is closer to what you might find in Potter’s dream journal, mid-journey. The record is crawling with characters she imagined while crossing state line after state line. “Ride or Die,” a rollicking, R&B-flavored rocker, tells the story of a wild-hearted vagabond who drives her car off a bridge. The character is later resurrected in the ghostly doo-wop send-up “Gasoline.” Murderous restaurateurs and tragic delivery drivers also populate Potter’s dark, mythic road diary. Potter’s songs are as restless as the nomadic characters she sings about on Trespasser. A four-time Grammy nominee who is one of Vermont’s most successful musical exports, she has never been shy about tweaking her sound. She’s moved from roots rock to
poppier realms, country duets with the likes of Kenny Chesney to full rustic folk on her 2025 T Bone Burnett-produced record Medicine. Trespasser is the most eclectic record of Potter’s career. She swings for the fences with pop-hit fodder such as the album’s first single, “Love Me Not”; goes goth folk on the title track; and channels ’70s Heart on “War on the Mountain.” They’re not all bull’s-eyes. Opening track “Main Street U.S.A.” huffs and puffs with R&Btinged Southernrock bluster but feels more than a little rote, with a chorus that seems custom-made to sell jeans or launch the latest menu at a corporate bar and grill. And the line “You ain’t an appetizer, you’re the whole damn dish” in the otherwise completely fine “Lost Café” isn’t doing anyone any favors. If Trespasser is a concept record, it’s a tenuous one — more of a concept by convenience. But sonically, Potter has never sounded better. Her fivestar voice is still the main attraction, as mighty as it is sensual, capable of breathy, melodic intimacy and soaring, sky-shaking power. Her husband, Eric Valentine (Queens of the Stone Age, Weezer), once again produces, and the couple’s collaboration has only gotten more natural with each release. Potter has had an intimate relationship with the road since she was just a teenager, touring the country — and the world — with the Nocturnals and later as a solo act. Her latest paean to the journey itself has a few bumps but is otherwise a smooth ride. Trespasser is available on major streaming services. Potter headlines the Grand Point North festival at Burlington’s Waterfront Park, September 18 to 20. CHRIS FARNSWORTH
GET YOUR MUSIC REVIEWED: ARE YOU A VT ARTIST OR BAND? SEND US YOUR MUSIC! DIGITAL: MUSIC@SEVENDAYSVT.COM; SNAIL MAIL: MUSIC C/O SEVEN DAYS, 255 S. CHAMPLAIN ST., SUITE 5, BURLINGTON, VT 05401 www.cvprevention.org
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SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
K4T-CVMC081926 1
8/14/26 11:13 AM
COURTESY
live music TUE.1 CONTINUED FROM P.55
Nataly Aukar (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 7 p.m. $25.
Trivia Night (trivia) at 1st Republic Brewing, Essex, 6 p.m. Free.
FRI.28
Trivia Night with College (trivia) at Bent Nails Roadhouse, Middlesex, 7 p.m. Free.
Alex Clark (comedy) at Off Center for the Dramatic Arts, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $22-$40.
Honky Tonk Tuesday with the Red Newts (country) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 8:30 p.m. $10.
All That Jazz Comedy Showcase! (comedy) at the 126, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.
Irish Night with RambleTree (Celtic) at Two Brothers Tavern, Middlebury, 7 p.m. Free.
Mind Magic: A Night of Laughter and Astonishment (comedy, magic) at Next Stage Arts, Putney, 7:30 p.m. $27.50.
Joe O’Brien and Friends Perform ‘The Point’ (Harry Nilsson tribute) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 7 p.m. $10.
Nataly Aukar (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 7 p.m. $25.
Sammy B (singer-songwriter) at Lawson’s Finest Liquids, Waitsfield, 5:30 p.m. Free.
SAT.29
WED.2
Nataly Aukar (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 7 & 9 p.m. $25.
Dark Star Project (Grateful Dead tribute) at Zenbarn, Waterbury Center, 7 p.m. $10.
Natasha’s Brian’s Nic’s Little Treasures (comedy) at Standing Stone Wines, Winooski, 7 p.m. Free.
Jazz Jam (jazz) at the 126, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free. Jazz Night with Ray Vega (jazz) at Hotel Vermont, Burlington, 8:30 p.m. Free.
TUE.1
Jenny Porter (singer-songwriter) at Four Quarters Brewing, Winooski, 7:30 p.m. Free.
All That Jazz Open Mic Comedy (comedy) at the 126, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.
Slow Teeth, Invisible Homes, Rose Asteroid (post-rock) at Monkey House, Winooski, 7:30 p.m. $10.
WED.2
djs THU.27
Thirsty Thursday (DJ) at Rí Rá Irish Pub & Whiskey Room, Burlington, 10 p.m. Free. Two Sev, JP Black, Tink, Chaston (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free. Vinyl Night (DJ) at Poultney Pub, 6 p.m. Free. Vinyl Thursdays (DJ) at Hotel Vermont, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.
FRI.28
Better Off Alone (rave) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 9 p.m. $20. DJ Kanganade (DJ) at the Alchemist, Stowe, 4 p.m. Free. DJ Taka (DJ) at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington, 11 p.m. $10/$15. DJ Two Rivers (DJ) at Gusto’s, Barre, 9 p.m. Free. Ecstatic Dance Vermont (DJ) at Capital City Grange, Berlin, 7 p.m. $10 donation. Flow State: DJ Felt, Philthy Beets, Fever Dreams (DJ) at the Phoenix, Waterbury, 8 p.m. $15/$17. Friday Night at Specs (DJ) at Specs Cafe & Bar, Winooski, 7 p.m. Free. Planet Grove with the Kwame Vibe (DJ) at Monkey House, Winooski, 9 p.m. Free. Two Sev, Ron Stoppable, Rubi, Aras (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington, 8 p.m. Free.
SAT.29
Chaston, Mr Cheng, Aras, Raul, Matt P (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington, 4 p.m. Free. DJ Big Dog (DJ) at Thingz From Yaad, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.
SUN.30 // VERMONT SYNTHESIZER SOCIETY PRESENTS: SYNTH NIGHT [ELECTRONIC]
Vermontwave The
VERMONT SYNTHESIZER SOCIETY is sadly not a secret order of
Sam Jam (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 7 p.m. $5. Standup Open Mic (comedy open mic) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 8:30 p.m. Free.
trivia, to summon wood sprites with chillwave. Less a shadowy cabal than an unofficial public karaoke, utility, this consortium of experimental electronic musicians occasionally drags hordes of etc. druids carrying Moogs and 808s under their robes, meeting at clandestine rock formations
keyboards, cables and modular synths from their sanctums and holds free public concerts.
The society’s next Synth Night features a stacked bill of local electronic acts, including THORNY, BURIAL WOODS (pictured), MOBELOS, TACKTILE and JUNIPER. It goes down on Sunday,
August 30, at Foam Brewers in Burlington. DJ Kwame (DJ) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 9 p.m. Free. DJ LaFountaine (DJ) at Gusto’s, Barre, 9 p.m. Free. DJ Liv & missandri (DJ) at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington, 11 p.m. $10. It’s a 2000’s Party (DJ) at Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington, 9:30 p.m. $25/$30.
MON.31
DJ NewCity (DJ) at Rí Rá Irish Pub & Whiskey Room, Burlington, 10 p.m. Free.
TUE.1
Bashment Tuesday (DJ) at Akes’ Place, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free. DJ 2Rivers (DJ) at Rí Rá Irish Pub & Whiskey Room, Burlington, 10 p.m. Free.
open mics & jams WED.26
Bluegrass Jam (open jam) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 8 p.m. $10.
Lit Club (poetry open mic) at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington, 6:30 p.m. Free. Open Mic (open mic) at Poultney Pub, 7 p.m. Free.
THU.27
TUE.1
WED.2
Trivia (trivia) at Alfie’s Wild Ride, Stowe, 7 p.m. Free.
Open Mic (open mic) at the Whammy Bar, Calais, 7 p.m. Free.
Open Mic (open mic) at Poultney Pub, 7 p.m. Free.
SUN.30
The Ribbit Review Open Mic & Jam (open mic) at Lily’s Pad, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.
Bluegrass Etc. Jam with Ben Kogan (bluegrass jam session) at Ottauquechee Yacht Club, Woodstock, 6:30 p.m. Free. Monday Night Open Mic (open mic) at Pearl Street Pub, Essex Junction, 6 p.m. Free. Open Mic (open mic) at Stone Corral, Richmond, 7 p.m. Free. Open Mic Variety Extravaganza (open mic) at the Hive on Pine, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.
Karaoke with Cam (karaoke) at Monopole, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 9 p.m. Free.
Doug’s Open Mic (open mic) at Two Heroes Brewery & Public House, South Hero, 6 p.m. Free. Open Celtic Session (open jam) at Bent Nails Roadhouse, Middlesex, 6 p.m. Free.
MON.31
Karaoke Friday Night (karaoke) at Park Place Tavern & Grill, Essex Junction, 8 p.m. Free.
Seven Days Singles Party at Four Quarters Brewing (singles party) at Four Quarters Brewing, Winooski, 6 p.m. $10. WAIT LIST.
Old Time Jam (open jam) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.
Olde Time Jam Session (open jam) at the Den at Harry’s Hardware, Cabot, noon. Free.
WED.26
comedy WED.26
Standup Open Mic (comedy open mic) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 8:30 p.m. Free. VCA Presents: $5 Improv Night (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 7 p.m. $5.
THU.27
Comedy Open Mic (comedy open mic) at Frost Beer Works, Hinesburg, 7 p.m. Free.
Trivia (trivia) at Rí Rá Irish Pub & Whiskey Room, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free. Trivia (trivia) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.
FRI.28
Boogie Bingo (bingo, DJ) at the Alchemist, Stowe, 5 p.m. Free. Karaoke Friday Night (karaoke) at Park Place Tavern & Grill, Essex Junction, 8 p.m. Free. Karaoke with DJ Party Bear (karaoke) at Charlie-O’s World Famous, Montpelier, 9 p.m. Free. Late Night Karaoke with Owen Leavey (karaoke) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 11 p.m. $10.
SAT.29
Queeraoke with Lizzie Murderz (karaoke) at Standing Stone Wines, Winooski, 9 p.m. Free.
SUN.30
Family-Friendly Karaoke (karaoke) at Old Soul Design Shop, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 5 p.m. Free. Sunday Funday (games) at 1st Republic Brewing, Essex, noon. Free. Trivia (trivia) at Zenbarn, Waterbury Center, 5:30 p.m. Free.
MON.31
Retro Game Night (gaming) at the Den at Harry’s Hardware, Cabot, 6 p.m. Free. Trivia Monday (trivia) at Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling, Essex, 6 p.m. Free. Trivia Monday with Top Hat Entertainment (trivia) at McKee’s Original, Winooski, 7 p.m. Free. Trivia with Brain (trivia) at Charlie-O’s World Famous, Montpelier, 8 p.m. Free. Trivia with Craig Mitchell (trivia) at Monkey House, Winooski, 7 p.m. Free.
TUE.1
Karaoke with DJ Vociferous (karaoke) at Charlie-O’s World Famous, Montpelier, 9:30 p.m. Free. Taproom Trivia (trivia) at 14th Star Brewing, St. Albans, 6:30 p.m. Free. Trivia Night (trivia) at Gusto’s, Barre, 6:30 p.m. Free. Trivia Tuesday (trivia) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 7 p.m. Free.
WED.2
THU.27
Country Line Dancing (line dancing) at Zenbarn, Waterbury Center, 7:30 p.m. Free. Karaoke (karaoke) at Gusto’s, Barre, 8 p.m. Free. Karaoke Friday Night (karaoke) at Park Place Tavern & Grill, Essex Junction, 8 p.m. Free. Karaoke in the Alley (karaoke) at Red Square, Burlington, 8 p.m. Free. Trivia (trivia) at Einstein’s Tap House, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free. Trivia (trivia) at Four Quarters Brewing, Winooski, 6 p.m. Free.
Karaoke Friday Night (karaoke) at Park Place Tavern & Grill, Essex Junction, 8 p.m. Free. Karaoke with Cam (karaoke) at Monopole, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 9 p.m. Free. Trivia (trivia) at Two Heroes Brewery & Public House, South Hero, 6 p.m. Free. Trivia (trivia) at Alfie’s Wild Ride, Stowe, 7 p.m. Free. Trivia (trivia) at Rí Rá Irish Pub & Whiskey Room, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free. Trivia (trivia) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free. ➆
SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
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WED.26 agriculture
‘AUTOMATION IN THE BARN: MANAGING MILK QUALITY IN AUTOMATED MILKING SYSTEMS’: Aurora Dairies chief technical officer Dr. John Penry unpacks practical strategies for monitoring and improving milk quality. Hosted by UVM Extension. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free; preregister. WEDNESDAYS WITH FARMER FRED: The site’s resident farmer and storyteller demonstrates historical agricultural tools and techniques, including sheep shearing, rye harvesting and cider pressing. President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site, Plymouth, noon-2 p.m. Regular admission, $4-12; free for kids under 6.
business
‘NONLINEAR LEADERSHIP: A WORKSHOP FOR FOUNDERS AND EXECUTIVES’: A dynamic workshop helps businesspeople step off the straight and narrow path of traditional management and restructure executive thinking to navigate unpredictable challenges. Hula, Burlington, 9 a.m. Free; preregister. ‘WAIT ... I NEED WHAT NOW?!’: Local copywriter and brand messaging strategist Liisa Reimann sheds light on what actually belongs in a business marketing system, what can wait and how it all connects. 2-3 p.m. Free; preregister.
community
CEREMONY FOR COMMUNITY HEALING: An all-ages gathering hosted by the Vermont Truth and Reconciliation Commission turns shared tears about the state of the
world into a ritual of restoration. Button Bay State Park, Vergennes, 4-6 p.m. Free. CURRENT EVENTS: Folks have an informal discussion about what’s in the news. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free. PASSEGGIATA: Inspired by an Italian social ritual, locals take to the streets for a community-building stroll of the pedestrian promenade. Church Street Marketplace, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free. PASSEGGIATA WATERBURY: Neighbors adopt a timeless Mediterranean tradition of civic engagement and social bonding during an evening amble. Downtown Waterbury, 5-8 p.m. Free.
crafts
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BURLINGTON NAVY WEEK: A celebration of local and national maritime history drops anchor in Vermont for the first time with seven days of demonstrations and community events. See navyweek.org for details. Various locations statewide. Free. GUIDED TOURS: Guests get to know the personal histories of rescued farm animals at an educational walk-through highlighting the nuances of lifelong care. Merrymac Animal Sanctuary, Charlotte, 2-3 p.m. $25. MUSEUM TOURS: A guided tour charts a course through regional history, uncovering the archaeological secrets hidden beneath the waves. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free.
PLANT-BASED NATURAL DYEING: Crafters learn how to use vibrant hues from the natural world to create a sample palette and a colorful silk handkerchief. Intervale Center, Burlington, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free.
TOASTMASTERS OF GREATER BURLINGTON: Those looking to strengthen their speaking and leadership skills gain new tools. Virtual option available. Generator Makerspace, Burlington, 6-7:30 p.m. Free; preregister.
YARN & YAK: A weekly club for fiber fanatics of all skill levels makes knitting and crocheting more sociable. Milton Artists’ Guild Art Center & Gallery, 5-7 p.m. Free.
fairs & festivals
YARN CRAFTERS GROUP: A drop-in meetup welcomes knitters, crocheters, spinners, weavers and other fiber artists. BYO snacks and drinks. Must Love Yarn, Shelburne, 5-7 p.m. Free.
etc.
ANALOG PHOTO MIXER: Photographers snap up the chance to step into a local darkroom and share their physical prints with fellow shutterbugs. White River Craft Center, Randolph, noon. Free.
LIST YOUR UPCOMING EVENT HERE FOR FREE! All submissions must be received by Thursday at noon for consideration in the following Wednesday’s newspaper. Find our convenient form and guidelines at sevendaysvt.com/postevent. Seven Days calendar writer Rebecca Driscoll selects and writes calendar spotlights. To help process the hundreds of event submissions we receive each week, some listings are compiled with the help of AI. Driscoll reviews, edits and verifies every entry before publication.
CALEDONIA COUNTY FAIR: Vermont’s oldest agricultural jubilee features rides, live music and entertainment, livestock events, demolition derbies, and all that fabulous food. Caledonia County Fairgrounds, Lyndonville, 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m. $15-25.
film
See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section. MIDDLEBURY NEW FILMMAKERS FESTIVAL: It’s a movie buff’s paradise when dozens of features, high-profile panelists and lively festivities roll into town
FIND MORE LOCAL EVENTS IN THIS ISSUE AND ONLINE: art Find visual art exhibits and events in the Art section and at sevendaysvt.com/art.
film See what’s playing in the On Screen section.
music + nightlife Find club dates at local venues in the Music + Nightlife section online at sevendaysvt.com/music.
Learn more about highlighted listings in the Magnificent 7 on page 11.
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SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
= ONLINE EVENT = GET TICKETS ON SEVENDAYSTICKETS.COM
for the 12th annual flick fête. See middfilmfest.org for full schedule. Various Middlebury locations. Various prices. REPERTORY WEDNESDAY SERIES: ‘12 MONKEYS’: Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt star in this 1995 dystopian sci-fi thriller set in a distant world devastated by disease. Partizanfilm, Burlington, 8 p.m. Free.
food & drink
CHAMPLAIN ISLANDS FARMERS MARKET: Talented artisans and vendors showcase their farm-fresh veggies, meats, eggs, flowers, honey and other goodies. South Hero St. Rose of Lima Church, 3-6 p.m. Free. COMMUNITY COOKING: Helping hands join up with the nonprofit’s staff and volunteers to make a yummy meal for distribution. Outright Vermont, Burlington, 6-8 p.m. Free.
lineup. Shelburne Farms, 6:30 p.m. Free; donations accepted.
conversation circles as participants hone their multilingual abilities. See kellogghubbard. org for details. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, noon. Free.
outdoors
PARLIAMO ITALIANO: The Vermont Italian Cultural Association hosts an evening for speakers — both beginner and native — to practice the language of love. Pearl Street Pizza, Barre, 5-8 p.m. Free; preregister.
lgbtq
THE ALL-INCLUSIVE DYKETACULAR: A weekly get-together and listening party celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with feelgood tunes, dancing and drinks. Doma Bar, Burlington, 5-10 p.m. Free; cost of food and drink.
music
THE AMAZING CORN MAZE: Five full acres of puzzling twists and turns challenge visitors’ directional skills, followed by a sweet reward of maple creemees. Silloway Maple, Randolph Center, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $10. ‘BATS, FORESTS AND VERNAL POOLS: AN EVENING AT KING FARM’: Expert Jessica Jones demystifies the crucial role of native bat populations at an illuminating trek through active research sites. King Farm, Woodstock, 6-8 p.m. Free; preregister. GREAT VERMONT CORN MAZE: With a new design every year, this sprawling 24-acre labyrinth presents a fresh challenge for fall revelers. Great Vermont Corn Maze, Danville, 9 a.m.-noon. Various prices; preregister.
CUPPA ON CAMPUS: Community members mingle over tea and coffee, swapping bright ideas for the future of the property. The Creative Campus at Goddard, Plainfield, 8-10 a.m. Free.
BROWN BAG LUNCH SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: Live music by local talent comes to the heart of downtown Montpelier, showcasing a diverse mix of artists and genres over four weeks. See monteverdimusic.org for lineup. Christ Episcopal Church, Montpelier, noon. Free.
DANVILLE FARMERS MARKET: Villagers connect over live music and family-friendly activities at a weekly gathering featuring Northeast Kingdom produce, artisan wares and culinary creations. Danville Town Green, 3:30-7 p.m. Free.
LAKE CHAMPLAIN CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL: Nine days of master classes, performances and talks tantalize the ears of classical music enthusiasts. See lccmf.org for full schedule. Various Chittenden County locations, 1-4 p.m. Various prices; preregister.
TREE ID AND NATURAL HISTORY TOUR: Master naturalist Gene O. Desideraggio leads attendees through the unique social and ecological history of a Queen City gem. Oakledge Park, Burlington, noon. $10-15; preregister.
MARKET ON THE GREEN: Shoppers feast their eyes on fresh produce, prepared foods and artisanal goods as they enjoy live local music. Woodstock Village Green, 3-6 p.m. Free.
MUSIC ON THE HILL SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: Outdoor music lovers pack a picnic and revel in vibrant performances at this weekly celebration of seasonal sounds. See artistreevt.org for lineup. Artistree Community Arts Center, South Pomfret, 6:30 p.m. Free.
GREEN MOUNTAIN TABLE TENNIS CLUB: Ping-Pong players block, chop and lob in singles and doubles matches. Rutland Area Christian School, 7-9 p.m. Free for first two sessions; $30 annual membership.
VEGAN IN VERMONT: Those following a plant-based diet connect with others, explore recipes and listen to guest speaker Mateo Block, owner of Prophecy Chocolate in Morrisville. Fletcher Free Library New North End Branch, Burlington, 6-8 p.m. Free; preregister. WEDNESDAY WINE DOWN FARMERS MARKET: Folks uncork happiness while browsing local produce and products, sipping vino, and enjoying live music by noteworthy outfits. Shelburne Vineyard, 5-9 p.m. Free.
health & fitness
CHAIR YOGA: Waterbury Public Library instructor Diana Whitney leads at-home participants in gentle stretches supported by seats. 10 a.m. Free. RECOVERY DHARMA: Individuals struggling with addiction gather weekly for an evening of meditation, topical readings and open discussion in a supportive environment. First United Methodist Church, Burlington, 6-7 p.m. Free.
language
ITALIAN CONVERSATION GROUP: Practitioners sharpen their skills and connect with neighbors at a bimonthly meetup facilitated by a native speaker. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 10-11 a.m. Free. LANGUAGE LOUNGE: Lunch breaks transform into global
NEW TRAIL BUILD: Volunteers offer time to clear and beautify the Saxon Summit Loop, followed by an optional group ride. Saxon Hill Trailhead, Essex Junction, 5:30 p.m. Free; preregister.
sports
WHALEBOAT WEDNESDAYS: Lake lovers embark on a unique aquatic adventure by rowing and sailing a traditionally rigged wooden craft across the water. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, 4-7 p.m. $60 suggested donation.
SUMMER LIVE MUSIC SERIES: Weekly performances by top local acts, authentic tacos from Las Hermosas, summery bevvies and sweet treats make for the perfect hump-day capper. See thetillermanvt.com for lineup. The Tillerman, Bristol, 5-8 p.m. Free; cost of food and drink.
talks
TAYLOR PARK SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: Local bands get in the groove while listeners enjoy green grass, refreshments and an evening breeze. See downtownsaintalbans.com for lineup. Taylor Park, St. Albans, 5:30-8 p.m. Free. TOWN OF SHELBURNE CONCERT SERIES: Regional acts provide the soundtrack for a weekly picnic and dance sesh on the courtyard lawn. See shelburnefarms.org for
ANDREW FLECHE: In “Myths About the Revolutionary Period,” a Vermont State University history professor shares fascinating facts about the pivotal era in honor of the nation’s 250th birthday. Lake Bomoseen Lodge and Taproom, Castleton, 7 p.m. Free. DEEP DIVES SERIES: Listeners plunge into the depths of local maritime history at a biweekly lecture series featuring illuminating presentations by
These community event listings are sponsored by the WaterWheel Foundation, a project of the Vermont band Phish.
archaeologists, educators and researchers. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, 6-7 p.m. Free; preregister. WORTHEN SUMMER SPEAKER SERIES: SOPHIA SUSHAILO: In “Ukraine: War and Resilience,” an ethnographer examines how traditional folk art embodies the country’s enduring spirit. Worthen Library, South Hero, 6:30 p.m. Free.
theater
‘LOBBY HERO’: Dorset Theatre Festival mounts Kenneth Lonergan’s dramedy following four New Yorkers whose lives intertwine during a local murder investigation. Dorset Playhouse, 2 & 7:30 p.m. $62-68.
Fable Farm, Barnard, 5:30-8 p.m. Free; preregister. FRIENDS OF THE ATHENAEUM MEETING: Interested folks link up with a volunteer group that promotes the library’s resources and services, provides hospitality for programs and events, and helps with fundraising efforts. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 9:3010:30 a.m. Free.
MONTPELIER RAMBLE: Locals take to the streets for a weekly community-building stroll in the heart of the Capital City. Downtown Montpelier, 5-7 p.m. Free.
SHAKESPEARE IN THE WOODS: The Bard gets a radical, queer and modern update with adaptations of King Lear and The Merry Wives of Windsor presented outdoors. The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa, Manchester, 7:30 p.m. $0-100 sliding scale.
KNIT FOR YOUR NEIGHBORS: From clicking needles to looping looms, participants hook into a mission of goodwill by creating handmade winter wear for the South Burlington Food Shelf. Materials provided. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 2-5 p.m. Free.
GARRET KEIZER: A local author’s new collection, Starting From Paterson, explores the erosion of human connection through personal essays spanning subjects from religion to technology. The Norwich Bookstore, 7 p.m. Free.
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SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE MIXER: StartUp Rutland hosts a networking event connecting entrepreneurs and owners with the community resources that help businesses grow and thrive. Light refreshments provided. The Hub CoWorks, Rutland, 5-7 p.m. Free; cash bar.
community
FEAST & FIELD MUSIC SERIES: NEW VERMONTER MEETUP: Newcomers to the Green Mountain State sink their teeth into the local scene while connecting over food and live music.
AUG. 28 | THEATER
MEET THE JUNIOR LEAGUE: The Junior League of Champlain Valley welcomes prospective members to grab some coffee and learn more about its mission to advance women’s leadership through volunteer action, collaboration and training. McGillicuddy’s Irish Pub, Waterbury, 6-8 p.m. Free; preregister.
‘PRIMARY TRUST’: Weston Theater Company stages University of Vermont alumna Eboni Booth’s Pulitzer Prizewinning play about new beginnings and old friends. Weston Theater at Walker Farm, 7:30 p.m. $25-98.
words
COURTESY OF GARRETT MACLEAN
LIST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE AT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/POSTEVENT
crafts
KNITTING GROUP: Knitters of every experience level get together to spin yarns. Latham Library, Thetford, 7 p.m. Free. WOODWORKING LAB: Visionaries create a project or learn a new skill with the help of mentors and access to makerspace tools and equipment. Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center, Middlebury, 5-8 p.m. $7.50.
dance
FULL MOON ECSTATIC DANCE: A free-form boogie session allows participants to let loose in a safe outdoor space around a crackling fire. Dreamland, Worcester, 7-9 p.m. $10-20. SILENT DISCO ON THE GREEN: Movers and shakers swap loudspeakers for wireless headphones and turn the lawn into a groovy — and quiet — dance floor. Triangle Park, Middlebury, 3-7 p.m. Free.
environment
BTV CLEAN UP CREW: Good Samaritans dispose of needles, trash and other unwanted objects. BYO gloves encouraged. Top
Bread and Puppet Theater in 2022
Food for Thought
film
Experimental troupe Bread and Puppet Theater journeys from its home base in Glover to Burlington’s Flynn Main Stage for a one-night-only performance of its radical summer offering, The Upside Down World Circus. Pageantry and protest center a politically charged production with the same traditions, tropes and iconography that founder-director Peter Schumann conceptualized back in 1960s New York. The sublime spectacle enlists staggering stilters, colorful papier-mâché beasts and an uproarious brass band to urgently confront the hot-button issues that beleaguer humanity today. After the performance, complimentary sourdough rye gives attendees something else to chew on.
‘THE UPSIDE DOWN WORLD CIRCUS’ Friday, August 28, 7 p.m., at the Flynn Main Stage in Burlington. $20.66. Info, 802-863-5966, flynnvt.org. of Church St., Burlington, 7:30-10 a.m. Free.
etc.
BURLINGTON NAVY WEEK: See WED.26. GUIDED TOURS: See WED.26. SHIPWRECK TOUR: What lies beneath? Spectators view
real-time footage of a sunken craft transmitted from a robotic camera. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, 10:30 a.m.noon. $25-45; preregister.
fairs & festivals
SHELBURNE SUMMER NIGHTS: The museum opens its exhibits to one and all while the lawn overflows with local food vendors, games and live music. Shelburne Museum, 5-7:30 p.m. Free.
See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section. ‘BAMBOOZLED’: A frustrated African American television writer sardonically proposes a blackface minstrel show that accidentally becomes a hit in Spike Lee’s blistering 2000 satire. The Screening Room @ VTIFF, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 7 p.m. $6-12. ‘DINOSAURS OF ANTARCTICA 3D’: Join scientists on a journey through a surreal world of bug-eyed giants and egg-laying mammals. Dealer.com 3D Theater, ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, noon, 2 & 4 p.m. $3-5 plus regular admission, $17-23; free for members and kids 2 and under. MIDDLEBURY NEW FILMMAKERS FESTIVAL: See WED.26. ‘PENGUIN ISLAND 3D’: Shot on the dramatic and uninhabited sub-Antarctic Crozet Archipelago,
CALEDONIA COUNTY FAIR: See WED.26, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
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FAMILY FUN Check out these family-friendly events for parents, caregivers and kids of all ages. • Plan ahead at sevendaysvt.com/family-fun. • Post your event at sevendaysvt.com/postevent.
WED.26
burlington
‘CHAMP: AMERICA’S LAKE MONSTER’ EXHIBIT: Curious minds dive into the science and history of Vermont’s most iconic legend at this family-friendly exhibit featuring interactive games, a design studio, multimedia displays, a 30-foot sculpture and photo ops. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular
admission, $17-23; free for members and kids 2 and under. ‘DINOSAUR SAFARI’ EXHIBIT: Young explorers take an unforgettable journey through a hands-on prehistoric world where life-size animatronic dinosaurs come to life. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular admission, $17-23; free for members and kids 2 and under. READ TO A DOG: Bookworms ages 3 and up sharpen their literacy skills and gain confidence by sharing stories with
a patient, four-legged listener named Willow. Fletcher Free Library New North End Branch, Burlington, 11 a.m.-noon. Free.
chittenden county
BABY TIME: Nonmobile infants and their caregivers embark on a slowpaced social hour featuring songs, rhymes and restorative connection. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 10:30-11 a.m. Free.
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CHILDREN’S STORY TIME WITH CHRISTINE: Youngsters wiggle, sing and turn pages at an interactive session led by a former early childhood educator. Wild Meadows Books & Café, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Free. SWITCH IT UP!: A weekly gaming session on the library’s Nintendo Switch engages elementary students in friendly competition while nearby parents learn more about navigating digital
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this thrilling documentary short zooms in on a lone male suitor seeking his special someone among a colony of rivals. Dealer. com 3D Theater, ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, 10:30 a.m., 12:30, 2:30 & 4:30 p.m. $3-5 plus regular admission, $17-23; free for members and kids 2 and under. ‘PRICKLY MOUNTAIN AND MY DESIGN/BUILD LIFE’: Director Allie Rood’s empowering 2025 documentary zooms in on counterculture architecture in her hometown of Warren. The Big Picture Community Hub for the Arts, Waitsfield, 7 p.m. $12; free for alumni. ‘SEEDING CHANGE: FARMING BEYOND NEONICS’: Attendees dig in to a wood-fired pizza social before fixing their eyes on the 2026 documentary narrated by Rusty DeWees. The Farm Upstream, Jericho, 5:30 p.m. $10-30; free for kids under 4 and BIPOC. ‘SHARK KINGDOM 3D’: A highstakes investigation into the underwater realm reveals how humanity’s future hinges on the fate of the ocean’s toothiest inhabitants. Dealer.com 3D Theater, ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 11:30 a.m., 1:30 & 3:30 p.m. $3-5 plus regular admission, $17-23; free for members and kids 2 and under. ‘WILD RESCUE 3D’: Dedicated wildlife rehabilitation teams rescue and release injured and orphaned animals back into nature in this heartwarming documentary short. Dealer.com 3D Theater, ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 11 a.m., 1 & 3 p.m. $3-5 plus regular admission, $17-23; free for members and kids 2 and under.
food & drink
BARK & BREW: Pups romp around the play yard while pet owners quench their thirst with local craft beers. Humane Society of Chittenden County, South Burlington, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $20. FLATBREAD FRIDAY: A rotating soundtrack of live local music sets the tone for this weekly fresh-air feast for all ages. The Wheeler Homestead, South Burlington, 4-6:30 p.m. Various prices. VERGENNES FARMERS MARKET: Locals delight in fresh organic produce, artisan cheeses, meats, baked goods, crafts and live music. Vergennes City Park, 3-7 p.m. Free.
games
CHESS FOR FUN: Sharp minds select an opening gambit, go on the attack and protect their king in friendly competition. Cobleigh Public Library, Lyndonville, 5-8 p.m. Free. DUPLICATE BRIDGE GAMES: Snacks and coffee fuel bouts of a classic card game. Burlington Bridge Club, Williston, 12:30 p.m. $6.
Heineberg Senior Center, Burlington, 1-3 p.m. Free. LAWN GAMES FOR ADULTS: Folks ages 18 and up engage in some friendly competition with lawn darts, Tetris Tumble XL and other fun-filled offerings. Light refreshments provided. Essex Free Library, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free.
COURTESY OF NATALIE DUNN
THU.27
OPENS AUG. 28 | THEATER
PEER SUPPORT DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Beginners wanted! Players get lost in the fantasy-filled tabletop role-playing game while focusing on teamwork, connection and community building. Morgan House, Burlington, 6-8 p.m. Free. SOLARPUNK BOOK CLUB & GAME NIGHT: Neighbors dream up a socially conscious, ecological future with readings and a short round of Solarpunk Futures. Peace & Justice Center, Burlington, 5-6:30 p.m. Free. WEEKLY CHESS FOR FUN: Players of all ability levels face off and learn new strategies. United Community Church, St. Johnsbury, 5:30-9 p.m. Free; donations accepted.
health & fitness
BLOOD DRIVE: Participants part with life-sustaining pints at this American Red Cross donation event. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, noon-4:30 p.m. Free; preregister. COMMUNITY MINDFULNESS: Volunteer coach Andrea Marion leads a weekly practice for stress reduction, followed by a discussion and Q&A. 5-6 p.m. Free; preregister. SEATED TAI CHI: Adina guides at-home participants — including those with limited mobility or difficulty standing — through a sequence of slow, connected movements. Sponsored by the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library. 1 p.m. Free; preregister.
language
ITALIAN CONVERSATION GROUP: Parla Italiano? Language learners practice pronunciation and more at a friendly gathering. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, noon-1 p.m. Free.
Patrick St. John and Karin Stevenson in California Suite
The Wild West
SHAKESPEARE IN THE WOODS: See WED.26.
Four sets of visitors check in with high expectations and leave disappointed in the Lamoille County Players’ production of Neil Simon’s California Suite at Hyde Park Opera House. The critically acclaimed comedy peeks behind the doors of a high-end suite at the Beverly Hills Hotel in the 1970s, where guests unpack their literal and metaphorical baggage in four separate vignettes: A divorced couple argues bitterly about their teenage daughter; a man wakes up to find a stranger passed out in his bed; an actress spars with her husband amid career panic; and two friendly couples’ joint vacation devolves into madcap chaos.
‘CALIFORNIA SUITE’ Friday, August 28, and Saturday, August 29, 7 p.m.; and Sunday, August 30, 2 p.m., at Hyde Park Opera House. See website for additional dates. $15-20. Info, info@lcplayers.com, lcplayers.com.
LANGUAGE LOUNGE: See WED.26.
music
B-TOWN: A local rock and blues band doles out a diverse mix of old and new covers while attendees enjoy fare from local food trucks. Maquam Barn & Winery, Milton, 6-8 p.m. Free; cost of food and drink. FEAST & FIELD MUSIC SERIES: BILLY WYLDER: Desert blues, folk and art rock collide in a hypnotic soundscape helmed by Vermont musician Avi Salloway. Fable Farm, Barnard, 6-8:30 p.m. $5-25. LAKE CHAMPLAIN CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL: See WED.26, 1-6 p.m. LAKE MOREY SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: MUSCADINE BLOODLINE: A country-rock duo from Alabama serves up tight vocal harmonies and deeply rooted Southern
FRIENDLY GAME OF BRIDGE: Strategic thinkers have a blast with the popular card game. 60 SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
storytelling. Lake Morey Resort, Fairlee, 7 p.m. Free. ON THE DOOR RADIO: A laid-back summer series features tantalizing food-truck fare and a rotating pair of local DJs backed by sunset cocktail vibes. The Pinery, Burlington, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free. PIZZA BY THE POND MUSIC NIGHTS: A wood-fired oven delivers all-you-can-eat pies while local musicians regale diners with irresistible toe tappers. BYOB. Blueberry Hill Inn, Goshen, 5-8 p.m. $23-34; free for kids 6 and under; preregister.
outdoors
THE AMAZING CORN MAZE: See WED.26. EVENING BIRD WALK: Not an early riser? You’re not alone! Museum staff lead birders on a
sunset stroll through the area’s forests and clearings. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 7 p.m. $5-15 suggested donation; preregister. GREAT VERMONT CORN MAZE: See WED.26.
talks
‘CONFLICT OF INTEREST LIVE!’: Montpelier media host Kevin Ellis migrates his podcast to the stage to interview national and local guests about hot-button topics including housing, culture, education and politics. Montpelier Performing Arts Hub, 7 p.m. $10.
tech
TECH HELP: Users with digital dilemmas seek expert guidance about everything from smartphone settings to ebook
downloads. Norwich Public Library, 1-4 p.m. Free.
theater
THE GREEN MOUNTAIN SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL: ‘RICHARD III’: A ruthless royal plots a blood-soaked path to the throne in the Bard’s classic historical tragedy exploring power and betrayal. Plainfield Town Hall Opera House, 7 p.m. $20. ‘LOBBY HERO’: See WED.26, 7:30 p.m. ‘OUR TOWN’: Audience members witness the fleeting beauty of everyday life in an abridged version of Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning modernist classic. Phantom Theater, Edgcomb Barn, Warren, 8 p.m. $20. ‘PRIMARY TRUST’: See WED.26.
‘UNFORGETTING SERVICES: DIRT CHEAP ORATORIA’: A participatory “grief ritual” hosted by Bread and Puppet Theater includes music, movement, silence, parading, a sermon and a burial of “rotten ideas.” Bread and Puppet Museum, Glover, 4:30 p.m. By donation.
words
AUGUST BOOK CLUB: Literary enthusiasts discuss Andrew Sean Greer’s sun-soaked 2026 novel, Villa Coco, following a young American archivist in Italy who becomes the assistant to a flamboyant aristocrat. Wild Meadows Books & Café, Williston, 6:30-8 p.m. Free; preregister. CARRIE LOWRY SCHUETTPELZ: An author, policy adviser and Lumbee Tribe member sheds light on her creative process and debut nonfiction book, The Indian Card. Vermont Studio Center, Johnson, 8 p.m. Free. DOMENICA MARCHETTI: Delizioso! An author, recipe developer and food writer launches her new cookbook, Italian Cookies: Authentic Recipes and Sweet Stories From Every Region, in conversation with Seven Days staff writer Melissa Pasanen. Phoenix Books, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free; preregister. GEORGE’S MYSTERY BOOK GROUP: Patrons chat about this month’s twisty page-turner with resident whodunit expert George Spaulding. Kellogg-Hubbard
New World Festival
JODI LEW-SMITH: A local author shares her award-winning historical fiction and gothic novel, Asa James, and discusses the rural Vermont farms that inspired it. Norwich Public Library, 5:30 p.m. Free. MY DENTIST’S SON: Community members share tales about their mystical, magical experiences around a crackling campfire. Willowell Foundation, Monkton, 7-8:30 p.m. Free; donations accepted. TURNING PAGES WITH MARY: Radio host Mary Cenci leads an in-depth discussion of Kathleen Rooney’s darkly humorous, existential novel, Man Overboard!, about a former college swimmer with a severe fear of the ocean. Phoenix Books, Essex, 5:30 p.m. Free; preregister.
FRI.28 business
HIRING EVENT: Time for a new gig? Curious and career-minded individuals learn more about the resort’s many unique job opportunities. The von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort, Stowe, 9 a.m.-noon & noon-4 p.m. Free.
dance
SHELBURNE CONTRA DANCE: No partner or experience is necessary when Will Mentor calls the steps and Spring Chickens provide the tunes. Bring clean, soft-soled shoes. Historic Shelburne Town Hall, beginner lesson, 6:45 p.m.; music, 7-10 p.m. $5-12 cash or check; free for kids under 12.
environment
‘REPTILES, AMPHIBIANS AND OUR FORESTED WETLANDS’: Herpetologists Jim Andrews and Kate Kelly leap into local ecology at an evening presentation, followed by an outdoor field trip exploring cold-blooded creatures and their watery habitats the next morning. Wheelock Town Hall, Lyndonville, 7 p.m. Free; preregister.
etc.
BURLINGTON NAVY WEEK: See WED.26. MUSEUM TOURS: See WED.26. OPEN HOUSE: Neighbors pop by to celebrate the center’s new digs with refreshments and community-driven dialogue about the future of the space. Peace & Justice Center, Burlington, 6-8 p.m. Free.
fairs & festivals
BONDVILLE FAIR: The oldest continuously running fair in Vermont serves up a weekend of family-oriented fun, including ag exhibits, midway rides and carnival eats. Bondville Fairgrounds, 10 a.m. $5-25. CALEDONIA COUNTY FAIR: See WED.26, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
CHAMPLAIN VALLEY FAIR: Vermonters enjoy a smorgasbord of rides, games and fun, from the demolition derby and 4-H dairy show to carousels and culinary events. Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction, noon-10 p.m. $7-20; $10 for parking; free for kids 4 and under.
SOUTH END GET DOWN: Local food trucks dish out mouthwatering meals and libations while live DJs and outdoor entertainment add to the ambience. Coal Collective, Burlington, 5-9 p.m. Free; cost of food and drink.
ST. J FINAL FRIDAYS: An epic street fair entices attendees with a gallery stroll, live music, food truck offerings and free activities. Downtown St. Johnsbury, 5-8 p.m. Free.
ADULT RUMMIKUB: Strategists gather to test their mental agility with this classic numbers-based tabletop challenge. Essex Free Library, 1-3 p.m. Free.
film
See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section. ‘DINOSAURS OF ANTARCTICA 3D’: See THU.27. ‘IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT’: A Black detective must solve the crime he’s been falsely accused of in this 1967 murder mystery starring Sidney Poitier. Bridgeside Books, Waterbury, 7 p.m. $8-15. MIDDLEBURY NEW FILMMAKERS FESTIVAL: See WED.26. ‘PENGUIN ISLAND 3D’: See THU.27. ‘SHARK KINGDOM 3D’: See THU.27. ‘THE THIEF OF BAGDAD’: Pianist Jeff Rapsis plays a live score to accompany this 1924 adventure epic starring Douglas Fairbanks as a recalcitrant pickpocket vying for the hand of a beautiful princess. Epsilon Spires, Brattleboro, 7 p.m. $20. ‘WILD RESCUE 3D’: See THU.27.
food & drink
FLATBREAD FRIDAY: See THU.27. RICHMOND FARMERS MARKET: An open-air marketplace complete with live music connects cultivators and fresh-food browsers. Volunteers Green, Richmond, 3-6:30 p.m. Free.
FOMO? Find even more local events in this newspaper and online:
art Find visual art exhibits and events in the Art section and at sevendaysvt.com/art.
film See what’s playing at theaters in the On Screen section.
music + nightlife Find club dates at local venues in the Music + Nightlife section online at sevendaysvt.com/ music. Learn more about highlighted listings in the Magnificent 7 on page 11.
= ONLINE EVENT = GET TICKETS ON SEVENDAYSTICKETS.COM
games
DUPLICATE BRIDGE GAMES: See THU.27, 10 a.m.
health & fitness
Celtic & Québécois Music & Dance
11 Hours
5
OF LIVE MUSIC
STAGES
6h-ChandlerCenter081926 1
LANGUAGE LOUNGE: See WED.26.
FREE ADMISSION
Puppet Show By No Strings Marionette Co
MINDFULNESS MEDITATION: Community members gather for an informal session combining stimulating discussion, sharing and sitting in silence. Iyengar Yoga Center of Vermont, Burlington, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Free.
FRENCH SOCIAL HOUR: The Alliance Française of the Lake Champlain Region hosts a rendez-vous over cocktails. Hilton Garden Inn Burlington Downtown, 5:30-7 p.m. Free; cash bar.
12 & UNDER
Sunday, Sept 6th Randolph, VT
Cantrip • Cécilia • É.T.É Genticorum • Medusa • Mélisande • Malvenn & Many More!
Called Dances
language
INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS
Featuring Music By
GUIDED MEDITATION ONLINE: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library invites attendees to relax on their lunch breaks and reconnect with their bodies. Noon-12:30 p.m. Free; preregister.
WEEKLY MEDITATION: Expert Zac Ispa-Landa shares tools to quiet the mind, slow down and reset. Outright Vermont, Burlington, 8-8:45 a.m. Free.
20+
Local Food & Drinks
34th Annual Event!
chandler-arts.org/newworld 8/17/26 1:43 PM
Vermont
FRI 18 SAT 19 SEPT
Library, Montpelier, 6:15-8 p.m. Free.
SEPT
LIST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE AT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/POSTEVENT
DOORS OPEN AT 4:30PM 5PM-9PM
DOORS OPEN AT 5:30PM 6PM-10PM
lgbtq
RPG NIGHT: Members of the LGBTQ community get together weekly for role-playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons and Everway. Rainbow Bridge Community Center, Barre, 5:308:30 p.m. Free.
Tickets
music
ANA GUIGUI: An acclaimed pianist and vocalist entertains listeners with a wide variety of styles and genres. The Brandon Inn, 7-9:30 p.m. Free. DRUM CIRCLE WITH JEAN JACQUES MAURY: From mastering basic techniques to building a shared rhythmic vocabulary, an all-abilities music-making session taps into a deep mindbody connection. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 6-7 p.m. Free. LAKE CHAMPLAIN CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL: See WED.26, 7:30-9 p.m.
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LEVITT AMP ST. JOHNSBURY MUSIC SERIES: JON HAYES & THE COMPANY: The Michigan singer-songwriter doles out soulful acoustic tones and introspective storytelling with raw Midwestern authenticity. Downtown St. Johnsbury, 7 p.m. Free. FRI.28
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MOORE DAM BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL: Music fans pitch tents for a relaxing and entertaining weekend of camping, live music sets and jam sessions. 759 Mitchell Rd., Concord, noon. $25-100. POKEY LAFARGE: A singersongwriter reviving early 20th-century American roots music dazzles with his vintage aesthetic and energetic stage presence. Haybarn Theatre, The Creative Campus @Goddard, Plainfield, 8 p.m. $40. TIM EASTON, BOWMEN & STEFAN WEINER: Day trippers and campers flock to an outdoor showcase of three noteworthy music acts. Know Town, Stockbridge, 6 p.m. $25-75. WARREN ZEIDERS: A country music singer-songwriter known for his gravelly, powerful vocals delivers a high-octane concert of chart-toppers the likes of “Pretty Little Poison.” Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction, 7 p.m. $39-69.
outdoors
THE AMAZING CORN MAZE: See WED.26. GREAT VERMONT CORN MAZE: See WED.26. OPEN GARDEN DAYS: Guests cultivate horticultural inspiration at this self-guided greenhouse tour benefiting local charities. von Trapp Greenhouse, Waitsfield, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $10-10.50; free for kids under 18. SPONTANEOUS EVENING UNDER THE STARS: Curious minds uncover the mysteries of the universe in a stargazing session with amateur astronomer Joe Comeau. Orchard Hill Observatory, Alburgh, 8-10 p.m. Free.
sports
OPEN DINGHY SAILING: Skippers with sailing knowledge celebrate the end of the week with a nautical adventure. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, 4-7 p.m. $40 suggested donation; preregister.
theater
‘BUG’: One Room Theatrics raises the curtain on Pulitzer Prizewinning playwright Tracy Letts’ psychological thriller about two people descending into a terrifying shared delusion. Stone Valley Arts, Poultney, 7 p.m. $20. ‘CALIFORNIA SUITE’: The Lamoille County Players mount Neil Simon’s introspective stage comedy zooming in on different guests at the Beverly Hills Hotel in the 1970s. See calendar spotlight. Hyde Park Opera House, 7 p.m. $15-20. THE GREEN MOUNTAIN SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL: ‘RICHARD III’: See THU.27. ‘LOBBY HERO’: See WED.26, 7:30 p.m.
SHAKESPEARE IN THE WOODS: See WED.26.
BRENDA HARTWELL: A Canadian author shares excerpts from her debut coming-of-age novel, No Wrong Seasons, followed by a Q&A session and a book signing. Light refreshments provided. Haskell Free Library & Opera House, Derby Line, 1-3 p.m. Free.
BTV MARKET: Shoppers seeking something unique explore a diverse showcase of wares by local artists, makers and food vendors. Burlington City Hall Park, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free.
SISTERHOOD CAMPFIRE: Women and genderqueer folks gather in a safe and inclusive space to build community through journaling, storytelling, gentle music and stargazing. Leddy Park, Burlington, 7-9 p.m. Free.
dance
‘FOREST’: SOLD OUT. Audience members stroll down a quiet dirt road to witness Hannah Dennison’s site-specific choreography and theatrical scenes blooming among the trees. Various Washington locations, 11 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. Wait list available.
environment
A DAY FOR THE LAKE: Volunteers scoop up shoreline trash, then rendezvous at Foam Brewers to sort and catalog the debris over complimentary beer and snacks. Various waterfront locations, Burlington, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free; preregister. ‘MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS: BUTTERFLIES OF VERMONT’: Naturalist and author Kate Taylor presents an engaging lesson on spotting local winged species and decoding their life cycles. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, 10:30 a.m. Free. ‘REPTILES, AMPHIBIANS AND OUR FORESTED WETLANDS’: See FRI.28, 9 a.m.
etc.
‘OUR TOWN’: See THU.27. ‘PRIMARY TRUST’: See WED.26.
GUIDED TOURS: See WED.26.
SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
food & drink
MARSHFIELD FARMERS MARKET: Locavores find much to do at a weekly outdoor offering with live music, skill shares, vendors and community resource swaps. Old Schoolhouse Common, Marshfield, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free.
bazaars
community
‘WILD RESCUE 3D’: See THU.27.
CHAMPLAIN ISLANDS FARMERS MARKET: Talented artisans and vendors showcase their farm-fresh veggies, meats, eggs, flowers, honey and other goodies. Grand Isle St. Joseph’s Church, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.
SAT.29
MAKERS MARKET: Browsers discover unique, handmade goods and meet the talented people behind them at a weekly showcase of local artists, bakers, distillers and crafters. Addison West, Waitsfield, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.
‘SHARK KINGDOM 3D’: See THU.27.
BURLINGTON FARMERS MARKET: Live local music lends flair to dozens of stands overflowing with seasonal produce, flowers, artisanal wares and prepared foods. 345 Pine St., Burlington, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.
words
BURLINGTON NAVY WEEK: See WED.26.
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‘THE UPSIDE DOWN WORLD CIRCUS’: The troupe’s summer show mystifies and dazzles with colorful puppetry, towering stilters, papier-mâché beasts and a riotous brass band. See calendar spotlight. Flynn Main Stage, Burlington, 7 p.m. $20.66.
NORTHWEST FARMERS MARKET: Browsers stock up on produce, preserves, baked goods and other treasures to the beat of live music. Taylor Park, St. Albans, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. COURTESY OF DYLAN FRAZER
FRI.28
ST. JOHNSBURY FARMERS MARKET: Growers, bakers, makers and crafters gather weekly at booths centered on local eats. Pearl St. & Eastern Ave., St. Johnsbury, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free.
Erika Nichols-Frazer
Girl Power At Waterbury’s Bridgeside Books, Waitsfield author Erika Nichols-Frazer gives voice to her new collection, No One Will Ever Hear You: Stories, exploring the kind of quiet power and persistence exhibited by ordinary women every day. Hailed as “sharp and cut deep” by fellow writer Mary Morris, the compilation of 23 short stories probes difficult subjects such as loss and grief through a heartfelt and humanistic lens. In meticulously crafted prose, female characters — including a breast cancer survivor and a mother struggling to rescue her daughter from mental illness — discover how much they’re capable of. Spoiler alert — the answer is: a lot.
ERIKA NICHOLS-FRAZER Tuesday, September 1, 5:30 p.m., at Bridgeside Books in Waterbury. $18.99; includes copy of book. Info, 802-244-1441, bridgesidebooks.com.
LIFT FUNDRAISER: Eats, drinks, and tunes by Madigan Linnane and Ragged Company raise vital funds for the Cyrus Zschau Memorial Fund, providing educational travel scholarships to Harwood Union High School students. Lawson’s Finest Liquids, Waitsfield, 2-7 p.m. Free; donations accepted. MONTHLY SWAPORTUNITY: Collectors and enthusiasts trade, sell and showcase their nerdy goods, from vintage video games to rare figurines. Old Town Cafe & Comics, Williston, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. PUPPIES & POOCHES ON PARADE: Canine competitors strut their stuff to benefit the Norman Williams Public Library, while humans enjoy face painting, light refreshments and a performance by animal entertainment
act Jacks Are Wild. Woodstock Village Green, 10 a.m.-noon. $30; preregister.
Scout Reservation, Eden Mills, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free; donations accepted.
fairs & festivals
film
BARNARD STREET DANCE: A beloved town tradition delivers a full afternoon of family fun, art-making activities, food vendors and a barn-raising lineup of live entertainment. Barnard Town Hall, 2-7 p.m. Free; donations accepted. BONDVILLE FAIR: See FRI.28. CALEDONIA COUNTY FAIR: See WED.26, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. CHAMPLAIN VALLEY FAIR: See FRI.28, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. NULHEGAN ABENAKI HERITAGE GATHERING: Singing, drumming, dancing, and traditional games for kids and adults honor Vermont’s Indigenous history. Lunch provided. Mount Norris
See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section. ‘DILWALE DULHANIA LE JAYENGE’: Aditya Chopra’s 1995 feel-good romance flick follows two Londoners who fall in love on a European backpacking holiday. The Screening Room @ VTIFF, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 3 p.m. $6-12. ‘DINOSAURS OF ANTARCTICA 3D’: See THU.27. MIDDLEBURY NEW FILMMAKERS FESTIVAL: See WED.26. ‘PENGUIN ISLAND 3D’: See THU.27.
games
CHESS CLUB: Proficient players of all ages face off and learn new strategies. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 11 a.m. Free. D&D & TTRPG GROUP: Fans of Dungeons & Dragons and other tabletop role-playing games embark on a new adventure with a rotating cast of game masters. Virtual option available. Waterbury Public Library, 1-5 p.m. Free. SAT.29
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FOMO? Find even more local events in this newspaper and online:
art Find visual art exhibits and events in the Art section and at sevendaysvt.com/art.
film See what’s playing at theaters in the On Screen section.
music + nightlife Find club dates at local venues in the Music + Nightlife section online at sevendaysvt.com/ music. Learn more about highlighted listings in the Magnificent 7 on page 11.
= ONLINE EVENT = GET TICKETS ON SEVENDAYSTICKETS.COM
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health & fitness
RUN FOR JON: Runners and walkers make strides for the Jonathan Evans Memorial Fund, which supports North Country families with children in medical crisis. Forrence Orchards, Peru, N.Y., 5 p.m. $1-25; preregister.
music
40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: Burlington Taiko invites community members to help celebrate four decades of Japanese drumming at an afternoon of energetic performances and interactive workshops. Coach Barn at Shelburne Farms, 1-5 p.m. Free; preregister. ANA GUIGUI: See FRI.28. JAM FOR THE PARKS: Music lovers party down to a lineup of beloved local outfits, including Reprise, Dobbs’ Dead and All Night Boogie Band. Partial proceeds benefit Vermont Parks Forever. Waterbury Reservoir, Waterbury Center, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. $66-120. JORDAN DAVIS: Multiplatinum chart-toppers and foot-stomping anthems take center stage at a high-voltage performance by the country music superstar. Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction, 7 p.m. $39-69. LAKE CHAMPLAIN CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL: See WED.26, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. MOORE DAM BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL: See FRI.28, 10 a.m. SOCIAL BAND: The lively a cappella singers serve up a stirring program of avian-inspired Renaissance pieces and crowd-pleasing works by contemporary composers. Old Round Church, Richmond, 7:30 p.m. $20 suggested donation. STERLING ELLIOTT: A cello virtuoso known for his stellar stage presence and impeccable technique assumes the spotlight for an awe-inspiring solo program. Common Ground Center, Starksboro, 7:30 p.m. $10-18; preregister. TURNMUSIC ENSEMBLE: A local collective dedicated to performing new works while supporting
equity among music creators delivers a diverse program featuring everything from classical to jazz. The Frank Suchomel Memorial Arts Center, Adamant, 6 p.m. Free. VT YAZZ FESTIVAL: Adventurous listeners dive into offbeat audio and unconventional art at an annual gathering celebrating experimental music. Ferrisburgh Town Office & Community Center, 2-6 p.m. $15 suggested donation.
outdoors
THE AMAZING CORN MAZE: See WED.26. AUGUST BIRD MONITORING WALK: Avian aficionados monitor meadows and forests for the telltale flap of feathers. BYO binoculars. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 7:30 a.m. $5-15 suggested donation; preregister. FRED & CHRIS PRATT MEMORIAL BIRD WALK: Attendees stroll the trails in memory of the longtime birding enthusiasts and thoughtful land stewards who conserved the property. Refreshments follow. Pratt Forest, Duxbury, 7:30-10 a.m. Free; preregister. GREAT VERMONT CORN MAZE: See WED.26, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. OPEN GARDEN DAYS: See FRI.28. SENSING THE SEASON: Nature lovers hone their observation abilities to study seasonal shifts at this guided outdoor stroll ending in shared discoveries. Rock Point Center, Burlington, 10:30 a.m. Free; preregister. WATERSHED SPECIES ILLUSTRATION & SHORT TRAIL HIKE: Artists of all ages and abilities learn tips and tricks for creating naturalist drawings of local flora and fauna, followed by a 0.7-mile trek. Green Mountain Club Headquarters, Waterbury Center, 10 a.m.-noon. Free; preregister. WEEKLY BIRD WALK: Featheredfriend seekers join expert Lachlan Ziegler for a morning trek to sharpen their identification skills. Rock Point Center, Burlington, 8-10 a.m. Free; preregister.
sports
DAVID LEE STEWART MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT: Athletes tee
off to raise funds for Champlain Adaptive Mounted Program, providing life-changing opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Enosburg Falls Country Club, 9 a.m. By donation; preregister.
etc.
talks
fairs & festivals
BURLINGTON NAVY WEEK: See WED.26. GUIDED TOURS: See WED.26, 1-2 p.m.
while kids’ activities, live music and workshops build community. South Royalton Town Green, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. STOWE FARMERS MARKET: An appetizing assortment of fresh veggies, pasture-raised meats, milk, berries, herbs, beverages and handcrafted wares tempts shoppers. Stowe Farmers Market, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.
ANDY DAVIS: In “Reaching for the Moon: Stories About Bending the Arc of the Moral Universe,” a local raconteur shares a selection of social justice stories spanning from El Salvador to West Africa. Proceeds benefit HEAL Palestine. Calvary Episcopal Church, Jericho, 6 p.m. By donation.
BANDWAGON SUMMER SERIES: HOMEGROWN FESTIVAL: Crowds kick back with blankets and chairs to soak in live performances by noteworthy local acts, big-top acrobatics and regional eats. West River Park, Brattleboro, 4-7 p.m. $28-32; free for kids under 12. BONDVILLE FAIR: See FRI.28.
WINOOSKI FARMERS MARKET: More than 25 area growers and bakers offer local and global fare against a backdrop of live music and activities. Winooski Falls Way, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.
theater
CALEDONIA COUNTY FAIR: See WED.26, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
games
‘CALIFORNIA SUITE’: See FRI.28.
CHAMPLAIN VALLEY FAIR: See FRI.28, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
DUPLICATE BRIDGE GAMES: See THU.27, 1 p.m.
FIBER FAIR: Unique activities such as natural dye projects, live sheep petting, flax processing and recycled-fabric weaving honor the city’s roots as a mill town. Winooski Falls Way, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.
health & fitness
‘BUG’: See FRI.28. THE GREEN MOUNTAIN SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL: ‘RICHARD III’: See THU.27. ‘LOBBY HERO’: See WED.26. ‘OUR TOWN’: See THU.27. ‘PRIMARY TRUST’: See WED.26, 2 & 7:30 p.m. SHAKESPEARE IN THE WOODS: See WED.26.
words
WRITE NOW!: Wordsmiths of all experience levels hone their craft in a supportive and critique-free environment. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 10 a.m. Free.
SUN.30
MOTH-INSPIRED STORYTELLING EVENT: Local tellers of tales recount true stories on the theme of “Passages, Transitions and Moving On” in an open-mic format. Phantom Theater, Edgcomb Barn, Warren, 7 p.m. $10 suggested donation.
CHALLENGING CONTRA DANCE: Roundtuit provide the tunes and Luke Donforth calls the steps for difficult dances. Bring clean, softsoled shoes. A potluck follows. Capital City Grange, Berlin, 2-5 p.m. $5-20 sliding scale. ‘FOREST’: See SAT.29.
HARVEST FESTIVAL: Global beats, food truck bites, ice cream, lawn games and tractor rides stir up support for Burlington nonprofit Food 4 Farmers. Shelburne Orchards, 3-6 p.m. $25; free for kids 12 and under.
film
community
dance
FRIENDSHIP FESTIVAL: Diverse cultures, stories, eats and entertainment thread together at an afternoon of forging bonds and honoring community. Winooski School District, 2-9 p.m. Free.
See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section.
KARUNA COMMUNITY MEDITATION: A YEAR TO LIVE (FULLY): Participants practice keeping joy, generosity and gratitude at the forefront of their minds. Jenna’s House, Johnson, 10-11:15 a.m. Free; donations accepted. NEW LEAF SANGHA MINDFULNESS PRACTICE: New and experienced meditators alike sit together in the Plum Village tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. Hot Yoga Burlington, 6-7:45 p.m. Free. NEW MINDFULNESS MEDITATION GATHERING: Certified instructors lead hourlong sessions of the ancient contemplative practice rooted in compassion and generosity. Hood Plant, Burlington, 5:30-6:30 p.m. By donation.
‘PENGUIN ISLAND 3D’: See THU.27.
RACE TO THE TOP OF VERMONT: Runners, cyclists and hikers challenge their endurance with a 2,564-foot ascent of the historic Mansfield Toll Road, followed by post-climb eats, awards and family-friendly activities. Stowe Mountain Resort, 9 a.m. $65-95; preregister.
‘SHARK KINGDOM 3D’: See THU.27.
lgbtq
‘DINOSAURS OF ANTARCTICA 3D’: See THU.27. MIDDLEBURY NEW FILMMAKERS FESTIVAL: See WED.26.
‘WILD RESCUE 3D’: See THU.27.
food & drink
ROYALTON FARMERS MARKET: Twenty local vendors offer everything from fresh produce to prepared foods to artisan goods
QUEER READS BOOK CLUB: Lovers of LGBTQ+ literature lead a colorful discussion of Madeline Miller’s best-selling historical fiction novel, The Song of Achilles. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Free.
music
BRAINTREE BLUEGRASS BRUNCH: IDA MAE SPECKER & FRIENDS: Backed by a group of legendary local musicians, a third-generation fiddle player infuses traditional American folk music with original energy while Sarah Gibson calls the square dancing steps. Braintree Hill Meetinghouse, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free; donations accepted. CAMEO BAROQUE: In “Bach and Before,” harpsichord, viols and traverso take listeners back in time with compositions by Johann Sebastian Bach, Georg Philipp Telemann and other luminaries. Hall Art Foundation, Reading, 4 p.m. Free; donations accepted. CLASSICOPIA: In “Four-Hand America,” pianists Philip ListonKraft and Dan Weiser perform a stirring showcase of works by legendary U.S. composers, including Aaron Copland, George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein. First Congregational Church, Lebanon, N.H., 2 p.m. $13.50-18. LAKE CHAMPLAIN CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL: See WED.26, 3-5 p.m. LEVITT AMP ST. JOHNSBURY MUSIC SERIES: KÜF KNOTZ & CHRISTINE ELISE: Four-legged music fans and their humans pack lawn chairs for an evening of innovative and joyful hip-hop, soul and classical music by the genre-busting duo. Dog Mountain, St. Johnsbury, 5 p.m. Free. MARSH LIGHTS: A Vermont acoustic roots quintet performs original progressive bluegrass and folk songs featuring mandolin, banjo and upright bass. Homer Knight Barn, Island Arts Center, North Hero, 4 p.m. Free. MOORE DAM BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL: See FRI.28, 10 a.m. RIVER RHYTHMS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: Good tunes and good times meet at this outdoor music series complete with a beer garden and local food vendors. Juana’s Garden, Montpelier, every 14 days, 4-8 p.m. Free; donations accepted. SAINT-GAUDENS CONCERT SERIES: ROSAMOND EDMONDSON MEMORIAL CONCERT: In “An Afternoon of
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With every pair of Darn Tough and Smartwool socks sold, a pair will be donated to local agencies serving our low-income neighbors. Barre, Williston, St. Albans, Plattsburgh, NY Open: Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-4, Closed Sun
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SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
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Discount applies to regular price socks only. Exclusions may apply. 8/24/26 3:48 PM
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Brahms,” pianist Sally Pinkas, violinist Markus Placci, violist Lila Brown and cellist Rhonda Rider dazzle with sublime piano quartets. Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park, Cornish, N.H., 2 p.m. Regular admission, $10; free for kids 15 and under.
scientists how to contribute to the free online social network where people record, share and identify wildlife. Deborah Rawson Memorial Library, Jericho, 6-7:30 p.m. Free; preregister.
SISTER SPEAK: Canadian singersongwriter Sherri Anne helms this indie-folk and alt-pop project. Maquam Barn & Winery, Milton, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Free; cost of food and drink.
MUSEUM TOURS: See WED.26.
outdoors
THE AMAZING CORN MAZE: See WED.26. GREAT VERMONT CORN MAZE: See WED.26, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
sports
SUNDAY POLO MATCH: Pack a tailgate picnic and prepare to experience the fast-paced thrill of the traditional equestrian team sport. Amdez Polo Club, Shelburne, 3 p.m. $10-20.
talks
ANDY DAVIS: Listeners journey through time and across the Atlantic as a master yarn spinner weaves folklore, history and personal anecdotes into a tapestry of humor and heart. Unitarian Church of Montpelier, 7 p.m. $15 suggested donation.
theater
‘BUG’: See FRI.28, 2 p.m. ‘CALIFORNIA SUITE’: See FRI.28, 2 p.m. THE GREEN MOUNTAIN SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL: ‘RICHARD III’: See THU.27, 2 p.m. ‘LOBBY HERO’: See WED.26, 2 p.m. ‘PRIMARY TRUST’: See WED.26, 2 p.m. SHAKESPEARE IN THE WOODS: See WED.26.
words
SILENT READING PARTY: Bookworms unite — quietly, of course! BYO reading material to savor in peace and quiet. Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Waterbury Center, 10 a.m. Free.
MON.31 activism
OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY: A public gathering honors lives lost to substance use and offers information on local treatment options, peer support and care. First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington, 5-7 p.m. Free.
crafts
FUSE BEADS CLUB: Aspiring artisans bring ideas or borrow patterns to make beaded creations. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 3:30-5 p.m. Free.
environment
‘DISCOVER NATURE WITH INATURALIST’: Expert Bernie Paquette teaches citizen
etc.
fairs & festivals
CHAMPLAIN VALLEY FAIR: See FRI.28.
film
agriculture
FARM TOUR: Restaurant staffs and buyers walk the fields, watch bees at work, ask questions and get a firsthand look at how Vermont honey is made, from flower to jar. Lemon Fair Honeyworks, Cornwall, 10 a.m.noon. Free; preregister.
‘PENGUIN ISLAND 3D’: See THU.27. ‘SHARK KINGDOM 3D’: See THU.27.
community
‘DINOSAURS OF ANTARCTICA 3D’: See THU.27.
‘WILD RESCUE 3D’: See THU.27.
games
BURLINGTON ELKS BINGO: Players grab their daubers for a competitive night of card stamping for cash prizes. Burlington Elks Lodge, 6 p.m. Various prices. MAH-JONGG MONDAYS: Tile traders gather for friendly bouts of the ancient game of skill, strategy and luck. St. Albans Free Library, 1-3 p.m. Free.
health & fitness
MEDITATION: Beginners and veteran practitioners alike gather to quiet mental chatter and boost physical well-being at a weekly mindfulness session. KelloggHubbard Library, Montpelier, 6 p.m. Free.
language
LANGUAGE LOUNGE: See WED.26.
music
ONION RIVER CHORUS REHEARSAL: The non-auditioned community ensemble conducted by Richard Riley invites interested vocalists to join in spirited song. Bethany United Church of Christ, Montpelier, 7-9 p.m. Free. ST. JOHNSBURY BAND: The nation’s third-oldest community band regales locals with dynamic tunes during a weekly ice cream social. Caledonia County Courthouse, St. Johnsbury, 7:30 p.m. Free.
outdoors
THE AMAZING CORN MAZE: See WED.26. GREAT VERMONT CORN MAZE: See WED.26.
words
ANIME GROUP: Fans of Japanese animation and comics convene weekly to swap ideas, read stories and connect over shared interests in hand-drawn media. Pathways Vermont Morgan’s Place Peer Support Center, Burlington, 6-8 p.m. Free.
ALL THE TIME
climate crisis
PAUL HAWKEN: SOLD OUT. The ecological activist and acclaimed author delivers this year’s Marshall Webb Climate Action Talk, sharing his perspectives and insights on reshaping our relationship with the planet. Coach Barn at Shelburne Farms, 5:30 p.m. Free; preregister.
See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section.
BEST OF THE ALBUM ERA
TUE.1
CURRENT EVENTS DISCUSSION GROUP: Brownell Library holds a virtual roundtable for neighbors to pause and reflect on the news cycle. 10-11:30 a.m. Free.
crafts
ALL HANDS TOGETHER COMMUNITY CRAFTING GROUP: Marshfield spinning maven Donna Hisson hosts a casual gathering for fiber fans of all abilities to work on old projects or start something new. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 6-7:30 p.m. Free. CRAFTERS DROP-IN: Fiber fans converse and connect through knitting, crocheting, mending, embroidery and other creative pursuits. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 6-8 p.m. Free. WATERCOLOR DROP-IN: Painters bring their own supplies to a weekly, instruction-free session to brush up on their skills in a communal setting. Waterbury Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free.
education
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‘LEGACIES OF STERLING: STORIES OF ALUMS IN VERMONT’: Community members settle in for a public presentation on Sterling College, featuring interviews conducted with 15 students from different eras throughout the educational institution’s history. Craftsbury Public Library, Craftsbury Common, 6 p.m. Free.
MINI CLEAN UP CREW: Good Samaritans turn their Tuesday morning routine into civic pride by tidying up and refreshing the city’s much-loved green space. BYO gloves encouraged. TUE.1
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Help Advance a Vaccine Study for C. diff
Adults Age 65+ Needed for a Vaccine Research Study!
Having frequent doctor’s visits, a recent hospitalization, or recent antibiotic use?
environment
‘DATA CENTERS AND ENERGY USAGE 101: IMPACTS ON THE ELECTRIC GRID’: In this introductory webinar hosted by Clean Energy Group, experts in the field provide an overview of the data center landscape, including operational dynamics, incentive structures and other key concepts. 1 p.m. Free; preregister.
7/24/26 12:42 PM
HELP IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A VACCINE TO PROTECT AGAINST AN INTESTINAL BACTERIAL INFECTION •
3.5 year-long study that includes screening, at least 5 clinic visits, and 3 phone visits
•
Compensation is $1320 if all visits are completed
•
Additional compensation if more visits or activities are required
Call: 802-656-0013 • Email: uvmvtc@uvm.edu Visit: uvm.edu/larnermed/mmg/vaccine-testing-center 4t-UVMDeptMed(65+Study)081226.indd 1
SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
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boundaries. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 5-6 p.m. Free.
barre/montpelier
BABY & CAREGIVER MEETUP: Wiggly ones ages birth to 18 months play and explore in a calm, supportive setting while adults relax and connect on the sidelines. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. BASEMENT TEEN CENTER: A drop-in hangout session welcomes kids ages 12 to 17 for lively games, arts and crafts, and snacks. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 2-6 p.m. Free. FAMILY CHESS CLUB: Players of all ages and abilities test their skills with instructor Robert and peers. KelloggHubbard Library, 2nd Floor, Children’s Library, Montpelier, 3:30-5 p.m. Free.
upper valley
‘CREATIVIDAD SILVESTRE/WILD CREATIVITY’ EXHIBIT: Aspiring innovators examine biological designs of the natural world to better understand and solve human engineering challenges. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular admission, $18-21; free for members and kids under 2. STORY TIME: Early literacy takes center stage as infants and toddlers engage in a melodic mix of books and songs. Norwich Public Library, 10:3011:30 a.m. Free.
THU.27
BASEMENT TEEN CENTER: See WED.26, 2-8 p.m. POKÉMON CLUB: I choose you, Pikachu! Elementary and teenage fans of the franchise — and beginners, too — trade cards and play games. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. STORY TIME: Kids and their caregivers meet for stories, songs and bubbles. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 2nd Floor, Children’s Library, Montpelier, 10:30-11 a.m. Free.
stowe/smuggs
WEE ONES PLAY TIME: Caregivers bring kiddos under 4 to a new sensory learning experience each week. Morristown Centennial Library, Morrisville, 10 a.m. Free.
mad river valley/ waterbury
BUSY BEES PLAYGROUP: Blocks, toys, books and songs engage little ones 24 months and younger. Waterbury Public Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free.
upper valley
‘CREATIVIDAD SILVESTRE/WILD CREATIVITY’ EXHIBIT: See WED.26.
northeast kingdom
ACORN CLUB STORY TIME: Youngsters 5 and under play, sing, hear stories and color. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. ENCHANTED KINGDOM MINI GOLF: Putters of all ages hit the artistdesigned course for some lighthearted competition, whimsy and thrills. Highland Center for the Arts, Greensboro. $4-5.
burlington
FRI.28
BABY & ME CLASS: Parents and their infants ages birth to 1 explore massage, lullabies and gentle movements while discussing the struggles and joys of parenthood. Greater Burlington YMCA, 9:45-10:45 a.m. $10; free for members.
BURLINGTON FNG: Self-identified LGBTQ+ and questioning youths ages 13 to 19 gather weekly to socialize in a supportive environment. Outright Vermont, Burlington, 6:30-8 p.m. Free.
‘CHAMP: AMERICA’S LAKE MONSTER’ EXHIBIT: See WED.26. ‘DINOSAUR SAFARI’ EXHIBIT: See WED.26.
chittenden county
BLINGED-OUT BACK-TO-SCHOOL: Students entering fifth grade and up decorate notebooks and pens with stickers and sparkles to add some pizzazz to the coming school year. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:304:30 p.m. Free. PRESCHOOL PLAY TIME: Pre-K patrons play and socialize after music time. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. TODDLER TIME: Tykes bypass the “stay seated” rule at a morning of short stories, familiar songs, rhymes and finger plays. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 9:15-9:45 & 10:30-11 a.m. Free.
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barre/montpelier
burlington
‘CHAMP: AMERICA’S LAKE MONSTER’ EXHIBIT: See WED.26. ‘DINOSAUR SAFARI’ EXHIBIT: See WED.26. DROP-IN: An afterschool hangout space invites teens ages 13 to 19 to relax, connect, grab a snack or browse the nonprofit’s clothing closet. Outright Vermont, Burlington, 2:30 p.m. Free. FAMILY FRIDAY WITH LINDA BASSICK: Caretakers and wee ones enjoy a weekly morning mashup of muffins and music played by the local legend. Pingala Café, North Avenue, Burlington, 9-9:30 a.m. Free.
chittenden county
FRIDAY LEGO BUILDERS: Weekly sessions invite creative minds to stack, connect and build their way to structural masterpieces using interlocking blocks. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 3-4:30 p.m. Free.
SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
barre/montpelier
LEGO CLUB: Budding builders create geometric structures with snap-together blocks. KelloggHubbard Library, Montpelier, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. STORY TIME & PLAYGROUP: Participants ages 5 and under enjoy themed science, art and nature activities. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 10:30 a.m. Free.
middlebury area
SUN.30
burlington
‘CHAMP: AMERICA’S LAKE MONSTER’ EXHIBIT: See WED.26. ‘DINOSAUR SAFARI’ EXHIBIT: See WED.26.
chittenden county
CHILDREN’S STORY TIME WITH CHRISTINE: See WED.26. SOCIAL SUNDAYS: Families participate in fun and educational art activities with diverse mediums and themes. All supplies and instruction provided. Milton Artists’ Guild Art Center & Gallery, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Free.
upper valley
upper valley
‘CREATIVIDAD SILVESTRE/WILD CREATIVITY’ EXHIBIT: See WED.26.
‘CREATIVIDAD SILVESTRE/WILD CREATIVITY’ EXHIBIT: See WED.26.
STORY TIME: Preschoolers take part in tales, tunes and playtime. Latham Library, Thetford, 11 a.m. Free.
northeast kingdom
ENCHANTED KINGDOM MINI GOLF: See THU.27. PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: Youngsters and their caregivers delight in beautiful books, silly songs, creative crafts and unplugged play in the library’s cozy children’s room. Craftsbury Public Library, Craftsbury Common, 10 a.m. Free.
SAT.29
COLLEGE READY WEBINAR: Parents and guardians of high schoolers decode the maze of higher education costs through expert strategies on financial aid, tax perks and smart saving techniques. Hosted by Elephant Corner Financial. 11 a.m.-noon. Free; preregister.
burlington
‘CHAMP: AMERICA’S LAKE MONSTER’ EXHIBIT: See WED.26. ‘DINOSAUR SAFARI’ EXHIBIT: See WED.26. LEGO TIME: Mini makers ages 4 to 11 design and build original, colorful creations. Fletcher Free Library New North End Branch, Burlington, 11 a.m.noon. Free. SPLASH DANCE: DJ JP BLACK: Kids and their caregivers soak up some serious summer fun at a DJ-fueled dance party amid the park’s interactive fountain. Burlington City Hall Park, 1-3 p.m. Free. STORIES & SCOOPS: Kids in pre-K and up learn what Girl Scouts has to offer with hands-on activities, crafts and discussions, topped off with a heaping scoop of ice cream. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10 a.m.-noon. Free; preregister.
upper valley
‘CREATIVIDAD SILVESTRE/WILD CREATIVITY’ EXHIBIT: See WED.26.
northeast kingdom
ENCHANTED KINGDOM MINI GOLF: See THU.27.
upper valley
‘CREATIVIDAD SILVESTRE/WILD CREATIVITY’ EXHIBIT: See WED.26.
STORY TIME: Lake-centric stories, coloring and crafts anchor little ones at a weekly maritime-themed reading circle. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, 11 a.m.-noon. Free.
northeast kingdom
THE NEST: Good Beginnings of Central Vermont hosts a baby-friendly space where prenatal and postpartum families can connect. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free.
LEGO TUESDAYS: Youth architects tackle construction challenges or follow their own blueprints at a creative building session complete with snacks. Norwich Public Library, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free.
northeast kingdom
LAPSIT STORY TIME: Babies 2 and under learn to love reading while singing and playing with their caregivers. Siblings welcome. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: See FRI.28.
ENCHANTED KINGDOM MINI GOLF: See THU.27.
MON.31
burlington
‘CHAMP: AMERICA’S LAKE MONSTER’ EXHIBIT: See WED.26. ‘DINOSAUR SAFARI’ EXHIBIT: See WED.26.
WED.2
CO-PARENTING DADS: Experiencing separation, divorce or long-term co-parenting? Fathers assemble virtually to connect, build community and share experiences in a supportive environment. Hosted by Dad Guild. 8:45-10 p.m. Free.
burlington
‘CHAMP: AMERICA’S LAKE MONSTER’ EXHIBIT: See WED.26.
mad river valley/ waterbury
TODDLER TIME: Little kids ages 5 and under have a blast with songs, stories, rhymes and dancing. Waterbury Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free.
upper valley
‘DINOSAUR SAFARI’ EXHIBIT: See WED.26.
chittenden county
CHILDREN’S STORY TIME WITH CHRISTINE: See WED.26.
barre/montpelier
‘CREATIVIDAD SILVESTRE/WILD CREATIVITY’ EXHIBIT: See WED.26. STORY TIME WITH BETH: An engaging bookseller and librarian reads picture books on a different theme each week. The Norwich Bookstore, 10 a.m. Free.
BABY & CAREGIVER MEETUP: See WED.26. BASEMENT TEEN CENTER: See WED.26. FAMILY CHESS CLUB: See WED.26.
mad river valley/ waterbury
TUE.1
burlington
‘CHAMP: AMERICA’S LAKE MONSTER’ EXHIBIT: See WED.26. DADS’ NIGHT OUT: BOARD GAME NIGHT: Rad dads show up ready to play at this spirited evening of friendly competition and fun hosted by Dad Guild. The Guild Hall, Burlington, 7-9:30 p.m. Free; preregister.
TEEN QUEER READS: LGBTQIA+ and allied youths get together each month to read and discuss ideas around gender, sexuality and identity. Waterbury Public Library, 6-7 p.m. Free; preregister.
upper valley
‘CREATIVIDAD SILVESTRE/WILD CREATIVITY’ EXHIBIT: See WED.26. STORY TIME: See WED.26. K
‘DINOSAUR SAFARI’ EXHIBIT: See WED.26. SING-ALONG WITH LINDA BASSICK: Babies, toddlers and preschoolers sing, dance and wiggle along with the local musician. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free.
chittenden county
STORY TIME: Youngsters from birth to 5 enjoy a session of reading, rhyming and singing. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30-11 a.m. Free.
barre/montpelier
say you saw it in
BASEMENT TEEN CENTER: See WED.26. mini1.75-sawit2024.indd 2
7/31/24 4:54 PM
YOU’RE JUST Each week, Seven Days publishes the most comprehensive community calendar in Vermont. Concerts and classes, festivals and family fun. You name it; we list it.
GET OUT OF THE HOUSE. GET OUT AND ABOUT!
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Burlington City Hall Park, 8-8:30 a.m. Free.
fairs & festivals
CHAMPLAIN VALLEY FAIR: See FRI.28.
film
See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section. ‘BLACK SWAN’: An insecure, obsessive ballerina finally gets the role she’s always dreamed of in Darren Aronofsky’s 2010 psychological drama starring Natalie Portman. The Screening Room @ VTIFF, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 7 p.m. $6-12. ‘DINOSAURS OF ANTARCTICA 3D’: See THU.27. ‘NO EXIT: INSIDE A BOTCHED ICE RAID IN VERMONT’: Concerned community members go behind the scenes of the recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement clash in South Burlington at this film screening and discussion with Vermont Public’s Liam Elder-Connors and Zoe McDonald. Paramount Theatre, Rutland, 7 p.m. Free; preregister. ‘PENGUIN ISLAND 3D’: See THU.27. ‘SHARK KINGDOM 3D’: See THU.27. ‘WILD RESCUE 3D’: See THU.27.
food & drink
COOKBOOK CLUB: Culinary enthusiasts bring a dish to share from Karla Tatiana Vasquez’s The SalviSoul Cookbook: Salvadoran Recipes and the Women Who Preserve Them, then chat about their inspiration. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 5:30-6:45 p.m. Free. VERMONT SPECIALTY FOOD ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING: Local food producers network, learn, dialogue and share the vision of promoting the Green Mountain State’s specialty eats. The Mountain Top Inn & Resort, Chittenden, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $85; preregister.
games
GAMES GALORE: Library patrons of all ages gather for bouts of board and card games. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free.
Michael’s College, Colchester, 7 p.m. Free.
outdoors
THE AMAZING CORN MAZE: See WED.26.
tech
health & fitness
COMMUNITY MEDITATION: All experience levels engage in the ancient Buddhist practice of clearing the mind to achieve a state of calm. First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington, 5:15-6 p.m. Free; donations accepted. TAI CHI: Practitioners get a feel for the Chinese martial art combining controlled breathing, meditation and slow, gentle movements. Ida Boch Park, Bradford, 10-11 a.m. Free. YOGA AS A HEALING ART: HOPE Works hosts a supportive series for survivors of sexual violence, inviting participants to explore healing through movement, meditation and discussion. 6-7:30 p.m. Free; preregister.
language
LANGUAGE LOUNGE: See WED.26. ITALIAN LANGUAGE LUNCH: Speakers hone their skills in the Romance language over bagged lunches. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, noon-1 p.m. Free. PAUSE-CAFÉ MARDI: Francophones and Frenchlanguage learners meet pour parler la belle langue. Burlington Bay Market & Café, 5-7 p.m. Free.
music
HONKY TONK HOEDOWN: Local legend Bob Wagner teams up with special guests including Mike Gordon, Kat Wright and Brett Hughes to soundtrack Vermont’s attempt at the world’s largest square dance. Proceeds benefit NOFA-VT. Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction, 7 p.m. Regular fair admission, $7-20. VERMONT’S FREEDOM & UNITY CHORUS: Singers come together for a weekly rehearsal inspiring positive change through the power of music. Chapel of Saint Michael the Archangel, Saint
TECH BREAKFAST: Coffee and waffles fuel free-flowing discussion about supporting Vermont’s technology sectors. Zero Gravity Beer Hall, Burlington, 8-10 a.m. Free; cost of food and drink.
theater
‘PRIMARY TRUST’: See WED.26.
words
music
business
food & drink
MUSIC ON THE HILL SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: See WED.26.
COMMUNITY COOKING: See WED.26.
ST. J BLUEGRASS JAM: Players and fans get together for some old-time picking and fiddling. St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church of St. Johnsbury, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free; donations accepted.
‘RECLAIMING CONFIDENCE: DISMANTLING THE INVISIBLE BARRIERS THAT FUEL IMPOSTOR SYNDROME’: Transformational coach Jamie Green helps participants gain practical tools to shift limiting beliefs, fortify self-trust and reconnect with their authentic strengths. Hosted by Women Business Owners Network of Vermont. Noon-1:30 p.m. $20; free for members and first-time attendees; preregister. VERMONT WOMENPRENEURS BIZ BUZZ ZOOM: A monthly virtual networking meetup provides a space for female business owners to connect. 10-11 a.m. Free; preregister.
ERIKA NICHOLS-FRAZER: An author shares her new collection, No One Will Ever Hear You: Stories, exploring themes of loss and grief amid an increasingly fraught world. See calendar spotlight. Bridgeside Books, Waterbury, 5:30 p.m. $18.99; includes copy of book.
CONNECTIONS CAFÉ: Those living with dementia or other cognitive disorders and their caregivers gather to make friends and have fun. Stowe Free Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free.
WRITER’S CIRCLE: Creative sparks fly as participants tackle curated prompts and read their latest drafts aloud in a collaborative environment. Virtual option available. Pathways Vermont Morgan’s Place Peer Support Center, Burlington, 4-5:30 p.m. Free.
WED.2 activism
DISABLED ACCESS & ADVOCACY OF THE RUTLAND AREA MONTHLY ZOOM MEETING: Community members gather online to advocate for accessibility and other disability-rights measures. 11:30 a.m.-noon. Free.
Supported by:
Watch at: sevendaysvt.com/stuckinvt SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
fairs & festivals
WEDNESDAYS WITH FARMER FRED: See WED.26.
BURLINGTON LITERATURE GROUP: Over the course of five weeks, readers analyze Nikos Kazantzakis’ 1946 novel Zorba the Greek, about a young man seeking to escape his bookish life with help from a boisterous and mysterious character. 6:30-8 p.m. Free.
Eva Sollberger’s
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agriculture
community
PASSEGGIATA: See WED.26. PASSEGGIATA WATERBURY: See WED.26.
crafts
FIBER ARTS NIGHT: Knitters, crocheters and weavers make progress on projects while soaking up creativity and connection. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 5:30-7 p.m. Free. YARN & YAK: See WED.26. YARN CRAFTERS GROUP: See WED.26.
etc.
CHAMP MASTERS TOASTMASTERS CLUB: Those looking to strengthen their speaking and leadership skills gain new tools. Virtual option available. Dealer.com, Burlington, 6-7:30 p.m. Free; preregister. GUIDED TOURS: See WED.26.
CHAMPLAIN VALLEY FAIR: See FRI.28.
CHAMPLAIN ISLANDS FARMERS MARKET: See WED.26.
CUPPA ON CAMPUS: See WED.26. DANVILLE FARMERS MARKET: See WED.26. FARM TABLE AT SPRUCE PEAK: JASPER HILL CELLARS: Diners savor early fall flavors paired with the local dairy farm’s award-winning fromage across a multicourse menu. The Lodge at Spruce Peak, Stowe, 6-9 p.m. $185. MARKET ON THE GREEN: See WED.26. WEDNESDAY WINE DOWN FARMERS MARKET: See WED.26.
health & fitness
CARE PIT STOP: AARP Vermont hosts a quick and convenient drive-through event connecting community members with helpful resources from the comfort of their car. Kinney Drugs, South Burlington, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. CHAIR YOGA: See WED.26. PEOPLE’S HEALTH & WELLNESS FREE CLINIC: A monthly community social work and nursing clinic provides accessible support for locals in need. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 3-5 p.m. Free. RECOVERY DHARMA: See WED.26.
language
LANGUAGE LOUNGE: See WED.26. SPANISH CONVERSATION: Fluent and beginner speakers brush up on their vocabulario with a discussion led by a Spanish teacher. Presented by Dorothy Alling Memorial Library. 5-6 p.m. Free; preregister.
BROWN BAG LUNCH SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: See WED.26.
SUMMER LIVE MUSIC SERIES: See WED.26.
outdoors
THE AMAZING CORN MAZE: See WED.26. GREAT VERMONT CORN MAZE: See WED.26.
sports
GREEN MOUNTAIN TABLE TENNIS CLUB: See WED.26. WHALEBOAT WEDNESDAYS: See WED.26.
talks
REBECCA RUPP: In “Paul Revere’s Rum” a local author traces humanity’s long-standing relationship with alcohol, exploring liquid folklore from colonial whiskey to Prohibition-era bathtub gin. Milton Grange, 6:30 p.m. Free.
theater
‘LOBBY HERO’: See WED.26. ‘PRIMARY TRUST’: See WED.26, 2 & 7:30 p.m.
words
WORTHEN SUMMER SPEAKER SERIES: MILLICENT EIDSON: An award-winning author and public health instructor digs into the real-world science behind her medical thrillers. Worthen Library, South Hero, 6:30 p.m. Free. ➆
lgbtq
THE ALL-INCLUSIVE DYKETACULAR: See WED.26.
MUSEUM TOURS: See WED.26.
WATCH HER LATEST VIDEO! Michael “Spike” Hendrickson grew up boating on Lake Champlain and started Burlington Harbor Launch and Tow in 2019. With five boats at his disposal, Hendrickson provides a variety of marine services, such as emergency boat towing, dock installation and scuba diving. Seven Days’ Eva Sollberger took a boat ride with Spike.
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Ready to hire? Get a quote when you post online or contact Gillian Comito at 802-341-3060 gcomito@sevendaysvt.com.
JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM 1t-JobsJournalism070126.indd 1
SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
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Fur-ever
classes
Seven Days Pet Memorials
THE FOLLOWING CLASS LISTINGS ARE PAID ADVERTISEMENTS. ANNOUNCE YOUR CLASS HERE FOR AS LITTLE AS $21.25/WEEK (INCLUDES SIX PHOTOS AND UNLIMITED DESCRIPTION ONLINE). NEWSPAPER DEADLINE: MONDAYS AT 3 P.M. POST CLASS ADS AT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/POSTCLASS. GET HELP AT CLASSES@SEVENDAYSVT.COM.
Jaida 2012-2026
arts & crafts
Counter Surfer Extraordinaire
7-8:30 p.m. Drums provided. Cost: $92/4 weeks; 90-min classes; $72/person for Kids & Parents class. Location: Burlington Taiko, 208 Flynn Ave., Suite 3-G, Burlington. Info: Stuart Paton, 802-448-0150, burlingtontaiko.org.
WATERCOLOR CLASSES: Sixweek intermediate watercolor classes in Richmond with artist Kathleen Berry Bergeron. Space is limited. One-day Beginner Watercolor Workshop may be offered at some point; contact if interested. Feel free to pass it on. Dates: Fridays, Sep. 11-Oct. 27, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Info: paint78@hotmail.com, kathleenberrybergeron.com.
You were my best friend, running partner, witness to the most important parts of my life so far. I love you and miss you. Rest easy, old friend. — Love you always
wellness
martial arts
Roxy 2013-2026
A True Sweetheart To the sweetest girl, who brought so much joy, love and happiness into our lives. She loved car rides, walks and being our constant companion. We’ll miss her every day, and she will forever hold a special place in our hearts. —The Cleary Family
Share the story of your special friend. Do you want to memorialize your pet in the pages of Seven Days? Visit sevendaysvt.com/petmemorials to submit your remembrance. All sizes include a photo and your tribute. Short $30, Medium $50, Long $100 Print deadline: Thursdays at 5 p.m. | Questions? petmemorials@sevendaysvt.com
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SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
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AIKIDO: FREE WORKSHOPS AND INTRODUCTORY CLASSES: Sep. 12 workshop schedule: Youth/families (ages 7-12) at 10 a.m., adult class at 11:30 a.m., and Pride Workshop at 1 p.m. for LGBTQIA+ and allies. Beginners’ classes five days a week. Cultivate core power, aerobic fitness and resiliency. The dynamic, circular movements emphasize throws, joint locks and the development of internal energy. Join our community and find resiliency, power and grace. Inclusive training, gender-neutral dressing room/ bathrooms and a safe space for all. Visitors are always welcome to watch a class! Vermont’s only intensive aikido programs. Location: Aikido of Champlain Valley, 257 Pine St., Burlington. Info: bpincus@burlingtonaikido. org, burlingtonaikido.org. NEW TAI CHI BEGINNERS CLASS IN BURLINGTON Long River Tai Chi Circle is the school of Wolfe Lowenthal, student of professor Cheng Man Ching and author of three classic works on Tai Chi Chaun. Patrick Cavanaugh is a longtime student and assistant of Wolfe’s and a senior instructor at Long River Tai Chi Circle in Vermont and New Hampshire and will be teaching the class in Burlington. Dates: Starts Oct. 7, ongoing on Wed. mornings, 9-10 a.m. Registration will remain open until Oct. 28. Cost: $65/ mo. Location: Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church (in the gym), 305 Flynn Ave., Burlington. Info: Patrick Cavanaugh, 802-4906405, patricklrtcc@gmail.com, longrivertaichinewengland.com. OOM (MIND) YUNG (BODY) DOE (HARMONY) IN BURLINGTON: Essential training includes kung fu, tai chi, bagwa, kong su (tae kwon do), ship pal gae (18 weapons), kom do (samurai sword),
udo and aikido/hapkido. Benefits of training include stress release, improved balance, increased energy, better circulation, mental calmness, improved physical well-being and overall health, increased focus and self-discipline, and the confidence that you can go anywhere and do anything. Offering classes for children, juniors and adults, plus seniors tai chi. Try it for free! Open six days/week. Location: School of Oom Yung Doe, 1127 North Ave., Burlington. Info: Wade Prescott, 802-495-6034, inst.wade@ gmail.com, schools.oomyungdoe. com/vermont.
FLOW SINGING: Community song is an ancient, inclusive tech that helps us show up for ourselves and each other. We sing harmonies and layers, sounding amazing! Patricia shares songs by clear call and response. A different set of songs each month makes a consistently refreshing presence practice where all are welcome. First time? Come the first week of the month and check it out; love it before you sign up! Dates: Tue., 11:45 a.m.12:45 p.m., and/or Thu., 7-8:30 p.m. Cost: $80/4 weeks. Under 14? Contact Patricia to discuss! Location: Heineberg Community Senior Center, 14 Heineberg Rd., Burlington. Info: Patricia Norton, patricia@juneberrymusic.com, juneberrymusic.com.
music TAIKO TUESDAYS, DJEMBE WEDNESDAYS!: Drum with Stuart Paton! New sessions each month, starting the weeks of Sep. 15, Oct. 22, Nov. 24 and Jan. 5. Taiko on Tue.: Kids & Parents Taiko, 4-5:30 p.m.; Adult Intro Taiko, 5:30-7 p.m.; Accelerated Intro Taiko 7-8:30 p.m. Djembe on Wed.: Intermediate Djembe 5:30-7 p.m.; Beginner Djembe,
Find and purchase tickets for these and other classes at sevendaystickets.com.
= TICKETED CLASS
Humane
Society of Chittenden County
Goose
AGE/SEX: 5-year-old male
Buy & Sell »
ANTIQUES, FURNITURE, GARAGE SALES
Community »
ANNOUNCEMENTS, LOST & FOUND, SUPPORT GROUPS
Rentals & Real Estate »
APARTMENTS, HOMES, FOR SALE BY OWNER
Vehicles »
ARRIVAL DATE: July 23, 2026 SUMMARY: This special, tenderhearted boy came to us when his previous
owner was no longer able to care for him. During his time with us, his sweet nature has blossomed, and we’ve seen his curious and playful side, too! Goose loves attention when he’s in the mood and feeling up for it. While he doesn’t always love being picked up, he does love to hang around for snuggles and nose boops. In a new home, being proactive about setting up the environment to reduce exposure to things that he might find stressful will help him feel comfortable. While with us, we have identified that Goose has heart-related medical needs that will need follow-up care to help support him in being as healthy as possible. Currently, this includes daily medication and a recommendation for additional diagnostics. DOGS/CATS/KIDS: Goose has previous experience with other cats and may
Services »
enjoy an appropriately matched cat in an adoptive home. He has previous experience with dogs and may enjoy a respectful dog in his new abode. Goose has no known experience living with children but will likely do best in an adult-only home or possibly with older children.
Musicians & Artists »
Visit the Humane Society of Chittenden County at 142 Kindness Court, South Burlington, Tuesday-Wednesday 1-5 p.m., Thursday-Friday 1-6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 862-0135 or visit hsccvt.org for more info.
CARS, BIKES, BOATS, RVS
FINANCIAL, CHILDCARE, HOME & GARDEN
LESSONS, CASTING, REHEARSAL SPACE
DID YOU KNOW?
Cat trees and other elevated surfaces increase the living space available for a cat, helping them feel more confident by being off the floor and giving them extra opportunities for climbing, perching and surveying the kingdom! Providing ample indoor enrichment can help cats engage in healthy behaviors such as playing, climbing and scratching appropriate surfaces. Sponsored by:
Jobs »
NO SCAMS, ALL LOCAL, POSTINGS DAILY
NEW STUFF ONLINE EVERY DAY! PLACE YOUR ADS 24-7 AT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/CLASSIFIEDS. SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
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Post ads by Monday at 3 p.m. sevendaysvt.com/classifieds Need help? 802-865-1020, ext. 115 classifieds@sevendaysvt.com
Buy y & Sell e
GARAGE & ESTATE SALES ESTATE SALE Huge estate sale at 177 Websterville Rd., Barre, VT 05641. Tools, dolls, Barbies, household goods, furniture, riding mower, industrial metalwork equipment, woodworker equipment & so much more. Fri., Aug. 28, & Sat., Aug. 29, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Rain or shine. Info, rumorhasitvt.com, 802-595-7506. EPIC SNAP-ON TOOL ESTATE SALE One epic Snap-On sale — just about everything! This online sale contains a selection of exceptional Snap-On tools from the estate
of Ross E. Arsenault, a lifelong Franklin County resident, businessman & passionate car collector. Ross’ extensive Snap-On collection reflects only the very best, w/ many tools never used & in impeccable condition. Whether you’re a professional mechanic, serious car enthusiast or simply appreciate quality tools, this is a collection you won’t want to miss. Th rough Wed., Sep. 16, 10:15 p.m. Info, estatesalesof vermont.com.
HOME & GARDEN PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES Prepare for power outages today w/ a Generac home standby generator. Act now to receive a free 5-year warranty w/ qualifying purchase. Call 1-866381-0627 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. (AAN CAN)
MISCELLANEOUS HOME INTERNET Connect to the best wireless home internet with EarthLink. Enjoy speeds from 5G & 4G LTE networks, no contracts, easy installation, & data plans up to 300 GB. Call 855-873-2215. (AAN CAN) ALL YOUR ENTERTAINMENT Nothing on your roof! Sign up for DirecTV & get your 1st 3 mos. of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ & Cinemax incl. Choice package, $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call 1-855-6064520. (AAN CAN)
PETS & SUPPLIES REWARD — LOST DOGS Reward for information leading to safe return of our 2 black & white terriers. Disappeared from side of Route 2 East in Williston/Richmond on Jun. 26. May no longer be in the area. Please call: 802-917-2242.
Buy & Sell, Community, Musicians & Artists, Vehicles 1-week combo: $12 All print combos include 2-week combo: $22 30 days free online! 4-week combo: $42
called 1 Million Tables for the Planet. Join us if you’re a lifelong vegan, someone who’s never met a burger you didn’t like or anywhere in between. Join 43,000+ people across 170+ countries & take this simple, fun climate action. Help Vermont increase its presence on the 1 Million Tables map. Curious how eating 1 meal helps the climate? Check out the Climate Calculator at 1milliontables.org. We’ll provide beer, wine, soft drinks, a pond for swimming & Burlington’s Andrew Wild, sampling his plant-based deli slices, Mighty Mudita. (All free!) You bring: a plant-based side dish or snack. Th e resources section at 1milliontables.org has recipes for every skill level. Or skip the cooking & buy something (a bag of chips?). Register at 1milliontables.org & email marla@1milliontables. org for the exact address (we’re near Moss Glen Falls) & so we can get a head count. Kids welcome! Info, marla@1milliontables. org, 1milliontables.org.
CLASSIFIEDS KEY appt. appointment apt. apartment BA bathroom BR bedroom DR dining room DW dishwasher HDWD hardwood HW hot water LR living room NS no smoking OBO or best offer refs. references sec. dep. security deposit W/D washer & dryer
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 and similar Vermont statutes which make it illegal to advertise any preference, limitations, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, disability, presence of minor children in the family, receipt of public assistance, citizenship, immigration status, or status as a victim or survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or a discrimination. The newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertis-
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Community C ommunity mmuni y
ANNOUNCEMENTS SLAVIC LIFE Th e Slavic Life Movement is an organization dedicated to the preservation & evolution of Slavic culture. COMMUNITY POTLUCK Come break bread (plant-based) w/ your neighbors! Sat., Aug. 29, 4-6 p.m. We’re hosting a plant-based potluck, part of a worldwide campaign
ing for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. Any home seeker who feels they have encountered discrimination should contact: HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity 10 Causeway St., Boston, MA 02222-1092 1-800-669-9777 hud.gov/reporthousingdiscrimination — OR — Vermont Human Rights Commission 12 Baldwin St. Montpelier, VT 05633-0633 800-416-2010 human.rights@vermont.gov
SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
Musicians M cians & Ar Artists ts
Rentals R e als & R al Est Real Estate Esta
APARTMENTS & HOUSES FOR RENT BURLINGTON HILL SECTION, SINGLE ROOM FOR RENT Furnished 1-BR at 27 Latham Ct. Single furnished room w/ shared BA. No cooking, NS & no pets. Sheets & towels provided. On the bus line. $200/ week or $867/mo. Call 802-862-2389.
COMMERCIAL & OFFICE RENTALS INDOOR BOAT, CAMPER, VEHICLE & EQUIPMENT STORAGE IN RYEGATE, VT. Now taking reservations for winter storage (2 bays left). Indoor storage bays avail. for boats, campers, trailers, vehicles & equipment. 34 feet long by 9.5 feet wide by 10.5 feet high. Dry gravel-floor bay. Covered indoor storage. Easy access from paved road. Level/spacious area for access into bay. Seasonal or year-round storage. $125/mo. Info, 802-417-6432, karynbjilk@yahoo.com.
MUSIC LESSONS LEARN PIANO ON A STEINWAY GRAND Piano lessons avail. for beginner through advanced players. All ages & all genres of music. I have 20 years’ teaching experience & am at a new South End piano studio. Be in touch! Info, randal. pierce@gmail.com randalpiercemusic.com.
Services rv es
FINANCIAL & LEGAL STRUGGLING W/ CREDIT CARD DEBT? If you owe $10,000+, we can help you become debt-free in 24-48 mos. Make 1 monthly affordable payment. Get help now! Call: 1-877-895-5782. (AAN CAN)
Rentals & Real Estate 1-week combo: $25 2-week combo: $45 4-week combo: $85
Services 1-week combo: $15 2-week combo: $25 4-week combo: $45
TAX WORRIES? End your tax worries today. Let us make your tax problem our priority. Scared, stuck w/ high tax amounts? Our A+ tax professionals can help. Call Priority Tax now for a free consultation: 1- 855-496-0514. (AAN CAN) STOP OVERPAYING FOR AUTO INSURANCE A recent survey says most Americans are overpaying for their car insurance. Let us show you how much you can save. Call now for a no-obligation quote: 1-877-856-0046. (AAN CAN)
HEALTH & WELLNESS E COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE $25-50: You decide! Acupuncture can help a variety of issues, such as pain anywhere in the body, menstrual problems, stress, insomnia & more. We have helped thousands of people feel better. Learn more or schedule on our website: casobu.org. Email: info@casobu.org. PSYCHOTHERAPY FOR COUPLES & INDIVIDUALS Immediate openings for individuals & couples. Skip the wait list. Secure statewide telehealth or in-person in Burlington. Blue Cross Blue Shield & Medicaid 8v-hirchakbrothers082626.indd 1 accepted. Take the 1st step today. Call or text 802-777-5499, or visit psychologytoday.com/us/ therapists/rachel-klingburlington-vt/297880 to learn more. CLINICAL SUPERVISION & SUPERVISED BILLING Immediate statewide openings for prelicensed professionals or practices seeking operational backing. Tailored guidance from an experienced Burlington-based provider. Call/text 802-777-5499 today to discuss your clinical track. AUDIEN HEARING Th e world’s 1st hearing aid w/ touch screen controls. No tiny buttons, apps or prescriptions. 45-day risk-free trial.
8/21/26 11:28 AM
?
Snack on the BITE-CLUB NEWSLETTER for a taste of this week’s flavorful food coverage. It’ll hold you over until Wednesday. SUBSCRIBE AT
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support. More 12V-BitClubFiller.indd 1 than
1.5 million happy customers. Call Audien at 1-833-689-4423. (AAN CAN)
12/21/20 6:13 PM
SERVICES »
Show and tell. Sudoku View and post up to
Calcoku SEVENDAYSVT.COM/CLASSIFIEDS »
Using the enclosed math operations as a guide, fill the grid using the numbers 1 - 6 only once in each row and column.
30x
2/
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Difficulty - Medium
CALCOKU
DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK: HH
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6 See how fast you can solve this weekly 10-word puzzle.
BY JOSH REYNOLDS
DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK: HHH
Fill the grid using the numbers 1-6, only once in each row and column. The numbers in each heavily outlined “cage” must combine to produce the target number in the top corner, using the mathematical operation indicated. A one-box cage should be filled in with the target number in the top corner. A number can be repeated within a cage as long as it is not the same row or column.
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Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each 9-box square contains all of the numbers one to nine. The same numbers 2 6 in3a row9or column. 8 5 1 4 cannot7be repeated
2
4
say you saw it in
8 3 4 7 5 1 6 2 9
ANSWERS ON P.74 H = MODERATE 5 1 9HH2= CHALLENGING 6 4 7 H3HH8= HOO, BOY!
9 6 2 1 4 5 SHORT MONTHS ANSWERS ON P. 74 » 3 8 7 2 9 1 6 7 8 4 5 3
4 5 6 1 2 3 crossword
Try these online news games from Seven Days at sevendaysvt.com/games.
Difficulty: Hard
SUDOKU
BY JOSH REYNOLDS
WANT MORE PUZZLES?
Put your knowledge of Vermont news to the test.
5
24x
There’s no limit to ad length online.
NEW ON FRIDAYS:
3 8 2 9
9+ 6x
4 4
5 1 6
15-
numbers 1-9 only once in each row, column and 3 x 3 box.
9 4 7 5
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Extra! Extra!
Post & browse ads Complete the following puzzle by using the at your convenience. 6 photos per ad online.
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2/
Open 24/7/365.
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7 8 4 3 2 1
3 6 2 5 9 7
8 3 9 4 1 2
4 7 6 8 5 9
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SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
7/31/24 4:41 PM
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1-877-864-3209. (AAN CAN)
VEHICLE Services rv es
[CONTINUED]
GOT AN UNWANTED CAR? DONATE IT TO PATRIOTIC HEARTS Fast, free pickup. Patriotic Hearts’ programs help veterans find work or start their own business. Call 24-7: 1-877-318-7973. (AAN CAN)
Legal Notices
• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) • HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) • Housing Trust Fund (HTF) • Emergency Solutions Grant Program (ESG); and
STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT PROBATE DIVISION CHITTENDEN UNIT DOCKET NO.: 26-PR-04577 In re ESTATE of Charles S. Bailey NOTICE TO CREDITORS
HOME & GARDEN
To the creditors of: Charles S. Bailey, late of Essex Junction, Vermont.
HOME WARRANTY PLAN Repairing or replacing appliances & home systems like heating & cooling can be costly. A home warranty plan can help. Start saving & get 30 percent off any plan today. Workmanship guarantee incl. Terms apply. Call Cinch Home Services: 1-844-4151477. (AAN CAN)
I have been appointed to administer this estate. All creditors having claims against the decedent or the estate must present their claims in writing within four (4) months of the date of the first publication of this notice. Th e claim must be presented to me at the address listed below with a copy sent to the Court. Th e claim may be barred forever if it is not presented within the four (4) month period.
NEED NEW WINDOWS? Drafty rooms? Chipped or damaged frames? Need outside noise reduction? New, energy effi cient windows may be the answer! Call for a consultation & free quote today: 1-877804-8285. (AAN CAN)
Vehicles
CARS & TRUCKS 2012 TOYOTA TUNDRA DOUBLE CAB 4X4 LIMITED 2012 Tundra w/ tow package & brake adjust in cab. Dark blue, 134K km, well maintained. New step rails & battery. $12,500. Call 802-662-5111 or email paleshadespaint@ comcast.net.
STOP HOME BREAK-INS Home break-ins take less than 60 seconds. Don’t wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets now for as little as 70 cents a day! Call
PLACE AN AFFORDABLE NOTICE AT: SEVENDAYSVT.COM/LEGAL-NOTICES OR CALL 802-865-1020, EXT. 121.
To learn more about the CAPER go to DHCD’s website: http://accd.vermont.gov/housing/ plans-data-rules/hud. Th e DRAFT CAPER report will be available on September 11, 2026, on the website. Send questions or comments to Cindy Blondin at Cindy.Blondin@vermont.gov. or call 802-8285219 or toll free at 1-866-933-6249. Written comments are due by September 28, 2026, at 4:30 pm. Mail to DHCD, 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT 05620-0501, ATTN: Cindy Blondin. STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT PROBATE DIVISION CHITTENDEN UNIT DOCKET NO.: 26-PR-03778
Dated: August 17, 2026 Signature of Fiduciary: /s/ William F. Bailey, Jr. Executor/Administrator: William F. Bailey, Jr. Mailing Address: 9 Pioneer Street, Essex Jct., VT 05452 Phone Number: 802-878-8268
In re ESTATE of KATHRYN BROWN NOTICE TO CREDITORS To the creditors of: Kathryn Brown, late of Williston, Vermont.
Name of Publication: Seven Days Publication Date: August 26, 2026
I have been appointed to administer this estate. All creditors having claims against the decedent or the estate must present their claims in writing within four (4) months of the date of the first publication of this notice. Th e claim must be presented to me at the address listed below with a copy sent to the Court. Th e claim may be barred forever if it is not presented within the four (4) month period.
Name of Probate Court: Chittenden Probate Court Address of Probate Court: 175 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05402 SEEKING COMMENT ON 2026 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER) TO HUD Th e report is due to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) each year by September 30. Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has written the 2026 report. Th e report is in the format required by HUD. Th e report includes activity from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
Dated: 8-18-2026 Signature of Fiduciary: /s/ Suzanne Morrill Executor/Administrator: Suzanne Morrill Mailing Address: 401 Water Tower Circle, Ste. 101, Colchester, VT 05446 Phone Number: 802-863-5538 Email: rstaudinger@vtlawoffi ces.com
Th e report includes the following federal programs:
Name of Publication: Seven Days
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NOTICE OF SELF-STORAGE LIEN SALE CHIMNEY CORNERS SELF STORAGE 76 GONYEAU ROAD, MILTON VT 05403 Notice is hereby given that the contents of the self-storage units listed below will be sold at public auction by sealed bid. This sale is being held to collect unpaid storage unit occupancy fees, charges, and expenses of the sale. Th e entire contents of each self-storage unit listed below will be sold, with the proceeds to be distributed to Chimney Corners Self Storage for all accrued occupancy fees (rent charges), late payment fees, sale expenses, and all other expenses in relation to the unit and its sale. Contents of each unit may be viewed on 9/9/2026 commencing at 3:30PM Sealed bids are to be submitted on the entire contents of each self- storage unit. Bids will be opened one half hour after the last unit has been viewed on 09/09/2026 Th e highest bidder on the storage unit must remove the entire contents of the unit within 48 hours after notifi cation of their successful bid. Purchase must be made in cash and paid in advance of the removal of the contents of the unit. A $50 cash deposit shall be made and will be refunded if the unit is broom cleaned. Chimney Corners Self Storage reserves the right to accept or reject bids. Th e contents of the following tenant’s selfstorage units will be included in this sale: Maslack, Michael Unit 611 Maslack, Michael Unit 131 Haze, Lynn Unit 243 Beach, Michael Unit 501 Durkin, Kristin Unit 811 Button, Betty Unit 139 Benway, Brandon Unit 636 Santor, Christina Unit 337
Notice is hereby given that the contents of the self-storage units listed below will be sold at public auction by sealed bid. This sale is being held to collect unpaid storage unit occupancy fees, charges, and expenses of the sale. Th e entire contents of each self-storage unit listed below will be sold, with the proceeds to be distributed to Vital Self Storage for all accrued occupancy fees (rent charges), late payment fees, sale expenses, and all other expenses in relation to the unit and its sale.
6 3 9 4 7 5 9 2 1-6 25- 1 7 5 9 8 7 5 4 14- 6 3 8 4 2 3 8 1
7 2 2/ 8 3 40x 5 2 /1 9 6 1 4 9+ 3 8 6x 2 9 6 7 4 5
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30x
5 6 1 4 3 2
6 4 2 5 1 3
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8 5 1 4 12+ 1 6 2 9 4 7 3 8 312+ 8 4 5 6 3 7 2 2 9 6 1 524x 4 8 7 9 1 5 3 Difficulty - Medium 7 2 9 6 9x
5
Using the enclosed math operations as a guide, fill the grid using the numbers 1 - 6 only once in each row and column.
Calcoku
SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
Name of Probate Court: Vermont Superior Court, Chittenden Probate Unit Address of Probate Court: 175 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05402
NOTICE OF SELF-STORAGE LIEN SALE VITAL SELF STORAGE — FAIRFAX 64 HARVEST ROAD FAIRFAX, VT 05454
PUZZLE ANSWERS FROM P.73
74
Publication Date: 08/26/2026
Contents of each unit may be viewed on 9/9/2026 commencing at 11:00AM. Sealed bids are to be submitted on the entire contents of each self- storage unit. Bids will be opened one half hour after the last unit has been viewed on 9/9/2026. Th e highest bidder on the storage unit must remove the entire contents of the unit within 48 hours after notifi cation of their successful bid. Purchase must be made in cash and paid in advance of the removal of the contents of the unit. A $50 cash deposit shall be made and will be refunded if the unit is broom cleaned. Vital Self Storage reserves the right to accept or reject bids. Th e contents of the following tenant’s selfstorage units will be included in this sale: Beach, Michael Unit 223 Beach, Michael Unit 215 Fortner, Shannen Unit 536 NOTICE OF SELF-STORAGE LIEN SALE LYMAN STORAGE 10438 Route 116 Hinesburg VT 05461
SEVENDAYSVT.COM/CLASSIFIEDS 802-482-2379 Notice is hereby given that the contents of the self-storage units listed below will be sold at public auction by sealed bid at the Lyman Storage facility. This sale is being held to collect unpaid storage unit occupancy fees, charges and expenses of the sale.
»
Name of Publication: Seven Days Publication Date: August 26, 2026
Contents of each unit may be viewed on Saturday 08/29/2026, commencing at 10:00 a.m. Sealed bids are to be submitted on the entire contents of each self-storage unit. Bids will be opened one-quarter of an hour after the last unit has been viewed on Saturday 08/29/2026. The highest bidder on the storage unit must remove the entire contents of the unit within 48 hours after notification of their successful bid. Purchase must be made in cash and paid in advance of the removal of the contents of the unit. A $50.00 cash deposit shall be made and will be refunded if the unit is broom cleaned. Lyman Storage reserves the right to accept or reject bids.
VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT CIVIL DIVISION CHITTENDEN UNIT 175 MAIN STREET BURLINGTON VT 05401 CASE NO. 26-CV-04438
STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT PROBATE DIVISION CHITTENDEN UNIT DOCKET NO.:26-PR-03272 In re ESTATE of JOELLA HORTON NOTICE TO CREDITORS To the creditors of: JOELLA HORTON, late of WILLISTON, VERMONT. I have been appointed to administer this estate. All creditors having claims against the decedent or the estate must present their claims in writing within four (4) months of the date of the first publication of this notice. The claim must be presented to me at the address listed below with a copy sent to the Court. The claim may be barred forever if it is not presented within the four (4) month period. Dated: 08/17/2026 Signature of Fiduciary: /s/ Eva M. Pelligrino Executor/Administrator: Eva M. Pelligrino Mailing Address: 41 Porters Point Road, Colchester, VT 05446 Phone Number: 802-238-9818 Name of Publication: SEVEN DAYS Publication Date: AUGUST 26, 2026 Name of Probate Court: CHITTENDEN PROBATE COURT Address of Probate Court: 175 MAIN STREET, BURLINGTON, VT 05401 STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT PROBATE DIVISION CHITTENDEN UNIT CASE NO.:26-PR-04579 In re ESTATE of Jane MacDonald NOTICE TO CREDITORS To the creditors of: Jane MacDonald, late of Charlotte, Vermont. I have been appointed to administer this estate. All creditors having claims against the decedent or the estate must present their claims in writing within four (4) months of the date of the first publication of this notice. The claim must be presented to me at the address listed below with a copy sent to the Court. The claim may be barred forever if it is not presented within the four (4) month period. Dated: August 17, 2026 Signature of Fiduciary:
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/s/ Era MacDonald /s/ Finnley MacDonald Executor/Administrator: Era MacDonald and Finnley MacDonald Mailing Address: c/o Kathleen M. Boe, Esq., Carroll, Boe & Kite, P.C. 64 Court Street Middlebury, Vermont 05753
The entire contents of each self-storage unit listed below will be sold, with the proceeds to be distributed to Lyman Storage for all accrued occupancy fees (rent charges), attorney’s fees, sale expenses, and all other expenses in relation to the unit and its sale. Any proceeds beyond the foregoing shall be returned to the unit holder.
Unit 225 — Eric St Cyr, 258 Mountain Road. Monkton VT 05443
Show and tell.
Name of Probate Court: Vermont Superior Court, Chittenden Unit, Probate Division Address of Probate Court: 175 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05401
Date: August 19, 2026 NOTICE OF HEARING Falcon Management Company, Inc. v. Dale Cusson This is to notify you to appear at the Court named above in connection with the above-named case on DATE: September 17, 2026 TIME: 10:30 AM DURATION: 15 Minutes HEARING RE: Motion to Declare Mobile Home as Abandoned A hearing on Falcon Management Company, Inc.’s verified Complaint to declare abandoned the mobile home of Dale Cusson, et al located at the Riverview Commons Mobile Home Park, Lot #18, 122 Lower Circle in Richmond, Vermont to authorize the transfer without a public auction, so it maybe removed and disposed of, has been set for Thursday September 17, 2026 @ 10:30 AM. Electronically signed Wednesday, August 19, 2026 pursuant to V.R.E.F. 9(d) /s/ Nancy L. Bean Nancy L. Bean Judicial Assistant — Chittenden Civil Division Vermont Superior Court 175 Main Street Burlington, Vermont 05401 Any individual with a disability requiring assistant accessing the services, programs and/or activities at the Courthouse should contact the Clerk’s office at the above address for further assistance. STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT CIVIL DIVISION CHITTENDEN UNIT DOCKET NO. IN RE: ABANDONED MOBILE HOME OF DALE COUSSON A/K/A DALE CUSSON VERIFIED COMPLAINT FOR ABANDONMENT PURSUANT TO TITLE 10 V.S.A. § 6249(i} (Uninhabitable) NOW COMES Falcon Management Company, Inc., by and through counsel Peter B. Schubart, and hereby complains pursuant to Title 10 V.S.A. § 6249(i) as follows: 1. Falcon Management Company, Inc., a Vermont domestic business corporation with a principal place of business in the Town of Richmond, County of Chittenden, State of Vermont, is the record owner of a mobile home park known as the Riverview Commons Mobile Home Park (the “Park”), located in Richmond, Vermont. 2. Dale Cusson a/k/a Dale Cousson is the record owner of a certain mobile home (the “Mobile Home”) described as 1974 Hillcrest, Model FDR3, 12’ x 70’ (Serial no. 04111772G) located at the Riverview Commons Mobile Home Park, Lot #18, 122 Lower Circle in Richmond, Vermont. A Mobile Home Bill of Sale dated August 30,2022, is of record in the Town of Richmond Land Records in Volume 238 at Page 52. (A copy of said bill of sale is attached hereto as Exhibit 1)
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3. Dale Cusson a/k/a Dale Cousson leased a lot in the Park from Falcon Management Company pursuant to a written lease. There is no security deposit. 4. Dale Cusson a/k/a Dale Cousson’s last known mailing address is 122 Lower Circle, Richmond, VT 05477. 5. The mobile home has been abandoned and is empty. Falcon Management Company, Inc. evicted Dale Cusson a/k/a Dale Cousson from the lot in the park (Chittenden Unit Civil Docket no. 25-CV02012, Falcon Management Company Inc. v. Dale Cusson) and more than ninety days have elapsed since the Sheriff’s office put Falcon Management Company, Inc. in possession of the lot by shutting off power and water to the home and changing the locks on or about April 22, 2026. To date, Dale Cusson a/k/a Dale Cousson has made no effort to remove the mobile home. Falcon Management Company staff has allowed Mr. Cusson to retrieve personal items from the mobile home. The following security interests, mortgages, liens and encumbrances appear of record with respect to the mobile home: 1. Taxes are owed to Town of Richmond in the amount of $1,327.75. 2. Mobile home storage fees continue to accrue at the rate of $615.00 per month. 3. Unpaid Rent since Judgment, Judgment amount, and service fees due Falcon Management Company, Inc. as of June 25, 2025 exceed $15,254.49. Attorney fees and court costs incurred by Falcon Management Company, Inc. Since the judgment date of June 23, 2025 are $2,585.00. Falcon Management Company, Inc. sent written notice by certified mail to the Town of Richmond on July 21, 2026 of its intent to commence this action. (See attached Exhibit 2). The mobile home is uninhabitable. Jeffrey Bishop, Property Manager for the Park, will testify under oath as to the poor and unlivable condition of this mobile home at the abandonment hearing. His affidavit is attached hereto as Exhibit 3.
1. ZP-26-387; 146 East Avenue (RL, Ward 1) FMB East Avenue, LLC / Taylor Baker Proposed subdivision of existing residential lot to create a new 55’ x 167’ residential lot for the construction of a new single-family residence. Existing triplex to remain. 2. ZAP-26-12; 281 Pearl Street (RH, Ward 8) Sisters & Brothers Investment Group, LLP / Matt Handy Appeal of issuance of Notice of Violation (NOV) under ZCPT-26-38. 3. ZP-26-410; 228 North Winooski Avenue (NMU, Ward 2) Champlain Housing Trust / Donal Dugan Variance request for exemption from maximum allowable fence height to install a six-foot-tall fence along the sidewalk to prevent afterhours access to the property. Participation in the DRB proceeding is a prerequisite to the right to take any subsequent appeal. Please note that ANYTHING submitted to the Zoning office is considered public and cannot be kept confidential. This may not be the final order in which items will be heard. Please view final Agenda, at https://burlingtonvt.portal. civicclerk.com/ or the office notice board, one week before the hearing for the order in which items will be heard. The City of Burlington will not tolerate unlawful harassment or discrimination on the basis of political or religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, disability, HIV positive status, crime victim status or genetic information. The City is also committed to providing proper access to services, facilities,and employment opportunities. For accessibility information or alternative formats, please contact Human Resources Department at (802) 540-2505. STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT PROBATE DIVISION ORANGE UNIT DOCKET NO.: 26-PR-04049 In re ESTATE of Journi LeClair NOTICE TO CREDITORS To the creditors of: Journi LeClair, late of Williamstown, Vermont.
WHEREFORE, Falcon Management Company, Inc. respectfully requests that the Honorable Court enter an order as follows: 1. Declare that the mobile home has been abandoned; 2. Transfer the mobile home which is unfit for human habitation to Riverview Commons park owner Falcon Management Company, Inc. without a public auction so that it may be removed and disposed of accordingly. 3. Order pursuant to 10 V.S.A. § 6249(i) that the mobile home and any security deposit paid be conveyed to Falcon Management Company, Inc. in “as is” condition, and free from all liens and other encumbrances of record. DATED AT South Burlington, Vermont this 18th day of August, 2026. Falcon Management Company, Inc. By: Peter B. Schubart, Esq., 80 Midas Drive, South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 829-0237/ peter@schubartlaw. com
I have been appointed to administer this estate. All creditors having claims against the decedent or the estate must present their claims in writing within four (4) months of the date of the first publication of this notice. The claim must be presented to me at the address listed below with a copy sent to the Court. The claim may be barred forever if it is not presented within the four (4) month period. Dated: 08/19/2026 Signature of Fiduciary: /s/ Jordan Hanson Executor/Administrator: Jordan Hanson Mailing Address: c/o Miller Estate Law PO Box 220, N. Ferrisburgh, VT 05473 Phone Number: 802-777-8297 Email: smiller@millerestatelaw.com Name of Publication: Seven Days Publication Date: 08/26/2026 Name of Probate Court: Orange Probate Division Address of Probate Court: 5 Court Street, Chelsea, VT 05038 IN ACCORDANCE WITH VT TITLE 9 COMMERCE AND TRADE CHAPTER 098: STORAGE UNITS 3905.
BURLINGTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026, 5:00 PM PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE Hybrid & In Person (at 645 Pine Street) Meeting Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83225696227 pwd=SGQ0bTdnS000Wkc3c2J4WWw1dzMxUT09 Webinar ID: 832 2569 6227 Passcode: 969186 Telephone: US +1 929 205 6099 or +1 301 715 8592
Enforcement of Lien, Champlain Valley Self Storage, LLC shall host a private auction of the following units on or after September 5, 2026: Contents: household goods Location: 78 Lincoln St Essex Jct. VT 05452 Paul Lozano: #110
SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
LEGALS » 75
Legal Notices
PLACE AN AFFORDABLE NOTICE AT: SEVENDAYSVT.COM/LEGAL-NOTICES OR CALL 802-865-1020, EXT. 142.
[CONTINUED] Location: 485 Nokian Tyres Dr. Colchester VT 05446 Francis Ducharme: #2219 Auction pre-registration is required, email info@ champlainvalleyselfstorage.com to register. CVSS,llc reserves the right to reject any bid lower than the amount owed by the occupant or that is not commercially reasonable as defined by statute. Any person claiming a right to the goods may pay the amount claimed due and reasonable expenses before the sale, in which case the sale may not occur. VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT CIVIL DIVISION CHITTENDEN UNIT 175 MAIN STREET BURLINGTON VT 05401 CASE NO. 26-CV-04500 Date: August 21, 2026 NOTICE OF HEARING Falcon Management Company, Inc. v. Estate of Catherine Burritt This is to notify you to appear at the Court named above in connection with the above-named case on: DATE: September 15, 2026 TIME: 11:00 AM DURATION: 15 Minutes HEARING RE: Motion Hearing – Abandoned Mobile Home A hearing on Falcon Management Cooperative, Inc’s verified Complaint to declare abandoned the mobile home of Catherine Burritt, located at the Riverview Commons Mobile Home Park, Lot #155, 378 Meadow Lane in Richmond, Vermont to authorize the transfer without a public auction so it may be removed and disposed of, has been set for September 15, 2026 @ 11:00AM. Electronically signed Friday, August 21, 2026 pursuant to V.R.E.F. 9(d) /s/ Nancy L. Bean Nancy L. Bean Judicial Assistant – Chittenden Civil Division Vermont Superior Court 175 Main Street Burlington, Vermont 05401 Any individual with a disability requiring assistance accessing the services, programs, and/ or activities at the Courthouse should contact the Clerk’s office at the above address for further assistance. STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT CIVIL DIVISION CHITTENDEN UNIT DOCKET NO. 26-CV-04500 IN RE: ABANDONED MOBILE HOME OF CATHERINE A. BURRITT VERIFIED COMPLAINT FOR ABANDONMENT PURSUANT TO TITLE 10 V.S.A. § 6249(i} (Uninhabitable) NOW COMES Falcon Management Company, Inc., by and through counsel Peter B. Schubart, and hereby complains pursuant to Title 10 V.S.A. § 6249(i) as follows: 1. Falcon Management Company, Inc., a Vermont domestic business corporation with a principal place of business in the Town of Richmond, County of Chittenden, State of Vermont, is the record owner of a mobile home park known as the Riverview Commons Mobile Home Park (the “Park”), located in Richmond, Vermont. 2. Catherine A. Burritt is the record owner of a certain mobile home (the “Mobile Home”) described as 1977 Skyline, 14’ x 70’ (Serial no. 0216-0452K) located at the Riverview Commons Mobile Home Park, Lot #155, 378 Meadow Lane in Richmond, Vermont. A Mobile Home Bill of Sale dated September 11, 1998, is of record in the Town of Richmond Land Records. (A copy of the bill of sale is attached hereto as Exhibit 1)
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3. Catherine A. Burritt leased a lot in the Park from Falcon Management Company pursuant to a written lease. There is no security deposit. 4. Catherine A. Burritt is deceased. A review of the Vermont Judiciary website indicates that no Probate Estate has been opened for Catherine A. Burritt. 5. The mobile home has been abandoned and is empty. A Notice to Vacate was sent to the Decedent’s son-in -law, Jeff Andrews, who occupied the mobile home on lot #155 in the park after Mrs. Burritt’s passing. The letter is attached hereto as Exhibit 2. Upon information and belief, Mr. Andrews moved out of the mobile home on or about April 15, 2026. To date, no party has made effort to remove the mobile home. 6. Falcon Management Company, Inc. has had no communication with the last known occupant of the mobile home, Jeff Andrews. The following security interests, mortgages, liens and encumbrances appear of record with respect to the mobile home: 1. Taxes are owed to Town of Richmond in the amount of $2,773.02. 2. Mobile home storage fees continue to accrue at the rate of $615.00 per month. The total unpaid rent is now $5,120.00. Falcon Management Company, Inc. sent written notice by certified mail to the Town of Richmond on July 21, 2026 of intent to commence this action. (See attached Exhibit 3). The mobile home is uninhabitable. Jeffrey Bishop, Property Manager for the Park, will testify under oath as to the poor and unlivable condition of this mobile home at the abandonment hearing. (Exhibit 4) WHEREFORE, Falcon Management Company, Inc. respectfully requests that the Honorable Court enter an order as follows: 1. Declare that the mobile home has been abandoned; 2. Transfer the mobile home which is unfit for human habitation to Park owner Falcon Management Company, Inc. without a public auction so that it may be removed and disposed of accordingly. 3. Order pursuant to 10 V.S.A. § 6249(i) that the mobile home and any security deposit paid be conveyed to Falcon Management Company, Inc. in “as is” condition, and free from all liens and other encumbrances of record. DATED AT South Burlington, Vermont this 20th day of August, 2026. Falcon Management Company, Inc. By: /s/ Peter B. Schubart Peter B. Schubart, Esq., 80 Midas Drive, South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 829-0237/ peter@schubartlaw.com STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT PROBATE DIVISION CHITTENDEN UNIT DOCKET NO.:26-PR-02371 In re ESTATE of Brenda S. Garey NOTICE TO CREDITORS To the creditors of: Brenda S. Garey, late of Hinesburg, Vermont. I have been appointed to administer this estate. All creditors having claims against the decedent or the estate must present their claims in writing within four (4) months of the date of the first publication of this notice. The claim must be presented to me at the address listed below with a copy sent to the Court. The claim may be barred forever if it is not presented within the four (4) month period.
SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
Dated: 8/23/2025 Signature of Fiduciary: /s/ Samantha Cotto Marquez Executor/Administrator: Samantha Cotto Marquez Mailing Address: 2565 Shellhouse Mtn Rd, Ferrisburgh VT 05456 Phone Number: 802-242-0087 Email: samanthagarey97@gmail.com Name of Publication: Seven Days Publication Date: 8/26/2026 Name of Probate Court: Vermont Superior Court, Chittenden Unit, Probate Division Address of Probate Court: 175 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05401
sets the matter for a hearing on its own motion. Any person as defined in 10 V.S.A. § 6085(c) (1) may request a hearing. Any hearing request must be in writing, must state the criteria or sub-criteria at issue, why a hearing is required, and what additional evidence will be presented at the hearing. Any hearing request by an adjoining property owner or other person eligible for party status under 10 V.S.A. § 6085(c)(1)(E) must include a petition for party status under the Act 250 Rules. To request party status and a hearing, fill out the Party Status Petition Form on the Board’s website: https://act250.vermont.gov/documents/ party-status-petition-form, and email it to the District 4 Office at: Act250.Essex@vermont.gov. Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law may not be prepared unless the Commission holds a public hearing.
RICHMOND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD MEETING AGENDA SEPTEMBER 9, 2026, AT 7:00-9:00 PM
For more information contact Kaitlin Hayes at the address or telephone number below.
THIS IS A HYBRID MEETING WITH ON-SITE/ REMOTE ACCOMMODATIONS.
Dated this August 24, 2026.
Join In Person: 3rd Floor Room A, 203 Bridge Street, Richmond, VT 05477. Join Electronically via Zoom: https://us02web. zoom.us/j/89057870483. Join by Phone Call: +1 (305) 224-1968 (US) // Meeting ID: 890 5787 0483. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: Meeting Materials: https://www. richmondvt.gov/calendar/meeting/ development-review-board-9-9-26. 1. AP2026-003. Chelsye & Trevor Brooks. Parcel ID: JR1330. Appellants challenge the issuance of administrative subdivision approval to 1330 Jericho Road for alleged noncompliance with the subdivision and zoning regulations. 2. PS2026-002. Patricia “Patty” Gilbert. Parcel ID: BE0345. Applicant seeks preliminary subdivision approval for a four (4) lot subdivision of 345 Beatty Lane, located in the Agricultural Residential Zoning District. Note: participation in the preceding hearing(s) is a prerequisite to the right to take any subsequent appeal. OTHER BUSINESS: A. Kenan Heco & Lejla Merina. Variance request from front setback requirements at 20 Apple Tree Lane, located in the Agricultural Residential Zoning District. OTHER ITEMS OF DISCUSSION: B. Fall DRB Training. Discussion of October 28, 2026, training with a start time of 6:00 p.m. ACT 250 NOTICE MINOR APPLICATION 4C1065-9D-1 10 V.S.A. §§ 6000 – 6111 Application 4C1065-9D-1 from Onion River Hotel, LLC 747 Pine Street, Burlington, VT 05401 was received on August 14, 2026 and deemed complete on August 24, 2026. The project permit specifically authorizes exterior, non-illuminated signage for the Sugar House Hotel, which was approved for construction under Act 250 Land Use Permit 4C1065-9D. The project is located at 111 Winooski Falls Way in Winooski, Vermont. The application may be viewed on the Land Use Review Board’s website (https://act250.vermont. gov/) by clicking “Act 250 Database” and entering the project number “4C1065-9D-1.” No hearing will be held and a permit may be issued unless, on or before September 15, 2026, a party notifies the District 4 Commission in writing of an issue requiring a hearing, or the Commission
By: /s/ Kaitlin Hayes Kaitlin Hayes District Coordinator 111 West Street Essex Junction, VT 05452 (802) 622-4084 kaitlin.hayes@vermont.gov TOWN OF UNDERHILL SELECTBOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Pursuant to 24 VSA § 4442 a public hearing will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Underhill Town Office, 12 Pleasant Valley Road, Underhill VT to hear public comments regarding proposed amendments to the Town of Underhill Unified Land Use & Development Regulations, adopted March 1, 2011 and last amended March 3, 2020. Proposed amendments affect all geographical areas of Underhill that fall under the town’s regulatory jurisdiction. Amendments are proposed to the following sections: • Accessory Dwelling Units (revise Section 4.15 and Table 4.3) • Event Venues (add new Section 4.20 and revise Section 4.19 and Table 3.1) • Related changes to Table 2.1 (Zoning District Standards) and Section 11.2 (General Definitions) The proposed amendments along with a guide to the purpose, rationale, and effect of the proposed amendments may be found on the Town of Underhill website Calendar & Events page under September 10, 2026: https://www.underhillvt. gov/selectboard/meeting/land-use-regulationhearingregular-selectboard-meeting or may be viewed in person at the Underhill Town Office during normal business hours. Comments regarding the proposed amendments may be made in person at the hearing; remotely online (remote participation options below); or in writing, prior to the hearing, in care of: Brad Holden, Town Administrator, PO Box 120, Underhill, VT 05489 or via email to: bholden@underhillvt. gov Underhill Selectboard Public Hearing Sep 10, 2026, 6:00 PM Please join this hearing from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet.goto.com/540568589 You may also dial in using your phone. Access Code: 540-568-589 United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Support Groups A CIRCLE OF MEN The ManKind Project (MKP), a 4-decade-old international organization focused on self awareness, personal growth & community service, holds space for men in meetings online, in person, & at trainings & events. Founded in 1984, MKP is nonreligious, nonpolitical, & aims to help men of all backgrounds live w/ integrity, authenticity & accountability. Info: 802-770-2664, runninghungrydog@gmail.com, mankindproject.org. A CIRCLE OF PARENTS SUPPORT GROUPS Please join our professionally facilitated peer-led support groups designed to share our questions, concerns & struggles, as well as our resources & successes! Contribute to our discussion of the unique but shared experience of parenting. For more info or to register, please contact Heather at hniquette@pcavt.org, 802-498-0607, pcavt.org/ family-support-programs. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, that’s ours. Call the Vermont statewide anonymous hotline: 802-802-2288. Alcoholics Anonymous holds daily meetings all over Vermont, both in person & online. For meetings & events throughout Vermont, see aavt.org. ANXIETY RELIEF GROUP Anxiety Relief Group is a safe setting for relaxing & exploring your feelings w/ others through gentle socialization & self-expression, building up what makes you centered & strong. Wed., 4-5:30 p.m.
Online, email us for the Zoom link & more info: morgansplace@pathwaysvermont.org. BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT GROUP Vermont Center for Independent Living offers virtual monthly meetings, held on the 3rd Wed. of every mo., 1-2:30 p.m. The support group will offer valuable resources & info about brain injury. It will be a place to share experiences in a safe, secure & confidential environment. To join, email Linda Meleady at lindam@vcil.org & ask to be put on the TBI mailing list. Info: 800-639-1522. BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR DRAGON BOAT TEAM Looking for a fun way to do something active & health-giving? Want to connect w/ other breast cancer survivors? Come join Dragonheart Vermont. We are a breast cancer survivor & supporter dragon boat team who paddle together in Burlington. Please contact us at info@ dragonheartvermont.org for info. CONVERSATIONS ABOUT SUICIDE Conversations About Suicide is a judgment-free & open space to talk about personal experiences of suicidal ideation. The group is facilitated by peer support staff w/ lived experience of suicidality. Thu., 3:45-4:45 p.m., at Morgan’s Place, 50 S. Willard St., Burlington. Email us for more info: morgansplace@pathwaysvermont. org, pathwaysvermont.org/programs/ peersupportcenter. HEARING VOICES SUPPORT GROUP This Hearing Voices Group seeks to find understanding of voice-hearing experiences as real lived experiences that may happen to anyone at any time. We choose to share experiences, support & empathy. We validate anyone’s experience & stories about their experience as their own, as being an honest & accurate representation of their experience, & as being acceptable exactly as they are. Tue., 2:30-4 p.m. Morgan’s Place, 50 S. Willard St., Burlington. Email us for more information: morgansplace@pathwaysvermont. org, pathwaysvermont.org/programs/ peersupportcenter. KINDRED CONNECTIONS PROGRAM OFFERED FOR CHITTENDEN COUNTY CANCER SURVIVORS The Kindred Connections program provides peer support for all those touched by cancer. Cancer patients, as well as caregivers, are provided w/ a mentor who has been through the cancer experience & knows what it’s like to go through it. In addition to sensitive listening, Kindred Connections provides practical help such as rides to doctors’ offices & meal deliveries. The program has people who have experienced a wide variety of cancers. For further info, please contact info@ vcsn.net. LIVING THROUGH LOSS The Volunteer Chaplaincy Program of Gifford Medical Center sponsors a weekly meeting of its “Living Through Loss” grief support group. Anyone who has experienced a significant loss over the past year or so is warmly invited to attend the free weekly meetings every Fri., 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. For info, contact the Rev. Tim Eberhardt, Gifford’s spiritual care coordinator, at 802-728-2107.
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MYELOMA SUPPORT GROUP Area myeloma survivors, families & caregivers have come together to form a Multiple Myeloma Support Group. We provide emotional support, resources about treatment options, coping strategies & a support network by participating in the group experience w/ people who have been through similar situations. 3rd Tue. of every mo., 5-6 p.m., on Zoom. Info: Kay Cromie, 655-9136, kgcromey@aol.com. NARCANON BURLINGTON GROUP Group meets every Mon. at 7 p.m., at the Turning Point Center, 179 S. Winooski Ave., Suite 301, Burlington. The only requirement for membership is that there be a problem of addiction in a relative or friend. Info: Amanda H., 338-8106.
3/2/21 6:39 PM
CONTACT CLASSIFIEDS@SEVENDAYSVT.COM OR 802-865-1020 EXT. 115 TO UPDATE YOUR SUPPORT GROUP
healing process. Intake for all support groups is ongoing. If you are interested in learning more or would like to schedule an intake to become a group member, please call our office at 864-0555, ext. 19, or email our victim advocate at advocate@ sover.net. Visit hopeworksvt.com for more info.
NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS Narcotics Anonymous is a group of recovering addicts who live without the use of drugs. It costs nothing to join. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using. Held in Burlington, St Albans, Morrisville, Barre & Stowe. Info, 833-436-6166 or cvana.org. NEW (& EXPECTING) MAMAS & PAPAS & EVERY PRIMARY CAREGIVER TO A BABY Drop-in play every day: The Children’s Room in Waterbury is open Mon.-Fri. for anyone w/children ages 0-6 to come & play. Check the TCR calendar for hours & school closure days. Caregiver & Baby Circle: Weekly drop-in on Mon., 11 a.m., at the Children’s Room. We are pleased to offer a weekly gathering for babies (0-18 mos.) & their caregivers, sponsored by Good Beginnings & hosted by the Children’s Room. Nature Explorations: Tue., 10-11:30 a.m., at various trailheads in the area. Get outside for some fresh air & fun! Every week we go to a different trailhead or natural area to explore. Ages 0-6; carriers are helpful for little ones. Email childrensroom@huusd.org to sign up; enrollment is always open. Music & Movement: drop-in, Wed., 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the Children’s Room in Brookside Primary School. We begin by singing songs & moving together & allow time at the end to play w/ instruments, as well as time for adults & kids to socialize. Ages 0-6. Exploration & Art Fridays: drop-in, Fri., anytime from 9 a.m.-noon at the Children’s Room in Brookside Primary School. We’ll be engaging in different hands-on explorations & using various mediums every week — sometimes combined. Come to TCR to explore, play & create! For info, email childrensroom@ huusd.org. PARKINSON’S MUTUAL AID GROUP For individuals & caregivers dealing w/ the challenges of Parkinson’s, we meet to share resources & practical ideas for improving quality of life. This in-person group is free & open to the public. Every 2nd Tue. of the mo., 2-3 p.m., at the Old Meeting House, 1620 Center Rd., East Montpelier. Please contact admin@oldmeetinghouse.org or 229-9593. RECOVERY DHARMA Recovery Dharma uses Buddhist practices & principles to help people recover from all kinds of addictions & addictive behaviors. This peer-led, nontheistic group offers opportunities to deepen understanding, explore personal inquiry & connect w/ others. We meet every Wed., 6-7 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church in Burlington (the Red Door Church, 21 Buell St.). Enter through the administrative office door (at far left when viewed from Buell St.). We also meet on Thu., 1-2 p.m., at the Turning Point Center, 179 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington. No meditation experience required; all are welcome. Email rd.burlington.vt@ gmail.com for more info. SMART RECOVERY SMART Recovery is a mutual support group where, through open confidential discussion, we help each other & ourselves w/ recovery from any type of addictive behavior. Regardless of whether your recovery goals include abstinence, reduction in use, or harm reduction, you are welcome here. You determine your goals; SMART provides tools & support to help you achieve them.Our approach uses self-empowering skills that help you build & maintain motivation; cope w/ urges; manage thoughts, feelings & behaviors; & live a balanced life. For the latest information about in-person & online groups, go to meetings.smartrecovery.org. SEX & LOVE ADDICTS ANONYMOUS 12-step recovery group. Do you have a problem w/ sex or relationships? We can help. Info: Visit slaafws.org or saa-recovery.org for meetings near you.
STEPS SUPPORT GROUP Steps offers a weekly support group w/ drop-in options for those who have experienced or who have been affected by domestic violence. Women’s Support Group meets virtually every Tue., 5-6:30 p.m. Gender Inclusive Support Group meets virtually every Thu., 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Both groups offer a safe, supportive & confidential place to connect w/ others, heal & recover. For more info, call us at 658-1996 or email steps@stepsvt.org. STUTTERING SUPPORT GROUPS We offer 3 monthly National Stuttering Association (NSA) stuttering support groups for adults, teens & school-age children (7-12). Meetings take place monthly at UVM & by Zoom. Contact burlingtonstutters@gmail.com for more information. SUICIDE HOTLINES IN VT Brattleboro, 257-7989; Montpelier (Washington County Mental Health Emergency Services), 2290591; Randolph (Clara Martin Center Emergency Service), 800-639-6360. SUPPORT GROUP FOR WOMEN Group for women who have experienced intimate partner abuse. Facilitated by Circle (Washington Co. only). Please call 877-543-9498 for more info. SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE: S. BURLINGTON This group is for people experiencing the impact of the loss of a loved one to suicide. 1st Wed. of each mo., 6-7 p.m., at the Comfort Inn & Suites, 3 Dorset St., S. Burlington. Info: Bob Purvee at 802-9224685 or Aya Kuki at 802-881-3606, or by email to survivorsofsuicidelosssb@gmail.com. THE COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS SUPPORT GROUP The Compassionate Friends international support group for parents, siblings & families grieving the loss of a child meets the 4th Tue. of every mo., 7-8:30 p.m., at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 160 Hinesburg Rd., S. Burlington. Call/email Alan at 802-233-0544, alanday88@gmail.com, or call Claire at 802-448-3569. TRANS PARENT GROUP This support group is for adult family members & caregivers of queer &/or questioning youths. It is held on the 1st Mon. of every mo., 6-7:30 p.m., online; & on the 3rd Mon. of every mo., 6-7:30 p.m., at Outright Vermont, 241 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington. This group is for adults only. For more info, email info@outrightvt.org. TRANSGUARDIANS SUPPORT GROUP We will be in community w/ parents of trans kids of all ages & supporting each other w/ storytelling, listening, learning & love. If we want to protect our trans kids, our 1st line of defense is uplifting their parents & guardians! This is a peer-support group & will be facilitated by Alison & Shawna. 4th Tue. of every mo., 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Rainbow Bridge Community Center. Contact 622-0692 or info@ rainbowbridgevt.org or go to rainbowbridgevt.org. TRAUMA SUPPORT GROUP Our group is a space for mutual support for everyone who is living w/ mental/emotional trauma. The group meets every Fri., 2:15-3:15 p.m., at Morgan’s Place Peer Support Center, 50 S. Willard St., Burlington, or on Zoom. Email morgansplace@ pathwaysvermont.org, pathwaysvermont.org/ programs/peersupportcenter.
SEXUAL VIOLENCE SUPPORT HOPE Works offers free support groups to women, men & teens who are survivors of sexual violence. Groups are avail. for survivors at any stage of the
SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
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78 AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
ATTENTION RECRUITERS: POST YOUR JOBS AT: PRINT DEADLINE: FOR RATES & INFO:
JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM/POST-A-JOB NOON ON MONDAYS (INCLUDING HOLIDAYS) GILLIAN COMITO, 802-341-3060 GCOMITO@SEVENDAYSVT.COM
YOUR TRUSTED LOCAL SOURCE. JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM Civil Project Manager Bowman has an opportunity for a Civil Project Manager to join our team in Williston, VT. At Bowman, we believe in creating opportunities for aspiring people to thrive and achieve ambitious goals. That’s why a career at Bowman is more than a job. It is an opportunity to be part of a diverse and engaged community of professionals, to be treated as a respected and valued member of a motivated team and to be empowered to do exceptional work that advances the best interest of everyone involved. We recognize the importance of creating a work environment that is both rewarding to our employees and supportive of our unwavering commitment to provide unparalleled service to our clients. Apply: jenn.desautels@bowman.com 3h-BowmanConsulting081226.indd 1
The First Unitarian Universalist Society is hiring for the following positions:
• Assistant Facilities Manager • Sabbatical Director of Faith Development
Financial Administrator
8/7/26 1:53 PM
Town of Colchester Starting Base Pay up to $76,268 yearly, DOE Excellent benefits package! Dept. of Public Works has a full-time opportunity for an experienced Mechanic II with advanced knowledge of equipment maintenance, diagnostics and repair, to include heavy equipment, emergency service vehicles and small engine repair of gasoline and diesel-powered engines. Successful applicants will have a minimum of eight years of related experience, the ability to diagnose specific problems to determine the correct repair, and maintain accurate parts and labor records. A valid Commercial Driver’s License is required. Town provides all tools required to perform the job. This full-time opportunity offers work/life balance, with a Monday thru Friday, 7AM – 3PM schedule. Opportunities for overtime.
U.S. District Court
The Clerk’s Office for the United States Courts is seeking a Financial Administrator with excellent analytical, organizational and interpersonal skills to manage financial, accounting and budget operations in a team-oriented environment. The duty station is Burlington, Vermont. Full federal benefits apply. Complete job description and formal application requirements are found in the official Position Announcement available from any U.S. District Court office (Burlington and Rutland) or the court’s web site: WWW.VTD.USCOURTS.GOV
Mechanic II
To view full job description & apply: colchestervt.gov/321/Human-Resources Position open until filled. Equal opportunity employer.
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7/24/26 11:35 AM
OFFICE AND EVENTS COORDINATOR
E.O.E.
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) seeks an energetic, civic-minded individual to serve as an Office and Events Coordinator on his Vermont Staff. This position is responsible for coordinating annual and one-time events hosted by the office throughout the state 4t-USDistrictCourt082626.indd 1 8/21/26 1:06 PM and provides support for a wide variety of office operations from scheduling to event logistics. This position closely collaborates with colleagues in our Vermont and DC offices to advance the Senator’s priorities. Strong communication, organization, time and project management skills are required. Experience with event planning and managing multiple, co-occurring projects is Learn more & apply: The Operations and Benefits Assistant helps keep Vermont Housing highly preferred. A successful candidate will have an appreciation uusociety.org/ and Conservation Board’s internal operations organized, responsive, for Vermont, a desire to develop new opportunities to engage information/employmentand running smoothly. This position supports a wide range of core with Vermonters, a proven ability to communicate professionally, opportunities. administrative functions across office operations, human resources, benefits and a commitment to creative problem-solving in a fast paced, administration, board support, and internal systems. You’ll help coordinate ever-changing environment. This position requires regular travel onboarding and benefits enrollment, support board meeting logistics and throughout Vermont. The Senator’s office is an equal opportunity minute-taking, assist with contracts, invoices, procurement compliance, and employer. The office does not discriminate on the basis of an help maintain internal staff resources and operational workflows. This is a individual’s race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender highly collaborative role for someone who is detail-oriented, adaptable, and identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, comfortable managing multiple priorities while supporting both day-to-day or uniformed service. The office is committed to inclusion and operations and longer-term organizational improvements. encourages all individuals from all backgrounds to apply. The starting salary is $65,000. Applications are due August 24, 2026
• Childcare Provider
Operations & Benefits Assistant
Send a cover letter and resume to: jobs@vhcb.org To learn more, visit vhcb.org/careers | EOE
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To apply, please send your resume, cover letter, and brief writing sample to events_job@sanders.senate.gov by September 7, 2026.
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8/25/26 11:40 AM
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NEW JOBS POSTED DAILY! JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM
79 AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
Food Service Supervisor Woodlot Manager Wood4Good, New England's largest firewood bank in Jericho, is hiring a Woodlot Manager to lead firewood production and volunteer operations. Responsibilities include operating heavy equipment, expert chainsaw work, preparing for volunteer days, coordinating firewood distribution, and maintaining equipment. Qualified candidates should have strong mechanical skills, and a clean driving record. Ideal for a woodsman, logger, arborist, mechanic, or equipment operator who wants meaningful work helping Vermont families stay warm. Competitive pay and benefits based on experience, with opportunities for growth. To apply, email your resume to Patti@wood4good.org.
The Northlands Job Corps Center has a need for a Food Service Supervisor to join our school. This is a full time, year round position that offers a competitive wage, major medical insurance plan, dental, vision, 401K and more. Northlands Job Corps provides career training to students 16 to 24 years of age who come to our center to gain valuable skills and start a career. Our students are mostly from the Northeast US and about 40% are from Vermont. We are probably the most diverse school in the state and our success, as measured by our students’ performance, is one of the best in the country. The ideal Food Service Supervisor would be someone who wants to work in a collaborative environment, possesses the skills and ability to manage a cafeteria, can supervise others, and wants to support our mission of preparing students for success. This position will require regular interaction with our students and Culinary Instructor. Our kitchen currently supports over a hundred students and could grow to 200. At Northlands we build success that lasts a lifetime. Our online portal has all our current openings listed. Please contact us if you have an interest and would like to learn more. Apply: mcjury.cassidy@jobcorps.org
8/10/26 2:43 PM
Youth Coaches:
Youth Development Program Coordinator
Respite staff Scan QR code to apply.
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Executive Operations Coordinator
Saturday orchard store crew, Saturday tasting room staff, Sunday PYO staff, Sunday experienced tractor drivers, Tues-Thurs and Fri-Sun donut house team.
FT, Hybrid, $42-45K
Serious inquiries only please!
See details and apply at giv.org/jobs
Apply at: shelburneorchards@gmail.com
8/24/26 10:28 AM
Join the Flynn & be part of a team striving to make the community better through the arts. All backgrounds encouraged to apply. This is a parttime, flexible, hourly, non-exempt position. Union Contract Applies.
Home Services Carpenter Seeking a full-time carpenter/handy-person for our Home Services team. Responsibilities: small building projects, home maintenance and repairs, home performance troubleshooting, and subcontractor coordination. Requirements: 3+ years carpentry experience and knowledge of home building & renovation, basic mechanical systems, and drywall/painting. Valid driver’s license required. $30/ hr+ DOE. Company vehicle and benefits included. Learn more at redhousebuilding.com/were-hiring or send your resume to stacy@redhousebuilding.com.
Burlington & St Albans Drop-In Center and 1 Supported Housing, full &4t-RedHouseBuilding081926.indd SEE THE HEART OF THE MATTER part-time shifts available Echocardiographer at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH)
Young Adult Peer Navigator
HIRING:
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Red House Building is hiring a Home Services Carpenter 3v-Wood4Good081226.indd 1
You can have a big impact on young Vermonters!
8/17/26 5:05 PM
BOX OFFICE AGENT – CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
The Flynn is seeking a Box Office Agent to provide excellent customer service and ticketing support, including sales, exchanges, refunds, will-call, accessibility requests, and event inquiries. The ideal candidate has customer service or sales experience, strong communication skills, and attention to detail. Flexible availability, daytime, including evenings, and weekends, is required. If you enjoy working with people and want to be part of the vibrant performing arts community at the Flynn, we encourage you to apply! Visit our website for complete job description and to apply: flynnvt.org/about-us/employment-and-internshipopportunities.
Companion $22 PER HOUR
Help patients see the full picture of their heart health while building a rewarding career in the heart of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. NVRH is seeking an Echocardiographer to join our Diagnostic Imaging team. Perform diagnostic cardiac ultrasound studies, collaborate with physicians and care teams, and make a meaningful impact on patient care every day. Qualifications:
Seeking a companion for our 32-year-old developmentally delayed daughter. She is a lifelong learner who is socially engaged and has a great sense of humor. She takes full care of her physical well-being. We are looking for a companion who will enrich her life through community-oriented involvement and home-based activities, such as taking rides to explore new places, going for walks, gardening, or any other ideas the two of you develop.
RDCS or RCS certification required • BLS required • Minimum of one (1) year of echocardiography experience required
Must have driver’s license and car. No smoking. Looking for minimum 6 months’ commitment.
Why NVRH?
Schedule: 20-35 hours/week Monday thru Friday. Flexible!
Excellent benefits • Competitive pay • Student loan repayment Tuition reimbursement • Generous PTO • 401(k) match
Location: Burlington
Apply today: nvrh.org/careers
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Please call or email with questions. 802-862-7602 | Kathy Bostock, kathy.bostock@gmail.com
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8/20/26 10:37 AM
YOUR JOBS AT JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM FOR FAST RESULTS, OR ATTENTION RECRUITERS: POST CONTACT GILLIAN COMITO: GCOMITO@SEVENDAYSVT.COM
80 AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
ESTATE GROUNDSKEEPER / PROPERTY MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN The Town of Westford is seeking a full-time
Road Crew Member
We are looking for candidates to assist in the groundskeeping throughout a rural, privately owned estate in the Addison County area. The right candidate will assist the Property Managers and farm team in overall property maintenance such as mowing/string trimming, brush clearing, trail upkeep and gardening tasks throughout the large estate. The estate consists of fruiting orchards, fine perennial gardens, meadows, hiking/ATV trails and more.
Benefits include: - A 4-day work week - Annual clothing allowance
Job Location: Brandon area
- Generous overtime policy
Schedule: Full-time seasonal position, with the potential to transition to year-round employment for the right candidate.
- Frequently updated equipment - 100% employer-paid single-person health, dental and vision insurance
The Ideal Candidate: - Takes pride in maintaining a property to a high standard - Has strong attention to detail and a proactive approach to work - Enjoys working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions - Has experience operating tractors, mowers, trimmers, and other outdoor equipment - Understands the importance of discretion when working on a private property - Is dependable, safety-conscious, and willing to learn
- A retirement plan with an employer contribution match - Must pass pre-employment physical exam and drug test. For consideration, please submit resume, references, and employment application to: Town of Westford, Attn: Tommy O’Connor, 1713 VT Route 128, Westford, VT 05494. For more information, contact Tommy O’Connor (Town Administrator) at 802-878-4587 or townadmin@westfordvt.us. Position open until filled. Westford is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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We are seeking a reliable, hands on candidate in the landscape or agricultural industry to join our established and growing team! This is a great opportunity for individuals who enjoy being outdoors, take pride in their work, and are committed to maintaining a property to the highest standard.
Responsibilities: - Maintain grounds: mowing, trimming, gardening, landscaping, and seasonal readiness - Operate and maintain vehicles, tractors, and equipment - Monitor and maintain woodland areas, trails, and roadways
Qualifications: - Previous experience working in the agriculture and/or landscape industries - Willingness to work in all types of weather (heat, rain, cold) - Ability to lift up to 50lbs - Ability to work independently and as a team, as well as stay motivated and work efficiently - Experience & comfortability using various types of equipment and machines safely & efficiently 8/20/26 11:22 AM - Ability to communicate effectively and have a positive, team player attitude - Must have a valid driver's license with a good driving record - Reliable transportation and ability to commute to a rural location in Addison County
Housing Services Coordinator
The Supportive Service for Veteran Families (SSVF) program at the University of Vermont seeks a Housing Service Coordinator to advance housing stability services for very low-income Veteran families experiencing or at risk of homelessness in northern Vermont and Clinton County, NY. This role centers on four core concepts: delivering Housing with Supportive Services through a trauma-informed approach without preconditions like sobriety or income; providing an immediate Crisis Response to housing emergencies; prioritizing Veteran Choice in housing plans; and using Progressive Engagement to tailor interventions to individual needs. The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field, two years of experience, and strong communication skills. Experiential knowledge as a military veteran, familiarity with homelessness, or experience with the HUD Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is highly desirable.
Interested applicants: Please email your resume, 2–3 professional references and a short note about your relevant experience and interest. Apply: jlane@thinklabventures.com
You’re in good hands with... Get a quote when posting online. Contact Gillian Comito 802-341-3060 gcomito@sevendaysvt.com
Apply: uvmjobs.com, posting# S6170PO
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8/21/26 11:28 AM
8/25/26 2:17 PM
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NEW JOBS POSTED DAILY! JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM
81 AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
Senior Cook Mercy Connections is hiring!
• English Language Learning Instructor • Operations and Hospitality Coordinator • Program Associate (Inclusive Entrepreneurship) • Justice, Mentoring, & Re-entry Coordinator For more information and to apply, please visit: mercyconnections.org/ employment
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Our kitchen currently supports over a hundred students and could grow to 200. At Northlands we build success that lasts a lifetime. Our online portal has all our current openings listed. Please contact us if you have an interest & would like to learn more. Apply: mcjury.cassidy@jobcorps.org
Home Provider 47 Year old man - Seeks non-smoking home provider in the Burlington area, without young children. He enjoys playing basketball, watching sports, lawn mowing, camping, Karaoke, boating and fishing. Experienced provider preferred. Tax free stipend, training, clinical support, and respite provided. Call Brittany - 802-798-9115
CASE MANAGER We have an opening for an experienced Case Manager to join our fun and caring team by serving the Lamoille and Northeast Kingdom region. Reliable vehicle is a must. Position is full-time with excellent benefits and flexible schedule and $26/hr salary. Learn more at HomeShareVermont.org and send cover letter and resume to connor@ homesharevermont.org by September 14th. EOE
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Seeking Big Hearts to Shape Little Minds
8/21/26 11:09 AM
Are you the person who can turn a cardboard box into a spaceship? Do you believe that “why?” is the most exciting question in the world? If you’ve got patience for days and a laugh that’s contagious, we want to meet you!
VIP’s Roots Early Education Center is looking for passionate, energetic, and nurturing CHILD CARE TEACHERS to join our team and make a real 8/7/26 1:28 PM difference in the lives of our littlest explorers.
Assistant Director of Mobilization of Volunteer Efforts Saint Michael’s College is seeking an enthusiastic professional to lead service, mentoring, social justice, and community engagement programs that support student growth and civic responsibility. This role serves as the key connection between MOVE and community partners, helping strengthen relationships and program impact. Working with staff, students, and campus partners, you will foster collaboration and address community needs. The ideal candidate is adaptable, curious, and committed to continuous learning and community engagement. This role pays 53k-57k. Please apply here: https://bit.ly/45LNNX3
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The Northlands Job Corps Center has a need for a Senior Cook to join our school. This is a full time, year round position that offers a competitive wage, major medical insurance plan, dental, vision, 401K and more. Northlands Job Corps provides career training to students 16 to 24 years of age who come to our center to gain valuable skills and start a career. Our students are mostly from the Northeast US and about 40% are from Vermont. We are probably the most diverse school in the state and our success, as measured by our students’ performance, is one of the best in the country. The Senior Cook oversees the cafeteria during assigned shifts and also would prepare and oversee the preparation of meals as their primary duties. This position may require regular interaction with our students and Culinary Instructor.
Why You’ll Love It Here: • The Best Coworkers: They’re all under four feet tall, incredibly creative, and always happy to see you • Growth Opportunities: We value your expertise and provide the tools and environment for you to refine your craft and take your career in early childhood education to the next level • Play with a Purpose: Your “office” is a world of art, stories, and adventures • Competitive Perks: Health insurance, paid time off, 401k contributions, paid parental leave, and on-site fitness centers, health clinic and cafe Compensation begins at $21.00 - $25.00/hour What You’ll Do: • Create a safe “home away from home” environment • Lead hands-on activities that spark curiosity (think: finger painting, music, and science experiments) • Be a hero to parents by providing peace of mind and daily updates • Navigate the highs (first words) & the lows (spilled milk) with grace & a smile Are You The One? We aren’t just looking for a resume; we’re looking for a vibe. You’re a great fit if: • You have a genuine love for early childhood education • You’re a master at multitasking (and snack-dispensing) • You’re dependable, kind, and ready to get a little messy • You’re CPR Certified, background check-ready, enjoy professional development and love to work in a positive team environment Ready to join the fun? Don’t just take a job, start a journey. Apply here: vipinsights.com/company/careers. Questions? careers@vtinfo.com “A person’s a person, no matter how small.” — Dr. Seuss
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CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER If you care about small cities and towns, believe organizations should be run well, and know how to turn disciplined action into growth, read on. Community Heart & Soul is a resident-driven process that helps the people discover what they love about their town, the future they want for it, and how to achieve it. Practiced in towns across America, we are expanding through community foundations, statewide networks, and civic partners. We need a Chief Operating Officer who can make sure our organization is ready for that growth. This is not a job for someone who wants to sit above the work. It is for someone who can keep pace, solve problems, strengthen accountability, and help Community Heart & Soul grow without losing its soul. If you have the experience, character, and drive to help us bring Heart & Soul to vastly more small cities and towns, tell us why you can do this job. To learn more and apply, visit: communityheartandsoul.org/careers/
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8/24/26 3:42 PM
YOUR JOBS AT JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM FOR FAST RESULTS, OR ATTENTION RECRUITERS: POST CONTACT GILLIAN COMITO: GCOMITO@SEVENDAYSVT.COM
82 AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
Burlington Housing Authority (BHA) We are currently looking for a Housing Retention Specialist within our Housing Retention Services department. This is an excellent opportunity to join the Housing Retention Services team, where you can gain a deep understanding of our business, make a difference in people’s lives every day, and advance your career. Who We Are: Burlington Housing Authority serves the greater Burlington community with housing that is affordable, rental assistance, and support services. Our mission is to provide lowincome, vulnerable members of our community access to safe, affordable housing and retention support services in ways that encourage stability, improve quality of life, end homelessness, and foster vibrant neighborhoods. BHA serves a diverse population of tenants and partners with a variety of community agencies. To most effectively carry out our vision of delivering safe and affordable housing to all, we are committed to cultivating a staff that reflects varied lived experiences, viewpoints, and educational histories. Therefore, we strongly encourage candidates from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals, and women to apply. Multilingualism is a plus! Housing Retention Specialist: Provides assistance to residents who have barriers to maintaining housing and/or subsidy. The Housing Retention Specialist works with residents in Chittenden County for the most part and will occasionally provide support to neighboring regions. The Housing Retention Specialist works collaboratively with community service agencies and providers in addition to Section 8, Property Management and Inspection Staff and reports to the Director of Housing Retention and Services. Permanent Supportive Housing Specialist: Provides assistance to community members within Chittenden County who are without housing and have significant medical/mental health barriers to locating and securing housing in Burlington Housing Authority’s service area.
• Must have a patient and compassionate approach to working with the most vulnerable populations Total Compensation: This is a full time position with benefits. Housing Retention Specialist: Pay range is between $24.00 - $26.00 per hour Permanent Supportive Housing Specialist: Pay range is between $26.00 - $27.00 per hour Benefits • Health Insurance (BHA covers between 80% to 83% of the premium for employees) or a $6,000 opt-out payment in lieu of health insurance • Health Reimbursement Account. BHA pays 90% of the deductible as the insurance is being used. That’s up to $2,880 for single enrollment and up to $5,760 for two-person and family. • Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts • Dental and vision insurance (Voluntary plans offered at a discounted group rate.) • Short and long term disability coverage (BHA pays 50% of discounted group rate) • Basic life insurance and accidental death (provided at no cost to employees) • Retire plan is a defined contribution plan. BHA makes annual contribution equal to 10% of base wages
• Employee Assistance Plan
These positions are in person in Burlington, VT. A valid driver’s license along with reliable personal transportation, with vehicle insurance and registration, is required to carry out the duties of this position.
• Generous time off policy including 12 days of paid time off & 12 days of sick time in the first year. In addition to the paid time off, BHA recognizes 13 (paid) holidays & 2 (paid) floating cultural holidays.
Knowledge and Experience • Bachelor’s degree in social work (or related field) with two to five years of direct service experience, including experience with mental health and substance use supports. • Must have experience with diverse and vulnerable populations. • Effective verbal and written communication and knowledge of the social services network in the greater Burlington area. • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and internet navigation preferred. • Excellent organizational skills required. • Must be adept at fostering positive and collaborative relationships with staff, residents, vendors & community agencies
Washington County Mental Health Services is adding brand new positions and expanding our mental and behavioral health teams to better serve our community. We have openings for clinicians, case workers, care coordinators, and direct service work. Several of our positions that are hiring for multiple openings require only a high school diploma and we will train you. If you have a good work ethic and love to help people, we want to hear from you today! With industry-leading paid time off benefits and competitive pay and benefits, it's time to consider a career at WCMHS. Check out our openings at www.wcmhs.org/careers.
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• Section 457 plan. BHA employees can contribute to this retirement plan
Work Location and Other Requirements
Qualifications: While all applicants need to demonstrate a passion for supporting our residents and helping advance Burlington Housing Authority’s mission, we recognize that some applicants may not possess all qualifications listed. We are willing to consider individuals who demonstrate comparable life experience and education in lieu of specific requirements, and/or the will, ability, and initiative to grow into new areas of responsibility.
CLINICIANS CASE WORKERS CARE COORDINATORS DIRECT SERVICE
• Annual Performance Bonus Interested in this career opportunity? Send a cover letter and resume to: humanresources@burlingtonhousing.org. Human Resources Burlington Housing Authority 65 Main Street, Suite 101 Burlington, VT 05401 Find more info about these career opportunities at burlingtonhousing.org. BHA is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Hiring Dog Warden The Town of Westford is seeking a qualified candidate to be the Town’s Dog Warden. It is a $300 annual stipend.
Duties include: - Enforcing local ordinance - Complaint Response & Handling - Investigations into Complaints/Bites - Providing Reports to Selectboard All interested applicants can send a letter of interest and a resume to townadmin@ westfordvt.us or via USPS to the office 1713 Vermont Rt. 128, Westford, VT 05494
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ADMINISTRATOR PART TIME
83 AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
LOOKING FOR A COOLER OPPORTUNITY?
~ Anna Kremer, Peer Growth & Lifelong Learning Facilitator Great jobs in management and direct support at an award-winning agency serving Vermonters with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Underhill Jericho Fire Department is looking for an experienced Administrator. This is a Part-time position, Monday-Friday, between 8:00am-4:00pm, 8 to 30 hours per week, with competitive pay and no benefits.
Benefit package includes 29 paid days off in the first year, comprehensive and affordable health insurance with up to $6,400 to go towards medical deductibles and copays, retirement match, flexible work environment and so much more. And that’s on top of working at one of the “Best Places to Work in Vermont” for eight years in a row. Join our team today! ccs-vt.org/current-openings
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Flexible Hours, full job descriptions, and requirements are available at ujfd.org/employment. If you would like to join our team, please email your cover letter and resume as a PDF to info@ujfd.org. Positions will remain open until filled. The UJFD is an EOE.
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Music Director/ Organist Shelburne United Methodist Church (Shelburne VT) is seeking a Music Director/Organist, whose role in our faith community will be to strengthen the music ministry as a key aspect of our worship services. Responsibilities include collaboratively planning music for worship services (four-manual pipedigital organ & piano), playing and leading congregational hymns, and directing the adult choir. This is a part-time position (10-12 hours/week). For a full job description including application requirements, please email Shelburne UMC at office@shelburneumc.org, subject line: “Music Director/Organist Position.” Position open until filled.
The Jericho Town Library is seeking a Library Director responsible for the administration, supervision, and coordination of all library activities; establishing the library as an integral part of the community; and carrying out the Policies adopted by the Library Board of Trustees and the Town of Jericho. This includes ensuring quality patron services; overseeing, supporting, and developing staff; managing operations within the annual budget; coordinating community outreach efforts; and developing and managing the library’s print, digital, and non-traditional collections. The Director serves as the public face of the library and regularly interacts with various members of the public, other municipal employees, town boards and committees, the media, and other entities. This position is employed by the Town of Jericho at $29.00/hr for 38 hours per week with benefits and is subject to the Town of Jericho personnel rules and policies. Staff the library during open hours, which are: Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Friday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM, and Saturday: 9:30 AM –2:30 PM. For a complete job description, go to jerichovt.org, or contact either jerichotownlibrary.org or Brandon Ackel at brandon.ackel@gmail.com. To apply, please send a cover letter/resume, and list of 3 references by August 31, 2026, to Brandon Ackel, Board of Trustees Chair: brandon.ackel@gmail.com. The Town of Jericho is an equal opportunity employer.
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Entry Level Cheesemakers Communications Coordinator Breakfast Line Cooks Barback Restaurant Host
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Restaurant Expeditor
shelburnefarms.org Shelburne Farms is an education nonprofit on a mission to inspire and cultivate learning for a sustainable future through its programs, place and products.
1611 Harbor Road - Shelburne, Vermont
8/13/26 1:58 PM
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AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
Seven Days made placing an ad so easy. Within minutes it was ready to go, and I got responses almost immediately. The applicants were sincere and genuinely interested in working for Phoenix Books, and you don’t get that from national platforms. We had so many great candidates that we wound up hiring two of them! We don’t take local media for granted. To support independent journalism, we advertise with Seven Days. KATIE DESANTO Phoenix Books in Essex, Burlington and Rutland
DARIA BISHOP
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85 AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
Burlington Housing Authority (BHA) We are currently looking for a MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN within our Building Operations. This is an excellent opportunity to join the Housing Retention Services team, where you can gain a deep understanding of our business , make a difference in people’s lives every day, and advance your career. Who We Are: Burlington Housing Authority serves the greater Burlington community with housing that is affordable, rental assistance, and support services. Our mission is to provide low-income, vulnerable members of our community access to safe, affordable housing and retention support services in ways that encourage stability, improve quality of life, end homelessness, and foster vibrant neighborhoods. BHA serves a diverse population of tenants and partners with a variety of community agencies. To most effectively carry out our vision of delivering safe and affordable housing to all, we are committed to cultivating a staff that reflects varied lived experiences, viewpoints, and educational histories. Therefore, we strongly encourage candidates from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals, and women to apply. Multilingualism is a plus! Position Overview: The Maintenance Technician perform general maintenance work in BHA owned and managed properties. This includes building exteriors, common areas, apartments, building systems, fixtures, and grounds. Our Building Operations Techs are required to participate in the on-call rotation, which covers night and weekend emergencies. Current rotation is once every 6-7 weeks. Work Location and Other Requirements • This position is an in-person in Burlington, VT. • A valid driver’s license is required to carry out the duties of this position Qualifications: While all applicants need to demonstrate a passion for supporting our residents and helping advance Burlington Housing Authority’s mission, we recognize that some applicants may not possess all qualifications listed. We are willing to consider individuals who demonstrate comparable life experience and education in lieu of specific requirements, and/or the will, ability, and initiative to grow into new areas of responsibility. Knowledge and Experience • Qualified candidates should have a minimum of two years of work in general building maintenance or building trades. The ideal candidate would have a demonstrated proficiency in building trades including carpentry, electrical, painting, plumbing, grounds keeping, and snow removal. • The physical activities for this position include squatting, ascending and descending ladders, scaffolding, and stairs, working in small or confined spaces, twisting and lifting up to 100 pounds, often repeating motions with wrists, fingers, and hands. This position works in all environmental conditions. • Technicians must be detail oriented, efficient, be able to work within time sensitive parameters, and able to work independently, as well as part of a team.
• Having strong interpersonal skills and be sensitive to the needs of the elderly, disabled, and very low-income households is a must. • Completed high school or equivalency, or any equivalent trade school along with a combination of training and maintenance experience. • Must have the ability to perform painting and janitorial work, perform minor electrical and plumbing repairs, and to get along well with fellow employees and Residents. Total Compensation Pay range is between $24.00 - $26.00 per hour. This is a full time position with benefits. Benefits • Health Insurance (BHA covers between 80% to 83% of the premium for employees) or a $6,000 opt-out payment in lieu of BHA health insurance. (To qualify for the Opt-Out, proof of health insurance is required.) • Health Reimbursement Account. BHA pays 90% of the deductible as the insurance is being used. That’s up to $2,880 for single enrollment and up to $5,760 for two-person and family • Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts • Dental and vision insurance (Voluntary plans offered at a discounted group rate.) • Short and long term disability coverage (BHA pays 50% of discounted group rate) • Basic life insurance and accidental death (provided at no cost to employees) • Retire plan is a defined contribution plan. BHA makes annual contribution equal to 10% of base wages • Section 457 plan. BHA employees can contribute to this retirement plan • Employee Assistance Plan • Generous time off policy including 12 days of paid time off and 12 days of sick time in the first year. In addition to the paid time off, BHA recognizes 13 (paid) holidays and 2 (paid) floating cultural holidays. • Annual Performance Bonus
Interested in this career opportunity? Send a cover letter and resume to: humanresources@burlingtonhousing.org. Human Resources, Burlington Housing Authority 65 Main Street, Suite 101, Burlington, VT 05401 Find more info about these career opportunities at burlingtonhousing.org. BHA is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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86 AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
WHERE YOU AND YOUR WORK MATTER...
Montpelier Stove Works
GREEN MOUNTAIN C ARE BOARD CHAIR POSITION - MONTPELIER
Are you looking for an opportunity to provide regulatory oversight in Vermont’s efforts to control escalating health care costs, improve quality, and achieve universal health access? If so, please consider applying for these exciting and challenging positions on the Green Mountain Care Board, established by Vermont’s health care reform law. The State of Vermont is seeking candidates for the Chair (full time) of the Green Mountain Care Board who serves a term of 6 years on the Board. The Green Mountain Care Board was created to promote the general good of the state of Vermont by: (1) improving the health of the population; (2) reducing the per-capita rate of growth in expenditures for health services in Vermont across all payers while ensuring that access to care and quality of care are not compromised; (3) enhancing the patient and health care professional experience of care; (4) recruiting and retaining high-quality health care professionals; and (5) achieving administrative simplification in health care financing and delivery.
ASSISTANT INSTALLER
Join our team in Burlington, VT Compliance Analyst Accounting Associate Administrative Assistant
How to Apply To obtain the job descriptions, application form and find complete details about the application process, please visit: https://humanresources.vermont.gov/GMCB-Search-2026
178 River Street, Montpelier 802-229-0150
Completed applications must be received or postmarked no later than September 10, 2026. If you have questions, please contact Elizabeth.Marvin@vermont.gov.
Learn more at: careers.vermont.gov
The State of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Apply: msw@myfairpoint.net
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Stove and Flag Works in Montpelier is looking for an assistant installer. On the job training provided as well as competitive pay and benefits. Requirements include a valid Vermont license as well as working occasional Saturdays.
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8/21/26 1:37 PM
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PAULA ROUTLY
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It’s Time to Take the Challenge! This fun summer civics project for K-8 students is back — with a new set of 25 activities. HERE’S HOW IT WORKS Participants do an activity and submit the evidence at goodcitizenvt.com to earn stars. Each star is an entry into drawings to win prizes including $50 gift cards to Phoenix Books and the grand prize — a trip to Washington, D.C. The deadline is Labor Day, September 7.
Students who complete all 25 activities will earn the title of “Distinguished Citizen” — and will be honored at the Statehouse. Submit activities as you go to win weekly prizes!
Get more info and submit entries at goodcitizenvt.com
FROM THE GOOD CITIZEN HALL OF FAME Charlotte Adair, 12, of Moretown sold baked goods and iced tea outside her house to complete activity No. 13 “Organize Support for a Cause.” She raised $74 for the Vermont Family Network!
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fun stuff JEN SORENSEN
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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY BY ROB BREZSNY REAL AUGUST 27-SEPTEMBER 2 fully. Treat this as your parable, Aries: Put your faith in simple, uncluttered approaches, and don’t underestimate “beginner-level” fixes.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEP. 22)
The coming months could be a legendary turning point you will celebrate in the future: a pivotal time when you finally outsmart an old adversary and untangle a knotted inheritance, clearing the way to pursue your true calling with undiluted devotion. Or, on the other hand, the days ahead could be another round in the long saga of “almost”: a decisive phase when you avoid a challenge that has been begging for your full brilliance, leaving your future without shining clues for how to further decode the ancient riddle. Which destiny will you accomplish, dear Virgo? Will you answer the call to adventure? Or ignore it until it fades away?
ARIES (Mar. 21-Apr. 19): On the sci‑fi TV show “Stargate SG‑1,” benevolent aliens known as the Asgard visit Earth to seek assistance from a secret U.S. government team. The ultraadvanced, hyperintelligent Asgard have been unable to defeat their great nemesis, another alien species called the Replicators. Their hope is that their primitive partners, the humans, might stumble onto some basic, straightforward answer that their own sophisticated minds can’t see. The gamble pays off. One of Earth’s leading physicists, who’s a na•ve amateur by Asgard standards, devises a rough, unsophisticated strategy that works wonder-
TAURUS (Apr. 20-May 20): During one of my visits to the annual Burning Man festival in the Nevada desert, I encountered a prankster named Mother Very Superior. This nonbinary performer was dressed like a nun and wore a prominent chastity belt. Wielding a toy whip, they gently lashed me on my shoulders and prayed over me, saying, “I absolve you of all your sins. Therefore, you are now free to commit a raucous slew of new sins.” I hope you get a similar dispensation, Taurus. To be fully available for the rollicking delights you’re eligible for, it would be wise to reduce your karmic debt. GEMINI (May 21-Jun. 20): Archaeologists
studying ancient Roman shipwrecks found that sailors deliberately made their vessels heavier by stowing rocks in the hull. This reduced the profitability of their voyages, since it reduced their cargo capacity. On the other hand, it meant they wouldn’t capsize during storms. An excellent trade-off! Let’s use this scenario as a metaphor for your life right now, Gemini. I’m going to suggest that you will benefit from adding more ballast. Seemingly burdensome elements could keep you steady if conditions become unruly. Consider this: Not everything heavy is holding you back. Some of it is keeping you strong and stable.
CANCER (Jun. 21-Jul. 22): During the baroque era, Cancerian artist Artemisia Gentileschi painted powerful biblical and historical women who killed tyrants and delivered their people from violent domination. By channeling her creative passion into figures of righteous fury, she transformed her personal trauma into psychological power. I invite you to be inspired by Gentileschi as you reconfigure your own story in the coming weeks, Cancerian. Wouldn’t it be fun and potent to transform the way you imagine both the past and future plot threads of your destiny? LEO (Jul. 23-Aug. 22): In traditional sourdough baking, a small portion of fermented dough called a starter is saved and refreshed regularly. Some bakeries maintain the same
lineage for years. The starter is a living culture of wild yeasts and lactic acid bacteria that feed on flour and water, producing acids and gases that leaven the dough and create bread with complex flavor, aroma and texture. Let’s use this as a metaphor for your life, Leo. What longrunning resource can you use to help create situations that will empower you to thrive in interesting ways during the coming months?
LIBRA (Sep. 23-Oct. 22): Some of my most
useful revelations arrive in the dark. Once, while hiking in a wooded canyon at dusk, I lost the trail and had to feel my way forward by the sound of the creek. In that blind descent, an insight about a personal riddle I’d been pondering for months appeared unbidden, as if it had been waiting in the shadows for me. As I followed the stream bank to safety, I celebrated by singing Leonard Cohen’s song “Hallelujah.” The moral of the story is that some lessons can be best learned by going down: into the body, into confusing feelings, into the rich compost of mysteries we may be hesitant to explore. How about you, Libra? In my professional opinion, your next pivotal breakthroughs are lurking in the fertile darkness rather than the brilliant heights. I hope you’re brave enough to descend. The treasure is buried, as treasure often is.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Scorpio meteorologist Alfred Wegener proposed the theory of continental drift. It’s the idea that Earth’s continents were once joined in a single supercontinent and have gradually drifted apart to their present positions over millions of years. Most scientists initially rejected his hypothesis because he couldn’t explain how the movement occurred. He didn’t live long enough to receive vindication, but decades later, his novel hypothesis was fully accepted. I’m pleased to report that your wait will be far shorter, Scorpio. Please keep your faith in the novel ideas and perceptions that others don’t understand yet. The world’s almost ready for your innovations. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): There
is a kind of lightning called a “sprite.” It’s a ghostly red discharge that blossoms high above thunderstorms. I suspect you may soon
experience your own personal versions of this wonder. Fleeting insights may appear in unexpected places. Emotionally rich revelations could arrive out of nowhere. Because the moments could pass quickly, it will be crucial to notice them when they arrive. They could stimulate major shifts in your understanding. Keep your perceptive powers highly attuned.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Fertility clinics store frozen human embryos. Numbering in the hundreds of thousands, they are suspended in a long, chilly pause, awaiting instructions from the people who created them. This accumulation of potential life on hold makes me think of you. If you would thaw and reclaim the neglected, untouched regions of your own imagination, you would become an even more formidable generator of focused creative power. The encouraging news is that the coming weeks will be an unusually favorable phase to expedite this process. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Some earth-
quakes unleash energy in violent bursts, but others are incremental commotions that unfold gradually over days or even weeks. The way they reorganize the Earth’s crust is kinder and gentler. Let’s regard these slow quakes as an apt metaphor for the initially disruptive but ultimately constructive transformations under way in your beautiful life, Aquarius. You may not see spectacular evidence that change is percolating, but I guarantee that it is. Old structures are in a transitional phase of subtle disarray, creating conditions for new dispensations you can’t imagine yet. My prediction: The rearrangement of your landscape will be healing.
PISCES (Feb. 19-Mar. 20): The Sargasso Sea is the only sea on Earth without a land boundary. It’s defined entirely by four strong Atlantic Ocean currents that circle it. Its edges aren’t solid walls but slowly shifting rivers of water. I think this anomalous body of water is always a vivid symbol of your world, Pisces, and even more so these days. Your boundaries are currents, not coastlines. You hold your shape through movement, not through rigid definition. This is more challenging to maintain than solid borders, but it’s also a great potential strength. Use it with aplomb!
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Respond to these people online: dating.sevendaysvt.com WOMEN seeking... GRACEFUL AGGIE I’m an active, well-educated woman seeking a kind, honest, intelligent man for companionship and fun. I’m a writer and editor working in regenerative agriculture. I love to dance, deejay, hike and garden, and my silly side appreciates dad jokes, board games, dogs and cats, concerts, plays, other languages, new foods, and sitting around doing nothing. Want to join me? Graceful_Aggie, 64, seeking: M, l SOULFUL POET Strong, open-minded, down-to-earth native Vermont woman of modest means seeks a like-minded kindred spirit who loves to laugh, walk, hike, and spend time inside sharing meals, movies and behind-closed-door sensuous adventures. My glass is half full, and despite the unforeseen roadblocks in life, I find inspiration and strength in moving beyond past pain. smspoet, 64, seeking: M, l CURIOUS. PLAYFUL. TENDER. Direct, kind, darkly funny, endlessly curious. I’m an animal lover, cello novice, cold-case sleuth, winter person, researchrabbit-hole enthusiast and believer in science with room for a little woo. I’m seeking steady companionship, mutual curiosity, adult communication and maybe more if it grows naturally. Homebodyfriendly, independent, quirky, emotionally mature. No smoking or drugs; infrequent social drinking only. MissionImpossible, 56, seeking: W, TM, TW, l
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SHINY, HAPPY SOUL, SMILING I’ve been told I have a vibe that draws people to me. My laugh is loud and genuine. Friends say I am open, warm, loving, energetic. What am I looking for? That special click: a sizzling passion, a partner who is happy and full of life. We’ll crack each other up, talk about the hard stuff, work hard, play hard. SmilingDeeply, 50, seeking: M, l ENERGETIC HEARTFELT POSITIVE CUP I believe in nature, connections, laughter, hugging, hugging a lot, colors, textures and patterns, working hard, witty conversations, me. I am strong, feminine, funny and talkative. I like most sports and outdoor activities. I sew, crochet, paint. I like card games. I own a cabin, an ATV, a brush hog. I love music and dancing. I love my family. Cabingirl, 70, seeking: M, l ACTIVE AND FUNNY I am a person who loves to be active. I enjoy nature and being outdoors. Hiking, biking, walking, dancing are a few of my favorites. I am looking for a long-term relationship, and I realize these things take time, so getting to know each other first is the best place to start. ActiveAnnie, 62, seeking: M COMPASSIONATE CAN-DO LADY Just a few things to pique your interest; the rest you will need to find out for yourself. My friends consider me to be a positive person who loves life with all the best it has to offer. Some of my values are honesty and compassion with a can-do attitude. Charlie342026, 77, seeking: M ECHOLOCATION Single, kind, funny, real. Looking for a meaningful, sustainable connection. I like movies, theater, comedy, music, books, and effortless conversations, both deep and stupid. You, too? Let’s go for a walk to see if we vibe. firewatcher3000, 53, seeking: M PERIPATETIC, CREATIVE, INDEPENDENT ARTIST I’m considering relocating to Vermont or perhaps Canada. I’m applying for my certificate of Canadian citizenship based on my great-grandmother’s citizenship. I enjoy hiking and horseback riding in Vermont. Villanelle, 70, seeking: M OPENING UP TO NEW WAYS I am a 70-y/o woman who has never allowed my self to be in a relationship with another. I want sweet, gentle sex. I want to travel and have adventures — maybe spend time with elephants. I like to laugh. I want to allow others to love me. I am learning that it takes two to tango! Pansy, 70, seeking: W, l COMFORTABLE IN MY OWN SKIN I’m ready to meet interesting people who like to be active and involved in real life. I’m honest and happy to be on the ocean or in the mountains. Cooking and baking is more fun with someone who appreciates a good meal. I miss sharing my thoughts and feelings with a good man. Could this be you? Nativeislander, 74, seeking: M, l
SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
READY TO SHARE MY WORLD. Life is simple and beautiful. Betsy, 53, seeking: M, l PASSIONATE INTELLECTUAL, CARING AND CAFFEINATED! I spend my days and nights caring for others, and in my downtime I want to have fun! I love sci-fi and fantasy, both books and shows. I’m looking for a male partner to share life with. I’m a coffee enthusiast, morning person, animal lover. Kindness and sincerity are important to me, as is my sobriety. I also love Chinese takeout. Tordycat, 47, seeking: M, l OUT OF THE BOX Looking for a “thinker” who is not afraid of “doing.” My two favorite lines from an old Apple TV show (“Ted Lasso”) are “Be a goldfish” and “Be curious.” SPS, 64, seeking: M MORE SINCERE THAN CYNICAL Thoughtful, creative, energetic and adventurous. I have an interest in human psychology, and I have dabbled in spiritual training. I live a wellexamined life, but I try not to get stuck there; I live a fun and adventurous life. msjane, 53, seeking: M, l FUN, FUNNY, CUTE, SMART, MODEST I am a down-to-earth, lazy/hardworking, happy woman looking for a low-pressure guy to connect with and maybe become my forever man. These are a few of the things I still want to do with maybe you: dive the Elephant Cave in Greece, drink Champagne on the beach in Nice, walk the Camino, see Penn & Teller live, float in the Ganges. Birdie_3, 43, seeking: M, l
MEN seeking... ADVENTURES AND MAKING MEMORIES After years of thinking about what kind of partner I see myself with, I came to realize I want someone who loves the outdoors as much as I do. Hiking, camping, random road trips. The No. 1 thing I want in a partner is someone who enjoys cycling. cyclingsteve, 45, seeking: W, l OLD-SCHOOL Sweet, but rough edges. billy1237, 64, seeking: W, l SEEK COPILOT/NAVIGATOR I am seeking a travel companion. Alaska to Argentina and beyond. But first Barnard and Barnet, Poultney and Peacham. Must enjoy music, conversation and silence. Clean driving record and criminal record necessary. No drama and minimal baggage. Ass gas and grass not required but not prohibited. Español hablantes preferidas. Vamos a la playa! TomasChela, 66, seeking: W, l MAN, 27, LOOKING FOR CONNECTIONS My name is Josiah. I was adopted. I have degrees in computer science and computer engineering. I have no experience dating of any kind. Now, I’m looking to make a change in this area of my life. I’m deeply caring and will go out of my way to help those I care for. I am loyal and honest. Josiah1999, 27, seeking: M, W, l
WRITER OF NOTE A writer, I have an Orwellian novel in play with a European artist of note. We fear Homo sapiens are threatened by fossil fuel extraction, mainly by cars, trucks and AI. “America the Great” has become “America the Greed.” Earth’s membrane, our atmosphere, is in peril. Take a breath over any fire and think about this, gadgets set aside. Glede, 81, seeking: W AN OLD-SCHOOL MAN I am a single man who works outside. I love to take walks and hikes. I love going out for a meal and casual drink or just staying home and watching a movie and cuddling. Molly would just meet and see where things go. Massey1839, 69, seeking: W LIVING ON FRINGE I find myself in a unique situation. I am looking for adventure! I don’t know exactly what that means. I know it means not being in Vermont for the winter. Are you a dreamer? Do you like my vibe? I am a good guy with a kind heart. Do you want an adventure? Nauset228, 48, seeking: W, l NONJUDGMENTAL GUY SEEKS SAME I am a 27-year-old male with a rightside weakness due to a stroke. This does not define or hinder me. I have a biology degree and am currently working towards being a licensed science teacher. In my personal life, I am caring, empathetic, moral, humorous and creative. I want someone who has similar values and embraces authenticity. VTNative98, 27, seeking: W, l FOR 1N1 ONLY I’m a modern man with traditional values and a wide variety of interests and hobbies such as travel, day trips, fairs, festivals, sports, exercise, biking, antiques, crafts, visiting family and friends, pets and animals, nature. I try to help family, friends and neighbors however I can and am ISO a woman who is active and appreciates the world around us. Fixitfred, 69, seeking: W I’M NEW HERE I’m an honest, caring person who is loyal to his friends but, like most humans, has imperfections. I’m looking to find some new friends and hope to stumble along a life partner in the process. NewguyinNH, 79, seeking: W, l ANIMALS, OUTDOORS, SEASONS; LAID-BACK, TOO Would love to find someone to laugh with, love with, share the season with — am I right? I’m the kind of guy who enjoys doing the cooking, not because you ask me to but because I love to. I love country life and sharing. So maybe there’s someone looking for a 60-something guy out there? Miloandme, 67, seeking: W, l ONWARD, PREFERABLY WITH A WOMAN Life with me is never dull — too much to do and not enough time to do it! Enjoy working with my hands but need to find time to research solutions to complex problems and act with protagonists to address them, whether it be local flooding or homelessness. MalcilmS, 85, seeking: W, l SENIOR DEADHEAD TRAVELER Gay deadhead seeks same to explore time, space, and fun with like-minded, intelligent, kind, active and creative soulmate. 50s to 70 age range, in shape, liberal, free thinker, 420 lover and open-minded. Travel, music, sports, and enjoying Vermont and beyond are my passions, as well as some other things that I won’t mention here; those we can discuss privately. Deadhead68, 66, seeking: M
THOUGHTFUL NO STRESS Kindness and compassion are my moral compass. Justwork802, 55, seeking: W DOWN-TO-EARTH, GENUINE, ADVENTUROUS I’m a down-to-earth, old-school rock drummer who loves deep conversation, good laughs and staying active. I appreciate honesty, easy chemistry and having fun together. Looking for a genuine connection who enjoys good banter, relaxing nights and exploring new places. Drum, 61, seeking: W, l YOUNG AT HEART, PASSIONATE SENIOR I am a proud father of three wonderful daughters and three grandchildren. I was married to my Angel in white for 56 years. She passed a year ago. I am interested in finding someone who is caring, loving and passionate, and believes in putting others first, if she exists. Golfer69, 76, seeking: W, l GREAT CONVERSATIONS AND ADVENTURES An adventurous guy who enjoys to have great conversations and enjoys laughter; loves to explore mindset, body and soul, including but not necessarily discreet dating and sex. Enjoy cuddling, gentle touch, great adventures and good meals. Don’t be shy to say hi. Brianxx, 36, seeking: W, l LAID-BACK AND OLD SCHOOL I am a recent widower looking to get back out in the public. I was remodeling our dream home, and she got sick and died in three weeks. I am alone in this big old house. I am looking for someone to be my one person. Someone to be my everything, whether it be on an adventure or just cuddling up. Billforfun, 57, seeking: W, l
NONBINARY PEOPLE seeking... SCRAPPY BUT SWEET — HI Hairy and awesome, I like to fight with sticks at the river and ride mopeds and eat yummy food. I like my friends, dancing and music. I’m looking to meet cool people and do fun adventures or whatever. Life is life and love is wonderful. Just getting lunch is cool, too. LuckyDragon, 22, seeking: W, NBP, l COOL, CARING, CRUNCHY BUTCH A jacked butch with a big heart. I’m a great conversationalist who will cook you dinner, change your oil and bring you flowers. I’m a homebody, but I’m equally happy cruising in my convertible. Most evenings you’ll find me in my garden or practicing martial arts. I’m looking for the Scully to my Mulder. Are you up for an adventure? little_car, 25, seeking: W, l KIND, GENEROUS Rediscovering myself. Hopeful to find kindness and friendship in others. Hope, 36, seeking: W, l
COUPLES seeking... HOW DO YOU LOVE ME? We are getting closer. We are excited to receive each other! You may not think you want poly-fidelity, but if you did, what would we be like together? How are we welcoming children into our life together? Nataraja, 46, seeking: M, W, l LOOKING FOR FUN PEEPS Fun, open-minded couple seeking playmates. Shoot us a note if interested so we can share details and desires. Jackrabbits, 62, seeking: W, Cp
i SPY
If you’ve been spied, go online to contact your admirer!
dating.sevendaysvt.com
ON THE BACK ROADS TO WORK … in your maroon Toyota, you said you were hoping to see me again. You asked the time; I, glancing at my watch, said, “What time should it be to sit and talk?” My attempted teasing only turned more obtuse and borderline rude. I’m sorry for souring a sparkly moment and betraying your intuition, but thank you for taking a chance. When: Sunday, August 16, 2026. Where: between Marshfield and Montpelier. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916655 GMP DRIVE-BY You drove by in the passenger seat of the yellow Green Mountain Power truck. I was sitting on my front steps and saw you and couldn’t look away. I have contemplated breaking shit so you have to come fix it. If nothing else, thanks, because our eyes locking gave me enough energy to finish all my chores for the day. When: Friday, August 21, 2026. Where: Maple Street, Waterbury Center. You: Man. Me: Woman. #916654 MY HEART DANCES You are beautiful. We have danced with each other a couple of times. Your smile so happy and free; makes my world so much better. When I’m around you, I want to be with you. You have an aura that is indescribable. If you are reading this, I hope you feel the same way. Again, you are beautiful. When: Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Where: a lesson. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916652 WHY SO ANGRY?! I found it unsettling to be exposed to such petty behavior. You used to frown upon people like her. I wish you no ill will. I could have turned bitter and righteous. I only want you to be happy. It’s hard to believe we will ever lose connection. But, if that’s what you want, so be it. As you wish. When: Monday, August 17, 2026. Where: Winooski. You: Man. Me: Woman. #916651
PERRYWINKLE’S You told me you’re new to Vermont. Just moved here from Minneapolis. Need someone you show you the sights? I’d happily oblige. When: Friday, August 21, 2026. Where: Perrywinkle’s. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916653 ROYAL PURPLE SANTA CRUZ STIG I spied you as the sun began to sink over the Adirondacks. I interrupted your cooldown with small talk about Camel’s Hump. You mentioned you were headed to Farmers & Foragers post-ride, because it is part of the loop. While I rely on fate to cause our paths to cross again, I threw it to the winds of iSpy. When: Saturday, August 15, 2026. Where: Causeway bike path. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916650 STORM You’ve been on my mind lately. I hope you are well. I miss your soul. Have you visited a rage room yet? Let’s make beautiful art and cook ridiculously delicious food together. We can begin with a proper blackberry maple balsamic reduction. Are you game? — Sarah When: Saturday, June 13, 2026. Where: Williston (please forgive me, I forgot exactly how you identify). You: Woman. Me: Woman. #916649 YOU PULLED ME ASIDE You whispered in my ear and asked if I had an address here. Now pull me aside and tell me why you were looking here. When: Thursday, August 13, 2026. Where: building, not sure of the date. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916648 WATERFRONT Blonde with a red coat tied around her waist. We met twice, and I didn’t get the chance to talk with you or get your name. When: Monday, August 3, 2026. Where: Waterfront. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916642
HEALTHY LIVING RECOGNIZED FROM UVM You peeked into the restroom I was exiting to get paper towels because the dispenser in your restroom was empty. I said I recognized you from 1 S. Prospect St. You immediately agreed and said, “We’re dancing around each other.” We exited at the same time, and I foolishly kept on walking. I’d like to have a longer conversation. When: Wednesday, August 12, 2026. Where: Healthy Living, South Burlington. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916647 BEAUTIFUL KAYAKER AT WATERBURY RESERVOIR You were just getting out of the water on Sunday morning; you had a white blouse on. I offered to help you load it, but you turned down my offer. Please reach out if you’re single. When: Sunday, August 9, 2026. Where: Blush Hill boat launch. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916646 DEAR SAILWITHME Saw your personals profile a while ago when I was contemplating online dating. I joined another platform, and you disappeared from this one. Then, just yesterday, I thought I’d check, wondering if you might be back, and there you were. Opportunity knocking, perhaps? One way to find out is for you to respond to this. Please do! When: Sunday, August 9, 2026. Where: Seven Days Personals. You: Man. Me: Woman. #916645 KAYAKING LAPLATTE RIVER You were in a long yellow kayak on the LaPlatte River; we talked about how far you could get upstream before the beaver dams stopped you. I was in a green/blue kayak and passed you again on your way out. Wish I had said hi while you were putting your kayak on your red Subaru. When: Sunday, August 9, 2026. Where: LaPlatte River, Shelburne. You: Woman. Me: Woman. #916644 DEAR ZOË I got shy and embarrassed when I realized you were really looking at me, and I was really looking at you. It’s midnight, and the rain is falling on the forest outside my window. I was so excited to talk to you, but your attention surprised me. Can we swim in a river, eat fruit and read each other poetry? When: Sunday, August 2, 2026. Where: Waterfront Park. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916641
Ask REVEREND Dear Bea Reaved,
MAGIC HAT T-SHIRT We passed each other running on the bike path, and you had the sweetest smile on your face despite the horrid heat! Later I saw you on the sidewalk, and you were sitting, still smiling, petting a cat. I stopped and pet the cat a bit with you, but you got a phone call and walked off! When: Friday, August 7, 2026. Where: Saturday. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916643 RESERVOIR SERENADE You were knee-deep in the water, serenading the setting sun, loons, fish and all of us lucky to be by you. I could only make out your long hair and long beard, but I felt deep resonance with your soothing and haunting melodies. Wish I’d come over on my canoe for a closer listen and to meet you. When: Saturday, July 25, 2026. Where: Green River Reservoir. You: Genderqueer. Me: Nonbinary person. #916639 TRIED CARROT CAKE AT TJ’S We chatted over a carrot cake sample at a Trader Joe’s. We talked about the store’s artwork; you told me how you draw and paint, and I mentioned photography. I bet your artwork is equally mysterious and charming — you’ve got me curious. Walk sometime? When: Monday, July 27, 2026. Where: Trader Joe’s. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916638 WILLOW, LOOKING FOR STRANGE CANDIES You are absolutely stunning. I didn’t have the courage to say anything. I was working behind the counter, and you said you’d return and tell me what the possum candy tasted like. I wish you had, so I could have asked you out. I overheard your friend call you Willow. I’m still curious about you and the possum candy. When: Friday, July 10, 2026. Where: Whizbang’s Candy Store, Church St. You: Genderqueer. Me: Man. #916631 BLISS BEE Saturday evening, we were both waiting for takeout. You were wicked cute and had a tree tattoo on your arm. I said that I liked it. We kept smiling at each other on the way out, and now I’m kicking myself, wishing I had asked for your number. You have a beautiful smile. I’d love to see you again! When: Saturday, July 25, 2026. Where: Bliss Bee, Williston. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916636
Irreverent counsel on life’s conundrums
Dear Reverend,
It has been 10 months since the loss of my mom. I have failed to send out sympathy thank-you cards. It seems as if I have been going through one crisis after another. Is it appropriate to send thank-you cards now? How do I justify my actions?
Bea Reaved
(WOMAN, 62)
First off, please accept my condolences. Losing a mother can be one of the most difficult life events a person faces. My mom died 11 years ago, and I still feel her absence. When it comes to grief, 10 months is basically the blink of an eye. General etiquette rules suggest that notes of appreciation should be sent within two to three months after a funeral, but give yourself some grace. I’m 99 percent sure no one expects a thank-you card from a grieving person. The only thing you really need to be concerned with right now is your emotional well-being. Not sending thanks is no big faux pas, but by all means tackle the task if it will help you get it off your mind and feel a bit better. You don’t need to write to every single person who attended the services or brought you a casserole. I’m sure you
TEA TENT SMILE We shared a lovely smile in the tea tent at Decaturfest. I went to find you as I was leaving, but you had disappeared. You’re tall, stunning, and we both have a gap in our teeth. I bet I’ll see you around, but maybe this’ll increase the chances? When: Saturday, July 25, 2026. Where: Decaturfest. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916637 LIBBY Libby: It was nice meeting you and your mother. I’m glad I was able to give her a great experience. When: Tuesday, July 21, 2026. Where: Shelburne. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916635 SOCIAL DISTORTION You: attractive female with tattoos, wearing a skirt, tank top and a fanny pack. We first noticed each other on the smoking patio. I didn’t see you again until the end of the show. Me: too shy to start a conversation and regret it. I hope you find this. When: Sunday, July 19, 2026. Where: Higher Ground. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916634 VERMONT GREEN CUTIE I’ve seen you at Vermont Green FC soccer games. Brown hair with blond highlights. Daughter about 10. Both wearing flower warm-up jerseys. You are beautiful! I watch from the standing area above your seats. I was wearing the current warm-up shirt and tan VTG hat, like everyone else. Was going to introduce myself tonight (Sunday) but you already left. Dinner? When: Sunday, July 19, 2026. Where: Vermont Green game. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916633 VERMONT BREWERS FESTIVAL To the pretty lady who approached me to talk about the World Cup: I would love to talk more about Cabo Verde over dinner. When: Saturday, July 18, 2026. Where: Burlington. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916632 STRIKING BEAST OF A MAN You were riding your bicycle down Pearl Street. I felt a sudden spark when you greeted me with a simple hello. You had thick ginger frazzled dreadlocks. You had a strong smell of natural spice and body aroma. You were wearing a pink skin-tight John Pork bodysuit. We should meet up sometime. Your bike had rainbow tassels. When: Wednesday, July 15, 2026. Where: Pearl St. You: Man. Me: Man. #916630
acknowledged everyone as best you could at the time, and that’s enough. Focus on those who went above and beyond: People who spoke at the funeral, the officiant, and anyone who helped with errands or gave you extra support. You can also include people you didn’t see face-to-face, such as someone who sent flowers from out of town. There’s no need to write a long letter; just a few sentences in a card will suffice. You may want to consider enlisting a family member or friend to help, even if it’s just for moral support. Finally, there’s absolutely no reason for you to justify anything to anyone. You’re a human being going through a very tough time, and you’re doing the best you can. Good luck and God bless,
The Reverend
What’s your problem? Send it to asktherev@sevendaysvt.com. SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
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SWF, 58, with high level of fun physical and sexual energy, looking for single male, 45-plus, who can match my energy and have fun adventures in and out of the bedroom. I like walks, live music, travels, going out to eat, learning new things, games, art galleries, being outside and so much more. Anyone care to join me? #L1962 SWM, 65, widower, seeking adventurous, edgy woman for sexy dressing and consensual one-to-one fun. Any body type. Sane, fit, secure. I’ll make you laugh. Emotionally available. The world is too serious. Let’s have some fun. Possible LTR. Woodstock. #L1961 F, 22, looking for someone who loves this community as much as I do and wants to make it better. Let’s delight together in all the things our beautiful home state has to offer (including Seven Days!) #L1968
SWM. I’m seeking female companionship to share lonely moments, including outdoors, doing outdoor activities, coffee, dinner, romance, breakfast, etc. Your number will be useful; happy to connect. #L1966
M, 29, seeking F, 23-39, who loves adventure, chaos and getting freaky. Must help me conquer the world, abolish clothing, establish a nudist empire and make questionable decisions together. Serious applicants only. World domination experience preferred, but enthusiasm and a complete disregard for pants are acceptable. #L1967
I’m a 67-y/o female seeking a 60- to 70-y/o man. Living in central Vermont. Looking for an honest, loving relationship. Enjoy gardening, family, my dog and quiet times. Retired postal employee. #L1965 Lonely 75-y/o man seeking a fairly attractive woman in her upper 70s or 80s. Would love to hear from you. Phone number, please. #L1963
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SEVEN DAYS AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
52-y/o woman seeking a man. You care about your health and clean up good. Emotions aren’t a foreign language. You’re comfortable in your skin and know better than to let a good thing go. Am I dreaming? Make your move, Romeo. #L1960 Looking for someone 65 and up to go on boat trips, RV camping, gardening, dinners and road trips. I go up to Maine with my boat and cruise the coast for a few weeks, spend time in my gardens (I have large gardens), love to cook at home or go out. I am retired and looking for some company to spend time with. Thank you. #L1959
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Reply to these messages with real, honest-to-goodness letters. DETAILS BELOW. Soulful sojourner DWF seeks single man, 48 to 65, for walks, hikes, swimming or other outside activity. Hoping you’ve made peace with past relationships. I’m sensuously attractive. Italian/Celtic. Open to a meet and greet. #L1958 SWF, 60 y/o, seeking 30-plus-y/o male for adventures abroad and in bed. Would like to spend time with your chocolate starfish, romance and travels of time. I enjoy hiking, camping, river swimming and meeting new friends. No creeps. #L1956 Older gentlemen, bi-bottom, seeking well hung bi-top. No drugs, no alcohol, just clean fun. Burlington only. Phone or text. #L1957 I believe in love and friendship and USPS! 45, F, musician-er and medic, based in Adirondacks but working everywhere. Single, queer, sober. Busco amistades por correspondencia en inglés y español. ¿Qué tal si nos enviamos mixtapes, reflexiones y zines? #L1955
We’re a couple: male/female, 70 and 71, seeking a woman, 60 to 70. Fun-loving couple looking for a woman for a nice threesome. We give pleasure and wish pleasure back. All will be pleased. Discreet first meeting to determine compatibility is very important. #L1953 23-y/o male seeking 23y/o lobster. Must be terrible at Minecraft and watch “Skibidi Toilet” all day. Also must make really funny horse jokes and make fun of her boyfriend’s spice tolerance. Must be a weirdo, too. #L1954 M, 23, looking for 22- to 25-y/o F who wants to help save this city and maybe save ourselves along the way. Would love to get some sun this summer and fall biking, hiking and exploring Vermont together. #L1951 You are my sunshine. I love your smile, your heart, your laughter and the way you make life feel like an adventure. No matter where life takes us, my favorite place will always be beside you — or in Mexico! #L1950
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