Seven Days, May 27, 2026 by Seven Days

Satori means enlightenment. It also means business.

Satori, our cannabis company’s name, is a Japanese Buddhist word for a moment of clarity. A flash of insight. A higher state of understanding. But Satori also means payroll, partnerships, and making sure a whole lot of Vermonters have solid work and a growing industry they can be proud of.

However, if we at Satori only focused on Satori, we’d be missing the bigger picture. And honestly, that’s just not how we operate.

We believe our job isn’t just to grow great products. It’s to help grow a strong, resilient cannabis industry across Vermont. When more local businesses succeed, the whole economic ecosystem gets healthier. More jobs. More tax revenue.

That’s why we actively work with smaller, independent growers throughout Vermont, giving them access to our advanced manufacturing facilities in Middlebury. We’ve used our extraction equipment to generate distillate for farmers who don’t own their own extraction equipment. We’ve even used our pre-roll machine to make pre-rolls for dispensaries and farmers that may not have the time or means to make their own.

Think of our approach to business not as dog-eat-dog but more like old-fashioned barn raising. If a talented local grower can produce beautiful flower but needs a path to high-quality extraction or

product manufacturing, we’d rather collaborate than compete them into the ground. Shared success strengthens the market, raises overall quality, creates jobs, and provides customers with a wider array of great products at competitive prices.

This approach also has a real impact on Vermont’s broader economy. A thriving cannabis sector supports agriculture, construction, lab services, logistics, retail, and a long list of local vendors and partners. When cannabis businesses grow, they hire more people, buy more supplies, and invest more deeply in their own communities. That ripple effect is exactly what a young industry needs to become a lasting one.

For us, this isn’t charity and it’s not a PR move. It’s long-term thinking. Strong, enduring industries are built on cooperation, shared standards, and a willingness to help your neighbors level up. We believe you can be competitive and collaborative at the same time.

So yes, Satori is a business. We care about precision, quality, and doing things right for our customers. But we’re also Vermonters. And that means we’re not just in business for ourselves. We’re in business for Vermont.

Learn more at Satori

Cannabis has not been analyzed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For use by individuals 21 years of age and older or registered qualifying patient only. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN AND PETS. DO NOT USE IF PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING. Possession or use of cannabis may carry signiﬁcant legal penalties in some jurisdictions and under federal law. It may not be transported outside of the state of Vermont. The effects of edible cannabis may be delayed by two hours or more. Cannabis may be habit forming and can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Persons 25 years and younger may be more likely to experience harm to the developing brain. It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the inﬂuence of this product. National Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

VERMONT CANNABIS

DO NOT DISTURB

$4.53

That’s the average price for a gallon of gas in Vermont — $1.47 higher than this time last year.

The Essex Experience postponed a concert because ravens are living in the stage rafters, Vermont Public reported. Nevermore.

PANTHER POWER

TOPFIVE

VT LEADERS CLOSE IN ON A COMPROMISE FOR ED REFORM

e Vermont Senate on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved an education-reform bill that calls for voluntary school district mergers — leaving the House to weigh in on compromise legislation that could resolve the biggest issue of the session.

e 27-2 vote in favor of the plan — which lawmakers ﬁne-tuned last week in close consultation with the administration of Gov. Phil Scott — signaled that the legislature and the governor have settled many of their differences about the future of education in Vermont.

e House voted late Tuesday afternoon to form a conference committee to work through differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill. If negotiations go smoothly, the stage could be set for adjournment of the legislature this week.

A long-predicted standoff between the governor and the legislature appears to have been averted. e governor had advocated for mandatory school district mergers, even threatening to keep the legislature in session until it complied with his demand. Lawmakers objected and instead insisted on local decision-making around consolidation. Scott ultimately backed down.

“ e governor made a major concession in the context of good-faith negotiations,” Sen. Seth Bongartz (D-Bennington) said on the Senate ﬂoor on Tuesday. “ at

showed a willingness to listen and to work with the legislature to achieve something positive for Vermont taxpayers and for Vermont’s children.”

e version of H.955 passed by the Senate on Tuesday would create seven cooperative education service agencies, or CESAs, regional entities that allow districts to share specialty resources. Within those CESAs, committees would consider voluntary school district mergers. e bill also calls for a new education-funding formula that makes the same per-pupil investment in every student rather than leaving spending decisions to local voters.

e Senate amendment largely preserves the process laid out in the House bill, in which school districts would consider voluntary mergers. Study committees would contemplate mergers into districts of at least 2,000 students but could opt not to merge.

Under the Senate’s amendment, merger committees are required to meet by October and ﬁnalize their recommendations by September 1, 2027. Voters would weigh in on mergers on Town Meeting Day 2028, eight months earlier than the November 2028 vote called for in the House bill.

e amendment also advances the implementation date of the new funding formula by one year, to July 1, 2029.

Read Kevin McCallum and Alison Novak’s full story and keep up with developments at sevendaysvt.com.

The Middlebury women’s lacrosse team won its ﬁfth straight Division III championship, the program’s 12th overall. Completely dominant.

FAST FINISH

A Boston man broke the men’s course record by more than a minute at Sunday’s Vermont City Marathon in Burlington. Pretty impressive considering the rain.

HEROES WELCOME

Hundreds of people lined the streets of Richmond for a parade to celebrate four Vermont Olympians: Julia Kern, Paula Moltzan, Ryan Cochran-Siegle and Ben Ogden.

2. “El Cortijo Taqueria to Close, Become Burl’s Downtown Kitchenette” by Jordan Barry. After a 15-year run, the Farmhouse Group will return the taqueria at 189 Bank Street in Burlington “to its diner location roots,” owner Jed Davis said.

3. “Amid Backlash, Burlington City Council Rejects Abenaki Gift” by Aaron Calvin. e 11-1 vote came after councilors heard from people who say the four tribes recognized by the State of Vermont are illegitimate.

4. “Go Jump in the Lake? It’s Harder an You ink” by Jim Carrier. Unless you have a boat, money or lakefront property, Lake Champlain’s hundreds of miles of shoreline can be tough to access.

5. “Vermonters Are Being More Careful Outdoors to Avoid Tick Illnesses” by Sasha Goldstein. Rising tick populations and cases of the diseases they cause are complicating summer in Vermont.

TOWNCRIER

LOCALLY SOURCED NEWS

Hard Feelings Over Fourth Route

A change in the route for Randolph’s Fourth of July parade means it will bypass a popular viewing area in the Hospital Hill neighborhood, the White River Valley Herald reported. at’s angered community members, who blamed the police chief, Scott Clouatre. He says the change is over safety concerns and police stafﬁng. e ﬁerce backlash, Clouatre said, led him to consider resigning.

HERE KITTY, KITTY

ere is a recurring question for cat owners, one that might even be voiced aloud, perhaps while looking down at the shattered remains of a wineglass that has been tap-tap-tapped off the counter: Why are you like this?

Yet in the centuries since their domestication, cats and their mysterious quirks have rarely been the subjects of serious scientiﬁc study — until now.

Researchers from the community science nonprofit Darwin’s Ark have embarked on an initiative to help humans better understand their feline friends. The project, Darwin’s Cats, involves compiling an expan-

sive database of survey results and DNA samples that scientists can mine for answers to some of the most pressing cat-related questions: Are certain cats more at risk for kidney disease or diabetes? Are orange cats really predisposed to being kooky snugglebugs?

“We’re basically trying to understand more about how genetics inﬂuences not only health but behavior and what your cat looks like,” said Elinor Karlsson, cofounder and chief scientist at Darwin’s Ark.

Such research requires a massive amount of data, so Darwin’s Ark has been recruiting cat owners from across the U.S. to participate. Vermont, which has a higher than

average level of cat ownership, would be a helpful addition to the project, Karlsson said. To date, only 43 cats from the Green Mountain State have been enrolled.

Cat owners interested in participating can go to darwinsark.org and ﬁll out a questionnaire about their pets’ behavior and traits. For a $100 tax-deductible donation, they can also send in a sample of their cat’s DNA. In exchange, the project hopes to eventually provide these cat owners more information about their furry companions, such as their genetic history, their ancestry and, yes, whether it is a speciﬁc gene that drives them to sit on your head at 4 a.m.

COMPILED BY SASHA GOLDSTEIN & MATTHEW ROY

PERK UP YOUR PORCH

SEEDING RESISTANCE.

Paula Routly

Cathy Resmer

Don Eggert, Colby Roberts

NEWS & POLITICS

Matthew Roy

Ken Ellingwood, Candace Page

Hannah Bassett, Aaron Calvin, Colin Flanders, Kevin McCallum, Alison Novak, Lucy Tompkins

ARTS & CULTURE

Dan Bolles, Carolyn Fox

Chelsea Edgar, Margot Harrison, Pamela Polston

Jen Rose Smith

Alice Dodge

Chris Farnsworth

Rebecca Driscoll

Jordan Barry, Mary Ann Lickteig, Melissa Pasanen, Ken Picard

Alice Dodge, Angela Simpson

Elizabeth M. Seyler

DIGITAL & VIDEO

Eva Sollberger

Je Baron DESIGN

Don Eggert

Rev. Diane Sullivan

John James

Je Baron

MARKETING

Colby Roberts

Robyn Birgisson

Pintka, Kaitlin Montgomery

Gillian Comito

Marcy Stabile

Gillian English

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jordan Adams, Justin Boland, Alex Brown, Erik Esckilsen, Anne Galloway, Steve Goldstein, Rick Koster, Amy Lilly, Suzanne Podhaizer, Tori Preston, Jim Schley, Carolyn Shapiro, Rachel Stearns, Xenia Turner

CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS

Luke Awtry, Daria Bishop, Sean Metcalf, Tim Newcomb, Jeb Wallace-Brodeur

FOUNDERS

Pamela Polston, Paula Routly

CIRCULATION: 35,000

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 Bou ard, Pat Bou ard, Colin Clary, Elana Coppola-Dyer, Hypatia Forest, Matt Hagen, Jay Kramer, Penny Libercent, Nat Michael, Frankie Moberg,Dan Nesbitt, Dan Oklan, Ezra Oklan, Danielle Schneider, Jenna Trexel, Andy Watts, Tracey Young With additional circulation support from PP&D.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

$158.

$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.

‘IMMIGRATION IS AN OPPORTUNITY’

[Re “‘We Don’t Have New Families’: Schools and Employers Are Feeling the Impact of Trump’s Crackdown on Refugee Resettlement,” April 22]: A recent report found that immigration to Vermont has slowed to a trickle under the Trump administration. That should alarm all of us.

As Vermont’s population grows older and our workforce shrinks, immigration is an opportunity we cannot a ord to miss.

New Americans already play an essential role in Vermont’s economy. They build houses, grow food and deliver health care. They contribute nearly $100 million in state and local taxes and over a billion in spending power. Their families tend to be younger and larger than the average U.S. household.

It’s deeply discouraging to see arrivals drop from hundreds annually to just a handful — both from reckless immigration policies and because it’s becoming too expensive for new Americans to live here.

The State Treasurer’s Office has worked to meet this moment. We recently called for the creation of a State O ce of New Americans to help immigrants lay roots in Vermont. This would strengthen our workforce, enrich communities with new perspectives and grow our tax base to o set rising costs.

We’re also focused on building a Vermont that new arrivals can a ord to call home. We’ve invested in more than 1,700 new housing units and recently brought forward a plan to save Vermonters millions on prescription drugs.

In Vermont, we look after our neighbors. We welcome those seeking a better life. By staying true to our values and making it more a ordable to live here, we’ll achieve a brighter future for all Vermonters, old and new.

Mike Pieciak WINOOSKI

Pieciak is the Vermont state treasurer.

LEADERSHIP

VACUUM?

It is evident that our city has undergone signiﬁcant negative changes [“Ouster of Public Safety Chair Divides Burlington Council,” April 23, online]. The multitude of opinions and perspectives can be overwhelming. Attending city council meetings can be intriguing, but the prevailing

distrust and animosity toward the mayor and council members must be challenging. We face numerous issues, including policing, homelessness and protests, yet no one seems to take responsibility or o er evidence-based solutions. While many community members could run for o ce, it is crucial to consider the responsibilities that come with leadership. Every elected o cial has made promises and undergone changes; the reality often di ers from expectations.

Perhaps it is time to reassess our priorities, focusing on local needs such as homelessness, rather than external conﬂicts. Community activism should be grounded in common sense and practicality.

David Call BURLINGTON

NAME-CALLING DIVIDES US

[Re “Ouster of Public Safety Chair Divides Burlington Council,” April 23, online]: When the Democratic majority on the Burlington City Council decides to change the chair of a committee, the Progressives respond with a charge of racism and sexism.

The Progs warned council President Ben Traverse (D-Ward 5) that this is a “critical and sensitive” moment for public safety and further alleged that removing Public Safety Committee chair Melo Grant, a fellow Prog, was a “clear example of racism and sexism.”

Why the need to frame any disagreement with another party as being racist or sexist? Why can it not be something as simple as a di erence of ideology toward a policy? Is it because, if you do not agree with me, you must have an ulterior motive?

Vincent ibault BURLINGTON

CORRECTIONS

The rue Ontario location of Montréal’s Le Nadia sports bar, mentioned in last week’s “New Up North” story about seasonal Québec destinations, closed shortly before our paper went to press. The story headlined “Disc Drivers: With a Growing Number of WorldClass Courses and Tournaments, Vermont Has Become a Disc Golf Mecca,” included an incorrect credit on the lead photo. The picture was taken by Jade Rogers. Due to a production error, the crossword puzzle was a rerun. Apologies to our disappointed puzzlers.

‘PODS’ HAVE FAILED

[Re “Pod Fellows: Three Years After Opening, Burlington’s Oft-Debated Homeless Shelter Is at a Crossroads,” April 15]: If I am understanding this correctly, the residents of Burlington’s “pod” community are there, in part, because they cannot abide by the rules required in a high-barrier shelter. There are minimal rules in the pods. They can be active drugs users but cannot be caught using drugs in their private pods. Over the

past three and a half years, only 20 of the residents have obtained permanent housing. (Does this number include the three under eviction and the one who overdosed at McKenzie House Apartments?)

If my understanding is correct, can someone explain how these people can possibly be expected to succeed in a place like McKenzie House, where there are rules and implicit social norms expected of all residents? Can no one see that this is a setup for everyone involved?

As a resident of McKenzie House, I watched helplessly as the former pod resident rapidly deteriorated over the five months he lived here, until his eventual overdose and death! During that time, he allowed his apartment to become a drug

den, creating a dangerous and chaotic environment: His “friends” urinated in our laundry room, stole rent checks, stole a change machine. Yelling, fighting and drug dealing were nightly occurrences. We were all set up for failure by a system that had no possibility of success! Now they want to extend the pods for one more year? Please tell me how this makes any rational sense!

Trudy Richmond BURLINGTON

‘ARE YOU KIDDING?’

[Re Feedback: “Contradictory Stories,” May 13]: Are you kidding us, Miro Weinberger? “Burlington is not exempt from basic economics.” Wow! Who knew? How disappointing that someone who was in the position to actually change things in this city is complaining that things have not improved. You had your chance and absolutely handicapped the city. You should apologize to Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak.

FEEDBACK »

SAY SOMETHING!

Seven Days wants to publish your rants and raves. Your feedback must...

• be 250 words or fewer; respond to Seven Days content; include your full name, town and a daytime phone number.

Seven Days reserves the right to edit for accuracy, length and readability. Your submission options include: • sevendaysvt.com/feedback feedback@sevendaysvt.com Seven Days, P.O. Box 1164, Burlington, VT 05402-1164

DISCOVER THE PEACE OF MIND of being outside of the city in a neighborhood that oﬀers a rare blend of convenience and tranquility. Schedule your tour of Village at Autumn Pond and see why our residents love it here.

McKenzie House

•

NEWS+POLITICS 14

Burning Question

Federal ofﬁcials are drafting an ecological restoration plan to bring prescribed ﬁres to an Addison County forest

STUCK IN VERMONT

Lawmakers Advance Limits on AI in Health Care

Growing Pains

Former staff say a Burlington childcare center’s ambitious expansion helped lead to its collapse

The Ghanaian Connection

A West African nation looks to Vermont as a model for its new legal cannabis market

Lawmakers Reject Scott’s E ort to Weaken Wetland Rules for Housing

Housing Planned for Property Near Burlington’s Barge Canal FEATURES 26

Low Stakes

A Vermont men’s horseshoe league marks 50 years of ringers, zingers and camaraderie

ARTS+CULTURE 42

Medieval Mirror

Book review: e Unicorn Hunters, Katherine Arden

Raising Their Voices

ree concerts in Burlington seek to unite listeners through Jewish music

Thrill Ride

ree questions for screenwriter and Vermont native Zachary

Donohue about his new horror movie, Passenger

‘Di erent’ Strokes

A show at BCA Center offers a fresh take on sculpture

Sibling Rock Rivalry

Punk-rock comedy duo Otto & Astrid are ready to discover Vermont

In Quechee, the Vermont Institute of Natural Science is live streaming a nest housing a family of wild bald eagles. Windsor, Dewey and their eaglet, V-2, are delighting viewers with their daily feedings. Seven Days Eva Sollberger

Air Conditioning Rebates

✔

✔ Alternative to central AC that avoids installing ductwork

✔ Heats your home all winter long

✔ Qualifies for 0% interest financing

✔ Get an additional $600 for installing with controls

MUST SEE, MUST DO THIS WEEK BY REBECCA DRISCOLL

MAGNIFICENT

FRIDAY 29

GOOD PICKINGS

Formidable blues-rock talent Samantha Fish — notably, the powerhouse opener for the ﬁnal show of the Rolling Stones’ most recent tour — brings her Paper Doll World Tour to New Hampshire’s Lebanon Opera House. e Grammy-nominated guitar guru brings down the house with emotionally charged anthems from her new album and her rowdy, entirely

THURSDAY 28

You’ve Got a Friend

Making new friends as an adult can be hard, amirite? Norwich’s Montshire Museum of Science has the elixir: the Montshire After Dark: FriendMaking Mixer. (Heads up, singles: is is not a dating event!) Locals ages 21 and up spark fresh connections at an evening of engineering challenges and chemistry-themed science experiments designed to promote bonding.

SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 61

SATURDAY 30

Perfect for Ewe

From herding demos and wagon rides to natural dyeing and hands-on crafting, Billings Farm & Museum’s annual Family Sheep & Wool Celebration serves up something to bleat about in Woodstock. Fiber fanatics spin a yarn of their own with activities tracking the transformation of raw ﬂeece into ﬁnished product, followed by cheese samples and locally made ice cream.

SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 67

SATURDAY 30

e Birds and the Bees

e Beat Beneath Us” opens the

Burlington Discover Jazz Festival with a bang at the Flynn Main Stage. Renowned tap dancer Savion Glover (pictured), pianist and composer Jason Moran, and visionary drummer Chris “Daddy” Dave helm an explosive, improvisational exploration of Black creative

North Branch Nature Center beckons bug and bird enthusiasts to experience the wonder of the natural world at the Biodiversity Jamboree in Montpelier. Guided ﬁeld walks, avian encounters and insect exploration stations connect all ages with actionable ways to protect at-risk species in our backyards. Stick around after for live music and cake at the org’s 30th birthday fête.

SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 62

PAGE 66 justiﬁed swagger.

legends Cake

Go the Distance

Higher Ground Presents invites fans to don a short skirt, a long jacket or both for California alt-rock at the Champlain Valley Exposition’s Midway Lawn in Essex Junction. e ’90s staple — with a sound described by the New Yorker as “deadpan brilliance” — pulls from its catalog of hits to deliver an unforgettable performance of nostalgic earworms such as “Never ere.”

SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 65

Place Based

At Middlebury’s Edgewater Gallery on the Green, Rory Jackson’s exhibit “To Belong” showcases a new body of landscape paintings honoring the two distinct places he calls home: Vermont and Ghana. Breathtaking scenes juxtapose the sprawling, pastoral ﬁelds and big skies of our region with the tropical palm trees and cerulean waters of West Africa.

SEE GALLERY LISTING ON PAGE 52

TO BELONG

Eyes on Immigration

How did an organization that advocates for Vermont’s migrant farmworkers become the state’s leading organizer of opposition to U.S. immigration policy? In this week’s cover story, Lucy Tompkins traces the history, accomplishments and dramatic growth of Migrant Justice. She visits dairy farms, protests and a Franklin County asamblea of workers to better understand what makes the homegrown nonprofit so effective.

It’s the latest from Lucy, who also gave us the definitive account of what went down on March 11 in the South Burlington standoff between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and local protesters. More recently, she analyzed hours of bodycam footage from the city’s top cop on that day to show the conflicts he faced trying to keep the peace.

Lucy joined Seven Days almost a year ago to report on immigration, the northern border and refugee communities in Vermont — a beat we anticipated and sought to cover before Donald Trump won his second presidential term.

She’s been busy, to say the least.

One of her first stories, on July 22, 2025, was a scoop about the Winooski schools superintendent, a U.S. citizen, who was detained and questioned for hours while returning from a visit to Nicaragua. In the months since, she’s documented numerous accounts of Vermont residents detained by ICE agents, as well as the efforts — sometimes successful — to release them. She’s talked with immigrant parents who, fearing arrest, have assigned guardians for their kids, and she’s ridden along with U.S. Border Patrol agents policing the boundary between Vermont and Canada. Before Christmas, she accompanied a traveling priest who performs religious services on Vermont farms.

LUCY DIGS DEEP TO FIND STORIES THAT WOULD OTHERWISE STAY HIDDEN AND, WITH CLEAR-EYED, RIGOROUS REPORTING, TELLS THEM WITH CARE — AND CONTEXT.

Dogged, thorough and patient, Lucy has cultivated sources on all sides of the issues. She digs deep to find stories that would otherwise stay hidden and, with clear-eyed, rigorous reporting, tells them with care — and context. You can see every article she has produced in the past 10 months at sevendaysvt.com/lucy.

We owe Lucy’s presence here to Report for America, a national service program that places talented, mostly early-career reporters in newsrooms around the country. Media outlets such as Seven Days compete to host them by proposing an under-covered beat. Once chosen, news publishers advertise a position in hopes of attracting the right candidate. Report for America makes the connections.

We lucked out with Lucy, who was uniquely qualified for this reporting job — and not just because she speaks Spanish. After graduating from the University of Montana with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, she got a Fulbright scholarship to study international asylum law in Germany. During the pandemic, a reporting fellowship returned her to the U.S. to write national coronavirus stories for the New York Times. She’s covered

housing and homelessness for the Texas Tribune.

At the time she applied to Report for America, Lucy was working at Documented, a nonproﬁt newsroom in New York City. But she was ready to get back to journalism that “makes a di erence in your local community,” she said — the kind she’d experienced during college and for seven months postgraduation when she worked at the daily Missoulian

She’s found that at Seven Days.

Since it was founded in 2017, RFA has become a powerful recruiter for local newspapers, online news sites and radio stations, many of which could not otherwise attract such talent. VTDigger, Vermont Public and Seven Days have all hosted “corps members” who become part of a national cohort that receives training and support throughout the experience.

Help Us Fund Lucy Tompkins’ Immigration Reporting

We need to raise $40,000 from readers during our two-week funding campaign. Can you contribute?

RFA also aims to teach the news outlets a thing or two, with a three-year funding structure that incentivizes reader engagement. In Year No. 1, it pays for half of the reporter’s salary and beneﬁts; in Year No. 2, a third; by Year No. 3, a quarter. RFA wants you — the beneﬁciaries of Lucy’s hard work — to chip in to pay the balance.

The money we raise also covers expenses related to Lucy’s proliﬁc news gathering. For example, it was her idea to publish a version of this week’s Migrant Justice article in Spanish. The price tag for a professional-quality translation on a 24-hour turnaround? More than $1,000.

Help us keep Lucy on the job for another year. Give Seven Days a tax-deductible donation through Report Local, one of our ﬁscal sponsors and the nonproﬁt umbrella organization that runs the RFA program. With your support, we’ll keep this timely coverage coming.

Paula Routly

Make a tax-deductible gift in support of our immigration coverage at: sevendaysvt.com/rfa

Want to send a check?

Make it out to “Report Local,” put “Seven Days/RFA” in the memo and include a note with your contact info (address/phone/email). Send the check and note to: Seven Days c/o Immigration Coverage, PO Box 1164, Burlington, VT 05402.

Want to give through a donor-advised fund or qualiﬁed charitable contribution?

Report Local’s EIN is 46-0908502. Be sure to indicate that your donation is for Seven Days/RFA, and please let us know it’s coming by contacting Gillian English at 802-865-1020, ext. 115, or gillian@sevendaysvt.com.

All contributions to Report for America are tax-deductible. Contributions do not inﬂuence editorial decisions.

Scan the code to donate from your phone!

Lucy interviewing U.S. Border Patrol agent Robert Garcia

Deputy news editor Sasha Goldstein and Lucy Tompkins at the ICE protest in South Burlington

Hussien Noor Hussien, a Somali cab driver detained by federal immigration, after being released on bail

Dil and Bidur Rai, BhutaneseNepali refugees featured in an October story on eldercare

WETLAND RULES WHACKED

HOUSING PLANNED FOR PINE STREET

Burning Question

Federal ofﬁcials are drafting an ecological restoration plan to bring prescribed ﬁres to an Addison County forest

BY PHILIP KIEFER

U.S. Forest Service ecologist

Suzanne Gifford led a small group of hikers up Chandler Ridge in Addison County earlier this month to point out how ﬁre has shaped one Vermont forest.

The trail in the Green Mountain National Forest began in a dense, creekside stand of ash and maple — the kind of shady, humid woodland familiar to most Vermonters. But the forest changed as the group ascended the ridge. The maples thinned. The ground dried. Acorns and dead oak leaves crunched underfoot.

By the time the hikers crested the ridge, southeast of Lake Dunmore, the forest was entirely di erent. Northern red oaks grew in gnarled clumps, separated by bright glades. They were short enough that a telephone pole would have popped through the canopy. The Adirondacks were visible between the trees, and sedge, wintergreen and blueberry gleamed in the spring sunlight.

“It’s a unique part of the forest,” and an important one, Gifford said as she surveyed the oaks, which provide acorns that feed turkey and bear. Such dry, ridgetop oak woodlands are rare in Vermont — and they are dwindling. She pointed out how few oak saplings could be seen in the undergrowth, which was dominated instead by striped maple, beech and serviceberry. When the overstory dies,

the open woodland would be replaced by a thicket of other hardwoods.

What could prevent that is ﬁre. This rocky ridge, where warm air blows up from the Champlain Valley “banana belt,” is one of Vermont’s fire-adapted landscapes. Studies have found that the Chandler Ridge forest burned roughly every 20 years between 1800 and 1900, leaving ﬁre scars and lumps of charcoal in the soil. The seeds of oak, hickory, pitch pine and red pine germinated in the bare soil left behind. Flames consumed the water-loving species, and the oaks grew into a sunny woodland.

HEALTH CARE Lawmakers Advance Limits on AI in Health Care

BY HANNAH BASSETT hannah@sevendaysvt.com

Vermont lawmakers gave final approval to a bill that would place some of the state’s first explicit limits on how artificial intelligence can be used in health care, drawing a line between administrative assistance and clinical decision-making in mental health treatment.

e legislation, H.816, was ﬁnalized in conference committee last week. Both legislative chambers approved it on Tuesday following months of discussion over whether evolving AI tools should have a place in therapy, diagnosis or treatment planning. e bill heads next to Gov. Phil Scott for his consideration.

ENVIRONMENT

e measure would prohibit licensed mental health providers from relying on AI systems to make therapeutic decisions. Supporters say the bill would prevent large language models from effectively operating as unlicensed therapists while still allowing clinicians to use software for administrative work such as note taking, scheduling and transcription.

Rep. Daisy Berbeco (D-Winooski), who introduced the bill, previously told lawmakers the aim was to strike a balance between innovation and patient safety. Rep. Alyssa Black (D-Essex), chair of the House Health Care Committee, said the bill allows practitioners to use AI while afﬁrming that care must be delivered by licensed providers.

“These curly leaves invite fire,” Gifford said, picking up an oak leaf. “They would happily burn given the opportunity.” Unlike most other trees on the ridge, the old oaks would weather the fire.

The United States was once dotted with landscapes shaped by ﬁre’s cycle of death and regrowth. Counterintuitively, a little ﬁre can make the forest more resistant to big ones by clearing out leaf litter and brush. Americans started suppressing wildland blazes a century ago, intending

AI has been spreading across health care. Hospital administrators and providers in Vermont already use it, from software that transcribes patient interviews and drafts clinical notes to diagnostic tools that help doctors quickly detect strokes, fractures and other conditions. ose technologies would not be affected by the bill.

But lawmakers and mental health care advocates argued that therapy presents unique risks if combined with artiﬁcial intelligence. ey warned that mental health treatment platforms built to mimic empathy or provide conversational support could blur legal and ethical boundaries.

Under the bill, using AI in therapeutic decision-making would constitute “unprofessional conduct,” potentially exposing providers to consumer protection enforcement or disciplinary action, such as denial of a professional license. ➆

Suzanne Gifford and Chris Mattrick

Above: Looking north along Chandler Ridge Trail, Green Mountain National Forest

Growing Pains

Former staff say a Burlington childcare center’s ambitious expansion helped lead to its collapse

BY ALISON NOVAK • alison@sevendaysvt.com

On May 14, parents of children who attend ONE Arts Community School in Burlington received an alarming email from the state. The childcare center’s license was being suspended after a weekslong investigation. Significant improvements would be required before it could reopen.

That same night, the Department for Children and Families posted a report in its Bright Futures database that painted a more precise — and disturbing — picture of what had transpired. On two separate occasions, children were left unattended for an extended period.

CHILDCARE

Two additional violations involved children getting hurt: A 17-month-old fractured their leg after falling from a play structure, and a preschooler sustained an unexplained head laceration that required stitches.

More broadly, the report described a chaotic environment, with children hitting, kicking, pulling hair and throwing toys at each other, climbing onto windowsills, and, in one instance, pulling a handle off a classroom door and throwing it across the room.

From the outside, the situation was confounding. ONE Arts, which opened its first two childcare centers in 2021, had undertaken an ambitious expansion and now operates four centers licensed

to serve a total of around 250 children.

In the fall, the Burlington program moved to a larger space, the former Sara Holbrook Community Center on North Avenue. That enabled ONE Arts to open a new classroom in April to accommodate families from another Burlington center that closed abruptly after investigations determined that a longtime employee had physically abused children there.

But the latest expansion pushed things to a breaking point, according to several people who worked at the Burlington ONE Arts center. For close to four years, they said, staff had been asking the organization’s founders and copresidents, Becca McHale and Margaret Coleman — whose backgrounds are in the arts, not early childhood education — for changes to improve working conditions and create a safer environment for children. Instead, when McHale and Coleman enrolled two dozen new students, conditions deteriorated because of the strain and unrealistic expectations put on teachers, they said. That led to the state investigation; the resignation of the center’s director and assistant director; and, ultimately, the center’s suspension. At least three teachers have since resigned, and it’s unclear whether the program will reopen.

The situation marks the latest blow to Burlington’s already fragile childcare

ecosystem which has, in recent months, lost at least 60 spots between the closure of Frog & Toad Child Care and Learning Center and preschool classrooms at the Greater Burlington YMCA and Burlington Children’s Space. If ONE Arts cannot continue to provide its 70-some slots, many parents in the Queen City will struggle to find alternatives.

I CAME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT I COULDN’T KEEP MYSELF OR CHILDREN SAFE AND WAS BEING COMPLICIT IN THE HARM OF CHILDREN.

DAYLE SARGEANT

In a statement to Seven Days, McHale and Coleman said they are “cooperating fully” with the state and are “focused on completing the required corrective actions, supporting staff, strengthening classroom systems, and ensuring that children return to a safe, stable, and well-supported environment.”

A message to parents last week states that they have hired a new director and are hoping to open “in some capacity” soon should licensors allow it. But families have not been given a definitive reopening date.

McHale and Coleman started ONE Arts in 2014 as an afterschool program and community arts space in Burlington’s Old North End. It became a nonprofit in early 2021 and soon after opened two childcare programs in Colchester and Burlington. Last May, ONE Arts signed a five-year contract with University of Vermont Health to provide childcare to its staff, then added a South Burlington center in June 2025 and a program in Berlin in January.

The expansion was made possible by hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants — from the City of Burlington, the state and an assortment of private foundations. The nonprofit’s public tax filings show that its revenue jumped from around $371,000 in 2021 to $1.64 million in 2025.

Interviews with five former and current staff members, three parents, and a review of multiple letters and emails paint a picture of a program that struggled despite those outward signs of success.

In August 2022 — after the Burlington center’s then-director Juju Montera quit

Burning Question

to protect the nation’s forests. Instead, that approach altered and even endangered some of them.

Now Gifford and her peers at the Green Mountain National Forest are drafting an ecological restoration plan to bring fire back to four woodlands along this ridgeline. The Northern Escarpment Project would set a series of blazes along the ridgeline beginning in spring 2027, continuing every three years for the next 15. The plan, which the Forest Service intends to finalize by late summer, would add about 1,000 acres to the 3,200 already burned in Vermont and aims to renew the oak woodlands for the diverse plants and animals that depend on it.

Still, the proposal has attracted criticism. Neighbors are concerned that fire could spread or harm streams. The nonprofit Standing Trees, which advocates for the restoration of old-growth ecosystems in New England, has been particularly vocal. Zack Porter, the executive director, was skeptical that new oak trees would grow after prescribed fire, based on the results of another burn in southern Vermont, and he criticized plans to use herbicide in some instances.

The Forest Service, for its part, has acknowledged that prescribed fire alone may not be sufficient to renew the woodlands on top of the Northern Escarpment — red pines regenerate after high-severity fires, which aren’t part of this plan, and deer eat young oak trees. In response to public opposition, they removed herbicide from the project plan. “That’s really good,” Porter said. “That means they are listening to some of the concerns they’re hearing.” Porter said he doesn’t oppose all prescribed fire, but that public input should have come earlier and “the project is out of proportion [with] what would be a wise experiment.”

Large-scale prescribed fires are rare in New England, even as they’ve become more common nationally. Tribal nations from Oregon to North Carolina are reviving traditional burning practices, while across the West, firefighting agencies set prescribed blazes to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires.

Foresters joke that Vermont has an “asbestos forest” — it’s too wet to catch fire. Some scientists say that efforts to bring prescribed fire to the North Woods are misplaced and interfere with the reemergence of old-growth forests. But even in the asbestos forest there are pockets where fire used to be common. Most of the low-lying, historically fire-prone landscapes in Vermont occurred on the sand plains

As in the Champlain Valley, the glades of Chandler Ridge are disproportionately important to the biodiversity of Vermont. “We have a lot of northern hardwood forest,” Chris Mattrick, Middlebury and Rochester district ranger for the Green Mountain National Forest, said while standing on Chandler Ridge. “We have a very small amount of oak.”

Foresters have seen moose droppings on Chandler Ridge. Insects shelter in thick oak bark and feed on the wildflowers that bloom on the sun-dappled floor. Bats, cuckoos and hermit thrush follow. “Each of these communities is supporting a different suite of species, right down to the soil microbes and invertebrates,” said Bob Zaino, a state natural communities ecologist. “Maintaining that full expression is a key part of climate resilience for nature.”

A secondary benefit to its plan, the Forest Service said, is that it will help the region weather wildfires.

“We do get fires in Vermont,” said Ryan Hughes, the national forest’s fire management officer and a 25-year wildland firefighter. “I think it’s easy for people to forget that.”

The state dodged a bullet in last fall’s drought. Western firefighting crews came to Vermont on standby, along with a “sky crane” that could suck water from ponds for airdrops. This spring, during a stretch of fire danger “about as high as you would ever see in New England,” Hughes said, a fire in Ripton ran up a hillside, burning 50 acres.

Forest Service models suggest that this part of Addison County has some of the highest wildfire risk in the state. All the farmhouses tucked into the Green Mountain National Forest create a major wildland-urban interface.

of the Champlain Valley — places that became Burlington’s New North End and Colchester. Sonya Kaufman, who leads the Nature Conservancy’s prescribed fire team in the Northeast, points to firescarred pitch pines in the Sunny Hollow Natural Area, just up the hill from Costco in Colchester, as one example.

“We’ve destroyed a lot of the fireadapted ecosystems that used to be here,” Kaufman said. That has created this sense that “fire doesn’t belong in Vermont.”

Other Vermont forest managers would like to scale up their use of prescribed burns in the remaining patches. The Vermont Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation burned 30 acres of Sand Bar State Park this spring, and the Vermont Army National Guard has for years set fires on its Camp Johnson base in Colchester.

“I mean, it’s Vermont, so the danger is significantly less than out West,” Hughes said. But the future looks a lot like the past two years. Although Vermont will probably see more overall rainfall as the planet warms, it will be feast and famine: longer, hotter droughts and more torrential rains.

The fire-loving forest in places such as Chandler Ridge won’t keel over in a drought like the encroaching thicket might. “We have an opportunity to be proactive here, versus out West where they’re already in crisis,” Hughes said.

On a cold morning in April, the sort of fire planned for Chandler Ridge was on display at a lower elevation not far away, in the Goshen Blueberry Management Area. The hillside, covered in an ankle-high red heath of lowbush blueberries, is where the Green Mountain National Forest’s fire program began.

“It was probably cleared for pasture

Leicester Hollow Trail

A stream on the Leicester Hollow Trail

back in the day, and when they let the pasture go, blueberries started to take hold,” Mattrick said. To sustain the popular blueberry-picking site, in 1973 foresters began burning every four years to keep the encroaching maple forest at bay.

Three firefighters in yellow fireproof jackets and red helmets walked in a row along the uphill edge of a blueberry patch. Each one carried a red pail shaped like a watering can with a

enough of a window for the Forest Service to burn about 750 acres.

On this day, the fire moved as a single wave into the scrub, crawling downhill and against the wind. Where flames, barely knee-high, passed through last winter’s yellow grass and flared up, they left behind the spring growth, as green as a soccer field.

Hughes pointed out birch, beech and maple saplings wandering into the blueberries from the surrounding forest. Eventually, they’d shade out the berries. The goal is to kill the saplings. For the blueberries, though, the fire is no more harmful than a heavy pruning. They’ll spend the next two springs recovering before putting out a flush of new fruit in 2028.

• Ample cardio + strength

• Lap pool + program pool, co-ed sauna

• Group classes, Aquatics to Zumba

• All included, no pricing tiers

• Welcoming community • Financial assistance

curlicue neck. When overturned, these drip torches dribble burning fuel. As the firefighters advanced, furrows of fire followed them.

Prescribed fires take months, or often years, to plan. There is a literal prescription, a 30-page document describing the burn’s goals (here: blueberries), the weather for a burn, the fire lines that will be cleared. The crew had even scraped mini fire lines to protect individual trees.

The conditions that allow a prescribed fire are narrow: before leaf-out in the spring, but only when fire danger isn’t too high. Hughes estimated that there are only 15 days a year when the weather cooperates, and this spring, there was

But fire is surprisingly temperamental, and, as Hughes watched, the wave of fire sputtered into little smoldering patches under a cold wind. The crew snuffed out the burn — better, he said, to wait for improved conditions than go ahead with a half-fire.

This fire was as much for public recreation as for wildlife. On Chandler Ridge, the focus will be on sustaining an ecosystem. And that gets at the heart of the disagreement over the plan. The Northern Escarpment Project is one example of “forest engineering,” according to Standing Tree’s Porter: “You’re fighting what that place wants to do right now.”

The project’s proponents, meanwhile, say some woodlands exist only because they’re always being disturbed. If maintaining them is important to Vermont, the gentlest way to give them a shake might be with fire. ➆

From first houses to forever homes, we’ve got a mortgage to match your life. Choose from loans for houses, condos, new builds, renovations, and more. Our local mortgage experts are here to guide you from start to finish. Apply online today.

The Ghanaian Connection

A West African nation looks to Vermont as a model for its new legal cannabis market

STORY & PHOTO BY KEN PICARD • ken@sevendaysvt.com

For more than a decade, Jeffrey Sarpong assumed that his education in Vermont would lead him to a career in health care. The 32-year-old native of Ghana was a teenager when his family moved to Montpelier in 2012; by the time the pandemic hit in 2020, he was on track to earn a nursing degree.

But in 2023, Sarpong gave up what could have been a respected and lucrative profession back in his home country to pursue a career in the cannabis business, an emerging Ghanaian industry. This fall, he will be the first Ghanaian to complete the cannabis studies certificate program at Vermont State University-Castleton. A second Ghanaian student has already followed him, and more are expected to enroll.

As advocates and businesspeople in the West African nation prepare to take advantage of the recent legalization of hemp growing, they have turned to Vermont to learn. The Green Mountain State, several said during a visit this month, is their model for regulating and growing a sustainable industry.

“Vermont is a small jurisdiction and is more community-centered,” said Mark Darko, president of Ghana’s Chamber of Cannabis Industry, a business advocacy group. “Vermont has a rich agricultural heritage, just like Ghana. So, we see a lot of similarities.”

Ghana’s parliament legalized the cultivation of hemp, derived from the cannabis sativa plant, in 2023 for a number of uses: making food; harvesting fiber for clothing, paper and construction materials; and producing therapeutic products such as CBD oils and supplements. Cannabis with high levels of THC, the compound in the plant that can be used recreationally as an intoxicant, remains illegal.

Darko and other representatives from Ghana’s Chamber of Cannabis Industry visited the state earlier this month to attend and speak at the New England Cannabis Convention in South Burlington. They toured dispensaries, farms and processing facilities and met with state lawmakers, the Cannabis Control Board, and representatives from the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development.

Cannabis Control Board chair James Pepper “was very forthcoming about what worked and what didn’t and what they would do differently,” said Philip Lamy,

who accompanied the Ghanaian delegation. He is cofounder of the cannabis studies program at VTSU.

On the surface, New England and West Africa couldn’t be more different. Whereas Vermont’s harsh winters require indoor cultivation for much of the year, Ghana’s equatorial climate allows cannabis to be grown outdoors year-round. And while tiny Vermont has a reputation for hippies, weed, secularism and progressive politics, Ghana, a country of 35.7 million people, is deeply religious and socially conservative.

Yet the Ghanaians were attracted to Vermont’s approach to sustainable cultivation, its regulatory framework for tracking products from seed to sale, and how the state gives priority to small producers over multistate operators.

Darko said he hopes that one specific provision of Vermont’s cannabis legalization law can become a model for future legislation in Ghana: the state’s social equity program, which makes it easier for previously disenfranchised groups, such as black-market growers and people of color, to get cannabis licenses and transition into the regulated market. Currently, Ghana’s legalization law largely prohibits former illegal growers with criminal records from obtaining licenses — though they are the most knowledgeable about growing the crop.

“They don’t have the voice. No one listens to them,” Darko said. His hope

is to get Ghana’s laws amended to help his country’s legacy growers become legitimate businesspeople. But to do so, he said, many of them will need the business expertise that VTSU can provide.

That’s another reason Darko and his colleagues chose Vermont: Whenever he

WE WANT RESPONSIBLE GROWTH INSTEAD OF RAPID COMMERCIALIZATION.

MARK DARKO

researched cannabis education programs around the world, VTSU kept popping up. So last year, the Chamber of Cannabis Industry signed a memorandum of understanding with the university to provide technical assistance on cultivation, processing and business best practices.

The agreement also provides for ongoing cultural exchanges between the two countries, according to Lamy. More Ghanaians are planning to come to Vermont to take the school’s cultivation class and do internships here. And several Vermonters, including Jonathan Kaplan, a

botanist and plant pathologist who teaches VTSU’s cultivation class, will travel to Accra, Ghana’s capital, later this year to lead classes and workshops.

Among the many challenges facing Ghana’s emerging market is getting average citizens, especially small family farmers and business professionals, comfortable with the idea of growing, processing and investing in a crop with a long history of illegality. For decades, even a minor cannabis offense could result in a prison sentence of up to five years.

Nevertheless, Darko said, Ghana has a booming black market that produces some of the world’s most potent THC strains, much of which is sold illegally in Europe. To help change public attitudes, Darko has enlisted the help of some of his country’s biggest celebrities. They include Akofa Edjeani, a famous Ghanaian film actor, producer and entrepreneur who has won multiple Africa Movie Academy Awards. She accompanied Darko on his trip to Vermont. (Other Ghanaians who had hoped to join them were denied U.S. visas.)

“I wanted to lend my face and my voice to the cause,” Edjeani said. “Cannabis is the only plant that can feed you, can shelter you, can clothe you and can cure you.”

Edjeani sees the crop as a “game changer” for her country’s economy, potentially lifting millions of citizens, especially women and young people, out of poverty. Unemployment for Ghanaians under the age of 24 exceeds 30 percent.

Bismark Brown agreed. A Ghanaian journalist and media personality who has also joined the chamber’s public education campaign, he spoke by video call at the Vermont cannabis convention.

“For a country like Ghana, with huge youth unemployment on our hands and with more than 60 percent of our people in agriculture, this is one of the surest bets,” he said. “Cannabis is a plant that brings a lot of youth together.”

Brown has enrolled in VTSU’s cannabis studies program himself. He described it as “quite exciting and insightful. I’m getting to learn a lot about a plant I thought I knew.”

Because Ghana is the first country in West Africa to legalize any form of cannabis, representatives from neighboring countries have reached out to Darko for advice on legalizing their own markets and

From left: Philip Lamy, Akofa Edjeani and Mark Darko

are watching Ghana closely to see how well it succeeds. Darko’s hope is to make Ghana a “cannabis center of excellence” in Africa, growing the industry slowly and sustainably, with the majority of profits flowing to average Ghanaians rather than wealthy foreigners.

Notably, Darko wants to avoid the mistakes that plague the production of cocoa beans, his country’s largest cash crop. Although Ghana is the world’s second-largest producer of the main ingredient in chocolate, most of the profits from the country’s $1.5 billion cocoa industry benefit international corporations and foreign investors, not its 800,000 small cocoa farmers.

CANNABIS

When it comes to the cannabis business, Darko said, “We want responsible growth instead of rapid commercialization.”

Sarpong, the Ghanaian immigrant and cannabis student, said he hopes to be part of that growth. He connected with Darko when he contacted the Ghana Chamber of Cannabis Industry last year to learn how he could apply for a cultivation and processing license. Sarpong has inherited 200 acres in the Volta region of Ghana, land gifted to his great-grandfather by a Ghanaian chief. He plans to put them into cannabis production, in part to fulfill his great-grandfather’s dream of creating job opportunities for the community.

In preparation, and in addition to his formal cannabis studies, Sarpong moonlights in Vermont’s cannabis industry making infused pre-rolls, cigars and gummies for Pinnacle Valley Farms in Randolph. He also interns with botanist Kaplan and Vermont Compost to research the benefits of using potash made from dried cocoa husks as an organic fertilizer for cannabis cultivation. Thus far, the results have been very promising, he said. Utilizing the husks, which are a waste product of cocoa production, could provide additional revenue for cocoa farmers and also create jobs in Ghana.

Longer term, Sarpong said he wants to be part of Ghana’s effort to legalize recreational cannabis — already in common use, despite the country’s conservative culture. A 2014 United Nations report listed Ghana as the world’s largest percapita consumer of cannabis, far outpacing such ganja-consuming heavyweights as the U.S., Canada and Jamaica.

Just last month, Sarpong noted, Ghanaians held their first-ever public 4/20 celebration, which would have been unthinkable even five years ago. Still, he knows it will take time to change public attitudes, as it did in Vermont.

He put it this way: “We have to go slow to go fast.” ➆

HOUSING

Lawmakers Reject Scott’s Effort to Weaken Wetland Rules for Housing

BY KEVIN MCCALLUM kevin@sevendaysvt.com

Lawmakers last Thursday rejected Gov. Phil Scott’s attempt to ease wetland protections in order to spur more housing construction.

The 5-3 vote by the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules is significant but not final. Members could revisit the issue after the Scott administration responds. The Agency of Natural Resources could also implement the rule over the committee’s objection.

The decision stems from a sweeping executive order Scott issued in September to roll back regulations. Current rules restrict building within 50 feet of Class II wetlands — those considered ecologically significant. Scott sought to cut that buffer to 25 feet in areas designated for housing.

Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark found that Scott exceeded his authority in trying to unilaterally change rules that lawmakers had previously enacted.

In response, Natural Resources Secretary Julie Moore asked lawmakers to revise existing rules. The Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules said no.

Administration officials and housing advocates denounced the decision.

“Impeding progress on prohousing, smart-growth regulatory changes undermines housing availability and affordability,” Alex Farrell, commissioner of the Department of Housing and Community Development, said.

Environmental groups praised the committee’s action.

“Rather than working cooperatively, Governor Scott is once again trying to insist that Vermonters need to make a false choice between building housing or protecting the environment,” Lauren Hierl, executive director of Vermont Natural Resources Council, said. “He claims that we must allow the destruction of wetlands to build more housing, when in fact wetlands provide vital flood protection for housing in our communities.” ➆

Growing Pains « P.15

HOMES TOUR

June 13, 2026 • 12:00–4:00

Preservation Burlington is excited to announce the 2026 Homes Tour! is year’s tour showcases an inspiring and eclectic collection of Burlington homes. Step inside the grand Queen Anne mansion that now serves as the UVM Alumni House and a stately Federal brick residence in the Pearl Street Historic District. Discover a beautifully restored Greek Revival home rescued from the brink of demolition following a re and enjoy the clean lines and sweeping views of a stunning midcentury modern house. Featuring six remarkable properties, captivating interiors, and fascinating stories from Burlington’s past, this self-guided tour is made possible by our wonderful community volunteers. Join us for a memorable day of architecture, history, and discovery—plus light refreshments along the way!

TICKETS: $25

SEVENDAYSTICKETS.COM

e Homes Tour is Preservation Burlington’s biggest annual fundraising event. Proceeds go towards the organization’s many advocacy and educational programs. PRESERVATIONBURLINGTON.ORG AVAILABLE NOW

4t-BurlingtonPreservation052726.indd 1 5/8/26 10:22 AM

because of what Montera described as “stress from running the school with little to no support” from McHale and Coleman — six teachers wrote a lengthy letter to the copresidents to share their concerns about the operation.

“Decisions that are made internally seem to prioritize having as many kids as possible, with as few staff as possible, with no concern for what the classroom environment is for the kids, what curriculum we have the capacity and support to implement and what the stress level is for all of us,” they wrote.

They asked for numerous changes, including the creation of staff contracts that clearly stated employees’ hours, pay and benefits; more training in safety procedures; compliance with the staff-to-child ratios required by the state; and locks on doors to prevent children from getting into unsafe spaces.

contract. The suspension of the Burlington program will likely stall negotiations.

The program’s most recent director, Dayle Sargeant — who was not a union member because of her leadership position — said things began breaking down in January, several months after the move to the Sara Holbrook center. The program took in more children in the larger space, and staff experienced significant fatigue and burnout, Sargeant said. Several staff members left and weren’t replaced. That meant Sargeant and the program’s assistant director had to pitch in regularly in classrooms, preventing them from fulfilling their other duties.

While two new administrators were brought on, Sargeant said she repeatedly asked McHale and Coleman to hire more staff who could work directly with children.

In late March, McHale and Coleman decided to open a new preschool classroom to absorb the Frog & Toad families. Sargeant, who was out of the country at

One of the letter writers, Emma Redden, said she was fired soon after — which she believes was due to her role in demanding change — and offered $1,120 in severance. She said she declined the money when she realized it came with a provision that would have prohibited her from speaking about her work at the center.

the time and not consulted on the decision, said she would have recommended against it given the already-unstable environment.

Still unsatisfied with conditions, ONE Arts staff began exploring the idea of forming a union — an unusual undertaking for childcare workers in Vermont. They eventually voted 23-3 in favor of unionization last year, and ONE Arts released a statement hailing the decision as a “historic step forward for our state.” But behind the scenes, staff said, leaders were less supportive and tried to sow doubt among employees.

For the past nine months, the sides have met regularly to attempt to hash out a

Teachers in Burlington were also against the expansion. Several days before the new classroom opened, they sent a letter to McHale and Coleman. The program had “fallen out of compliance with Vermont licensing rules,” they wrote, warning that “opening an entirely new classroom will further strain our staffing, and will inevitably push us further out of compliance with Vermont law, potentially endangering children.” Also complicating matters, some children from Frog & Toad were victims or witnesses of abuse who needed extra support, according to Eli Auchincloss, a teacher who resigned.

Still, McHale and Coleman went ahead with the plan. Though several new staff were hired, Sargeant said, trying to

onboard them while also acclimating 24 new children led to further disorder. There weren’t always enough teachers to cover every class, Sargeant said, so she was constantly shifting children from one group to another to maintain the appropriate staff-to-student ratios.

It was “not an environment that creates safety, consistency and harmony,” Sargeant said.

Parents noticed the breakdown, too. They received updates and photos from teachers much less frequently, according to one longtime preschool parent, who asked for anonymity to protect the identity of her child. Injury reports were not being filled out as they had been, and children seemed more out of sorts, she said.

In late April, Sargeant reported to state regulators three incidents of children getting injured or being left unattended. She resigned on May 1 but stayed on the job until May 6. The assistant director also resigned.

“I came to the conclusion that I couldn’t keep myself or children safe and was being complicit in the harm of children,” Sargeant said.

When the DCF report was released about a week later, Sargeant read it and “cried pretty heavily,” she said. She wishes that ONE Arts’ management had taken staff concerns more seriously.

McHale and Coleman declined to answer Seven Days ’ questions related to personnel matters but said in a statement supplied by a public relations firm that they take responsibility for their shortcomings, have “real respect” for early childhood educators’ “difficult and essential work,” and “are committed to learning from this and to earning back the trust of our families and staff.”

That could prove to be a heavy lift.

One parent of a preschooler, who asked for anonymity to protect the identity of her child, said reading the state’s report drove home the severity of the situation. Though staff reported some incidents to the state, she said, most parents only learned about the specifics when they read the report. She said she was disappointed in McHale and Coleman’s lack of communication about the serious incidents the report describes and was not sure whether she would send her child back if the center reopened.

The uncertainty hasn’t deterred ONE Arts’ copresidents, who said in their statement that they believe they are doing their part to “help meet an urgent shortage of child care in Vermont.” In an email to Seven Days last week, McHale said the organization intends to open another childcare program in Burlington this fall. ➆

DEVELOPMENT

Housing Planned for Property Near Burlington’s Barge Canal

BY AARON CALVIN calvin@sevendaysvt.com

Two apartment buildings are planned for a Burlington brownfield property near the Pine Street Barge Canal Superfund site, promising new housing where countless other commercial development proposals have failed.

The property owner, Stowe philanthropist Rick Davis, and developer Doug Nedde are convinced that this project is positioned for success. It could bring 112 units of new housing across two four-story buildings, along with commercial space on the ground floors. About 20 percent of those units will be affordable housing, as required by Burlington’s inclusionary zoning regulations, Nedde said.

It’s the latest in a long line of proposed developments, none of which have come to fruition, at 453 Pine Street. The property is adjacent to the Barge Canal Superfund site, where a variety of chemicals and coal tar were dumped by the defunct Burlington Gas Works throughout the first half of the 20th century.

Davis put the property on the market in 2019 for $2 million, and herbal entrepreneur Jovial King announced plans to build an expansive Nordic spa on the site in 2023. By fall 2024, she’d pulled the plug after estimated remediation costs soared, exceeding the $6 million the state had allocated for the work.

Nedde is limiting the footprint of his two buildings to just 2.5 acres of the property, and recent city zoning changes allow him to build right to the edge of Pine Street. This limits the amount of land he must remediate and makes it feasible in ways King’s spa project was not.

The state is currently in the process of designing a “corrective action plan” that would ensure the development won’t disturb the Superfund site or push contamination any closer to Lake Champlain. If all goes according to plan, Nedde hopes to break ground next spring. ➆

The Pine Street property

FEEDback

‘CRITICISM OVER RESPONSIBILITY’

In “Promises Too Steep” [May 13], Hannah Bassett and Alison Novak gave us a thoughtful analysis of the dysfunctional relationship between the governor and the legislature. The two branches jointly responsible for governing have always had a difficult partnership. Today, that relationship has descended into outright mistrust and hostility. Both have dug in, with compromise seemingly impossible.

The desire by legislators to set good public policies and the opposition of the governor to consider raising taxes on the greatest beneﬁciaries of President Donald Trump’s tax cuts have led to a reliance on regressive taxation, cost shifting and underfunding. It’s a strategy that governors and legislative leaders have used for years to “balance” the state budget. The administration has not shown strong interest in the management changes and technology upgrades needed for greater efficiency and better outcomes. The legislature has repeatedly failed to take seriously the connection between good policy and effective implementation, choosing criticism over responsibility.

The problem of spending desires outstripping revenues has only gotten worse as one-time federal stimulus money has run out. And now Vermont faces even greater ﬁscal uncertainty as many state services face federal cuts.

Mismanagement of COVID-19 relief funds, out-of-touch and destructive police policies, ignorance to failing infrastructure, and the enabling of large property managers. You, Miro Weinberger, are the reason Burlington is where it is! Did you have AI write your letter to the editor?

Nectar’s is closed, and the Handys are selling buildings at egregious prices for tax relief. No one is saying there isn’t a housing problem. We want progress, not another debate.

Jeff Betzler BURLINGTON

HYPERBOLE ERODES TRUST

I am a little concerned about a recent “From the Publisher” column [“Free Press, Free People,” May 6]. SLAPP lawsuits are shameful tools the powerful use to control the vocal — and it would be interesting to learn more details about the incidents you referred to. In order for the vocal to cultivate power, though,

As campaign season begins, incumbents and candidates must explain how they are going to meet what is likely an impending crisis. We need a return to progressive tax policies, responsible legislating and better management of taxpayer dollars. The alternative is greater su ering for our most vulnerable neighbors.

Doug Racine RICHMOND

Racine is a former lieutenant governor and secretary of the Agency of Human Services.

GOOD POLITICAL PRIMER

My spouse and I are recent transplants to Vermont from another state — Minnesota. We are still trying to learn a very di erent new state government structure and political landscape. I appreciated the information and perspectives o ered in your cover story that described

they must cultivate trust. A SLAPP lawsuit is not “a falling bomb.”

A falling bomb is what the United States government has delivered to Somalia 62 times since the beginning of 2026.

A falling bomb is what the Israeli government has delivered to Lebanon over 500 times since the beginning of the “ceaseﬁre.”

When you compare a SLAPP lawsuit to a falling bomb, it demonstrates a disconnect that makes it harder for people to get behind your excellent local news organization. Let’s bring people together through accuracy, compassion and understanding, not hyperbole.

Seth Wolcott-MacCausland BURLINGTON

Editor’s note: A SLAPP lawsuit can put a small newspaper out of business; it’s an existential threat. Likening it to “the equivalent of a falling bomb” is not a literal equation of bankruptcy and loss of life.

underfunded or unfunded mandates passed at the state level [“Promises Too Steep,” May 13].

My spouse and I chose to move to Vermont for many reasons, but one of the primary ones was the generally progressive and compassionate population living here, as reﬂected in the kinds of commitments outlined in your story. Vermont seems to embody a strong and healthy civic awareness and activism.

I am curious about and, thus, encourage Seven Days to do a companion story that outlines the other half of the equation, where state revenues come from and whether our tax structure is progressive and fair; whether it mirrors the kind of favor the wealthy and large corporations increasingly enjoy in the federal tax structure; or whether there are untapped opportunities to increase revenues without adding more burden to households that are struggling.

Thank you for providing interesting reading to help me learn more about the political scene in my new state.

George Hamm MONTPELIER

VIEW FROM THE SELECTBOARD

Hannah Bassett and Alison Novak’s reporting on Vermont’s chronically underfunded legislative mandates [“Promises Too Steep,” May 13] lands with particular force on the local side.

I chair the Pomfret Selectboard. Each session, the legislature piles new obligations onto our clerk, treasurer and other local o cials — with no funding, little guidance and often no clear point of contact.

Sometimes help is offered and then withdrawn. Last year, the State Ethics Commission announced it could no longer support municipalities under the 2024 ethics law. Towns are now left to enforce statewide standards on their own.

Worthy goals don’t implement themselves.

I’ve encountered the same pattern as a candidate for state Senate. A ﬁnancial disclosure form under the same ethics law got hot-potatoed between state agencies and wasn’t released on time.

The legislature’s fix is to suspend the non-filing penalty rather than adequately fund the o ce responsible for candidate transparency. Now voters will be left to wonder whether office seekers have a financial interest in their own election.

Your piece focuses on schools and state agencies, but the pattern reaches local government, too. Each half-baked mandate translates — inevitably — into higher property taxes, slower services or quiet noncompliance. All bad outcomes. It’s easy to pass a law. Much harder to solve a problem. Vermont needs to treat implementation as part of the policy — not as someone else’s problem.

Benjamin Brickner POMFRET

HOUSING STUDY IS FLAWED

[Re Nest: “The Building Dilemma: A UVM Study Says Constructing More Homes in Burlington Won’t Bring Down Costs — as Investors and Buyers With Cash Compete for What’s Built,” April 29]: All too often, fatally flawed studies get uncritical coverage in the media. That’s unfortunately the case with “It’s Not About Supply” by Joe Ament and Chris McElroy. This non-peer-reviewed study su ers from several flaws that undermine its conclusions. The most significant is that they do not control for the year when single-family home sales in their dataset happen, nor do they adjust these figures for inflation or national sale price trends. As a result, they mistakenly find that investor purchases correlate with higher prices simply because there have been more investor purchases in recent years when sale prices have been higher. This same mistake explains why they find, nonsensically, that higher mortgage interest rates stimulate higher prices.

The paper claims to study the e ects of housing supply, but it does not. Economists understand supply to mean productivity, or production cost per unit, holding quality constant. The authors use actual number of homes brought to market, which is jointly determined by supply and demand. Higher prices should encourage builders to produce more houses. So if there’s a correlation between prices and number of houses on the market, which way does the causality run? Economists have developed sophisticated techniques to assess causality, but the paper employs none of them.

I don’t want to be too harsh on earlycareer researchers, but since they are entering the public policy debate, it’s important for the public to know that this study has essentially no value.

Jason

Sorens is a senior research fellow at the American Institute for Economic Research.

Sorens AMHERST, N.H.

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!

• Go to a Concert, Performance or Art Exhibit

• Use it Up, Wear it Out, Make Do or Do Without This year’s new activities include:

• Design a New “I Voted” Sticker

• Take a Break from Screens

lifelines

OBITUARIES

Denny Partridge

SEPTEMBER 27, 1946-MAY 2, 2026 EAST HARDWICK, VT.

Denny Partridge of East Hardwick, Vt., died suddenly on May 2, 2026, en route to visit dear friends in Paris. She was 79. She was a woman who never stopped seeking and creating — from leading feminist theater conferences in Nicaragua to sewing doll clothes for her daughter; from building original productions with students in Dhaka to writing historical novels for young people. Her careers — as both theater maker and teacher — brought international recognition for her directing talent, her tireless commitment to students and her gift for bringing theater to widely diverse communities. She made plays with everyone — undergraduates, professionals, children — and everywhere, from the parks of the Bay Area to town halls throughout New England to maximum security prisons in New York State. As chair of the undergraduate theater department at Barnard College/Columbia University in New York City for 14 years, Denny taught theater in and out of the classroom, directing students in both classical works and avant-garde productions. Previously, she’d held similar positions at Vassar College and at Antioch College. Her Vassar production of Caryl Churchill and David Lan’s A Mouthful of Birds was selected for the Kennedy Center’s American College eatre Festival in 1993.

OBITUARIES, VOWS, CELEBRATIONS

Beyond the university, Denny received numerous grants and fellowships, including two Fulbright Fellowships to teach and build original productions in Taiwan and Bangladesh. She also taught at the National Dramatic Institute in Stockholm and for the Bard Prison Initiative, and collaborated with theater comrades in France, Mexico, Italy, England, Japan, China and India. A true global citizen, Denny thrived on her peripatetic life. Her remarkable childhood — spent in places as far-ﬂung as Iceland and the Philippines — shaped a directing practice that, while grounded in the Western traditions she loved, was never bound by them. Her theater followed her appetite across the world.

Named Irene Denny Partridge, and known as Denny, she was born in Miami. e second of four children, she spent much of her childhood traveling the globe to the places her father was assigned as a U.S. Naval ofﬁcer. Her mother, Cora Cheney Partridge, was a proliﬁc children’s book author. e family’s stateside home base was in Windham, Vt. Early on, Denny developed expertise in costumes, sets, playwriting and directing in neighborhood theaters she established wherever the family landed. Later, she boarded at the Kent School in Connecticut before earning a bachelor’s degree at Boston University — where she was named an Outstanding eater Graduate — and a master’s in directing at Carnegie Mellon University, as the sole woman in her cohort to graduate.

State Council on the Arts and New York City’s Department of Cultural Affairs. During her 10 years with the theater, she directed and designed many new plays written by Steve, including Homeland, Hibakusha: Stories from Hiroshima, and e Bread and Roses Play

Denny and Steve continued to collaborate professionally throughout their life together. In 2012 Denny directed Candide, a theatrical version written by Steve from the novella by Voltaire, at the Schauspiel Hannover theater in Hanover, Germany. She directed e Lear Lesson, an original play by Steve at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where it was nominated for a Fringe First award. After their daughter took on the family theater name “Modern Times” for her own work, Denny and Steve wrote and performed as Mud Time eater. In Vermont, where they settled in the early 2000s to be close to their grandchildren, they brought original two-person plays based on local history — Mildred Taken Crazy and e Nine Questions — to towns across the state.

Denny lived in more than 25 places over the course of her life — across the U.S. and around the world. She had a gift for ﬁnding the right home for whatever chapter she was in and an exquisite eye for furnishing it: her essential books, beautiful dishes used for her incredible cooking, art and mementos from her rich life, and always room for friends and family. At the same time, she believed in packing light and in keeping it moving.

Jennifer Owen Adsit

DECEMBER 17, 1953-MAY 15, 2026

CHARLOTTE, VT.

Jennifer Owen Adsit of Charlotte, Vt., passed away peacefully on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, Vt., after a long, stoic battle with cancer. She was born in Buffalo, N.Y., on December 17, 1953, to Alma C. and R. Mitchell McKaig Owen. Brother Mitchell C. Owen followed in 1954.

But Denny didn’t just teach theater. She took her students out of traditional academic settings to make theater purposeful — to connect people who would never otherwise meet, to tell stories that would otherwise go untold, to ask who was omitted from the story and to bring real life to center stage. She taught students how to be theater workers — how to book tours, run lights, create with purpose and work collaboratively. Her rarest gift was the ability to truly see people and to remain unwaveringly curious about their lives and passions, supporting them throughout their professional careers. She helped colleagues, students and friends alike identify and realize their biggest dreams and potential.

She joined the renowned San Francisco Mime Troupe, working for six years as a director, designer, producer and collective member. e Mime Troupe, which performed in city parks and toured across the U.S. and in Europe and Mexico, was known for its radical and sharpwitted political satire. It was there that Denny met Steve Friedman, a playwright and actor who became her artistic and life partner and, in 2010, her husband, in a relationship lasting almost 50 years, until his death in 2018.

In 1976, the two moved to New York City, where Denny founded Modern Times eater, a multiracial troupe supported by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York

Most recently, Denny had been working toward publishing novels for young people, honing her skills by enrolling in the Vermont College of Fine Arts, where she received an MFA in Creative Writing, and joining writers’ workshops. She completed a full-length novel that tells the imagined story of her real-life ancestor who was hanged for witchcraft, and was in the process of writing another about a traveling theater troupe stuck in northeastern Vermont during the ﬂood of 1927. Her grandchildren intend to complete this novel in her honor.

Denny is survived by her daughter, Rose Friedman; grandchildren, Josephine Lander and Charlie Lander; son-in-law, Justin Lander; siblings, Alan Partridge (Carolyn), Waring Partridge (Carmen) and Marika Partridge (Larry); many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins; and countless collaborators and friends.

Donations in her memory can be made to the Civic Standard.

A celebration of her life will be held in early September in Vermont.

Jennifer attended the East Aurora Public Schools and the Buffalo Seminary. She graduated from the Buffalo Seminary in 1972. She completed the Wind River Range wilderness expedition course with the National Outdoor Leadership School in summer 1971. Jennifer then attended Williams College and graduated in 1976. During that time, Jennifer made lifelong friends and had the incredible opportunity of being part of the ﬁrst women’s Nordic ski team for two years. She said the people she met at Williams “were extraordinary, and had a broad vision of possibility.”

Jennifer then chose a path of experiential education for a few years, including as a course leader for Outward Bound cycling programs based in Hanover, N. H., and skiing in the American Birkebeiner in 1980. Nordic skiing was a big part of her life. In that scene, she met David W. Adsit — they married in 1980. eir daughter, Mariel, was born in 1984. Jennifer had many business and professional interests. She worked for Garden Way Research, which turned into Country Home Products. She enjoyed the remarkable, unique collaboration with these great people and worked with them for 13 years.

Later in her life, Jennifer became fascinated with the way people got stuck in their thinking. She questioned, “Why do people dig in? Why can’t they back up?” She followed this interest and attended the Woodbury Institute at Champlain College. She received her MS in mediation and applied conﬂict studies in May 2011. e knowledge and skills she gained informed her work and volunteer life every day after.

Jennifer was involved with several nonproﬁt organizations, including the Vergennes Opera House, the Charlotte Children’s Center, the Lake Champlain Retriever Club and the Vermont Federation of Dog Clubs. She treasured her time training and competing with her dogs in retriever competitions.

Jennifer is survived by her husband of 46 years, David W. Adsit; their daughter, Mariel G. Adsit; their son-in-law, Sam Piotrowski; and their grandchildren, Nora, Mari and Will Piotrowski. She loved her role as “Nana,” especially teaching the kids about nature and art. She is also survived by her younger brother, Mitchell C. Owen; his wife, Lynn Owen; and their children. Last but certainly not least, Jennifer is survived by her loyal golden retriever, Phoebe.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

OBITUARIES

Paul Christopher Malaney

JUNE 20, 1956-MARCH 28, 2026

DAVENPORT, FLA.

Paul Christopher Malaney, 69, of Davenport, Fla., passed away on March 28, 2026, due to complications from a stroke, surrounded by his loving wife and son. He was born in Burlington, Vt., the youngest of eight children, to Ella and Howard Malaney. He attended St. Anthony’s School and Burlington High School. Paul was a very active child, and growing up in the South End gave him many opportunities for playing in the woods and fields that surrounded the family home. He was a regular yearly

Michael J. Blanchard

DECEMBER 28, 1960MAY 18, 2026

BURLINGTON, VT.

Michael J. Blanchard, 65, of Burlington, Vt., passed away on May 18, 2026, after a long illness. It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of a beloved and devoted father, son, brother and great friend.

There will be a celebration of Michael’s life to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the McClure Miller Respite House, 1110 Prim Rd., Colchester, VT 05446, in memory of Michael J. Blanchard.

Arrangements are in the care of Ready Funeral & Cremation Services. To view a complete obituary or share online condolences, please visit readyfuneral.com.

visitor to the ER for the many interesting and various types of injuries he managed to sustain, but his most serious one was as a passenger in a motorcycle accident, resulting in his missing his entire senior year of high school, which he then had to repeat.

He developed an early and lifelong love of music, both playing it and the technical aspects of sound engineering, and worked and traveled with many well-known local bands. He then worked for Dartmouth College at the Hopkins Center for the Arts. In 1996, he moved to Florida and started working for Disney World, again doing sound engineering at EPCOT and other attractions for many years, retiring in 2023. In 2000, he married the love of his life, Nadia

Lynne Annable

DECEMBER 29, 1965MAY 9, 2026

BURLINGTON, VT.

Lynne Annable, 60, born on December 29, 1965, and a longtime resident of Burlington, Vt., passed away in her home in the early morning of May 9, 2026, from a long-term illness, surrounded by her loved ones.

Lynne was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She had a deep love for cats, especially her cherished Rizzo and Kenickie. She was an avid New England Patriots fan and always looked forward to watching the NASCAR race on Sundays. She is survived by her forever love, Jeff Willette of Burlington; and her devoted daughter, Mindi

Barouti, and in 2002 their son, Adam, was born. Although his life and own family were in Florida, he came back to Vermont often and had many lifelong friends and family here. Paul had a great sense of humor and always had a joke to tell or a story from his many experiences being “on the road” with his band member friends or from his escapades with his nephew Sean Allen, as they were only two years apart and partners in mischief for many years.

Paul was predeceased by his parents; brother, Peter; and sisters Peg (Allen), Elaine (Rheaume), Colleen (Colman) and JoAnn Malaney. He is survived by his loving wife, Nadia; son, Adam; sisters Paulette and Lucille Malaney; many nieces and nephews; and many good friends, especially David and Phil Abair and Joel Synder. He was a kind and generous man and a loving husband and father; Nadia and Adam were his whole world. He will be deeply missed by all. Private graveside services were held in Florida.

Heath, and her husband, Shaun, of Milton, Vt. A special place in her heart was always reserved for her grandchildren, Austyn, Matthew, Jayna, Andy and Katie, who knew her as Gram-Gram. She also leaves behind her sisters and brother, Dottie Latimer

of Florida, Debbie Coughlin of Texas and Steve Annable of New Jersey; as well as her dearest friend, Dawn Lawrence of Burlington.

She was predeceased by her beloved daughter, Heidi Macia of Burlington; her sonin-law, Hardy Macia; and her parents, Howard and Patricia Annable of Burlington.

A burial service will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, 12:30 p.m., at the New Mount Calvary Cemetery on Plattsburg Avenue in Burlington, Vt.

A celebration of life will follow immediately after the service at Northgate Hall on Burlington, where family and friends are invited to gather, share memories and honor Lynne’s life together.

IN MEMORIAM

Henry Thomas Sorrell

1948-2026

ESSEX JUNCTION AND JERICHO, VT.

Henry Thomas Sorrell, 77, passed away on the Monday after Easter, April 6, 2026, at the Union House Nursing Home in Glover, Vt. A full Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, June 4, 2026, 11 a.m., at Holy Family Church in Essex Junction, Vt., followed by a reception in the community hall. All are welcome.

Please visit here for Henry’s full obituary: sevendaysvt.com/life-lines/obituaries/ obituary-henry-thomas-sorrell-1948-2026.

IN MEMORIAM

Gary Feingold

FEBRUARY 18, 1948-MAY 31, 2016

Ten years have passed, and not a day has gone by that I don’t think of you and the special life we built for ourselves. Though time has softened the sharp edges of your loss, it is not just in grief but more in gratitude that I honor you today. I am grateful for the life, love and laughter we shared as a family for 40 years. I’m grateful for your wisdom and generosity. I’m grateful for all your support, encouragement and belief in me to achieve goals I never dreamed I’d achieve. I am especially grateful for the loving and doting father you were. More than a husband, you were my partner, my rock, my greatest companion and champion, my best friend, my confidant. And, though you may be gone from sight, never from my heart.

Always remembered — Endlessly missed — Forever cherished.

DFrom Farm to Front Line

ozens of picketers lined the street outside a Hannaford supermarket in Williston on a recent Friday afternoon, holding handmade signs urging shoppers to spend their money elsewhere.

The vibe was part protest, part block party. Dairy farmworkers from across the state took a break from milking duties to join in the daylong picket. Lively cumbia music blared from a speaker. Under a pop-up tent, someone served warm tamales and empanadas.

Along busy Marshall Avenue, the picketers had strung up a makeshift clothesline, and hoodies, T-shirts and jeans — the farmworker uniform — blew ghostlike in the wind. Rubber muck boots, still smeared with cow manure, stood in neat pairs in the grass.

Nearby, a large banner declared: “Hannaford Fails Farmworkers.”

Migrant Justice formed to improve conditions for undocumented farmworkers. Now it’s leading Vermont’s resistance to a federal immigration crackdown.

BY LUCY TOMPKINS • lucy@sevendaysvt.com

The May Day picket has become a familiar annual event for Migrant Justice, a Burlington nonproﬁt that advocates for better living and working conditions for the roughly 1,000 migrant workers who labor in Vermont’s dairy industry, most of them undocumented. Organizers capped the event by leading hundreds of protesters on foot to a building nearby that serves as a national intelligence hub for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

As the sun dipped, a former dairy worker from Mexico named Cristian grabbed a bullhorn. Behind him, the ICE building was cordoned o with yellow police tape.

“During these di cult times of attacks from ICE, we’ve demonstrated that as a migrant community, as a working class and as Vermonters, we can resist ICE’s attacks and liberate our detained community members,” he said in Spanish.

The crowd roared, banging on drums and ringing cowbells.

The pivot to the ICE facility reflected Migrant Justice’s latest front: The group has quickly become the public face of resistance in Vermont to the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. Formed in 2010, Migrant Justice has taken up the mantle with zeal, building a statewide rapid-response network to summon demonstrators quickly to the scenes of ICE enforcement actions, as well as leading rallies and protests to oppose the federal government’s hardline approach.

Migrant Justice’s leaders say their new, high-proﬁle role is in keeping with their long history of representing migrant workers. But they’ve been buoyed by left-leaning Vermonters hungry for a way to translate their outrage over Trump’s immigration policies into action.

¿Habla español?

Lea este artículo en sevendaysvt.com/ mj-es

In March, the group’s power to mobilize was on full display when ICE agents surrounded a South Burlington home seeking to arrest a man they said had rammed a vehicle into theirs while ﬂeeing capture. After receiving a report on its emergency hotline, Migrant Justice sent out a text blast that helped draw hundreds of supporters to the scene. The chaotic, daylong confrontation was the most high-proﬁle clash so far between federal agents and protesters in Vermont and burnished Migrant Justice’s credentials as a political force.

Migrant Justice’s campaigns on behalf of dairy workers have succeeded in turning a once largely invisible workforce into an adept political mover.

The group’s recent initiatives are its latest attempts to adapt to shifting circumstances. During the first Trump administration, Migrant Justice sued ICE for targeting its members. The immigration agency agreed in a 2020 settlement to back off, dropping deportation cases against three members and paying them and the organization $100,000.

Its campaigns on behalf of dairy workers have succeeded in turning a once largely invisible workforce into an adept political mover that has helped shape Vermont’s law enforcement policies and brought measurable improvements to the lives of many workers. Yet one reality remains unchanged: Without legal status, these farmworkers are vulnerable to the enforcement priorities of the federal government.

Navigating the latest immigration crackdown and its high-wire stakes could prove as tricky as anything Migrant Justice has confronted in its 16-year history and help define how Vermonters see it during a time freighted with uncertainty. The group will attempt to do so while maintaining its long-standing history of less visible advocacy efforts in the isolated barns and pastures of Vermont’s milk industry.

“What they’re called to do right now is above and beyond anything that we faced,” said Brendan O’Neill, one of Migrant Justice’s founders. “But we faced a lot.”

BORN FROM TRAGEDY

O’Neill was teaching English to migrant workers on a Charlotte dairy farm in late 2009 when one of his students got a call. On the other end of the line, someone was screaming.

A fellow dairy worker starting his shift had just found the body of José Obeth Santiz Cruz. The 20-year-old from Chiapas, Mexico, had gotten his clothing stuck in a gutter cleaner, a chain-driven machine that scrapes manure from the barn floor, and been strangled to death.

“You could hear the agony and grief coming through the phone,” O’Neill said.

A former Peace Corps volunteer who learned Spanish in Honduras, O’Neill had spent several years teaching English to

migrant workers on farms across Vermont and was familiar with many of the hardships they faced.

Workers told him about the isolation, the punishing hours, the debt they still owed to smugglers who helped them cross the southern border.

Migrants from Mexico began arriving to work in Vermont’s dairy industry in noteworthy numbers in the late 1990s and early 2000s, filling a local labor shortage while fleeing economic challenges back home. When O’Neill began meeting them around kitchen tables in bare-bones trailers, most Vermonters knew little about their lives or working conditions.

The death of Santiz Cruz would change that.

In the weeks that followed the fatal accident, O’Neill helped raise money to escort the young man’s remains back to his family in a small village in southern Mexico called San Isidro. There, O’Neill and two activists who joined him discovered a community that had been reshaped by its migratory ties to Vermont.

San Isidro was once a village of coffee farmers, but its main source of income had suffered a severe blow after the 1994 free-trade agreement among the U.S., Mexico and Canada sent coffee prices plummeting. Young people began migrating north in search of better opportunities. In time, money sent home from relatives in Vermont became the villagers’ primary earnings.

O’Neill and his companions used their visit to produce a short documentary called “Silenced Voices,” which they later screened around Vermont to raise awareness about the workers who sustained its dairy industry. At these screenings, they’d pass around a sign-up sheet for people who wanted to get involved.

By the end of the tour, they had a list of nearly 1,000 names, O’Neill said.

“We were building an infrastructure,” he said, “but we didn’t know what we were going to do with it.”

Meanwhile, it became clear that farmworkers needed a way to gather and discuss their shared experiences and

Cristian (left) and Will Lambek

At the May Day protest outside Hannaford in Williston

From Farm to Front Line

challenges — a prospect that hadn’t been possible because they lacked driver’s licenses or cars in which to leave the farm.

O’Neill enlisted a charismatic farmworker named Danilo Lopez and a graduate student from Colombia, Natalia Fajardo, who joined him in visiting farms and inviting workers to attend an asamblea, or assembly, where they could talk with fellow workers over a meal. To transport workers to the gatherings, organizers turned to the list of people who had signed up to help.

These early asambleas, and the conversations they sparked, became the foundation of what would grow into Migrant Justice.

EARLY WINS

A week after the May Day picket at Hannaford, Enrique Balcazar headed out from his home in Essex to visit some dairy farms.

Balcazar, a Migrant Justice organizer, was dressed in skinny jeans and a black hoodie bearing the org’s logo — an illustration of workers marching against the backdrop of a dairy farm in the mountains. His black hair was neatly slicked back.

Migrant Justice divides the state into regions — such as Addison and Franklin counties, the Northeast Kingdom — and assigns organizers to each. On this day, Balcazar was heading to several farms in Washington County.

“Our job is to build trust,” Balcazar said in Spanish as he drove to the first stop of the day. Like many of Migrant Justice’s leaders, he once worked on dairy farms.

Migrant Justice, which started in a closet at the Vermont Workers’ Center, is now a registered nonprofit with nine employees, five of whom are former farmworkers. It operates out of a cluttered office in downtown Burlington adorned with posters and relics from its many campaigns over the years. Its board of directors includes state legislators, immigration lawyers and university professors, who say their role is mostly symbolic.

The true heart of the organization is its farmworker coordinating committee — or “coco,” for short — a group of about eight current and former farmworkers who meet several times a month to shape the org’s work.

“The staff is responsible for putting into place the vision that comes from the base itself,” said Will Lambek, a Migrant Justice spokesperson who’s been with the organization since 2016 and often interprets for his Spanish-speaking colleagues during rallies and legislative hearings.

Balcazar is one of Migrant Justice’s longest-serving leaders. His life in Vermont began at age 17, when, in 2011, he left his village in Tabasco, a state in southern Mexico, to join his father milking cows in Addison County.

“That was never my dream,” Balcazar said. He wanted to study at a Mexican university and passed his entrance exams. But when it became clear he couldn’t afford the living expenses, his dad invited him to come to Vermont. The teen planned to stay for a year or two, save some money, and then return home.

Things didn’t turn out that way. Balcazar found dairy work grueling. On one farm, he milked cows for 12 hours a day, seven days a week. He lost weight and was sleep-deprived. He had no sense of the world beyond the farm.

At the time, Migrant Justice was working on its first major campaign, for driver’s privilege cards that would allow undocumented workers to drive legally in Vermont. The migrants framed it as a human rights issue: They deserved freedom of movement. Balcazar dove in.

In 2012, he and his peers began to testify at the Statehouse. Migrant farmworkers filled committee rooms to share their experiences, bringing lawmakers face-to-face with this mostly unseen workforce for the first time.

So many people showed up to testify one day that the hearing was moved to a bigger room, O’Neill remembered.

“In that room, you have the stench of the dairy farm, the reality of folks coming in with muddy boots between shifts, and they’re taking time to share their story,” he said.

Farm owners also testified on their workers’ behalf, at times unexpectedly.

“You’d have somebody who, judging just on the way the person looked, you would think, Maybe this guy is not going to be pro-undocumented labor,” recalled Sen. Phil Baruth (D/P-ChittendenCentral), who sponsored the driver bill. “Those farmers would give these short but impassioned speeches about how their farm would go under if they didn’t have this workforce.”

Lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in 2013 to create the driver’s privilege card program. It was Balcazar’s first taste of successful organizing, and he was hooked.

Another major victory came in 2014, when the legislature passed a bill directing all Vermont law enforcement agencies to adopt a policy by 2016 that bars them from collaborating with federal immigration agents in most cases. Migrant Justice organizers were heavily involved in drafting the so-called Fair and Impartial Policing Policy that exists today.

“I saw my dreams being cut short,” he said. “I realized that one year wouldn’t be enough. We still had debts from the border crossing. Nothing turned out the way we envisioned.”

Several months into this new reality, a Migrant Justice organizer came by the farm where he worked and invited Balcazar to one of the earliest farmworker assemblies, at Middlebury College.

His father warned that leaving the farm could be dangerous, but Balcazar went anyway. When he walked into the meeting room, he recognized two friends from his hometown in Mexico. Unbeknownst to him, they, too, were working on dairy farms in Vermont.

“It opened my eyes to the fact that there were other workers facing similar challenges, not just me,” said Balcazar, now 33.

That campaign followed the 2011 detention of Lopez, Migrant Justice’s first prominent farmworker leader, who had been a passenger in a vehicle that was pulled over by Vermont State Police for speeding. When Lopez couldn’t produce identification showing he was in the country legally, troopers turned him over to U.S. Border Patrol. He was released hours later following protests outside the Richford Border Patrol station.

‘I WAS SCARED FOR A LONG TIME’

In March 2017, a couple of months after Trump assumed the presidency for the first time, Balcazar was driving home from the Migrant Justice office in Burlington when he noticed he was being followed.

Enrique Balcazar

A meeting at the Migrant Justice headquarters

I was scared to go to farms. I felt like I was being followed.

Federal immigration agents surrounded his car and ordered him out. He was detained, along with his partner at the time, Zully Palacios, a migrant from Peru.

The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles had shared with ICE Balcazar’s license plate number and application for a driver’s privilege card — using the same program he had helped create to aid in his detention.

The arrests of the two prominent Migrant Justice activists sparked protests across the state. After 11 days, an immigration judge released them on bond pending deportation proceedings.

The following year, Migrant Justice and three of its members, including Balcazar, sued the federal government, alleging that ICE had targeted them for their activism in violation of the First Amendment. They also sued the Vermont DMV for illegally sharing information with ICE.

With representation from the American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont, they alleged a yearslong campaign of retaliation starting under the Obama administration in 2016 that led to the detentions of 20 of the group’s active members, most of whom were ultimately deported.

ICE and Migrant Justice settled in 2020, and while the feds did not admit wrongdoing, they paid the plaintiffs $100,000 and agreed to delay deportation proceedings against Balcazar and the two others for five years.

“I was scared for a long time,” Balcazar said. “I was scared to go to farms. I felt like I was being followed.”

He’s now been in the U.S. about as long as he ever lived in Mexico. And he has continued to visit farms, even after Trump returned to office last year promising mass deportations.

“We keep going, because that’s where our community is,” he said. “They’re the ones who most need us.”

ON THE FARM

Balcazar pulled into the driveway of a dairy farm near Montpelier and parked outside an A-frame house with wooden shingles. Steps away was a long barn, where hundreds of cows awaited milking.

He stepped out of his car and knocked on the door. No answer. Cracking it open, he called inside; the house was quiet. Another worker in a jumpsuit and boots caked in manure walked by and greeted Balcazar in Spanish.

“He’s probably asleep,” he said of the man Balcazar was looking for. He works the night shift, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. It was early afternoon.

A few minutes later, Enrique Salazar emerged, groggy and apologetic, and welcomed Balcazar inside. They sat at a cluttered kitchen table in the living room.

“I just wanted to check in on how you’re doing after the May 1 march and catch up a little,” Balcazar said.

Salazar, 28, has been involved with Migrant Justice since he migrated here from the southern Mexico state of Chiapas more than three years ago. On May 1, he used his day off to join the march at Hannaford, holding aloft a banner that said “Human Rights” in English and Spanish.

Like most migrant workers, he plans to live in the U.S. only temporarily, until he finishes paying for a house that’s under construction back home and saves enough to live on comfortably.

Migrant Justice organizer Enrique Balcazar (left) talking to dairy worker Enrique Salazar

The conditions on this farm aren’t bad, Salazar said — his bosses treat him well and provide decent housing — but the grueling schedule and distance from family make it unsustainable for the long term.

He’s found meaning outside his milking shifts by traveling to the Statehouse to support various causes. Last year, he showed up to urge lawmakers to pass a bill that would make it illegal to discriminate against renters based on their immigration status. The bill was approved and signed into law.

“Maybe no one will remember I was there,” Salazar said. “But I’ll be glad to be back in Mexico and be able to say I was part of that.”

Balcazar was visiting on this day to invite Salazar to take the next leap: How would he feel about speaking at an event? Salazar said he liked being part of the rallies, but public speaking made him nervous. Then Balcazar made his next pitch: Would Salazar be interested in joining the agenda-setting coco?

Salazar said he would, but his night shift schedule conflicted with the evening meetings.

Given all the obstacles, it’s perhaps surprising that farmworkers have managed to organize as effectively as they have in Vermont.

Cows have to be milked around the clock, and that leaves little time or energy for anything outside of work. The language barrier makes communicating the migrants’ experiences difficult, and ever present is a fear of drawing attention that could jeopardize their ability to stay in the U.S.

On top of that, they must believe that the plodding pace of political organizing is worthwhile, even if they may return to Mexico before seeing any benefits themselves.

Balcazar said goodbye and hopped back in his car to drive 45 minutes to the next farm, where he’d heard that a new worker had recently arrived.

He pulled up to a beige trailer in a field that houses five workers and knocked on the door.

A young man peeked out and let him in. The trailer was sparsely furnished, its only decorative flourish a 2025 Migrant Justice calendar on the wall that depicted picketers outside a Hannaford. Boxes of empty Corona bottles were stacked in a corner. The faint smell of manure clung to everything.

The reality is that many farms are not paying even minimum wage.

Cordova Ulloa is known as a huesero, or traditional bone doctor, in the farmworker community. Workers come to him for help with injuries to their backs, hips and knees, often sustained while playing soccer, he said.

Five years into his third stint in Vermont, he told Balcazar, he had just bought his plane ticket to return to Mexico, hopefully for good. He last saw his son, now 6, as a baby and had grown tired of watching the child grow up through his phone screen.

Cordova Ulloa said conditions for migrants felt safer now than when he first came in 2011, a time when he and his housemates kept their shades drawn at all times and avoided even going out on their porch. But the freedom of home beckoned.

“It’s a country of opportunities,” he said of the U.S., “but it comes with consequences. You reach a point where it’s more important to be with your family.”

PUSHING FOR PROGRESS

MARIBEL

In 2017, it won a major victory when Ben & Jerry’s became the first company to sign on to its Milk With Dignity program, which enforces a set of minimum standards at farms that supply its milk. Adapted from a program developed by tomato pickers in Florida, Milk With Dignity seeks to put the onus on large corporations to pay for improved labor conditions, rather than on the individual farmers.

In exchange for increasing wages and other benefits, Ben & Jerry’s pays farmers a premium for their milk. In return, the thinking goes, participating companies stand to gain a measure of public goodwill.

The program, which is overseen by a separate nonprofit, emerged as a way to get around the legal limitations of regulating farms, which are “treated in effect as small sovereign states,” Sen. Baruth said. In Vermont, there’s no government oversight of housing or workplace injuries or deaths on most dairy farms. And federal labor law exempts agricultural workers from protections such as minimum wage and overtime pay.

The program guarantees that workers earn the state minimum wage of $14.42, as well as paid vacation and sick days. It regularly inspects farmworker housing and conducts audits of farm policies, issuing corrective plans when standards aren’t met. And a 24-7 hotline for complaints is available to workers and farmers.

But since the initial win with Ben & Jerry’s, expanding the program has proven difficult. Seven years of pressure on Hannaford, another major purchaser of Vermont milk, has not succeeded in bringing the company on board.

And some feel that Migrant Justice’s tactics unfairly disparage farmers and misrepresent conditions on Vermont farms, the majority of which are small, family-owned operations.

Balcazar pulled up a chair in the living room, where another worker named Clemente Cordova Ulloa, 49, sat in a recliner facing a TV.

Before the tumult of the current fight against mass deportations, Migrant Justice’s most visible work aimed to improve conditions on dairy farms by putting public pressure on the companies that buy Vermont milk.

As of two years ago, 42 farms employing more than 250 workers in Vermont and New York were part of the program, accounting for about a fifth of Vermont’s dairy production, according to Milk With Dignity’s most recent annual report.

One Franklin County farmer who has participated in Milk With Dignity for five years said she finds Migrant Justice’s depictions of inhumane conditions to be insulting and inaccurate. Seven Days agreed not to name the farmer because she signed a legally binding “nondisparagement” agreement as part of the program’s terms.

The farmer acknowledged the benefits she gains from the program: the 32-cent premium she receives per 100 pounds of milk adds an extra $4,000 or so in monthly income that she puts toward paying her 11 From Farm to Front Line

Maribel working in the milking parlor on a Franklin County farm

workers a competitive wage. Her milkers make $18 an hour, she said, plus housing and utilities.

She also received a grant through the program to help build her workers a new, energy-efficient house.

But she takes issue with the Migrant Justice campaign’s portrayal of dairy farmers as exploitative and said the regular audits and corrective plans feel at times like overreach. Abandoning the initiative, however, would mean losing the premium and giving up the added financial benefits that come with being part of Ben & Jerry’s “Caring Dairy” program.

“To walk away would be to walk away from something that pretty well could be holding your head above water,” she said.

The program is supposed to have a working group in which farmers and workers can voice their concerns about the program, but she said it has yet to meet regularly in the years she’s been involved.

In February, Amelia Rodgers-Jones took over as executive director of the nonprofit Milk With Dignity Standards Council, which oversees the program and is independent from Migrant Justice. Almost the entire five-person staff turned over in the past few years, Rodgers-Jones said, but she’s working to bring back the working group. She is sensitive to farmers’ concerns.

“They are really economically in a tough spot,” she said. “It’s really important to give credit to farmers who comply with some of our standards, which are not small” and for the council to recognize that “the power of our program is the premium farmers get.”

Workers say the program has led to measurable improvements.

When Maribel, who asked to be identified only by her first name, began milking cows on a Franklin County dairy farm in 2022, she earned $11 an hour; then her farm joined Milk With Dignity. When her bosses didn’t raise workers’ salary to the required baseline for months after, workers made a complaint on the program’s hotline and received close to $10,000 in back pay, she said.

Now Maribel, 39, is a member of Migrant Justice’s coordinating committee and is pushing for other farms to sign on.

“The reality is that many farms are not paying even minimum wage,” she said. “The housing conditions, if you visit farm by farm like we have, you’ll discover how people are truly living.”

To make the case for Milk With Dignity’s impact, Migrant Justice has surveyed workers on farms outside the program. In 2024, nearly nine in 10 of the 212 surveyed workers on those farms were

making less than the state’s minimum wage, then $13.67. Median pay was $11.67.

Richard Nelson runs one of the state’s largest dairy farms, with 2,000 cows and about 36 employees, including migrant workers. He grew up on the Irasburg farm, which his father started more than 60 years ago with a herd of eight cows. A state representative for Orleans County since 2025, Nelson identifies as a “Vermont Republican.” (He voted for presidential candidate Nikki Haley.)

In 2024, lawmakers convened a study committee to consider the effects of eliminating labor law exemptions for agricultural workers, which would make them eligible for minimum wage, overtime pay and collective bargaining rights. Migrant Justice advocated in favor. Nelson was “vehemently opposed,” he said.

“Truth be told, we cannot afford to pay overtime,” he said in a recent interview while planting ornamental corn on his farm.

But he disputed the idea that farmworkers commonly earn below minimum wage. His milkers make $16 an hour plus housing, he said. He’s employed some for more than 10 years.

“You don’t get that kind of loyalty and devotion without a partnership going both ways,” he said. “We found out a long time ago that to close the revolving door, you give ’em a great place to work, treat ’em with respect and give ’em housing that they like.”

Nelson said he is not part of Milk With Dignity and doesn’t approve of Migrant Justice’s pressure campaign on Hannaford. But he has turned to the group for help before. When several of his employees were detained during the Obama administration, Migrant Justice rallied for their release. The workers ultimately returned to the farm.

“I don’t want to belittle what they do,” Nelson said of Migrant Justice. “I know that they have really helped a lot of these people. I don’t agree with everything they do, but maybe I’m not as frustrated as they are yet.”

RAPID RESPONSE

Far from any dairy farms, in a windowless meeting room at Fletcher Free Library in downtown Burlington, about 40 people gathered recently for a training session on how to respond urgently to reports of ICE activity.

The attendees, an eclectic mix ranging from black-clad college students to silver-haired retirees, sat facing a projector screen at the front of the room. Once

From Farm to Front Line

« P.31

all the chairs were occupied, new arrivals sat cross-legged on the floor.

The training session was one of dozens Migrant Justice has hosted over the past year and a half to protect community members who could be in danger of detention and harness the widespread anger over the Trump administration’s policies.

Interest in the effort skyrocketed in January, after federal agents in Minneapolis shot and killed two U.S. citizens during separate immigration operations there. So many people tried to join an online Migrant Justice training a few weeks later that it crashed the organizer’s computer. Three hundred and fifty people attended.

The trainings, which have taken place all over the state, have enabled Migrant Justice to build a vast network of supporters who are primed to show up, when called, to the scene of immigration enforcement and trained to report sightings of immigration agents in their neighborhoods.

About 3,500 people are now signed up for text alerts similar to the one that Migrant Justice sent on March 11 to summon people to the ICE action on South Burlington’s Dorset Street. Although that incident escalated into a violent clash that captured broad media attention, others have ended more quietly.

Two days before the Dorset Street raid, for example, Migrant Justice sent a text blast urging people to show up at an apartment complex in Burlington where ICE agents had been spotted outside. Within minutes, dozens of people arrived, creating a human chain around the building. The federal agents left a short time later, and no one was detained, according to Migrant Justice.

One of those leading the library training was a new recruit, who spent nearly all day on Dorset Street after hearing about the ICE action there. He signed up to volunteer with Migrant Justice after that.

He was joined by another Migrant Justice organizer, Rachel Elliott, who usually leads the training. They gave tips and general information on immigration enforcement, such as the difference between ICE and Border Patrol, while attendees scribbled in notebooks or typed notes on their phones.

“Detentions happen fast,” Elliott said. “Time is of the essence.”

They instructed the group to alert Migrant Justice to any ICE activity through its emergency hotline and warned of the risks of spreading unconfirmed rumors, which can sow panic for weeks.

Though it hasn’t always been so formalized, Migrant Justice has been

Without legal status, these farmworkers are vulnerable to the enforcement priorities of the federal government.

using rapid response as a tactic since its early days. In 2011, after Lopez, the Migrant Justice leader, was detained, the group called supporters to the Vermont State Police barracks, where activists linked arms and stood in front of the Border Patrol vehicle in which he was being held.

Photos from that day evoke the March 11 ICE raid — specifically the moment when protesters linked arms in an attempt to prevent ICE agents from driving away with three detainees.

“One person can’t do a lot,” Elliott told the group, “but 1,000 can do a whole lot more.”

They ended the presentation with a slide of a QR code that linked to an online sign-up sheet. Dozens of phone screens lit up as a new cohort of rapid responders signed on.

BACK TO THE FUTURE

The wave of immigration detentions and the public outrage they’ve sparked across the state have also produced a significant spike in donations to Migrant Justice. The group has been the beneficiary of efforts large and small, from bake sales to fundraising concerts to individuals dropping by the office to hand off a check.

construction industry. “Building Dignity,” as it’s called, has been in the works for more than a year but is not yet active.

Although overall immigration detentions in Vermont have risen significantly, according to a tally by Migrant Justice, there’s no evidence that the group’s members or farmworkers as a whole have been targeted.

But in late March, a longtime Migrant Justice leader, José Ignacio “Nacho” De La Cruz, was arrested by federal agents on his way to work. De La Cruz is charged with helping smuggle migrants into the U.S. for payment, as well as fraudulently procuring driver’s privilege cards for people outside of Vermont. He has pleaded not guilty.

The charges, which allege that De La Cruz exploited a program Migrant Justice helped create, pose a potential risk for how the group is viewed by the public and state leaders.

Lambek has said neither Migrant Justice “nor anybody acting on behalf of the organization” was ever involved in “improperly assisting anybody with obtaining Vermont driver’s privilege cards or facilitating unlawful entry into the country for profit.”

The group would not detail the newest donations except to say that it now gets most of its funding from individual donors, plus some grants. Its most recent tax filing shows that it brought in $739,377 in 2024. Its staff has grown from four to nine employees since 2017, and the team is starting to consider moving to a new office.

“We’re fortunate to have the financial stability to feel like we can look into the future,” said Lambek, a spokesperson for the group. But leaders are aware that donations can fluctuate with political shifts: The first Trump administration produced a bump in giving that faded under president Joe Biden.

The group is also responding to changes in migration to Vermont. During the Biden years, a new population of Latin American asylum seekers settled in Chittenden County. Migrant Justice now has an organizer devoted to the region. And it is looking to expand its organizing efforts to industries beyond dairy, such as roofing and construction, hospitality, and health care.

But that won’t happen overnight. In early 2025, for example, after Vermont Construction Company was cited for housing its migrant roofers in hazardous conditions, Migrant Justice announced an agreement with the company that would adapt the Milk With Dignity model to the

Sen. Baruth, who sponsored the driver bill and has worked with Migrant Justice on other legislation, said he does not know the details of De La Cruz’s case but doubts that the group knew of any illegal activity or would have taken part.

“It would stand to ruin everything they spent their lives building,” he said. Some of the group’s rituals go on as they always have.

On Saturday night, several dozen farmworkers gathered in St. Albans for one of Migrant Justice’s periodic asambleas. Men and women from across Franklin County filled a community hall, some fresh off 12-hour shifts in the milking parlor. Many were driven there by a team of volunteers.

Sitting at folding tables arranged in a horseshoe, the migrants chatted quietly over ribs, rice and potato tacos, while ranchera music played from a speaker. Children raced around the room, playing tag, and parents bounced babies on their hips.

After their meal, they took turns standing to introduce themselves. Then they closed the door to outsiders and got down to the unglamorous business of organizing for change. ➆

Lucy Tompkins covers immigration, the border and new American communities in Vermont for Seven Days. She is a corps member of Report for America, a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms. Find out more at reportforamerica.org.

Protesters at the South Burlington ICE raid in March

RUTH MOODY BAND

“Possibly

Low Stakes

A Vermont men’s horseshoe league marks 50 years of ringers, zingers and camaraderie

STORY & PHOTOS BY COLIN FLANDERS • colin@sevendaysvt.com

The three dozen or so men milling around the I-89 Exit 2 park and ride all wore variations of the workingman’s uniform: sweatshirts, flannels and grease-stained jeans. Some had clearly come straight from jobsites, and they seemed anxious to get the evening of friendly competition under way, shielding their eyes from the setting sun as they awaited the late arrivals.

Before long, they had broken into pairs, 20 in total, matching the number of horseshoe pits that dotted the nearby grass behind the Sharon Congregational Church. They removed the tarps that covered the pits and used shovels to turn the dirt into fluffy mounds so that the shoes had a soft place to land.

Then the teams separated into matchups, two versus two, and the first shoe flew into the air, an unceremonious toss that landed a few feet short of the stake. Soon a clamorous soundtrack had taken hold: a chorus of clinks, clanks and thuds reminiscent of a 19th-century mining operation.

Here, in the quiet town of Sharon, was the hottest ticket around: the local horseshoe league, back for its 50th summer.

The Sharon Horseshoe League is among a handful of the sport’s competitive recreational leagues in Vermont. It’s also one of the longest-running, formed after a group of men convinced a local landowner to allow them to install pits on his property in 1976. Half a century later, the land is now owned by the town and boasts a fully dedicated horseshoe court, and the league that calls it home is as popular as ever, with a stacked wait list that grows by the year.

That’s partly due to the longevity of its participants: Some have been pitching so long that they’re now sharing the court with their grandchildren.

“It gets passed down,” said Dustin Potter, 43, the league’s president, whose grandfather and uncle were among the founding members.

It’s also testament to the staying power of the old-fashioned pastime — and, perhaps, the importance of such outlets at a time when men are reporting record levels of loneliness.

“It’s tradition, you know, in a society and state where tradition is dying,” Potter said.

Traced back to Roman army camps, horseshoes remains one of the more accessible hobby sports. The cost of

SPORTS

participating in a typical league runs about $40 for a summer, roughly equal to a single round of golf or hour of bowling. It’s less taxing than, say, tennis or its younger cousin, pickleball, with the main physical requirement being enough strength to toss the roughly 2.5 pound shoe from 40 feet away. (The National Horseshoe Pitching Association permits children, women and throwers over 70 to toss from 30 feet instead.)

And the game’s rules are easy to grasp. The Sharon league follows the rule book of the National Horseshoe Pitching Association, whose scoring system slightly differs from the one that many backyard players use.

A ringer, which refers to a shoe that lands in such a way that a line drawn between the two tips would create a ring

around the stake, earns 3 points, unless your opponent covers yours with one of his own, in which case it’s canceled out. Shoes that fall within six inches of the stake, or lean against the post, earn 1 point. That’s it.

Still, while horseshoe throwing isn’t hard, doing it well — consistently, week to week — sure is.

The late Brian Simmons, a former Bristol resident who won the world championship three times, maintained a ringer average of about 85 percent during his illustrious professional career. “This whole game is mental,” Simmons told a reporter back in 2012. “It’s all upstairs. It’s a mind game.”

High-level amateurs score ringers closer to half of the time; the average person, far fewer.

The Sharon Horseshoe League

Horseshoe courts in Sharon

The Sharon league is made up of 10 teams of four. Each week, teams split into pairs and face a duo from an opposing team. Players throw a combined 100 shoes across two separate games, and whichever team has the highest score at the end of each game gets a win.

The team with the best record is crowned champion at the league’s season-ending cookout in August. Its members’ names are immortalized on a glass-encased trophy board that overlooks the horseshoe court, which is located in the heart of town, less than a football field away from the interstate. Also on the board: a plaque bearing the names of two dozen former league members who have died.

The league is open to everyone and has welcomed women pitchers in the past, though the current members are all men.

caught up with their competitors, asking after work, family or nagging knee injuries. Others sipped from beers stashed in coolers and leaned coolly against the fence that runs through the middle of the horseshoe court. Throughout it all: the constant chatter of lighthearted competition.

“Nice shoe! Nice shoe!”

“Perfect! How ’bout anotha?”

“Throwing them on the stake finally now, is he? He can do that every now and then.”

“Fuckers seem heavy tonight, huh?”

Even those in matchups that came down to the final few throws celebrated when their opponents made a nice shot.

Perhaps it is no surprise, then, that the league’s longest-standing member — Dave Potter, the 75-year-old uncle of the league president — is an embodiment of the just-have-fun approach.

The only original league member still at it, Dave has “gone way downhill” since the days of his youth , when he was a standout pitcher on his high school horseshoe team, he said.

He takes advantage of the closer throwing position, but even then he sometimes struggles to muster enough oomph to reach the stake, the result of a bum rotator cuff that aches the moment he gets home.

To accommodate different skill levels, the league operates on a handicap system that grants higher starting scores to those who throw ringers less often. Because handicaps are adjusted based on performance as the season progresses, players have incentive to perform below their skill level early on in the 20-week season — a practice known as “sandbagging.”

“There’s guys that come in and try to get every ringer they possibly can, and then there’s guys that have, let’s say, an easier way of doing it,” Potter said.

No one sandbags so egregiously that there’s a need for policing, though, Potter said. The vast majority of people are there to have fun and, with any luck, make friends along the way.

“If it was all about winning, you wouldn’t have this many people getting along, enjoying each other’s company,” Potter said.

The league’s camaraderie was obvious to an outside observer on one recent weeknight visit, which revealed a lively scene even without the spectators who commonly turn out during the warmer days of summer.

The players, only a handful of whom appeared to be younger than the league itself, wore sweatshirts and hats celebrating the 50-year anniversary. As they waited for their turns to throw, some

“I still like to come down all the same,” Dave said with a shrug. “It’s just fun to be here.”

He collected his shoes from the pit, then took a few steps forward and squinted at the stake in the distance. In one swift motion, he reached back, stepped forward and tossed the shoe, which tumbled through a golden-hour sky and landed with a satisfying thud.

The two men opposite him began brushing away the clay like archaeologists in search of forged steel. Moments later, Dave’s nephew and throwing partner, Dustin, held up three fingers and pointed at him with a nod.

It was a ringer, his first of the evening.

“Three for me?” the elder Potter asked, grinning. “Wow.”

As the evening wore on and the tarps returned to their resting places above the clay pits, some of the men climbed into their trucks to head home. But most stuck around until the final throw, soaking in a few more minutes of spring daylight.

At the conclusion of his second game, Potter ambled over to his nephew, who was tallying up the final score on a large sheet of paper. The duo had split games with their opponents, he was told, which meant both teams would go home with a tally in the win column.

Just the way Potter likes it. ➆

pups under 17 weeks

food+drink

Pie Squared

“Icould just stay here all day,” Sami McRae declared as she settled into the comfortable curve of a leather chair in Poorhouse Pies’ new Cambridge café. The retired pastor had just finished the Cubano pie special for lunch. At $12 for a hefty double-crusted wedge filled with ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese and pickles served with a side salad, it was deliciously filling and reasonably priced, she said.

The recent Friday visit was McRae’s second, she said, though she was already a regular at Poorhouse Pies’ Underhill shop, where she picks up donated pies to “feed our neighbors” at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington. On those trips, McRae also buys pies to eat at home with her husband and four local grandchildren. Among the family favorites

FOOD LOVER?

is the pulled-pork macaroni-and-cheese pie made with slow-roasted pork, barbecue sauce and a buttered panko crumb top.

“Oh, my. So good,” McRae said with a contented sigh.

For its ﬁrst 12 years, Poorhouse Pies was a tiny home bakery known for sweet pies sold from a photogenic backyard self-serve shed. Customers lined up on weekends for its occasional doughnut days. In 2021, Suzanne Tomlinson bought Poorhouse from founding chefs Paula and Jamie Eisenberg and moved the operation into a new shop and commercial kitchen on Route 15 in Underhill, less than half a mile from the original. Tomlinson, now 52, added savory pies, quiches, and sweet and savory pocket pies. She also brought back doughnuts and built a full-service catering operation, which o ers far more than pies.

The biz was soon busting at the seams. To meet demand and continue growing, Tomlinson bought the 4,500-square-foot Cambridge building that was most recently Taste of Texas BBQ on Old Route 15 just outside Cambridge village. She worked with her husband, contractor Jon LeBlanc, to build out a full kitchen with a dedicated doughnut corner and the elegant but warm café space.

The café opened on March 20. Like its Underhill sibling — which continues to be pie-making central and to sell pies — it has a cooler and shelves stacked with Poorhouse’s whole pies to go, from Indian veggie curry to gluten-free blueberry crumb. But a new focus for Poorhouse at its second location is counter-service breakfast and lunch, which can be enjoyed in the high-ceilinged room comfortably appointed with a mix of tables, couches and armchairs. There are also picnic tables with a lovely view of farmland and the distant Green Mountains.

Naturally, pie features on the café menu, but the kitchen team led by executive chef Chris Lataille, previously of Bleu Northeast Kitchen in Burlington, also makes light breakfasts, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, salads, and soups. Employees restock the pastry case frequently with fresh doughnuts, cookies and other housemade pastries, and pour a full range of drinks, including espresso, beer, cider, wine, and a small selection of cocktails and mocktails.

The warm, relaxed ambience and breadth of eating and drinking options

STORY MELISSA PASANEN • pasanen@sevendaysvt.com | PHOTOS DARIA BISHOP

Clockwise from front: Bacon-spinach quiche with fresh fruit salad, a blueberryalmond pocket pie, a breakfast sandwich and a latte at Poorhouse Pies Café

From left: Chris Lataille, Suzanne Tomlinson and David Keck

El Cortijo Taqueria to Close, Become Burl’s Downtown Kitchenette

EL CORTIJO TAQUERIA has served tacos and margaritas in the former Oasis Diner in Burlington since New Year’s Eve 2011. This June, it will close to make way for BURL’S DOWNTOWN KITCHENETTE, a new allday concept from the FARMHOUSE GROUP

“Burl’s is named after its host city and returns to its diner location roots,” Farmhouse Group owner JED DAVIS told Seven Days by email. The new restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

The morning menu will feature biscuits with sausage gravy, fried chicken and wa es, omelettes, eggs Benedict, and the Creekside breakfast with fried catﬁsh and grits.

Lunch and dinner o erings include diner classics such as patty melts, tuna melts, and house-smoked turkey sandwiches — both hot and cold — as well as dishes with Southern ﬂair, such as house-smoked-chicken-and-andouille gumbo, shrimp Louie, and baskets of fried chicken from ADAMS TURKEY FARM.

The Farmhouse Group will hold on to the El Cortijo brand “for some future potential use,” Davis said. The taqueria grew out of popular Taco Tuesdays in the early days of the FARMHOUSE TAP & GRILL’s Burlington beer garden. It opened just up Bank Street to serve queso fundido, carnitas burritos, sweet potato-kale camote tacos and coconut margaritas in the Streamline Moderne art-deco diner car.

Discussing the “business reason for this change,” Davis said: “In its heyday, [El Cortijo] was a bar as much as anything. And, for a variety of reasons I

suppose, later evening trends and wants in the downtown have simply changed in recent years.”

The Oasis Diner opened in 1954 and ran for more than half a century, hosting both vice president Walter Mondale and president Bill Clinton before it closed in 2007. After that, it was Sadie Katz Delicatessen for three years; the Farmhouse Group bought the building in 2011.

El Cortijo’s last day has yet to be announced, but Davis expects it to be in early or mid-June. Burl’s, he added, will open “a few days after that.”

JORDAN BARRY

La Casa del Sabor Serves Ecuadorian Menu in Former Pauline’s Café

A family originally from Ecuador has opened LA CASA DEL SABOR in South Burlington at 1834 Shelburne Road, where Pauline’s Café operated for almost half a century, until its abrupt closure in 2024. BRYAN PINEDA, 22, told Seven Days that his mother, MARIVEL ARTEAGA, runs the kitchen, which serves lunch and dinner daily and breakfast on weekends. Their goal with dishes such as fried green plantain balls ﬁlled with cheese and chicken soup with cassava is to share “the ﬂavors and traditions we grew up with,” Pineda said by text. Opened in mid-March, La Casa del

CONNECT

Classics and tropical cocktails on the Burlington Waterfront. santiagosvt.com•Follow us @santiagosvt

El Cortijo Taqueria

make it tempting, as McRae noted, to hang around all day. Over a pair of recent visits, I made a solid attempt at doing so through breakfast, a midmorning snack and two lunches with a couple hours of work between bites.

On both days, a stream of customers — retirees, people having meetings, parents with babies and at least one published author (former Seven Dayzer Emily Hamilton) writing her next book — ebbed and flowed, with a definite lunchtime spike.

Though the counter-service line became long at times, it moved smoothly, and staff members were always cheerful and helpful. Tomlinson has been lucky to land seasoned hospitality pro David Keck as front-of-house manager. “He lives for service,” Tomlinson said.

Keck also happens to be a master sommelier and owner/winemaker at Stella14 Wines, for which he and his wife, Lauren, grow grapes in Jeffersonville. The tight wine list at Poorhouse, all available by the glass, is his domain. I regret that I did not stay late enough in the day to order a glass of the Stella14 Birches bubbly red blend ($14) or Italian lambrusco di Sorbara ($11), described as “cheerful … everything you want right now.” That will definitely happen in the future.

During a morning visit, I sipped a wellmade latte ($6) with a generous wedge of buttery-crusted spinach, onion and mushroom quiche served with fruit salad ($10) and then nibbled on two top-notch doughnuts ($2.50 each).

While I’ll almost always take a yeasted doughnut over the cake variety, the beautifully crumbed, sugar-dusted old-fashioned rivaled the airy puff of a jelly doughnut with its freshly made tart-sweet raspberry filling.

For my first lunch on a cool, damp

day, I chose the comfort-food pairing of melty grilled cheese made with cheddar, Swiss and herbed goat cheese dipped into tomato soup ($15). A nearby diner ordered the same after seeing mine. We agreed that it delivered on its soul-soothing promise, needing just a few shakes of salt to bring the rich, tangy soup into balance. As for the browned-butter chocolate chip cookie ($2), no notes and no remaining crumbs.

On my second visit, I tried two lighter but substantial and satisfying salads. The salade Niçoise ($14) with crisp greens, green beans, sweet cherry tomatoes, hardboiled egg and plenty of briny olives was topped with beautiful rare tiles of seared fresh tuna. The grilled chicken salad ($16) was similar to a Cobb without the blue cheese or hard-boiled egg but with

Clockwise from left: Indian veggie curry pie and side salad, grilled cheese with tomato soup, Domaine Vetriccie Île de Beauté Rosé and salade Niçoise

Pocket pies, muffins and pastries

food+drink

lots of crispy bacon, a full fan of avocado slices, pickled red onion and a delightfully creamy pistachio dressing.

Lest the pies felt ignored, I took a raspberry-almond pocket pie ($8) to go. It was made, I later realized, with the same house-cooked whole-raspberry filling as the jelly doughnut, plus generous knobs of chewy almond paste encased in the flaky but sturdy signature Poorhouse crust.

Full disclosure: I did take a couple bites into the sparkling sugared crust with an expertly crimped edge on my way home. That was necessary research to test Tomlinson’s assertion that an advantage of pocket pies is you can eat them while you drive. She is correct.

weeks ago for a $115 farm-to-table dinner with paired wines, they thought better of it and have postponed the evening series kickoff for now.

“We’re just more salt of the earth,” Tomlinson said. “People really love that we’re casual, approachable and family-oriented.”

AT THE END OF THE DAY, IT’S ABOUT THE PIE.

SUZANNE TOMLINSON

Poorhouse currently makes about 3,000 whole and pocket pies weekly. Demand for varieties is seasonal, but overall, Tomlinson said, “We have not found a low pie season.” Since she bought the business, she said, her team has refined the crust recipe to an ideal ratio of butter, high-quality shortening and a touch of cream cheese for flavor, texture and integrity — the crust is flaky but doesn’t completely fall apart upon first bite or forkful. This is especially important when eating pocket pies while driving.

While Tomlinson is happy to have expanded the menu beyond pie, she noted that, for Poorhouse Pies, “At the end of the day, it’s about the pie.”

Keck and chef Lataille plan to collaborate on a series of pop-up evening events after the café gets its legs under it, but those will stay in keeping with the feeling of the pie shop and café, Keck and Tomlinson said. After posting information a few

As if hired by central casting to prove that point, Brianna Wilson and her 9-month-old son, Callum Grogan, arrived to meet a friend, Ryan Jensen. Wilson lives in Hyde Park, and Jensen works in nearby Jeffersonville. The two spoke glowingly of birthday pies from Poorhouse they had each recently enjoyed: peanut butter cream for Jensen and key lime and triple berry for Wilson.

“And I’m a cake person,” Jensen said.

Wilson and her son were sharing a morning yogurt parfait ($9) with fruit, granola and maple syrup, and a blueberry-oat muffin ($4). “This is me and Callum’s little date spot,” Wilson said as her son happily explored the couch they were sitting on while stuffing muffin bites in his mouth.

Jensen had made short work of a bacon-jalapeño pocket pie ($8) and said he was considering buying another for the road. Now that I’ve done my due diligence, I could have informed him that a pocket pie makes an ideal roadtrip nosh. ➆ INFO

Poorhouse Pies Café, 286 Old Route 15, Cambridge, 802-335-2094; and Poorhouse Pies, 419 Route 15, Underhill, 802-858-9129; poorhousepies.com

May 29

Jom Hammack

June 5

Ryan Sweezey

June 12

John Gratton

June 19

Kyle Stevens

June 26

Steve Hartman 4T-Farrell(WJ)052726.indd 1

Run, walk, or jiggety-jog... all for a great cause!

Every step you take helps deliver highquality hospice care to our community through the McClure Miller Respite House. Help us provide more than 140 days of compassionate end-of-life care—sign up today!

Saturday, May 30, 2026

Run/Walk: 9:00 am Malletts Bay School Register today: uvmhealth.org/jog

Poorhouse Pies Café in Cambridge

AGRICULTURE

Carleton Yoder of Champlain Valley Creamery. It is based loosely on his queso fresco and lightly flavored with herbs from Free Verse Farm & Apothecary in Chelsea. Yoder is making the cheese for Vermont Way Foods with the same milk he uses for his own line of cheeses: organic, 100 percent grass-fed milk from Severy Farm in Cornwall. Seven-ounce wedges have a suggested retail price of $7.99 to $8.99.

The first run of 240 shrink-wrapped wedges sold quickly to about 20 independent grocers, farmstands and food co-ops around the state, including Rail City Market in St. Albans, Stowe Village Market, the Brattleboro Food Co-op and both City Market locations in Burlington.

Cheese for a Cause

Migrant Justice and Vermont Way Foods partner to launch a cheese under the Milk With Dignity program

BY MELISSA PASANEN •

pasanen@sevendaysvt.com

This month, a new Vermont cheese lands in retail stores around the state. Like many of the region’s cultured dairy products, the inaugural batch has been made by a dedicated, hands-on artisan from the milk of one herd or flock. Unlike any other product in the dairy case, the new Vermont Way Foods organic farmer cheese is the first to tout explicitly on its label that the milk comes from farmers who have pledged to treat their workers fairly through Migrant Justice’s Milk With Dignity program.

The statewide farmworker-led advocacy nonprofit (see cover story on page 26) created Milk With Dignity to address poor working conditions in the dairy business, in which migrant workers play a crucial role. The program sets standards for wages, housing, schedules, health and safety. It also provides education and support for farmers and workers to ensure compliance.

In 2017, Vermont’s global ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s signed the Milk With Dignity pledge for its Northeastern U.S. supply chain. As part of that agreement, the company pays a premium on its milk purchases to subsidize higher wages, improved conditions, and the cost of education and audits. A 2024 Migrant Justice report tallied the positive impacts for more than 250 workers in Vermont and New York, thanks to more than $5 million invested in the required improvements.

By contrast, the inaugural 100-pound

run of the new Vermont Way Foods organic farmer cheese bearing the Milk With Dignity logo is a drop in the milk bucket, so to speak. But Migrant Justice and the coalition of Vermont nonprofits that have been working together for more than two years to launch the cheese believe that, as the effort grows, it will help move the farmworkers’ cause forward in new ways.

“Having a brand of cheese with the Milk With Dignity logo makes it clear that the program exists and that other brands can follow suit,” said Thelma Gómez, a Migrant Justice leader from Tabasco, Mexico, who has worked on several dairy farms in Addison County.

The recipe for the soft, meltable cheese was developed by Middlebury cheesemaker

“Consumers can feel proud buying a cheese and knowing that they’re part of something that farmworkers themselves have built,” Gómez continued in an email translated from Spanish.

Vermont Way Foods is a collaborative brand owned by four food hubs: the Center for an Agricultural Economy in Hardwick, Food Connects in Brattleboro, Green Mountain Farm-to-School in Newport and the Intervale Center in Burlington. It helps Vermont farmers reach large New England customers and currently sells vegetables to regional chains such as Market Basket.

The Milk With Dignity partnership project, dubbed “Cheese With Dignity,” is the first for which the brand has developed a new food product. Vermont Way Foods was founded “to highlight the intention and integrity of Vermont farmers and food producers,” explained Catherine Cusack, Green Mountain Farm-to-School executive director. “That starts in the field and the barn. It goes all the way back to the worker.” Research and development costs were covered in part by a U.S. Department of Agriculture Organic Market Development Grant awarded in early 2024 to the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont. The farmer cheese is the first organic product made under a Milk With Dignity agreement, and Will Lambek of Migrant Justice said the nonprofit hopes it will raise the program’s profile in the organic dairy sector.

Nate Severy of Severy Farm signed the Milk With Dignity pledge last fall in order to sell milk to the Vermont Way Foods farmer cheese project. The small organic farm — where he milks 60 cows with the help of his dad, Joe — has only ever employed U.S. citizens, Severy said.

But whatever the background of his workers, he sees a benefit to establishing benchmarks that ensure all are treated fairly and equally. Severy Farm does not currently have any nonfamily employees but will

The Vermont Way Foods organic farmer cheese

Marita Canedo of Migrant Justice and cheesemaker Carleton Yoder

follow Milk With Dignity standards when it hires in the future, the farmer said.

“If you want to have future generations farming, you need to make sure that you have good working conditions that create a positive atmosphere,” Severy said.

Lambek said Migrant Justice believes all dairy workers stand to gain from Milk With Dignity. The standards “created by this one community can have a broader beneﬁt,” he said.

He acknowledged that the farmer cheese project is starting small, but he and his Migrant Justice colleagues hope big things will come of it.

IF YOU WANT

TO HAVE FUTURE GENERATIONS

FARMING, YOU NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE GOOD WORKING CONDITIONS.

NATE SEVERY

“This is starting out with one cheese, one producer, one farm,” Lambek said. “If it resonates in the market and customers are looking for ‘cheese with dignity,’ then that will create the opportunity for more production.”

Based on taste alone, the cheese should be an easy sell. Lambek said farmworkers enjoyed test batches melted in quesadillas. Yoder, the cheesemaker, likes it on pizza with red onions and black olives.

Doug Paine, executive chef at Westport Hospitality, which owns Hotel Vermont and the soon-to-reopen Harborvale hotel and restaurant, helped brainstorm some recipes for Vermont Way Foods. He likens the “soft and meltable” farmer cheese texturally to Monterey Jack. The mild, delicately herby ﬂavor has a little tang, Paine said.

The chef said it makes a great grilled cheese and suggested pairing it with apricot jam, thinly sliced ham and Dijon mustard. It would also be perfect melted on a burger, Paine said.

Gómez has tried the cheese and liked it very much. “We’ve brought it to a number of community events, and the community has enjoyed it,” she said. “Dignity tastes great.” ➆

INFO

Learn more at vermontwayfoods.com.

SIDEdishes

SERVING UP FOOD NEWS « P.37

Sabor is the family’s ﬁrst restaurant, Pineda said, though they have “many years of experience in preparing traditional Latin American cuisine — speciﬁcally Ecuadorian dishes.” Those include crispy potato pancakes called llapingacho, seasoned with annatto and cumin and often stu ed with cheese; and a stew of slow-cooked beef ribs with cassava, avocado and fried plantains called seco de costilla.

The Arteaga-Pineda family decided also to include Peruvian and Colombian dishes to bring familiar ﬂavors to the area’s “diverse Latin community,” Pineda said. Weekend seafood specials will feature ingredients from Ecuador sourced through New York, “allowing us to prepare traditional coastal dishes that are very popular in our culture,” he noted.

La Casa del Sabor has a full bar with beer, wine and cocktails, such as margaritas. Learn more at lacasadelsaborinc.com.

MELISSA PASANEN

Caja Taqueria

Chef Bryan Palilonis Launches Hardwick BBQ

Chef-owner BRYAN PALILONIS opened HARDWICK BBQ on May 20 at 154 Route 15, next door to his 3-year-old Hardwick taco spot, CAJA TAQUERIA. The counterservice barbecue restaurant replaced Master Fin’s Axe Throwing, the bar and ax-throwing venue that Palilonis, 48, opened in 2024. Unexpectedly high insurance costs contributed to that closure, he said.

Hardwick BBQ’s opening week vindicated Palilonis’ belief in pent-up local demand for slow-smoked American barbecue. In the ﬁrst two hours of business, he said, close to 100 people came for brisket, pulled pork and ribs served with from-scratch mac and cheese, coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread.

Palilonis has always smoked meats for his taco business, which still includes CAJA MADERA, his original mobile catering and event truck. But the soft economy, he said, has led to a slowdown in private bookings, and he projected more consistent customer interest in barbecue than he has seen for tacos.

To launch Hardwick BBQ, Palilonis invested in new equipment and enlisted the help of friend JEFF WEISS, a longtime Stowe-area chef. The pair used to “travel-chef” together, o ering barbecue on the PGA and NASCAR circuits.

The 900-square-foot Hardwick BBQ has a four-tap draft system for local beers and also serves wine. Current hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 4 to 8 p.m., but Palilonis hopes to expand those as he sta s up and works out the kinks. He also plans to add “some summer fun” with live music, karaoke and maybe an open-mic night, he said. Follow @cajamadera on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

2021. That summer, she opened a stand at Winooski’s Myers Memorial Pool, which quickly took o .

O eat left the pool after the 2024 season, with the Bassetts citing increased costs, and they instead focused on wholesale to markets and grocery stores. Last summer, they teamed up with Uncommon Co ee owner MAYA NGUYEN to share production space and operate an ice cream counter inside the café. Rising costs are once again a reason for O eat’s closure, according to an Instagram post sharing the news last week.

“Some of our ingredients have doubled in price, making it incredibly di cult to keep our ice cream at a price point that felt accessible to everyone while staying proﬁtable enough,” the

O eat Creemee to Close Plant-Based Ice Cream Biz

After ﬁve years of serving dairy-free creemees, scoops and sundaes, OFFBEAT CREEMEE owners AISHA and DANNY BASSETT have announced they’ll step away from their plant-based ice cream biz. The company’s location inside UNCOMMON COFFEE in the Essex Experience will be open one ﬁnal weekend in May before its lease ends.

The arrival of the Bassetts’ daughter over the winter has also shifted their priorities, the couple wrote, and “while there are di erent avenues forward, we’ve come to the conclusion that this life just isn’t for us anymore.” They are open to inquiries about the business and its equipment and “would absolutely love to see O eat’s mission and dream continue in

post said. this some form.”

J.B.

Aisha developed O eat’s signature vegan coconut-oat milk base as a way to “set myself way apart and do something that Vermont doesn’t really have,” she told Seven Days

Offbeat Creemee’s lemon meringue pie sundae in a cone in 2021

Left: Bryan Palilonis; above: smoked meats at Hardwick BBQ

FILE: JAMES BUCK

Medieval Mirror

Book review: e Unicorn Hunters, Katherine Arden

BY MARGOT HARRISON • margot@sevendaysvt.com

BOOKS

If you want to get bookish people talking, just mention “romantasy.” From the legions of readers who adore the combination of romance and fantasy to purists who disdain everything under the new portmanteau label, everyone has an opinion.

Yet the mashup isn’t really so new, given that early European novels (or “romances,” as they were called then) combined courtly love and fantastical adventures. Duxbury

author Katherine Arden captures some of the heady atmosphere of those premodern ﬂights of fancy in her new novel, The Unicorn Hunters, out on June 2. Set on “the vibrant cusp between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance,” as Arden writes in her afterword, it’s a historical fantasy in a literary style, weaving both romantic and supernatural elements into the life of a real person: Anne of Brittany (1477-1514). The proportions of fact and fantasy shift over

the course of the story as Arden explores a tantalizing might-have-been.

The Unicorn Hunters is set in 1490, when Brittany was still an independent duchy coveted by France. Anne inherited the title of duchess from her father, who had fought the French to maintain his realm’s independence — but not for long. In historical fact, Anne was forced to marry King Charles VIII of France at age 15, beginning the

ARDEN INTEGRATES FANTASY ELEMENTS SEAMLESSLY WITH HISTORICAL ONES, THEN EMBROIDERS THIS TAPESTRY WITH LARGERTHAN-LIFE CHARACTERS.

process of Brittany’s eventual subjugation into a French province.

Here’s where Arden’s fictional rendering diverges. Her Anne is older — about 19 — and well aware that her fate as the female scion of a noble house is to sacrifice herself to a politically advantageous marriage. “Passion was for ordinary flesh,” Arden writes, “not for a body that could be bartered and conquered and o ered like territory.” But this resourceful Anne

is determined to preserve Brittany’s freedom, if not her own. So she o ers her hand secretly to Emperor Maximilien of Austria, a ruler strong enough to stand against France.

Meanwhile, the equally wily Marguerite, the power behind the French throne, can’t wait to get Anne safely married o to her callow brother, King Charles. There’s just one problem: Anne has distracted the French envoy with a unicorn hunt in the magical forest of Brocéliande. Every knight yearns to kill a unicorn, and a virgin is required for bait. With this diversion, Anne hopes to delay her deﬂowering until Maximilien arrives to save her.

The boundaries between the normal and the fantastical still exist in this version of 1490 — they’re just drawn a bit di erently. These characters hear Mass and celebrate Eastertide, like real medieval nobles, but they also consult “diviners” who use magic for long-distance communication. They refer to the “Age of Enchantment” as part of their past, and the korriganed (Breton fairy folk) haven’t been sighted for centuries. Yet unicorns are known to be real, if elusive — liminal creatures with ties to the supernatural.

After a transformative encounter with a unicorn, Anne must take care to “cast her part in it in a pious light or dark rumors would spread.” But she has unwittingly brought a bit of enchantment back from Brocéliande. When Marguerite arrives in Brittany to force Anne into marriage, sorcery begins to interfere with modern statecraft in unpredictable and even terrifying ways.

From its first sentence (see sidebar excerpt), The Unicorn Hunters pulls us inexorably into the world of “wet, green, ghost-addled” 15th-century Brittany,

Katherine Arden

FROM THE UNICORN HUNTERS

e French envoy came to Nantes on the last Sunday of Eastertide, when all the Breton court were still at church, when the hiss of rain and the pealing of bells swallowed the hoofbeats and shouts of his company. e court heard Mass unaware of his coming; they schemed and gossiped and took communion just as always, and no one from the pot-boy to the duchess knew that from that year, Christendom would never be the same.

Rain does not fall in Brittany so much as hover, ﬁlling the air with vapor, so that the courtiers emerged from the cathedral and were instantly wrapped in cloud. e bells overhead rang loud enough to shake the raindrops crooked. Arrayed in their Easter best, the court glowed in the gray light, though there were fewer of them than there should have been. Many had died in the war with France, many more were still far away awaiting ransom, like ambulatory notes payable in their conquerors’ châteaux.

At the heart of the crowd walked a girl with merry eyes, a ﬂoating violet in a sea of cut-velvet and silk hose, cloth-of-silver and the smell of myrrh, concentrating as she held her skirt clear of puddles. is was Anne, duchess regnant of Brittany, her hair caught back in a diadem and pearlstudded crespine, though she wore no other jewels. ey had all been sold to pay her garrisons.

haunted by specters and brigands. The author of the best-selling Winternight trilogy and last year’s The Warm Hands of Ghosts, Arden builds her setting with beautiful economy. The third-person narrative dances from one perspective to another, giving poetic shape to complex historical backstory. We grasp what’s at stake for Marguerite, for instance, from a single sentence: “Her father had cobbled together great pieces of bloodily acquired earth and then knitted them up strong with roads and sensible governments.”

Arden’s research shows in the novel’s wealth of details about food, dress, sleeping habits and weaponry. She integrates fantasy elements seamlessly with historical ones, then embroiders this tapestry with larger-than-life characters. Anne and her plucky younger sister, Isabeau, are deeply sympathetic figures. So is Louis of Orleans, himself an heir to the French throne, who is recruited to betray Anne but would rather champion her. Even the conniving Marguerite earns our respect as another royal woman doing her best to cling to the reins of power.

This reader’s favorite character was Elesbed, a Breton peasant girl rescued by Anne from starvation, who befriends a cat that turns out to be an adept navigator of the supernatural. In another writer’s hands, such a conceit might be twee. But Arden makes it work by preserving just enough of the alien ﬂavor of medieval culture — for instance, Elesbed’s initial bemusement at the notion of making a working animal her pet.

In its first half, The Unicorn Hunters walks a ﬁne line between historical intrigue and fantasy. As it progresses from the midpoint, it takes full ﬂight into the fantasy genre, with a love story also moving to center stage. (For those who care about such things: Yes, there is “spice.”)

As a reader who was enthralled by the uncanny ambiguity of the earlier chapters, with their portrayal of a world in troubled transition from magic to science, I struggled somewhat with this shift into a more standard fantasy mode. I found myself craving the sensory and historical grounding of the novel’s opening, even as Arden constructs an evocative magic system in which a slant of light can transport someone to another plane.

While aspects of The Unicorn Hunters are likely to appeal to romantasy readers, the best parts of the novel feel more like an excavation of the genre’s origins. With her deft and deliberate use of archaisms alongside modern descriptive virtuosity, Arden casts a spell that reminded me of John Keats’ medieval throwback “The Eve of St. Agnes.” The novel charms us precisely because we’re never allowed to forget that it takes place “ages long ago” (in Keats’ phrase), in a world so distant from us that unicorns and fairies could have meddled in its a airs of state. ➆

INFO

e Unicorn Hunters by Katherine Arden, Del Rey, 368 pages. $30. Prerelease celebration on Monday, June 1, 7 p.m., at Phoenix Books in Burlington. $3 includes coupon for book purchase. phoenixbooks.biz

Raising Their Voices

Three concerts in Burlington seek to unite listeners through Jewish music

BY AMY LILLY • lilly@sevendaysvt.com

Felix Mendelssohn. Arnold Schoenberg. Kurt Weill. Leonard Bernstein. All enduringly familiar names in music — and all Jewish. While current events involving the State of Israel’s aggression in the Middle East are in the spotlight, three upcoming concerts in Burlington turn the focus to music by Jewish composers. Their programs serve as reminders that many such works, whether sacred or secular, are admired and beloved across borders and by musicians, audiences and composers of every background.

This week’s performances are a voice recital exploring Jewish diaspora music and a chorus’ appeal for peace. Calais soprano Mary Bonhag will give the recital, accompanied by Burlington composer Michael Schachter on piano, at Ohavi Zedek synagogue on Thursday, May 28. And on Saturday and Sunday, May 30 and 31, the Vermont Choral Union will perform “Sim Shalom (Grant Us Peace): 400 Years of Jewish Sacred Music” at the College Street Congregational Church and the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, respectively.

Bonhag, described by Classical Voice North America as having a “bright, pure, absurdly accurate instrument,” shaped her recital program around “Six Popular Sephardic Songs” by Joaquín Nin-Culmell, a 1982 work she described as having “Spanish and Jewish flair.” Bonhag has been wanting to perform the set for years, she said in a recent call.

Nin-Culmell, a Catholic born in Germany to Cuban parents, moved permanently to the U.S. in 1939 at age 31. His work arranges six songs by Sephardic Jews, who flourished in the Iberian peninsula under Muslim rule but experienced restrictions under the Christians. After the latter expelled them in the late 15th century, they scattered to Greece, Morocco and other Mediterranean locales. The composer dedicated the work to all suffering Jews. Five songs are in the Sephardic language of Ladino, and one is in Hebrew.

Bonhag said she enjoys the songs’ melismatic flourishes — the equivalent of quick little grace notes on a piano — and use of the augmented second, a characteristic sound of Middle Eastern music. The songs’ lack of tempo and dynamic markings allows her a freedom of interpretation, and the range of topics will show off her voice, from a “very nasal and brassy” song about a

mother-in-law to the “solidity” of one about Moses’ tablets.

Shaping her program around the set, Bonhag chose a range of other works by Jewish composers, including “Hillula,” a 2008 exploration of Jewish mysticism by New York City composer Judd Greenstein; and songs by Weill, who fled Nazi Germany, from his late 1940s opera and Broadway shows. She’ll also sing a composition by Schachter called “Pierrot (Heart)” — a 2011 setting of the eponymous Langston Hughes poem.

According to Bonhag, who grew up attending a Protestant congregational church in Ascutney, “It’s special for me as a non-Jew to sing [this program] in a synagogue.”

RECENT EVENTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST ALTERED THE CHORUS’ PROGRAM BY SHIFTING THE EMPHASIS TO PEACE.

Her recital is part of a concert series that Schachter, an Ohavi Zedek board member, launched in fall 2024 to support its Full Circle Preschool. The busy composer, whose collaborative work The Black Clown just had a run at Opera Philadelphia, schedules concerts when he has time. He has presented a range of artists, including experimental cellist Zoë Keating, Shelburne pianist Paul Orgel playing a classical program and the Harvard-Radcliffe Collegium-Musicum choir. His goal, he said, is to provide the synagogue with “a rich cultural life and bring in all members of the community, whether Jewish or not.”

Meanwhile, the Vermont Choral Union’s program is a survey of mainly sacred Jewish music, ranging from 17th-century composer Salamone Rossi to Ben Steinberg, who died in 2023. A highlight will be Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, a 20-minute work from 1965. The 47-member chorus will use Bernstein’s chamber orchestration for accompaniment: two organists — choral director Eric Milnes and St. Paul’s organist Peter Berton — with Heidi Soons on harp and D. Thomas Toner on percussion.

For the occasion, Milnes is passing the

CLASSICAL MUSIC

wand to assistant conductor Cole Marino, who advocated for programming Bernstein’s whole work instead of selections from it. Like Bonhag, Marino is not Jewish. But, as the Williston tenor said by phone, he “fell down a rabbit hole of Bernstein’s music” while studying voice performance at Manhattan School of Music. “I’m a fan of his work; how could you not be?” he said. “His writing feels very contemporary; it has a very long gaze.”

Chichester Psalms, which draws from the Book of Psalms in the original Hebrew, is one of Bernstein’s most overtly Jewish compositions — and unusually so for a composer whose works ranged from Broadway shows to Mass, a theatrical interpretation of the Catholic liturgy in Latin.

Marino noted that, in Chichester, Bernstein “juxtaposes the texts in such a meaningful way to ask questions and profess his faith, dialoguing with God.” All is resolved in the finale, from Psalm 133, which declares “how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.”

“This is in 1965, 20 years after the [concentration] camps are liberated,” Marino noted. He added that the chorus’ program creates a through line from two works by composer Emanuel Kirschner to that moment. Kirschner was the cantor in Munich’s main synagogue, which was the first that Adolf Hitler ordered demolished during the Holocaust; Kirschner sang the final prayer inside the night before it was torn down in June 1938.

Marino said recent events in the Middle East altered the chorus’ program by shifting the emphasis to peace — in both the program title and certain selections. Press materials suggest that “these works illuminate our historical understanding and provide a new context for our present.”

And both concerts will offer something else: pure enjoyment. ➆

INFO

Mary Bonhag in recital, Thursday, May 28, 7:30 p.m., at Ohavi Zedek in Burlington. $18-36; free for ages 12 and under. ohavizedek.org Vermont Choral Union presents “Sim Shalom (Grant Us Peace): 400 Years of Jewish Sacred Music,” Saturday, May 30, 7:30 p.m., at College Street Congregational Church in Burlington; and Sunday, May 31, 4 p.m., at Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Burlington. $10-50; free for ages 17 and under. vtchoralunion.org

Mary Bonhag

Cole Marino

Thrill Ride

Three questions for screenwriter and Vermont native Zachary Donohue about his new horror movie, Passenger

BY DAN BOLLES • dan@sevendaysvt.com

Zachary Donohue has been making scary movies for more than 30 years, which is doubly impressive given that he’s just about to turn 40. From the time he was in third grade growing up in Shoreham and upstate New York, the Vermont native shot short horror films with his dad on an old Super 8 camera. He followed that early love of moviemaking to film school at New York University, then set his sights on Hollywood, where he’s become an up-and-coming voice in horror cinema. His 2013 debut, The Den, was a sleeper indie-horror hit, and he’s collaborated with the likes of fright masters Kevin Williamson (Scream), James Wan (The Conjuring) and Nick Antosca (Antlers).

Last Friday, Donohue’s latest film, Passenger, starring Melissa Leo and directed by André Øvredal ( Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, The Last Voyage of the Demeter ), opened in theaters nationwide, including Majestic 10 in Williston and Essex Cinemas. Donohue cowrote the script with British horror writer T.W. Burgess after the two discovered a mutual interest in freaky road-trip movies.

Passenger centers on a young couple (played by Jacob Scipio and Lou Llobell) touring the country in a camper van. After witnessing a fatal accident on a lonely stretch of highway, they’re pursued by an unrelenting, inescapable entity. “It’s a haunted house movie on wheels,” Donohue said.

The screenwriter spoke with Seven Days about his new film and why horror movies are having a moment.

You’re a lifelong horror fan. What speaks to you about scary stories? It’s comfort food in many ways.

There’s so many different types of horror movies for the different moods you’re in. If I’m feeling like I want to be cheered up, I’ll pull for, like, Friday the 13th, just a fun slasher. If I’m in more of a thoughtful, moody space and it’s rainy outside, I’ll go for The Shining or Hereditary, Barbarian — something that just makes me feel kind of creepy. But personally, I write horror because I have a lot of anxieties about different things.

Do you think that’s why horror is in a new golden age? We’re all just really anxious?

I think it’s a little bit that the times we’re living in are uncertain and scary. For a lot of people, it’s fun to go and see escapist horror movies. At least, that’s the goal with Passenger. This is the kind of movie that should be seen in a theater, because it’s just fun to see scary movies with other people.

I’m often struck by the range of horror being produced now, from really dark, heady stuff to something like “Widow’s Bay” on Apple TV that’s both scary and funny. Where does Passenger fit in?

You know, it’s funny. There’s a lot of different subgenres of horror. Like, Evil Dead, right? It’s got a lot of humor in it. And I will say, Passenger is scary, but it does have almost Spielbergian moments of levity. It’s not just dark. ➆

This interview was edited for clarity and length.

INFO

Passenger is playing at Essex Cinemas and Majestic 10 in Williston. See essexcinemas. com and majestic10.com for showtimes.

Find, fix and feather with Nest Notes — an e-newsletter filled with home design, Vermont real estate tips and DIY decorating inspirations.

Lou Llobell and Jacob Scipio in Passenger

Dangerous Characters: e Life and Crimes of Williston’s Notorious Outlaw Duo Elizabeth A. Allen, Emerald Production, 130 pages. $20.

Charlie did not report to his physical examination nor to the war.

In the list of dastardly deeds attributed to Charlie Potter, desertion from military service in the Civil War was among the most benign. He and his wife, Delia, both 19th-century rogues from Williston, racked up a veritable alphabet of criminal activities, including adultery, bribery, counterfeiting, debt evasion, horse poisoning, robbery and the alleged murder, in 1865, of Delia’s adoptive mother, Sally Griswold. Charlie was tried for the killing but acquitted, though an accomplice, John Ward, was convicted and executed. e Potters continued living in the Griswold house and even slept in the bedroom where Sally was killed.

Dangerous Characters, historian Elizabeth A. Allen’s fascinating truecrime tale, is an intriguing look into one of Vermont’s most sensational 19th-century murders and the colorful characters surrounding it. oroughly researched and scrupulously footnoted, the book offers a glimpse into Vermont life in the Reconstruction era while also exploring the timeless motivations — desperation, resentment, selﬁshness and greed — that drive people to violence.

KEN PICARD

Short Takes on Five Vermont Books

SMurder by Algorithm Douglas Beagley, Reify Publishing, 410 pages. $22.99.

Then we headed out to the marshwalk to see where my friend was killed.

If you were to prompt ChatGPT to write a 400-page mystery inﬂuenced in equal measures by Agatha Christie and Douglas Adams, the result might read something like Douglas Beagley’s Murder by Algorithm. at’s not to say the author enlisted AI to pen his debut novel — he explicitly states otherwise in the book’s disclaimer. But this smart, well-paced and occasionally absurd sci-ﬁ murder mystery represents a deft genre synthesis even a sentient robot would enjoy.

Set on an island artists’ colony at some unknown point in the future, Beagley’s whodunit pairs nonbinary alcoholic artist ackery with Cye-9, a 200-year-old AI detective. As the duo attempts to solve the murder of ackery’s best friend, the story romps through several genre exercises: buddy comedy, romance, even a touch of Shakespearean tragedy. As Beagley wrangles numerous plot threads that build to a satisfying reveal, he proves as adept a puzzle master as he is a stylist. No AI required.

DAN BOLLES

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, as a 116-foot scroll borne on the back of a riderless steed. 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. ➆

e Unraveling Wyn Cooper, White Pine Press, 75 pages. $19.

Matter ﬂings itself outward, / centrifugal force too ﬁerce to contain…

So many things have come undone since Wyn Cooper released his ﬁrst book of poetry in 1987. “Fun,” a poem in that collection, found eternal life in Sheryl Crow’s sunny-sounding earworm “All I Wanna Do,” earning him a Grammy nomination. e sun still comes up over Santa Monica Boulevard (a line Cooper didn’t write), but there are foreboding clouds on the horizon in the Halifax poet’s latest book, e Unraveling. “ e weathervane spins in uneasy wind” in “Detection”; “ ey toast their fortunes unaware / the wine’s gone over” in “Soirée.” Some of the fraying seems, of course, political: “the shouts and cries of vulgar crowds / loud as the t-shirts they wear, bright red.” But much of it is personal — the messiness of relationships, grief, a pandemic. Cooper does ﬁnd some hope in the darkness, with language urgently economical and sometimes slyly sibilant (“ e scene serene despite spite in the air”). But if the downward spiral continues, there’s always drinking beer at noon on Tuesday.

ANGELA SIMPSON

Everything Has Happened T. Greenwood, Crooked Lane Books, 336 pages. $29.99

Though even as I complained, Trill’s arrival in Quimby had changed everything.

It’s been nearly 40 years since Edie Marshall’s little brother disappeared. She has moved back into her childhood home to care for her widowed, ailing mother. Sleeping in her old bedroom makes time collapse.

“I am ﬁfty-ﬁve,” she says, “but in this room, I am also six, twelve, seventeen.” One night, someone calls with a tip about her brother’s disappearance, yanking Edie back to 1986, the year she was a high school senior and 9-year-old Charlie never made it home from day camp.

Set in ﬁctional Quimby, Vt., Everything Has Happened is T. Greenwood’s 16th novel and alternates between past and present. Grown-up Edie lives surrounded by many of the same people as adolescent Edie, though roles have changed.

What happened to Charlie appears to be the central question of this dialogue-driven story. But that feeling of being young and old at the same time is a mystery much harder to solve.

MARY ANN LICKTEIG

Before I Forget Tory Henwood Hoen, St. Martin’s Press, 274 pages. $29.

I want to say, He doesn’t remember me either, but that’s not a reason to discount him.

In Tory Henwood Hoen’s novel Before I Forget, 27-year-old Cricket intended to help her sister place their dad, who has Alzheimer’s disease, in a nursing home. But she decides instead to become his sole caregiver, abandoning her New York City friends and job with a wellness inﬂuencer and moving upstate. Along the way, she must resolve the teenage trauma that made her leave a decade ago.

e book paints a loving portrait of our region, mud season and all. And its takes on caregiving as a source of connection, meaning and purpose — and dementia as a possible window on the supernatural — are both refreshing and tender. But for those who have seen this story play out in real life, Hoen’s version of it is altogether too easy. Cricket’s dad is forgetful but never angry or resistant, and Cricket doesn’t get frustrated with him. Her pain stays in the past, and her approach to managing his dementia only enhances his best qualities. May we all be so lucky.

ALICE DODGE

on screen

I Love Boosters ★★★★ REVIEW

With billionaires running the country, it feels like the perfect time for a new movie from musician, filmmaker and no-apologies socialist Boots Riley. The creator of 2018’s Sorry to Bother You (see sidebar) and the limited series “I’m a Virgo” (2023; Prime Video) returns with I Love Boosters, a rollicking, surreal fashionindustry satire that is also a broadside against capitalism itself. As of press time, see it at the Savoy Theater in Montpelier, Partizanﬁlm in Burlington, Essex Cinemas or Majestic 10 in Williston.

The deal

Aspiring fashion designer Corvette (Keke Palmer) lives in a repurposed fast-food joint in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she runs a “boosting” operation with her friends Sade (Naomi Ackie) and Mariah (Taylour Paige). Known as the Velvet Gang, they shoplift clothes from Metro Design, a chain owned by haughty design tycoon Christie Smith (Demi Moore), and sell them to the community at a discount.

While Corvette is proud of her “fashionforward ﬁlanthropy” — the misspelling is strictly for branding purposes — she yearns for more, so she sneaks into Christie’s o ce wearing one of her own creations. When

the gang applies for jobs at Metro Design, Corvette discovers that Christie has stolen her designs for a new collection.

As they plot their revenge, the Velvet Gang meets Jianhu (Poppy Liu), a rival booster equipped with a teleporter, with which she has transported herself from Christie’s sweatshop in China. Meanwhile, one of their new Metro Design coworkers (Eiza González) is organizing a strike. Joining forces, they all set out to take down Christie’s empire.

Will you like

it?

Watching I Love Boosters is like wandering through a bustling street fair combined with a rummage sale combined with an avantgarde theater festival. So much is going on visually and aurally at any given time — from the Velvet Gang’s ever-changing costumes and wigs to the percussive energy of the score by Tune-Yards to the scrappy special e ects — that we’re thoroughly entertained. Yet it can be hard to keep hold of the narrative thread, especially when the story plunges into outright science ﬁction.

The film’s characterization often suggests improv, with motivations ﬂuctuating to ﬁt the moment, while its plotting has the episodic quality of sketch comedy. Yet the overall theme comes through loud and

clear, especially when Riley uses inventive visuals to convey it rather than words.

At intervals throughout the ﬁlm, for instance, Corvette flees from a rolling boulder consisting of bills, overdue notices and ATM machines — a satisfyingly graphic representation of poverty. We see the hegemony of Christie’s “vision” in the Metro Design stores, each of which sells clothes of just one color. And we learn how that merciless control trickles down to labor when the women take sped-up 30-second “lunch” breaks.

Playing a tech bro in the angular body of a fashion icon, Moore gives a scenerychewing performance that makes Christie deliciously despicable. The designer, who’s also a science prodigy, claims to be revolutionizing the world on her incessant live streams. Preaching futurism one second and hurling gutter insults at her enemies the next, she’s eerily reminiscent of certain overexposed billionaires we know.

Riley has plenty more satirical targets, including pyramid schemes that prey on the urban poor, casual racism in the retail world and the propagandistic use of media. (In a running joke, TV news in this slightly alternate reality consists mostly of canned testimonials from folks labeled “Crying Black Mother” or “Based Young Dude,” all

extolling the virtues of cops and capitalism.) The sweatshop subplot, fanciful as it is, gives a new and powerful dimension to the ﬁlm’s pro-labor message, expanding it to the global level.

When a character explains that the teleporter operates on the principles of dialectical materialism, however, our attention may start to fray. In its second half, I Love Boosters becomes so frenetic and fragmented that it feels like a Marxist version of Everything Everywhere All at Once. Crammed with content for a tight attention economy, the movie is a lot, and sometimes too much. At its best, though, it’s a great hangout film, with wonderfully random comic elements such as the guy (LaKeith Stanﬁeld) trying to romance Corvette, whose mesmerizing charm hides a meme-worthy secret.

Making openly political art for today’s jaded audiences isn’t easy. We can feel Riley throwing everything he has at the screen, hoping to hit some viewers where it counts. The result is a little chaotic, but if you wanted more from the mildly anticapitalist messaging of The Devil Wears Prada 2, I Love Boosters is a perfect ﬁt.

MARGOT HARRISON margot@sevendaysvt.com

IF YOU LIKE THIS, TRY…

SORRY TO BOTHER YOU (2018; Howdy, Kanopy, rentable): In Riley’s debut satire, which feels like it shares a universe with I Love Boosters, Stanﬁeld plays a telemarketer who starts using a “white voice” and gets promoted to the upper echelon of his company, only to make horrifying discoveries.

EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE (2022; HBO Max, YouTube Primetime, rentable): The breakneck pacing and gonzo surreality of I Love Boosters recall this Best Picture Oscar winner in which Michelle Yeoh plays a laundromat owner who ﬁnds herself saving the multiverse.

FUCKTOYS (2025; opening-night ﬁlm at the Queer Film Fest, Friday, June 5, Savoy eater in Montpelier): In this candycolored odyssey that is only loosely tethered to reality, Burlington native Annapurna Sriram (who also directed) plays a hapless sex worker trying to cleanse her karma. While not as overtly political as I Love Boosters, the movie offers plenty of goofy countercultural humor.

Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige and Keke Palmer play a populist shoplifting gang in Boots Riley’s timely but frenetic satire.

NEW IN THEATERS

BACKROOMS: In Kane Parsons’ debut horror feature, inspired by a creepypasta, a therapist (Renate Reinsve) discovers that it’s possible to get terrifyingly lost in an ordinary-looking building. With Chiwetel Ejiofor and Mark Duplass. (110 min, R. Essex, Majestic, Star, Sunset, Welden)

THE BREADWINNER: After a mom (Mandy Moore) lands a reality-show spot, her husband (Nate Bargatze) has to learn to be a stay-at-home dad in Eric Appel’s family comedy. (95 min, PG. Capitol, City Cinema, Essex, Majestic)

FIUME O MORTE!: Igor Bezinovic’s fest-favorite docudrama retells a 1919 incident in which poet Gabriele d’Annunzio occupied a Croatian city. (112 min, NR. Partizanfilm)

PRESSURE: Brendan Fraser plays Dwight D. Eisenhower in this period thriller about the 72 hours preceding D-Day, also starring Andrew Scott and Kerry Condon. Anthony Maras directed. (100 min, PG-13. Capitol, Essex, Marquis)

TWO SEASONS, TWO STRANGERS: Sho Miyake’s acclaimed drama is based on two manga about significant enounters by Yoshiharu Tsuge. (89 min, NR. Partizanfilm)

CURRENTLY PLAYING

THE CHRISTOPHERSHHHH Michaela Coel plays a forger hired to complete the unfinished work of a still-living renowned artist (Ian McKellen). (100 min, R. Catamount; reviewed 4/22)

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2HH1/2 A journalist (Anne Hathaway) reunites with her one-time boss from hell (Meryl Streep) in David Frankel’s sequel. (119 min, PG-13. Bijou, Capitol, Essex, Majestic, Stowe, Sunset, reviewed 5/6)

I LOVE BOOSTERSHHH1/2 Shoplifters plot revenge on a fashion tycoon in the new surreal comedy from Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You), starring Kiki Palmer and Naomi Ackie. (105 min, R. Essex, Majestic, Partizanfilm, Savoy; reviewed 5/27)

IN THE GREYHH1/2 Covert operatives must steal a fortune from a tyrant in Guy Ritchie’s latest action thriller, starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Henry Cavill. (98 min, R. Majestic)

THE LAST ONE FOR THE ROADHHH1/2 Two middle-aged bar hoppers go on a road trip with a young architecture student in this Italian comedy from Francesco Sossai. (100 min, NR. Savoy)

MICHAELHH This drama from Antoine Fuqua chronicles the life of pop legend Michael Jackson (Jaafar Jackson). (127 min, PG-13. Big Picture, Majestic, Star, Sunset)

MILE END KICKSHHHH A young journalist’s fascination with a Montréal indie band leads to romance in this rom-com from Chandler Levack, starring Barbie Ferreira and Jay Baruchel. (105 min, R. Savoy)

MORTAL KOMBAT IIHH1/2 Martial artists have to save the world. Karl Urban and Ludi Lin star; Simon McQuoid directed. (116 min, R. Bijou)

OBSESSIONHHHH1/2 A young man makes the mistake of wishing on a charm that his crush would fall in love with him in Curry Barker’s horror film. (Essex, Majestic, Stowe, Sunset; reviewed 5/20)

OMAHAHHH1/2 John Magaro stars in Cole Webley’s Sundance Film Festival premiere about a dad taking his kids on a spur-of-the-moment road trip. (83 min, PG-13. Partizanfilm)

PASSENGERHH1/2 Vermont native Zachary Donohue cowrote this folk horror film about a threat that preys on road trippers, directed by André Øvredal and starring Melissa Leo and Lou Llobell. (94 min, R. Essex, Majestic)

PRESENCEHHHH Steven Soderbergh directed this horror film about a family who sense something off in their new suburban home. (85 min, R. Majestic)

PROJECT HAIL MARYHHHH A science teacher

(Ryan Gosling) finds himself on a mission to save Earth. (156 min, PG-13. Majestic, reviewed 4/1)

THE SHEEP DETECTIVESHHH1/2 A flock sets out to solve the murder of their shepherd in this mystery-comedy-family flick. (109 min, PG. Bijou, Capitol, City Cinema, Essex, Majestic, Star, Sunset, Welden)

STAR WARS: THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGUHH1/2 Pedro Pascal reprises his TV role as a bounty hunter adventuring with an unusual apprentice. Jon Favreau directed. (132 min, PG-13. Big Picture, Bijou, Capitol, City Cinema, Essex, Majestic, Marquis, Paramount, Playhouse, Star, Stowe, Sunset, Welden)

THE SUPER MARIO GALAXY MOVIEHH Mario explores space in the sequel to the animated adventure hit. (98 min, PG. Bijou, Majestic)

THE TRAVEL COMPANIONHHH1/2 A filmmaker (Tristan Turner) risks losing his free flights when his friend finds romance in this comedy-drama from Travis Wood and Vermont native Alex Mallis. (91 min, NR. Partizanfilm)

OLDER FILMS AND SPECIAL SCREENINGS

BLACK ORPHEUS (Marquis, Thu only)

EYES WIDE SHUT (Partizanfilm, Wed 27 only) LOST IN AMERICA (VTIFF, Mon only)

METROPOLITAN OPERA: FRIDA Y DIEGO (Essex, Sat only)

THE MISFITS (Partizanfilm, Mon only) OUT OF THE PAST (VTIFF, Sat only)

THE POWER OF THE DOG (VTIFF, Fri only)

OPEN THEATERS

(* = upcoming schedule for theater was not available at press time)

*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

CAPITOL THEATER: 93 State St., Montpelier, 229-0343, fgbtheaters.com

CATAMOUNT ARTS: 115 Eastern Ave., St. Johnsbury, 748-2600, catamountarts.org

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

*MAJESTIC 10: 190 Boxwood St., Williston, 878-2010, majestic10.com

MARQUIS THEATER: 65 Main St., Middlebury, 388-4841, middleburymarquis.com.

PARAMOUNT TWIN CINEMA: 241 N. Main St., Barre, 479-9621, fgbtheaters.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, 229-0598, 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

say you saw it in

Tag Sale Time!

It’s almost time for the annual Wake Robin Tag & Book Sale. Books, collectibles, housewares, jewelry, sporting goods, and more! Rain or shine. No pets, please. Cash preferred.

Wake Robin Tag & Book Sale Saturday, June 6 from 9am - 3pm Wake Robin Drive, Shelburne, Vermont

‘Different’ Strokes

A show at BCA Center offers a fresh take on sculpture

BY ALICE DODGE • adodge@sevendaysvt.com

If the visual arts were a rock band, sculpture would be its drums. It’s the medium that arguably requires the greatest commitment of physicality, materials and equipment; it can be loud, it takes up a lot of space, and your mom will not thank you for practicing in the living room. But it’s also the oldest and most fundamental. Its concerns — weight, tension, gesture, balance — reverberate through all other visual arts.

An exhibition based not on theme or content but instead on the very broad question of how artists articulate those concerns might seem like it would take several years and the wing of a major museum to explore. But Jacquie O’Brien, curatorial assistant and gallery coordinator at BCA Center in Burlington and a practicing sculptor herself, has done it very well with “What’s the Di erence? Sculptural Ideas,” a show she has guest-curated in the art center’s smaller, second-floor gallery, on view through June 20.

REVIEW

O’Brien narrows her focus to works by two artists: Cathy Della Lucia, who teaches at Boston College and received a prestigious Joan Mitchell Foundation fellowship last year; and Lee Williams, a former filmmaker from South Wales, in the United Kingdom, who now lives in Shaftsbury. Both present works made primarily from wood, and both have a strong sense of color. Mostly, though, the artists create objects that engage serious formal considerations, but they do it with levity and a good dose of humor. Williams started sculpting about five years ago after his move to Vermont, O’Brien said. He was inspired by newfound access to the woods and to significantly more space than he’d ever had in the UK. His sculptures often begin with sticks or logs he finds on his walks. Sometimes he lashes these together with string. Others he pins together with dowels, but more often the dowels become a visual element of their own, sticking out like quills on a hedgehog. Williams draws on Welsh folktales, and there is a definite animistic, ancient vibe to many of his sculptures. “Slowly Bending to My Will,” a five-foot-tall assemblage featuring a hollow tube of birchbark perched

atop spindly legs, gives the impression of a creature about to speak but poised to run away or collapse onto the forest ﬂoor.

“Between Laughter and Despair” incorporates a log shaped vaguely like a horse’s skull with long, twisting antlers held in place with big orange bolts. Underneath it, orange-edged plywood sandwiches a lumpy, coal-black material atop a squaredo block of wood on oversize orange casters. The whole thing is reminiscent of a

Mari Lwyd — a Welsh puppet made from a horse’s skull that challenges Christmas revelers to rhyming contests — but updated and modern: It’s ready for a rap battle at a Home Depot.

Williams uses vibrant color to keep the work fresh and contemporary without abandoning any of its natural mystery. He researches color, O’Brien said, and is fascinated by hues such as hot pink — a color that doesn’t exist as a wavelength in

the light spectrum but that we perceive as our brains amalgamate red, orange and purple. Williams deploys his palette in saturated moments that draw the eye through his compositions, like bright poppies emerging from leaf litter.

WOOD IS ACTUALLY STILL ALIVE: IT’S BREATHING; IT’S MOVING.

CATHY DELLA LUCIA

Williams’ sense of gesture — most especially in “Correspondence,” a large sculpture resting on a single point and propped against a wall — comes through as though he were drawing. In this work, which incorporates plexiglass rods and dirty, decaying canvas, he prompts viewers to see the resonances and contrasts between disparate materials, the echoes in their forms, their weirdnesses both found and constructed.

Della Lucia’s sculptures are composed of parts and junctures, each seemingly an entire boisterous conversation. They are modular, assembled from individual pieces in wood, ceramic, metal and other materials as though they were the strangest Lego sets ever made.

In an artist talk at Saint Michael’s College, Della Lucia described her process and history: She took a year o from teaching to learn woodworking, including the many Japanese joinery techniques that she now uses. She said taking the pieces apart and putting them back together again many times while creating each sculpture informs the work, as each piece’s shape limits the others. She stressed how works in her medium always relate to the human body. That includes not only what the ﬁnished sculpture looks like but also the tactile, physical actions of carving and the inherent vitality of the material. As she put it, “Wood is actually still alive: It’s breathing; it’s moving.”

Some of the works, such as “Trolling (strawberries and burnt tongues),”

“Watermelon-Dragonfruit Pus” by Cathy Della Lucia

reference the body directly and sensually. The 31-inch-high sculpture is built on a metal pole used to secure deep-sea fishing rods; the pieces are stacked on it as though on a shish kebab skewer, with lumpy bits, protuberances and orifices in sickly pink, fluorescent red and bone-like white suggesting, but not stating, the awkward dangers of all kinds of trolling.

Other sculptures are almost personifications of ADHD. Della Lucia showed pictures of her wholly chaotic studio and drawings done of the contents of her fridge, made while standing there with the door open (exactly, she said, as her dad told her not to). Within the drawings, she identifies interesting abstract shapes, then finds bits and bobs in the studio that can be carved to match. The resulting pieces are complex and intricate, such as the two interlocking forms in “WatermelonDragonfruit Pus,” which are from a larger, six-part relief based on groceries from the Korean market H Mart. Organizing the visual chaos offers a cure for it: The clever joinery renders each assemblage soothingly complete.

That’s also true of the varied references

and ideas that make their way into Della Lucia’s work. She is Korean by birth but was adopted by strict Catholic Midwestern parents, and investigations of that identity run through pieces such as “Give Me Gravy Tonight,” its title a reference to a song from Sister Act.

Others focus on absurdities or failures. They include “Privacy Gate With Invisible Crutch,” a wall-mounted sculpture made of partially clear plexiglass that provides no actual privacy whatsoever — like American bathroom stalls, she said — and folds against the wall as a tongue-in-cheek nod to art buyers who think sculpture’s footprint is too inconvenient.

That fact — the physical presence of the medium — forces us to interact with it in a different way, making us navigate past it to walk around a room, demanding acknowledgement. As O’Brien said, “The sculpture is living there, almost as a person, because it takes up space.” ➆

INFO

“What’s the Difference? Sculptural Ideas,” on view through June 20 at BCA Center in Burlington. burlingtoncityarts.org

“Between Laughter and Despair” by Lee Williams

OPENINGS + RECEPTIONS

JOEY BIBEAU AND TERRY BOYLE: “Watercolors of the Vermont Landscape,” paintings celebrating the splendor of rustic life in the state. Emile A. Gruppe Gallery, Jericho, through June 21.

RAY BROWN: “Transformative Moves II,” works by the late local artist, curated by Northern New England Museum of Contemporary Art. Central Vermont Medical Center, Berlin, through July 18.

NNEMOCA AT THE HUB: An exhibition of works from the collection of Northern New England Museum of Contemporary Art. The Hub CoWorks, Rutland, ongoing.

CHARLOTTE REIDER-SMITH: “Wet Wings,” an exhibition of paintings by the Goshen artist, including three large-scale works exploring levels of consciousness. Reception: Thursday, May 28, 5-7 p.m. Vermont State University-Castleton Bank Gallery, Rutland, May 28-September 12.

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: Thursday, May 28, 5-7 p.m. Bristol Suites, through September 30.

ART ON THE BARNS: GAIL RICKARDS: Playful installations on the farm’s historic barns and buildings referencing rural New England life, with a series of paintings displayed inside the Visitor’s Center. Reception: Thursday, May 28, 5:30-7:30 p.m.; advance registration required. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, through May 10, 2027.

‘A “FAIRLEE” GOOD ART SHOW’: A two-weekend show, with opening and closing receptions, featuring works by Johns Hopkins, Pace Kendall, Wayne Burke, David Holmes, Lisa Kippen, Susan Smereka, Ria Blaas, Stacy Hopkins, Kevin Donegan, Mike Laundry and Antoinette Jacobson, at 1985 Route 5 in Fairlee. Reception: Friday, May 29, 4-7 p.m. Johns Hopkins studio, Fairlee, May 29-31.

HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2026 EXHIBIT: Works by graduating seniors and AP art students at Woodstock Union High School. Reception: Friday, May 29, 4-6 p.m. Artistree Community Arts Center, South Pomfret, May 29-June 13.

RORY JACKSON: “To Belong,” a new body of work that moves between two landscapes: central Vermont and the coastal fishing villages of western Ghana. Reception: Friday, May 29, 5:30-7 p.m. Edgewater Gallery on the Green, Middlebury, through June 21.

‘VERMONT VICE’: An exhibition examining the darker side of life in Vermont, from counterfeiters and rum runners to illicit gambling and murder, featuring art by Ray Materson and Susan Meisalas, historical objects, and recently acquired items from the Green Mountain Racetrack in Pownal. Bennington Museum, May 30-November 1.

ELLEN DORN LEVITT: A retrospective of works by the late artist, designer and educator, including structural book designs, educational materials and artwork reflecting meticulous craftsmanship, curated by Elly Barksdale and Martha Elmes.

Reception: Monday, June 1, 5-7 p.m. The Satellite Gallery, Lyndonville, through July 1.

ART RESOURCE ASSOCIATION MEMBERS’ EXHIBIT: A selection of works by members of the organization, which has been supporting the arts for more than 50 years. Reception: Friday, June 5, 5-7:30 p.m.; artist talk, 6 p.m. T.W. Wood Museum, Montpelier, May 28-July 24.

CAROLYN SHAPIRO AND DEB FLEISCHMAN: “Sea Wonders,” a two-person show celebrating connections to the ocean, including 16 textile collages by Shapiro and Fleischman’s installation “Kelpy,” an immersive ribbon display simulating a kelp forest. Reception: Friday, June 5, 5-7:30 p.m.; artist talk, 6 p.m. T.W. Wood Museum, Montpelier, May 28-July 24.

Ludique-rous

Christopher Curtis, one of the founders of the Current’s annual “Exposed” exhibition of outdoor sculpture, is known for making large works in steel and stone: Attempting to eat one would definitely result in broken teeth. Not so this week. The Stowe sculptor has teamed up with esteemed Parisian chef Pierre Hermé to make something sweeter. Hermé based a nearly 9-pound chocolate, sold in Europe as an exclusive Easter treat celebrating playfulness (ludique, in French), on Curtis’ “Puzzle” series of sculptures: granite eggs made up of puzzle piece-like forms. Curtis received one of the fragile creations, which the chef brought to New York City and then sent through a series of couriers, delivering it in what Curtis described as a “dead-drop spy handoff.” Now, he’s planning to share it with members of the community at an artist talk at the Current, to be followed by champagne and a taste of the chocolate sculpture. Curtis said he’ll talk about pleasure as the nexus of art and chocolate; he hopes to highlight ways we can all seek out “just a little bit more joy.”

LUDIQUE

Artist talk, unveiling, and chocolate and champagne tasting, Thursday, May 28, 5-6:30 p.m., at the Current in Stowe. Free; reservations required; space limited.

JANET VAN FLEET: “Curious Lifeforms,” a show of sculpture made from found and manipulated materials and featuring figures and faces by the central Vermont artist, whose work often references political, environmental and social issues. Reception: Saturday, June 6, 3-5 p.m. The Tunbridge General Store Gallery, May 29-July 13.

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, May 28, 12:30-2:30 p.m., and Tuesday, June 2, 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, May 28, 7-9 p.m. Free; $15 suggested donation.

ARTIST TALK: BEVERLY ACHA: A discussion with the artist of her work in painting, printmaking and drawing, which often references the visual and spatial languages of landscape, architecture and diagrams. Vermont Studio Center, Johnson, Friday, May 29, 8-9 p.m. Free.

ARTIST TALK: CARL CROOK: A presentation of photographs and histories from Crook’s family, who lived in China for more than a century, spanning four generations. CX Silver Gallery, Brattleboro, Saturday, May 30, 1-3 p.m. Free.

ARTIST TALK: DAVID RICCI: A discussion with the photographer of his new book, Hunter Gatherer: Salvaged Stories of American Culture an investigation of consumerism, racism, objectification, beauty standards, pop culture and Christianity through the lens of objects at resale marketplaces throughout the United States. Vermont Center for Photography, Brattleboro, Saturday, May 30, 5 p.m. Free.

‘PRIDE AND JOY: SPINNING PINWHEELS’: A drop-in quilt design activity, sponsored by Riot Craft Studio and featuring artist Elise Whittemore, who invites participants to contribute to the quilt “Spinning Pinwheels” with the aim of celebrating queer joy. Heritage Winooski Mill Museum, Sunday, May 31, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.

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, May 31, 1-3 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, June 1, 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, June 2, 7-9 p.m. $15 suggested donation.

CALL TO ARTISTS

‘CREATIVE COMPETITION, ROUND TWO’: Now accepting one entry per artist for the event on June 5, at which visitors vote for their favorite artworks; winner takes bragging rights and a $500 grand prize. Enter at seaba.com. The SEABA Center, Burlington, Deadline: June 1. $15; free for SEABA members. ➆

ART EVENTS

Above: “Puzzle Three” by Christopher Curtis; below: “Dialogue des Formes” by Pierre Hermé

3 Nights! 8 Bands! One Great Cause!

Local Music Competition

Welcome, new Super Readers!

Joseph Negri Jessica Taylor

Here are some of the repeat and recurring Super Readers who sustain us all year:

Cornelia Aiston

Louise Andrews

SEMI-FINALS • CHEER ON YOUR FAVORITES!

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10

The Returnables

Bad Luck Bliss

Peter Wayne Burton MOMDAD

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17

Antara + Chris

Peter Clark

Wendy Coe

Greg Cluff

Lynn Cluff

Shohreh Eckhardt

Deena Frankel

John Freitag

Gordon Gebauer

Sylvia Knight

Steve Minor

Nina Paus-Weiler

Lori Roberts

Lily Snow

Emily Stebbins-Wheelock

Nat Testa

James Wick

Winner receives 2 days of recording at VT MUSIC LAB in Essex & their music played on the radio! 6-9 PM

Matt Goodell

Julia Whitaker Vices, Inc.

WEDNESDAY • JUNE 24 • THE FINALS

SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT JUNE 10,17&24 PRESENTED BY

Julie David

William Nowlan

Paul Yoon

Join these generous folks and other Super Readers who donate monthly to:

Make your contribution today! sevendaysvt.com/super-readers

Or send a check w/note to: Seven Days c/o Super Readers, PO Box 1164, Burlington, VT 05402.

Need more info? Want to give from a donor-advised fund or through a qualiﬁed charitable contribution? Contact Gillian at 802-865-1020, ext. 115 or superreaders@sevendaysvt.com.

Otto Rot doesn’t think that what he and his sister, Astrid, do is particularly funny. In fact, when a team of documentary filmmakers approached the German siblings to make a series about their punk duo, Die Roten Punkte (the Red Dots), they were initially guarded.

“A lot of people try and think that we’re, like, you know, some kind of funny people,” Otto said in a heavy German accent by phone from New York City, where he and Astrid had just arrived. “But they said, ‘No, no, no. You know, this is a very serious documentary,’ because we are a very serious art-rock band.”

Unfortunately for the Rot siblings, they also happen to be hilarious. Think vaudeville meets the White Stripes or Flight of the Conchords fused with “The Young Ones.”

Die Roten Punkte are actually Australian comedians Daniel Tobias and Clare Bartholomew. Their satirical musicalcomedy duo, Otto & Astrid, has toured the world extensively and built an international cult following, including an online fan base of more than 50,000. Tobias and Bartholomew imbued the ﬁctional Berlin siblings with a tragic backstory that’s heavily disputed between them — and the outlandish proclamation that Die Roten Punkte are the “best band in the world.”

Sibling Rock Rivalry

Jerry’s scoop shop, catching a Vermont Green FC match, and taking in some farmers markets. They said they’ll also keep an eye out for U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). Their visit culminates with a performance and live taping on Wednesday, June 3, at Vermont Comedy Club.

In full character, the Rot siblings recently spoke to Seven Days by phone.

I was recently reading about how the two of you were orphaned as kids.

ASTRID ROT: It was very tragic, actually. Our parents were run over by a train. It was awful. It was very foggy and muddy, and I think they were holding hands, and one slipped, the other slipped, and poof! They were, yeah, they were gone.

OTTO ROT: They were eaten by a lion, actually.

AR: No, stop it, Otto. You see what I’m dealing with? There are no lions in Germany.

OR: He was on the train from Düsseldorf to meet some friends at the Berlin Zoo. He stopped o the train, and yeah, he ate our parents.

AR: Otto, listen to yourself.

OR: Every year 200 people are eaten by lions. Google it! Every year.

You’d think they’d stop letting lions take trains at some point.

With Astrid on drums and Otto leaping around the stage, red Flying V guitar in hand, the duo blends Ramones-like punk energy with the high-octane comedic pop of the B-52s. Equal part rock concert and comedy special, its live show also often features a healthy dose of inﬁghting.

All that and more will be on display in the new, as-yet-untitled TV series, a travel “reality” show following the German punks as they encounter new cities. It’s “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown” by way of Spinal Tap.

The aforementioned documentary ﬁlmmakers who approached Otto & Astrid about the show are not only real, they’re a trio of Vermonters with a ton of Hollywood experience between them: Chris Parizo (Viceland Kazan), Alexis Vail (Passing, Paint) and Lucien Delabruere (“The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” “Ride With Norman Reedus”). Next week they’ll bring the band to Burlington to ﬁlm the series pilot, exploring Queen City culture and arts through the siblings’ comedic lens and a quintessentially Vermonty itinerary.

BY CHRIS FARNSWORTH • farnsworth@sevendaysvt.com

The Rots plan on visiting a Ben &

OR: Yeah, well, you know, some of them are on buses and trams and trolleys. It really depends on where you are.

We don’t have a lot of lions or passenger trains in Vermont, so hopefully nothing triggers you while you’re

AR: We’ve never been to Vermont before. And we’ve never done a show like this before. We did make a web series once, but it was a little bit of a disaster, because Otto and I fought quite a bit. We just have to be nice to each other when they’re filming so we can show everyone our good side.

OR: A lot of people have seen our ﬁnished product, but this can show us behind the scenes, like the ﬁlm with Billie Eilish and her brother, Finneas. Or Taylor Swift. Or the Beatles anthology. We are a lot like the Beatles.

AR: The Beatles argued, too.

OR: That’s true.

AR: Except Ringo. He just sat there. Which is kind of what I do, as well.

OR: Yeah, you know, the Billie Eilish ﬁlm, it was directed by James Cameron, but he

Otto & Astrid

COURTESY

CHRISTINE FIEDLER

told her she should codirect the movie, which is really cool.

Did that inspire you to codirect this project?

OR: No, nobody’s offered to do that with us.

AR: You’re not codirecting our show. OR: Yeah, no one has offered to let us have any creative control over this at all. So in that way, yeah, it’s a little different, I guess.

OR: I like to meet as many people as possible. I try to be as nice as I possibly can. I radiate and glow with positive energy, and people are attracted to that. Astrid’s methods are different; she will convince people against their will … coercion, bribery. She will often commit crimes to get people to come and see our show.

AR: That is rock and roll.

If the project gets picked up, are there plans to visit other cities around America?

OR: Yes! We can’t wait to meet new people and make them come see us. We’ve already met so many incredible people lately. We met Gina Schock from the Go-Go’s and Martha Reeves from the Vandellas. Boy George says he loves us, too. Pink said online that she can’t wait to see us!

AR: I don’t think that means she’s coming to Burlington.

How are you planning to curb your sibling rivalry for the show? You famously played simultaneous solo sets on the same stage during a schism.

AR: Otto just needs to take some more deep breaths and listen to me.

OR: Astrid has a much louder voice than me, so when we talk, it’s hard for me to—

AR: You’re actually quite loud right now. OR: That’s just because I am closer to the receiver, Astrid.

AR: You’re actually incredibly loud right now.

OR: I am sure it is the position of the receiver relative to where we are sitting.

Are you worried things could get as toxic as the Gallagher brothers’ relationship in Oasis?

OR: When I see footage of the Gallagher brothers, they seem to get on much better than Astrid and I. I see them together, and I say, Wow, that is something for us to work towards. They actually like spending time together.

AR: What are you talking about? I just bought you an avocado for your bagel. Have you ever seen Noel buy Liam an avocado?

OR: This is true. Perhaps I am corrected.

For your new show, you plan to immerse yourself in Burlington’s arts and culture and connect with locals.

AR: We have to leave our hotel rooms and get out and meet people and convince them to come to the show.

OR: Also, Astrid gets a little confused with the time changes when we are going different places. She doesn’t know when to be awake or when to be asleep. Sometimes we are in the middle of a song, and she is falling asleep.

AR: It’s not true.

OR: It’s true. It did happen. In San Francisco. You were asleep.

AR: No, I had an eyelash poking me in the eye, so I had to take a little break, a headrest break. Because of the eyelash. I was awake, for sure.

What are you most looking forward to about visiting the city?

OR: We’d like Bernie Sanders to come to the show. That would be great. Does Bernie like rock and roll?

I can’t say with any real authority, sadly. He did help start an all-ages punk venue when he was mayor of Burlington.

AR: Of course he did.

OR: We always want to get some Ben & Jerry’s from the place it’s born.

AR: Maybe they will come to the show?

OR: Look, I would settle for either Ben or Jerry; both don’t have to come. That would unreasonable. ➆

This interview was edited for clarity and length.

INFO

Otto & Astrid, Wednesday, June 3, 6:30 p.m., at Vermont Comedy Club in Burlington. $25. vermontcomedyclub.com

THE LEGENDARY

To celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday, the Vermont Symphony Orchestra hits the road with Summer Festival Tour: America 250 The state’s orchestra will perform beloved favorites like Morton Gould’s American Salute (based on When Johnny Comes Marching Home ), Aaron Copland’s Hoe-Down from Rodeo, a lively selection of music by John Williams and John Philip Sousa, and more

Count Basie Orchestra founded by legendary pianist and bandleader William James “Count ” Basie, remains a global force in Jazz over 30 years after his passing Now led by Scotty Barnhart the ensemble features musicians handpicked by Basie and boasts 18 Grammy Awards Their dynamic blend of swing, blues, and improvisation has captivated audiences in film television and on prestigious stages worldwide From Kansas City clubs to Carnegie Hall, the orchestra continues to honor Basie’s vision and showcase Jazz’s timeless power and universal appeal

The

CLUB DATES

live music

WED.27

The Balconiers (funk, jazz) at the Alchemist, Stowe, 4 p.m. Free.

Bluegrass & Pizza (bluegrass) at Four Quarters Brewing, Winooski, 6:30 p.m. Free.

Dobbs’ Dead (Grateful Dead tribute) at Zenbarn, Waterbury Center, 7 p.m. $10/$15.

Grace Palmer (singer-songwriter) at Two Heroes Brewery & Public House, South Hero, 6 p.m. Free. Jazz Night with Ray Vega (jazz) at Hotel Vermont, Burlington, 8:30 p.m. Free.

Jazz Sessions (jazz) at the 126, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free.

Oranssi Pazuzu, Wayfarer (metal) at the Stone Church, Brattleboro, 8 p.m. $37/$42.

THU.28

Andric Severance Organ Trio (jazz) at Foam Brewers, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

Folino’s Summer Concert Series on the Patio (live music) at Folino’s Pizza, Williston, 6 p.m. Free.

Folino’s Summer Concert Series on the Patio (live music) at Folino’s Pizza, Northfield, 6 p.m. Free.

Forest Station (bluegrass) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 8 p.m. $10.

Kyle Stevens (covers) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 6 p.m. Free.

Lincoln Sprague (piano) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 5 p.m. Free.

Raised by Hippies (rock) at Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling, Essex, 6 p.m. Free.

Ryan Sweezey and the Midnight Walkers, Milton Busker & the Grim Work, Troy Millette & the Fire Below (Americana, indie folk) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $18.

THU.28-SAT.30 // JOSH BLUE [COMEDY]

Going for Gold

Not many comedians launch their careers after competing in the Paralympics, but that’s exactly what JOSH BLUE did. The Denver comic played for the U.S. soccer squad in the 2004 Summer Paralympics, only two years before taking home top prize on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing.” He’s since appeared on shows such as “America’s Got Talent” and made multiple late-night talk show appearances. His material often focuses on living with cerebral palsy — he jokes that it takes him 45 minutes to sign an autograph. Blue performs multiple sets Thursday to Saturday, May 28 to 30, at Vermont Comedy Club in Burlington.

The Tenderbellies (bluegrass) at Shelburne Vineyard, 7 p.m. Free.

Zach Nugent (Grateful Dead tribute) at Hugo’s, Montpelier, 7:30 p.m. Free.

FRI.29

Bad Horsey (covers) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 9 p.m. Free.

Bird Mountain String Band (bluegrass) at Poultney Pub, 6 p.m. Free.

Bob Gagnon (jazz) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. Free.

Brunch, Danny & the Parts (indie, Americana) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 11 p.m. $10.

sevendaysvt.com/music. If you’re a talent

brewery or coffee shop, send

sevendaysvt.com/postevent.

Cheddar (funk, soul) at the Alchemist, Stowe, 5 p.m. Free.

Connor Lin Frost (singersongwriter) at Shelburne Vineyard, 6 p.m. Free.

Dave Mitchell’s Blue’s Revue (blues) at Red Square, Burlington, 2 p.m. Free.

Dead Man Strumming (Grateful Dead tribute) at River Roost Brewery, White River Junction, 5 p.m. Free.

Double Tiger (reggae) at Zenbarn, Waterbury Center, 8 p.m. $15/$20.

Duncan MacLeod Trio (covers) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 5 p.m. Free.

The Faerie Godbrothers (folk) at Bent Nails Roadhouse, Middlesex, 8:30 p.m. Free.

Hannah Frances, Thanya Iyer, Cam Gilmour (indie) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 8 p.m. $15/$20.

Hudson Freeman, lots of hands, youbet (indie) at the Stone Church, Brattleboro, 8 p.m. $25.

IncaHoots (rock) at the Old Post, South Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

Jamie Hughes (acoustic) at Gusto’s, Barre, 6 p.m. Free.

Last Pages, Dogwater (punk) at Charlie-O’s World Famous, Montpelier, 9 p.m. Free.

Matt Hagen (acoustic) at Hotel Vermont, Burlington, 4 p.m. Free.

Monachino, Jarrett & Stats (jazz) at Hugo’s, Montpelier, 7:30 p.m. Free.

Nökings Jazz Trio (jazz) at the Whammy Bar, Calais, 7 p.m. Donation.

P.O.E. (jazz) at Foam Brewers, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free.

Sonic Futures: Youth Music Showcase (youth music showcase) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 7 p.m. $10/$15.

Tournesol (swing, jazz) at Two Heroes Brewery & Public House, South Hero, 6 p.m. Free.

Troy Millette (singer-songwriter) at Switchback Beer Garden & Smokehouse, Burlington, 5:30 p.m. Free.

Unabomber, No Son of Mine, Funeral Date (metal) at Burlington Odd Fellows Hall, 6:30 p.m. $10.

VT Bluegrass Pioneers (bluegrass) at Jericho Café & Tavern, 6 p.m. Free.

Zach Nugent (Grateful Dead tribute) at Lawson’s Finest Liquids, Waitsfield, 6 p.m. Free.

SAT.30

All-Night Fundraiser for the Kevin Bloom for Sheriff Campaign (indie rock, DJ) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $15/$25.

Astrocat (rock) at Standing Stone Wines, Winooski, 7 p.m. Free.

Ava Sofia (R&B) at Hugo’s, Montpelier, 7:30 p.m. Free.

Barbacoa (surf rock) at Shelburne Vineyard, 6 p.m. Free.

Beg, Steal or Borrow at Lost Nation Brewing, Morrisville, 8 p.m. $20.

Campfire Jack (country) at Charlie-O’s World Famous, Montpelier, 8:30 p.m. Free. Country Music Fest (country) at Four Quarters Brewing, Winooski, 2 p.m. Free.

Dead Sessions (Grateful Dead tribute) at Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $15.

Footworks (folk) at the Den at Harry’s Hardware, Cabot, 7 p.m. Free.

Hard Scrabble (acoustic) at Two Heroes Brewery & Public House, South Hero, 6 p.m. Free.

Jesse Agan (covers) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 5 p.m. Free.

Jim Branca Trio (blues) at Jericho Café & Tavern, 6 p.m. Free. Left Eye Jump (blues) at Red Square, Burlington, 3 p.m. Free.

Los Sóngoros (Cuban, Brazilian) at the SEABA Center, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $15; $10 for students.

Night Protocol (synth rock) at Bent Nails Roadhouse, Middlesex, 8:30 p.m. Free.

NightHawk (covers) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 9 p.m. Free.

No Static (Steely Dan tribute) at the Stone Church, Brattleboro, 8 p.m. $42/$50.

Outnumbered, Stab, Before Your Eyes, Blossom (punk) at Burlington Odd Fellows Hall, 7 p.m. $10.

Quintitty with Janéa Hudson (jazz) at Foam Brewers, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free.

Sleeveless Tease (covers) at Stowe Cider, 4 p.m. Free.

Table for Two (acoustic) at Poultney Pub, 6 p.m. Free.

Troy Millette & the Fire Below (Americana) at Double E Performance Center’s T-Rex Theater, Essex, 7 p.m. $20.

Will Patton & Carol Ann Jones (folk) at Dick Wright Public House, Franklin, 6 p.m. $10.

Z Zalewski Quintet (jazz) at Foam Brewers, Burlington, 4 p.m. Free.

SUN.31

Abstract VT: Live! (live music) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 5-7 p.m. $12.

Bluegrass Brunch (bluegrass) at Madbush Falls, Waitsfield, noon. Free.

Greenbush (jazz) at Red Square, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.

Mike Mac (singer-songwriter) at Lawson’s Finest Liquids, Waitsfield, 3 p.m. Free.

Paddy Reagan’s Are You Now? (jazz) at Foam Brewers, Burlington, 1 p.m. Free.

Seth Yacovone (acoustic) at the Alchemist, Stowe, 4 p.m. Free.

Sunday Brunch Tunes (singersongwriter) at Hotel Vermont, Burlington, 10 a.m.

Vallory Falls, Yabai!, the Flood (punk, indie rock) at Monkey House, Winooski, 7 p.m. $10. Wine & Jazz Sundays (jazz) at Shelburne Vineyard, 5 p.m. Free.

TUE.2

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.

Dead Is Alive with Dobbs’ Dead (Grateful Dead tribute) at Einstein’s Tap House, Burlington, 8 p.m. $15.

Honky Tonk Tuesday with Wild Leek River (country) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 9 p.m. $10.

Irish Night With RambleTree (Celtic) at Two Brothers Tavern, Middlebury, 7 p.m. Free.

Liam Bauman, Nora Meier, Lillian Leadbetter, Jess O’Brien (singer-songwriter) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 6:30 p.m. $10.

Luis Betancourt and Friends (jazz) at Monkey House, Winooski, 7 p.m. Free.

Ms. Ezra Furman Doing What She Wants (indie rock) at the Stone Church, Brattleboro, 7 p.m. $25/$31.

WED.3

Alex Stewart Quartet (jazz) at Vermont Pub & Brewery, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free. Bluegrass & Pizza (bluegrass) at Four Quarters Brewing, Winooski, 6:30 p.m. Free.

Dan Ryan Express (jazz) at American Flatbread Burlington Hearth, 5:30 p.m. Free.

An Intimate Night of Jazz (jazz) at Stone Valley Arts, Poultney, 7 p.m. Free.

Jazz Night with Ray Vega (jazz) at Hotel Vermont, Burlington, 8:30 p.m. Free.

Jazz Sessions (jazz) at the 126, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free.

Spacey Jane, TOLEDO (indie rock) at Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington, 8:30 p.m. $35.

TURNmusic Presents Wednesday Knudsen (experimental) at the Phoenix, Waterbury, 7:30 p.m. $30.

djs

WED.27

Sonic Geography (vinyl DJ) at Last Stop Sports Bar, Winooski, 7 p.m. Free.

THU.28

DJ Two Sev, JP Black, CeCe, Chaston (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free.

Thirsty Thursday (DJ) at Rí Rá Irish Pub & Whiskey Room, Burlington, 10 p.m. Free.

Vinyl Night (DJ) at Poultney Pub, 6 p.m. Free.

FRI.29

DJ LaFountaine (DJ) at Gusto’s, Barre, 9 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.

DJ Two Sev, Ron Stoppable, Bounce, Aras (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

Friday Night at Specs (DJ) at Specs Cafe & Bar, Winooski, 7 p.m. Free.

SAT.30

DJ Ara$, Mr. Cheng, DJ Raul, Matt P (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.

Tad Cautious (DJ) at Monkey House, Winooski, 9 p.m. Free.

TUE.2

Bashment Tuesday (DJ) at Akes’ Place, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.

open mics & jams

WED.27

Lit Club (poetry open mic) at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.

Open Mic (open mic) at Poultney Pub, 7 p.m. Free.

THU.28

Old Time Jam (open jam) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.

Open Mic (open mic) at the Whammy Bar, Calais, 7 p.m. Free.

SUN.31

Olde Time Jam Session (open jam) at the Den at Harry’s Hardware, Cabot, noon. Free.

VT Synth Society Meetup (synth open jam, discussion) at Community of Sound, Burlington, 5 p.m. Free.

MON.1

Monday Night Open Mic (open mic) at Pearl Street Pub, Essex Junction, 6 p.m. Free.

TUE.2

Doug’s Open Mic (open mic) at Two Heroes Brewery & Public House, South Hero, 6 p.m. Free.

WED.3

Open Celtic Session (Celtic open jam) at Bent Nails Roadhouse, Middlesex, 6 p.m. Free.

Open Mic (open mic) at Poultney Pub, 7 p.m. Free.

The Ribbit Review Open Mic & Jam (open mic) at Lily’s Pad, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

comedy

WED.27

Standup Open Mic (comedy open mic) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 8:30 p.m. Free.

THU.28

Josh Blue (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 7 p.m. $35.

FRI.29

Fruity Business: A Queer Comedy Show (comedy) at Double E Performance Center’s T-Rex Theater, Essex, 7 p.m. $15/$18. Josh Blue (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 7 p.m. SOLD OUT.

The Kingdom Kids: Improv Comedy Night (comedy) at Montpelier Performing Arts Hub, 7 p.m. $20.

SAT.30

Josh Blue (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 9 p.m. $35.

TUE.2

All That Jazz Open Mic Comedy (comedy) at the 126, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

WED.3

Otto & Astrid (comedy, punk) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 6:30 p.m. $25.

Standup Open Mic (comedy open mic) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 8:30 p.m. Free.

trivia, karaoke, etc.

WED.27

Charlie-O’s World Famous Drag Show (drag) at Charlie-O’s World Famous, Montpelier, January 28, 7:45 p.m. Free.

Dads’ Night Out: Trivia Night (trivia) at Colatina Exit, Bradford, 6:30 p.m. Free.

Historically Close Friends Presents: ‘Caterpillar Soup’ by Gina Stevensen (theater) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 8 p.m. $10/$15.

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 Alfie’s Wild Ride, Stowe, 7 p.m. Free.

Trivia (trivia) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

Trivia (trivia) at Rí Rá Irish Pub & Whiskey Room, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

THU.28

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.

QBTO Drag Show (drag) at Charlie-O’s World Famous, Montpelier, 8 p.m. Free.

Trivia (trivia) at Jericho Café & Tavern, 6 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.

Trivia Night (trivia) at 1st Republic Brewing, Essex, 6 p.m. Free.

Trivia Night (trivia) at McKee’s Island Pub & Pizza, South Hero, 6:30 p.m. Free.

Trivia Night with College (trivia) at Bent Nails Roadhouse, Middlesex, 7 p.m. Free.

FRI.29

Boogie Bingo (bingo, DJ) at the Alchemist, Stowe, 5 p.m. Free. Cherry Pop Open Drag Stage (drag) at Monkey House, Winooski, 8 p.m. donation. Karaoke Friday Night (karaoke) at Park Place Tavern & Grill, Essex Junction, 8 p.m. Free. Karaoke with DJ Big T (karaoke) at McKee’s Original, Winooski, 9 p.m. Free.

SAT.30

Essex Pride After-party (drag) at the Double E Lounge at Essex Experience, 7 p.m. $15. Queeraoke with Goddess (karaoke) at Standing Stone Wines, Winooski, 9 p.m. Free.

SUN.31

Eleganza & Espresso: A Drag Brunch (drag) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 11 a.m. $20.

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.1

Fighting Game Community Biweekly with WNFC (gaming) at Lumière Hall, Burlington Beer, 4 p.m. $5.

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, KARAOKE, ETC. » P.59

The corporate cats at Pitchfork recently paywalled their album reviews, but Seven Days doesn’t roll like that. Here are six reviews of new records by Vermont artists, from indie rock to hip-hop to ambient music.

Invisible

Homes, When We Dead Awaken...

(SELF-RELEASED, DIGITAL)

While listening to an old recording of his mother speaking, Burlington musician Sean Witters found the central theme for his new album, When We Dead Awaken… The ﬁrst record from his Invisible Homes project in well over a decade features the voice of his late mother, Judy. “Say something before the tape runs out. You don’t have much time,” she says on the sprawling indierock opus “Sadako (Crane Song).”

Not long after his mother died, Witters, a senior lecturer at the University of Vermont, discovered he had a potentially life-threatening issue with his heart that required surgery and extensive recovery. Those events gave Witters a di erent perspective that informs the songs on When We Dead Awaken…: He’s a man looking at the world with fresh eyes.

With references to writers Adrienne Rich, Mary McCarthy and J.G. Ballard, Witters pairs highly literate and evocative lyrics with a rich sonic tapestry. Shades of Joy Division-esque new wave mix with electro-pop and an almost progressive strain of indie rock, occasionally straying into hip-hop beats and avant-garde side quests.

Despite the long lapse, Invisible Homes returns to the Vermont music scene with a bold, beautifully sad yet strangely hopeful record.

KEY TRACK: “Pale Rage (for J.G. Ballard)”

WHY: Witters takes inspiration from Ballard’s 1968 story “Why I Want to Fuck Ronald Reagan,” singing “All I ever wanted was to isolate with you / Hide out from the pyros like overloaded men.”

WHERE: invisiblehomes.bandcamp.com

Konﬂik, 3rd Q.T.R. Quote of the Raven

(AFTERLYFE MUSIC, CD, DIGITAL)

Roxbury, Mass., native and longtime Burlington hip-hop ﬁxture Konﬂik dropped 3rd Q.T.R. Quote of the Raven at the end of last year. The MC, best known locally for his work with the band Belizbeha and hip-hop collective Eye Oh You, is a foundational rapper in the 802 scene. For his latest record, he once again teamed up with his brother: rapper, producer and VT Union cofounder NasteeLuvzYou.

Konflik’s third full-length album is a follow-up to his blistering 2022 release, Head of a Snake, Thumbs of a Thief. There’s no new formula at work on 3rd Q.T.R. Konflik returns as a classic boom-bap rapper, a bruiser with an erudite tongue and a clear love and understanding of hip-hop history and culture. With a throwback sound that never feels dated, Konflik and Nastee bounce through eras, equally assured in them all.

It’s a record brimming with confidence, top-notch production and Konflik’s deep-voiced dynamic flow. While he welcomes the odd guest verse from the likes of West Coast rapper Tash and Massachusetts MC REKS, Konflik has both hands on the wheel.

KEY TRACK: “Ancient Chant”

WHY: In a rare romantic moment from the gruff rapper, Konﬂik’s ﬂow is in top form over a ’90s-era beat.

WHERE: konﬂik1.bandcamp.com

Two Baseballs in Space, Two Baseballs in Space

(SELF-RELEASED, DIGITAL)

The self-titled debut from Burlington rock band Two Baseballs in Space is an unapologetic return to the days of grunge. The record opens with “And Redeem Me,” a hard-charging number built on big guitar ri s, pounding drums and a vocal from singer Henry Stowell that can only be described as Eddie Vedder-esque. The Pearl Jam singer’s baritone yowl became synonymous with the grunge era’s sound, often copied by imitators.

It’s been a long time since the days of Pearl Jam clones, and to be fair, Two Baseballs in Space aren’t exactly that. Their new album includes elements of indie folk on tunes such as “Travelin Man” and even power pop on “Drawing Blanks.” When pushed out of the grunge zone, Stowell’s delivery feels less angsty and the melodic power of the band shines.

That makes for an uneven record — perhaps unsurprising for a debut. The band commands excellent dynamics yet often goes for the most obvious choice, resulting in some derivative moments. But when Two Baseballs in Space go deep, as on album closer “Belong,” their potential is clear to see.

KEY TRACK: “Double the Rain”

WHY: e most innovative that Two Baseballs in Space get on their debut, the song vacillates between Maroon 5 funk rock and shades of jam.

WHERE: twobaseballsinspace.bandcamp.com

Sean Clute, Passing Landscapes and Lingering Imprints

(SELF-RELEASED, DIGITAL)

As wind brushes the microphone and chimes echo across the mix, tension starts to build. Competing drones writhe around and over each other as the sounds shift from airy to earthen. Thus begins Passing Landscapes and Lingering Imprints, the latest record of ambient music and noise from interdisciplinary artist, performer and composer Sean Clute. A skilled sound manipulator, Clute ﬁnds novel ways to create his sonic experiments. The almost synth-like contours on “Dirt Eaters” are the result of placing microphones into the dirt of his garden and mixing the sounds with samples of bells and a woodblock. A later section of the record titled “Imprints A” is constructed with the sounds of frogs, recorded one night from Clute’s backyard.

Clute, a professor of ﬁne arts at Vermont State University, originally composed the album as part of a collaboration with artist Erin Ellen Kelly for her master’s thesis at Bennington College. The six movements center on his “dreams of traveling through vast landscapes,” he said by email. The album is a sound diary of Clute’s dreams, from the windswept ﬁelds of Utah to the crashing ocean of San Francisco to the evening chorus of his Vermont backyard.

KEY TRACK: “Imprints B”

WHY: Clute takes the entire record to that point, speeds it up and condenses it into a 2.5-minute track, an imprint of the album’s sonic journey before closer “Lands End.”

WHERE: seanclute.bandcamp.com

Moondogs, Tides and Seasons

(AQUA BEAR RECORDS, DIGITAL)

In the ’90s, the Vermont scene was rife with jam and roots-rock bands such as Assembly of Dust, RAQ and the Samples, who mingled Southern rock and Grateful Dead inﬂuences with summer festival vibes. The approach was so common that as it waned in mid-aughts, it felt like Vermont was actively changing its sound proﬁle.

While indie-rock acts have reigned in recent years, at least one Burlington band ﬂies the ﬂag for that rootsy jam scene: Moondogs. The quartet’s latest album, Tides and Seasons, suggests newfound sophistication, with elements of jazz and psychedelic rock entering the chat. Most impressively, Moondogs have become increasingly adept at synthesizing their range of styles into a distinctive sound somewhere between jam rock and indie pop.

On tunes such as “Crystallized,” Moondogs let that sound spread out. Each member pushes the groove and takes their space, but it never comes o like a collection of dweebs soloing over each other. This is a band figuring out how to interact with its influences in original ways — the surest tack to avoid the copycat fate of so many Vermont jam-adjacent acts that inevitably get compared to bigger, older bands. The Moondogs sound like they’re stepping closer to their final form with every album. Tides and Seasons is their biggest stride yet.

KEY SONG: “Parasite” WHY: e band channels its inner Post Animal on this hard-rocking groove machine of a song. WHERE: Spotify, Apple Music

Tall Tails, Extra Extra

(SELF-RELEASED, DIGITAL)

Tall Tails are a new band made up of New England songwriter Chris White and Jericho producer and musician Jer Coons. The two actually went to Middlebury Union High School together but were unaware of their mutual musical destinies until a few years ago.

White approached Coons about recording an album, and the result is a long-gestating but utterly brilliant collection of indie folk and alt-pop called Extra Extra. The record’s eight tracks encompass Fleet Foxeslike folk power and Wilco’s brand of professor rock with a strain of experimentation running throughout.

White is a strangely funny songwriter, slipping beautiful little absurdities into his lyrics. Take the track “Outerspace Fireplace,” on which he sings, “If I’m not in trouble with Enterprise Rental / You and me, we’re gonna have a day / We’ll get lost in America / In this rented Ford Escape.” Yet beyond the humor, a sharp edge waits as the song reveals itself to be a lament for a lost friend.

It’s a stunning debut from White and Coons, who plan to continue recording together and assemble a live band.

KEY SONG: “Evening News” WHY: Trumpet player Connor Young makes a classy cameo on the breezy love tune. WHERE: talltails2.bandcamp.com CHRIS FARNSWORTH

Cutting Carefully

Whether he’s playing tunes for Phish heads on the Bunny — the jam kings’ SiriusXM channel — or spinning records at local clubs and paying tribute to the work of ﬁlm director Wes Anderson, TAD CAUTIOUS is a fount of music discovery. He’s also the host of the Vermont Public radio show “All Ears with Tad Cautious,” where he hips listeners to everything from international funk to psychedelic jazz to indie rock, sometimes pulling from live sets and the occasional oddity from the archives. There are rumors that “Tad Cautious” is actually a pseudonym (what?!) for a proliﬁc local musician and producer, but you’ll have to head to the Monkey House in Winooski on Saturday, May 30, to catch his set and see.

trivia, karaoke, etc.

MON.1 CONTINUED FROM P.57

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.2

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.3

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

Listening In

(Spotify mix of local jams)

1. “NIGHTS LIKE THESE (LIVE)” by Ali T

2. “SALESMAN” by Greg Freeman

3. “BETTER THAN EVER” by Liz Cooper

4. “FLY-A-FUNK” by COOP

5. “BLUE — WILLVERINE REMIX” by Freeway Clyde, Willverine

6. “CAROL OF THE SUGAR PLUM FAERIES” by the Discussions

7. “I’VE GOT NOTHING TO DO” by Joshua Glass, Andriana Chobot

Scan to listen sevendaysvt. com/playlist

calendar

MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2026

WED.27

agriculture

MED47 GARDEN SHOPPE:

Green thumbs revel in a jampacked pop-up sale of veggie plants, annuals, perennials, hanging baskets and décor. Proceeds benefit the Brendon P. Cousino Med47 Foundation. 3319 S. 116 Rd., Bristol, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free; cost of plants.

PASTURE WALK & PICNIC:

Curious minds step off the beaten path for a guided trek digging into what’s happening both above and below ground, then sink their teeth into a succulent spread. Shelburne Farms, 3-5:30 p.m. Free; preregister.

climate crisis

BILL MCKIBBEN: In “Here Comes the Sun,” a renowned environmentalist and author gives a timely talk on the climate crisis, justice and the path forward. Worthen Library, South Hero, 6:30 p.m. Free; preregister.

community

‘BRANDON: A HUB & OUR HOME’: The second in a series of three meetings hosted by Vermont Council on Rural Development allows participants to share their ideas for the town’s future over a shared meal. Brandon Town Hall, 6 p.m. Free.

CURRENT EVENTS: Neighbors have an informal discussion about what’s in the news. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m.noon. Free.

PASSEGGIATA: Locals take to the streets for a communitybuilding stroll of the pedestrian promenade based on the Italian social ritual. Church

Street Marketplace, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.

PASSEGGIATA WATERBURY: Neighbors adopt a timeless Mediterranean tradition by taking to downtown streets for a weekly community-building wander. Downtown Waterbury, 5-8 p.m. Free.

conferences

NEW ENGLAND SOCIETY FOR HEALTH CARE COMMUNICATIONS

CONFERENCE: Professionals in the sector from across New England convene for a weekend of networking, breakout sessions and presentations. Hotel Champlain Burlington, noon-8 p.m. Various prices.

crafts

COLLAGE NIGHT: Makers snip, stick and transform provided materials into paper masterpieces in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. Ilsley Public Library Temporary Location, Middlebury, 6-8 p.m. Free.

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.

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.

education

EDUCATION REFORM

DISCUSSION: Public Assets executive director Steph Yu leads a deep dive into the state’s school financing system, exploring upcoming legislative changes and equitable solutions. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 6:30 p.m. 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.

Learn more about highlighted listings in the Magnificent 7 on page 11.

Campus at Goddard, Plainfield, 8-10 a.m. Free.

health & fitness

etc.

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.

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.

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. Pathways Vermont Morgan’s Place Peer Support Center, Burlington, 6-8 p.m. Free.

CRÊPE NIGHT: Foodies enjoy sweet and savory French pancakes picnic-style at this monthly community meal benefiting local nonprofits. Scott Farm Orchard, Dummerston, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $12-25.

CUPPA ON CAMPUS: Community members mingle over tea and coffee, swapping bright ideas for the future of the property. The Creative

FIND MORE LOCAL EVENTS IN THIS ISSUE AND ONLINE:

Find visual art exhibits and events in the Art section and at sevendaysvt.com/art.

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.

= ONLINE EVENT

= GET TICKETS ON SEVENDAYSTICKETS.COM

BLOOD DRIVE: Participants part with life-sustaining pints at this American Red Cross donation event. Greater Burlington YMCA, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Free; preregister.

CHAIR YOGA: Waterbury Public Library instructor Diana Whitney leads at-home participants in gentle stretches supported by seats. 10 a.m. Free.

GENTLE YOGA: Inhale relaxation and exhale tension with slowpaced movements and restorative postures designed to wake up weary muscles. Pillar Pilates Studio, Brandon, 9-10:15 a.m. By donation.

RECOVERY DHARMA: Folks 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

ELL CLASS: Fletcher Free Library invites learners of all abilities to practice written and spoken English with trained instructors. 6:30-8 p.m. Free; preregister.

ITALIAN CONVERSATION GROUP: Practitioners sharpen their skills and connect with neighbors at a bimonthly morning meetup facilitated by a native speaker. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 10-11 a.m. Free.

LANGUAGE LOUNGE: Lunch breaks transform into global conversation circles as participants sharpen their multilingual skills. See kellogghubbard.org for details. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, noon. Free.

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.

outdoors

FOREST RESET: GUIDED NATURE WALKS: Cultivate tranquility among the trees at this gentle weekly wander designed to help busy brains tap into their inner peace. Journey Together VT, Richmond, 9-10:30 a.m. Free; donations accepted; preregister.

NATURE JOURNALING: Artist

Lorna Dielentheis teaches participants how to slow down and observe the natural world through sketching and writing, followed by an optional group reflection. Rock Point Center, Burlington, 10 a.m.noon. By donation; preregister.

québec

FESTIVAL ACCÈS ASIE: The 31st annual Asian Heritage Month extravaganza includes art shows, film screenings, play readings and food tastings. See accesasie.com for full schedule. Various Montréal locations. Various prices.

‘GROW’: Teenage twins swap their sheltered Amish upbringing for an unexpected entrepreneurial venture in cannabis growing in this bold new musical comedy. Sylvan Adams Theatre, Segal Centre for Performing Arts, Montréal, 7:30 p.m. $33-75.

seminars

HIKING 101 & SHORT TRAIL HIKE: Want to hit the trails but not sure where to start? The Green Mountain Club hosts an informative workshop on the basics, followed by a guided trek. Green Mountain Club Headquarters, Waterbury Center, 6-8:30 p.m. Free; preregister.

INTRO TO STUDIO PRODUCTION

WORKSHOP: Media enthusiasts walk through the process of conducting interviews on set while switching between cameras and utilizing chroma-keyed backgrounds. The Media Factory, Burlington, 6-8 p.m. Free; donations accepted; preregister.

sports

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.

theater

‘CATERPILLAR SOUP’: Vermont writer and performer Gina Stevensen blends humor, tenderness and honesty to explore identity, family and the courage it takes to imagine yourself anew.

Radio Bean, Burlington, 8 p.m. $10-15.

‘WONDER! A WOMAN KEEPS A SECRET‘: A missing masterpiece and a boatload of baggage turn a luxury cruise into a high-stakes farce in Northern Stage’s production of Talene Monahon’s new comedy. Byrne Theater, Barrette Center for the Arts, White River Junction, 7:30 p.m. $10-80.

words

BARBARA ZUCKER: A Burlington artist and author launches her new book, The Second Oldest Profession: The Wet Nurse, Revered and Reviled, followed by a participatory conversation. Refreshments provided. BCA Center, Burlington, 6-8 p.m. Free.

STEPHEN P. KIERNAN: A celebrated Vermont author unveils his new book, Pollock’s Last Lover, a multigenerational portrait of two women set against the work of Jackson Pollock. Pierson Library, Shelburne, 7-8 p.m. Free.

TRASH FOR THE TROPE: ROMANCE LOVERS BOOK CLUB: Lit lovers dissect the nuances of Rachel Reid’s spicy sportsthemed novels, Game Changer and Heated Rivalry. Phoenix Books, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free; preregister.

THU.28 agriculture

MED47 GARDEN SHOPPE: See WED.27.

business

TRADES FAIR: Prospective employees connect with area businesses at an exposition designed to jump-start professional futures. Central Vermont Career Center, Barre, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free.

community

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 of the Capital City’s pedestrian promenades. Downtown Montpelier, 5-7 p.m. Free.

STORY SLAM: ‘THE LONG HAUL’: Anecdote admirers attend an evening of entertaining tales stemming from real-life moments of endurance. Proceeds support Queen City VT Indivisible. Black Box Theater, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 6-8 p.m. $15 suggested donation.

conferences

NEW ENGLAND SOCIETY FOR HEALTH CARE COMMUNICATIONS CONFERENCE: See WED.27, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

crafts

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.

KNITTING GROUP: Knitters of every experience level get together to spin yarns. Latham Library, Thetford, 7 p.m. Free.

These community event listings are sponsored by the WaterWheel Foundation, a project of the Vermont band Phish.

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.

environment

BTV CLEAN UP CREW: Good Samaritans dispose of needles, trash and other unwanted objects. BYO gloves encouraged. Top of Church St., Burlington, 7:30-10 a.m. Free.

etc.

MONTSHIRE AFTER DARK:

FRIEND-MAKING MIXER: Guests ages 21 and up spark fresh connections at an interactive, chemistry-themed gathering featuring hands-on engineering challenges. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 6-8 p.m. $20; preregister.

film

See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section.

‘BACKYARD WILDERNESS 3D’:

Cameras positioned in nests, underwater and along the forest floor capture a year’s worth of critters coming and going. 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.

‘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, 11 a.m., 1 & 3 p.m. $3-5 plus regular admission, $17-23; free for members and kids 2 and under.

‘THE LITTLE THINGS THAT RUN THE WORLD’: The award-winning nature documentary turns the lens toward critical invertebrates, leaving viewers with an optimistic call to environmental action.

Ilsley Public Library Temporary Location, Middlebury, 7 p.m. Free.

‘SEA MONSTERS 3D: A

PREHISTORIC ADVENTURE’: Footage of paleontological digs from around the globe tells a compelling story of scientists working as detectives to answer questions about an ancient and mysterious ocean world. 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.

‘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, 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.

food & drink

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.

games

BRIDGE CLUB: A lively group plays a classic, tricky game in pairs. Waterbury Public Library, 12:304:30 p.m. Free.

CHESS FOR FUN: Players of all abilities select an opening gambit, go on the attack and protect their king in friendly competition. Cobleigh Public Library, Lyndonville, 5-8 p.m. Free.

DADS’ NIGHT OUT: BOARD GAME NIGHT: Local fathers bust out a personal favorite or jump into a new tabletop adventure at an evening of camaraderie and friendly competition. Guardian Cards & Comics, St. Albans, 5:30-7 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.

FRIENDLY GAME OF BRIDGE: Strategic thinkers have a blast with the popular card game. Heineberg Senior Center, Burlington, 1-3 p.m. Free.

PEER SUPPORT DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Beginners wanted! Players get lost in the fantasyfilled tabletop role-playing game while focusing on teamwork, connection and community building. Morgan House, Burlington, 6-8 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 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.

WISDOM FLOW YOGA: Curated music sets the tone for a mindful sequence that unites breath, body and spirit. Cornwall Town Hall, 9:30-10:45 a.m. By donation. language

ENGLISH CONVERSATION

GROUP: Practitioners make strides and new friends at a stress-free discussion circle hosted by Fletcher Free Library. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free; preregister.

ITALIAN CONVERSATION GROUP: Parla Italiano? Language learners practice pronunciation and more at a friendly gathering. Fletcher

MAY 29 | MUSIC

When Worlds Collide

Brooklyn band Baklava Express serve up their rich global fusion music at Next Stage Arts in Putney, where listeners are transported to the bustling streets of a Mediterranean open-air market. Through a unique blend of instruments — including the oud, a fretless Middle Eastern lute — the band weaves a sonic tapestry with threads of Turkish, Greek, Armenian and Arab traditions. Though heavily influenced by ancient cultures, the quartet also draws from modern jazz, flamenco, rock and the beat of its New York City neighborhood to create a sound that transcends any one place or time period.

BAKLAVA EXPRESS

Friday, May 29, 7:30 p.m., at Next Stage Arts in Putney. $10-26; live stream available. Info, 802-387-0102, nextstagearts.org.

Free Library, Burlington, noon-1 p.m. Free.

LANGUAGE LOUNGE: See WED.27.

SPANISH CONVERSATION GROUP: Conversationalists of all levels practice the Romance language in a welcoming environment. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Free.

music

THE BUCK HOLLERS: A genre-blurring outfit delivers up-tempo tunes and soul-stirring ballads while attendees delight in fare from local food trucks.

Maquam Barn & Winery, Milton, 6-8 p.m. Free; cost of food and drink.

DARTMOUTH COLLEGE GOSPEL

CHOIR: Ahmaya Knoelle Higginson directs the vocalists in an uplifting performance sharing powerful messages through music. Spaulding Auditorium, Hopkins Center for the Arts, Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H., 7:30 p.m. $20.

FEAST & FIELD: KRISHNA

GUTHRIE BAND: The Americana legacy of Woody and Arlo continues with the next generation of folk-roots mastery. Fable Farm, Barnard, 5:30 p.m. $5-30 sliding scale.

MOLLY TUTTLE: A critically acclaimed singer-songwriter and virtuosic guitarist delivers an innovative blend of bluegrass, Americana, pop and rock. Lebanon Opera House, N.H., 7:30 p.m. $41-61.

outdoors

BIRD-FRIENDLY SUGAR BUSH

WALK: Avian enthusiasts scope out species and sharpen their identification skills at an evening trek led by experts Fen Levy-O’Malley and Kate Forrer. Refreshments provided. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free; preregister.

EVENING BIRD WALK: Not an early riser? You’re not alone! Museum staff lead birders on an evening stroll through the area’s forests and clearings. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 7:30 p.m. $5-15 suggested donation; preregister.

québec

FESTIVAL ACCÈS ASIE: See WED.27.

FESTIVAL TRANSAMÉRIQUES: Artists from across generations and continents converge in Montréal for two weeks of dance and theater shows. Various

GEORGE’S MYSTERY BOOK GROUP: Patrons chat about this month’s twisty page-turner with resident whodunit expert George Spaulding. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 6:15-8 p.m. Free.

STEPHEN P. KIERNAN: See WED.27. Town Hall Theater, Middlebury, 6:30 p.m. By donation; preregister.

FRI.29

agriculture

MED47 GARDEN SHOPPE: See WED.27.

conferences

NEW ENGLAND SOCIETY FOR HEALTH CARE COMMUNICATIONS CONFERENCE: See WED.27, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. etc.

BEST FRIENDS BENEFIT: A lively fundraiser features signature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and music by the Grippo Funk Band to support the Humane Society of Chittenden County’s vital animal shelter programs. The Essex Resort & Spa, 6:30-10:30 p.m. $50-100; preregister.

LIBRARY AFTER DARK: Check out the stacks after hours at a spirited fundraiser featuring local drinks and snacks, trivia challenges, and a grand-prize cycling getaway. Stowe Free Library, 7 p.m. $25.

MUSEUM TOURS: See WED.27. fairs & festivals

Montréal locations. Various prices.

talks

HULA STORY SESSIONS: TUKTU: CEO Rustam Sengupta reflects on founding the communitypowered platform built around neighbors helping neighbors. Hula, Burlington, 4:30 p.m. Free; preregister.

tech

TECH HELP: Users with digital dilemmas seek expert guidance about everything from smartphone settings to e-book downloads. Norwich Public Library, 1-4 p.m. Free.

theater

‘WONDER! A WOMAN KEEPS A SECRET‘: See WED.27, 2 & 7:30 p.m.

words

ANTHONY D’AMATO & PAUL CATANZARO: The coauthors launch their comprehensive new book, Tending Your Forest: A Guide to Ecological Forest Stewardship in the Eastern and Central United States. The Norwich Bookstore, 7 p.m. Free.

THE GREEN MOUNTAIN OLDTIME WORKSHOP WEEKEND: Tune your fiddle and hit the floor at an annual celebration packed with Appalachian, Cajun and zydeco tunes; dancing; instructional workshops; and community jams. See calendar spotlight. Various Cabot locations, 5-10 p.m. $10-100.

STUDEBAKERS CAR SHOW & CONCERT: Shift into high gear with a showcase of antique automobiles followed by a performance of oldies by local outfit the BelAires. McIndoes Academy Community Center, McIndoe Falls, 4:30-8 p.m. Free; donations accepted.

film

See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section.

‘BACKYARD WILDERNESS 3D’: See THU.28.

‘DINOSAURS OF ANTARCTICA 3D’: See THU.28.

‘THE POWER OF THE DOG’: Jane Campion’s 2021 frontier drama zooms in on a tense battle of wills played out between a sensitive widow, her new husband and his brutish brother. The Screening Room @ VTIFF, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 7 p.m. $6-12.

Baklava Express

‘SEA MONSTERS 3D: A PREHISTORIC ADVENTURE’: See THU.28.

‘SHARK KINGDOM 3D’: See THU.28.

food & drink

FLATBREAD FRIDAY: See THU.28.

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.

games

ADULT RUMMIKUB: Strategists gather to test their mental agility with this classic numbersbased tabletop challenge. Essex Free Library, 1-3 p.m. Free.

DUPLICATE BRIDGE GAMES: See THU.28, 10 a.m.

health & fitness

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.

MINI WEEKEND RETREAT: Courtney Watson leads practitioners in a series of mindfulness sessions focused on somatic experiences, creativity and breathwork. Spruce Peak at Stowe, noon-7 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.

WISDOM FLOW YOGA: Curated music sets the tone for a mindful sequence that unites breath, body and spirit. Pillar Pilates Studio, Brandon, 9-10:15 a.m. By donation. language

CLUB FRANCOPHONE: Folks fascinated by French-speaking culture grow their language skills while making new friends and sharing enthusiasm. À bientôt! Highland Center for the Arts, Greensboro, 5-6 p.m. Free; donations accepted; preregister.

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.

LANGUAGE LOUNGE: See WED.27.

lgbtq

ESSEX PRIDE WEEKEND: The town’s fourth annual LGBTQ+ fête fills up cups with live music and dancing, poetry and spoken word, burlesque performances, and other activities. See essexvtpride.org for full schedule. See calendar spotlight. Various Essex and Essex Junction locations, 6 p.m. Most events are free.

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.

music

ANA GUIGUI: An acclaimed pianist and vocalist entertains listeners with a wide variety of styles and genres. The Brandon Inn, 7-8 p.m. Free.

BAKLAVA EXPRESS: The Brooklyn band delivers a high-energy instrumental performance of dynamic global rhythms played on ancient stringed instruments. Virtual option available. See calendar spotlight. Next Stage Arts, Putney, 7:30 p.m. $10-26.

THE BLACK FEATHERS: Listeners swoon over sweeping harmonies and expert guitar picking at an intimate acoustic concert by the acclaimed indie-rock duo. Plainfield Town Hall Opera House, 7 p.m. $20 suggested donation.

FOOD & ART FRIDAY: SOFT

OPENING: Singer-songwriter Fez Silk shares heartfelt original indie-folk tunes while listeners enjoy made-to-order pizza from Fat Dragon Farm. Sable Project, Stockbridge, 5:30-8:30 p.m. $525 suggested donation.

LARA HERSCOVITCH & THE HIGHWAY PHILOSOPHERS: An acclaimed singer-songwriter and her newly formed ensemble deliver a fresh, genre-spanning twist on traditional acoustic sounds. Roots & Wings Coffeehouse at UUCUV, Norwich, 7 p.m. $20; preregister.

THE RUTH MOODY BAND: Listeners delight in an evening of ethereal vocals and celebrated songwriting from the two-time Juno Award winner and lead singer of the Wailin’ Jennys. Barre Opera House, 8 p.m. $27-40.

SAMANTHA FISH: One of the most formidable guitarists of her generation brings both mind-blowing power and emotionality to the stage. Lebanon Opera House, N.H., 7:30 p.m. $39-59.

SUMMER MUSIC AT GRACE SERIES: BRIAN CONWAY & FLYNN COHEN: A lively acoustic duo dazzles with traditional fiddling and masterful mandolin playing. Grace Episcopal Church, Sheldon, 7 p.m. $20 suggested donation.

québec

FESTIVAL ACCÈS ASIE: See WED.27.

FESTIVAL TRANSAMÉRIQUES: See THU.28.

theater

‘WONDER! A WOMAN KEEPS A SECRET‘: See WED.27.

words

LITERARY EVENING: Bibliophiles toast a star-studded roster of Vermont Book Awards finalists. A free wine tasting and live music complete the scene. Camp Meade, Middlesex, 4-7 p.m. Free.

True Colors

The forecast calls for a 100 percent chance of rainbows during the fourth annual Essex Pride Weekend, a town-wide celebration of the LGBTQ community. The cup-filling kickoff to Pride Month boasts a lineup of activities — both family-friendly and spicy — that amplify queer voices from all walks of life. The revelry includes a garlic bread picnic hangout, an adults-only comedy show and dance party, and two free film screenings. Don’t miss Saturday’s main affair at Maple Street Park, featuring performances by local students, poetry readings, a makers’ market and an exhibition honoring trans people who lost their lives to violence.

ESSEX PRIDE WEEKEND

Friday, May 29, 6 p.m.; Saturday, May 30, 11 a.m.; and Sunday, May 31, 3 p.m., at various Essex and Essex Junction locations. Most events are free. Info, essexvtpride@gmail.com, essexvtpride.org.

SAT.30 agriculture

MED47 GARDEN SHOPPE: See WED.27.

SPRING PLANT SALE: Cultivate a thriving garden with expert advice and a fresh selection of donated perennials, veggies and indoor flora. University of Vermont Horticultural Research Center, South Burlington, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free.

bazaars

MAKERS MARKET: Shoppers 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.

community

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

‘CELEBRATION OF DANCE’: Vermont Ballet Theater students perform in a spectacular springtime showing of classical, jazz, lyrical and contemporary works. Flynn Main Stage, Burlington, 1 & 6:30 p.m. $23.74-37.46.

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.

VERMONT SKI & SNOWBOARD HALL OF FAME: Appreciative fans gather to honor athletes, special contributors and snow sports pioneers at an induction ceremony and reception. K-1 Lodge, Killington, 5-8:30 p.m. $170; cash bar.

fairs & festivals

THE BIODIVERSITY JAMBOREE: Naturalists of all ages celebrate the creatures that call Vermont home, shop for native plants and explore the outdoors. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.

THE GREEN MOUNTAIN OLDTIME WORKSHOP WEEKEND: See FRI.29, noon10 p.m.

film

See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section.

‘BACKYARD WILDERNESS 3D’: See THU.28.

‘DINOSAURS OF ANTARCTICA 3D’: See THU.28.

MET LIVE IN HD: ‘EL ÚLTIMO SUEÑO DE FRIDA Y DIEGO’: The Metropolitan Opera closes out its season with American composer Gabriela Lena Frank’s passionate portrait of 20th-century power couple Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. An optional preshow talk by music lecturer Alejandro Roca is offered at 12:15 p.m. Anderson Studio at Town Hall Theater, Middlebury, 1 p.m. $10-24.

‘OUT OF THE PAST’: Robert Mitchum and Jane Greer star in this 1947 film noir about a private eye trying to escape his sordid history. The Screening Room @ VTIFF, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 7 p.m. $6-12.

‘SEA MONSTERS 3D: A PREHISTORIC ADVENTURE’: See THU.28.

‘SHARK KINGDOM 3D’: See THU.28.

food

& drink

STUDIO SHOWCASE: Local dancers, teachers and choreographers step into the spotlight to share their latest works-in-progress. Dance and Movement Center, Barre, 7 p.m. Free.

etc.

30TH BIRTHDAY PARTY: Guests toast to three decades of environmental stewardship at a milestone celebration featuring cake, stories and live music by the Spring Chickens. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 5-7 p.m. Free.

GUIDED TOURS: See WED.27.

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.

BURLINGTON FARMERS MARKET: Dozens of stands overflow with seasonal produce, flowers, artisanal wares and prepared foods to the tune of live local music. 345 Pine St., Burlington, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.

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.

NORTHWEST FARMERS MARKET: Locavores 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.

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.

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.

health & fitness

BIRDLAND 5K: Runners in multiple categories tackle a scenic woodland loop replete with forested hills and babbling brooks. North Branch Park, Montpelier, 9:30-11 a.m. $20-25; preregister.

GOOD GRIEF 5K RUN & WALK: Participants channel collective healing into movement at a charitable morning benefiting peer support for pregnancy and infant loss. Veterans Memorial Park, South Burlington, 10 a.m.noon. $20-35; free for kids 10 and under; preregister.

JIGGETY JOG 5K: Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities get their bodies moving to raise funds for the McClure Miller Respite House. Malletts Bay School, Colchester, 9 a.m. $25; preregister.

MINI WEEKEND RETREAT: See FRI.29, 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m. WALK OF AGES VT: All ages and mobilities amble or roll their way around the track at this family-friendly fundraiser supporting free meals and programs

for older Queen City residents at the Heineberg Senior Center. Burlington High School, 9-11 a.m. By donation.

WELLNESS MONTH: See FRI.29.

holidays

‘GAR ORIGINS OF MEMORIAL DAY’: Fenian Historical Society president Liam McKone delves into the origins of modern veterans’ benefits with an illuminating slideshow presentation. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 1-2:30 p.m. Free.

lgbtq

DRAG STORY HOUR: Local drag queens Katniss Everqueer and Emoji Nightmare read inspiring stories centered on individuality, activism, gender and social

responsibility. Phoenix Books, Essex, 11 a.m. Free; preregister.

ESSEX PRIDE WEEKEND: See FRI.29, 11 a.m.

music

ANA GUIGUI: See FRI.29.

CATAMOUNT ARTS BLUEGRASS NIGHT: Local folk legend Steve Wright celebrates the release of his new album, These Two Hands, with help from an impressive cast of Vermont musicians. Alexander Twilight Theatre, Vermont State University-Lyndon, 7 p.m. Free; donations accepted.

COAST JAZZ ORCHESTRA: Graduating seniors of the Dartmouth College musical collective grab the reins to present a dynamic concert program. Spaulding Auditorium, Hopkins Center for the Arts, Dartmouth

College, Hanover, N.H., 7:30 p.m. $20.

DAVID FEURZEIG: In “Play Every Town,” the prolific classical pianist continues a statewide series of shows in protest of high-pollution worldwide concert tours. Groton United Methodist Church, 3 p.m. Free.

JENNA’S JAM: Community members tune into a warm and welcoming atmosphere at a lively concert by the Owl Stars and the Chad Hollister Band. Jenna’s House, Johnson, 5-8 p.m. $30-40.

THE LOCAL FOLK ORCHESTRA: Greensboro musician Roy MacNeil and friends old and new draw influences from folk, rock and classical music. Highland Center for the Arts, Greensboro, 7 p.m. $5-22.

THE VERMONT CHORAL UNION: The singers raise their voices in “Sim Shalom (Grant Us Peace),” a collection of works from the Jewish tradition, featuring compositions by Salamone Rossi, Louis Lewandowski and other luminaries. College Street Congregational Church, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $10-50; free for kids under 18; preregister.

outdoors

MAY BIRD MONITORING WALK: Avian aficionados monitor meadows and forests for the telltale flap of feathers. BYO binoculars. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 7:30-9 a.m. $5-15 suggested donation; preregister.

WEEKLY BIRD WALKS: 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.

québec

FESTIVAL ACCÈS ASIE: See WED.27.

FESTIVAL TRANSAMÉRIQUES: See THU.28.

‘GROW’: See WED.27.

theater

‘WONDER! A WOMAN KEEPS A SECRET‘: See WED.27, 2 & 7:30 p.m.

words

STEPHEN P. KIERNAN: See WED.27. Northshire Bookstore, Manchester, 6 p.m. Free.

SUMMER KICK OFF BOOK SALE:

Avid readers stock up on discounted summer page-turners, including titles for kids and young adults. Fletcher Free Library New North End Branch, 10am-2pm. $2 per book.

VERMONT READS KICKOFF PANEL DISCUSSION: Tillie

Walden, Marek Bennett and Joel Christian Gill illustrate the art of transforming archival materials into nonfiction comics. Center for Cartoon Studies, White River Junction, 2-3:30 p.m. Free; preregister.

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.31 activism

‘IMAGINING PEACE’: All ages channel hope into action at this inclusive art event inviting participants to paint a collective mural for both Israelis and Palestinians. Church Street Marketplace, Burlington, noon-2 p.m. Free.

agriculture

MED47 GARDEN SHOPPE: See WED.27.

community

WINOOSKI SERVICE CARNIVAL:

A civic-minded addition to the farmers market links residents with vital neighborhood resources and engagement opportunities. Winooski Falls Way, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.

fairs & festivals

THE GREEN MOUNTAIN OLDTIME WORKSHOP WEEKEND: See FRI.29, noon-4 p.m. film

See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section.

‘BACKYARD WILDERNESS 3D’: See THU.28.

‘DINOSAURS OF ANTARCTICA 3D’: See THU.28.

THE MET LIVE IN HD: ‘EL ÚLTIMO SUEÑO DE FRIDA Y DIEGO’: See SAT.30. Spaulding Auditorium, Hopkins Center for the Arts, Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H., 1 p.m. $10-22.

‘SEA MONSTERS 3D: A PREHISTORIC ADVENTURE’: See THU.28.

‘SHARK KINGDOM 3D’: See THU.28.

food & drink

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.

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.

games

DUPLICATE BRIDGE GAMES: See THU.28, 1 p.m.

health & fitness

COMMUNITY COLOR SPLASH

& DASH: Runners and walkers wearing white at the starting line are plastered in pigments on a 3K or 5K course. Proceeds benefit Finding Our Stride. Thetford Academy, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $20-35; preregister.

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. North Star Community Hall, Burlington, 5:30-6:30 p.m. By donation.

lgbtq

ESSEX PRIDE WEEKEND: See FRI.29, 3 p.m.

music

GEORGE MURTIE: A local singer-songwriter and guitarist performs lively toe-tappers while attendees enjoy fare from local food trucks. Maquam Barn & Winery, Milton, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Free; cost of food and drink.

TWILIGHT ON THE TAVERN LAWN SERIES: VERMONT JAZZ CENTER

SEXTET: Grab a lawn chair and soak up the sounds of iconic genre giants performed by the local ensemble. Putney Tavern Lawn, 6 p.m. Free.

THE VERMONT CHORAL UNION: See SAT.30. Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Burlington, 4 p.m.

MAY

29-31

| FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Strings Attached

The Green Mountain Oldtime Workshop Weekend keeps traditional tunes alive through a mix of workshops, concerts and immersive musical gatherings across Cabot. A redhot dance party helmed by Ernest James Zydeco follows a potluck meal on Friday evening at the Willey Building Auditorium. Saturday kicks things up a notch with a dozen seminars — from fiddle, clawhammer banjo and advanced mandolin to harmony singing — at three venues before a performance from the workshops’ teachers and a high-energy square dance. Sunday rounds out the affair with an afternoon of community jam sessions honoring Appalachian and Creole traditions.

THE GREEN MOUNTAIN OLDTIME WORKSHOP WEEKEND Friday, May 29, 5-10 p.m.; Saturday, May 30, noon-10 p.m.; and Sunday, May 31, noon-4 p.m., at various Cabot locations. $10-100. Info, 802-793-3016, cabotarts.org.

VERMONT SYMPHONY

ORCHESTRA TRIO: Celebrate Pride with a vibrant chamber music concert featuring works by underrepresented and LGBTQ+ composers. Christ Episcopal Church, Montpelier, 5-6 p.m. Free; preregister.

outdoors

BLUE MOON CAMPFIRE & POTLUCK: An outdoor gathering and a shared meal prime attendees for a guided lunar-lit trek through the woods. BYOB and a dish to share. Journey Together VT, Richmond, 5:30-9 p.m. $5-20 suggested donation; preregister.

EARLY BIRDERS MORNING WALK: You know what they say ... Now get that worm! New and experienced avian admirers take a stroll to observe the area’s flying, feathered friends. BYO binoculars. Birds of Vermont Museum,

Huntington, 7-9 a.m. $5-15 sliding scale; preregister.

québec

FESTIVAL ACCÈS ASIE: See WED.27.

FESTIVAL TRANSAMÉRIQUES: See THU.28.

‘GROW’: See WED.27, 2 & 7:30 p.m. tech

DROP-IN TECH SUPPORT: Techsavvy library staff provide oneon-one guidance and support in 30-minute sessions. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 4-6 p.m. Free.

theater

PLAYBACK THEATER

WORKSHOP: Aspiring performers and veterans alike trade traditional scripts for improv games and embodied storytelling. The

Everything Space, Montpelier, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. By donation.

‘WONDER! A WOMAN KEEPS A SECRET‘: See WED.27, 5 p.m.

MON.1

agriculture

MED47 GARDEN SHOPPE: See WED.27, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

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. etc.

MUSEUM TOURS: See WED.27.

film

See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section.

‘BACKYARD WILDERNESS 3D’: See THU.28.

‘DINOSAURS OF ANTARCTICA 3D’: See THU.28.

‘SEA MONSTERS 3D: A PREHISTORIC ADVENTURE’: See THU.28.

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

‘SHARK KINGDOM 3D’: See THU.28.

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

GERMAN LANGUAGE LUNCH:

Willkommen! Speakers of all experience levels brush up on conversational skills over bagged lunches. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, noon-1 p.m. Free.

ITALIAN BOOK CLUB:

Intermediate and experienced Italian speakers read and discuss the second half of Le Cose Che Ci Salvano by Lorenza Gentile. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 10:15 a.m.-11:15 p.m. Free.

LANGUAGE LOUNGE: See WED.27.

lgbtq

BOARD GAME NIGHT: LGBTQ tabletop fans bring their own favorite games to the party. Rainbow Bridge Community Center, Barre, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free.

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. québec

FESTIVAL TRANSAMÉRIQUES: See THU.28.

‘GROW’: See WED.27.

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.

KATHERINE ARDEN: Lit lovers get a peek into the New York Times bestselling author’s highly anticipated tale of mystery and enchantment, The Unicorn Hunters. Phoenix Books, Burlington, 7 p.m. $3; preregister.

SCRIPTWRITERS’ GROUP: Got a story to tell? Talented local writers swap techniques and constructive critiques. Junction Arts

& Media, White River Junction, 5:30-7 p.m. Free; preregister.

TUE.2

agriculture

MED47 GARDEN SHOPPE: See WED.27.

community

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. PRIDE & JOY: ‘SPINNING

PINWHEELS’: Neighbors contribute to a collective quilt by local artist Elise Whittemore for display at an upcoming auction in support of Outright Vermont. Winooski Senior Center, 5-8 p.m. Free.

film

See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section.

‘BACKYARD WILDERNESS 3D’: See THU.28.

‘DINOSAURS OF ANTARCTICA

3D’: See THU.28.

‘SEA MONSTERS 3D: A PREHISTORIC ADVENTURE’: See THU.28.

‘SHARK KINGDOM 3D’: See THU.28.

food & drink

COOKBOOK CLUB: Culinary enthusiasts bring a dish from their favorite recipe collection to share, then chat about their inspiration. Common Roots Farmstand at South Village, South Burlington, 5:30-6:45 p.m. Free; preregister.

games

BOARD GAME NIGHT: Neighbors show off their skills at an evening of friendly competition playing European tabletop staples such as Catan, Splendor and Concordia. Waterbury Public Library, 6-8 p.m. Free.

GAMES GALORE: Library patrons of all ages gather for bouts of board and card games. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:304:30 p.m. Free.

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.

language

LANGUAGE LOUNGE: See WED.27.

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

HIGHER GROUND PRESENTS:

CAKE: Fans go the distance for the deadpan alternative-rock outfit known for its cynical cultural commentary. Midway Lawn, Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction, 8 p.m. $59.50; free for kids 12 and under.

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 Michael’s College, Colchester, 7 p.m. Free.

québec

FESTIVAL TRANSAMÉRIQUES: See THU.28.

‘GROW’: See WED.27.

seminars

MEDIA WORKSHOP: An infopacked course for ages 60 and up blends hands-on training with reflection on local history, community ethics and public access values. CCTV Channel 17 Studios, Burlington, 2-4 p.m. Free; preregister.

sports

DAD GUILD OPEN GYM

BASKETBALL: Local fathers hit the hardwood for weekly sessions of full-court exercise and casual competition. Mater Christi School, Burlington, 7-9 p.m. Free.

tech

DROP-IN TECH SUPPORT: Library staff field questions about devices of all kinds in face-to-face chats. Fletcher Free Library New North End Branch, Burlington, 12:30-2 p.m. Free.

words

BURLINGTON

LITERATURE GROUP:

Over the course of nine weeks, readers analyze the works of father-and-son authors Kingsley and Martin Amis, two influential British novelists of the postwar era. 6:30-8 p.m. Free.

TUE.2 » P.66

STEPHEN P. KIERNAN: See WED.27. Norman Williams Public Library, Woodstock, 6 p.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.3

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.

agriculture

MED47 GARDEN SHOPPE: See WED.27.

business

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.

VERMONT WOMENPRENEURS

SUMMIT: Women and genderexpansive entrepreneurs convene for an evening of genuine community connection. Isham Family Farm, Williston, 5-8:30 p.m. $60.

community

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.

PASSEGGIATA: See WED.27.

PASSEGGIATA WATERBURY: See WED.27.

SCULPTURE INSTALLATION: Burlington City Arts invites locals to a celebratory parade escorting artist Nancy Winship Milliken’s 48-foot-long black locust tree sculpture to its permanent spot on Main Street. Downtown Burlington, 9:30 a.m. Free.

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.27.

YARN CRAFTERS GROUP: See WED.27.

etc.

CHAMP MASTERS

gain new tools. Virtual option available. Dealer.com, Burlington, 6-7:30 p.m. Free; preregister.

GUIDED TOURS: See WED.27.

MUSEUM TOURS: See WED.27.

food & drink

CHAMPLAIN ISLANDS FARMERS

MARKET: See WED.27.

COMMUNITY COOKING: See WED.27.

CUPPA ON CAMPUS: See WED.27.

MARKET ON THE GREEN: Shoppers feast their eyes on fresh produce, prepared foods and artisanal goods while tuning into live local music. Woodstock Village Green, 3-6 p.m. Free.

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 p.m. Free; preregister.

CHAIR YOGA: See WED.27.

RECOVERY DHARMA: See WED.27.

language

LANGUAGE LOUNGE: See WED.27.

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.

lgbtq

THE ALL INCLUSIVE DYKETACULAR: See WED.27.

music

‘THE BEAT BENEATH US’: The Burlington Discover Jazz Festival kicks off with an energetic exploration of rhythm, movement and Black creative power featuring lauded artists Savion Glover, Jason Moran and Chris Dave. Flynn Main Stage, Burlington, 7 p.m. $25.60-67.60.

DOWNTOWN JAZZ: Artists paint the town with rhythm during four days of live, homegrown music punctuating the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival. Downtown Burlington. Free.

JAZZ CAFÉ: Fans of the genre savor a showcase of live tunes performed by professional and up-and-coming Vermont musicians in an intimate setting. Stone Valley Arts, Poultney, 7 p.m. Free.

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.

québec

FESTIVAL TRANSAMÉRIQUES: See THU.28.

‘GROW’: See WED.27, 1 & 7:30 p.m.

seminars

‘IMPROVE YOUR IMPROV’: Participants explore the fundamentals of improvisational theater at this playful, low-pressure class featuring games, storytelling and group exercises. Stowe Free Library, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Free.

sports

GREEN MOUNTAIN TABLE

TENNIS CLUB: See WED.27.

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.

talks

DEEP DIVES SERIES: Listeners plunge into the depths of local maritime history at a biweekly lecture series featuring fascinating presentations by archaeologists, educators and researchers. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, 6-7 p.m. Free; preregister.

GLENN FAY, JR.: The local educator and author reels listeners in with little-known facts about Fanny Allen’s mother. Refreshments provided. Ethan Allen Homestead Museum, Burlington, 6:30-8 p.m. Free.

SARAH STEWART TAYLOR: The award-winning Vermont author pulls back the curtain on the art of crafting an atmospheric whodunit. Worthen Library, South Hero, 6:30 p.m. Free; preregister. words

JASPER CRAVEN: A Northeast Kingdom native and freelance reporter launches his new book, God Forgives, Brothers Don’t, examining the toxic masculinity of military education. The Norwich Bookstore, 7 p.m. Free. ➆

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.

TOASTMASTERS CLUB: Those looking to strengthen their speaking and leadership skills

FAMI LY FU N

WED.27

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.

chittenden county

BABY TIME: Nonmobile infants and their caregivers embark on a slow-paced social hour featuring songs, rhymes and restorative connection. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 10:30 a.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.

FAMILY CHESS CLUB: Players of all ages and abilities test their skills with instructor Robert and peers. Kellogg-Hubbard 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, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free.

THU.28

burlington

‘CHAMP: AMERICA’S LAKE MONSTER’: See WED.27.

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.

‘DINOSAUR SAFARI’ EXHIBIT: See WED.27.

GROW PRESCHOOL YOGA: Colleen from Grow Prenatal and Family Yoga helps toddlers and their caregivers find their flow through a playful blend of song, movement and stretching. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free.

chittenden county

LEGO FUN!: Creative brick-builders stack, snap and calculate their way toward achieving architectural masterpieces. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-6 p.m. Free.

PRESCHOOL MUSIC WITH LINDA

BASSICK: The singer and storyteller extraordinaire guides wee ones ages birth to 5 in indoor music and movement. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30-11 a.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.

barre/montpelier

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.27.

northeast kingdom

‘CARDTOPIA’: The center’s studio space transforms into a giant interactive cardboard building, complete with secret chambers, tunnels and a ball run. Highland Center for the Arts, Greensboro, noon-4 p.m. Free.

ACORN CLUB STORY TIME: Youngsters 5 and under play, sing, hear stories and color. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 10:30-11 a.m. Free.

FRI.29

burlington

‘CHAMP: AMERICA’S LAKE MONSTER’ EXHIBIT: See WED.27.

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.

BURLINGTON TROUT PARADE: Neighbors gather for a joyful procession to Battery Park, where the Sustainability Academy’s fourth-grade class hosts a puppet-packed pageant to celebrate trout and the watershed in which they live. The Flynn, Burlington, noon. Free.

‘DINOSAUR SAFARI’ EXHIBIT: See WED.27.

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. Recommended for ages 6 and up. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 3-4:30 p.m. Free.

barre/montpelier

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, 2-8 p.m. Free.

LEGO CLUB: Budding builders create geometric structures with snap-together blocks. Kellogg-Hubbard 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

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.

upper valley

‘CREATIVIDAD SILVESTRE/WILD

CREATIVITY’ EXHIBIT: See WED.27.

STORY TIME: Preschoolers take part in tales, tunes and playtime. Latham Library, Thetford, 11 a.m. Free.

northeast kingdom

‘CARDTOPIA’: See THU.28.

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.30

burlington

‘CHAMP: AMERICA’S LAKE MONSTER’ EXHIBIT: See WED.27.

‘DINOSAUR SAFARI’ EXHIBIT: See WED.27.

FIRES WITH FATHERS: Dads trade surface-level banter for deep dialogue and vulnerability at this intentional outdoor gathering focused on community building. Rock Point Nature Trails, Burlington, 8-10 p.m. Free; preregister.

SEASON OPENER: Start another summer off right at this waterfront jubilee featuring low-cost boat rides, food trucks, outdoor yoga, live music and activities for all ages. Community Sailing Center, Burlington, noon-6 p.m. Free.

chittenden county

GIRLS ON THE RUN VERMONT 5K: Program participants and their families and supporters pound the pavement in the culmination of a 10-week, confidence-boosting curriculum. Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction, 10 a.m.noon. $10-35; preregister.

middlebury area

SPRING WAVE RACE: More than 100 middle and high school rowers from across New England paddle for the prize. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free; preregister to participate.

upper valley

‘CREATIVIDAD SILVESTRE/WILD CREATIVITY’ EXHIBIT: See WED.27.

FAMILY SHEEP & WOOL CELEBRATION:

Folks herd together for a glimpse of Vermont’s sheep-farming history, complete with hands-on activities, demonstrations and frosty treats. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular admission, $14-21; free for members and kids under 3.

northeast kingdom

‘CARDTOPIA’: See THU.28.

SUN.31

burlington

‘CHAMP: AMERICA’S LAKE MONSTER’ EXHIBIT: See WED.27.

DAD GUILD’S BANANA SPLIT

PLAYGROUP: Share the stresses of caregiving with a supportive community at this inclusive morning group open to families of all shapes and sizes. The Guild Hall, Burlington, 10 a.m.-noon. Free.

‘DINOSAUR SAFARI’ EXHIBIT: See WED.27.

chittenden county

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

‘CREATIVIDAD SILVESTRE/WILD CREATIVITY’ EXHIBIT: See WED.27.

northeast kingdom

‘CARDTOPIA’: See THU.28.

MON.1

burlington

‘CHAMP: AMERICA’S LAKE MONSTER’ EXHIBIT: See WED.27.

‘DINOSAUR SAFARI’ EXHIBIT: See WED.27.

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

‘CREATIVIDAD SILVESTRE/WILD CREATIVITY’ EXHIBIT: See WED.27.

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.

TUE.2

burlington

‘CHAMP: AMERICA’S LAKE MONSTER’ EXHIBIT: See WED.27.

DADS’ NIGHT OUT: BOARD GAME NIGHT: Local 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.

‘DINOSAUR SAFARI’ EXHIBIT: See WED.27. 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

READ WITH SAMMY: Young bookworms sharpen their literacy skills by sharing stories (and carrots!) with a certified therapy dog. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 4-5 p.m. Free.

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

BASEMENT TEEN CENTER: See FRI.29, 2-6 p.m.

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.

upper valley

‘CREATIVIDAD SILVESTRE/WILD CREATIVITY’ EXHIBIT: See WED.27.

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.29.

WED.3

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.27.

‘DINOSAUR SAFARI’ EXHIBIT: See WED.27. barre/montpelier

BABY & CAREGIVER MEETUP: See WED.27. FAMILY CHESS CLUB: See WED.27.

mad river valley/ waterbury

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.27.

STORY TIME: See WED.27. K

classes

Want to memorialize a loved one?

We’re here to help. Our obituary and in memoriam services are affordable, accessible and handled with personal care.

Share your loved one’s story with the local community in Life Lines.

Post your obituary or in memoriam online and in print at sevendaysvt.com/lifelines Or contact us at lifelines@sevendaysvt.com 865-1020 ext. 142.

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.

arts & crafts

BLOCKPRINTING BOTANICALS: Join us for an introduction to block printing with linoleum. Using images from the garden, we will draw onto linoleum and learn to carve and print. You’ll make a series of prints with your new image and take home your linoleum block to continue your printing adventure! If time allows, we will also print from natural materials. All materials provided. Bring a 4-by-6-inch image to work with or create your own on-site. Date: Sat., Jun. 27, 11 a.m. Cost: $85. Location: Horsford Gardens & Nursery, 2111 Greenbush Rd., Charlotte. Info: sevendaystickets.com.

DAVIS STUDIO ART CLASSES: Stay connected to your creative practice this summer. Seasonal camps, classes and workshops offer ﬂexible, supportive ways for art making full of joy and inspiration! Come as you are and use the time to reset, focus and have fun. Now enrolling youths, teens and adults. Info: 802-4252700, info@davisstudiovt.com, davisstudiovt.com.

food & drink

BETTER THAN STORE-BOUGHT (A CLASS FOR KIDS + A GROWNUP): is class is designed for kids ages 6-12 with a mom, dad, grandparent, caregiver, etc. We will make three things from scratch that you usually buy in the supermarket: Goldﬁsh crackers, Pop-Tarts and ice cream sandwiches. Our recipes use less sugar and more wholesome ingredients than the store-bought versions, but they will taste a lot better! Together, kids and their grown-ups will measure and stir, use a mixer, and practice using a rolling pin. We’ll taste everything in class, and you’ll have all the recipes to take home so you can make them again and again.

Date: Sat., Jun. 27, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Cost: $75 for 1 adult and 1 child age 6-10. Location: Richmond Community Kitchen, 13 Jolina Ct. Info: sevendaystickets.com.

music

TAIKO TUESDAYS, DJEMBE

WEDNESDAYS!: Drum with Stuart Paton! New sessions each month. Community Taiko Ensemble Beginner’s Class, Mon., 5:30-7 p.m. 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, 7-8:30 p.m. Drums provided. Cost: $92/4 weeks; 90-min. classes; $72 per person for Kids & Parents class. Location: Burlington Taiko, 208 Flynn Ave., Suite 3-G. Info: Stuart Paton, 802-448-0150, burlingtontaiko.org.

nature

BUSCRAFT & FRICTION FIRE SKILLS WITH DUG NORTH OF THE HISTORY CHANNEL SHOW ‘ALONE’: Join Vermonter Dug North from Season 12 of the History Channel’s survival show “Alone” for a full day of wilderness skills training in Roxbury, Vt. Learn to use a knife safely, the essentials of ﬁrecraft and the fundamentals of the bow drill method for creating ﬁre using friction. No tools or prior

knowledge required. Ages 16 and up. Date: Sat., Jun. 27, 10 a.m. Cost: $180; materials provided. Location: e Nest: Off-Grid, 1911 Beaver Meadow Rd., Roxbury. Info: dugnorth@gmail.com, dugnorth.com.

wellness

REST, RELAX, RECHARGE: ENERGY CLEARING WITH AROMATHERAPY: Every day you recharge your phone, tablets and computer. is is a chance to recharge your own battery in one hour. Celeste Hartwell will guide you on a journey to resting, relaxing, and recharging your body and mind during this energy-clearing and healing class. A relaxing atmosphere will cocoon you with dim lighting and comfy blankets while you recline in zero-gravity chairs, creating the ideal environment for releasing negative energy to help you fully recharge your own battery so you can show up fully in your own life. Date: u., Jun. 25, 6-7 p.m. Cost: $60. Location: Ladies Social Group, 11 Pearl St., Suite 206A, Essex Junction. Info; sevendaystickets.com.

Find and purchase tickets for these and other classes at sevendaystickets.com. = TICKETED CLASS

Buy & Sell »

ANTIQUES, FURNITURE, GARAGE SALES

Community »

ANNOUNCEMENTS, LOST & FOUND, SUPPORT GROUPS

Rentals & Real Estate »

APARTMENTS, HOMES, FOR SALE BY OWNER

Vehicles »

CARS, BIKES, BOATS, RVS

Services »

FINANCIAL, CHILDCARE, HOME & GARDEN

Musicians & Artists »

LESSONS, CASTING, REHEARSAL SPACE

Jobs » NO SCAMS, ALL LOCAL, POSTINGS DAILY

Humane Society of Chittenden

County

Bella

AGE/SEX: 9-year-old spayed female

ARRIVAL DATE: April 7, 2026

SUMMARY: Bella may start out shy, but give her a little patience and she quickly settles into the role she was born to play: adored companion. She loves curling up beside her people, lounging in her cat tree and soaking up gentle adoration. Bella is the perfect balance of affectionate and independent; she is happy to spend time with you but equally content enjoying a peaceful afternoon in her favorite cozy spot. Bella would thrive in a quieter home where she can settle in at her own pace and enjoy all the comforts of indoor cat life.

DOGS/CATS/KIDS: Bella is seeking an adult-only home without dogs. She has no known experience living with other cats.

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.

DID YOU KNOW?

Sensitive cats need time to feel comfortable in a new home. HSCC recommends introducing a new cat to your home slowly by starting them off in a small “safe room” and gradually increasing their access to the rest of the home as they build confidence.

GARAGE & ESTATE SALES

HUGE RED ROCK RD. YARD SALE

PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES

ARTIST RETREAT FOR WRITERS & PRINTMAKERS

Daysies winner). Info, 802-233-7731, pasbell@ paulasbell.com.

CLOTHING

& ACCESSORIES 2013 AIRSTREAM INTERNATIONAL SIGNATURE 23D

Get away in style in this beautiful Airstream, recently serviced & ready for travel! Lots of upgrades, w/ a good history & only 2 prior owners. Stored indoors in climate-controlled environment every winter since new. View listing on RV Trader here: tinyurl.com/2ykfdc9x.

Private link to high-res photos below as well. $57,000, negotiable. Info, 802-233-0334, vtwildebeest@proton. me, tinyurl.com/ 3xh96sfr

1 stop, hundreds of items! Everything must go. More than 10 homes on Red Rock Rd. in Colchester combining forces for the ultimate Sat. treasure hunt! Furniture, electronics, clothing, sports gear, tools, home goods, kids’ stuff. Cash & Venmo. Sat., Jun. 6. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Rain date: Sat., Jun. 13.

ANNUAL COUNTRYSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD YARD SALE IN ESSEX JCT.

Very large neighborhood w/ many residents participating. Location: Countryside Dr. & adjoining streets. Sat., Jun. 6, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., rain or shine.

HOME & GARDEN

WOODWORKING MACHINES & TOOLS

Various machines & tools. All in very good condition. Castleton, Vt. Call 802-468-2503 (landline) or email sherenjl@aol.com.

Prepare for power outages today w/ a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a free 5-year warranty w/ qualifying purchase. Call 1-866-381-0627 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. (AAN CAN)

PETS & SUPPLIES

BERNEDOODLE PUPPIES

F1b Bernedoodles. Ready for forever homes Jun. 11! $1,900. Info, 802-999-7696, laurabrooke2011@gmail. com, doodleforme.com.

PUPPIES & KITTENS

Corgi & corgipoo pups: shots, dewormed, health guarantee. $675. Ready late Jun. Himalayan snowshoe Siamese kittens: shots, dewormed. $375. Ready Jun. 5. Contact 802-595-5345.

SPORTING GOODS

2 KAYAKS FOR SALE 2 12-foot-long Eddyline kayaks, Sandpiper models. Excellent condition, used only a few times. $1,000 for 1; $1,800 for both. Info, 802-373-3220, s.jtrubisz@comcast.net.

Chaga Woods on Green Hill Artist Retreat offers writers & printmakers a comfortable & supportive environment immersed in nature w/ uninterrupted time & quiet space to work. Private room, shared full BA, nourishing home-prepared meals, walking trails. Nestled in the northern Taconic Mountains of southwest Vermont. Info, 802-3252603, lawlorschmidt@ icloud.com, artistretreat chagawoods.com.

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, age, marital status, handicap, presence of minor children in the family or receipt of public assistance, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or a discrimination. The newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate, which is in violation of the law. Our

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SLAVIC LIFE e Slavic Life Movement is an organization dedicated to the preservation & evolution of Slavic culture.

readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. Any home seeker who feels he or she has encountered discrimination should contact:

HUD Ofﬁce of Fair Housing 10 Causeway St., Boston, MA 02222-1092 (617) 565-5309 — OR — Vermont Human Rights Commission 14-16 Baldwin St. Montpelier, VT 05633-0633 1-800-416-2010 hrc@vermont.gov

&

electric. Laundry room on premises. No pets & NS. 1-year lease is req. Must have excellent rental history & refs. Info, 201-248-1973, tbahearn@optonline. net.

APARTMENTS & HOUSES FOR RENT

N. HERO LAKESIDE LOFT APT.

3501 Route 2.

COMMERCIAL & OFFICE RENTALS

INDOOR BOAT, CAMPER, VEHICLE, EQUIPMENT STORAGE IN RYEGATE, VT.

AUDITIONS & CASTING

AUDITION FOR NEW MUSICAL “HATCHFORD HOTEL” W/ SHELBURNE PLAYERS!

Welcome to the Hatchford Hotel. It’s strange. It’s speciﬁ c. It’s moving fast. Try to keep up. Auditions: Mon., Jun. 15, or Tue., Jun. 16 (pick one), 6:30-8 p.m., at the historic Shelburne Town Hall. Performances: Oct. 2-10. Info, 802-343-2602, theshelburneplayers@ gmail.com, shelburne players.com/auditions.

MUSIC LESSONS

PIANO, VOICE, TROMBONE, SONGWRITING LESSONS

Awarded for lifetime achievement from Who’s Who in America, Scott omas Carter is avail. for lessons at Music & Arts on Wed. & Sun. Call 802-651-1013.

SUMMER PIANO LESSONS

Play on a beautiful baby grand in the South End of Burlington. All ages, kids through adults. All abilities & genres of music. Info, randal. pierce@gmail.com, randalpiercemusic.com/ about.

GUITAR INSTRUCTION

All styles/levels. Emphasis on building strong technique, thorough musicianship, developing personal style. Paul Asbell (Big Joe Burrell, Kilimanjaro, UVM & Middlebury College faculty, Seven

Unfurnished 1-BR, 1-BA, 761 sq.ft. is large 1-BR loft apt. offers a comfortable & stylish living space in the heart of N. Hero Village. Enjoy beautiful lake views & abundant natural light through skylights that brighten the entire home. Features incl.: full kitchen w/ modern appliances; W/D for added convenience; luxurious BA w/ a jacuzzi tub & walk-in shower; plenty of storage throughout the apt.; skylights providing natural light & scenic views. Conveniently located just a short walk from the public library, North Hero House, Hero’s Welcome General Store, & Kraemer & Kin brewery, this apt. offers easy access to local amenities. Perfect for long-term living w/ modern comforts & a touch of lakeside charm. $1,500. Info, 802-372-1795, andy@ champlainislands.com.

S. BURLINGTON 3-BR

TOWNHOME FOR RENT

Unfurnished 1,780 sq.ft. 3-BR, 2.5-BA. Beautiful, cozy 3-BR townhome for rent. Sunny, south facing. Close to newly developed S. Burlington downtown, 10 min. to downtown Burlington & UVM Medical Center. Eco green flooring, gas fireplace, private patio area, ceiling fans + air, etc. Bonus room on 1st floor great for a home office + garage. Large basement for storage & more! Main BR has en suite BA. Best school district in Vermont. Extra parking space + snow & trash removal, lawn care & more. (No roommate situations according to HOA rules.) Utils. not incl. NS, please. 1-mo. sec. dep. $3,500. Info, kerinrosestudio@ gmail.com.

LONDONDERRY 2-BR APT.

Unfurnished 2-BR, 1-BA apt. w/ eat-in kitchen. $1,300/mo., incl. heat &

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-ﬂ oor bay. Covered indoor storage. Lockable bay doors. Easy access from paved road. Level/spacious area for access into bay. Seasonal or year-round storage. Info, 802-4176432, karynbjilk@yahoo. com.

HOUSEMATES

IF YOU LOVE CAMPING & FISHING

Share a neat & tidy mobile home in Milton w/ an active man in his 60s who enjoys volunteer work, antiquing, camping & ﬁ shing. $650 + utils. 22 minutes to Burlington. No pets. BR can be furnished or unfurnished. Private BA. Call 802-863-5625 or visit homesharevermont. org for application. Interview, refs. & background checks req. EHO.

WALK TO NWMC IN ST. ALBANS

5-min. walk to Northwestern Medical Center. Active retiree in her 60s who is busy w/ her church & volunteering offering two rooms & private BA in comfortable home w/ spacious, modern kitchen. $650/mo. + small utils. share. A cat would be considered. BR can be furnished or unfurnished. Call 802-863-5625 or visit homesharevermont. org for application. Interview, refs. & background checks req. EHO.

HOUSING WANTED

ST. ALBANS TO MORRISVILLE: SEEKING ANIMALFRIENDLY HOUSING

Single female therapist seeks animal-friendly housing. Great longterm refs. for myself, 2

cats & 2 dogs. Willing to consider anything, from owner ﬁ nancing (2-year balloon, premium paid) to roommates or large house to get roommates to an efﬁ ciency. Most details negotiable. Call 802-878-5169.

FINANCIAL & LEGAL

TIME-SHARE CANCELLATION EXPERTS

CREATIVE

Se e ices

BULLSHITFINDER.FYI

146 ways people lie to you. Enhanced. Check it out. Live, real. Info, bullshitﬁ nder.fyi.

ELECTRONICS

WIRELESS HOME INTERNET

Connect to the best wireless home internet w/ EarthLink. Enjoy speeds from 5G & 4G LTE networks, no contracts, easy installation, & data plans up to 300 GB. Call 855-873-2215. (AAN CAN)

Wesley Financial Group, LLC, time-share cancellation experts. Over $50 million in time-share debt & fees canceled in 2019. Get free informational package & learn how to get rid of your time-share! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 888-9601781. (AAN

Using the enclosed math operations as a guide, fill the grid using the numbers 1 - 6 only once in each row and column.

CLASSIFIEDS »

Sudoku

Show and tell. View and post up to 6 photos per ad online.

Complete the following puzzle by using the numbers 1-9 only once in each row, column and 3 x 3 box.

Open 24/7/365. Post & browse ads at your convenience.

Extra! Extra! There’s no limit to ad length online.

WANT MORE PUZZLES?

Try these online news games from Seven Days at sevendaysvt.com/games.

NEW ON FRIDAYS:

Put your knowledge of Vermont news to the test.

CALCOKU BY

JOSH REYNOLDS

DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK: HHH

SUDOKU BY JOSH REYNOLDS

Hard

See how fast you can solve this weekly 10-word puzzle. Difficulty - Hard

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.

DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK: HHH

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 cannot be repeated in a row or column.

ANSWERS ON P.72 H = MODERATE H H = CHALLENGING H H H = HOO, BOY!

crossword ANSWERS ON P. 72 »

5 3 1 6 2 5 1 4 6 3 3 1 4 6 2 5 1 4 6 5 3 2

D-PARTING

a massage. We do relaxation & therapeutic massage w/ hot stone incl. Info, 802-829-1849, tara@ahhhmassage.org ahhhmassage.org.

Legal Notices

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.

FOOD COACH

Conﬁ dential conversations on all things food & your health goals. Together, we create a strategic plan & work toward a pleasurable new mindset. Simple yet powerful food journaling, sound menu planning & our coaching sessions offer steady support & guidance. Info, 802-488-5286, coty@ touchstonekitchen. com, touchstone kitchen.care.

CAREGIVING

Retired nurse avail. for private in-home light caregiving. NS & no heavy lifting. $30/hour, negotiable. Overnights & weekends. Please call 802-495-1954.

GRAND OPENING

Join us at for our Grand Opening at our Shelburne location & get a complimentary herbalism session w/

HOME & GARDEN

CLEAN CUTS LAWN CARE

Messy lawns? We can help maintain the perfect lawn. Leave the mowing to us. A high-quality lawn without the high price. Free quotes. Over 24 years’ experience. Email skyhorse205@yahoo. com or call or text. Info, 802-355-4099.

POTWIN EPOXY

Put a new surface on that old cement ﬂ oor. Call 802-236-6189.

REGENERATIVE GARDENING, LANDSCAPING SERVICE

To support ecosystem resilience, MycoEvolve offers site assessment, permaculture plans, watershed-friendly features, design, installation, maintenance, pollinator habitats, riparian buffers, lawns to gardens, forest gardens, fungal inoculation, polyculture orchards, hügelkultur & nonchemical opportunist species removal. Fully insured, reasonable rates & timely, ﬂ exible schedule. Info, mycoevolve.net, yepeth@gmail, 802-839-8286.

NOTICE OF SELF STORAGE LIEN SALE, CHAMPLAIN HOUSING TRUST

Rose Street Basement Storage, 78 Rose Street, Burlington, VT 05401. e contents of the following self-storage units will be sold at public auction on Monday, June 1 at 2:30 pm.

Andrew McKinnon, Storage Unit #26

Debra Whitten, Storage Unit #22

Inﬁ nite Culcleasure, Storage Unit #08

Dan Fancher, Storage Unit #19

Desiree Cutting, Storage Unit #12

James Gero, Storage Unit #11

Units will be opened for viewing immediately prior to the auction. Cash only. Contents of each storage unit will be sold as one lot.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

e Town of Underhill is now accepting sealed bids for the hauling of 4500 tons of winter sand mix. Please follow this link to the Town’s website and the invitation to bidders: https://www.underhillvt. gov/request-proposals-rfps

Sealed bids are due at the Underhill Town Ofﬁ ce located at 12 Pleasant Valley Road, Underhill VT No later than 2:00 PM on ursday, June 4, 2026

NOTICE OF SELF STORAGE LIEN SALE MALLETTS

BAY SELF STORAGE, LLC 115 HEINEBERG

ROAD,

COLCHESTER, VT 05446

Notice is hereby given that the contents of the self- storage units listed below will be sold at public auction by sealed bid. Name of Occupant James Messier Storage Unit #139. Said sales will take place on 6/6/26 beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Malletts Bay Self Storage, LLC, (MBSS, LLC)115 Heineberg Rd., Colchester, VT 05446. Units will be opened for viewing immediately prior to auction. Sale shall be by sealed bid to the highest bidder. Contents of entire storage unit will be sold as one lot. e winning bid must remove all contents from the facility at no cost to MBSS, LLC on the day of auction. MBSS, LLC reserves the right to reject any bid lower that the amount owed by the occupant or that is not commercially reasonable as deﬁ ned by statute.

NOTICE OF SELF STORAGE LIEN SALE MALLETTS BAY SELF STORAGE, LLC 115 HEINEBERG ROAD, COLCHESTER, VT 05446.

Notice is hereby given that the contents of the self- storage units listed below will be sold at public auction by sealed bid. Name of Occupant Jeffrey Whitcomb Storage Unit #13. Said sales will take place on 6/6/26 beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Malletts Bay Self Storage, LLC, (MBSS, LLC)115 Heineberg Rd., Colchester, VT 05446. Units will be opened for viewing immediately prior to auction. Sale shall be by sealed bid to the highest bidder. Contents of entire storage unit will be sold as one lot. e winning bid must remove all contents from the facility at no cost to MBSS, LLC on the day of auction. MBSS, LLC reserves the right to reject any bid lower that the amount owed by the occupant or that is not commercially reasonable as deﬁ ned by statute.

STATE OF VERMONT

SUPERIOR COURT, CIVIL DIVISION CHITTENDEN UNIT CASE NO. 26-CV-00934

Hutton Dart, Jason Andreasson and Christopher Andreasson Plaintiffs

v. 27-29 Mercier Dr., LLC, 28-30 Mercier Dr. LLC, 221-223 Macrae Road LLC, 295-297 Macrae Road LLC c/o Donald W. Voight, Sr., Hella and Christopher Benitt, Abdelilah Benjaa and Megan Jean Benjaa, , Nathan Carp, Gary W. Chambers, Jr. and Cheryl A. Chambers, Nadezhda Donnell, Tanner Faucett, Sherree Harvey, Richard C. Kirby, Vinh T. Lai and Nhi H. Nguyen, Brian Little and Melissa Dinh, Michael Quigley, Carolyn Shamel, Evan Stainman, Whitney and Brian Tummings Defendents

SERVICE BY PUBLICATION OF COMPLAIN TO QUIET TITLE FOR 0 MERCIER DRIVE, COLCHESTER, VT

Plaintiffs, Hutton dart, Jason Andreasson and Chirstopher Andreasson, by and through their attorney, Joseph F. Obuchowski, Esq. Filed a Complaint to Quiet Title for property located at 0 Mercier Drive, Colchester, Vermont and mailed a

copy of the Complaint with a request for Waiver of Service of Summons, a Notice of Appearance and Answer form to all of the lot owners who may have an deeded easement or an interest under a common development scheme in Plaintiffs’ property. e above-named Defendants did not respond by either waiving service of summons or ﬁling with the Court a Notice of Appearance and Answer. After a showing by Plaintiffs of due diligence in trying to service the Complaint, the Court ordered, in an Order dated May 13, 2026, publication of the Complaint at least seven days apart for two or more weeks in Seven Days. Each of the above lot owner(s) shall be sent a copy of the Court’s Order.

Notice is hereby given that failure to respond to the Complaint within twenty-one (21) days from the date of publication may result in a default judgment or summary judgment against you.

Publication Date: May 27, 2026 and June 3, 2026

Joseph F. Obuchowski, Esq. P.O. Box 8551 Burlington, VT 05402 802 658 5368 jobuchowski@btvlaw.com

ACT 250 NOTICE MINOR APPLICATION 4C0331-44

10 V.S.A. §§ 6000 – 6111

Application 4C0331-44 from City of Burlington c/o Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport, 1200 Airport Drive, South Burlington, VT 05403 was received on May 7, 2026 and deemed complete on May 18, 2026. e project is generally described as demolition of the 1,800 square foot former carpentry and ofﬁ ce building that is currently used for storage. No new structure is planned, and existing utilities will be capped in place. e project is located at 35 Customs Drive in South Burlington, Vermont. e project is located at 35 Customs Drive in South Burlington, Vermont. e 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 “4C0331-44.”

No hearing will be held and a permit may be issued unless, on or before June 16, 2026, a party notifi es the District 4 Commission in writing of an issue requiring a hearing, or the Commission sets the matter for a hearing on its own motion. Any person as defi ned 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 Offi ce at: Act250.Essex@vermont.gov. Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law may not be prepared unless the Commission holds a public hearing.

For more information contact Stephanie H. Monaghan at the address or telephone number below.

Dated this May 20, 2026.

By: Stephanie H. Monaghan District Coordinator 111 West Street Essex Junction, VT 05452 802-261-1944

stephanie.monaghan@vermont.gov

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: EDEN CENTRAL SCHOOL BUSES

Lamoille North Supervisory Union

For

School District invites sealed proposals for the lease or purchase of two new 77-81 passenger school buses in 2026, preferred delivery by August 15, 2026.

For more information and to receive a full copy of the proposal request, please email dclark@lnsd. org, or call (802) 851-1161.

Lamoille North Supervisory Union and its School Districts are an Equal Opportunity Employer

BURLINGTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD

TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 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 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 669 900 6833 or+1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799

1. ZP-26-179; 96 Tracy Drive (RL, Ward 4) Zach Wilson

Proposed home occupation for one-on-one or small group personal training (strength, mobility, body mechanics) sessions.

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.

The programs and services of the City of Burlington are accessible to people with disabilities. Individuals who require special arrangements to participate are encouraged to contact the Zoning Division at least 72 hours in advance so that proper accommodations can be arranged. For information call 865-7188 (TTY users: 865-7142).

RICHMOND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD MEETING AGENDA

JUNE 10, 2026, AT 7:00-9:00 PM THIS IS A HYBRID MEETING WITH ON-SITE/REMOTE ACCOMMODATIONS.

Pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 312(a)(2), this meeting will be held in the three following locations: (1) in person; (2) electronically via Zoom; and (3) by phone call. You do not need a computer to attend this meeting. Calls can be placed by using the “Join by Phone Call” number below—this is a toll-free number. Your participation in this hearing process is a prerequisite to the right to take any subsequent appeal. For more information or accommodations to improve the accessibility of this meeting, please contact Danté DeNault at (802) 556-4959 or ddenault@ richmondvt.gov.

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:

Materials: https://www.richmondvt.gov/calendar/ meeting/development-review-board-6-10-26.

1. SP2026-005. John Roettinger. Parcel ID: BR0030.

Applicant seeks site plan approval for façade changes to 30 Bridge Street, located in the Village Downtown Zoning District. The front façade will be painted red, and the door will be replaced.

2. SB2026-001. Trunk Beach, LLC. Parcel ID: BC0030.

Applicant seeks final approval to subdivide 30 Browns Court, an existing 0.47-acre parcel located in the Village Residential Neighborhoods North zoning district, into two (2) lots of 0.25 acres (Lot 1) and 0.22 acres (Lot 2). Lot 2 will get a new 6-bedroom duplex and shared driveway.

3. PS2026-002. Bob Marquis. Parcel ID: HU0595.

Applicant seeks preliminary approval to subdivide 595 Huntington Road, an existing 15.17-acre parcel located in the Agricultural Residential Zoning District, into two (2) lots of 8.43 acres (Lot 1) and 6.74 acres (Lot 2). Via shared access, Lot 2 will get a new 2-bedroom single-family home.

4. SK2026-001. Franz Bernstein. Parcel ID: OC0679.

Applicant seeks input to amend a previously approved subdivision of 679 Old Country Lane, an existing 237.59-acre parcel in the Agricultural Residential Zoning District. All existing preapproved lots will be adjusted or dissolved. Three (3) new lots will be created. Lot 1 will be 28.3 acres, Lot 2 will be 1.1 acres, and Lot 3 will be 2.9 acres. The remainder lands are Lot 4.

5. AP2026-002. Chelsye and Trevor Brooks. Parcel ID: JR1330. Appellant-Neighbors challenge the Zoning Administrator’s issuance of Certificates of Occupancy for the Applicant-Appellee’s driveway and house at 1330 Jericho Road. Appellants argue that the Certificates were untimely, non-compliant with the Zoning Regulations, and not built as planned.

WARNING POLICY ADOPTION

CHAMPLAIN VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Board of School Directors gives public notice of its intent to act on local district policies dealing with the following at its meeting scheduled on June 30, 2026:

Code H3 Visitors, Media Interviewing, Filming, Videotaping, and Recording - Repeal

Code F14 Student Publications - Repeal

Code F2 Bus Discipline - Repeal

Code F27 Use of Imaging and Recording Devices in School - Repeal

Code F31 Instraschool District School Choice

Program - Adopt

Code F12 Transportation - Adopt

Code G11 Title 1 Comparability - Adopt

Code H7 Title I, Part A Parent & Family Engagement - Adopt

Code H2 Distribution of Non-School Sponsored Literature in Schools - Adopt

Code F8 Possession and Administration of Emergency Medication - Adopt

Code F22 Eligibility for Kindergarten - Reaffirm

Code H5 Fundraising - Reaffirm

Code F16 Eighteen-Year-Old Students - Reaffirm Code F34 Prevention of Harassment, Hazing and Bullying - Reaffirm

Copies of the above policies may be obtained for public review at the Office of the Human Resources Dept. in Shelburne, VT.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR ARCHITECTURAL AND CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES

Cathedral Square is seeking proposals from Architectural and Civil Engineering firms for Schematic Design work associated with the new construction of an affordable, 33 unit, senior living community in Colchester, VT. Qualified applicants should contact Cathedral Square’s Project Manager, Lauren Marino (marino@cathedralsquare. org), for complete RFP details. Responses are due by 3pm on June 3, 2026. Cathedral Square is an equal opportunity employer. Women Owned, Minority Owned, Locally Owned, and Section 3 Businesses are encouraged to apply.

and tell. View and post up to 6 photos per ad online.

STATE OF VERMONT

SUPERIOR COURT PROBATE DIVISION

24/7/365. Post & browse ads at your convenience.

made only upon complaint or upon request of the owner thereof.

CHITTENDEN UNIT DOCKET NO.: 26-PR-02387

In re ESTATE of Michael Mullen

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

To the creditors of: Michael Mullen, late of Burlington, 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: 5/20/2026

Signature of Fiduciary: /s/ Devon Mullen

Executor/Administrator: Devon Mullen 351 Nortgate Road, Burlington, VT 05408

Phone number: 802-356-0815

Email: devon4foot11@gmail.com

Name of Publication: Seven Days

Publication Date: 05/27/2026

Name of Probate Court: Vermont Superior Court, Chittenden Unit

Address of Probate Court: 175 Main Street , Burlington, VT 05401

CITY OF BURLINGTON

IN THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-SIX AN ORDINANCE IN RELATION TO HOUSING – INSPECTION REQUIRED BCO CHAPTER 18, ART. II, DIV. 1, SEC,16 ORDINANCE 7.7

Sponsor: Department of Permitting and Inspections; Ordinance Committee

First reading: 05/11/26

Rules suspended and will be placed on the May 18, 2026 Deliberative Agenda

Second reading: 05/18/26

Action: adopted Date: 05/18/26

Signed by Mayor: 05/20/26

Published: 05/27/26

Effective: 06/16/26

It is hereby Ordained by the City Council of the City of Burlington as follows:

That Chapter 18, Housing, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Burlington be and is hereby amended by amending Article II, Administration and Enforcement; Division 1, Generally; Section 16, Inspection Required; thereof to read as follows:

18-16 Inspection required.

The enforcement officer or their delegate shall make inspections of rental units within the city, including hotel and motel rooms which are regularly let to the same tenant(s) for a period of thirty (30) days or more, for the purpose of determining whether a violation of this chapter exists.

Excluded from periodic inspection shall be all owner-occupied dwellings containing one (1) or two (2) rooms which are rented out for compensation and partial unit short term rentals. Also excluded from inspection are university and college dormitories that conduct regular, comprehensive inspection programs and annually certify compliance with the minimum housing standards ordinance to the enforcement agency. The required certification shall be submitted in writing using the form prescribed by the Director of Permitting and Inspections, due by September 1st annually. The certification shall include affirmation that the students have been notified of their right and the process to make a complaint to the City pursuant to Sec. 18-24. Inspections of dwellings and dwelling units other than those that are subject to periodic inspections, or of hospital rooms, hotel and motel rooms or dormitories not subject to periodic inspections as provided for in this section, shall be

All records, including inspection reports, records of complaints received and investigated, and plans for inspections of rental units, shall be available for public inspection.

* Material stricken out deleted.

** Material underlined added.

ks/Ordinances 2026/Housing Code/BCO Ch. 18, Art. II, Div. 1

Secs. 18-16.

5/6/2026

CITY OF BURLINGTON

IN THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-SIX AN ORDINANCE IN RELATION TO CONSUMER PROTECTION BCO CHAPTER 21, ART. I: ORDINANCE 7.8

Sponsor: Ordinance Committee

First reading: 05/11/26

Rules suspended and will be placed on the May 18, 2026 Deliberative Agenda

Second reading: 05/18/26

Action: adopted

Date: 05/18/26

Signed by Mayor: 05/20/26

Published: 05/27/26

Effective: 06/16/26

It is hereby Ordained by the City Council of the City of Burlington as follows:

That Chapter 21, Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Burlington be and is hereby amended by amending Article I, In General, by adding Sec. 21-8, Consumer Protection; thereof to read as follows:

21-8 Reserved Consumer Protection

(a) PURPOSE, INTENT, AND AUTHORITY

The purpose of this Section is to complement the enforcement of federal statutes, state statutes, and decisions governing unfair methods of competition, unfair or deceptive acts or practices, and anti-competitive practices in order to protect the public and to encourage fair and honest competition.

This Section is intended to provide notice to consumers prior to their purchase of costs and/or holds on their money that may not have otherwise been clear to the consumer so that they may make an educated choice prior to purchase.

Charter authority regarding petroleum sales is provided in Article 19, §48(26). Statutory authority regarding private parking lot/sign regulation for the purposes of this ordinance is provided pursuant to 24 V.S.A. §2291.

(b) DEFINITIONS

Please see 9 V.S.A. §2451a.

1) HOLDS ON PAYMENT AT POINT OF SALE

A gas station, convenience store, or any other place that sells gas to the public, that accepts credit or debit cards for the retail sale of gasoline shall not place, or allow a third party to place, a hold on any credit or debit card account in an amount larger than the actual purchase amount for the gasoline without providing notice in a clear manner and proximate to the point of payment prior to the consumers purchase. The notice shall state there may be a hold in an amount larger than the amount of the purchase and how a consumer may avoid a preauthorization hold (ie.if the consumer can go inside and prepay with a PIN to avoid a hold).

2) PARKING RATES FOR PARKING GARAGES/LOTS

All privately owned parking garages/lots shall clearly and prominently post at the entry, so that it

Legal Notices

is visible and legible from the roadway and prior to consumers entering the garage/lot, the following:

(A) whether the lot/garage is open to the public;

(B) signage that shall prominently include the words “privately-owned”;

D) if the lot/garage uses dynamic or changing pricing models, clearly and visible disclose that and the maximum possible rate the consumer could pay;

(E) hours of operation;

(F) a contact to call if there is an issue; and

(G) whether there is a charge for handicap parking and if so, that the consumer may park on the street or in city-owned lots for free.

Signage will also need to comply with all other state and local permitting requirements, including but not limited to the Burlington Comprehensive Development Ordinance.

(d) EFFECTIVE DATE

The effective date of this ordinance shall be July 1, 2026. Thereafter, there shall be a one-time courtesy warning to come into compliance for an additional sixty (60) days.

(e) ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this section shall be a civil offense and shall be enforced pursuant to Section 1-9 of this Ordinance.

* Material stricken out deleted.

** Material underlined added.

ks/Ordinances 2026/Consumer Protection/BCO Ch. 21, Art. I Sec. 21-8.

5/6/2026

PUBLIC HEARING

WINOOSKI DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD

A public hearing will be held by the Winooski Development Review Board on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 beginning at 6:30 p.m. to consider the following:

Appeal of Zoning Administrator’s Decision – 280 East Allen St.

Appellant has submitted an appeal of the Zoning Administrator’s decision to deny a zoning permit application for land development on the property located at 280 East Allen St. Appeals are reviewed pursuant to Section 6.9 of the ULUDR.

This hearing will begin at 6:30pm. Members of the public that are interested in participating in this hearing can do so by attending in person at Winooski City Hall, 27 West Allen Street, Winooski, VT; or electronically by visiting https://us06web. zoom.us/j/82129899225 or by calling (301) 715 8592 and using Webinar ID: 821 2989 9225. Toll charges may apply.

Members of the public interested in participating in the above captioned hearing are requested, but not required to make their intentions known by completing the public comment request form located on the City’s website at https://www. winooskivt.gov/FormCenter/Human-Resources-6/ Public-Comment-Request-Form-61 at least 24 hours in advance to ensure this information is included in the record of the hearing. This will also allow the chair to recognize participants to provide testimony at the appropriate time during the hearing.

The Development Review Board will hold a public hearing on this matter before rendering a decision. Decisions of the Development Review Board can be appealed by “interested persons” (as defined by 24

PLACE AN AFFORDABLE NOTICE AT: SEVENDAYSVT.COM/LEGAL-NOTICES OR CALL 802-865-1020, EXT. 142.

V.S.A. § 4465) to the Environmental Division of the Vermont Superior Court.

Questions or comments on this matter can be directed to Ravi Venkataraman, AICP, CFM, Director of City Planning by calling 802.655.6410 or visiting Winooski City Hall at 27 West Allen Street during normal business hours. Information related to this matter will also be available on the City’s website at https://www.winooskivt.gov/229/ Development-Review-Board.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY OF WINOOSKI UNIFIED LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS

In accordance with 24 V.S.A § 4441 and § 4444, the City of Winooski’s City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, June 15, 2026 beginning at 6:00 p.m. Members of the public interested in participating in this hearing can do so by attending in person at Winooski City Hall, 27 West Allen Street, Winooski VT; or electronically by visiting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89807479305; or by calling (646) 558 8656 and using Webinar ID: 843 6484 9328. Toll charges may apply.

Amendments to the Unified Land Use and Development Regulations

• Section 2.3 - Applicability

• Section 2.4 – Land Use Table

• Section 2.5 – Dimensional Requirements Table

• Section 4.10 – Outdoor Lighting

• Section 4.11 – Outdoor Storage, Mechanical and Utility Equipment

• Section 4.14 – Signs

• Section 5.1 – Accessory Dwelling Units

• Section 5.4 – Design Requirements for Residential Structures

• Section 5.14 – Incentives for Priority Housing

• Article IX - Definitions

Statement of Purpose: The purpose of these amendments are to establish new design requirements, expand the applicability of existing aesthetic standards and correct current inconsistencies in Winooski Unified Land Use and Development Regulations in order to encourage more infill in the City that is compatible with the character of the areas as defined in the Winooski Master Plan.

Geographic Area Affected: The proposed amendments will apply to the entire City including all zoning districts.

Section Headings Impacted: The following specific updates are included with these amendments:

Section 2.3 – Clarify Site Plan Review applicability for proposed land development

Section 2.4 – Allow single-unit dwelling uses, two-unit dwelling uses, and multi-unit dwelling uses with up to four units in the Central Business (C-1) District ; and, note the applicability of Site Plan Review

Section 2.5 – Set limitations to the length and height of blank walls that are visible from the street and from public properties.

Section 4.10 – Require outdoor lighting standards to apply to all uses in the residential zoning districts.

Section 4.11 – Require outdoor storage, mechanical and utility equipment standards to apply to all uses in the residential zoning districts.

Section 4.14 – Establish signage allowances and limitations in the Public District.

Section 5.1 – Clarify that the accessory dwelling unit allowance for single-unit dwellings per 24 V.S.A. §4412 applies to all single-unit dwellings in the City regardless of the zoning district the property is located.

Section 5.4 – Establishes front doorway requirements for residential uses.

Section 5.14 – Adjusts the lot coverage incentive

for administratively reviewed priority housing projects from 75% to 65%.

Article IX – Sets definitions for “blank wall” and “mixed use”, and modifies definitions for “accessory dwelling”, “principal structure”, “principal use” and “subdivision”

The full text of these amendments is available at the Winooski City Hall, 27 West Allen Street, during normal business hours or by contacting Ravi Venkataraman, AICP CFM, Director of City Planning by calling 802.655.6410 or rvenkataraman@ winooskivt.gov.

NOTICE OF MUNICIPAL CONDEMNATION HEARING

CDS CD23(1) – Reconnecting Bank & Cherry

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that—pursuant to 19 V.S.A. Chapter 7 —the City of Burlington plans to hold a public hearing to consider condemning certain parcels of land for the purpose of reconstruction of Cherry Street, and, if so, to determine the damages sustained by those owning or interested in the parcels. Based on municipal records, such parcels are located in Burlington, Vermont at 20 Pine Street, 101 Cherry Street, and 29 Church Street. Pursuant to such condemnation, the City of Burlington will consider whether it is necessary for public use and benefit to take the subject parcels on both a temporary and permanent basis for use in alteration and reconstruction of the intersections. Such temporary basis will last until a project completion date of November 1, 2030, but may be extended depending on project needs. The permanent basis will be needed to accommodate one stormwater catch basin at the existing curb on Saint Paul Street. The necessity and compensation due to those owning or interested in such property for such condemnation will be addressed at the hearings held at a meeting of Burlington City Council, Mayor Presiding, on Monday, June 22, 2026 at 6 p.m. EDT, located at 149 Church Street, Burlington, Vermont. There will be a site visit beginning at 5 p.m. EDT on Monday, June 22, 2026 starting at the intersection of Cherry Street and Saint Paul Street. No testimony will be taken at the site visit. Testimony will be accepted at the hearing from interested parties. Meeting information and instructions for remote participation are posted here once the agenda is published: https:// burlingtonvt.portal.civicclerk.com/

ACT 250 NOTICE

MINOR APPLICATION 4C0130-10

10 V.S.A. §§ 6000 – 6111

Application 4C0130-10 from Full Circle Property Management, PO Box 4057, Burlington, VT and Redrock Condominium Association c/o Full Circle Prop. Mgmt., PO Box 4057, Burlington, VT was received on February 4, 2026, and deemed complete on May 21, 2026. The project is generally described as the construction of two gravel wetland treatment practices, each with sediment forebays. The project is located at Redrock Drive & East Redrock Drive in Burlington, 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 “4C0130-10.”

No hearing will be held and a permit may be issued unless, on or before June 16, 2026, a party notifies the District 4 Commission in writing of an issue requiring a hearing, or the Commission 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-statuspetition-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.

For more information contact Quin Mann at the email address or telephone number below.

Dated this May 22, 2026.

By: /s/ Quin Mann Quin Mann District Coordinator 111 West Street Essex Junction, VT 05452 802-661-8041

Quin.Mann@vermont.gov

STATE OF VERMONT

SUPERIOR COURT PROBATE DIVISION CALEDONIA UNIT DOCKET NO.: 26-PR-02351

In re ESTATE of Gustavo Alberto Teran NOTICE TO CREDITORS

To the creditors of: Gustavo Alberto Teran, late of Hardwick, Vermont

Dated: May 22, 2026

Signature of Fiduciary: /s/ Diana Guajardo, Executrix

Executor/Administrator: Diana Guajardo Stackpole & French Law Offices, PO Box 819 Stowe, VT 05672

Phone Number: 802-253-7339

Email: marlene@stackpolefrench.com; and Diana Guajardo, mananaranch@gmail.com

Name of Publication: Seven Days

Publication Date: May 27, 2026

Name of Probate Court: Vermont Superior Court — Caledonia Probate Division

Address of Probate Court: 1126 Main St, St Johnsbury, VT 05819

FINAL PUBLIC HEARING

The Town of Essex received $660,540 from the State of Vermont for a grant under the Vermont Community Development Program – Recovery Housing Program. A public hearing will be held at 6:35 pm on Monday, June 15th at the Essex Town Offices, 81 Main St., Essex, Vermont and via the link on the June 15, 2026 Selectboard agenda accessed here: https://essexvt.portal.civicclerk.com/

The hearing will be to obtain the views of citizens on community development, to furnish information concerning the range of community development activities that have been undertaken under this program, and to give affected citizens the opportunity to examine a statement of the use of these funds. The VCDP-RHP Funds received have been used to accomplish the following activities:

The Champlain Housing Trust in partnership with Vermont Foundation of Recovery converted 12 existing apartments in three buildings at 1005, 1006 and 1007 Ethan Allen Avenue into supportive housing for people in recovery from substance abuse disorder.

Information on this project may be obtained from and viewed during the hours of 8:00 AM-4:30 PM at the Essex Town Offices, 81 Main St., Essex, Vermont.

Should you require any special accommodations please contact Katherine Sonnick at 802-878-1343 to ensure appropriate accommodations are made. Town of Essex Selectboard

ATTENTION RECRUITERS:

POST YOUR JOBS AT: JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM/POST-A-JOB PRINT DEADLINE: NOON ON MONDAYS (INCLUDING HOLIDAYS) FOR RATES & INFO: GILLIAN COMITO, 802-341-3060 GCOMITO@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

Administrative Assistant

Bowman has an opportunity for an Administrative Assistant 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: selena.garcia-torres@bowman.com

Town Treasurer/ Financial Director

Are you a big picture thinker, with keen attention to detail? Are you a systems person, who loves when tasks are completed & the numbers balanced? Are you someone who can stay focused amidst the hands-on nature of day-to-day municipal government? Would you like to use your analytical skills to make a big impact?

The Town of Plainfield (pop. 1400), a quirky small town in Central Vermont, that has been heroically dealing with the aftermath of two years of historic flooding, is looking to fill a key position in our town office.

The Town Treasurer/Finance Director position combines the statutory responsibilities of the Town Treasurer, with big picture support of the town Select Board, as it steers the town through major recovery projects, to a stable and sustainable future.

Status: Full time, 32 hours, salary range $55,000 – $60,000, commensurate with experience, generous benefit package.

Description: plainfieldvt.gov

To apply, send resume to: Selectboard7@plainfieldvt.gov

Business Development Representative (BDR)

All Learners Network is looking for someone to help us bring equitable, highquality math instruction to K-12 schools across the US and beyond. You’ll connect with administrators and curriculum leaders through honest conversations, not sales scripts. If mission-driven work sounds like your kind of role, we’d love to meet you.

Base Salary Range: $52,000-$60,000 USD + Commission. See full job description and apply here: https://bit.ly/math-bdr

Hazardous Waste Facility Operator

Come do good work with a great team!

Full-time, $26.06 – 33.80/hr + generous benefits (paid leave, retirement plan with match, 100% medical/dental/vision for employee & family).

Location: Berlin, VT

See CVSWMD.org for details.

2h-AllLearnersNetwork051326.indd 1

Find Your Impact. Be a Teacher.

We’re looking for amazing Early Childhood Program educators! The Y offers many career benefits —including competitive pay, professional development opportunities, access to Y perks, and a supportive community where you can make a difference in the life of a child and their family. Come work with us!

$1,500 Hiring Incentive! Apply with QR Code

We’re hirin g! La bora tory Serv ices

• Director of Laboratory - Clinical Laboratory Services ($95,000-105,000/yr)

• Medical Laboratory Scientist ($28-32/hr), 2 shifts available: o evening/night shift

o night shift with set schedule MondayWednesday weekly Strong differentials in place for working evening ($4.50/ hr), overnight ($9.00/hr), and weekend shifts ($4.50/hr)!

For more information or to apply, visit copleyvt.org/careers or contact Kaitlyn Shannon, Recruiter 802-888-8144 or kshannon@chsi.org.

Care Coordinator/ Case Management

Based in our Randolph office, the Case Manager will work with older persons to remain in their homes through creative connections with state and community resources. We are looking for new team members who work well with others and can empathize with their needs, are comfortable with computers, are strong communicators and are enthusiastic to learn and grow as professionals.

Pay Range: $24-$26 per hour. Generous benefits including retirement, health insurance, and paid time off.

For the full job description and to apply, please visit: cvcoa.org/employment

76

ATTENTION RECRUITERS:

FLOAT CERTIFIED MEDICAL ASSISTANT

Want variety?

Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) is hiring a Float Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) to support multiple outpatient practices. Provide clinical and front‑office support, including intake/vitals, medication review, point‑of‑care testing, rooming, documentation in the EHR, assisting with procedures, and helping with scheduling, phones, referrals, and prescription coordination. Float where needed while partnering with care teams to deliver safe, compassionate care. Required: HS diploma/equivalent, active CMA/CCMA/RMA, and AHA BLS. Benefits: competitive pay, student loan repayment, tuition reimbursement, generous PTO, complimentary gym membership, health/dental/vision options, 401(k) match, and more

Apply today at NVRH.org/careers.

Client Relations Specialist

We are seeking a Client Relations Specialist to join our high‑end skin clinic. We’re looking for someone who brings warmth, professionalism, and a polished presence to every interaction, with a proven ability to attract and cultivate new clients. This role includes prospecting and business development, such as cold calling, door‑to‑door outreach, and building connections within the community.

We're excited to meet a dynamic, self‑motivated, confident, and results‑oriented professional. Someone who excels at creating meaningful client relationships and contributes to the day‑to‑day operations of our clinic. A passion for skincare and the beauty industry is appreciated. This part time position offers hourly pay plus commission, along with in‑clinic discounts.

Send your resume to genaboyden@gmail.com.

4t-GenaBoyden052726.indd

Town Administrator

Early Childhood Educator

Pine Forest Children’s Center (PFCC) has provided high-quality, play-based early childhood education in Burlington’s South End since 1988. We are currently hiring for multiple positions, including licensed preschool teachers (full-time or part-time) and early childhood educators to join our infant–preschool teams. At PFCC, we value imagination, curiosity, and integrity, and believe children learn best through emergent, play-based experiences connected to their community and natural world. Our teachers collaborate to design engaging, child-led curriculum, partner closely with families, and receive strong professional development support to grow in the ﬁeld.

Pay: $20–$26/hour plus a $1,000 sign-on bonus

CARE TAKER

Beneﬁts include: health savings account, dental, vision & life insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, ongoing training, and more.

To apply, send your resume and cover letter to Julie LaFountaine: julie@thepineforest.org. PFCC is an equal opportunity employer.

Hiring

Shelburne Farms Inn: Breakfast & Dinner Line Cooks, Dishwashers, Reservationist 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

Looking for the right live in couple or individual to take care of our sweet adult autistic son. New free fully equipped private apartment on a beautiful horse farm estate with gorgeous views provided. Tax free annual salary $52,000,00 with additional income for grounds maintenance if desired. References and background checks required.

Interested parties email jibek@aol.com

2v-WinterbrookCaregiver052026.indd

KITCHEN TEAM MEMBER

Early Morning Shift (Hourly, PT/FT)

Family-owned café seeking a reliable and motivated Kitchen Team Member for early morning shifts.

Crew Arborists

The Town of Jericho (pop. ~5,000) seeks an experienced, collaborative professional to serve as full-time Town Administrator. This role serves as the Selectboard’s chief administrative o cer, overseeing municipal operations, sta coordination, budgeting, and implementation of Town priorities. Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong leadership, communication skills, and experience in municipal management, nancial oversight, and strategic initiatives. Ability to support long-term planning, partnerships, and community development is highly valued.

Quali cations: Bachelor’s degree in public/business administration or related eld and at least 4 years of relevant experience.

Salary: $85,000–$125,000 DOQ, plus excellent bene ts.

Full job description: https://www.jerichovt.org/297/Job-Openings

To apply, submit cover letter, resume, and three references (PDF) to phollstein@jerichovt.gov | Subject: “Jericho Town Administrator”

Deadline: May 29, 2026 | EOE

Join our team at Teacher’s Tree Service! We are a growing, dynamic and local arboriculture company that improves the health, beauty and safety of the outdoor living environment in Vermont. If you enjoy working outside, learning new skills, and being part of a positive team, you may be our next crew arborist! Now hiring for permanent and seasonal crew positions, full time + up to 10 hrs/wk overtime. Competitive salary (starting at $26/hr) and benefits package (details provided to qualified candidates).

Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required.

To Apply: Please submit your resume and three professional references to Sarah Pears, Operations Manager (sarah@teacherstreeservice.com) Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Duties Include:

- Baking & food prep

- Keeping kitchen clean & organized

- Assisting customers when needed

- Supporting overall cafe operations during busy periods

What we're looking for:

- Works well independently

- Strong work ethic & dependable

- Friendly customer service skills

- High school diploma/equivalent

- Proficient in English

- Kitchen/café experience helpful, not required

Pay range $18-20/hour (based on experience), tips in addition

Apply today to join our welcoming café team! vermontrestaurant group@gmail.com

Quality Control Technician

High Mowing Organic Seeds is seeking a Technician to join our team. The ideal candidate will conduct laboratory and seed mill work, be detail-oriented, possess a natural curiosity about seed biology, and be excited about improving and following processes that create high-quality organic seeds.

Full Time: $20.50 - $24.50/hr

Comprehensive Beneﬁts

A complete job description can be obtained at: highmowingseeds. com/sta -and-careers

To apply: Email resume, cover letter, and references to: jobs@ highmowingseeds.com. E.O.E.

2v-HighMowingSeeds052013.indd

Are you looking for an innovative, dynamic, and collaborative place to work?

Join us at Lake Champlain Waldorf School to deliver a holistic and developmental approach to education.

Front Desk Staff

The Front Desk staff is the first point of contact for patients at The Bendavid Clinic and plays a vital role in creating a welcoming, organized, and efficient patient experience.

$25/hour: Compensation is negotiable for exceptional candidates. This is a 40% part-time, hourly position.

Comprehensive Benefits. Email a resume and letter of interest in PDF format to hiring@bendavidclinic.com

VET TECH ASSISTANT

We are seeking a full-time vet tech assistant to join our team of dedicated animal care providers in Shelburne. We are the only holistically focused, full service veterinary clinic in the area offering holistic nutrition, herbal medicine, acupuncture, chiropractic, surgery, dental care, digital radiography, ultrasound, laser therapy, and more.

We are seeking a driven individual with animal care experience and an interest in holistic medicine. Our vet tech assistants aid in the following functions:

• Routine patient visits from check-in to check-out

• Inpatient care of hospitalized and surgical patients

• Outpatient treatments: both routine and urgent

• Hospital equipment care and maintenance

• Client care and coordination

Applicants must:

• Be comfortable with animal holding and restraint

• Possess strong communication skills, both verbal and written

• Be comfortable using computer programs and must be able to type

We offer a competitive wage, commensurate with experience, as well as a generous benefits package in a small but fast paced clinic setting. A perfect opportunity to learn and enhance all your technical skills.

Salary: $18-$24/hour, based on experience

Benefits:

• 40 hours paid personal/sick time per year

• 80 hours paid vacation time per year

• 52 hours paid major Holidays per year

• $2600 contribution towards healthcare premium per year

• Simple IRA with matching up to 3%

• Paid lunches 2-3 times/week & paid lunch breaks

Schedule: Full-time, 4 x 10 hour shifts. Work Location: In person

To apply: Please craft a cover letter that tells us a little about yourself and outlines your animal care experience, training, and if you have any experience/interest in holistic healthcare.

This, along with your resume, can be submitted to Thérèse Fafard at therese@qivet.com.

Procurement Administrator

U.S. District Court

The United States District Court is seeking a qualiﬁed individual with excellent analytical, organizational, bookkeeping, and computer skills capable of functioning in a dynamic, 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 court locations in Burlington and Rutland and the court’s web site:

Maintenance Technician

Are you looking to learn new skills or to start a career? Are you looking to join a supportive team and a dynamic company? We are so sure you will love it at HallKeen Management that we are offering a $1,000 hiring bonus for the right candidate. All bonuses to be paid per company policy. Will entertain employees looking to relocate to Vermont.

Responsibilities of Maintenance Technician are quite diverse including but not limited to Apartment turnovers, grounds keeping, various janitorial duties, painting, appliance, electrical, heating, plumbing and safety equipment repair and replacement and provide assistance at other company properties when needed. The qualified candidate must have reliable transportation and have the ability to assist in carrying appliances and climb ladders as needed.

ATTENTION RECRUITERS:

Staff Attorney

DRVT is seeking a full-time Staff Attorney to join our legal team. This position is ideal for an attorney interested in meaningful public interest work that combines legal advocacy, systems change, collaboration, and community engagement.

The Staff Attorney will work on a wide range of disability rights issues, including discrimination, access to services and supports, reasonable accommodations, abuse and neglect investigations, victims’ rights advocacy, and broader systemic reform efforts.

Salary: $68,000 – $75,000

See job description & apply: disabilityrightsvt.org/careers

3v-DisabilityRightsVermont052726.indd

Executive Director

Seeking a dynamic, entrepreneurial, and community-minded leader to serve as the founding Executive Director of a brand-new organization promoting adult and youth mentoring throughout Lamoille County.

This is a unique opportunity for a visionary professional with strong skills in administration, marketing, fundraising, relationshipbuilding, and program development to build an organization from the ground up and make a lasting impact on the lives of local youth. Hybrid role with office in Morrisville.

To apply, please visit: lamoillementoring.org

3v-LamoilleMentoring052726.indd 1 5/25/26 11:19 AM

Network Infrastructure Supervisor

Mansfield Community Fiber is a socially-responsible, locallyowned fiber-optic Internet Service Provider operating in Chittenden, Franklin and Lamoille counties. We are seeking candidates with a technical background in electrical and electronics engineering, interested in learning how to set up, manage and troubleshoot our state-of-the-art network.

This position also includes management duties and customer care. For a detailed job description including pay and benefits see www.mcfibervt.com/jobopportunities. We provide both in-house and external additional training for staff showing interest and aptitude.

Interested applicants should send an email of interest including brief bio to Leslie.nulty@mcfibervt.com with “Fiber-optic Network Supervisor” in the subject line.

Rock Point School is hiring for multiple positions!

RESIDENTIAL EDUCATOR

Join our small, all-gender boarding and day high school serving bright, creative students who haven’t found success in traditional school settings.

Responsibilities include supervising and supporting students in residential life, leading activities and wellness programming, teaching daily living and social skills, providing transportation, and helping build a positive, structured community. We are seeking someone energetic, compassionate, flexible, and team-oriented who enjoys working closely with adolescents. Bachelor’s degree and experience with teens preferred. This is a full-time, live-in position and includes evening and weekend hours.

Benefits: Housing and meals, medical/dental/ vision benefits, generous vacation time aligned with the school calendar, retirement benefits after year one, and salary starting at $36,000. Email resumé and cover letter to:

Ryan Weiland, Dean of School rweiland@rockpointschool.org www.rockpointschool.org

Companion

3v-MansfieldCommunityFiber051326.indd 1 5/12/26 2:47 PM

OFFICE & SYSTEMS MANAGER

Responsibilities include managing day-today office operations, supporting school communication and coordination, serving as the first point of contact for families and visitors, and assisting with school events and administrative systems. We are seeking an organized, personable professional with strong communication skills and office management experience. Familiarity with Google Workspace required; experience with QuickBooks, Salesforce, and educational software preferred.

This is a full-time, year-round position with salary ranging from $43,000–48,000. Benefits include medical/dental/vision coverage, generous vacation time aligned with the school calendar, meals while working, and retirement benefits after year one. Email resumé and cover letter to:

C.J. Spirito, Head of School cspirito@rockpoint.org www.rockpoint school.org

$22 PER HOUR

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.

Must have driver’s license and car. No smoking. Looking for minimum 6 months’ commitment.

Schedule: 1 day or more, Monday thru Friday.

Location: Burlington

Please call or email with questions.

802-862-7602 | Kathy Bostock, kathy.bostock@gmail.com

4t-KathyBostock052726.indd

Automatic Screen Printer

We’re hiring!

Looking for an experienced, part-time Automatic Screen Printer to join our team in Colchester.

• Pay is dependent on production and experience.

• Flexible hours available Monday – Saturday.

Ideal Candidates should be:

• Reliable and detail-oriented

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced production environment

• Experienced with automatic screen printing equipment

Please email aubrey@joannsuniforms.com with your experience and availability for more information.

Executive Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY: The Executive Assistant provides high-level administrative, coordination, and program support to the President and CEO of the Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (VAHHS). This role is central to the effective operation of the association, supporting executive calendar and travel management, association events and sponsorships, and the development and delivery of educational programming for members. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a mission-driven, healthcare-focused environment.

This position is hybrid, with a combination of remote work and in-person presence at the main office and in Vermont as needed to support the President, meetings, events, and organizational priorities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Executive Support

• Manage the President and CEO’s complex calendar, including scheduling meetings, planning itineraries, and coordinating logistics with internal staff, member organizations, board members, and external partners.

• Assist Sr. VP and VP on calendar logistics.

• Arrange and manage travel logistics, accommodations, agendas, and briefing materials for meetings, conferences, and speaking engagements.

• Prepare correspondence, meeting minutes, presentations, reports, and meeting materials as needed.

• Serve as a primary point of contact for the President and CEO, exercising discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive and confidential information.

Event Planning and Coordinatior

• Plan, coordinate, and execute association meetings, conferences, and special events, both in-person and virtual.

• Manage event logistics including venues, vendors, registration, materials, agendas, and post-event follow-up.

• Support board and committee meetings, including scheduling, preparation of materials, note-taking, and distribution of minutes or action items.

Sponsorship Management

• Coordinate sponsorship opportunities for association events, webinars, and educational programs.

• Manage sponsor communications, agreements, benefits fulfillment, and recognition.

• Track sponsorship commitments and support relationship management with sponsoring organizations.

Education and Webinar Development

• Support the development, coordination, and delivery of webinars and educational programs for VAHHS members.

• Coordinate speakers, schedules, learning objectives, registration processes, and materials.

• Assist with promotion, logistics, and evaluation of educational offerings to ensure high-quality member experiences.

Organizational and Administrative Support

• Maintain accurate records, files, and databases related to events, education, and sponsorships.

• Assist with internal process improvement and administrative projects as assigned.

• Provide general office and administrative support in alignment with association priorities and deadlines.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Associate or bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience.

• 5 -10 years of experience in an executive assistant, administrative, or operations support role, preferably in a nonprofit, association, healthcare, or professional services environment.

• Demonstrated experience managing executive calendars and coordinating complex logistics.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities & deadlines.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• High level of professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail.

• Proficiency with common office and collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, calendar systems, webinar platforms).

Preferred

• Experience with event planning, sponsorship coordination, or professional education programs.

• Familiarity with healthcare, hospital systems, or membership-based associations.

• Experience supporting virtual and hybrid meetings and webinars.

Core Competencies

• Strategic time and priority management

• Relationship building and coordination

• Problem-solving and initiative

• Confidentiality and sound judgment

• Customer service orientation for members and stakeholders

SALARY RANGE: $70,000 – $90,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

BENEFITS: VAHHS offers a comprehensive benefits package.

WORKING CONDITIONS & LOCATION: This is a hybrid position, allowing for remote work with regular in-person time at the main office to support meetings, events, and collaboration with staff and members.

Occasional travel within Vermont is required. Periodic evening or early-morning hours may be necessary to support meetings, webinars, or association events.

TO APPLY: Candidates can submit an application by email to: jocelyn@vahhs.org

80 Program Advocate

MAY 27-JUNE 3, 2026

ATTENTION RECRUITERS:

INTERNATIONAL TOUR COORDINATOR

Provide coordinated advocacy and support services to people impacted by domestic and sexual violence. Build trusting relationships with survivors and collaborate with community partners to ensure comprehensive, survivorcentered care.

Assess needs, provide resources and referrals, and empower survivors. Help survivors understand their experiences, recognize the impacts, and articulate their needs. When survivors have advocates, they’re not alone.

Email cover letter/resume to peggy.oneil@wiseuv.org or apply online at: wiseuv.org/how-to-join/careers

Join our Burlington-based team! Create unforgettable group travel experiences for choirs, bands, dragon boat teams, and special interest groups around the world. Requires handling logistics and excellent customer service, the more personal travel experiences the better.

Salary: 50k

Full-time and bene ts (health/dental/vision), plus 4-day workweeks for 7 weeks in the summer.

Contact Emily Hennessy to learn more!

emily@music-contact.com

Athletic Trainer ACE Program Coach (Part-Time)

Visit jobs.plattsburgh.edu & select “View Current Openings” SUNY Plattsburgh is an AA/EEO/ADA/VEVRAA committed to excellence through diversity and supporting an inclusive environment for all.

2h-SUNYPlatts052726.indd 1

Why not have a job you love?

Make a career making a difference with a job in human services at Champlain Community Services.

Benefit package includes 29 paid days off in the first year, comprehensive health insurance with premium as low as $30 per month, up to $6,400 to go towards medical deductibles and copays, retirement match 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.

Great jobs in management and direct support at an award-winning agency serving Vermonters with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

ccs-vt.org/current-openings

3v-MusicContactInternational051326.indd 1 5/8/26 11:26 AM

PARALEGAL

Norwich Technologies is seeking a Paralegal with overall corporate as well as renewable energy project speci c responsibilities.

• On the project level you will help streamline the details of developing, nancing, constructing, and maintaining renewable energy projects.

• You will route, review and record all necessary documents – including titles, surveys, and nancing related documents such as SNDAs.

• At the corporate level, you will contribute to company goals by maintaining form libraries, drafting documents, conducting due diligence, and coordinating with stakeholders to facilitate the development, acquisition, sale, construction, ongoing ownership, operations and maintenance of renewable energy projects.

• You will maintain trackers for key dates such as annual tax lings, contract expirations and renewals, project regulatory and compliance lings, and annual corporate entity maintenance and lings.

Quali cation:

• 3-6 years’ experience working as a corporate, real estate or energy law paralegal.

• Knowledge: understanding renewable energy, land use, and title/ survey review.

This is a hybrid position. Norwich Technologies has o ces in White River Junction and Montpelier.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to careers@norwichsolar.com.

No phone calls please

5h-ChamplainCommServices052726.indd 1 5/26/26 11:50 AM

ATHLETIC & ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR

Mt. Abraham Union Middle/High School

Mt. Abraham Union Middle/ High School, serving 550 students in grades 7–12 from four Addison County towns, seeks a highly motivated Athletic & Activities Director to lead our athletic and cocurricular programs.

Our picturesque campus includes outstanding athletic fields, renovated facilities, and an indoor pool, providing exceptional opportunities to support students in their important “third space.”

Apply: 7dvt.pub/schoolspring

Questions may be directed to Principal Shannon Warden: shannon.warden@mausd.org 802-453-2333.

fun stuff

HARRY BLISS

“She’s a rescue from Andy Warhol’s basement.”

JULIANNA BRAZILL

GEMINI

(MAY 21-JUN. 20)

Among the Dogon of Mali, Sigui so is a secret language. It’s used in a sacred ritual when people gather to retell their beginnings and patch up strains in tribal harmony. I’m borrowing “Sigui so” here as a symbol for a way of talking that I hope you will specialize in during the coming weeks: language that eases tensions, soothes friction and fosters unity. Start like this: Unleash your trademark wit but spike it with sly blessings and tactful probes. Wield your fluency to burn away confusion and uncover unspoken feelings. If you’re in an extra-bold mood, give everyone tacit permission to be their idiosyncratic selves instead of their polished personas.

ARIES (Mar. 21-Apr. 19): In the weeks ahead, simply being right won’t necessarily lead to success. Having strength, intelligence, wealth or connections might help, though not as much as usual. But a different approach will work well as you strive to overcome challenges: a blend of cleverness and integrity. I invite you to be cunning while remaining honorable. Practice subtle strategy in service of higher aims. And here’s one more secret to ensure victory: Let go of any need to receive full recognition for your efforts.

TAURUS (Apr. 20-May 20): “Dear Horoscope Guy: Two astrologers have assured me that as a Taurus, I’m a natural-born money magnet. So why am I broke? I keep begging the Divine for cash miracles, and I buy lottery tickets twice a week. Still nothing! Please tell me when I’ll finally hit the jackpot. Better yet, give me the winning numbers. —Taurus Desperate for Dollars.” Dear Desperate: The “luck” you crave will arrive as you diligently pour yourself into building your sweetest dreams, spurning shortcuts and enjoying yourself as much as possible. The Divine prefers to fund eager cocreators, not wishful thinkers. I predict that a slow-motion jackpot will ultimately arrive through your devoted attention to doing what excites you.

CANCER (Jun. 21-Jul. 22): What’s the holiest, most healing trouble you could rustle up right now? I mean trouble that freshens what’s stale but doesn’t scorch the earth. Maybe it’s a buoyant disruption, like telling wild truths you usually tend to soften. Or maybe it’s asking for what your future self pines for instead of what your past self regards as polite and reasonable. As a Cancerian soul myself, I dare both you and me to give ourselves permission to rumble. Let’s be brazen as we instigate creative upheavals in service to our cheerful vigor. Let’s instigate at least one concrete action that will rattle the stagnant pattern just enough to make life more interesting.

LEO (Jul. 23-Aug. 22): Sea otters are a keystone species. Their presence is essential to the health of their entire ecosystem. As they eat sea urchins, the kelp forests flourish. Without otters, the urchins overgraze, and kelp forests may collapse, which in turn affects hundreds of other species. One creature’s appetite helps regulate an entire undersea neighborhood. I suspect you’re serving a similar function, Leo. You’re having more impact and wielding more influence than you realize. No pressure! But please act accordingly: with maximum integrity and robust responsibility.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sep. 22): A Dutch woman who died left her grandnephew an inheritance of 220,000 euros. The only problem is that he’s homeless and constantly on the move, so the executors haven’t been able to find him.

This echoes a recurring pattern in your life. Even now, sources of blessings are searching for ways to reach you, but you are slow to notice their approach or to magnetize yourself to their arrival. My prayer: May you figure out what needs to be done to make yourself fully available for these gifts — and then ingrain that capacity in your habit mind.

LIBRA (Sep. 23-Oct. 22): Visualize your fears. Consider how few of them rest on a genuine likelihood that the scary events could ever take place. Then ask yourself how much of your uneasiness springs from vivid fantasies or from a practiced tendency to fret. You might also ruminate on how you absorb the background worry that’s amplified by mass culture. After reflecting on all that, I invite you to take one concrete action to lower the level of tension you have come to treat as normal. Take another action to weaken the grip of your deepest dread. The current planetary patterns suggest you now have the bold, creative power necessary to shrink your baseline anxiety.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Even more than usual, you have a sacred duty to celebrate your poignant sweetness and dark intelligence. For the sake of your emotional health, you should pay wild reverence to your deepest, most mysterious yearnings. To be the person we all you need you to be, you must tenderly nurture the parts of your inner world that resemble the aurora borealis. I want to support you in these sublime sacraments, which is why I suggest you memorize the following prayer by Rainer Maria Rilke: “Be attentive to what is arising within you, and place that above everything you perceive around you. What is happening in your innermost self is worthy of your entire love.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Linguists use the term “false friends.” These are words in different languages that seem similar but don’t have the same meaning. For example, the Spanish word embarazada resembles “embarrassed” to English speakers but actually means “pregnant.” I suspect you’re dealing with another type of false friend, Sagittarius: people or situations that turned out to be at variance with what you

initially imagined. But rather than feeling unsettled by these revelations, I suggest you treat them as a prod to see with fresh eyes. Your disorientation could be the beginning of more interesting understandings.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a code assigned to a book for commercial and cataloging purposes. It contains key information and includes a built-in error-detection notation. If you transpose two numbers when entering an ISBN, the last digit will tell you something’s wrong. In this spirit, Capricorn, I heartily recommend that you build more mistake detection into your life. Invest in extra safeguards. Add verification steps. Build in double checks. The goal is to create systems robust enough to survive oversights and gaffes. I very much want you to give yourself the gift of safety nets that will empower you to take smart risks and intriguing gambles.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You may not yet grasp how richly creative you are right now, nor how much more abundant your generative powers could become. So it’s auspicious that you are reading this horoscope now. Consider this your advance notice: Your capacity to originate ideas, projects and connections is surging, and it’s crucial to choose with care which possibilities you nurture and which you decline. If you are selective and intentional about what you sow, then about six months from now, you will be far more likely to gather lush, beautiful harvests instead of wrestling with overgrown, unruly tangles.

PISCES (Feb. 19-Mar. 20): Ethnobotanist Wade Davis documented how different cultures perceive entirely different realities despite inhabiting the same physical world. It means that two people can stand in the same forest and see different forests through their cultural lens and personal mythology. This is simultaneously the problem and the opportunity you face, Pisces. You and others in your orbit are inhabiting divergent realities that superficially seem the same. If you hope to reconcile the differences, you must first acknowledge them as real. You’re dealing with fundamentally different ways of constructing meaning, not just small misunderstandings.

Respond to these people online: dating.sevendaysvt.com

WOMEN seeking...

THOUGHTFUL DAHLIA

Kind explorer who is thinking about art and literature. Also, how to do better with this world (Aquarius). Openminded and community oriented. Friendly, social, extroverted introvert. Loves nature, animals, quiet as well. Willow18 44 seeking: M, l

SEEKING KIND M FOR COMPANIONSHIP

80-plus-year-old woman feels like 16. Seeking a companion for fun, interesting activities: dining in or out, watching wellreviewed movies, thoughtful Scrabble games, sharing books. Must like felines. Foodie a plus. Cora 85, seeking: M, l

OVERFLOWING CREATIVITY

My day begins with coffee; feeding the dogs and birds; then letting life’s journey choose its course. I had a very busy career, and now that I have retired, I have trained myself to walk through my days casually. Not an easy transition, but I love this stage of life. Becky 68 seeking: M, l

LOOKING FOR SOULMATE

Hello, I am a very spiritual woman — you could call me an empath. I desire to meet a gentleman who could possibly be a true Renaissance man. Honesty and loyalty and kindness are what I seek. Plumerea, 68, seeking: M, l

KIND, GENEROUS

Rediscovering myself. Hopeful to find kindness and friendship in others. Hope 36 seeking: M, l

WANT TO RESPOND?

You read Seven Days, these people read Seven Days — you already have at least one thing in common!

All the action is online. Create an account or login to browse hundreds of singles with profiles including photos, habits, desires, views and more. It’s free to place your own profile online.

l See photos of this person online.

W = Women

M = Men

TW = Trans women

TM = Trans men

Q = Genderqueer people

NBP = Nonbinary people

NC = Gender nonconformists

Cp = Couples

Gp = Groups

WISE WOMAN WISHES FOR COMPANIONSHIP

Seeking a positive, honest person who is confident, independent, kind, loves the outdoors and being active, but also appreciates music of many genres, people from other cultures, likes to explore new places and ideas, is creative, is environmentally friendly and kind to creatures big and small. Floralgirl 68, seeking: M, l

HOPELESS ROMANTIC LOOKING FOR LOVE

Looking for something tangible. Someone who is understanding of chronic health issues, who doesn’t define me. I live pretty modestly. I love hard and fast as long as the vibe is right. I’m not into long distance or a man that wants me to pay for everything or has any addiction issues. I have adult children who live with me. Lostandlonley 51, seeking: M, l

LAID-BACK, OLD SCHOOL, SLOW

I am a woman looking for a man. tytyty 52, seeking: M

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED

I am easy to talk to and grounded. I like simple living and honest love. I keep my circle small. I am here to build one strong bond. jeholmez, 57, seeking: M

SUNSHINE IN VERMONT

I’m looking for someone with the same values. I love to laugh and have a lot of fun. I like camping, traveling, playing cards and board games, watching movies, and having campfires in my backyard. I love to entertain and am a very happy person. I’m honest, loyal, loving and caring. Carolyn 72, seeking: M, l

WARM, CURIOUS, ENJOYS LIFE

Insightful, kind and a lifelong learner. Retired registered nurse, widow, and proud mom and grandmother. I’m looking for a genuine man to enjoy life with — someone who appreciates connection, conversation and shared experiences. I love music, travel (recently enjoyed the art and culture of Oaxaca), cooking, entertaining, and the simple joys of sunsets, beautiful views and beach walks. bluehydrangea 83, seeking: M, l

HERE FOR LAUGHS AND LOVE

I’m the kind of person who laughs easily, shows up when it matters, and believes the best connections feel natural — not forced. I love good conversations, spontaneous plans and quiet moments that actually mean something. If you’re genuine, kind and ready for something that could turn into more, say hi. Let’s see where it goes. dawniegolucky 50, seeking: M, l

CHILLING IN NATURE

Hola. I am a kind, gentle animal lover who is looking for a friendship that will blossom naturally (no pressure.) This will happen if you are also kind, open-minded and care about what is happening in the world. You are laid-back but not opposed to protesting an ICE facility. Must love cats! Eddy, 54 seeking: M, l

YOUTHFUL OLD SOUL, TENDER HEART

Relatively whole woman living a full, happy life in service with wonder and gratitude. Inquisitive, playful, kind, adventurous, generous with discerning orientation practicing equanimity, conscious communication, and emotional intelligence. Walking on the sunny side of the street in honor of my ancestors to nurture, nourish, regenerate the garden. Welcoming companionship, collaboration, playmatehood, and conscious partnership at the speed of trust. youthfuloldsoul, 50, seeking: M,l

FUN, FIT, FRIENDLY

I am a former flower child who likes music, dancing, laughing; and, when I’m not: reading, walking in nature and creating. Looking for someone in the Burlington area with similar interests who could be a friend, traveling companion (been to Ireland and Japan), dinner and movie date, and possibly more. Finding a group of like-minded friends is my heart’s desire. wythu, 74, seeking: M, l

OUTDOORSY, ATHLETIC, INTRIGUING, OUTGOING, DEEP

Classy lady seeks gentleman for companionship and outdoor adventures. Building in Waitsfield, Vt. Avid equestrian and love to horseback ride, hike and swim in the emerald-green waters of the Mad River. Windsurfed and have sailboarded as well as figure skated. Seeking a man who can “whoa” and take it slow and see where things might go. Lavenderlady19 66, seeking: M, l

PEACEFUL AND PLAYFUL

I am a retired widow looking for companionship with a kind and honest man. I enjoy cooking, gardening and reading. I really enjoy the outdoors. I like fishing and kayaking. I enjoy playing pool and maybe a little foosball and bowling. I enjoy walks, and I love dancing to rock and roll. Dilly, 65 seeking: M, l

SPONTANEOUS AND FUN

I would like someone to match my spontaneous personality! I’m a spontaneous, fun person. Spontaneous as in, I could, on a dime, say, “Let’s get in the car and go!” Let’s go out to dinner. Let’s go dancing, bowling and so on. I enjoy dancing every weekend. Honesty and communication are important to me, as well as attraction. Aggie 73 seeking: M

MEN seeking...

ALIVE AT 85

You’re how old? Thanks, Mom, for your longevity genes. I am fortunate to be healthy and fit for my age and hope to connect with a woman who can share my enthusiasm for sunrises, sunsets and the hours in between to enjoy life, explore, and make Vermont and our communities better places. Gaiya13 84, seeking: W, l

HONEST, DEPENDABLE MAVERICK

I’m not saying I’m glad you’re single, but I’m happy you’re here. I promise I’m more interesting in person. ptink, 57, seeking: W, l

FUN, AFFECTIONATE, THOUGHTFUL LISTENER

Looking for a friend, lover, life companion. Honest and authentic with myself and others. Enjoy dancing, singing and fun adventures. Also relaxing with a book and music. Love walks in the woods. Romantic and affectionate. Patient listener. Kind, empathetic, value human rights and dignity of all. Resonate with this description? Send me a message. I’d love to connect with you! Autumn63 62, seeking: W, l

HIKER, READER, DOG LOVER

Professional with an active life and a thoughtful temperament seeks a genuine connection. I spend my time running, hiking, climbing, reading and exploring with my dog. Equally happy in the mountains, at a bookstore, or sharing long conversations over coffee. I’m looking for someone kind, curious, grounded and interested in building something real together. ARK 30, seeking: W, l

INTELLIGENT, KIND, YOUNG AT HEART ISFP enjoys walks, biking, camping, hiking and baseball. Prefer going to versus watching sports on TV. Kind, honest, funny, faithful, loving and romantic. Love books, NPR, TV, movies, plays, art in general. A work in progress. Looking for a woman with similar qualities for social interaction and then seeing where it leads. Father of two daughters and a son. Animal lover. Homebody, yet a traveler. fireinthehole 58, seeking: W, l

NEW TO VT, SEEKING YOU!

Hello. Denver native here and new to Vermont. Seeking a long-term companion, but whatever happens ... happens. Prefer to meet first, not endless emails. I seek a connection, be it an activities partner, karaoke, pool, sports, live music, dance, BBQs at home... johnp, 56, seeking: W

OUTDOOR LOVER

I enjoy being outdoors, whether it be walking, hiking or working in the woods. Going to the beach and hiking in the mountains are two of my favorite things to do. During the winter you’ll find me snowshoeing, hiking or cross-country skiing. I love cooking and gardening. I am looking for someone who shares the same interests. Hikerplus 67, seeking: W, l

SMOKIN’ ON THE PORCH

Originally from Maine. Settling in southern Vermont. I’m a conspiracy, cryptid and paranormal enthusiast. Latest hobbies are wood carving and soccer-golf. I’m a chef by trade. I know I have a baby face. I am truly 38. JayFromMaine 38, seeking: W, l

FIT, FUNNY, OUTDOORSY Road and gravel bicycler, hiker, vegetable gardener, cross-country skier, snowshoer, reader, music listener, not a TV-er. Warm and loving to the right person. Searching for a woman who enjoys similar things, who can be warm and open. Hiker48 77 seeking: W, l

ADVENTUROUS, FUN AND PASSIONATE

I am a middle-aged divorcé with brown hair and blue eyes. I enjoy cooking, gardening, hiking and kayaking. I gave up alcohol 12 years ago but enjoy near-beers. I am looking for someone adventurous, honest and kind to write the next chapter of my life with. Let’s meet up for coffee or a hike; when are you free? stwbll 44, seeking: W

COMPASSIONATE, LOYAL, ATHLETIC, CURIOUS

Longtime Buddhist. Practical (some say to a fault). Financially secure, emotionally intelligent, sensitive and kind. I love poetry as much as engineering. Irrepressibly curious learner and adventurer. Happiest when I’m outside. Long-distance trail runner and lover of all bikes. Starting a new chapter and looking for someone to share adventures and maybe more after a foundation. Buddhistbuilder, 58, seeking: W, l

NERDY ANIMAL LOVER SEEKING SAME

I’m vegan for the animals! Once you know, you know. I’m a friendly, well-read and informed guy who is seeking an affectionate, attractive and caring partner for the years we have left to share life. I’m open to most people as long as our values are aligned. Veg1965 60, seeking: W, l

ADVENTUROUS, CARING, FUN GUY!

New to Vermont and wanting to explore! Well-traveled metal artist seeks openminded, grounded companion for adventures including regional travel, music, hikes and creemee sampling. I am active, fit (not a gym rat), creative and capable. I love cycling, motorcycling, kayaking, hiking, good music and conversation. I’m interested mostly in companionship but open to more. (I’m not in a rush for anything.). Mdenney 69 seeking: M, W, TW, Cp, Gp, l

GOING WITH THE FLOW

Twenty-one and just moved back with my folks. Organizer, professional dumbass, CEO of silly geese. I’m from Boston. Unfortunately, I was allegedly too silly and on house arrest on bail. Consequently, I’m bored as fuck and would love to find someone to talk to while I’m here. If you’re into politics/organizing, funny and looking for someone to talk to/more, HMU. APTTP, 21, seeking: W, l

SWEET HEART, LOYAL AND OPTIMISTIC I am just me. It’s been difficult to set up this site. I just did correct it now, plus, I am pretty new to this. I am very simple, hardworking and sweet, as well. Evergreen201, 58 seeking: W, l

COUPLES seeking...

ENJOY MY BEAUTIFUL WIFE

Looking for a gentleman to lay some pipe to my beautiful wife. We are a happily married couple of 18 years and are eager to live out our fantasy. We will be staying in the Stowe area June 26 and 27 and are hoping to find another guy to help me give her an encounter she will never forget. Tommy2tonevt 41, seeking: M, l

ENJOYING FRIENDSHIP WITH OTHERS

We are older, experienced, in love. Our search is for other experienced people, older or younger, who enjoy becoming friends. Benefits are lovely, but friends are nice also. We kiss well, but we need to converse before our lips touch. Men, women, couples, please introduce yourselves. DandNformen, 70, seeking: M, W, TM, TW, Q, NC, NBP, Cp, Gp, l COUPLE LOOKING, HUSBAND WATCHING We are a very happy couple who enjoy all things sexual. We experiment when we can and are looking to add a few things. We have toys and different BDSM/kink items. We are looking for an African American man that my wife can pleasure and also, separately, a female for my wife. I will be there, but not touching. ExploringCoupleVT, 46, seeking: M, W, Cp

I LOOKED LIKE YOUR EX

I sat on the rocks of Perkins Pier watching the late sunset fade into night, your running steps coming up behind me. Passing me, you stopped. “Lua?” you excitedly inquired, then, “I’m sorry, you just look so much like my ex-girlfriend from high school.” I am, unfortunately, not your ex-girlfriend from high school, but maybe I could be your next. When: Friday, May 22, 2026. Where: Perkins Pier. You: Woman. Me: Trans woman. #916593

SUPER MODEL IN CAMO TANK

You were in a black Crosstrek; I was in a white van. We locked eyes at the light in front of Lowe’s in Essex. Gosh dang, you’re a supermodel. I’d love to take you out and get our chat on. When: Monday, May 4, 2026. Where: Lowe’s, Essex. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916591

CURLY-HAIRED CARPENTER

I spy a carpenter. You were chopping wood on a porch in a white T-shirt. I slowed down for a closer look, but I didn’t want to drive by twice in case you noticed me. Your curls caught my eye, and I’ve always had a thing for handymen. Can we take a walk sometime? When: Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Where: on Lime Kiln Road in Charlotte. You: Man. Me: Woman. #916590

I HOPE YOU’RE HAPPY

I don’t wish you any ill will; I’m glad you cut things off. / It’s something I couldn’t do myself. / But I still think of you every single day. / I miss the girls, too. / When you think of me, please remember the good stuff. / It’s getting easier instead of harder / To live without you. / Be well, my long-lost werewolf. When: Sunday, May 17, 2026. Where: Cambridge. You: Man. Me: Woman. #916589

If you’ve been spied, go online to contact your admirer!

WAKE ROBIN BLONDE

You were leaving Wake Robin in a Black Tacoma. I watched you in my rearview through Shelburne Village. What’s your story? When: Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Where: Shelburne. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916592

SHOPPER SEEKING SHOPPER

We were at Shaw’s near closing time. You apologized sweetly for stepping near my cart, though it was absolutely ﬁne. Your look was kind and open. I smiled. We passed each other later, but I was out of gas from the week and couldn’t speak (and was starstruck from our ﬁrst encounter). Can we shop together? When: Friday, May 1, 2026. Where: Shaw’s, Randolph. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916588

TANGLED AT THE BARRE RESOURCE

While shopping, we encountered each other three times, with you continuously excusing yourself. I responded, “You’re ﬁne,” and you quipped it was “because you worked out.” “I like your cattitude,” I responded. I looked you in the eyes and saw your very nice hair, and you were holding a large assortment of tangled yarn skeins. Extremely curious about you. Friend? When: Monday, May 4, 2026. Where: Barre ReSOURCE. You: Man. Me: Man. #916587

COSTCO SHARED GLANCES

You were the pretty lady sitting in the eye care department. I was the guy checking you out (when I wasn’t checking out big-screen TVs). Pretty sure I caught you checking me out, too. You looked familiar. Have you seen me before? If you’re not another stalker, reply here and tell me your name. When: Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Where: Costco. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916586

AN OVERLY EMPOWERED UNWED MOTHER

Bullying and verbally assaulting your disabled child and disabled neighbor was intentionally malicious, indefensible and lacking integrity, as was spreading untrue gossip throughout the building. e impulsive choice you made to immediately ﬁle a police report — despite not having witnessed the situation — rather than having a simple conversation with me was irresponsible and damaging. In the words of Stormzy, do better! When: Friday, April 24, 2026. Where: Winooski. You: Woman. Me: Woman. #916585

PRETTY LADY AT CROW BOOKSHOP

I went to Crow Bookshop to see if they were hiring. While there, I was left speechless at how pretty you were. I awkwardly complimented your sweater and hastily left. I wish I was able to get to know you a little better, either romantically or just as friends. When: ursday, April 16, 2026. Where: Crow Bookshop. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916584

CLADDAGH

In the café around 10:30 a.m., you were sitting by the windows sharing a bit of food with a young girl companion (a daughter, maybe?). I caught an intriguing detail that sparked my curiosity: a claddagh ring worn in a rather intentional way. I should have inquired. Maybe you’ll grant a chance to amend my error. When: Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Where: City Market South. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916583

IF You missed me you’d ﬁnd a way to be near me again. You wouldn’t weaponize me or love. And you’d allow me to move on. You’ve slept with enough other people and done enough deplorable actions. I got the hint the ﬁrst time. You wouldn’t have “a suitable replacement.” When: Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Where: somewhere. You: Man. Me: Woman. #916582

IT’S FRIDAY NIGHT!

You know what that means. Here’s to (at least) 16 more years spending copper to build suboptimal, non-synergistic decks ﬁlled with curses, estates and safety duchys. We’ve got long to go before that third supply pile runs out. Either way, I’ll have more victory points. When: Friday, April 17, 2026. Where: in the hinterlands. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916580

De Bristling Bride,

end,

I can’t stand my brother’s girlfriend. I wouldn’t say she’s abusive, but I don’t like the way she treats him, and she’s generally not a nice person. I’m getting married in the fall, and I’d rather she not come to the wedding. ey’ve been together for almost a year, so I’m sure my brother is going to bring her as his plus-one. Would it be rude for me to tell him that he can’t bring a guest?

MALLETTS BAY AREA

Just moved to the area! I keep seeing the same girl: short, blond, mesmerizing eyes and a smile to die for! Spotted you at Malletts Bay Price Chopper, again on a hike and pretty sure downtown! I’m starting to think it’s not a coincidence but we’re actually meant to meet. Maybe we can get Chunky Monkey ice cream sometime? My favorite! When: Friday, April 10, 2026. Where: all over area. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916581

WOMAN IN PLAID

You: black-and-white ﬂannel. Me: used to have the same ﬂannel, but with a hood. I meant to ask if you wanted to be thrifting buddies, but too shy to ask for your number. When: Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Where: Hardwick Village Restaurant. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916579

GRATEFUL AT THE ZENBARN

I admired you in your sexy white knit dress from short distances (was I too obvious?). You were with a small group of three or four adults and a couple of kids. I’m an older gentleman with gray hair/beard and was wearing a creamcolored shirt. Hope to see you there again on a DSP night as the weather warms up. When: Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Where: Zenbarn, Waterbury. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916578

SCOUT, TOWN MEETING DAY

COUPLE

I saw this beautiful couple at Scout in the Old North End with insane chemistry on Town Meeting Day. Sparks were ﬂying. I had butterﬂies just lookin’ at them. Man looked smitten like a kitten toward his li’l lady. Like Clark Kent and Lois. Wishing y’all the best. Can I get an invite to the wedding? When: Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Where: Scout ONE. You: Couple. Me: Woman. #916576

MARY JANE SHOP IN MONTGOMERY

Around 4:15, you were saying goodbye to the owner just as I was walking in. We made eye contact for a moment, then again as you walked out. You: slim, down-to-earth-looking woman, gray hair, 60s? Me: similar age and height, longish gray hair and mustache. Hope we can see what drew us both. When: ursday, April 2, 2026. Where: Mary Jane shop, Montgomery. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916574

COSTCO BEAUTY

Early afternoon, I entered and went to grab a shopping cart. You were tall and beautiful, and you looked me in my eyes, gave me a beautiful smile and waved. I smiled and waved back. I hoped to bump into you while we shopped, but I never saw you again. Message me if you ﬁnd this. When: Saturday, April 4, 2026. Where: Costco. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916575

HALF MARATHON, FULL AWESOME

You: ﬁt and fun school counselor who speaks Hungarian(?). Me: running buddy at mile eight, until you took off. Are you out there? Let’s get a drink! When: Saturday, April 11, 2026. Where: Half Marathon Unplugged in Burlington. You: Man. Me: Woman. #916577

HOT VOLVO DADDY AT SPLASH

I kept checking you out (over and over)! We were both in the garage drying our cars. You have gorgeous white hair and a blazing rear! Seems your were giving me a show! You’re damned hot! I hope to see you again! I couldn’t stop looking at you! Your white hair is also hot. When: Sunday, March 29, 2026. Where: Splash, Rutland. You: Man. Me: Man. #916573

JOYLESS AND CRUEL BUS DRIVER ank you so much for conﬁrming your bus departure time and promptly pulling off the moment you saw me exit the station, before said departure time. With a smile! ere are places for people like you who ﬁnd joy in making the world harder for those around them. When: Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Where: Burlington bus station. You: Man. Me: Woman. #916572

LADY IN RED

I waited in line to order. You — red hair, glasses, red cardigan — sat by the window with two older women. Later, you stopped near my seat to put your cup in the bus bin. My tattoos and I were working on my laptop. Care to share a table next time you’re up for coffee or tea? When: Monday, March 30, 2026. Where: Uncommon Coffee. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916571

A YEAR AFTER LOSING YOU

I can’t wait to get us back. You were the highlight of my every day, from awakening until sleep, and then still in my dreams, as you remain today. I told you that I will be here alone until your return to me, and that is a promise I will always keep.When: Sunday, March 23, 2025. Where: in my thoughts and dreams. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916570

It’s your wedding, and you can do whatever you want, but traditional etiquette usually allows for immediate family members to bring a guest. Not letting your brother bring a date because you don’t like his girlfriend seems not only rude but also a bit passiveaggressive.

Speaking of having a good time, that’s what you should be doing at your wedding! During the ceremony and reception, you’ll be so occupied with other things — like the person you’re marrying — that you’ll hardly be paying attention to your brother or his guest.

If you absolutely don’t want your brother to bring her to the wedding, you could adopt a “no ring, no bring” policy for all attendees. at means no plus-ones other than spouses or ﬁancé(e)s. Unless you have ﬁnancial or space limitations to make that step a necessity, I’d suggest you skip it. Attending a wedding without a sidekick isn’t very fun, and you want your guests to have a good time.

Wedding planning is stressful enough, so why add this worry? If you feel the need to address your distaste for his girlfriend, do it some other time.

He’s been with this woman for a relatively short stint, and your wedding isn’t happening for some months. Hopefully, between now and then, your brother will come to his senses and ﬁnd someone else to be his date for your big day.

Good luck and God bless,

42-y/o female time traveler, house builder, plant tender, sequin wearer with two young companions seeks affectionate, nimble, energized and conﬁdent male, 35-50, up for woods roaming, swimming, porch sitting, hard manual labor and cracking up with nothing more than what’s in our pockets. #L1941

I’m a 65-y/o single white male, 5’8”, 200 lbs., looking for female 50 to 65 who is white, slender, a good looker, ﬁt, in good health; likes outdoor fun, camping, car rides, and plenty of foreplay and sex. #L1940

I’m a SWM, 73, seeking a female. I am creative, smart, clean and good looking. Seeking a woman 70-plus who wants to play once or twice a week. #L1939

DWM, 71, looking for female to start a relationship with. I enjoy dining in as well as out, country drives. Looking for fun and honest people. I’m retired and happy, just something missing. Phone number, please. #L1937

I’m a SWM, late 60s, 5’7”, 165 lbs., seeking slim males, 18 y/o and up, who are quick comers for oral sex and a rim job. Body hair a plus. Phone number, please. #L1938

HOW TO REPLY TO THESE LOVE LE ERS:

Seal your reply — including your preferred contact info — inside an envelope. Write your pen pal’s box number on the outside of that envelope and place it inside another envelope with payment. Responses for Love Letters must begin with the #L box number.

MAIL TO: Seven Days Love Letters PO Box 1164, Burlington, VT 05402

PAYMENT: $5/response. Include cash or check (made out to “Seven Days”) in the outer envelope. To send unlimited replies for only $15/month, call us at 802-865-1020, ext. 161 for a membership (credit accepted).

PUBLISH YOUR MESSAGE ON THIS PAGE!

1 Submit your FREE message at sevendaysvt.com/loveletters or use the handy form at right.

We’ll publish as many messages as we can in the Love Letters section above. 2

Interested readers will send you letters in the mail. No internet required!

Trans man looking for someone to go on adventures with. Big fan of reading, writing and video games. I look forward to long-form letters and heartfelt romance. Let’s see where the wind takes us. #L1936

Male, 23. Super into Asians. Already have a girlfriend but looking for something casual on the side. I like going out for fruity cocktails and playing golf. Hope you’re OK with my pants being tighter than yours. #L1935

Ambitious guy who loves business, travel and living life differently. Big on loyalty, laughs and connection. Looking for a girl who’s affectionate, wild, supportive and ready to run off to a Mexican dream life. No clothes needed, just avocados and mangoes. #L1932

All-smooth M, mid-50s, twinkish youthful appearance, seeking avid butt muncher to use mouth, ﬁngers, toys for long sessions. Very responsive to erotic sensual play, open-minded, curious to explore turn-ons, kinks, fetish, fantasies. Seeking M or F. #L1931

I’m a 31-y/o man, tall, dark, long hair, very athletically toned. I like to dance, create music, enjoy Mary Jane and all of the culture’s movies. I am a fan of the expression of love, and I am just looking for my person. Hopefully a short female who takes care of herself well and is willing to take me on as a challenge. #L1928

Int net-Free Dating!

Reply to these messages with real, honest-to-goodness le ers. DETAILS BELOW.

Male unicorn seeking maiden for sharing fantasies in the magical kingdom. #L1934

I’m a gay male, mid-60s, seeking a gay male in his 70s and uncut. Trimmed, passionate, virgin. Enjoy nude activities together, nature walks, cuddling, etc. for intimate times. Let’s talk and hopefully meet. #L1930

I’m a gay male, 70 y/o, seeking an 18-plus male or males. I’m 180 lbs. and 5’9”. I’m into spanking and wearing and using adult diapers. Looking for the same. #L1933

I’m a SWM, 73, active, ﬁt, settled, living the good life. Seeking fun girl 65-75 y/o. A cat lover is a plus. Race or disability not important. Phone and picture are. #L1929

I’m a 21-y/o male seeking a 20-plus but preferably 45-plus woman. She must like a little weed. Have to be funny and smart; anything else a plus. Sixfoot goddesses, please reach out. I like plants and hanging out. #L1927

Describe yourself and who you’re looking for in 40 words below: (OR, ATTACH A SEPARATE PIECE OF PAPER.)

I’m a

AGE + GENDER (OPTIONAL) seeking a

AGE + GENDER (OPTIONAL)

I’m a 68-y/o man seeking a 66to 70-y/o female. Looking for an old-school redneck female who’s looking to enjoy the simple things in life. I enjoy auto racing, outdoor events, bonﬁres, boating, camping, road trips and friendship. #L1926

SWF, 72 y/o, seeking a man 60 to 80 y/o. I live in Woodstock, Vt. Looking for a serious relationship with a man. Phone number, please. #L1919

I’m a 44-y/o male seeking a female. Part-time homesteader in Newport and W. Mass. Outdoors, skinny-dipping, gardening, hiking, snowshoeing, kinky, ice skating. I love campﬁres with a beer and reading a book with a glass of wine. 420-friendly. What are you reading? #L1922

Strong, talented masseur and oral enthusiast seeks friendly relations with extremely sensual, pleasure-loving recipient/ counterpart of good character, similar spirit and compatible needs. Select female, male, or M/F couple. Tell me why it should be you. #L1923

(MORE)

MAIL TO: SEVEN DAYS LOVE LETTERS • PO BOX 1164, BURLINGTON, VT 05402 OPTIONAL WEB FORM: SEVENDAYSVT.COM/LOVELETTERS HELP: 802-865-1020, EXT. 161, LOVELETTERS@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

THIS FORM IS FOR LOVE LETTERS ONLY. Messages for the Personals and I-Spy sections must be submitted online at dating.sevendaysvt.com.

Artist Talk by Katharine Montstream & Charlotte Dworshak

WED., MAY 27

SEABA CENTER, BURLINGTON

Trash for the Trope: Romance Lovers

Book Club

WED., MAY 27

PHOENIX BOOKS, BURLINGTON

FOTW Trail Clinic

WED., MAY 27

SAXON HILL TRAILHEAD, ESSEX

Hula Story Sessions: Tuktu

THU., MAY 28

HULA, BURLINGTON

Book Club: Turning Pages With Mary

THU., MAY 28

PHOENIX BOOKS, ESSEX

Evening Bird Walk

THU., MAY 28

BIRDS OF VERMONT MUSEUM, HUNTINGTON

Lara Herscovitch and the Highway Philosophers

FRI., MAY 29

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION, NORWICH

Pet Store: A Live Sitcom

FRI., MAY 29

OFF CENTER FOR THE DRAMATIC ARTS, BURLINGTON

May Bird Monitoring Walk

SAT., MAY 30

BIRDS OF VERMONT MUSEUM, HUNTINGTON

Drag Story Hour

SAT., MAY 30

PHOENIX BOOKS, ESSEX

Jenna's Jam

SAT., MAY 30

JENNA'S HOUSE, JOHNSON

SAT., MAY 30

SEABA CENTER, BURLINGTON

Los Sóngoros with Preshow Dance Class

'Sim Shalom – Grant Us Peace'

SAT., MAY 30 & SUN., MAY 31

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS, BURLINGTON

Beg, Steal or Borrow

SAT., MAY 30

LOST NATION BREWING, MORRISTOWN

Early Birders Morning Walk

SUN., MAY 31

BIRDS OF VERMONT MUSEUM, HUNTINGTON

Abstract VT: Live!

SUN., MAY 31

VENETIAN COCKTAIL & SODA LOUNGE, BURLINGTON

Katherine Arden: Pre-release Celebration for 'The Unicorn Hunters'

MON., JUN. 1

PHOENIX BOOKS, BURLINGTON

RAR Spring Tune Up Series - for WTNB

WED., JUN. 3

OLD SPOKES HOME COMMUNITY WORKSHOP, BURLINGTON

TURNmusic Presents Wednesday

Knudsen + Alex Homan

WED., JUN. 3

THE PHOENIX GALLERY & MUSIC HALL, WATERBURY

PechaKucha Night | Volume 43

THU., JUN. 4

MAIN STREET LANDING PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, BURLINGTON

Summer in the City

Over 100 Free Events from June - September

Downtown Jazz

College Street and Top Block Stage

Four evenings of live, local jazz from BCA and the Church Street Marketplace

June 3: Birdcode, 6-8 PM; Soule Monde w/ EVNGwear, 6-9 PM

June 4: Trio Gusto & Mike Martin, 6-8 PM; Madaila w/ Andriana & The Bananas, 6-9 PM

June 5: Geoff Kim’s Organ Trio, 6-8 PM; Joe’s Big Band w/ Andrew Richards Quartet, 6-9 PM

June 6: Randall Pierce Trio, 6-8 PM; All Night Boogie Band w/ Tiffany Pfeiffer Quartet & Los Songoros, 4-9 PM

BCA Summer Concert Series

Wednesdays & Fridays, 12:30 PM City Hall Park

June 3: The Steve Bredice Quartet

June 5: Alex Stewart & Friends

June 10: Skylark

June 12: MOMDAD

June 17: HuDost

June 24: The Swingin’ Seven

June 26: Sugar in the Pan

una passeggiata

Wednesdays through September 23

5-8 PM, Downtown Burlington

GROW Preschool Yoga

Thursdays, June 4-August 20 11-11:30 AM, Fletcher Free Library

Art Amplified: Otter Creek Band w/ Iva Mae

June 10, 5-8 PM, BCA Center

Experience the gallery in a whole new light with DJs, live music, fun drinks, and an art activity

Splash Dance

Saturdays, 1-3 PM, City Hall Park

June 6: Willverine

June 13: SLAYTT

June 20: Juneteenth Splash Dance

June 27: Loud Neighbors

Juneteenth Celebration

June 20, 1-9 PM

Church Street Marketplace and City Hall Park

Juneteenth Twilight Concert

June 20, City Hall Park, 6 PM

Cliff Notez w/ A2VT

Fletcher Free Library

Summer Challenge Kick-Off

June 20, 10-11:30 AM

Fletcher Free Library

Burlington Watches Together

The world’s soccer game takes center stage as local restaurants, bars, and public spaces come alive with fans, excitement, and can’tmiss moments.

June 12, 9 PM: USA vs. Paraguay

Screened live in City Hall Park

June 13, 9 PM: Haiti vs. Scotland

Screened live in City Hall Park

Dinoman: Dinosaurs!

June 21, 4 PM, Fletcher Free Library

Crowdsourced VT Shrek

Mondays, June 22-August 10, 4:30-6 PM

Fletcher Free Library

Banned Together: Countdown to Heartstopper 6

June 23-July 7, 4:30-5:30 PM

Fletcher Free Library

Beach Bites w/ Troy Millette and the Fire Below

June 24, 5-8 PM, Leddy Beach Park

Family Art Saturday

June 27, 11 AM-1 PM, BCA Center

BTV Market

June 27, 11 AM-3 PM, City Hall Park

Food For Talk Bake Club

June 28, 3 PM, Fletcher Free Library Summer in the City Media Sponsors: Seven Days and WCAX. BCA’s Summer in the City programming is made possible by Underwriter, the Pomerleau Family Foundation; Supporters, Burlington Telecom, Myti, Soundtoys, and Lake Champlain Chocolates; and Community Partner, American Flatbread Burlington & Mothership Brewery. BCA, Church Street Marketplace, and Love Burlington’s Downtown Jazz is supported by