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V ER MON T’S INDE P ENDE NT V OIC E SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026 VOL.32 NO.4 SEVENDAYSVT.COM

ific t n e i c s n e, u v i s n t, e s h e e k r n p a m d o s c ont’ m An un r e V f o me o s o t rs e a d b d gui e v o l t be s o m , t s dingie PAGE 28

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Left: Protesters during the July 24 demonstration. Right: Charity Clark

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Wendy Ross-Atwood (front) teaching at the Greater Burlington YMCA on Saturday

Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George declined to charge protesters arrested there on two previous occasions, saying pursuing the low-level offenses would be a waste of her limited resources. That led Vermont State Police to start referring the cases to the AG’s office, which also has authority to prosecute. Clark, who as AG has joined more than 70 lawsuits targeting the second Trump administration, said in the statement that she is appalled by ICE’s actions and has previously attended anti-ICE demonstrations herself. But her personal feelings cannot stand in the way of upholding the law, she said. “That kind of viewpoint discrimination has no place in our justice system,” she said. She encouraged Vermonters to continue making their voices heard through “lawful protest.” Clark’s decision comes as a coalition of activist groups plans a “week of action” against ICE, which will involve more protests in Williston, beginning on October 4. Read Colin Flanders and Lucy Tompkins’ full story and keep up with developments at sevendaysvt.com.

PHOTOS: JEB WALLACE-BRODEUR; COURTESY

Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark is taking heat from fellow Democrats over her decision to prosecute protesters who were arrested during a July demonstration against federal immigration authorities. The protesters blocked entrances of an office complex in Williston where U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement runs a surveillance center, then refused to leave when state troopers arrived. Twelve of those protesters pleaded not guilty last Thursday morning to misdemeanor charges of unlawful protest. An 18-year-old’s case was referred to juvenile court. State Treasurer Mike Pieciak and Senate Majority Leader Kesha Ram Hinsdale (D-Chittenden-Southeast) called on Clark to dismiss the charges. “Our courts are already backlogged with real threats to public safety, and this is not what our top prosecutor should be prioritizing,” Ram Hinsdale wrote. Seven Days broke the news on September 22 that Clark would prosecute those arrested during a July 24 sit-in demonstration. The charges mark the first time since protests began ramping up at ICE’s Williston surveillance center last fall that demonstrators face prosecution.

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Just days after a poll showed Amanda Janoo with a slight lead over Gov. Phil Scott, a Vermont Public survey released on Monday suggests the Republican governor is ahead of his Democratic/ Progressive opponent by 10 points. The starkly different results five weeks before Election Day add uncertainty around where things stand in the race for the state’s top job. Taken together, however, the polls show that Scott, who is often cited as one of the most popular governors in the nation, finds himself in his tightest campaign since he was first elected governor in 2016. The Green Mountain State Poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center found that 49 percent of likely general election voters backed Janoo, compared with 43 for Scott. Another 6 percent were undecided, while 2 percent favored a different candidate. The survey, which was released last Thursday, had a margin of error of 3.4 percent. Because the result was within the margin of error, the pollsters wrote, Janoo’s advantage “is therefore considered a statistical tie.” The poll conducted for Vermont Public showed a different state of the race, with Scott up by 10 points. It found 44 percent of likely voters favored Scott and 34 percent preferred Janoo. The new poll had a larger number of undecideds, at 16 percent — one possible explanation for the different results. It was conducted by private New Jersey data collection firm Braun Research under the direction of Vermont State University political science professor Richard Clark. It also claimed a margin of error of 3.4 percent. Bert Johnson, a political science professor at Middlebury College, told Seven Days that having two divergent poll results does not mean either was necessarily flawed. “There are ways in which polls can differ, even though they are honestly conducted,” Johnson said. “I have no doubt that both of these polls are doing their best to assess the status of the Vermont electorate.” Following the latest poll’s release, Janoo’s campaign noted that one in five voters is still undecided. “The polls vary, but they agree on one thing: this race will be decided in the final weeks,” the release stated. Scott’s campaign, which called the UNH poll results inaccurate and misleading, said much the same about the Vermont Public survey. “Public polling has always undervalued the governor’s support and this poll, while much better than the UNH survey, continues to do the same,” the campaign wrote.

Amanda Janoo

The two polls were of similar size. The UNH poll asked questions of 835 likely voters between September 17 and 21, while the Vermont Public poll based its findings on 817 calls between September 10 and 21, with 732 respondents considered likely voters. The methodology of the two polls was very different. UNH asked questions of a panel that had agreed in advance to participate, while the Vermont Public survey randomly reached people via text, cellphone and landline. Clark said he intentionally included landline users (7 percent of the total) because they represent an older demographic with higher numbers in the northern and southern parts of the state. “They also tend to be more likely conservative than cellphone users,” he said. Public opinion could have changed during the longer time frame for the Vermont Public poll, though Johnson said he couldn’t think of a news event that could account for such a significant swing. Instead, the UNH poll may have done a better job of determining who is a “likely” voter, which can be difficult during low-turnout midterm elections. “It’s possible that the UNH poll is picking up more on that Democratic enthusiasm in their likely voter calculation,” Johnson said. The Vermont Public poll’s results for the lieutenant governor’s race also showed significantly stronger support for the incumbent, Republican John Rodgers, though he still trailed his Democratic rival, Molly Gray. The UNH poll found Gray was leading Rodgers by 19 points — a margin of 54-35 percent — with 11 percent undecided. The Vermont Public survey still had Gray ahead, but by just 8 points. It found 43 percent of likely voters preferred Gray to 35 percent for Rodgers, with 19 percent undecided. ➆

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on Ed Reform, Gov Tells School Leaders,” Janoo’s view of education reform is noted but not given the detail that an opposing candidate deserves. Janoo, quoted from an email, makes the point that what the governor is calling “transformation” is in actuality “the dismantling of public institutions and the removal of decision-making power from local communities.” But that is all we get; I wanted to hear more. From what I have read and seen so far, Janoo is someone who recognizes the complexity and many challenges associated with trying to meet Vermonters’ basic needs — for example, promoting more affordable housing and improving health care delivery. She is willing to actually voice these issues and take on these challenges. Gov. Phil Scott and Republican legislators, on the other hand, seem to encourage low expectations, making us feel naïve and foolish for expecting something better. Is that leadership? As she has said, “I’m running for governor because Vermont deserves better than managed decline. We deserve a hopeful vision for the future and a plan to get there together.” While I don’t know a lot about Amanda Janoo, the more I learn, the more I am convinced that voting for her is a good idea and a vote for a better future. David Farnsworth SOUTH ROYALTON

SAME OLD, SAME OLD

[Re All the Best, August 5]: The Seven Daysies awards, along with the rest of the articles in the August 5 edition, represent why Vermont is so slow to evolve. The same businesses, time after time, get this recognition. Maybe they’ll throw in a newbie every now and then, but everyone just votes for the same businesses. So boring. Time and time again, this paper contains the same articles about how Burlington has failed to help the homeless and address addiction in any real way. Cheering for Burlington in good times and bad times is not a strategy. Same ideas = same results. The same stories about the same artists who make the same work with the same people. (Hopefully not the same toxic behaviors that I’ve witnessed before.) Yawn. How about profiles on artists who are pushing boundaries and have complicated and uncomfortable things to say? Is Vermont so scared to taste transformation that it just keeps

dumping funding on the same artists over and over again? This sameness is why Vermont is behind in everything, why people don’t stay here and why it’s tough to live here if you’re not from here. Do better. Try harder. Dig deeper. There are people who are doing transformational work, and we never hear about them. Find and elevate the businesses, social justice movements and artists who are shadowed by Vermont’s sickness of sameness. Maybe then reading your paper wouldn’t be so boring and there would be hope for some real change in this state. Lily Beth Johnson

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While it is commendable for Seven Days to recognize remarkable work by people in Vermont, the Seven Daysies awards are becoming redundant and more like a popularity contest [All the Best, August 5]. The same people are nominated over and over again and get the awards only because they can solicit votes by harassing people on social media. Your process bypasses many Vermonters and hidden gems that deserve recognition. Perhaps consider a different process that shines a broader light on Vermonters. Many awards are only given once in a career, such as Teacher of the Year; this actually elevates the honor instead of diluting it. How many Daysies does a person, place, etc. actually need to show that they are loved? Spread it around.

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lifelines

OBITUARIES, VOWS, CELEBRATIONS

OBITUARIES Robert Edmund Anderson Jr.

and enjoying delicious meals along the Connecticut River. Throughout his life, Bob could most often be found in the kitchen. For many years, he was a familiar face at Bove’s Restaurant, where he enjoyed building relationships with the staff and regulars. Later, Bob stepped away from the kitchen and began a career

at Kurn Hattin Homes in Westminster. He took great pride in his role as a house parent to many of the children who attended there. He loved sharing his passion for the outdoors and could always find a way to put a smile on their faces. He would never admit it, but he had a significant impact on many kids’ lives. Bob recently returned to the kitchen at Kurn Hattin and could often be found in the school’s greenhouse, where he had built a tremendous garden. Whether he was cooking, gardening or simply lending a helping hand, Bob found purpose in taking care of others. Bob enjoyed nothing more than being outdoors. He would take any opportunity to cast a line, whether at a local stream, on the Connecticut River or on

Lake Champlain. When he wasn’t on the water, he could be found riding his four-wheeler with his pup, Scout, or walking through the woods. He was always up for an adventure, no matter the weather. Bob was known by everyone he met for his kindness, patience, humor and unfailingly good nature, traits he inherited from his mother, whom he adored. He touched the lives of countless people throughout his lifetime, no matter what role he played in theirs. Among the many hats he wore were son, brother, father, Poppy/ grandfather, friend, teacher, coach, gardener, outdoor guide, comedian, mechanic, carpenter and many more. He embraced each of these roles wholeheartedly. He is survived by his children, Kyle (Nikki),

Elizabeth (Blake), William and Sean; mother, Jean; and his newest and greatest joys, his grandchildren, Nora, Brooke and Bryce. He is also survived by siblings Karen Lansberry, Sue Fortier (Steve), Bruce (Susan) and Patrick (Becky); and brother-in-law Tim Kirol, as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. He was predeceased by his sister Barbara and brother-inlaw Dean Lansberry. This is where Bob would probably tell a very silly joke. In time, hopefully, that joke will come back to us. Until then, carry on his legacy. Go fishing. Be kind. Help someone. Put a smile on someone’s face. That’s what Bob would do. A Mass will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, 10 a.m., at St. Charles Church Cherry Hill in Bellows Falls, Vt., with a Celebration of

Life to follow at noon at the cafeteria at Kurn Hattin Homes in Westminster. A Mass will also be said on Saturday, October 24, 2026, 9 a.m., at St. Mark Parish on North Avenue in Burlington, Vt., and a Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. at the Bove’s Factory Café in Milton, Vt. Burial will be private. We welcome family and friends to join us as we celebrate Robert’s life and share memories together. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you honor Bob with a donation to Kurn Hattin Homes, allowing his impact to continue. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster St., Bellows Falls, VT (fentonandhennessey.com).

the winter waters of Lake Champlain, or hiking Camel’s Hump and Mount Philo, he treasured these shared adventures. Community and friendship were central to Jed’s life. He was a dedicated member of CrossFit Shelburne and Shelburne Athletic Club, where he spent countless hours

training and cultivating meaningful friendships. He had recently formed a band, Escape Velocity, with some of his closest friends, which had been a lifelong goal of his. Through Champlain Valley Union High School and Far Post Soccer Club, where his sons played soccer for over 10 years, he developed everlasting friendships that continued long after his sons’ playing days. Jed spent his early years growing up in Stowe and Fairfield, Vt, where he loved playing basketball, fishing with his dad and brother Justin, playing guitar, and climbing in the Green Mountains. He graduated from the Putney School in Brattleboro, where he played lacrosse. His love for Vermont also extended to Lake Champlain, a place that remained close

to his heart throughout his life. Born on Burton Island, he returned for 10 consecutive summers with a cherished group of family and friends. It was where he took Kristi on her first camping trip, and just weeks before his passing, they shared one final, special visit. Jed and Kristi shared 26 years of marriage, recommitting to one another 13 years ago at Charlotte Beach, on September 19, 2013. Together, they raised their beloved sons and built a life filled with family, adventure, and a shared passion for travel, landscaping, health/wellness and personal growth. Professionally, Jed attended the University of Vermont, where he studied and received a degree in sociology, but later pivoted and built a career in health care IT, developing valued

relationships with countless colleagues, most recently through his work with North Country Hospital, VITL and AmplerEX. Jed will be remembered for his striking blue eyes, his strength and determination, his curiosity, his humor, and the deep connections he formed throughout his life. Kristi, Holden and Josh were lucky enough to share one last beautiful trip with him to Europe this past June. They spent their days in Croatia along the Makarska Riviera, soaking up the sun, swimming in the crystal-clear Adriatic, eating amazing food and watching incredible sunsets. More than anything, they were just happy to be together as a family. It’s a trip they will cherish forever. He is survived by his wife, Kristi; sons, Holden and Josh;

father, Daniel Batchelder (Anne); mother, Maryam Sinclair; brother, Justin Batchelder (Amina); and many, many more cherished family and friends. There will be a Celebration of Life at Jed’s home, a place he poured countless hours, energy and love into, carefully perfecting every acre. Please stop by to celebrate his remarkable life. Anyone who knew Jed or any of the family is welcome to attend the gathering on Saturday, September 26, 2026, 2 to 6 p.m., at 3108 Lake Rd., Charlotte, VT. In lieu of flowers, anyone wanting to share their support for Jed can donate to a scholarship fund at the Shelburne Athletic Club. Checks can be made out to Shelburne Athletic Club in memory of Jed Batchelder.

NOVEMBER 15, 1963SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 WESTMINSTER, VT.

Robert Edmund Anderson Jr. of Westminster, Vt., died unexpectedly at home on September 11, 2026. He was born on November 15, 1963, in Burlington, Vt., the son of Jean Ward Anderson and Robert E. Anderson Sr. Bob attended St. Joseph’s School in Burlington and Burlington High School. Though much of his early life was spent having adventures and misadventures in Burlington, Bob especially looked forward to summers with his grandparents, aunts and uncles in Charlestown, N.H. He and his siblings spent their days fishing, boating

Jed Batchelder AUGUST 17, 1973SEPTEMBER 19, 2026 CHARLOTTE, VT.

Jed Batchelder, beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend, passed away unexpectedly on September 19, 2026, while participating in a Spartan Race in Killington, Vt. This was his eighth Spartan Beast! Jed lived with an adventurous spirit, remarkable determination and a desire to continually challenge himself. Strong, intelligent and endlessly curious, he was passionate about health, fitness, learning and personal growth. Above all, Jed was immensely proud of his sons, Holden and Josh. Whether training together, working out, cold plunging into

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SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

Spencer Philip Clark NOVEMBER 1, 1968SEPTEMBER 21, 2026 SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT.

Spencer Philip Clark passed away peacefully at his home in South Burlington, leaving behind a life marked by intelligence, kindness, curiosity, uncanny wit and an unwavering devotion to the people he loved. Spencer was the beloved son of Amelia Clark of Essex, Vt., and the late Bruce Edward Clark. He is survived by his mother, Amelia; his beloved son, Asa; and Mary-Lynn Walkonen of Huntington, Vt., with whom he shared his greatest joy — their son. He is also survived by his sister Leslie Leedy and her husband, Steve, of Bakersfield, Vt; his sister Jeanne Christiano and her husband, Jon, of Hampstead, N.C.; and his brother, Mitchell Clark, and his wife, Dana, of Hampstead, N.C. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Millie Bushey Boyd FEBRUARY 15, 1943SEPTEMBER 26, 2026 ST. ALBANS, VT.

(Written by Millie herself) Millie Boyd went to the arms of her Mother God on September 26, 2026. She was born in St. Albans, Vt., on February 15, 1943, to Roly and Edna Bushey. Millie graduated from Holy Angels Elementary School in 1956; Bellows Free Academy, Class of ’60; and the Fanny Allen Memorial School of Nursing in 1963. For many years she found reward in nursing at Kerbs Memorial Hospital, now known as Northwestern Medical Center, retiring in 1987. From then on, Millie enjoyed working in numerous and varied environments in Burlington, Essex Junction, Hinesburg and St. Albans. From 1964 to 1982, Millie was married to Alan McFeeters, until they parted ways. They lived in their big old house on Messenger Street in St. Albans, where they raised their three lovely daughters, Melissa, Karen and Sarah. In 1988, Millie graduated from Trinity College in Burlington, fulfilling her dream of finishing college. She was particularly proud that she and her

A proud graduate of the University of Vermont, Spencer graduated summa cum laude and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. His exceptional intellect also earned him membership in Mensa. He possessed a razor-sharp wit and a wonderful sense of humor, delivering quick observations, clever remarks and perfectly timed jokes with ease. Spencer worked at Champlain College as an HVAC technician, where his knowledge, practical skills and willingness to help others made him someone people could depend on. He could bring order to a stubborn system, warmth to a cold room and laughter to nearly any situation — sometimes all before lunch. Spencer found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was a phenomenal cook who loved preparing meals and sharing them with family and friends. He enjoyed trips to the Maine coast, cheering on the Boston Red Sox, skiing, boating and swimming.

Above all, Spencer was a proud and devoted father to Asa. The two shared a similar sense of humor, their own inside jokes and a love of simply spending time together. Some of Asa’s favorite times with his dad were playing video games, going for walks, laughing together and enjoying each other’s company. Their relationship was built not only around the things they did together but also around the humor and connection they shared. Spencer leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, knowledge, humor and friendship that will continue through all who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be deeply missed, forever remembered and never replaced. A celebration of Spencer’s life was held on Monday, September 28, 2026, 3 to 5 p.m., at Holy Family Parish Hall, 28 Lincoln St., Essex Junction, VT 05452. In lieu of flowers or gifts, those wishing to honor Spencer’s memory are encouraged to make a donation to one of Champlain College’s scholarship funds, supporting students at a place that meant so much to Spencer and continues to play an important role in his son’s life.

three daughters all attended college full time at the same time, graduating in birth order. For many years Millie enjoyed singing classical a cappella music with Gigi Scriggins’ Morning Glory Singers and, later, the Side Effects barbershop quartet. They had great fun performing for Cardiac Capers, a hospital benefit show, and at other venues in Franklin County. In 1990 she met Will Boyd, who became her dearest friend. Millie loved going to the ocean with Will, flying kites and taking long walks by the sea under the full moon. They married in a little church hall in Hinesburg in 1992. Millie was an avid reader and enjoyed working at her computer. Her home was her haven and also her hobby; she spent countless hours redecorating and experimenting with color in her real house and in her two dollhouses. Times spent with her grandchildren, especially on “Mim Days,” were always a special joy. In her later years, Millie discovered a passion for watercolor painting. She belonged to numerous artists’ groups, especially enjoying painting and learning with the “Tuesday morning gals.” She exhibited her work in Franklin and Chittenden counties. Millie was happy, joyous and free,

living simply and serenely one day at a time. Millie is survived by her dear spouse, Will; and her beloved daughters, Melissa Morrison (partner Anthony O’Regan) of Norwood, Mass.; Karen McFeeters Leary (husband Kevin) of Milton, Vt.; and Sarah McFeeters Allerton (husband David) of St. Albans, Vt. She was extremely proud of her grandchildren, Thomas Allerton (fiancé Brenley Santilli), Ellen Allerton, Joshua Morrison and Daniel Morrison. They were immeasurably dear to “Mim’s” heart. She is also survived by her brother Tom Bushey (wife Sandi), sister-in-law Linda Bushey, and several nieces and nephews. She also leaves many dear women friends who sang, painted and journeyed with her over the years. She was predeceased by her parents, Roly and Edna Bushey, and her brother Ken Bushey. In lieu of contributions, Millie wished that everyone would do something nice for someone else and not tell them about it. The family wishes to thank the staff at Northwestern Medical Center and Franklin County Rehab Center for their kindness and compassionate care during Millie’s final days. Calling hours on Sunday, October 4, 2026, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., and a memorial service at 4 p.m., will be held at Heald Funeral Home, 87 South Main St., St. Albans. Light refreshments will follow. To send Millie’s family a message of condolence, kindly go to healdfuneralhome.com.

Steven J. Malaney Sr.

JUNE 12, 1942SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 NORTH FERRISBURGH, VT. Steven J. Malaney Sr., of North Ferrisburgh, Vt., died on September 11, 2026. Born on June 12, 1942, in Burlington, Vt., he is the son of the late Curtis “Bill” Malaney and Florence “Eurma” (Ellnor) Malaney. A lifelong Vermonter, Steve graduated from Burlington High School, served in the Vermont Army National Guard and worked as a carpenter, eventually starting his own business, Malaney Construction. A talented builder, he shared his knowledge with hundreds of students as the first building trades teacher at Burlington High School, from 1970 to 1990. Many of Steve’s students followed in his footsteps, becoming successful builders and tradesmen. He retired from teaching after 20 years to focus on his own business. Steve’s passion for restoring old historical homes dovetailed with a lifelong interest in early Vermont history and collecting antiques. In 2017, his experience collecting and dealing antiques earned him a featured guest appearance on the TV show “American Pickers.” For anyone who knew him, Steve’s love of his home and his collection of antiques

was clear. Over the years, he made many friends and engaged in spirited conversations, sharing his great appreciation of history. Steve leaves behind his son, Steven Malaney Jr.; daughter, Krista Malaney, of North Ferrisburgh; grandson, Aaron Malaney; daughter-inlaw, Victoria; great-grandson, Elijah; and granddaughter, Isabella Mary, of North Ferrisburgh. He is also survived by his former wife and friend, Patricia; siblings Patrick, Marilyn and Kathleen; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters Dolores, Michelle and Rosemary. Steve was a proud Vermonter to the very end. He will be deeply missed. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, 2 p.m., at the North Ferrisburgh United Methodist Church. In honor of Steve, send charitable donations to the Rogers & Hazard Relief Society of Ferrisburgh and/or Vergennes Rescue.

IN MEMORIAM Suzanne Slesar MARCH 12, 1962SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 CHARLOTTE, VT.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Suzanne Slesar on September 25, 2026. Our family will sit Shiva and welcome friends on Tuesday, September 29, through Thursday, October 1, from 4 to 7 p.m. each evening, at 2201 Brand Farm Dr., South Burlington, VT. An obituary and celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Want to memorialize a loved one in Seven Days? Post your remembrance online and in print at sevendaysvt.com/lifelines. Or contact us at lifelines@sevendaysvt.com or 865-1020, ext. 10. SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

lifelines

OBITUARIES, VOWS, CELEBRATIONS

OBITUARIES

Dorothy (Openshaw) Naylor JANUARY 24, 1939SEPTEMBER 7, 2026 BERLIN, VT.

Dorothy (Openshaw) Naylor of Berlin, Vt., previously of Calais Vt., passed away peacefully at Woodridge Nursing and Rehabilitation on September 7, 2026. Dorothy was born at Newport Hospital in Newport, R.I., on January 24, 1939, to James A. and Dorothy (Harvest) Openshaw. She grew up in Southampton, Mass., where she graduated from Northampton School for Girls in 1957. Dorothy graduated from University of Massachusetts (Amherst) in 1961. While at UMass she met and married her lifelong partner and love, Ben Naylor. Together with their infant daughter, they moved to Manhattan, Kan., in summer 1961. While there, Ben continued his studies, and their family grew to include three sons. In 1967 they moved the family back east and settled at Collar Hill Road in Calais in 1972, where they resided for over 50 years.

John Gammon Simson AUGUST 22, 1940SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT.

John Gammon Simson lived his life with curiosity, a deep devotion to community and, above all, immense love for his family. A master planner at heart, John brought care, wisdom and an infectious enthusiasm to every pursuit — whether solving complex regional challenges, researching travel adventures, refinishing antique furniture or planting his yearly vegetable garden.

Dorothy wore many hats throughout her active life. She taught fifth and sixth grades at East Montpelier Elementary School; she served on multiple boards and committees; and she partnered with Ben in homesteading their land and developing a thriving small business. She was a lifelong learner, an innovator and an overall feisty woman who regarded obstacles as mere challenges her whole life. Dorothy began her teaching career in the Four Corners (oneroom) School House. Among her many accomplishments are that she developed a winter survival/ Nordic skiing course that survives to this day. Throughout her life, Dorothy embraced serendipity. One day in 1976 she bought too many peaches from the co-op and turned them into a thriving small jam business now owned by son Kelt and his wife Kristina. In her later life she served on the Calais School Board during the contentious merger required by

Act 46. She continued the fight to maintain local schools right up to the very end, attending school board meetings virtually from her nursing home. Though always active, she was never too busy to wander their property in Calais or sit on the porch of their cottage on Lake Champlain with a gin and tonic. Her family remembers her fierce love for all of us. Dorothy is survived by her three children, daughter, Sonja N. Andrews (Ross) of Calais, Vt.; son Kelt M. Naylor (Kristina) of Dummerston, Vt.; son Benjamin E. Naylor (Jennifer) of Petersburg, N.Y.; her seven grandchildren, Lillian and John (Rebecca) Andrews, Caroline and Max Naylor, and Aleana, Sophia (Lucas) and Eli Naylor; and one great-grandson, Harvest Andrews. Dorothy was predeceased by her husband, Ben Naylor; infant son Kurt W. Naylor; parents; and siblings, Judy (Openshaw) Findeisen and James A. Openshaw Jr. A celebration of life will be held on June 5, 2027, at Memorial Hall in Calais. The family is asking you consider a donation to one of the following organizations: Rural School Community Alliance (vtruralschools. org) or North Calais Memorial Hall Association 207 G.A.R. Road, Calais, VT (memorialhallcalais.org).

Born in Boston, John’s life was defined by service and adventure. Eventually an Army captain in the Military Police, his service took him to Korea and later Kagnew Station in Asmara, Ethiopia. It was there in 1966 that he met the love of his life, Nancy Barrows. Married just six months later, they shared nearly 60 wonderful years of travel, laughter and devotion, building a beautiful life together in Vermont. After earning his master’s in public administration from George Washington University, John served as Vermont’s state planning director under governor Richard Snelling before starting a successful financial planning practice. Passionate about

community, he devoted over four decades to volunteering across Chittenden County, leading initiatives for affordable housing, the local library and advising on public policy. Whether sharing his love for history and birding or cheering faithfully for Boston sports, John’s curiosity and willingness to engage stood out. He passed away peacefully surrounded by love at McClure Miller Respite House, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, service and warmth. John is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy; daughters, Carrie Simson and Sarah Simson (Julian Bill); grandchildren, Oscar, Hollis and Rosie; and brother-in-law, Donald Barrows. For John’s full obituary please visit mykeeper.com/johngsimson. In his memory, please be sure to vote, and consider donating to the Champlain Housing Trust (getahome. org) or the Vermont Community Foundation (vermontcf.org).

SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

Jeffrey Bickerstaff DECEMBER 29, 1971SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 MORRISVILLE, VT.

Calling hours for Jeffrey will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, 5 to 7 p.m., at the Lamoille Funeral Home (853 Brooklyn St. in Morrisville, Vt.). A private burial will be held at a later date at Robinson Cemetery in Calais, Vt. Jeffrey Bickerstaff was born in Steubenville, Ohio, on December 29, 1971. He died to his parents on June 24, 2003, and to the rest of the world on September 25, 2026. He completed a PhD at Miami University of Ohio in American literature in 2011. He held a master’s degree from Ohio State University and a BA from Bethany College. Bickerstaff worked as a teacher for 26 years. He moved to Vermont in 2010 and taught for over 15 years in the Vermont State College system, including the Community College of Vermont and Vermont State University (formerly Johnson State College). He loved to put on his boots every morning and go to work. He based his work on the recognition that the values of representative democracy were rooted in the written word and that power flows through language. To this end, he relished designing syllabi and preparing classes on analyzing texts, thinking critically and engaging in thoughtful debate. He had a particular passion for supporting first-generation college learners and believed in education as key to the American promise of upward mobility. He and a colleague had completed multiple drafts of a composition textbook aimed at this population. Had he known he was going to get this sick this young, he surely would have spent more time working on the textbook and less time watching “Breaking Bad.” In addition to the textbook,

Jeffrey enjoyed many other collaborative writing projects. He completed two screenplays with friends and wrote novellength books with each of his kids as part of their homeschool studies. He also helped the kids write, shoot and edit many short movies. He spent time creating pastiche soundscapes and enjoyed gathering images and sounds to use in his projects. He loved cooking with and for his family and teaching his kids how to make simple food well, starting from as soon as they could hold a spatula. Jeffrey was a loyal supporter of his family’s musical and artistic pursuits. He was never happier than when everyone was enjoying their creative endeavors, whether they were songs, photographs, stories, quilts or elaborate birthday cakes. He read with his kids nearly every day. He was always working on developing new skills on the guitar and knew a staggering amount about the history of rock and roll music. He spent many happy hours thinking about classes on long walks with dogs, particularly his beloved LouDog. During the last two years, Jeffrey was studying language acquisition and preparing for a career as a speech and language pathologist. Jeffrey was wickedly funny, deeply dedicated to teaching and always up for an abstract conversation. He adored his children and loved creating elaborate treats for his dogs (such as FC Ultra and Thursday Bone Days). He will be dearly missed by his wife, Meg, and daughters, Sevvi and Rain. His family would like to thank his caregivers at the University of Vermont Medical Center and the McClure Miller Respite House. If you are moved to donate in Jeffrey’s name, please consider the Green Mountain Youth Symphony (gmys-vt.org) or Lamoille Area Cancer Network (lacnvt.org).

Working with Seven Days, I always know our job listing will be prepared quickly and accurately. I appreciate how their design team creates a post that looks great, and candidates begin to reach out almost immediately. Our nonprofit works to benefit Vermont State Parks, and many Vermonters and Vermont businesses support our organization. We shop local to show our gratitude. That is why we always choose to work with Seven Days. SARAH ALBERGHINI WINTERS Vermont Parks Forever, The Foundation for Vermont State Parks, Montpelier

JEB WALLACE-BRODEUR

…it works.

START RECRUITING WITH GILLIAN COMITO AT 802-341-3060 OR GET A QUOTE AT: SEVENDAYSVT.COM/POSTMYJOB. 1t-VTParksForever-Testimonial-092326.indd 1

SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

9/18/26 2:04 PM

PHOTOS: JEB WALLACE-BRODEUR

Charlie-O’s World Famous in Montpelier

An uncomprehensive, unscientific guide to some of Vermont’s dankest, dingiest, most beloved bars BY S E VE N D AYS S TAF F

started my bender, as the decal on the front door advised, at the Olde Northender. It wasn’t 8 a.m., when the bar on Burlington’s North Street opens every day. But even 12 hours later, the motto seemed like good advice. I was on a quest to find a new dive. Mine had always been Esox, the scuzzy Main Street institution that unceremoniously closed in August after almost 50 years. There, the early-twenties version of me knew enough not to eat from the St. Patrick’s Day buffet that had been out for many hours, though my friends and I did convince a drunk bro that the pickled-egg liquid was green beer. (At our urging, he chugged a pint glass of it and promptly ran outside.)

We’d case the joint for empty pitchers, of which there were never enough, then drink PBR straight out of them like giant cups. Once, local hash smuggler Billy Greer, fresh out of federal prison and sitting at the bar, asked my husband the going rate for an ounce of weed. I crocheted most of a blanket there one winter, careful not to let it drop on the sticky floor that, six years later, would ruin the bottom of my wedding dress. Esox was a bar that a lot of people loved and just as many thought was gross. Dives are like stuffed animals: a source of comfort whose tattiness is easily overlooked when it’s yours. It takes a while to warm up to a new one, but when you do, you don’t mind if it’s missing an eye. I haven’t hung out regularly in dives

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Tuna getting a treat at Babes Bar

in about a decade, but even almost-40year-olds need a bar to call home. I’m not sure yet if the Olde Northender Pub is my replacement. The night of my crawl, the bar itself seemed to gently nudge me and my non-regular friends to its back deck, past the trophy case that displays the liquor license, the biggest prize of all. Out there, we could still hear the Janis Joplin B-sides blaring, and we could see the stars, but we hadn’t yet become part of the N’Ender universe. These relationships are built on patience and mutual trust. For a long-ass time, dives have been the unpretentious refuge of all kinds of people. We don’t love them because they’re clean or cool or up-to-date on cocktail trends. Other than needing to be cheap and wet, the drinks are beside the

The hardest part of writing about dives is agreeing on what counts as one. (You should have heard the internal debate when Three Needs Tap Room & Pizza Cube won “best dive” in the Daysies two years ago.) Here is the subjective but exhaustively considered list of attributes by which we rated the dives in this package. (This is really, really subjective. Like, we got drunk at 10 a.m. and gave each one a number.) On a scale of 1 to 32 ounces (because pitchers, obviously), we considered:

QUANTITATIVE

QUALITATIVE

GENERAL APPEARANCE: Most available surface area is plastered, graffitied, carved or otherwise obscured. Bonus points for carpet. The gold standard is drop ceilings, preferably with dollar bills or other random artifacts pinned to them. Lighting must be dark or fluorescent, nothing in between.

“RECORD SCRATCH FACTOR”: The palpable energy shift that happens when you walk into a dive that’s not your dive and everyone stares at you. (Thank you, Ryan Miller of Guster, for coining this phrase in your dive bar series for this publication.) If you’re a newcomer, you can hang, but you might have to prove yourself.

BATHROOM: Uncomfortable, perhaps even a horror. One should not, under any circumstances, let one’s ass touch the seat.

A true dive feels like it’s always been there — ancient the day it opened.

GENERAL CLEANLINESS: Light patina of grime. Barely touched liquor bottles collecting dust. Smells like some combination of cigarette smoke, stale beer and Mr. Clean, though it’s not always clear where the Mr. Clean has been deployed. AMENITIES: Dartboard or pool table. Pull tabs. Jukebox or TouchTunes. TVs, but only a couple. No food beyond the legally mandated minimum; no menu, particularly not one for cocktails; no one will ever talk about the “food and beverage program.” You can maybe get a Vermont beer, but cheap domestics are the drinks of choice.

A sign at Robbie’s Wildlife Refuge

PROPRIETARY FEELING: People love this place, no matter how gross it is. If you talk shit about the bar inside the bar, particularly if it isn’t your bar, bad things will ensue. SELF-SERIOUSNESS: None. PARTICLE COLLIDER QUOTIENT: Mix of ages, genders, haircuts, political persuasions, flatlander status, level of drunkenness, sports-team allegiances. A Martian should be able to walk in and learn much about the folkways of our species. Disagree? Go talk about it at your local dive bar. JORDAN BARRY & CHELSEA EDGAR

MELISSA PASENAN

point. So is food. There really shouldn’t be any, beyond the legally required minimum of a bag of chips or a microwavable Velveeta cup. Also, you can’t set out to open a dive. People will see right through it, even if the bathroom is always out of toilet paper. A true dive feels like it’s always been there — ancient the day it opened — and always will be. It’s easy to say what disqualifies a place as a dive — $15 amaro cocktails, anything called a “small plate,” candles that make the bathroom smell nice. The “essence of a dive,” Joshua David Stein keenly observed in the online drinks publication Punch, “is an absence: absence of shtick and of pretense.” But identifying the tangible and intangible qualities that make a dive bar requires nothing short of a brain trust. So I enlisted a few colleagues and dragged former Seven Days staffer Sally Pollak out of retirement to define the essential characteristics of a dive bar in Vermont — and then, of course, to go drinking at a few of them in order to figure out which magical confluence of qualities makes them ... themselves. (Defining the undefinable is mostly feelings-based work, but that doesn’t mean it’s not rigorous.) We pondered the physical factors — slightly terrifying bathrooms, the presence

SALLY POLLAK

JORDAN BARRY

Pool cues at Two Shea’s

DIVE-o-METER

The Other Place

of pool tables, pull tabs, at least one guy who never seems to leave — as well as the intangibles; for instance, the way a dive can make a newcomer feel both utterly self-conscious and completely invisible. Then we did the hard but necessary labor of rating them on our very unofficial DiveO-Meter. (See sidebar.) To paraphrase former U.S. Supreme Court justice Potter Stewart, we knew a dive when we saw it. Feels like a dive but

serves lobster rolls? Not a dive. (Sorry, Spanked Puppy. Also looking at you, T. Rugg’s, with your natural wine and oyster pop-ups.) Vast, echoey space? Nope. “Dive” and “cavernous” are not words that go together. (CCing: JP’s and Three Needs in Burlington and Gusto’s in Barre, which also has too much food.) We skipped some slam dunks (Last Stop, Winooski; Finnigan’s Pub, Burlington) because we wanted to get outside Chittenden County;

some we didn’t include because we couldn’t get everywhere. (Jasper’s Tavern in Newport, the DBAG in Dover — we’ll be back for you.) The six we chose are a mix of rural and not. From Barton to Rutland, we chatted with regulars, played some pool, watched bartenders quietly command the room and drank a few beers straight from the pitcher. At each of these establishments, the primary mission was to hang out, drink and generally steep in the miasma of humanity. And while these places might seem intimidating, it’s not actually scary to be at any of them. Each operates under a collective, unspoken agreement to maintain the harmony of the place. They’re sometimes rowdy but never at the expense of the bar. While Seven Days food assignment editor Melissa Pasanen was at the Other Place in Burlington, 35-year OP regular Alan Fish handed her a note. “If you’re going to write about bars,” he said, “you’ve got to read this.” In elegant script, he shared the title and author of a famous New Yorker profile of McSorley’s Old Ale House in Manhattan, written by Joseph Mitchell in 1940. Since 1854, its clientele included carpenters, bricklayers, teamsters, police officials, politicians, painters — even an anarchist whose politics didn’t align with the bar’s owner. They became friends anyway. “In McSorley’s, the customers are self-sufficient; they never try to impress each other,” Mitchell wrote. “It is an utterly democratic place.” That’s what makes dives work, then and now. Regulars at Two Shea’s in Rutland, one of the places we visited, are lawyers, judges, architects, GE workers, teachers, fellow bartenders and restaurant workers, ages “21 to 81,” co-owner Isabel Shea told me. “There’s no sense of superiority in a dive bar. Everyone is there for the same reason: to have a drink and socialize,” she said. “It’s a really beautiful thing to be in a room filled with people living lives entirely different than your own.” JO RDAN BARRY WE ❤ DIVES

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PHOTOS: MELISSA PASANEN

WE ❤ DIVES « P.29

DIVE-o-METER 24 DIVE CRED: Bathroom adventure situation; dusty Frangelico bottle behind the bar; $5.50 for 32-ounce pitcher of PBR or ’Gansett SORRY, YOU’RE JUST A BAR: Too much natural light, and not the beer kind; too many college kids

and an ebbing tide of old-timers mingled with younger Beantown fans. A clutch of twentysomethings claimed the pool table and ignored the game. One was dressed sharply in a tie and wide-shouldered jacket like a 1940s zoot-suiter; another sported an Elmer Fudd hat with earflaps. Many drank from pitchers.

We’ve all fallen down the stairs to the bathroom. WI L L , O P PAT R O N Bartender Oliver Duncan and some regulars

A PLACE TO CALL HOME The Other Place, 4 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 802-863-5803 I made the rookie move of asking for a glass with my pitcher on my first visit to the OP in almost 35 years. At least I knew to call it the OP rather than the Other Place. Despite my faux pas, I sensed no judgment from the bartender at this locals’ bar in a college town that somehow manages to make everyone feel at home. At the OP, regulars drink straight from 32-ounce plastic pitchers, like a Big Gulp of beer. During the 46-year-old bar’s early years, owners Tom and Deb Miller had a T-shirt made depicting a figure diving into a pitcher with the caption: “Burlington’s dive bar.” Coincidentally, surely, “We’ve all fallen down the stairs to the bathroom,” a patron named Will said, with what sounded like a hint of pride. A buzz of barflies was happy to point out a large dent made by someone’s head in the orange wall at the foot of the threadbare carpeted steps. The tumble has never killed anyone, though the urine-saturated, graffiti-decorated john is no soft landing. By contrast, the barroom is almost cozy — blue pressed-tin ceiling, worn wood-and-brick floor, more natural light than the average dive thanks to a roll-up glass garage door across the storefront. 30

According to Burlington history buffs, the big window dates back to the 1970s when the bar was the Millard Fillmore, named after the 13th U.S. president. The OP crew is tight but not closed. A man in his early seventies named Lew said he moved to Burlington from New York a few years ago and soon learned not to wear his Yankees hat into rabid Red Sox territory. Team allegiances

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aside, he has bonded enough with his newfound drinking buddies that “they’ve walked me home,” he said. On a Wednesday in early September, Lew was part of the early wave. He left a little after 8 p.m., right before the Patriots’ season kickoff, when the demographic mix shifted with the arrival of several beefy younger lads in football jerseys. It was the brackish hour at the OP,

The following Monday afternoon, I was sitting at the bar when the landline rang and 24-year-old bartender Oliver Duncan picked up to find someone asking about a job. Normally, he said, “It’s regulars who want me to name everyone at the bar and what’s on TV.” Duncan, like many OP employees, frequented the spot before he started working there. He pours a lot of PBR but also no-nonsense drinks: Scotch on the rocks; whiskey and ginger. “We don’t squeeze fruit here or anything,” Duncan said. When training, he learned to bring two tall wooden chairs out front for a pair of OP customers who have played chess there every Saturday afternoon for 25 years. One of them, Alan Fish, was on his usual stool listening — though he talks quite a bit, too. That Monday, a next-gen regular, Carl Lawrence, 42, sat beside the 78-year-old Fish. The two reminisced about the OP’s big flour tacos: beef or bean — $3 for two, they thought — discontinued about a decade ago. “You could live on them,” Fish said. “I did for a while,” Lawrence agreed. Among other tales, Fish shared an intergenerational OP gem about his late friend John Blaha, whose photo is framed behind the bar. “It was closing time, and the bartender couldn’t get the stupid college students to leave,” Fish recounted with relish, “so John stood on the pool table and dropped trou.” ME LI S S A PAS AN E N

PHOTOS: SALLY POLLAK

Walter Sophrin shooting pool

DIVE-o-METER 28 DIVE CRED: Abundant local lore; high “record scratch factor”; people who refer to themselves as “native freaks” SORRY, YOU’RE JUST A BAR: Newish (but still laminate, phew) wood floor

Bonnie Ingalls and daughter Carrie

NEK NEIGHBORHOOD BAR Lake House Saloon, 67A Main St., Barton The motto of the Lake House Saloon is “Every beer has a story” — and there are some colorful ones kicking around the Barton bar. The saloon occupies a flatroofed, gray clapboard building lit up by neon beer signs. From the porch, you can see the spire of the Conversion of St. Paul Church rising above the trees across the way. Looking down, you’ll find a place to snuff out a cigarette.

Regulars at the Lake House are loyal but not exclusive. The saloon has existed as a gathering place in one form or another — waystation, dive bar, hotel, steak house — since the 1850s. It’s the only bar in Barton, and its on-and-off history as a dive is documented as far back as 1896. That year, the owner was “chastised in the newspaper for ‘dabbling in beer or liquor, and [letting] a lot of disreputable characters control affairs,’” according to A History of Barton, Vermont by Darlene Young. The proprietor’s wife got fed up

and dumped a load of coal on the offending crowd in the basement. (The term “dive bar” comes from the 19th-century practice of subterranean drinking.) A few decades back, in a lively era of the bar, a regular named Dave drove his boss’ lawn mower about half a mile from Crystal Lake to the saloon, where he

parked it on the bottom step of the porch. Dave drank a beer or two and shot some pool before the bartender discovered the lopsided lawn mower and kicked him out. “I was back the next Friday night,” said Dave, 63, who declined to give his last name. He’s a retired salesman who, on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend, was still laughing it up with pals at the bar. The Lake House Saloon draws back regulars and old-timers as weeks turn to years turn to decades. Folks at the bar Lori Sterling tending bar

welcome rookies, too, with reasonable wariness. “Gimme that fucking paper,” one man said to me. “Lemme write an article about you.” Customers — who come from Glover, Irasburg, Newport, Westmore and other Northeast Kingdom towns — don’t necessarily view it as a dive bar. “A dive bar to me is a little sketchy. You go in with your eyes open,” said Walter Sophrin, 67, a retired stagehand from St. Johnsbury. ‘This is like a neighborhood bar.” The Lake House’s rowdier days are in the past, people told me. The place is nothing fancy, they said — just a hangout for working people and “native freaks,” in the words of the lawn mower driver. The no-frills barroom is anchored by an L-shaped wooden bar. The liquor selection, which shares a shelf with a little U.S. flag, runs heavy on sweet and sticky: whipped vodka, rhubarb gin, wild grape liqueur. But the drinks of choice are $3 bottles of Budweiser and Michelob Ultra. Lori Sterling, 55, was bartending that Sunday, a part-time gig for the Barton resident. During the week, Sterling is a paraeducator in Glover. Her two clienteles — kids and drinkers — share certain characteristics. Each group sometimes needs guidance, Sterling said. And the jobs require her to be both patient and on the lookout for “unexpected behavior.” Regulars at the Lake House are loyal but not exclusive. A few people had come straight from Robbie’s Wildlife Refuge in Jeffersonville. One of them put his Robbie’s hat on the bar, next to a cup of beer, spent pull tickets and dollar bills. S ALLY P O LL AK WE ❤ DIVES

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WE ❤ DIVES « P.31 PHOTOS: JEB WALLACE-BRODEUR

DIVE-o-METER

DIVE CRED: Total particle collider of humanity; zero pretension SORRY, YOU’RE JUST A BAR: There’s a cocktail menu, and the first thing on it is an Aperol spritz. (There’s an NA version, too.) The ceilings are too high. Also, the restrooms are sparkling clean … Are you even a bar?

Co-owner Jesse Plotsky tending bar

VALUES ADDED Babes Bar, 221 Main St., Bethel, 802-234-1144, babesvt.com From one night to the next, Babes Bar on Main Street in Bethel might be a dance club, a music venue, a karaoke bar or a place to test your skills against the best cribbage players in Windsor County. It was the hub for the fifth annual Bethel Pride Festival in June. It’s where workers from the Nolato plastics factory and Bethel Mills lumberyard belly up after their shifts. And on Sunday afternoons in the fall, Babes is a sports bar where barflies, queer folks and jersey-clad NFL fans watch football to a soundtrack of Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson and Prince. On September 20, co-owner Owen Daniel-McCarter wore a backwards Green Bay Packers cap and long-sleeve Babes Bar T-shirt he’d tie-dyed green and gold and kept one anxious eye on the small TV in a corner above the bar. The Wisconsin native’s beloved Packers were trailing the lowly New York Jets by 10 in the fourth quarter. With his other eye, the bartender monitored the levels of pint and cocktail glasses along the wooden bar, which propped up a rogues’ gallery of day drinkers taking refuge from a drizzly afternoon to swap tall tales and well-worn jokes — and give Daniel-McCarter good-natured shit about his floundering team. 32

Meanwhile, Daniel-McCarter’s husband and Babes co-owner, Jesse Plotsky, worked the rest of the room, chatting up regulars and often ducking behind the bar to restock glassware. The couple’s dog, a Chihuahua mix named Tuna, skittered about the floor, sniffing out newcomers and stray popcorn. As the Pack drove into Jets territory, Daniel-McCarter scooped up the tiny dog. “I know what to do,” he said, slipping a doggy Packers jersey over her wriggling body. Moments later on the TV, quarterback Jordan Love hit Christian Watson for a Packers touchdown just as, on the stereo, Whitney Houston hit the apex of “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me).” The 20 or so patrons erupted. A wiry older man in a matching camo jacket and hat high-fived a middle-aged woman drinking with her girlfriends. A younger dude in a Philadelphia Eagles jersey clinked glasses with a total stranger on the next stool over. Tuna returned to stalking popcorn. As the playlist transitioned to Michael Jackson’s “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” a woman complained to her companion, an older man. Neither had taken off their raincoats, despite being several beers into their afternoon.

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Owen Daniel-McCarter and Jesse Plotsky with Tuna

I wouldn’t order a lobster roll here. It’d just be chopped-up hot dogs and mayonnaise. J E S S E P L O TS K Y

“God, I hate this music,” she rasped. “Can’t we get some Journey or something?” “Yeah, well. It is their bar,” the man responded. They both shrugged and sipped their beers. Babes isn’t a dive in the strictest sense, though in its previous incarnation as the Bethel Depot it was a rather notorious one. Now, its bathrooms — confusingly located upstairs instead of in a subterranean dungeon, like at many dives — are spacious and clean. The second floor offers a cozy, quiet space outfitted with board games and books on gender identity and philosophy. Still, there’s a busy pool table on the first floor and a covered deck for smokers overlooking the train tracks out back, so dive bar DNA flows through Babes’ veins. Or rather, its vein. You can get cocktails with fun names and choose from a deep bench of canned beer and cider. But there’s just one thing on draft: Miller High Life for $3 a pint. Aside from free popcorn, the only food is a selection of hot dogs and sausages — like the High Life, a nod to the owners’ Midwestern roots, as is a general air of down-home conviviality. Upon learning that another customer was buying his next round, one regular joked, “Give me the lobster roll.” To which Plotsky quipped, “I wouldn’t order a lobster roll here. It’d just be chopped-up hot dogs and mayonnaise.” Despite rumors that swirled before it opened in 2018, Babes is not a gay bar — nor is it, per other whispers at the time, a strip club. It is explicitly welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community, but it’s just as open to patrons of all backgrounds, orientations, viewpoints, means and, on Sundays, football affiliations. “Everybody is welcome here, as long as they’re respectful,” Plotsky said. And they generally are. At Babes, people seem to leave their differences in the parking lot. Next to a Honda Fit bearing stickers for a food co-op and Bernie Sanders loomed a hulking blue pickup whose rear window was plastered with decals and stickers. Among them was one reading LGBT. It stood for “Liberty, Guns, Beer, Trump.” DAN BO LLE S

PHOTOS: SALLY POLLAK

The Balls in Your Face volleyball team

HIPPIES, REDNECKS AND RITUALS Robbie’s Wildlife Refuge, 52 Deer Run Loop, Jeffersonville, 802-644-8837 We drove my friend’s Sprinter van to Robbie’s Wildlife Refuge in Jeffersonville on a recent Thursday evening. If the night got long, we were set: BYOB. (Bring your own bed.) Robbie’s is off Route 15, in a low-slung building with a sprawling parking lot in front and a volleyball court out back. The barroom has a drab rug and a dank (not that kind of dank) smell. Both fade away as you get into the Robbie’s groove. We took seats at the end of the bar and ordered a Switchback and a Tanqueray and tonic. With a bag of Wise Ridgies, the total was $12.50. Customers a few stools away told us that they never go to Burlington; if you’re looking

Bartender Emily Wesson

for a bar, why would you? Robbie’s has stained-glass panels above the bar that cast a glow on its cheap drinks, a whitetailed deer rump mounted on the wall and Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” at karaoke on Friday nights. Soon after we arrived, Ethan Palker thoughtfully turned me on to the “Robbie’s Ritual.” Palker, 25, is a carpenter from Fletcher who plays volleyball for Balls in Your Face, a team that competes in a league hosted by Robbie’s. After the team celebrated a win with a round of shots, Palker led me to a wooden box affixed to the wall in the pool room. He opened it to reveal a tree branch in the shape and posture of a penis. Balls in my face. I returned to my barstool and encountered a second surprise: a replenished, sparkling G&T in place of the half-drunk one I’d left on the bar. Bartender Emily Wesson had spotted a possible “floatie” in my drink — maybe a fruit fly, maybe nothing — and replaced my drink with a fresh one. “I wouldn’t serve a customer anything I wouldn’t drink,” Wesson, 33, of Morrisville, told me. In fact, Wesson — the mother of two young kids with a full-time day job — doesn’t drink. She’s one of five female bartenders who work at the woman-owned bar. (Their tenures range from three to 40 years.) In addition to serving drinks — including hard seltzers favored by “30- to 40-year-old blondes” — Wesson sells $1 pull tickets. On a busy night, Robbie’s drains two boxes of tickets; each holds 3,000. “Cardboard crack,” a regular commented.

DIVE-o-METER 30 DIVE CRED: There’s a field to pee in; strong particle collider of Vermont archetypes; obscure relics of great importance. SORRY, YOU’RE JUST A BAR: Not quite enough stuff plastered on the walls.

The night we hung at Robbie’s, the action was on the volleyball court. A cheerful crowd watched the games. “A bunch of hippies and a bunch of rednecks,” said Trevor Cary, 28, an excavator and sugar maker from Fletcher. “And we all get along.”

A bunch of hippies and a bunch of rednecks. And we all get along. T R EV O R C A RY

Sitting on the deck drinking a $3 bottle of Coors Light was Wiley Gutchell, 37, a handyman who lives next door. Robbie’s is a “community center,” he said, a place that feels like home. He’d mowed a path from his house, clearing the way from one refuge to another. S .P. WE ❤ DIVES

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WE ❤ DIVES « P.33 PHOTOS: JEB WALLACE-BRODEUR

DIVE-o-METER 31 DIVE CRED: Pretty much all of it. Has survived biblical destruction events with no surface left unscribbled. SORRY, YOU’RE JUST A BAR: Seems sort of insane to give demerits for booking too many events ... and somebody’s gotta host the metal shows. Maybe there is no such thing as a perfect score on the Dive-0-Meter.

Ezekiel Smith holding Mini

We haven’t accepted cards since, uh, they existed. BR IAN F R ANZ

Ryan James and the Cryin’ Shames

‘O’ IS FOR ORIGINAL Charlie-O’s World Famous, 70 Main St., Montpelier, 802-223-6820 There may be no dive bar in Vermont that can match the history — or tenacity — of Charlie-O’s World Famous, central Vermont’s rough-andready gem, whose awning proclaims it “A Dive for Nice People.” The establishment recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, but under different names it’s been serving up cheap beer since at least 1861. It’s survived floods, 34

fires, Prohibition and pandemics, kept alive by generations of Capital City drinkers. I’d walked through Charlie-O’s plenty of times, including recent pop-ins to see an Iron Maiden cover band and another one playing sea shanties for Talk Like a Pirate Day. This time, I’d come on a night when the regulars rule. I took a seat near the requisite (defunct) TouchTunes

SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

machine and joined an eclectic crew of late-day drinkers and early evening arrivals. The pool tables were busy. Several people huddled near the bar discussed J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Silmarillion while Jimi Hendrix’s “Voodoo Child” played over the speakers. “The No. 1 rule of Charlie-O’s is basically: As long as you’re not an asshole, come on by,” bartender Brian Franz, 33, said. A typical crowd at Charlie-O’s includes older barflies who have been holding down a stool for decades, middle-aged professionals coming by after work and people searching out live music. On top of being Montpelier’s only dive bar, Charlie-O’s is the busiest venue in town, with three nights of live music every week. The acts tuck into the back of the pub, between the pinball machines and some high-top tables. With walls lined with framed pictures of half a century of regulars, Charlie-O’s can feel like a rowdy museum to the community. A sign on a ceiling beam advertises Madame St.

Laveau’s Psychic Tarot Readings, a memory of the time, decades ago, when one of the bartenders routinely offered her psychic services while slinging suds. “A dive bar is like a castle or an estate house in England,” said Abby Jenne, 52, the bar’s office manager, who has worked various jobs at Charlie-O’s for 20 years. “You inherit the problems — the leaking roof, the insurance, all the problems. But if you believe in keeping that legacy alive, you’ll put blood, sweat and tears into it.” Charlie-O’s has demanded at least two of the three in recent years. The flood of 2023 all but destroyed the bar. Regular customers helped employees rebuild within months, only for a fire next door to inflict a second round of damage. “We rebuilt it and put the bar back together,” Jenne said. “Again, the whole community did their part. Matt over there rebuilt the floor himself.” She pointed to the bar, where a man was drinking with a dog perched on his shoulder. In the 1980s, Charlie-O’s was famously a biker hangout, where patrons were known to ride their motorcycles through the bar. “We found a scrapbook from then, and it was mostly bikes and boobs,” Jenne quipped. Bikers left, she said, after Vermont got tougher on drunk driving — and the bar raised the price of Coors Light. But though Charlie-O’s has lost some of its outlaw ways, it still ticks all the divebar boxes. The bathrooms, legendarily gnarly even for a dive and clearly built to suit the dimensions of the average 19th-century person, have inscriptions on the doors that read “HEAVEN” on the women’s room and “HELL” on the men’s. No one’s there to watch sports, there are no drink specials, and trying to pay with a credit card will get you a dubious look from the bartender. “I always get people, usually out-oftowners, who come up to me and say, ‘I used to drink here all the time,’ and then try to hand me a card,” Franz said. “I’m like, ‘Did you? Because we haven’t accepted cards since, uh, they existed.’” C HRI S FARN S W O RT H

PHOTOS: JORDAN BARRY

DIVE-o-METER 26 DIVE CRED: Carpet; strong smoking patio; a guy ordered a beer, drank it and left without using any words SORRY, YOU’RE JUST A BAR: Only found dust on a single light bulb; tampons provided in the bathroom

Isabel Shea in front of the Red Sox wall

CARVING A PLACE

The regulars get upset if you move a lamp.

Two Shea’s, 34 Wales St., Rutland, 802-773-6668 Roni and Tim Shea sold their downtown Rutland dive four years ago, but the name remains accurate, if not quite grammatically correct. “It’s still two Sheas,” 30-year regular turned bartender Nick Ronfeld said, directing me to the patio, where customers go to smoke and carve their thoughts into the tabletops. “One’s outside.” There, Isabel Shea sat at a graffitimarked table, puzzling over where in the bar to put a new ATM without disturbing any of the signs, trophies or car grills that have hung since it opened in 1990. Shea, 32, and her brother, Michael, 38, bought Two Shea’s from their parents in 2022. They run it together, doing their best to follow the advice of their folks and longtime dive owners everywhere, who know that what worked 37 years ago still works today: Don’t change a damn thing. “The regulars get upset if you move a lamp,” Shea said. “Just open the doors and put the beer in the cooler, and everything will be fine.” The siblings did replace the wobbly tables outside, which was not fine with the regulars. They immediately got to work on the new ones, carving only a few obscenities. One of the old tabletops hangs on the patio wall, every inch

inscribed by hand, although the words “the Geezer Table” look like they were etched by a machine. Back indoors, I found Clayton Anderson, a former Rutland resident visiting from Seattle. Two Shea’s was his first stop. “I started coming here as soon as I could start drinking” more than two decades ago, Anderson said. Ronfeld, 59, provided him with a beer and the same reassurance he’d offered me: “It’s still two Sheas.” On my first visit, a Sunday afternoon, I’d asked two Rutland friends to accompany me through Two Shea’s maroon metal fortress of a front door. One of them chatted with Sunday bartender Jack Mangan, 68, whose son he knew from high school.

I S A B EL S HEA

Nick Ronfeld behind the bar

Outside Two Shea’s

Halfway through shaking out the appropriate amount of Angostura for a bitters and soda, Mangan put the bottle down and started digging through the fridge. “We’ve got things in here I didn’t even know we had,” he said. What he didn’t have was enough Angostura. “Orange bitters OK for the rest?” With three ingredients, we agreed that it counted as a cocktail. That’s about as fancy as the drinks get at Two Shea’s, though you’ll hear daytime regulars ask for a Hooper. (It’s code for a shot of Jim Beam, a Red Sox reference that matches the memorabilia covering a front wall.) As we settled up, a pair of women sat down nearby. “I’ll have a whiskey sour, please, sir,” the first said. “How do you make your whiskey sours?” asked the second, a couple decades her junior. Mangan, already grabbing bottles, said, “With whiskey. And sour.”

J.B.

SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

COURTESY

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RESTAURANTS

A cucumber salad at Cloudland Farm

Chef’s Special

y tires crunched early-season snow last December as I watched darkness close in on denuded apple trees and rolling hills. I was searching for Cloudland Farm, Pomfret’s only restaurant, excited to taste what the farm-focused kitchen would be serving when vines had shriveled and fields were tucked away for the winter. After about four miles of ascending dirt road, a butter-yellow post-and-beam building glimmered out of the night. Inside, the ceiling soared above my seat next to the cozy brick hearth. I was slathering warm bread with butter and sipping maple-sap soda when a bowl of root vegetable soup landed on the table. Tinted dusky rose by beets but mostly made with Gilfeather turnips, the silky potage was garnished with toasted pepitas, frizzled leeks and a swirl of green herb oil. As with most dishes at Cloudland, nearly every component was grown on the property. Next came agnolotti, served with

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SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

Cloudland Farm in December 2025

cream sauce and cubes of winter squash and garnished with parsley flakes. The dish was an add-on to the three-course prix-fixe menu ($70) and worth getting: Pasta is a particular specialty of Cloudland’s chef, Mike Borraccio, 34. Born in Michigan, he grew up in an Italian restaurant family. A beloved family photo shows baby Borraccio lying on a stainless-steel prep table while his relatives roll pasta around him. Cloudland Farm sits on 1,000 acres a world away from metro Detroit, in a spot known for its spectacular foliage. The Emmons family has operated the farm since 1908. Vermont has an abundance of restaurants that have kitchen gardens or work closely with farmers on sourcing and a few eateries that are intertwined with working agricultural operations, many of which are nonprofits. But Cloudland is something surprising: a well-oiled, for-profit meat-and-produce operation with a restaurant led by a chef seasoned at big-city eateries. The restaurant is BYOB, so its earnings are from the food alone and not from alcohol. The model is unusual in other ways, too. Cloudland, which often books up six weeks in advance and serves between 60 and 70 people an evening, is open Thursday through Saturday in summer and fall and just Friday and Saturday in winter and spring. Having fewer services allows Cathy Emmons, 56, to manage the farm, preserve food for her own family and run the restaurant’s day-to-day operations. When they’re short a server, she fills that role, too. Her job, Borraccio noted, often takes her from 4 a.m. until sunset or beyond. For him, the schedule allows time to relax and renew the creativity required to dream up new fare. Borraccio strives to avoid making the same dish twice and says that, in more than five years, he’s rarely done so. Even from one day to the next, items can differ dramatically. On August 21 of this year, the appetizer was a chilled summer squash soup with garden relish and herb oil. The next evening, it was grilled corned beef, made with meat from cattle raised on the farm, CHEF’S SPECIAL

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From left: Justin Wright, Scott Pellegrini, Sophie Wright and Lorena Pellegrini

Cafe Modo Comes to Vergennes With Bagels and Pizza Longtime friends JUSTIN and SOPHIE WRIGHT and SCOTT and LORENA PELLEGRINI have been talking about opening a restaurant together for about as long as people in Vergennes have been asking for a bagel spot. This winter, both are happening. CAFE MODO will be a daytime-anddinner biz in the Kennedy Brothers space most recently occupied by the Holt, with Justin, 45, and Scott, 46, as hands-on operating partners. They’ll serve coffee and bagels four days a week and pizza two nights a week to start, the duo told Seven Days. It’s a more casual concept than one might expect from two couples whose collective experience spans some of Vermont’s best restaurants. They all met more than a decade ago while working at HEN OF THE WOOD in Waterbury and Burlington, and Justin was opening chef at the TILLERMAN in Bristol. “The alchemy of the four of us comes from fine dining, but we’ve stripped some of that back to find what works in the modern-day environment,” Scott said. They’ll launch with a hybrid counter-service model, a lean staff and a minimalist, all-electric kitchen. Both couples have ties to Addison

County: The Wrights live in Lincoln, and Sophie and Scott grew up together in Bristol. Once they decided on Vergennes for their restaurant, they spent almost two years seeking the right location. The multilevel Kennedy Brothers space “presented this very clear daytime vibe,” Justin said. On the way into downtown Vergennes from both Route 7 and the nearby Amtrak station, the building houses offices and a gym. It’s also just half a mile from TODD HARDIE’s new CHAMPLAIN VALLEY GRAIN CENTER, a multifaceted facility he’s building to support local, organic grain growers. Cafe Modo will partner with the Grain Center to source freshly milled organic flour, which will shine in naturally leavened bagels and pizza dough that “has that whole-grain personality and flavor,” Justin said. Bagels will be Montréal-style, boiled with honey rather than malt. For toppings, expect various cream cheeses, whipped feta, a vegan spread and openfaced bagel sandwiches. Espresso drinks will feature coffee from local roasters. SIDE DISHES

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accompanied by chimichurri and pickles. At this point, Cloudland’s archive of prixfixe menus has more than 600 entries, each a snapshot of a single day. Borraccio also has the freedom to work on special projects. When he’s not too busy, he operates what he refers to as “Italian-ish” pop-ups called FiumeRapido after his ancestral homeland in Italy. These have most often been held at Wolf Tree in White River Junction, a 2025 James Beard Award finalist for Outstanding Bar. Many of Cloudland’s faithful customers now seek out Borraccio’s cooking wherever it might land. The list of fans includes Mitchell Davis, a food journalist and consultant who previously lived in New York City and worked for the James Beard Foundation for 27 years. Now residing just across the New Hampshire border, Davis has sampled Borraccio’s food at several pop-ups and at the farm. “When we moved to the Upper Valley, I was looking for the best restaurant experiences I could find, and I was a little disillusioned,” he recalled. “A lot of people told me I should go to Cloudland.” There, he found Borraccio preparing items from the farm and garden with discipline and skill. Served a portion of chicken wings with “almost nothing on them,” Davis recalled his surprise and pleasure that the chef allowed the ingredient to speak for itself. “Everything we had that night was delicious and seemed more sophisticated than some of the other stuff I’ve seen” in the region, he said. “Some people would see the simplicity or restraint as a negative, but I see it as a positive, because it shows he can cook.” Under the care of his family and their extended Italian friend group, Borraccio

A dessert at Cloudland

COURTESY

Chef’s Special « P.36

The dining room

grew up eating plenty of Italian American comfort food and the Midwestern casseroles favored by his stepmother, as well as regional Italian specialties such as tripe and rabbit. A lack of snobbery combined with a use-it-all ethos gives his cooking breadth and depth. One pop-up menu, from late April, began with potato chips and caramelized onion dip and also featured gnocchi with pork sausage, pecorino, browned butter and garlic. Borraccio prepares steaks, offal and oxtail with equal aplomb. “Chicken livers, chicken hearts … People go crazy for it,” he said. In 2021, when Emmons was interviewing folks for the head chef position at Cloudland, she intended to hire a local rooted in the community. “We were looking for someone who wanted to be a

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Fresh agnolotti with cream sauce and winter squash

SUZANNE PODHAIZER

MIKE IS REALLY SPECIAL. HIS LEVEL OF CREATIVITY AND SOPHISTICATION IS AMAZING. K R IS TE N AS H L E Y

items such as jerky and beef stew from their meat, using some of the same equipment to operate a restaurant seemed like a way to keep the farm viable through the seasons and the years. So far, she said, it’s working. Kristen Ashley, who lives in Hartland, has been friends with the Emmons family for years. She and her husband discovered Cloudland when they were searching for exceptional beef to buy and have been regular visitors to the restaurant since its inception. These days, they make sure to stop by monthly. “All of the chefs have been wonderful and a little different,” Ashley said, “and Mike is really special. His level of creativity and sophistication is amazing, and when you overlay that with the fact that everything’s grown on the farm, it’s really impressive.” My December night last year ended with a browned butter tart topped with Cloudland currants, whipped skyr and a drizzle of honey. Now that winter is approaching again, Borraccio is preparing for a season of cooking with storage crops, items he’s stashed away in the freezer and the meat that stays available year-round. The goods might show up on the menu as a rainbow root-vegetable terrine, savory bread pudding, cabbage cooked in beef tallow or Gilfeather turnip fritters. “It’s very cyclical,” he explained. “You get comfortable with the broad strokes, and after a year, it’s fun to go back [and revisit ingredients]. I do kale salads two or three nights a year, and two or three nights is plenty.” ➆

INFO Cloudland Farm chef Mike Borraccio

COURTESY

long-term part of Cloudland. We are basically a family,” she said of the restaurant staff. When all of her Vermont interviews fell through for different reasons, she reluctantly posted on a national job board, and Borraccio, who was then in Arizona on a road trip, applied. “My friend, who’s an ex-FBI agent, was like, ‘Well, Cathy, did you check his socials?’” When she did, Emmons loved what she saw. Beyond pictures of food and “restaurant stuff,” she said, she noted that “the people around him were always smiling. They looked happy.” The interview went so well that she offered him the job on the spot. A few days later, when he accepted, she “literally jumped for joy,” she recalled. On the night of my December visit, Emmons was waiting tables and came by to drop off my entrée. On a large white plate, slices of medium-rare rib eye were arranged atop halved purple potatoes and Roma beans, sauced with black-garlic beef jus and topped with fried cabbage leaves. The plate was pretty without being fussy and showed off the range of the farm’s preserved and stored ingredients. According to Borraccio’s records, 72 percent of the food served at the restaurant is from the farm, and an additional 20 percent comes from a pair of farms nearby. True to his heritage, he explained, the last 8 percent is “oil and lemons.” After 15 years of operating a restaurant, and more than five with Borraccio on board, Emmons has dialed in how much produce to grow to supply the needs of her family, the restaurant and the farm store, which is located in the restaurant building. Emmons and her husband, Bill, didn’t set out to open an eatery, she explained. But after adding a kitchen in order to produce valued-added

Cloudland Farm, 1101 Cloudland Rd., Pomfret, cloudlandfarm.com. For FiumeRapido popups, follow Mike Borraccio on Instagram: @mborraccio.

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Cafe Modo’s pizza will belong to the “new-school sourdough” realm, Justin said, inspired by his time cooking in California’s Bay Area, with classic toppings. Other nighttime options will include whole-roasted fish and chicken; Caesar, Greek and spinach salads; and wine, beer and classic, “unfussy cocktails,” Scott said. Sophie, 35, and Lorena, 43, are currently using their design expertise to transform the sprawling, industrial-looking yet light-filled space. The Cafe Modo team hopes to be open by the holiday season. Look for updates at cafemodovt.com.

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In Bristol, the BOBCAT CAFÉ & BREWERY, which closed “until further notice” in July, is officially for sale. Owners JON and CHRISTOPHER RUGGIERO, who attributed this summer’s indefinite closure to “a private medical matter,” announced their decision online last week. The popular Main Street spot opened in 2002; the Ruggieros bought it in February 2025 for the asking price of $165,000. Today, the business — not including the building — is listed at $105,000. “Since we closed our doors, many of you have asked what comes next for 5 Main Street,” the post said. “We hope the answer is a new owner who will open the doors again and give Bristol the Third Place it deserves.” ➆ COURTESY

Espace Old Mill’s market garden, followed by five courses, with Frankie’s chef and co-owner JORDAN of your fall bar cart WARE and sous chef JOHNNY CAPITANELLI working with the FILE: BEAR CIERI Canadian restaurant’s team on each dish. Kozak and Legault will select 8v-stjohnsburydistillery093026 1 9/21/26 10:05 AM wines for an optional pairing with each course. Reservations remain as of press time, and Frankie’s in Burlington will be open On Friday, October 2, the team from that night as usual, Kozak said. FRANKIE’S in Burlington will head north If you miss this pop-up, don’t worry: of the border for a collaborative dinner Plans for bringing the Espace Old Mill at ESPACE OLD MILL, a restaurant, farm and team to Burlington for another one this inn in the Eastern Townships village of winter or early spring are already in the Stanbridge East. works. Frankie’s co-owner and general manager CINDI KOZAK had an “unplanned awesome day” with her boyfriend in the Christopher and Jon Ruggiero spring at Espace Old Mill, where she met ALEXANDRE LEGAULT, a sommelier and manager at the restaurant. Over coffee the next morning, the two talked about agriculture, the restaurant business and the Michelin Guide’s announcement that it will no longer award Green Stars, starting next year — an honor Espace Old Mill received for its excellence in Snack on the sustainable cuisine when the guide BITE-CLUB NEWSLETTER launched in Québec in 2025. for a taste of this week’s Kozak said the ethics of the two flavorful food coverage. restaurants “aligned,” given their mutual It’ll hold you over emphasis on “supporting farms; seauntil Wednesday. sonal dining; small, thoughtful menus; and minimal-intervention wines.” They SUBSCRIBE AT soon hatched a plan for the collab. sevendaysvt.com/enews Friday’s tasting menu meal ($115 Canadian dollars per person) will feature a welcome aperitif and walk through Cindi Kozak

COURTESY OF DAPHNÉ CARON AND NICOLAS GAUTHIER

Available at 802Spirits

Real People. Real Jobs. Meet employers, collaborators and recruiters face-to-face at the…

PRESENT

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 • HULA, BURLINGTON • FREE CAREER+TECH EXPO: 10 A.M.-3 P.M. PRESENTATIONS: 11 A.M. & 1 P.M.

FILE: DARIA BISHOP

At this annual career and tech expo, talk with dozens of exhibitors who are looking for local hires with expertise in engineering, manufacturing, coding, digital marketing and more. Recruiters from Vermont colleges and universities will offer a wide array of tech-related opportunities. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:

Real Things: BETA, Hazelett and Rigorous 11 A.M. PRE-JAM PEP TALK Prepare to maximize your time on Tech Jam day. Attend a free, virtual Tech Jam Boot Camp with career coach Sue Schlom of the Targeted Resume a week prior, on Friday, October 16, noon-1 p.m. Register online.

INSTANT HEADSHOT LOUNGE Come camera-ready and get a professional profile pic by Storyworkz. Book by 10/23 for a discounted $15 session. Limited walk-ups.

Representatives from local product design and manufacturing companies discuss what they’re looking for in potential employees. From airframe assembly team leads to casting experts to robotics engineers, these companies are looking to fill a variety of openings.

Totally Unreal: How Deepfakes Are Changing Everything 1 P.M. Recently featured in the New York Times, Dartmouth professor Hany Farid discusses the difficulty of discerning what is real in a world full of AI slop and digital fakery. Learn what you can do to avoid being fooled.

EXHIBITOR LIST AND REGISTRATION:

techjamvt.com

C O M M U N I T Y PA RT N E R S

S U P P O RT I N G PA RT N E R S

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culture COURTESY

Trust Me

THEATER

Theater review: Dakar 2000, Vermont Stage BY AL E X BR O W N • alex@sevendaysvt.com

Chris Caswell and Ian Walls in Dakar 2000

ajiv Joseph’s 2025 play Dakar 2000 uses the outer form of a thriller to explore deception itself. The Vermont Stage production nails the tension in Joseph’s tangle of motives and meaning, but a play designed to make viewers doubt what they see runs a risk. The audience may stay wary when characters routinely trade engrossing personal stories only to end with a laugh at the listener’s gullibility — tricked you. This play demands we administer the same test of trust that the characters do. At the outset, the main character warns us that what we’re about to see is only almost true. Then his storytelling diverts us with an absorbing tale of his life in 42

espionage. It ends with a startling confession. And then the play springs its trap. “It would be a better story if it did happen, but it didn’t. I’m sorry.” So which is the lie? The setting is Dakar, Senegal, on the eve of the year 2000. Anxiety about possible computer date malfunctions is worldwide, while in Africa, terrorist bombings of two U.S. embassies have put the American government on edge. Enter a Peace Corps volunteer. Don’t assume it’s playwright Joseph’s

SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

own story, even if he was doing that exact work at that exact time. He has called the play partly autobiographical but has also noted that he found the truth restricting. As events grow more dramatic, the story seems increasingly unlikely. He gives us only impossible-to-pin-down characters and a hint that exaggeration could be memory’s version of truth. The 25-year-old volunteer has just been in an accident and sustained injuries, including a gash to the head worth

WALLS AND CASWELL BUILD THE EDGY TENSION THAT

MAKES SEDUCTION FEEL LIKE A DANGEROUS RISK.

17 stitches. He was driving a truck loaded with supplies, and it overturned. Now he has to explain himself. The cool, confident Dina (Chris Caswell) arrives at the Dakar embassy in her natural state of shrewd suspicion. She’s a U.S. government operative who’s seen it all, including the bombing in Tanzania. The volunteer, Boubs (Ian Walls), expects the snigger at his nickname. It’s short for Boubacar and sounds better to the local Senegalese. He’s unnerved when Dina sniffs out what’s fishy about the truck accident. Her apparently casual questioning soon makes Boubs look as if he’s hiding something under his rumpled idealism. And her TRUST ME

» P.46

Seeing the Forest for the Trees Three questions for Ethan Tapper on his new book, The Forest Year: Finding Hope in a World Worth Saving BY KE N PI C AR D • ken@sevendaysvt.com

FILE: DARIA BISHOP

hen Ethan Tapper began his first book, How to Love a Forest: The Bittersweet Work of Tending a Changing World,, the Bolton naturalist arose each morning to write from 5 to 6 a.m. before starting his day job as a forester. The book, which won the 2025 New England Book Award for nonfiction, examines Tapper’s efforts to heal Bear Island, the 175-acre forest in Bolton he purchased in 2017, which had been degraded by unsustainable logging, invasive species, soil erosion and overbrowsing by deer. Tapper’s current book was born of the same work ethic. When How to Love a Forest was finished, the 37-year-old writer was not. He still arose each morning at 5 a.m. to keep writing about the natural world. The result is The Forest Year: Finding Hope in a World Worth Saving, which comes out October 6. Like Aldo Leopold’s A Sand County Almanac, the new book documents a year of seasonal changes at Bear Island, heralded by the appearances of birds, bees, flowers and other living things. In the process, Tapper explores deeper themes about place, community and land stewardship. Seven Days spoke with him about the release of The Forest Year.

BOOKS

Did you adopt a particular method of chronicling the seasons — or did you just write what you observed during your normal daily activities? Every person who spends a lot of time in nature does this all the time. We observe the seasons because we’re interested in what’s happening at any given moment. And you realize that there are all these special things that happen at different times. Botanists and people who love flowers wait for the ephemeral wildflowers, the first flowers of spring. They only exist in this brief moment between when the soil thaws and when the trees get their leaves. If you’re a birder, bird migration does this

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Ethan Tapper

most powerfully because it, too, is such a profound marker of the seasons. Did spending a year chronicling a forest’s life cycle change your perspective on your own life cycles? Yes. It’s a generational thing. People my age feel like we’re supposed to be in motion all the time, and if we stay in one place, we’re settling; we’re boring; we’re unambitious and old. I have felt this pressure, too, even as I’m investing myself in these forests of Vermont and this place I call Bear Island. So I thought, What would happen if I just decided to stay? You start to realize that there are all these riches of this world that cannot be attained by going far, only by going deep. You develop a really deep relationship with these places and seasons that are so profound and powerful. Forests have been evolving for millions of years, whereas humans are relative newcomers. Is there hubris in claiming stewardship of forests when they’ve been around so much longer than we have? We can pretend that we don’t have an

impact on ecosystems, that humans are not managing them. In fact, we’ve been managing them so heavily and so intensely that, weirdly, humans are now probably their best hope for survival. But there’s nuance here, which is that you can be the steward of an ecosystem while also having deference for its ability and right to be itself. I’m helping ecosystems rediscover how to be themselves. I’m giving them the tools to recover these attributes, habitats, species and natural processes that have been lost as the result of the very shortsighted and exploitative human management of the past. ➆ This interview was edited for clarity and length.

INFO

The Forest Year: Finding Hope in a World Worth Saving by Ethan Tapper, Timber Press, 272 pages. $28. Tapper will hold book events on Tuesday, October 6, 7 p.m., at Phoenix Books in Burlington; Wednesday, October 7, 7 p.m., at Jeudevine Memorial Library in Hardwick; and Thursday, October 8, 5:30 p.m., at Bridgeside Books in Waterbury. Visit ethantapper.com for future events. SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026 8v-ChamplainIslandFarmersmarket093026 1

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culture

Mystery Man

A new film on iconoclastic French composer Erik Satie screens in Burlington thanks to a sister-city connection BY AMY L IL LY • lilly@sevendaysvt.com

urlington is a fairly arts-forward community, but its 1,000-yearold French sister city, Honfleur, is on another level. Among the Normandy coastal town’s native-born artists is composer Erik Satie (1866-1925), who single-handedly turned classical music on its head. Iconoclastic and deliberately provocative, Satie’s approach to music is still dismissed in some academic quarters but has permeated the wider culture, influencing the likes of John Cage, Brian Eno and Janet Jackson. Satie caught the attention of another Honfleur son, Bastien Loukia — a graphicbook artist, historian, biographer and, most recently, first-time filmmaker. Loukia, 34, has been obsessed — not too strong a word — with Satie for the past 19 years. He wrote and illustrated the only graphic biography of the composer, Erik Satie: Cinq nouvelles en forme de Poire (Five Short Stories in the Form of a Pear), in 2016. And he recently completed a documentary film, Le Mystère Satie (The Mystery of Satie). On Thursday, October 8, the Burlington-Honfleur Sister Cities Committee hosts a screening at BCA Studios in Burlington. Loukia will talk about his work after the screening with committee member Fran Stoddard in perfect English, Seven Days confirmed during a recent phone call to France. It will be his first visit to the U.S. Loukia hasn’t always loved Satie, he said. On a school trip at age 5 to Satie’s family home and museum in Honfleur, Loukia recalled, “I was a bit afraid of this character. His music was very depressive.” But as a teenager, Loukia read a book about Honfleur that included a chapter on Satie in which the author wrote that he hoped one day someone would make a film about him. “I thought, Why not a comic book?” Loukia left school at age 15 to study painting with Honfleur’s many local artists. He began his first graphic book at the age of 17, moved to Paris at 19, and painted portraits and showed work in galleries in London and Prague while awaiting publication. The book — a graphic-novel adaptation of Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment — came out in 2019 in eight countries. In 2024, the English translation of Loukia’s graphic history Honfleur: A 44

COURTESY OF MICHEL LANGIN

FILM

Bastien Loukia

EVEN A CENTURY AFTER HIS DEATH,

“he sacrificed Thousand Years himself for his art.” of History was The pianist and published, which composer flouted is “how he got on convention in our radar,” Stodevery aspect of dard said. The BAS TIE N L O UK IA living but espemedia consultant had visited the medieval port town as part cially when it came to music. That resulted of an effort in 2009 to connect the two in a life of poverty and obscurity; Satie lived cities — a relationship formalized in 2019. his last 30 years as a recluse in a Parisian Loukia’s book includes a page about Samuel suburb and for decades after his death, at 59 de Champlain, who sailed from Honfleur of alcoholism, was largely forgotten. in 1608 for an expedition that ended in his Satie’s beginnings were sad, too: His founding Québec City and bestowing his mother died when he was a child, and the name on Lake Champlain. family dispersed. Satie was 12, a mediocre Satie appealed to Loukia not just because student with a few organ lessons under of his cultural moment — the graphic artist his belt, when his grandmother was found is drawn to late 19th-century and early drowned and his father called him to Paris. 20th-century French culture — but because He studied piano at the Paris Conservatoire

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SATIE IS STILL ALIVE IN MODERN MUSIC.

under pressure from his family but was booted out twice. He then sabotaged his own military service to live as a bohemian in Montmartre, though only after burning all of his possessions. While working as a second-string pianist in a cabaret in 1888, 22-year-old Satie started crafting his first — and most famous — compositions, Trois Gymnopédies. The three piano pieces are melancholy, structurally loose and instantly recognizable. Satie’s friend, the up-and-coming composer Claude Debussy, understood the importance of their nonconformity and orchestrated two of them; younger composers Francis Poulenc and Maurice Ravel later found inspiration in them. Satie’s iconoclasm led to collaborations with the avant-garde. He wrote the music for Jean Cocteau’s 1917 ballet, Parade, produced by Sergei Diaghilev. In his program notes for the production, poet Guillaume Apollinaire coined the word “surrealist” to describe the unprecedented style; Pablo Picasso designed the sets and costumes. In 1924, Satie composed the scores for a zany Dadaist production, by artist Francis Picabia, that combined a ballet and a silent film. His music for the film, Entr’acte, is considered one of history’s first synchronized film scores. MYSTERY MAN

» P.47

HENRY SIEBER

Alexandra Ackert-Smith Anne Allen Curt Alpeter Melissa Aurigemma Beth Austin Dan Baker Julie Basol MaryEllen Bednar Karen BielawskiBranch Pamela Blake David Blumgart Ann Bonanno Beth-Ann Bove Terrance Boyle & Robin Worn Kym Boyman Walter Breck & Katharine Hikel Duncan Brown Aubrey Brueckner Jessica Bunce Margaret Burns Eric Carlson Matthew Carmolli Barbara Church Greg and Susan Clare Cory Claussen David Cohen Julia Compagna Ronalyn Cummings John Davis

Aw, Shucks!

Andrew Day Susan Reit De Salas Betsey Dempsey Kathleen Duclos Marcia Dunham Marie Eddy William Edgerton Barbara Edwards Carol Eggert T Michael & Larissa Flynn Mark Foley Jr Joel Foreman Elizabeth Forrester Kenneth Forseth Linda & Roger Fox Sheryl Foxman Marc Fragola Ryan Freebern Veer-Tess Frost Nancy Gell Linda Gionti Steve Goldman Maureen Goldring Christine Graham Janet Grant Randall Graves Janet Green

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Thanks for lending us an ear during our fall fundraising campaign. We sincerely appreciate all the generous people who gave — and also our dedicated Super Readers who donate every month. We feel the love!

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culture Trust Me « P.42 cynical composure could mask a bureaucrat or a mastermind. The intensity starts climbing even before we know what each might be after. And soon they inch toward seduction of the most primal sort: telling stories to gain trust. Dina’s interrogation traps Boubs in a corner; he wiggles, she tightens her grip, and soon he’s facing serious trouble. Or, she notes, he could do her a favor. That easy transition is the first of many that twine the characters together, but, alas, it is the only one animated by naked need. For the rest of the play, what they want from each other hides behind how they might get it — through flirtation, exploitation or the moral rationalization of all espionage: The end justifies the means. Desire flickers within curiosity. Whether the sexual tension is real or not soon makes no difference. As Y2K approaches, the scene shifts from the embassy to more intimate locations, but the story is about living on lies, not reaching the truth. A full corkscrew of plot twists makes the 90-minute running time engrossing. Joseph uses the possibility of lying to have everything both ways. Is Boubs blind to

moral compromise or infatuThe script is perhaps too clever for its own good. ated with it? He might be Much as I wanted a young man looking to play along, I for a way to make Ian Wallsaa couldn’t engage a difference. He with characters might be stealing cement from the invalidating their State Departvulnerability as a ment. He might gambit. I pulled be an easy mark back. for an unnamed But this production did spy agency lookmuch to pull me ing for an operative. Perhaps all in. The director three? and performers give Is Dina working an abstract musing a human touch without under orders or freelanclosing all of Joseph’s tricks ing? She might be recruitCOURTESY ing him as an agent. She might be and turns. Director Virginia Monte exploiting all the asymmetries of their maintains a feeling of menace in the lighting differences in age and power. She might be and sparse set while keeping the characters fighting an attraction to him or giving in to buoyant with curiosity about each other. it. Perhaps all three? Staging the action on a wide-open runway, The play would like to keep all such with each scene’s props in full view, is a slick possibilities alive, committing to none reference to theatrical honesty. of them. At last Friday’s performance, I Walls and Caswell build the edgy didn’t feel the hush of an audience rapt in tension that makes seduction feel like a a thriller but the museum quiet of people dangerous risk. They do the juggling the who’d grown distant after watching every script requires to invest every moment arresting disclosure turn out to be a trick. with multiple interpretations. Caswell

keeps Dina poised between jaded and enthralled. Walls is at his best when the tables turn and Boubs tilts from innocence to arrogance. The production’s strength is two actors working together and balancing on the heads of all of Joseph’s pins. On a rooftop, with a hint of stars glittering on a moody backdrop, Dina and Boubs convey the wonder of the African sky. They hunt for Jupiter until the depth of the night quiets them. Faced with the size of the universe, they reveal what seem to be truths about themselves. And then the darkest lie emerges, when what could lead to a kiss could also be a betrayal. Dakar 2000 is a meditation on concealing intentions. “You can’t like someone and manipulate them,” Boubs says with heat. “Yes, you can,” replies the cool Dina. That does indeed prove true. ➆

INFO Dakar 2000, by Rajiv Joseph, directed by Virginia Monte, produced by Vermont Stage. Through October 11: Thursdays through Saturdays, 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, 2 p.m., at Black Box Theater, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, in Burlington. $34-54. vermontstage.org

Autumn Concert of Remembrance Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

The Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 2 Cherry Street, Burlington Jerusalem C. H. H. Parry For the Fallen Douglas Guest Greater love John Ireland Sim Shalom Max Janowski Vertue Judith Weir What if some little pain Ned Rorem Song for Athene John Tavener You who are passing by / A Poet’s Requiem Peter S. Berton

St. Paul’s Cathedral, Burlington Adult Choir and Choristers

The St. Paul’s Cathedral Choirs and Guests The Choir School of Newport County The Rhode Island Festival Orchestra Peter S. Berton, director

Soloists from NY, RI, VT, and Montreal: Jennifer Berton

SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

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Choir School of Newport County, Rhode Island Professional Choristers

Mark Bleeke

Joseph Burdick

Madeline Carolyn Dickinson Green

William Cole Kraushaar Marino

Ryan Matos

Join us for a spectacular combined choral and orchestral event. English cathedral grandeur, modern solace, and plaintive cries for peace prepare us for the second half, the 45-minute A Poet’s Requiem, directed by the composer. With the backdrop of fall foliage through the cathedral’s massive south window, and a candlelit conclusion, you won’t want to miss this journey of the soul—from birth through love, praise, reflection and death to eternal life— in poetry and song. Preview the full printed program & video clips online. Season ad page 12 Seven Days Tickets: $25 adults / $10 students Children 5-12 free cathedralarts.org 9/28/26 3:50 PM

La Cenerentola (Cinderella)

B•O•H P Barre R E S EOpera N TSHouse S E R IPresents ES Series Mystery Man « P.44 Loukia’s book traces Satie’s life in five stages using a different narrator and art-historical style for each. (The title is a riff on the composer’s Trois morceaux en forme de poire, or Three Pieces in the Form of a Pear, from 1903.) The visual styles follow the composer’s life chronologically, from impressionism through Dadaism. “I wanted to show this evolution of the world of art in his lifetime,” Loukia said. Nicolas Seydoux, the octogenarian owner of the Satie museum in Honfleur — and, it happens, a great-uncle of acclaimed actor Léa Seydoux — wrote the preface and partly funded the project. By the time Loukia took up that earlier writer’s call for a film about Satie, he said, “I knew all the people in Europe who worked on Satie — musicologists, historians, specialists in 19th-century music, critics.” The film, also largely funded by Seydoux, contains “everything I couldn’t tell in the book — interviews, archives, Satie’s music, covers of it by modern bands. The goal was to show that, even a century after his death, Satie is still alive in modern music.” In addition to interviews and archival footage, Loukia’s animated graphics help tell the story, including a walking figure of Satie modernizing with the decades as he wades ever deeper into a row of piano keys. During his visit, Loukia will meet with Burlington cultural historian Hugo Martínez Cazón, another obsessive who discovered that French cinema pioneers Auguste and Louis Lumière opened their only North American factory in Burlington in 1903. Martínez Cazón found blueprints of the Flynn Avenue building — now the home of Burlington Beer — in 1991 and has been tracing its history ever since. The brothers produced some of the world’s first color photographs there, called autochromes, through a process they invented. Martínez Cazón is hoping to collaborate with Loukia on a graphic book — a perfect fit, he noted, not least because Loukia is an autochrome collector. Loukia didn’t really listen to Satie while growing up, the filmmaker said, but he has since come to appreciate his works — especially Gnossiennes (1890-1893), a favorite. “Even now,” he said, “the more I listen to it, the more I understand new things.” ➆

Le Mystère Satie and post-screening discussion with filmmaker Bastien Loukia, Thursday, October 8, 7 p.m., with doors and appetizers at 6 p.m., at the Community Room, BCA Studios, in Burlington. Free. aflcr.org

Cambridge Community Cats For decades, Cambridge has been home to an outdoor cat colony at the Gates farm on Lower Pleasant Valley Road. The felines caught rodents and also roamed across the street to visit the dumpsters at the Cambridge Village Market. In 2023, multiple floods displaced the colony, and new, cat-friendly owners bought the market. Since then, community members have stepped up to help the cats in the colony. Melissa Mitchell, Cambridge’s former animal control officer, befriended the Gates family and started a Facebook page for the Cambridge Community Cats. The market raised funds for the colony’s care using a donation jar on the counter; the money was used to trap, spay and neuter about 30 cats. The animals received shots and flea medicine, and the colony was monitored for new arrivals. One feline named Kevin was reunited with his family from Milton, thanks to a post on social media. Other cats were adopted, and some died. Today, only four cats remain in the colony, splitting their time between the market and the farm. In the latest episode of “Stuck in Vermont,” Seven Days senior multimedia producer Eva Sollberger met two of the cats and learned about the community that cares for them.

Sat., October 3•3pm CO M M UN I T Y N AT I O N AL BANK C ELEBR AT ION SER IES

Sat., October 10•7:30pm

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

Seven Days has been airing the awardwinning video series “Stuck in Vermont” since 2007. Watch the new episode on sevendaysvt.com this Thursday or on the WCAX-TV evening news on Friday.

EVA SOLLBERGER

INFO

ANIMALS

sponsored by Lily, a cat at the colony

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SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

4/6/21 11:55 AM

on screen COURTESY OF A24

Primetime ★★★★

Robert Pattinson plays Chris Hansen, host of the hit reality show “To Catch a Predator,” in this noir-ish fact-based drama.

REVIEW

he legacy of the hit reality TV show “To Catch a Predator,” which aired on NBC from 2004 to 2007, is a fraught one. Many Americans still view host Chris Hansen as a hero for using decoys to entrap potential sexual predators and putting their arrests on the air. But the show’s reputation took a hit when one of its targets, a Texas assistant district attorney, fatally shot himself as police and the TV crew barged into his home. That shocking incident was chronicled in an Esquire story, “Tonight on Dateline This Man Will Die” by Luke Dittrich, which became the basis of Primetime, the first narrative feature from documentarian Lance Oppenheim. The real Hansen has blasted the movie as “detached from reality.” He also bought ads before each screening to plug his true crime streaming service.

The deal

It’s 2006, and the American viewing public loves watching Hansen (Robert Pattinson) corner alleged pedophiles. NBC head Jeff Zucker (playing himself ) puts “To Catch a Predator” opposite megahit “Lost,” even as he warns Hansen that to keep that slot, the 48

show will need to nab bigger fish than just garden-variety pervs. Hansen goes diligently to work with the help of his tireless producer, Andie (Merritt Wever); and an online vigilante (Matthew Maher) who trolls chat rooms posing as a minor. Meanwhile, aspiring actor Dan Plum (Skyler Gisondo) auditions for the role of a decoy on the show. He may not have his Screen Actors Guild card yet, but his freckled face allows him to pass as a preteen. As Dan angles for his big break and Andie wonders if this is really the job for her, Hansen struggles to up the show’s ante while weathering a threat to his personal reputation. All of them will be tested when they finally hook that “big fish.”

Will you like it?

Primetime is not a sober, realistic look at Hansen’s lurid legacy. For that, watch the excellent documentary Predators (see sidebar). Instead, Oppenheim revels in the luridness, making it his film’s guiding stylistic principle. Ajon Singh’s screenplay reshapes the already unsettling facts into a tense, noirish thriller, complete with a tormented antihero and a ticking clock. The oldschool storytelling continues visually

SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

with Oppenheim’s expressionist compositions. As Hansen’s authority liquefies, for instance, so does his image, distorted by rain on a windowpane. TV monitors are the main light source in many scenes, washing the actors’ faces in unnatural hues and giving viewers the nightmarish sense of being inside a giant aquarium. Director of photography David Bolen told IndieWire that Primetime was shot with “more than a dozen camera bodies and at least 10 different formats,” then printed to 16mm film. The result is grainy and retro — less a throwback to the aughts per se than to the whole seamy history of tabloid media. These stylistic devices establish the film’s vision of Hansen as an American icon. Like Burt Lancaster’s Elmer Gantry, he’s a con man and demagogue; like Orson Welles’ Charles Foster Kane, he’s entrapped by his own myth, increasingly unable to separate con from reality. Pattinson lacks the real Hansen’s aw-shucks quality; no criminal in existence would believe this gimlet-eyed grandstander just wanted to “understand” him (as Hansen often claimed on the show). The actor plays less of Hansen’s public persona than his sinister core (as imagined by the

film), but that’s a perfect fit for Pattinson’s signature combination of teen idol looks and weirdo vibes. His Hansen solemnly tells Dan that nothing he does is acting. Yet the film opens with Hansen rehearsing his script for confronting a target, quoting a chat transcript in a tone of implacable moral authority. Everything this man does is acting; he even seems to revel in the drama of his own unraveling. Primetime presents Hansen as such a familiar cultural type that he doesn’t need backstory or interiority; we know exactly what unpeeling the onion would reveal (a bottomless thirst for attention). Because he doesn’t change much, though, the movie also needs his increasingly ambivalent protégé. Dan is positioned as the viewer’s surrogate and the story’s conscience, which tends to be a thankless, tiresome role. But Gisondo plays him with great comic instincts, inviting us to laugh at Dan’s hayseed earnestness while showing us the decency underneath. Some have complained that Primetime is too hyped up on its own sordidness to have a point. True, it offers no solutions, but it tells a gripping parable of how we got where we are. Hansen’s message to his audience is “Give me the power of a police state, and I’ll save your children” — a perennially popular grift, increasingly practiced by many at the highest levels of government. This is a horror film about what happens when we merge justice, retribution and entertainment. MARGO T HARRI S O N margot@sevendaysvt.com

IF YOU LIKE THIS, TRY… PREDATORS (2025; Paramount+, rentable): If you wish Primetime had gone deeper, watch David Osit’s soul-searching documentary, exploring the world of “To Catch a Predator” and its copycats on YouTube. Interviews with Hansen and the show’s decoys force us to ask who the real “predators” are. NIGHTCRAWLER (2014; Netflix, Sling TV, Shout! TV, rentable): Jake Gyllenhaal plays an LA cameraman who sells gruesome footage to the TV news in another noir thriller about the dark side of the media. MAY DECEMBER (2023; Netflix): The intersection of media and sexual predation anchors this mordant Todd Haynes film, starring Julianne Moore as a tabloidfamous sex offender and Natalie Portman as the actor hired to play her.

AMERICAN DOCTOR: Poh Si Teng’s documentary follows three American doctors in Gaza — one of Jewish ancestry, one Palestinian, one Zoroastrian. (91 min, NR. Partizanfilm) DIGGER: In the latest satire from Alejandro G. Iñárritu (Birdman), Tom Cruise plays the world’s most powerful man on a mission to save humanity. With Riz Ahmed and John Goodman. (128 min, R. Bijou, Capitol, City Cinema, Essex, Majestic, Marquis, Playhouse, Star, Sunset) THE STUNT DRIVER: Jay Baruchel plays stuntman Ken Carter, who hoped to ride a rocket car across the St. Lawrence River, in this biopic. (99 min, R. Sunset) VERITY: An author (Dakota Johnson) uncovers sinister doings when she’s hired to ghostwrite for a woman (Anne Hathaway) in a coma in Michael Showalter’s adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s thriller. (114 min, R. Bijou, Capitol, City Cinema, Essex, Majestic, Star, Sunset)

CURRENTLY PLAYING BUDDYHHH1/2 Kids must escape a deadly children’s TV show in this indie slasher. (95 min, R. Majestic) CHARLIE HARPERHH1/2 A young couple (Emilia Jones and Nick Robinson) face challenges after moving to a new city in Tom Dean and Mac Eldridge’s romance. (102 min, R. Majestic) COYOTE VS. ACMEHHHH Looney Tunes’ Wile E. Coyote sues the Acme corporation in this live action/animated comedy. (101 min, PG. Majestic, Marquis, Sunset) FORGOTTEN ISLANDHHH1/2 Two friends get trapped in a world that steals their memories in this DreamWorks animation featuring the voices of H.E.R. and Liza Soberano. (109 min, PG. Bijou, Capitol, Essex, Majestic, Star, Sunset, Welden)

HA-CHAN, SHAKE YOUR BOOTY!HHH1/2 Rinko Kukuchi plays a grieving dancer in Josef Kubota Wladyka’s drama set in Tokyo’s competitive ballroom scene. (122 min, R. Essex, Partizanfilm) HEART OF THE BEASTHHH1/2 A Special Forces officer (Brad Pitt) and his dog must survive in the Alaskan wilderness after a plane crash in David Ayer’s adventure drama. (101 min, PG-13. Big Picture, Bijou, City Cinema, Essex, Majestic, Paramount, Star) HOPEHHH1/2 Something monstrous invades an isolated village in this sci-fi action thriller from Na Hong-jin (The Wailing), starring Hwang Jun-min, Zo In-sung and Michael Fassbender. (160 min, R. Savoy) THE MARCHING BAND: In this comedy from France, a famous classical conductor (Benjamin Lavernhe) learns he has a musician brother in far humbler circumstances. (102 min, NR. Catamount) THE ODYSSEYHHHH Christopher Nolan takes on the Homeric epic of a weary warrior (Matt Damon) trying to return home. (180 min, R. Majestic; reviewed 7/22) PAW PATROL: THE DINO MOVIEHH1/2 The team must save a dinosaur island in this family adventure. (88 min, PG. Majestic)

THE WEIGHTHHH1/2 Ethan Hawke plays a desperate war vet hired to smuggle gold across the Depressionera U.S. in Padraic McKinley’s adventure drama. (115 min, R. Majestic)

OLDER FILMS AND SPECIAL SCREENINGS

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.

AVENGERS ENDGAME ENCORE (Capitol, Essex, Majestic) BAGDAD CAFÉ (VTIFF, Thu only)

PARAMOUNT TWIN CINEMA: 241 N. Main St., Barre, 479-9621, fgbtheaters.com PARTIZANFILM: 230 College St., Unit 13, Burlington, 276-4588, partizanfilm.org

DONNIE DARKO 25TH ANNIVERSARY (Essex, Fri-Sun only)

PLAYHOUSE MOVIE THEATRE: 11 S. Main St., Randolph, 728-4012, playhouseflicks.com

PRIMETIMEHHHH Robert Pattinson plays “To Catch a Predator” host Chris Hansen in Lance Oppenheim’s fact-based drama about the perils of turning crime into ratings. With Merritt Wever and Skyler Gisondo. (110 min, R. Capitol, Essex, Majestic, Partizanfilm, Savoy, Stowe, Sunset; reviewed 9/30)

SPLENDOR IN THE GRASS (Partizanfilm, Wed 30 only)

THE WORK IN PROGRESS (VTIFF, Fri only)

*STOWE CINEMA 3PLEX: 454 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 253-4678, stowecinema.com

RESIDENT EVILHHHH Cowriter-director Zach Cregger (Weapons) offers his cinematic take on the zombie horror game franchise. (90 min, R. Essex, Majestic, Paramount, Stowe, Sunset, Welden; reviewed 9/23)

OPEN THEATERS

SUNSET DRIVE-IN: 155 Porters Point Rd., Colchester, 862-1800, sunsetdrivein.com

(* = upcoming schedule for theater could not be confirmed at press time)

*WELDEN THEATRE: 104 N. Main St., St. Albans, 527-7888, weldentheatre.com

MO RM V ON VEER NTT IIN N

MANHATTAN SHORT FILM FESTIVAL 2026 (Majestic) STEAL THIS STORY, PLEASE! (Welden, Mon only)

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

VTIFF 2026 SNEAK PREVIEW (VTIFF, Wed 7 only)

60+

NALL ON TIO T A N FIILL N R R M M TTEE

MOVIES

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at MAIN MAIN STREET STREET LANDING LANDING at MAIN STREET LANDING at 2H-VTIFF092326 1

SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAYHHH1/2 Can Peter Parker (Tom Holland) stay under the radar? (145 min, PG-13. Essex, Majestic)

BIJOU CINEPLEX 4: 107 Portland St., Morrisville, 888-3293, bijou4.com

EVERY DAY: BIG AND SMALL (Catamount [Sun only], Playhouse [Wed 7 only], Savoy [Thu & Fri only], Welden [Tue only])

TICKETS ON ON SALE SALE TICKETS Members: Oct. 2 Everyone: Oct. Oct. 6 6 Everyone:

VTIFF.org VTIFF.org

SHAUN THE SHEEP: THE BEAST OF MOSSY BOTTOMHHHH An attempt to fix the farm’s pumpkin patch goes horribly awry in this stop-motion-animated twist on Frankenstein. (80 min, PG. Majestic)

*BIG PICTURE THEATER: 48 Carroll Rd., Waitsfield, 4968994, bigpicturetheater.info. Closed through April 29.

PRACTICAL MAGIC 2HHH Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock reprise their roles as sister witches in Susanne Bier’s legacy sequel. (110 min, PG-13. Capitol, Essex, Majestic, Stowe, Sunset, Welden; reviewed 9/16)

DAYS

RUNNERHHH A cartel attack complicates a life-saving organ delivery in Scott Waugh’s action comedy. (97 min, PG-13. Big Picture)

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NEW IN THEATERS

FESTIVAL SPONSORS

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SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

9/21/26 3:49 PM

art

Sin, Sans Cities

Art and artifacts in Bennington portray the history of vice in the Green Mountain State BY AL IC E D O D GE • adodge@sevendaysvt.com

“

ou will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy,” says Obi-Wan Kenobi, in Alec Guinness’ clipped British accent, of the notorious Mos Eisley spaceport in the first Star Wars movie — a tableau of smugglers, bounty hunters and unscrupulous types who gamble, drink and listen to jazz clarinet. Had the epic been set on Earth, the Jedi master could just as easily have been alerting Luke Skywalker to the moral perils of an equally reprobate place: rural Vermont. “Vermont Vice,” currently on view at Bennington Museum, paints a captivating picture of iniquity through the state’s history. Combining art, artifacts and detailed histories, the show explores sex, drugs and money — with some accounts of murder, for good measure — and how public perceptions of them shifted over time, from shock to acceptance, tolerance to outrage. While the concept of “vice” is hard to pin down, the exhibition’s thesis is that it has long undergirded the Green Mountain State’s veneer of wholesomeness. As the introductory wall text puts it, “The boundaries between respectability and transgression have always been porous.” One of the show’s opening displays offers a particularly poignant illustration of those permeable boundaries: drugs as cure versus drugs as crisis. Thomas Waterman Wood’s 1882 painting “The Quack Doctor,” the Montpelier artist’s most famous work, pictures the good people of the Capital City gathering to hear a snake-oil peddler’s sales pitch. The doctor and his assistant sport vaguely Moroccan outfits, and their wagon advertises “Great Oriental & Panacea Cures.” Wood was never subtle with his messages, and in case a viewer doesn’t see through the charlatans’ theatrics, the name “I.M. Cheatham” emblazoned on the doctor’s cart, and the ducks presumably quacking underneath it, will likely tip them off to his untrustworthiness. A display case offers 19th-century examples of prescriptions and patent medicine bottles, such as “Dr. B.J. Kendall’s Blackberry Balsam Compound,” in which the active ingredient is neither of those aromatics but rather a presumably quite effective 41 percent alcohol and two grains per fluid ounce of opium. Many Vermonters at the time were addicted to both substances, according to the display’s label, consuming millions of doses of opium monthly by 1900. We see that opioid crisis reflected in the modern-day epidemic in two of Ray Materson’s exquisite embroideries from 2014, each only a couple of square inches.

REVIEW

SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

An advertisment for James Whalen's general store, c.1905

Incarcerated for drug-related offenses, Michigan resident Materson started making embroideries in prison by unraveling socks and repurposing the thread to create tiny scenes. He produced the works on display, “Ski Vermont” and “Vermont Mother in Despair,” after his release, when he spent time in Vermont as a social worker. Both embroideries address the fallout from heavily marketed drugs

such as OxyContin that are not so different from the patent medicines Wood characterized as quackery. Attitudes toward alcohol are also well documented in the show, starting with one of its oldest artifacts: Ethan Allen’s bar tab. Through stains, spidery cursive and upside-down scribbled tavern math, the early 1770s document shows heavy drinking as accepted behavior among the revolutionaries. Beside it, an accounting of work done at Bennington’s first sawmill includes “Rum Drinkt” as a lineitem expense alongside hardware and lumber. Documents from the following century reveal a darker perception of drink. A harrowing handwritten 1823 account of a suicide attributes the act to alcoholism. Nineteenth-century temperance pamphlets decry alcohol’s many ills, including its production “using the process of decay.” But Prohibition-era artifacts, such as a copper still found in a Bennington barn, indicate a more tolerant attitude toward alcohol in 1920s Vermont. Wooden road signs, made just before the federal legislation, point visitors to Pawlet (“dry”), Granville (“wet”) and Wells, labeled as a “damp” town, where a prohibition of alcohol was in place but not enforced. To illustrate money and gambling, the show presents a trove of images and ephemera from Pownal’s Green Mountain Race Track, which hosted horse and later dog racing from 1963 to 1992. At first, the track was seen as an economic boon to the region, bringing jobs and development. But horse-drugging scandals, flagging attendance and rumors of organized crime — mug shots of gangsters involved in the track are on view — all contributed to the racetrack’s closure. The site fell into decrepitude, as seen in a painting by recent Bennington College grad Mattias Van Cleef and a pair of photographs by Middlebury’s Eric Killorin showing the stands as they were in 2025, broken and completely covered in graffiti. Damien McCaffery, Bennington Museum’s assistant director of engagement and editorial projects, has been working on a comprehensive oral history of the track that will be available online. Visitors at the exhibition can add their own stories at a recording station. Of course, some of the show’s best pictures are the ones involving sex. Despite the puritanical attitudes apparent in a few 1800s documents on view, by the early 1900s Vermonters seem to have been a randy bunch. A

COURTESY PHOTOS

ART SHOWS

“The Quack Doctor,” 1882, by Thomas Waterman Wood

“Before the Show, Tunbridge, Vermont,” 1974, by Susan Meiselas

while his dad OF COURSE, SOME OF THE stripper, shoves him closer to the In “The Bally Call, SHOW’S BEST PICTURES stage. Tunbridge, Vermont,”

circa-1905 card by James Whalen, shaped like a lemon, advertises ice cream and tobacco in his Manchester Center store by presenting a reclining nude woman draped in a gauzy scarf. William Hayden’s circa-1907 satirical drawing of the “Annual Outing of the Temperance League of America!,” on a glass plate photo negative, pokes fun at such moralizing societies — emphasis very much on pokes — by portraying upstanding ladies and mustachioed gents in a wild orgy far too explicit to print in this paper in 2026. Three images by noted documentary photographer Susan Meiselas, taken in 1974 as part of her “Carnival Strippers” series, shed light on the “girlie shows” that were once a regular attraction at Vermont fairs. In “Before the Show, Tunbridge, Vermont,” a boy’s eyes seem about to pop out of his head at his first sight of a

ARE THE ONES INVOLVING SEX.

a bikini-clad woman attempts to entice a passerby. Audio clips from Meiselas’ interviews with dancers, spectators and managers accompany the photos, offering both the audible textures of the time and insights into how these women felt about what they were doing. “The men are better performers than the women,” one says. Their narratives, like many of the items in the exhibition, present a complicated, nuanced story of Vermont that’s as compelling as any trashy novel or prestige TV show. The guilty pleasure is well worth a road trip. ➆

INFO “Vermont Vice,” on view through November 2 at Bennington Museum. benningtonmuseum.org 2V-middcollart093026 1

SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

9/28/26 3:34 PM

art SEP. 30-OCT. 7 OPENINGS + RECEPTIONS

TWIST in 2024

S.L.U.A.T.H.: The annual crowdsourced exhibit of art rescued from roadside free piles and yard sales, with most pieces up for auction. Espresso Bueno, Barre, October 1-November 12. COLLEEN COBB: New works in watercolor, oil and acrylic paint. Island Arts South Hero Gallery, October 1-29. PETER HARRIGAN’S BARBIES: “As Seen in Books and Movies,” a selection of Barbies made in the likeness of real people and characters from books and movies, paired with materials from the library’s collection. South Burlington Public Library Art Wall, October 1-31. ‘DARK AUTUMNAL WORK’: Paintings by Emily Evergreen, Travis Nutting and Adam Forguites with new sculptures by Shirley Reid. Gaston Weed, Essex, October 1-January 31.

COURTESY OF KATE BARBER

SEBASTIAN ALVAREZ: “The Completion Office,” a multimedia installation conceived and curated by the visiting artist that places Vermont in conversation with the institutions and inherited structures of Fontecchio, Italy, a community of 300, and asks what people must learn to sustain together. Reception: Thursday, October 1, 5 p.m.; artist talk at 6 p.m. McCarthy Art Gallery, Saint Michael’s College, Colchester, October 1-30. KATE GRIDLEY: “Re/Collecting,” 29 works from the artist’s “Witness Marks” series of paintings displayed alongside items from the museum’s collection, offering insight into the connection between material objects and memory. Reception and artist talk: Thursday, October 1, 5-6:30 p.m. Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History, Middlebury, through January 2. PHIL LAUGHLIN: “Vermont Light,” landscapes by the Williston artist, whose works seek to balance illumination and shadow. Closing reception: Friday, October 2, 4-7:30 p.m. Vermont Natural Resources Council, Montpelier, through October 16.

FESTIVAL

SARAH WALKER: “Radiant Bodies,” paintings by the New York City-based artist in which the biological, technological, microscopic and cosmic coexist in intricately layered compositions. Reception: Friday, October 2, 4-8 p.m. Hexum Gallery, Montpelier, October 2-November 13.

“Dress the male rats in pink shorts with small whales embroidered on them” and “Encourage male rats to recount the plot of Dune and Dune: Part Two on first dates.” Both were helpful suggestions put forth by Meg Richardson in “Ideas for the New York City Officials Implementing Rat Birth Control,” a 2024 comic published in the New Yorker. Richardson is one of 35 exhibitors at TWIST, a comics and zine fair that takes over Junction Arts & Media in White River Junction on Friday, October 2. Thanks in part to the Center for Cartoon Studies, the Upper Valley has become a hotbed of comics creation and home to a diverse bunch of artists and illustrators. TWIST, now in its fifth year, doesn’t charge an exhibition fee, allowing visitors to find works they mightn’t otherwise. Those could include Allison Wong’s “Come, Sit, Stay,” a memoir with musings on pet funerals; Syne Mitchell’s “My Ex, Vlad,” a vampire-werewolf rom-com; and Sierra Edwards’ “Vantage Point,” a thoroughly abstract yet somehow still narrative story of squares in a grid. The point is to encourage diversity and discovery, according to organizers: That’s why the event is free for attendees, too.

Plot Twist

‘GROUP SHOW 75’: A group exhibition of works by members of the gallery collective. Reception: Friday, October 2, 4-8 p.m. The Front, Montpelier, through November 1. DUNCAN JOHNSON AND HANNAH MORRIS: “Planes of Distinction,” an exhibition by two artists investigating how spatial relationships, landscapes and forms shape understanding. Reception: Friday, October 2, 4:30-7 p.m.; artist remarks, 6 p.m. Vermont Supreme Court Gallery, Montpelier, October 1-December 29.

TWIST: TWIN STATE COMIC AND ZINE FAIR

‘REIMAGINING THE FLAG’: A two-day exhibition of works by eight local artists contemplating the symbolism and meaning of the American flag as part of Fall of Freedom’s nationwide invitation to communities. The Hive on Pine, Burlington, October 2-3, 5-8 p.m. ‘ANIMALS ON PAPER’: Works on paper by Hannah Clark, Briony Morrow-Cribbs and Eva Sturm-Gross, all Vermont printmakers with very different approaches to depicting animals. Reception: Friday, October 2, 5-7 p.m. Two Rivers Printmaking Studio, White River Junction, through October 31. SCOTT GORDON: “Custom All the Way,” sculpture and furniture in found and fabricated steel. Reception and artist demos: Friday, October 2, 5-7 p.m. Janna’s Gate Gallery, White River Junction, through October 31. ‘THE ARTIST NEXT DOOR’: Works by members of the central Vermont chapter of the Vermont Pastel Society. Reception: Friday, October 2, 5-7:30 p.m.; artist talk, 6 p.m. T.W. Wood Museum, Montpelier, through November 21.

Friday, October 2, 4-8 p.m., at Junction Arts and Media in White River Junction; see uvjam.org for additional events.

HOWARD NORMAN: “Rain Enters My Diary,” an exhibition of catalogs, essays, public talks and translations by the writer that accompany works by notable artists and luminaries such as Jane Rosen, Anatole Kaplan, Gabrielle Dietzel and David Bowie, taken from his personal collection of art and ephemera. Reception: Friday, October 2, 5-7:30 p.m.; artist talk, 6 p.m. T.W. Wood Museum, Montpelier, through November 21. ‘NIGHT SHADES: A DARK ART SHOW’: A SEABAcurated exhibition showcasing art that is dark in nature, tones, color, concepts or commentary. Reception: Friday, October 2, 5-9 p.m. The SEABA Center, Burlington, October 2-31. By donation. ‘SHOW ME TO ME’: The inaugural exhibition in the gallery’s new space on the building’s ground floor,

GET YOUR ART SHOW LISTED HERE AND ONLINE!

PROMOTING AN ART EXHIBIT? SUBMIT THE INFO AND IMAGES BY THURSDAY AT NOON AT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/POSTEVENT OR ART@SEVENDAYSVT.COM.

SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

CHRIS SOLLARS: “The Neighbors,” a multimedia video installation about the nonhuman inhabitants of the lands around the artist’s rural Vermont home. Closing reception: Saturday, November 7, 4-7 p.m. Black Family Visual Arts Center, Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H., through November 8.

VISUAL ART EVENTS EXHIBITION TOUR: A collaborative tour and in-depth conversation by the curators of art as a channel for understanding experiences of migration as seen in the exhibitions “Shared Ground: Asian American Art in Conversation” and “Community and Exile: Paris, 1910-1939.” Hood Museum, Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H., Wednesday, September 30, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Free. CURATORIAL TALK: JAVIER BALUYUT ’26: The museum’s Mellon Special Project Intern discusses “Class, Community, and Commute,” his student-curated exhibition exploring depictions of travel in the late 19th and 20th centuries through the lens of American culture and class. Hood Museum, Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H., Thursday, October 1, 4-4:45 p.m. Free. LIFE DRAWING AND PAINTING: A drop-in event for artists working with the figure from a live model. T.W. Wood Museum, Montpelier, Thursday, October 1, 7-9 p.m. Free; $15 suggested donation.

including works by Luke Malaney, Jabez Bartlett and Jane Wright, paired with personal belongings from each artist that tell the story of their creative practice. Reception: Saturday, October 3, 5-8 p.m. Nurture by Nature, Burlington, October 3-December 5.

JO MARSAN: A presentation during Montpelier’s Art Walk of handmade prints of native Vermont plants and animals with an emphasis on line, contrast and vibrant color. Artisans Hand Craft Gallery, Montpelier, Friday, October 2, 4-7 p.m. Free.

JEFFREY TRUBISZ: Photographs from 40 years of hiking up mountains, through forests, into canyons and along beaches. South Burlington Public Library Art Wall, October 6-November 30.

MONTPELIER ART WALK: A bimonthly self-guided arts tour through downtown featuring exhibitions, artist talks, receptions, workshops and live music. Downtown Montpelier, Friday, October 2, 4-8 p.m. Free.

NIKOLAS KOTOVICH: “Natural History & Contemporary Painting,” works by the artist and naturalist, whose work draws on his background as a field ornithologist and conservationist. Reception: Friday, October 9, 5-7 p.m. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, October 5-December 18.

UNVEILING: ‘A VISIT FROM THE LANDLORD’: A celebration of James and Judith Pizzagalli’s recent gift of Thomas Waterman Wood’s 1896 painting “A Visit From the Landlord,” with remarks by curator Phillip Robertson. T.W. Wood Museum, Montpelier, Friday, October 2, 6 p.m.

VISUAL ART IN SEVEN DAYS:

ART LISTINGS ARE WRITTEN BY ALICE DODGE. LISTINGS ARE RESTRICTED TO ART SHOWS IN TRULY PUBLIC PLACES.

= ONLINE EVENT OR EXHIBIT

FIND ALL ART SHOWS + EVENTS AT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/ART

VERMONT OPEN STUDIO WEEKEND: The Vermont Craft Council’s fall incarnation of the event, during which hundreds of artists statewide open their work spaces to visitors. Maps and information at selected art centers and galleries and online at vermontcrafts.com. Various Vermont locations, Saturday, October 3, and Sunday, October 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. OPEN STUDIO: An invitation to tour “the Dream Theatre,” Kris Manning’s studio, an environment filled with fabricated creatures that blur the line between sculpture and cinematic prop design during Vermont Craft Council’s Open Studio Weekend. Rock n Rolling Hills Farm, Barnard, Saturday, October 3, and Sunday, October 4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. OPEN STUDIOS: An opportunity to chat with the artists and see works in glass, paintings, folk art, ceramics, puppetry, stone carving, gourd art and more. Shelburne Pond Studios, Saturday, October 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. OPEN STUDIO AT UNDERHILL IRONWORKS: A gallery and outdoor sculpture garden showcasing works in steel by Gerald K. Stoner during the Vermont Craft Council’s Open Studio Weekend. Gerald K. Stoner Sculpture, Underhill, Saturday, October 3, and Sunday, October 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. VERMONT OPEN STUDIO AT THE MINT: Tours of the community makerspace during the Vermont Craft Council’s Open Studio Weekend, including studios for pottery, woodworking, metalworking, rapid prototyping, letterpress, stained glass, jewelry and fibers, as well as live demonstrations. The MINT: Rutland’s Makerspace, Saturday, October 3, and Sunday, October 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. VERMONT OPEN STUDIO WEEKEND: Studio tours and demonstrations at the bookbinding studio during the Vermont Craft Council’s Open Studio Weekend. Blue Roof Designs, Montpelier, Saturday, October 3, and Sunday, October 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. MUSEUM TOURS AND FAMILY ART ACTIVITIES: Things to do for ages 5 and up, including sketching and hands-on art making inspired by works from the Museum’s collection, art-themed bingo, and information from student tour guides. Mahaney Arts Center, Middlebury College, Saturday, October 3, 1-2:30 p.m. Free. HANDS-ON COMMUNITY BIOMATERIAL SCULPTURE WORKSHOP: A workshop led by Lia Rothstein that exlores the creative possibilities of sustainable art through the design and creation of an ephemeral art installation made from innovative, natural and biodegradable biomaterials. AVA Gallery and Art Center, Lebanon, N.H., Saturday, October 3, 1-3 p.m. By donation. DAVID STROMEYER BIRTHDAY AND SCULPTURE TOUR: A celebration of the sculptor’s 80th birthday with a personal tour of the park he has spent more than 50 years creating, alongside stories, refreshments and toasts. Cold Hollow Sculpture Park, Enosburg Falls, Saturday, October 3, 2-4 p.m. Free. ‘EN PLEIN AIR’: A weekend event in which nine artists paint outdoors at various locations throughout the village of Middlebury and one ceramist spins and fires work at the gallery. Reception: Sunday, October 4, 5:30-7 p.m. Edgewater Gallery at the Falls, Middlebury, Saturday, October 3, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sunday, October 4, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. & 5:30-7 p.m. Free; reception $35. 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, October 4, 1-3 p.m. Free. ‘ART MAKING ON THE LAND’ WALKING TOUR: An exploration of large-scale sculptures by David Stromeyer with docent Laura Need. Cold Hollow Sculpture Park, Enosburg Falls, Sunday, October 4, 1:15-2 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, October 5, 10 a.m.-noon. Free; $15 suggested donation.

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, Tuesday, October 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m. By 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, October 6, 7-9 p.m. $15 suggested donation. HOOD HIGHLIGHTS TOUR: An exploration of a selection of works from across the museum’s galleries, highlighting thematic connections that bridge cultures, time periods and artistic practices and designed to spark curiosity and conversation. Meets in the museum’s Russo Atrium at 12:25 p.m. Space is limited. No registration is necessary. Hood Museum, Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H., Wednesday, October 7, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Free.

WE’RE HERE FOR EVERYDAY COMFORT. FIND US ON THE WATERFRONT IN BURLINGTON

CALLS TO ARTISTS 19TH ANNUAL LEGO CONTEST AND EXHIBIT: Seeking submissions from Lego creators ages preschool and up for the annual display, on view from October 8 to 12, with prizes awarded across six age groups. Prizes will be announced at an awards ceremony at the museum on October 8. Entries must be delivered on October 6; entry fee and form should be submitted in advance. Deadline and drop-off: October 6. Brattleboro Museum & Art Center. $5. FOURTH ANNUAL PEOPLE’S ART SHOW: An open call for artists to submit up to two ready-to-hang artworks for the annual show, a non-juried and uncensored group exhibition celebrating all forms of creativity, diversity and imagination. The exhibition is open to everyone, and all entries will be exhibited, space permitting. Registration deadline and drop-off: Saturday, October 3, noon. Montgomery Center for the Arts. $10 suggested donation. LANDSCAPE ARTISTS WANTED: Seeking submissions of paintings ranging from 16 by 20 inches to 24 by 36 inches, either oil or acrylic on canvas, unframed and ready to hang. Submit images with dimensions to artworksvt@gmail.com. Deadline: October 2. Art Works Frame Shop & Gallery, South Burlington. ➆

But wait, there’s more!

158

additional art listings

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SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

9/18/26 5:00 PM

LUKE AWTRY

music+nightlife Matt Hagen

S UNDbites News and views on the local music + nightlife scene B Y CHRI S FARNS W O RT H • farnsworth@sevendaysvt.com

Anybody else feeling kind of sinister lately? Maybe it’s just the start of spooky season or the promise of literally darker days to come. Maybe I’m still riding the devilish glee I derived from a nor’easter washing out ED SHEERAN’s shows at Gillette Stadium, which is New England’s special way of telling you to piss all the way off. I’m thinking we get an Ed Sheeran and PAT MCAFEE tour next. BOY GEORGE opener? Sweet, sweet schadenfreude aside, my added levels of wickedness might be MATT HAGEN’s fault. In recent years, the Burlington singer-songwriter, guitarist and all-around Renaissance man has brought us musicals about falling in love with a dolphin, a holiday variety album featuring GRACE POTTER and members of PHISH, and an instrumental electronic album scored to satellite launches. Now, he’s unleashing a crime spree. Another of his many projects is a nasty bit of work titled MATT HAGEN’S MURDER BALLADS, a dark, gothic-folk band that plays songs all about the art of the kill. This is Hagen indulging his most malevolent tendencies as a songwriter. “I love playing these songs,” Hagen told me recently over a decidedly safe and unspooky lunch. “They get so 54

SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

COURTESY OF CHLOE KEILIA WEIR

Sinister Sounds and Silver Linings

Oteil Burbridge

sinister. I can tell the audience is excited to accept their darkness and go to this place with us.” Hagen will release three volumes of his Murder Ballads in October, starting with Vol. 1 on Friday, October 2. Vol. 2 follows on October 9; the final installment, on October 16. The trilogy was almost entirely recorded live in front of a studio audience at Tank Recording Studio in Burlington last October. The only exception: a cover of the Phish song “Shafty,” which was recorded live at the 126 in Burlington, with none other than JON FISHMAN on the kit. To perform the songs, Hagen assembled a truly evil collection of top Burlington-area musicians. (I’m kidding, they’re all lovely, perfectly nonmurderous people. But for this project, pretend they could cut your brake lines or drop a piano on you at any moment.) BOB WAGNER, COTTER ELLIS, MIKE FRIED, JOHNNIE DAY DURAND, TONY NAPLES, ANDRIANA CHOBOT and JUSTIN MAZER make up the MURDER, Hagen’s backing crew of hired killers. If, after listening to all three volumes of noir from Hagen, you feel a little FOMO about missing the Tank sessions, fear not! Not only can you see the Murder Ballads show live, it’s in bingo form. That’s right, Murder Ballad Bingo features Hagen and his band simultaneously playing a set and conducting a bingo night. It goes down on Friday, October 23, at Shelburne Town Hall and features food trucks and libations courtesy of Foam Brewers and Shelburne Vineyard. Check out Matt Hagen’s Murder Ballads at thegoldenloaf.bandcamp.com. I try to check my sinister levels as Halloween nears, however. Nobody wants Dark Chris — he’s insufferable and will 100 percent try to talk about things like the Octopus Murders or skinwalkers. Or, God save your soul, how liquor liability insurance rates are crippling indie-music venues. I spent the weekend at a friend’s wedding cornering people and telling them about dram shop laws against their will. Bwahaha! More on that soon. (Cue spooky music.) I also love silver linings and sweeter things. And it doesn’t get much sweeter than the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The nonprofit’s mission to provide life-changing experiences to children with critical illnesses can make the most emotionally stunted dude-bro tear up, as proven by my recent visit to the local chapter’s headquarters on the Vermont Teddy Bear campus in Shelburne. I was given a full tour of the Wishing Space,

GOT MUSIC NEWS? MUSIC@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

an immersive environment created to welcome “wish kids” into the program — and yeah, maybe I had dust in my eye for much of the tour. The president and CEO of the local Make-A-Wish chapter, Jamie Hathaway, also has a passion for music. A selfdescribed “old Deadhead,” Hathaway is both a fan of and friends with bassist OTEIL BURBRIDGE, who has played with DEAD & COMPANY, the ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND, and AQUARIUM RESCUE UNIT. So Hathaway and Make-A-Wish have partnered with Burbridge for a special four-show mini tour to raise funds for and awareness of the organization. After kicking off on Tuesday, October 6, at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., the tour rolls into South Burlington on Wednesday, October 7, for a blowout benefit show at the Higher Ground Ballroom. For the tour, which also includes stops in Brooklyn and Somerville, Mass., Burbridge teams up with Burlington jam and funk outfit LAMP, featuring drummer RUSS LAWTON, guitarist SCOTT METZGER and keyboardist RAY PACZKOWSKI. “I’ve participated in Make-A-Wish since the Allman Brothers days, but it’s been a long time,” Burbridge said in a press release for the tour, adding how excited he was to link up with LaMP onstage. The tour is sponsored by Shelburne’s Fiddlehead Brewing, whose co-owners, Matt and Amy Cohen, have a personal connection to the foundation. Amy is a member of the Make-A-Wish Vermont & Northeast New York board of directors and shared in a press release

BEST OF THE ALBUM ERA

Listening In (Spotify mix of local jams) 1. “LOSER’S PRIZE”

by Greg Freeman

ALL THE TIME

2. “GRACE & GRAVITY – LIVE”

by Lilly Golden 3. “MEET ME AT MIDNIGHT”

by the Discussions 4. “HOBO JUNGLE CAMP”

by Banjo Dan 5. “THE IDIOT THIEF” by Neato 6. “PILLAGER” by english major 7. “REAP” by Step Twin

Scan to listen sevendaysvt. com/playlist

that their now-teenage son Noah was a wish kid more than a decade ago. “In the middle of everything he was facing, it gave him something to look forward to and reminded all of us how much joy is still possible,” Amy said. “To help grant that same joy for other children now, through the live music we love, is a full-circle moment we will never forget.” As part of the promotion, Vermont SOUNDBITES

Streaming on CLASSICHITSVERMONT.com

» P.56

Oteil Bearbridge Vermont Teddy Bear

Tesla Quartet BUY TICKETS

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Friday, October 2 at 7:30 pm UVM Recital Hall $43.50 Adult | $7.50 Student

LIVE SINCE 1955

COURTESY OF VERMONT TEDDY BEAR

2026 Fall Sessions Sponsors

and thanks to our anonymous donors

with Grant Support from: Vermont Community Foundation | Vermont Humanities | Vermont Council on the Arts

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SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

9/29/26 2:09 PM

music+nightlife Soundbites « P.55 Teddy Bear created a limited-edition teddy bear dubbed the Oteil Bearbridge. Proceeds from the bear, who is clad in a tie-dye T-shirt and complete with a miniature replica of Burbridge’s custom purple bass guitar, go straight to helping grant kids’ wishes. Alas, the Oteil Bearbridge sold much faster than anyone involved anticipated. “Those things flew out of the gate!” Hathaway told me. “We’re working with Vermont Teddy Bear, though. We’re going to get some more, because, man, they were popular.” While you can’t get one of the teddy bears (for now), and the Higher Ground show is nearly sold out, VIP tickets are available at wishbenefit.org.

James Lockridge

New Release Radar Five recent or upcoming releases from Vermont artists BY CHRIS FARNSWORTH 1. Derek Charles Young, Second Chances (more old songs), derekcharlesyoung. bandcamp.com, (August 8, Americana)

bandcamp.com, (October 6, post-rock)

2. Lilly Golden, North Star (Live), Spotify, (September 25, indie pop)

5. Bull’s Head, Before the Robins Leave the Yard, bullshead. bandcamp.com (October 16, alt-country)

3. The Discussions, No Shrines, No Concrete, thediscussions. 56

4. Alex Underwood, Slow Burn, Spotify, (October 9, folk)

SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

MATTHEW THORSEN

Speaking of silver linings, there’s news regarding the fate of Big Heavy World. Readers may recall that the longrunning Burlington music nonprofit founded by JAMES LOCKRIDGE folded last year after losing its Pine Street digs due to unpaid rent. It was a blow to the Vermont music scene at large, leaving unclear the fate of decades of history and recordings that the organization had collected. Thankfully, the folks at the Vermont Historical Society have stepped in to save the day. In conjunction with Lockridge, the historical society is taking on the entire Big Heavy World archive, which includes thousands of Vermont albums, as well as recordings of radio shows, interviews and live performances, plus poster art and all sorts of Green Mountain ephemera collected over 30

years. These archives contain work from the likes of Phish, “BIG JOE” BURRELL, Grace Potter, DEATH, ANAÏS MITCHELL, GOGOL BORDELLO and many, many more. Having covered the scene for years, and having been a part of it as a musician for even longer, I can’t tell you how happy and relieved I am to see that history preserved. Too many gaps already exist from when the scene either wasn’t covered or was covered by media that’s been lost to time. I don’t want Vermont music to be a secret or some undiscovered trove, as romantic as that might sound. Thousands of musicians have helped weave the state’s long musical tapestry, and their work deserves to be documented and preserved. “VHS is honored by Lockridge’s trust in our ability to preserve and ultimately share this incredible offering of Vermont’s music,” the organization said in a press release, “and is grateful for the opportunity to steward the next phase of this remarkable collection.” While plans are still under way for an eventual display of the collection, for now the big update is that the massive archive is moving to Montpelier for preservation. All of that sunny news is making it tough for me to lean into my sinister side as we head toward Halloween. But let’s be real: It’s 2026. I’m undoubtedly going to read something in the next several hours that will have me buying canned goods and googling things like “Should I buy a sword?” In the meantime, at least I have some murder ballads and silver linings to ease my heel turn. ➆

CLUB DATES live music

Find the most up-to-date info on live music, DJs, comedy and more at sevendaysvt.com/music. If you’re a talent booker or artist planning live entertainment at a bar, nightclub, café, restaurant, brewery or coffee shop, send event details to music@sevendaysvt.com or submit the info using our form at sevendaysvt.com/postevent.

Phil Abair Band (covers) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 8 p.m. Free.

Waves of Adrenaline (folk) at Standing Stone Wines, Winooski, 7 p.m. $10.

Anberlin, Taken Alive (rock) at Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $27.50.

Phish Boardwalk Hall Webcast Party (Phish webcast) at Double E Performance Center’s T-Rex Theater, Essex, 7 p.m. $10.

We’re Here! to Kill, Peddle, Goodnight Nobody (punk) at Monkey House, Winooski, 8 p.m. $10.

Arty and Friends (blues, rock) at Halvorson’s, Burlington, 6:30 p.m. Donations.

Power of Tower (Tower of Power tribute) at Foam Brewers, Burlington, 8 p.m. Free.

SUN.4

The Balconiers (funk, jazz) at the Alchemist, Stowe, 4 p.m. Free.

The Sara Whitehair Band (funk, soul) at the Alchemist, Stowe, 4 p.m. Free.

WED.7 & THU.8 // BLUEBIRD IMPROV [COMEDY]

WED.30

Bluegrass Nights (bluegrass) at Foam Brewers, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.

Toth, Sean Nicholas Savage (indie) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 8 p.m. $18.

David Karl Roberts (singersongwriter) at Two Heroes Brewery & Public House, South Hero, 6 p.m. Free.

TURNmusic Presents Edna (jazz fusion) at the Phoenix, Waterbury, 7:30 p.m. $15-$30.

Dobbs’ Dead (Grateful Dead tribute) at Zenbarn, Waterbury Center, 7 p.m. $10.

Westford Honky-Tonk Night (honky-tonk) at Westford Common Hall, 6:30 p.m. $20-50.

Evan Barker & Izzy Jones (singersongwriter) at Standing Stone Wines, Winooski, 7 p.m. $10.

The Yawpers, Shane Guerrette (rock) at Stone Church, Brattleboro, 8 p.m. $20/$26.

Jazz Night with Ray Vega (jazz) at Hotel Vermont, Burlington, 8:30 p.m. Free.

SAT.3

The Aaaron Audet Band (singersongwriter) at Pickle Barrel Nightclub, Killington, 8 p.m. $10.

Kevin Dion (country) at the Tunbridge General Store, 5 p.m. Free.

April Patterson Clemens & Cobalt Tolbert (singersongwriter) at Hugo’s, Montpelier, 7:30 p.m. Free.

Lincoln Sprague (piano) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free. MaMuse (folk) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 7:30 p.m. SOLD OUT.

Bob and Mona (acoustic) at Jericho Café & Tavern, 7 p.m. Free. Capital City Concerts Presents: A Fall Feast of Music and Poetry (classical) at Unitarian Church of Montpelier, 7:30 p.m. $10-50.

THU.1

Drawn Bow (folk, punk) at New Suns Community Center, Thetford, 6 p.m. Donation. EDW (rock) at Charlie-O’s World Famous, Montpelier, 7 p.m. Free. Funk Jam (funk) at the 126, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free. Milton Busker & the Grim Work (Americana) at Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling, Essex, 6 p.m. Free. Oodelally, Vehicle, Yabai! (indie rock) at Monkey House, Winooski, 7:45 p.m. $5/$10. Paul Asbell Jazz Trio (jazz) at Foam Brewers, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free. Shane’s Apothecary (covers) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 6 p.m. Free. Smells Like Nirvana (Nirvana tribute) at Stone Church, Brattleboro, 8 p.m. $25/$31. Southern Culture on the Skids, Poi Rogers (rock) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $25.

FRI.2

Ali T (singer-songwriter) at Stowe Cider, 5 p.m. Free. Blake Matteson (singersongwriter) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

COURTESY

The Soul Rebels (soul, funk) at Stone Church, Brattleboro, 8 p.m. $31/$36.

Yes, And... It’s best to come to a

Celebrating the Musical Life of Sara Burchard (tribute) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 5 p.m. Free. BLUEBIRD IMPROV show with something unhinged

to shout aloud. The touring comedy group starts each performance interrogating the audience for prompts to launch a totally unscripted show that can go anywhere. With a rotating cast that includes “Saturday Night Live” alums and stars of shows such as “Veep” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” the troupe promises a one-night-only, chaotically hilarious experience. Members Marc Evan Jackson, Brad Morris, Stephnie Weir and Joe Canale (pictured) play the Hopkins Center for the Arts at Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H., on Wednesday, October 7, followed by a performance at Middlebury’s Town Hall Theater on

D.Davis & Marc Gwinn (folk) at the Den at Harry’s Hardware, Cabot, 7 p.m. Free. Katie Loomis-Adams, Hannah Sommers (singer-songwriter) at the Whammy Bar, Calais, 7 p.m. Free. Kyle Stevens (covers) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 5 p.m. Free. North Beach Dub Allstars (Sublime tribute) at the Alchemist, Stowe, 5 p.m. Free.

Thursday, October 8.

Paradox (covers) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 9 p.m. Free.

Brad Beaudet, Carrie Cook (singer-songwriter) at the Whammy Bar, Calais, 7 p.m. Free.

Phish Boardwalk Hall Webcast Party (Phish webcast) at Double E Performance Center’s T-Rex Theater, Essex, 7 p.m. $10.

Carly Harvey, the Dave Keller Band (blues, soul) at Hugo’s, Montpelier, 7:30 p.m. Free. Chris & Erica (covers) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 5 p.m. Free. CombustOmatics (rock) at Charlie-O’s World Famous, Montpelier, 8:30 p.m. Free. Dad?! (rock) at Standing Stone Wines, Winooski, 7 p.m. Free. The Dad Bods (rock) at 1st Republic Brewing, Essex, 6 p.m. Free.

Dan Parks (singer-songwriter) at Switchback Beer Garden & Smokehouse, Burlington, 5:30 p.m. Free. Dana Robinson (singersongwriter) at Bent Nails Roadhouse, Middlesex, 8 p.m. Free. Dead Man Strumming (Grateful Dead tribute) at River Roost Brewery, White River Junction, 5 p.m. Free. Erin Cassels-Brown, Keven Louis Lareau, Vega (indie) at Monkey House, Winooski, 7:30 p.m. $10.

The Hokum Brothers (Americana) at Shelburne Vineyard, 6 p.m. Free. Kaleta & the Super Yamba Band (Afrobeat) at Zenbarn, Waterbury Center, 8 p.m. $20. Lazer Dad (tribute) at the Old Post, South Burlington, 8 p.m. Free. Mean Waltons (bluegrass) at Poultney Pub, 6 p.m. Free. Moondogs (jam, rock) at Afterthoughts, Waitsfield, 8:30 p.m. $10. Nobby Reed Project (blues) at Jericho Café & Tavern, 7 p.m. Free.

Post Sex Nachos, Fetch Tiger (indie rock) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $20. Raised by Hippies (rock) at Zenbarn, Waterbury Center, 7 p.m. Free. She Was Right (folk) at Two Heroes Brewery & Public House, South Hero, 6 p.m. Free. Tod Pronto, Koa Phoenix, Steve Hartmann (singer-songwriter) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 7 p.m. $15.

76th Street, Tornsey (indie) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $25. Capital City Concerts Present: A Fall Feast of Music and Poetry (classical) at Charlotte Congregational Church, 4 p.m. $10-50. The Montvales (Americana) at Zenbarn, Waterbury Center, 7 p.m. $15/$20. Myra Flynn (indie soul) at Shelburne Vineyard, 6 p.m. $25. Phish Boardwalk Hall Webcast Party (Phish webcast) at Double E Performance Center’s T-Rex Theater, Essex, 7 p.m. $10. PONS, Kate Kush, Peddle (indie, DJ) at Monkey House, Winooski, 7 p.m. $10. Seth Yacovone (acoustic) at the Alchemist, Stowe, 4 p.m. Free. Sunday Brunch Tunes (singersongwriter) at Hotel Vermont, Burlington, 10 a.m. Town Meeting, Troy Millette & the Fire Below (Americana) at Afterthoughts, Waitsfield, 6 p.m. $10. Wine & Jazz Sundays (jazz) at Shelburne Vineyard, 5 p.m. Free.

MON.5

Katie Pruitt, Next of Kin (Americana) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $25.

TUE.6

Big Easy Tuesdays with Jon McBride (jazz) at the 126, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free. Bombargo, Fudge (indie pop) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $30. Dale and Darcy (folk) at the Alchemist, Stowe, 4 p.m. Free. Dead Is Alive with Dobbs’ Dead (Grateful Dead tribute) at Einstein’s Tap House, Burlington, 8 p.m. $15. Great Lake Swimmers (indie) at Stone Church, Brattleboro, 8 p.m. $27/$33. Irish Night With RambleTree (Celtic) at Two Brothers Tavern, Middlebury, 7 p.m. Free. Luis Betancourt, Mike P (indie rock) at Monkey House, Winooski, 7 p.m. $10.

WED.7

The Balconiers (funk, jazz) at the Alchemist, Stowe, 4 p.m. Free. Bluegrass Nights (bluegrass) at Foam Brewers, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.

LIVE MUSIC

SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

» P.58 57

music+nightlife live music

TUE.6

All That Jazz Open Mic Comedy (comedy) at the 126, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

WED.7 CONTINUED FROM P.57

‘Optimistic Personality Disorder’ (comedy) at Hooker-Dunham Theater & Gallery, Brattleboro, 7 p.m. $30.

Briscoe, Noah James (folk rock) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 8 p.m. $20.

$5 Improv Night (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 6:30 p.m. $5.

Jazz Night with Ray Vega (jazz) at Hotel Vermont, Burlington, 8:30 p.m. Free.

Bluebird Improv (comedy) at Hopkins Center for the Arts, Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H., 7:30 p.m. $30.

Kota the Friend with Landon Wordswell (hip-hop) at Afterthoughts, Waitsfield, 8 p.m. $35.

Standup Open Mic (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 8:30 p.m. Free.

Oteil Burbridge & LaMP (benefit, jam) at Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington, 6:30 p.m. SOLD OUT.

djs

trivia, karaoke, etc.

THU.1

WED.30

DJ Cece (DJ) at Einstein’s Tap House, Burlington, 10 p.m. $10.

TwoSev, JP Black, Eli, Rubi (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington, 8 p.m. Free. Vinyl Night (DJ) at Poultney Pub, 6 p.m. Free. Vinyl Thursdays (DJ) at Hotel Vermont, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.

Karaoke Friday Night (karaoke) at Park Place Tavern & Grill, Essex Junction, 8 p.m. Free. COURTESY

Thirsty Thursday (DJ) at Rí Rá Irish Pub & Whiskey Room, Burlington, 10 p.m. Free.

FRI.2 // TOTH [INDIE]

Bucket List Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Alex Toth came

up in the Burlington music scene with the likes of John Brown’s Body and the Lazybirds before he formed the art-pop duo Rubblebucket with fellow University of Vermont alum Kalmia Traver. His solo work as TOTH dips into avant-garde indie folk and experimental

FRI.2

DJ 2Rivers (DJ) at Einstein’s Tap House, Burlington, 10 p.m. $10.

textures, which were on full display on his latest LP, And the Voice Said, released earlier this

DJ Taka (DJ) at Standing Stone Wines, Winooski, 11 p.m. $10.

year. Coproduced by fellow Green Mountain expatriate and indie darling Caroline Rose,

Ecstatic Dance Vermont (DJ) at Capital City Grange, Berlin, 7 p.m. $10 donation. Friday Night at Specs (DJ) at Specs Cafe & Bar, Winooski, 7 p.m. Free. Two Sev, Ron Stoppable (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

the Higher Ground Showcase Lounge on Friday, October 2, with support from Canadian singer-songwriter SEAN NICHOLAS SAVAGE. THU.1

Open Mic (open mic) at the Whammy Bar, Calais, 7 p.m. Free.

FRI.2

SAT.3

Can’t Feel My Face: 2010s Dance Party (DJ) at Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington, 9 p.m. $20. DJ Big Dog (DJ) at Thingz From Yaad, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free. Malcolm Miller (DJ) at Einstein’s Tap House, Burlington, 10 p.m. $10.

TUE.6

Bashment Tuesday (DJ) at Akes’ Place, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free. Local Dork (DJ) at Foam Brewers, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.

open mics & jams WED.30

Jazz Jam (jazz) at the 126, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free. Open Mic (open mic) at Poultney Pub, 7 p.m. Free.

the record also features frequent collaborator Kimbra. Toth makes his Vermont return at

Red Brick Coffee House (open mic) at Red Brick Meeting House, Westford, 7 p.m. Free.

SUN.4

Olde Time Jam Session (open jam) at the Den at Harry’s Hardware, Cabot, noon. Free.

MON.5

Monday Night Open Mic (open mic) at Pearl Street Pub, Essex Junction, 6 p.m. Free. Open Mic (open mic) at Stone Corral, Richmond, 7 p.m. Free.

TUE.6

Bluegrass Jam (bluegrass) at Poultney Pub, 7 p.m. Free. Doug’s Open Mic (open mic) at Two Heroes Brewery & Public House, South Hero, 6 p.m. Free.

WED.7

Jazz Jam (jazz) at the 126, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free. Open Celtic Session (open jam) at Bent Nails Roadhouse, Middlesex, 6 p.m. Free.

SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

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.30

Joe Dombrowski (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 6:30 & 8:30 p.m. SOLD OUT.

THU.1

Joe Dombrowski (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 6:30 & 8:30 p.m. SOLD OUT. ‘Optimistic Personality Disorder’ (comedy) at Off Center for the Dramatic Arts, Burlington, 7 p.m. $28.45.

‘Optimistic Personality Disorder’ (comedy) at Off Center for the Dramatic Arts, Burlington, 7 p.m. $28.45.

SAT.3

Queeraoke with Lizzie Murderz (karaoke) at Standing Stone Wines, Winooski, 9 p.m. Free.

SUN.4

WED.7

Grace Palmer (singer-songwriter) at Two Heroes Brewery & Public House, South Hero, 6 p.m. Free.

Karaoke with DJ Big T (karaoke) at McKee’s Original, Winooski, 9 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 Rí Rá Irish Pub & Whiskey Room, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free. Trivia (trivia) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

Family-Friendly Karaoke (karaoke) at Old Soul Design Shop, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 5 p.m. Free. Karaoke (karaoke) at Einstein’s Tap House, Burlington, 9 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.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 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.6

Karaoke 101 with Tenacious T (karaoke) at Two Brothers Tavern, Middlebury, 9 p.m. Free.

THU.1

Karaoke with DJ Vociferous (karaoke) at Charlie-O’s World Famous, Montpelier, 9:30 p.m. Free.

Karaoke (karaoke) at Gusto’s, Barre, 8 p.m. Free.

Taproom Trivia (trivia) at 14th Star Brewing, St. Albans, 6:30 p.m. Free.

Country Line Dancing (line dancing) at Zenbarn, Waterbury Center, 7:30 p.m. Free.

Karaoke Friday Night (karaoke) at Park Place Tavern & Grill, Essex Junction, 8 p.m. Free.

Trivia Night (trivia) at Gusto’s, Barre, 6:30 p.m. Free.

Karaoke in the Alley (karaoke) at Red Square, Burlington, 8 p.m. Free.

Trivia Tuesday (trivia) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 7 p.m. Free.

Trivia (trivia) at Einstein’s Tap House, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.

WED.7

Andre Kim (comedy) at the Mill, Westport, N.Y., 7 p.m. $30.

Trivia (trivia) at Four Quarters Brewing, Winooski, 6 p.m. Free.

Joe Dombrowski (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 6:30 & 8:30 p.m. SOLD OUT.

Karaoke Friday Night (karaoke) at Park Place Tavern & Grill, Essex Junction, 8 p.m. Free.

Trivia Night (trivia) at 1st Republic Brewing, Essex, 6 p.m. Free.

Karaoke with Cam (karaoke) at Monopole, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 9 p.m. Free.

Trivia Night with College (trivia) at Bent Nails Roadhouse, Middlesex, 7 p.m. Free.

Trivia (trivia) at Alfie’s Wild Ride, Stowe, 7 p.m. Free.

‘Optimistic Personality Disorder’ (comedy) at Off Center for the Dramatic Arts, Burlington, 7 p.m. $28.45.

SUN.4

‘Optimistic Personality Disorder’ (comedy) at Off Center for the Dramatic Arts, Burlington, 5 p.m. $28.45.

FRI.2

Boogie Bingo (bingo, DJ) at the Alchemist, Stowe, 5 p.m. Free. Karaoke Friday Night (karaoke) at Park Place Tavern & Grill, Essex Junction, 8 p.m. Free.

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

Karaoke Night (karaoke) at Babes Bar, Bethel, 7 p.m. Free.

say you saw it in

FRI.2

Andre Kim (comedy) at the Mill, Westport, N.Y., 7 p.m. $30. Joe Dombrowski (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 6:30 & 8:30 p.m. SOLD OUT.

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Bad Luck Bliss, Jug Brook Sessions

Ram Hatley, Faithless Angel

FAZE.ONE, Lacrimaire

Every year when the sun starts setting earlier, the leaves turn and the temperatures drop, I search out the least wintry sounds I can find — I’m trying to emotionally stave off the dark, y’all. Marshfield’s Bad Luck Bliss have me covered this year. The self-described “swang-tang” and “space cow punk” band dropped its debut full-length, Jug Brook Sessions, at the beginning of September, as if anticipating the coming chill. And it’s perfect for daydreaming about cold beers on a hot day or driving down a dirt road, blaring some honky-tonk jams. Things kick off on a proper country-rock note with “(Hey!)… Move It,” a barn-dance rave with furious strumming by lead vocalist and guitarist Aaron Scoti. Things get (belatedly) topical on the second track, “(Been Down Since) Irene,” a punkabilly rocker that recalls 2011’s flood-ravaging Tropical Storm Irene. “She blew me away with that galeforce charm / Yeah, that lighting-bolt gaze was a thunderclap alarm,” Scoti belts, with backing harmonies from dummer Pamela McCann, bassist Jolynda Burton and lap-steel player Carrie “Cookie” Cook. “Flooded my heart with lies of love,” he continues. “Oh, it’s clear to me now she is the hawk to my dove.” Amid the cow-punk and rockabilly, the band keeps one dusty boot in blues rock. “Hurts Like Love” showcases Cook’s slide work and Wesley Gruber’s vibrantly melodic keys. Jug Band Sessions is a hoot of a record, a high-octane fusion of punk, country, Americana and blues. Check it out at badluckbliss.bandcamp.com.

Back in 2006, Montpelier singersongwriter Ram Hatley wrote and recorded a concept album titled Faithless Angel. It was supposed to have been his debut, but unfortunately Hatley lost the master tracks. And so the unfinished record was shelved for the better part of 20 years. Hatley, who grew up playing with the Latin-jazz act Grupo Sabor, attended Goddard College in the late ’90s, along with future Grace Potter and the Nocturnals guitarist Scott Tournet. After Tournet offered to revive the project and master what Hatley still had, Faithless Angel finally saw the light of day earlier this month. In its unearthed form, the record is accordingly raw. At times, it’s like watching an extended cut of an old film, with scenes that weren’t quite completed and concept art still in the background. But that same uncooked quality provides plenty of charming moments as well. The title track, a laid-back Americana-leaning ballad, makes excellent use of Hatley’s gritty vocals and washed-out acoustic guitar, giving the feel of a run-down country house with dusty windows and peeling wallpaper. The rescued record works as a long-delayed, imperfectly intriguing debut from Hatley. Tracks such as “Stereo Send” and “Spin” show a songwriter with clear ideas and an ear for beaten-down, lonesome melodies. Let’s hope Hatley doesn’t wait another couple decades to follow it up. Check out Faithless Angel at ramhatley.bandcamp.com.

As a music critic, I find myself urging listeners to consume instrumental music more and more. Pop has made us all too dependent on human voices and lyrics to derive meaning from music. The freedom of unleashing your emotions to melodies, beats and motifs sans lyrics is a joyous and sometimes more interactive experience. Lacrimaire, the new record from Vermont native Justin Gelinas under his FAZE.ONE persona, is a riveting instrumental album of down-tempo hip-hop and heady electronica. After living in the San Francisco Bay Area for more than 15 years, Gelinas recently returned to the Green Mountains and dropped several new albums. Most of his new work features MCs from his former scene, as well as his own rap alter ego, Buddy Rockwell — an homage to his grandfather, a neighbor of famed 12V-greenhaven093026 1 9/28/26 3:43 PM Arlington artist Norman Rockwell. Lacrimaire focuses on Gelinas’ talents as a beatmaker and composer. Over 16 tracks of hip-hop-flavored EDM and atmospheric layers of swirling synths, Gelinas constructs a towering spire of grooves. Even when he drops a heavierhitting track such as “Exempt,” which Work it out with rides a ’90s house-like beat over tittering Seven Days Jobs. bits of melody, the mood is still king. Gelinas is a master of building Find 100+ new job postings weekly aura. On “Homestretch” and “Deep from trusted, local employers in Puddles,” he layers and layers, in Seven Days newspaper and online. search of perfect vibes. More often See who’s hiring at than not, he finds them. jobs.sevendaysvt.com. My advice? Listen to Lacrimaire with headphones on, maybe on a rainy day when you’re feeling a little more isolated and introspective than normal. Find the album at fazeonemusic.com and on major streaming services.

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12v-benjaminroeschediting092326 1

9/18/26 10:16 AM

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What’s next for your career?

CHRIS FARNSWORTH SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026 12v-jobfiller-career2021.indd 1

59 7/30/21 1:58 PM

calendar

SEPTE M BE R

WED.30 agriculture

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. WEDNESDAYS WITH FARMER FRED: The site’s resident farmer and storyteller demonstrates historical agricultural tools and techniques, including sheep shearing, rye harvesting and cider pressing. President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site, Plymouth, noon-2 p.m. Regular admission, $4-12; free for kids under 6.

community

COFFEE & CONVERSATION: Licensed therapist Sarah Morrison Yates hosts a weekly opportunity for neighbors to connect over a cup of joe. Coffee and snacks provided. St. George Historic Schoolhouse, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. VERMONT WOMEN’S MENTOR TRAINING: Offering a steady hand and a fresh start, volunteers step up to pair with formerly incarcerated individuals and help navigate the road to community reentry. Mercy Connections, Burlington, 5:307:30 p.m. Free.

crafts

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

3 0-O CT OBER

2026

artists. BYO snacks and drinks. Must Love Yarn, Shelburne, 5-7 p.m. Free.

the property. The Creative Campus at Goddard, Plainfield, 8-10 a.m. Free.

dance

DANVILLE FARMERS MARKET: Villagers connect over live music and family-friendly activities at a weekly gathering featuring Northeast Kingdom produce, artisan wares and culinary creations. Danville Town Green, 3:30-7 p.m. Free.

SQUARE DANCE CLUB: Swing your partner ’round and ’round! The Cast Off 8’s club leads the way at an introductory session in an inclusive setting. Lothrop Elementary School, Pittsford, 6:30-8 p.m. $7.

etc.

THE HARDWICK HOP: A FALL FOLIAGE PASSPORT: Participants of all ages make their way around town to collect passport stamps from 18 local shops and restaurants, then turn in their completed booklet for a chance to win prizes. Various Hardwick locations. Free. 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. ‘PHILADELPHIA II’ OPEN HOURS: History buffs handle artifacts and test their rowing skills aboard a replica gunboat that brings the living and working conditions of Revolutionary War soldiers to life. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, 10 a.m.noon. Free.

food & drink

COMMUNITY COOKING: Helping hands join up with the nonprofit’s staff and volunteers to make a yummy meal for distribution. Outright Vermont, Burlington, 6-8 p.m. Free. CUPPA ON CAMPUS: Community members mingle over tea and coffee, swapping bright ideas for the future of

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.

MARKET ON THE GREEN: Shoppers feast their eyes on fresh produce, prepared foods and artisanal goods as they enjoy live local music. Woodstock Village Green, 3-6 p.m. Free.

health & fitness

CHAIR YOGA: Waterbury Public Library instructor Diana Whitney leads at-home participants in gentle stretches supported by seats. 10 a.m. Free. INTRODUCTION TO TAI CHI: Flowing movements and gentle postures ground a beginner lesson in the mind-body martial art. Long Wind Tai Chi, East Thetford, 6-7:15 p.m. Free. RECOVERY DHARMA: Individuals struggling with addiction gather weekly for an evening of meditation, topical readings and open discussion in a supportive environment. First United Methodist Church, Burlington, 6-7 p.m. Free.

language

LANGUAGE LOUNGE: Lunch breaks transform into global conversation circles as participants hone their multilingual abilities. See kellogghubbard. org for details. KelloggHubbard Library, Montpelier, noon. Free.

lgbtq

THE ALL-INCLUSIVE DYKE-TACULAR: A weekly

FIND MORE LOCAL EVENTS IN THIS ISSUE AND ONLINE: art Find visual art exhibits and events in the Art section and at sevendaysvt.com/art.

film See what’s playing in the On Screen section.

music + nightlife Find club dates at local venues in the Music + Nightlife section online at sevendaysvt.com/music.

Learn more about highlighted listings in the Magnificent 7 on page 11.

SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

= ONLINE EVENT = GET TICKETS ON SEVENDAYSTICKETS.COM

get-together and listening party celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with feel-good tunes, dancing and drinks. Doma Bar, Burlington, 5-10 p.m. Free; cost of food and drink.

music

INSUN PARK & GENERALS: The venue’s fall artists-in-residence offer a fresh perspective on Korea’s cultural heritage with a joyful performance of traditional music and mask dancing. Lebanon Opera House, N.H., 6:30 p.m. $20 suggested donation. LIVE IN THE ORCHARD: THE MEATPACKERS: The beloved local band serves up its signature brand of contagious bluegrass rhythms. Shelburne Orchards, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Free. MUSIC IN TROUBLED TIMES FESTIVAL: The Opera Company of Middlebury brings together chamber music, film, lectures and live performances for a two-week festival exploring how humanity uses music to confront hardships. See ocmvermont.org for details. Town Hall Theater, Middlebury, 7:30 p.m. Various prices. SAMARA JOY & HER SEPTET: Rooted in gospel and R&B, a Grammy Award-winning vocalist channels classic jazz traditions at this performance of smooth, soulful standards. Flynn Main Stage, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $42.50-84.50. SUMMER LIVE MUSIC SERIES: Weekly performances by top local acts, authentic tacos from Las Hermosas, summery bevvies and sweet treats make for the perfect hump-day capper. See thetillermanvt.com for lineup. The Tillerman, Bristol, 5-8 p.m. Free; cost of food and drink.

outdoors

THE AMAZING CORN MAZE: Five full acres of puzzling twists and turns challenge families’ directional skills, followed by a sweet reward of maple creemees. Silloway Maple, Randolph Center, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $10. GREAT VERMONT CORN MAZE: With a new design every year, this sprawling 24-acre labyrinth presents a fresh challenge for fall revelers. Great Vermont Corn Maze, Danville, 9 a.m.-noon. Various prices; preregister.

seminars

FAMILY-TO-FAMILY CLASS: NAMI Vermont hosts an informative weekly seminar for individuals with a loved one who is struggling with mental health. 6-8:30 p.m. Free; preregister. GOOGLE SHEETS & BUDGETING: Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity helps spreadsheet novices use tools to crunch the numbers and keep their personal finances in check. 4-5:30 p.m. Free.

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.

THU.1

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.

community

PETER HARRIGAN: In “Baker vs. State: Making Headlines, Making Change,” a plaintiff in Vermont’s Freedom to Marry lawsuit reflects on the tumultuous days leading to the civil union law and the fight for marriage equality since then. Morristown Centennial Library, Morrisville, 5:30 p.m. Free.

OPEN MIC: An inclusive monthly showcase invites both seasoned and first-time acts to share their talents and connect with fellow artists. BYOB and food. Brookfield Old Town Hall, 6:30-8 p.m. Free.

CYBERSECURITY 101: Town of Essex IT director Steve Roque decodes digital defense strategies to help attendees patch security holes in their online accounts, digital wallets, and personal data. Essex Free Library, noon1:30 p.m. Free.

theater

‘THE FORD/HILL PROJECT’: Obie Award-winning theater company Waterwell presents a powerful and timely drama interweaving the testimonies of Anita Hill and Christine Blasey Ford before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Wright Memorial Theatre, Middlebury College, 7:30 p.m. $5-30. ‘HAMLET’: In Teatro La Plaza’s radically reimagined drama, eight actors with Down syndrome rewrite William Shakespeare’s tragedy, weaving classic scenes with personal stories. Ages 14 and up. Moore Theater, Hopkins Center for the Arts, Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H., 7:30 p.m. $25. ‘JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN’: Northern Stage mounts Kimberly Belflower’s dramedy about high school students in rural Georgia who reexamine Arthur Miller’s classic play The Crucible through a modern feminist lens. Byrne Theater, Barrette Center for the Arts, White River Junction, 7:30 p.m. $10-84.

GUIDED TOURS: See WED.30.

JOURNALISM CLUB: The inaugural monthly conversation about news media in Vermont features Seven Days reporter Lucy Tompkins and Vermont Public’s Liam Elder-Connors discussing coverage of the March 11 ICE raid and protest in South Burlington. Wild Meadows Books & Café, Williston, 6-7:30 p.m. Free.

talks

tech

agriculture

PECHAKUCHA NIGHT: Participants in the Japanese storytelling phenomenon recount a tale through 20 images, with only 20 seconds to explain each one. Film House, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 7 p.m. $7-10.

crafts

KNITTING GROUP: Knitters of every experience level get together to spin yarns. Latham Library, Thetford, 7 p.m. Free. WOODWORKING LAB: Visionaries create a project or learn a new skill with the help of mentors and access to makerspace tools and equipment. Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center, Middlebury, 5-8 p.m. $7.50.

environment

BTV CLEAN UP CREW: Good Samaritans collect and dispose of needles, trash and other unwanted objects. BYO gloves encouraged. Top of Church St., Burlington, 7:30-10 a.m. Free. ‘PROTECTING OUR WATERSHED: UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO LAKE CHAMPLAIN’: Environmentally minded visitors discover the ecological threats facing Vermont’s waterways at this interactive environmental exhibit. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, 1-3 p.m. Free.

etc.

THE HARDWICK HOP: A FALL FOLIAGE PASSPORT: See WED.30. ‘REAL VERMONTERS DON’T MILK GOATS’ CELEBRATION: Locals flock to the 43rd-anniversary

These community event listings are sponsored by the WaterWheel Foundation, a project of the Vermont band Phish.

LIST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE AT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/POSTEVENT

plus regular admission, $17-23; free for members and kids 2 and under.

SPITFIRE SHIPWRECK VIRTUAL REALITY EXPERIENCE: Through a high-tech tour, history buffs submerge themselves in a 3D model of a 1776 gunboat resting on the lake floor. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, 10 a.m.-noon. Free.

‘WILD RESCUE 3D’: Dedicated wildlife rehabilitation teams rescue and release injured and orphaned animals back into nature in this heartwarming documentary short. ECHO 3D Theater, 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.

film

food & drink

‘BAGDAD CAFE’: A lonely German woman ends up in the most desolate motel on Earth and decides to make it brighter in this quirky 1987 comedy by Percy Adlon. The Screening Room @ VTIFF, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 7 p.m. $6-12.

games

See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section.

‘CALIFORNIA TYPEWRITER’: Doug Nichol’s 2016 documentary zooms in on one of the last typewriter repair shops in the country. Maple Corner Community Center, Calais, 6:30 p.m. Free. ‘EVERY DAY: BIG AND SMALL’: A new film by Bess O’Brien uses the 2023 and 2024 summer floods as a backdrop to celebrate Vermonters creating connection, resilience and joy in their communities. Savoy Theater, Montpelier, 7 p.m. $15. ‘PENGUIN ISLAND 3D’: Shot on the dramatic, uninhabited sub-Antarctic Crozet Archipelago, this thrilling documentary short zooms in on a lone male suitor seeking his special someone among a colony of rivals. ECHO 3D Theater, Burlington, 11 a.m., 1 & 3 p.m. $3-5 plus regular admission, $1723; free for members and kids 2 and under. ‘SEA OTTERS: A WILD FAMILY ADVENTURE 3D’: First-time mom Bella has just eight months to teach her pup how to survive on the wild British Columbia coast in this unforgettable cinematic journey. ECHO 3D Theater, 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. ‘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. ECHO 3D Theater, Burlington, noon, 2 & 4 p.m. $3-5

VERGENNES FARMERS MARKET: Locals delight in fresh organic produce, artisan cheeses, meats, baked goods, crafts and live music. Vergennes City Park, 3-7 p.m. Free.

CHESS FOR FUN: Sharp minds select an opening gambit, go on the attack and protect their king in friendly competition. Cobleigh Public Library, Lyndonville, 5-8 p.m. Free. DUPLICATE BRIDGE GAMES: Snacks and coffee fuel bouts of a classic card game. Burlington Bridge Club, Williston, 12:30 p.m. $6. 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 fantasy-filled 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

BLOOD DRIVE: Participants part with life-sustaining pints at this American Red Cross donation event. Catalyst Church, Jericho, 1-6 p.m. Free; preregister. BODY COMPOSITION SCAN: Ditch scale numbers for a oneon-one review that maps out muscle, fat and water distribution. ActiveVT, Burlington, 4-5 p.m. Free; preregister. COMMUNITY MINDFULNESS: Volunteer coach Andrea Marion leads a

FAMILY FUN Check out these family-friendly events for parents, caregivers and kids of all ages. • Plan ahead at sevendaysvt.com/family-fun. • Post your event at sevendaysvt.com/postevent.

OCT. 2 | MUSIC

COURTESY OF SASHA PEDRO

edition tour of the best-selling book of humor by Frank M. Bryan and the late Bill Mares. Yankee Bookshop, Woodstock, 6 p.m. Free.

Heating Up Upper Valley Music Center hosts award-winning Boston outfit Sol y Canto at Norwich Congregational Church for a commanding concert of Latin rhythms to kick off the ensemble’s fall residency. Captained by Puerto Rican vocalist and percussionist Rosi Amador and New Mexican guitarist and composer Brian Amador, the five-piece fills the intimate space with sonorous guitar, bright vocals and poetic, quirky lyrics accessible to both Spanish and non-Spanish speakers. Hailed by the Boston Globe as “sublime ambassadors of the pan-Latin tradition,” the musicians deliver original compositions and reimagined classics with surprising twists that’ll have you dancing, laughing and tearing up all in one night.

SOL Y CANTO Friday, October 2, 7:30 p.m., at Norwich Congregational Church. $25; free for kids under 18. Info, 603-448-1642, uvmusic.org. 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

WED.30

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.

participants — including those with limited mobility or difficulty standing — through a sequence of slow, connected movements. Sponsored by the Dorothy Alling

STORIES & SONGS FOR LIBRARY LITTLES: Tots get their bodies moving and brains firing with books, music and unstructured social time. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. ‘VERY ERIC CARLE’ EXHIBIT: Young bookworms revel in colorful handson installations that transform the beloved author’s stories into interactive journeys of discovery. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular admission, $1723; free for members and kids 2 and under.

Memorial Library. 1 p.m. Free; preregister.

Costumed guests make progress on their lap projects at this spooky and cozy screening of the 1988 cult-classic Elvira: Mistress of the Dark. Standing Stone Wines, Winooski, 8 p.m. $10.

language

ITALIAN CONVERSATION GROUP: Parla Italiano? Language learners practice pronunciation and more at a friendly gathering. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, noon-1 p.m. Free. LANGUAGE LOUNGE: See WED.30. MANDARIN CONVERSATION CIRCLE: Volunteers from Vermont Chinese School help students learn or improve their fluency. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 11 a.m.-noon. Free.

holidays

WITCH, CRAFTS & HALLOWEEN WITH DANIEL OUELLETTE:

chittenden county

BABY TIME: Nonmobile infants and their caregivers embark on a slowpaced social hour featuring songs, rhymes and restorative connection. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. CHILDREN’S STORY TIME WITH CHRISTINE: Young bookworms wiggle, sing and turn pages at an interactive session led by a former early childhood educator. Wild Meadows Books & Café, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Free.

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‘HELPING YOUR CHILD THRIVE AT SCHOOL: PRACTICAL TOOLS FOR COMMUNICATION, COLLABORATION & ADVOCACY’: Vermont educator Jessie Blake shares practical strategies for parents and caregivers to prepare for school meetings and communicate their child’s strengths and needs. Richmond Free Library, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. SWITCH IT UP!: A weekly gaming session on the library’s Nintendo Switch

WED.30 SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

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‘HAMLET’: See WED.30.

lgbtq

POP-UP HAPPY HOUR: Locals connect over drinks at a speakeasy-style bar, hosted by OUT in the 802. Lincolns, Burlington, 5:30-7 p.m. Free.

music

‘AN EVENING OF MASTERWORKS’: Rising stars Claire Wells and Pualina Lim showcase four decades of violin and piano evolution with a diverse program, from the haunting nostalgia of Sergei Prokofiev to the folk energy of Béla Bartók. Vermont Public, Colchester, 7 p.m. $5-59. LIVE MUSIC: A rotating cast of local musicians, unbeatable sunset views, locavore pours and tasty treats make for a memorable time at the vineyard. See maquambarnandwinery.com for lineup. Maquam Barn & Winery, Milton, 6-8 p.m. Free; cost of food and drink.

outdoors

THE AMAZING CORN MAZE: See WED.30. GREAT VERMONT CORN MAZE: See WED.30.

talks

CURRENTLY SPEAKING: MYRON M. BEASLEY: In “The Performance of Possibility: Art, Politics and Community,” a Bates College associate professor of American studies explores how art helps communities visualize the future. The Current, Stowe, 5 p.m. Free; preregister.

tech

TECH HELP: Users with digital dilemmas seek expert guidance about everything from smartphone settings to ebook downloads. Norwich Public Library, 1-4 p.m. Free.

theater

‘BLOODY JACK’: This chilling and suspenseful stage thriller based on the infamous Jack the Ripper murders pulls audience members into the shadowy streets of Victorian-era London. QuarryWorks Theater, Adamant, 7:30 p.m. Free. ‘CONTROL TOP’: Unzipping the hidden pressures stitched into women’s wardrobes, Vermont playwright Carole Vasta Folley’s original stage comedy pulls back the curtain on body politics with unfiltered, heart-to-heart humor. Ages 13 and up. Grange Hall Cultural Center, Waterbury Center, 7:30 p.m. $20; preregister. ‘DAKAR 2000’: Vermont Stage mounts Rajiv Joseph’s psychological spy thriller exploring the darker side of American governmental authority and diplomacy abroad. Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $34-54 sliding scale.

‘THE FORD/HILL PROJECT’: See WED.30. ‘JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN’: See WED.30.

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OCT. 1-4 | THEATER

‘MISERY’: A spine-chilling stage adaptation of the 1987 psychological horror novel by Stephen King tells the tale of a famous writer trapped in the home of his No. 1 fan. See calendar spotlight. The Opera House at Enosburg Falls, 7 p.m. $15-20. ‘WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME’: Lost Nation Theater presents OBIE Awardwinning playwright Heidi Schreck’s boundary-busting play that breathes new life into the foundational U.S. document. Lost Nation Theater, Montpelier City Hall, 7:30 p.m. $15-45.

words

ANDREW AYDIN: A New York Times best-selling author sheds light on the Appalachia Comics Project and the power of capturing oral histories on the page. Brooks Memorial Library, Brattleboro, 6 p.m. Free; preregister. CREATIVE WRITING SERIES: Expert Marguerite Dunlop hosts a weekly opportunity for aspiring wordsmiths to hone their craft, swap constructive feedback and pick up fresh techniques. Refreshments provided. Haskell Free Library & Opera House, Derby Line, 1-3 p.m. Free; preregister. GEORGE WOODARD: The local author, actor, filmmaker and farmer discusses the inspiration behind his second book, The Boy Who Raked Hay. Stowe Free Library, 7 p.m. Free. KIMBERLEY TAIT: An author shares her poignant sophomore novel, Bright Stars, in conversation with fellow writer Anne Margaret Daniel. Still North Books & Bar, Hanover, N.H., 7 p.m. Free. LIVE COMICS READING & GALLERY SHOW: Artists share their work at this bonus event celebrating the fifth-annual TWIST: TWIn STate Comics & Zine Fair. The Filling Station, White River Junction, 7 p.m. Free. THEA LEWIS: The Queen City Ghostwalk creator and author kicks off spooky season with the launch of her latest collection of hair-raising histories, True Crime Stories of Vermont. Phoenix Books, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free; preregister.

FRI.2

bazaars

RUMMAGE SALE: Treasure hunters shop a wide array of gently used clothes, books, toys and other potential finds to support the United Church of Fairfax. Fairfax Community Center, 1-6 p.m. Free.

community

UMBRELLA: STORIES OF RESILIENCE & RECOVERY:

SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

Cabin Fever Prolific fiction writer Stephen King, regarded around the world as the “King of Horror,” knows how to elicit goose bumps, even from the most unflappable fan. His 1987 psychological thriller Misery has gripped generations of readers — and moviegoers, thanks to Rob Reiner’s blood-curdling 1990 adaptation starring James Caan and Kathy Bates. That spirit lives on at the Opera House at Enosburg Falls, where local actors raise the curtain on William Goldman’s spine-chilling stage rendition, following a famous novelist fighting for survival after an obsessed nurse rescues him from a car crash, only to hold him hostage to her dark literary devotion.

‘MISERY’ Thursday, October 1, through Saturday, October 3, 7 p.m.; and Sunday, October 4, 2 p.m., at the Opera House at Enosburg Falls. $15-20. Info, 802-933-6171, enosburgoperahouse.com.

Listeners embark on an inspirational and intimate evening of community storytelling about real-life experiences. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 6 p.m. Free.

crafts

FIRST FRIDAY FIBER GROUP: Fiber-arts fans make progress on projects while chatting over snacks. GRACE, Hardwick, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Free; donations accepted.

etc.

THE HARDWICK HOP: A FALL FOLIAGE PASSPORT: See WED.30. MUSEUM TOURS: See WED.30. QUEEN CITY GHOSTWALK: DARKNESS FALLS TOUR:

Paranormal historians highlight spooky happenings throughout Burlington at this perennial favorite hailed by Yankee Magazine as one of New England’s best haunted walks. 199 Main St., Burlington, 7 p.m. $25; preregister. UVM WEEKEND: Go, Cats, go! Alumni, students, friends and neighbors take in three days of sporting events, open houses and other signature events. Various Burlington locations and times. Free.

fairs & festivals

SUCKA PUNCH GRAFFITI JAM: A three-day celebration of the public art form and hip-hop culture includes live painting by regional and international artists, music,

dancing, and hands-on activities. Various Brattleboro locations, 5-8 p.m. Free. TWIST: TWIN STATE COMICS & ZINE FAIR: Attendees browse comic books, homemade zines and self-published poetry chapbooks by local artists and Center for Cartoon Studies students and alums. Junction Arts & Media, White River Junction, 4-8 p.m. Free.

film

See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section. ‘EVERY DAY: BIG AND SMALL’: See THU.1. MOVIE NIGHT: ‘THE WATER WE BELONG TO’ AND ‘WAVE MAN’: Two short docs by local

filmmaker Givi Veve explore the powerful ways in which water shapes and connects human beings. Hula, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free; preregister. ‘PENGUIN ISLAND 3D’: See THU.1. ‘SEA OTTERS: A WILD FAMILY ADVENTURE 3D’: See THU.1. ‘SHARK KINGDOM 3D’: See THU.1. ‘WILD RESCUE 3D’: See THU.1. ‘THE WORK IN PROGRESS’: Ian Cheney’s 2026 documentary follows Americans engaging in face-to-face conversations about cultural, political, economic and generational divisions across seven states. Film House, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 4 & 7 p.m. $6-12.

food & drink

RICHMOND FARMERS MARKET: An open-air marketplace complete with live music connects cultivators and fresh-food browsers. Volunteers Green, Richmond, 3-6 p.m. Free.

games

250TH TRIVIA & POTLUCK: After a shared meal, history buffs and dabblers alike tackle questions exploring aspects of Vermont related to the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Ferrisburgh Town Hall, 5:30-8 p.m. Free. DUPLICATE BRIDGE GAMES: See THU.1, 10 a.m. MAH-JONGG: It’s not just for old ladies! Tile traders of all

LIST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE AT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/POSTEVENT

experience levels gather for a rousing game. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 1-3 p.m. Free.

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. INTRO CROSSFIT WORKOUT: Folks looking to get fit prepare to sweat it out at this introductory class. ActiveVT, Burlington, 4-5 p.m. Free. LAUGHTER YOGA: Spontaneous, joyful movement and breath promote physical and emotional health. Virtual option available. Iyengar Yoga Center of Vermont, Burlington, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Free. 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.

holidays

HALLOWEEN HORSEBACK ADVENTURE: Saddle up for a spooky trot through decorated trails before warming up with post-ride cocoa, pony petting and apple bobbing. Better Days Ranch and Equine Services, Vergennes, 5:30-9 p.m. $60.

language

LANGUAGE LOUNGE: See WED.30.

lgbtq

RPG NIGHT: Members of the LGBTQ community get together weekly for role-playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons and Everway. Rainbow Bridge Community Center, Barre, 5:308:30 p.m. Free.

music

5 FRIDAYS CONCERT SERIES: AYSANABEE: A Juno Awardwinning Indigenous artist enchants listeners with emotionally resonant lyrics, haunting vocals and a magnetic stage presence. Town Hall Theater, Middlebury, 5:30 p.m. Free. ANA GUIGUI: An acclaimed pianist and vocalist entertains listeners with a wide variety of styles and genres. The Brandon Inn, 7-9:30 p.m. Free. DRUM CIRCLE WITH JEAN JACQUES MAURY: From mastering basic techniques to building a shared rhythmic vocabulary, an all-abilities music-making session taps into a deep mindbody connection. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 6-7 p.m. Free. LANE SERIES: TESLA QUARTET: A forward-thinking chamber music ensemble captivates with contemporary works and established masterpieces. The University of Vermont Recital Hall, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $5-40. MUSIC IN TROUBLED TIMES FESTIVAL: See WED.30.

NORTH MISSISSIPPI ALLSTARS: Brothers Luther and Cody Dickinson helm a concert of soulful country-blues, high-energy rock and groovy psychedelic improvisations. Lebanon Opera House, N.H., 7:30 p.m. $48. ORDINARY ELEPHANT: Husband and wife Pete and Crystal Damore display their mastery of harmony and the Americana tradition. York Street Meeting House, Lyndon, 7 p.m. $15-20; free for students. SOL Y CANTO: An awardwinning pan-Latin ensemble led by husband-and-wife musicians Rosi and Brian Amador delivers expressive vocals, guitar and percussion. See calendar spotlight. Norwich Congregational Church, 7:30 p.m. $25; free for kids under 18. SUMMER MUSIC AT GRACE: UNCLE JOHN’S BAND: A Franklin group performs catchy rock, folk and jazz covers to mark the concert series’ finale. Grace Episcopal Church, Sheldon, 7 p.m. By donation.

outdoors

THE AMAZING CORN MAZE: See WED.30. FALL FOLIAGE HIKE: Unraveling the science behind autumn’s fiery display, nature guides lead an easy 0.7-mile stroll while sharing tips for unearthing other top leaf-peeping routes. Green Mountain Club Headquarters, Waterbury Center, 2-3 p.m. Free; preregister. GREAT VERMONT CORN MAZE: See WED.30.

sports

OPEN DINGHY SAILING: Skippers with sailing knowledge celebrate the end of the week with a nautical adventure. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, 4-7 p.m. $40 suggested donation; preregister.

talks

laptops, e-readers and other devices in one-on-one sessions. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free; preregister.

theater

‘BLATHER & BLAH: COUNTDOWN’: A site-specific outdoor performance project featuring more than 20 of the school’s theater and dance students utilizes sound and movement to celebrate the iconic location. BYO chair or blanket. University Green, Burlington, 5 p.m. Free. ‘BLOODY JACK’: See THU.1. ‘CONTROL TOP’: See THU.1. ‘DAKAR 2000’: See THU.1. ‘HATCHFORD HOTEL’: The Shelburne Players present a new musical comedy by Vermonters Adam Rabin and Greg Skillman that dives headfirst into local lore and strange traditions. Shelburne Town Center, 7 p.m. $15-25.

- the guardi

by Heidi Schreck An achingly human and hopeful play

“Uproariously Funny, Wrenchingly Moving.”

Oct 1-11

7:30pm Wed–Sat: 2pm Sun; + 2pm Sat 10/10 + Stoph Scheer Puppetry Class (10/13-15) & AN EDGAR ALLAN POE HALLOWEEN (10/30)

lostnationtheater.org Montpelier City Hall 6h-LostNationTheater093026.pdf 1

9/29/26 11:34 AM

‘JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN’: See WED.30. ‘MISERY’: See THU.1. ‘MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS’: The world’s greatest detective searches for clues before the killer can strike again in Borderline Players’ production based on the classic Agatha Christie whodunit. Ages 12 and up. Haskell Free Library & Opera House, Derby Line, 7 p.m. $10-25. ‘WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME’: See THU.1.

SAT.3

agriculture

FALL MAPLE OPEN HOUSE WEEKENDS: Sweet fall festivities await visitors of all ages, from maple tastings and campfire hangs to nature trail walks and prize giveaways. Bourdon Maple Farm, Woodstock, 10 a.m.5 p.m. Free. GUIDED TOURS: See WED.30.

EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT FOR EVERYONE FALL LECTURE SERIES: THOMAS DENENBERG: The Shelburne Museum director and CEO shares fascinating facts about artist Norman Rockwell’s time in Vermont. Faith United Methodist Church, South Burlington, 2 p.m. $8 cash or check; free for members.

bazaars

LAURA MANN INTEGRATIVE HEALTHCARE LECTURE SERIES: NORA D. VOLKOW: In “Neurobiological Intersection of Pain and Addiction: Clinical Implications,” the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse shares details about her pioneering research. Davis Auditorium, Medical Education Center Pavilion, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free.

RUMMAGE SALE: See FRI.2, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

tech

CRAFTY ADULTS: Attendees use a variety of colorful felts, threads and embellishments to

MORNING TECH HELP: Experts answer questions about phones,

ing, “Shatterin g& Galvaniz n n u VERY F an y!”

9 days of concerts workshops, lectures, master classes & Irish sessions

MAKERS MARKET: Browsers discover unique, handmade goods and meet the talented people behind them at a weekly showcase of local artists, bakers, distillers and crafters. Addison West, Waitsfield, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.

Let Nature Soothe Your Soul Let the Music Feed Your Imagination

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.

crafts

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PRESENTED IN COLLABORATION WITH

Take advantage of the exchange rate: $1 CAD = 72¢ US $37 concert costs just $26 US WITH THE SUPPORT OF

CLAIRE LÉGER

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SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

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create personalized hand warmers. Haskell Free Library & Opera House, Derby Line, 1-3 p.m. Free.

dance

BERLIN CONTRA DANCE: Dancers of all ages and abilities learn at a gathering that encourages joy, laughter and friendship. Bring clean, soft-soled shoes. See capitalcitygrange.org for callers and bands. Capital City Grange, Berlin, 8-11 p.m. $5-20 sliding scale. THE LONELY DAYS ARE GONE: COMMUNITY SQUARE DANCE TOUR: Dancers kick up their heels to traditional tunes played by Dorset fiddler and singer Ida Mae Specker and her all-star band. Brookfield Old Town Hall, 4-8 p.m. Free; donations accepted; preregister.

education

FALL OPEN HOUSE: Prospective students and their families go behind the scenes to learn about the independent boarding and day school for grades 9 through 12. Rock Point School, Burlington, 1-3 p.m. Free. OPEN HOUSE: Prospective pupils dig into a pancake breakfast, meet current students and faculty, and learn about academic programs. Lyndon Institute, Lyndon Center, 10 a.m.-noon. Free.

etc.

BRICK HOUSE & BUBBLY: Guests step into history and splendor at this rare opportunity to explore the home of iconic museum founder Electra Havemeyer Webb. The Brick House, Shelburne Museum, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $40-50; preregister. CHAMBER CALCUTTA: Hopefuls enter for a chance at cash prizes while enjoying dinner and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce. Canadian Club, Barre, 5:30-8 p.m. Various prices; preregister. EVENING SONG: BET ON HOPE 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: Philanthropists play classic casino games while snacking on delicious bites from the state’s top chefs. Proceeds benefit the Cancer Patient Support Foundation. Ages 18 and up. Delta Hotels Burlington, South Burlington, 6 p.m. $75; preregister. THE HARDWICK HOP: A FALL FOLIAGE PASSPORT: See WED.30. HOMER HULBERT MONUMENT DEDICATION CEREMONY: Community members and Korean drummers and singers convene for the unveiling of a new historic marker honoring the New Haven-born educator, missionary and journalist who became a passionate champion of Korea’s independence. New Haven Village Green, 1-3 p.m. Free. QUEEN CITY GHOSTWALK: DARKNESS FALLS TOUR: See FRI.2.

REVOLUTIONARY WAR VETERANS TOUR: Experts from the Shelburne Historical Society and the Shelburne Cemetery Commission introduce the public to 17 veterans and their families buried at the farm’s little-known West Cemetery. Shelburne Farms, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.

COURTESY OF TERRY MILLER

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OCT. 3 & 4 | FAIRS & FESTIVALS

UVM WEEKEND: See FRI.2.

fairs & festivals

ARTFEST: An annual celebration of creativity, music and local culture includes performances by the Onion River Jazz Band and the Grey Cats, hands-on crafts, and a community marketplace. Artistree Community Arts Center, South Pomfret, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. COUNTRY BARN DANCE: Live music, hayrides, cider tasting, pumpkin bowling, scarecrow building and seasonal eats propel a lively party benefiting the Martha Canfield Library. Battenkill Valley Grange Pavilion, Arlington, 4-8 p.m. $5-25; cash only. DEAD CREEK WILDLIFE DAY: Naturalists of all ages honor the outdoors with a range of family-friendly activities including decoy carving, nature walks, face painting and birdhouse building. Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area, Addison, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. FALL DOG PARTY: Four-legged friends and their humans lap up an afternoon of romping, raffles, lawn games, chili dogs, maple sweets and tunes. Dog Mountain, St. Johnsbury, noon-4 p.m. Free. FALL FESTIVAL & CHICKEN BARBECUE: Merrymakers enjoy wagon rides with Farmer Fred, fresh cider pressing, crafts and succulent eats cooked up by the local fire department. President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site, Plymouth, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Regular admission, $4-12; free for kids under 6. GREAT PUMPKIN CELEBRATION: Wood-fired pizza, apple pressing, live music, kids’ games and a carving contest entertain all ages, while trucks roll in with giant squashes (yes, they’re squashes!) for the annual weighoff. Peacham Farmers Market, 2-5 p.m. Free.

On the Lamb Why was the shepherd tired of puns? He had herd them all! This year’s Vermont Sheep & Wool Festival at the Tunbridge World’s Fairgrounds taps into ancient history with a theme of “Weaving Traditions,” honoring one of humanity’s oldest crafts. Fiber fanatics spin, shear and shop their way through a showstopping assemblage of livestock, rare fleeces, and interactive workshops on topics from triangle and hairpin lace looms to needle felting and finger knitting. Fact-filled demos by farmers, veterinarians and fiber processors draw the ruminant- and camelid-curious, while live local music and wickedgood eats (deep-fried cheese curds!) complete the agricultural affair.

VERMONT SHEEP & WOOL FESTIVAL Saturday, October 3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, October 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Tunbridge World’s Fairgrounds. $5-12; free for toddlers. Info, vtsheepandwoolfest@gmail.com, vtsheepandwoolfest.com.

HARVEST CELEBRATION: Fall fans delight in scenic wagon rides, pumpkin bowling, lawn games and a spirited barn dance, complete with a caller. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular admission, $14-23; free for members and kids under 3.

Knight Point State Park, North Hero, 1-5 p.m. $5; free for kids.

HARVEST HOOTENANNY: The Dave Keller Band and vocalist Carly Harvey set the tone for an autumnal shindig featuring a mouthwatering menu. Proceeds benefit the North Hyde Park Community Trust. Gihon Valley Hall, Hyde Park, 6:30-9 p.m. By donation.

MOUNTAIN MADE MARKET: Locavores leaf through unique handmade goodies and mingle with artisans while soaking up autumn views and seasonal festivities. Bolton Valley Resort, noon-4 p.m. Free.

KINTOBERFEST: Kraemer & Kin’s annual autumnal affair offers a refreshing selection of beer, live music, art vendors and games.

SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

MONTPELIER FALL FESTIVAL: Fabulous food, live music, games and festive offerings for all ages abound at this annual community shindig. Vermont Statehouse lawn, Montpelier, noon-4 p.m. Free.

OKEMO VALLEY FALL FOLIAGE TRAIN & POP‑UP FALL FESTIVAL: All aboard! Visitors experience the magic of the season with an hourlong train ride, food trucks, Vermont artisans and autumnal traditions. 75-77

documentary profiles the economics pioneer who challenged infinite growth on a finite planet and advocated for a steady-state economy. A Q&A with the filmmaker follows. Pickering Room, Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 2 p.m. Free. SAT.3

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FOMO? Find even more local events in this newspaper and online:

art

Witalec Rd., Ludlow, 9 a.m.-5:20 p.m. $25-32; free for kids 2 and under.

autumnal activities. Bondville Fairgrounds, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. $25, free for kids under 13.

Find visual art exhibits and events in the Art section and at sevendaysvt.com/art.

RAIL CITY FAN FEST: An annual meeting of pop culture artists, makers and vendors features cosplay contests, video and tabletop games, and other activities for geeks of all ages. Collins Perley Sports and Fitness Center, St. Albans, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $10-25; free for kids 12 and under.

SUCKA PUNCH GRAFFITI JAM: See FRI.2, noon-5 p.m.

film

RAIL CITY TATTOO CONVENTION: Ink artists and vendors from around the world assemble to demonstrate their talents and share their expertise. St. Albans City Hall, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $15-25; preregister. RAMBLIN’ ROADS COUNTRY FEST: Revelers boot-scoot to the fairgrounds for a full day of twangy tunes, artisan crafts and

VERMONT SHEEP & WOOL FESTIVAL: Against a scenic seasonal backdrop, fiber fanatics weave their way through livestock showcases, craft workshops and local artisanal eats. See calendar spotlight. Tunbridge World’s Fairgrounds, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $5-12; free for toddlers.

film

See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section. ‘ECONOCLAST: HERMAN DALY AND THE GOSPEL OF GROWTH’: John de Graaf’s 2026

See what’s playing at theaters in the On Screen section.

music + nightlife Find club dates at local venues in the Music + Nightlife section online at sevendaysvt.com/ music. Learn more about highlighted listings in the Magnificent 7 on page 11.

= ONLINE EVENT = GET TICKETS ON SEVENDAYSTICKETS.COM

LIST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE AT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/POSTEVENT

FAMILY FUN

WED.30

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engages elementary students in friendly competition. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 5-6 p.m. Free.

barre/montpelier

BABY & CAREGIVER MEETUP: Wiggly ones ages birth to 18 months play and explore in a calm, supportive setting while adults relax and connect on the sidelines. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. BASEMENT TEEN CENTER: A drop-in hangout session welcomes kids ages 12 to 17 for lively games, arts and crafts, and snacks. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 2-6 p.m. Free.

upper valley

STORY TIME: Early literacy takes center stage as infants and toddlers engage in a melodic mix of books and songs. Norwich Public Library, 10:3011:30 a.m. Free.

THU.1

burlington

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. ‘CHAMP: AMERICA’S LAKE MONSTER’ EXHIBIT: See WED.30. GROW PRESCHOOL YOGA: Colleen from Grow Prenatal and Family Yoga leads kids ages 2 to 5 in songs, movement and other fun activities. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. MINECRAFT MEETUP: Fans of the sandbox game from ages 7 to 12 gather with fellow enthusiasts to play on the library’s private server. Snacks provided. Fletcher Free Library New

North End Branch, Burlington, 5-6:15 p.m. Free. TWEEN GROUP: A new program for queer and gender-creative youths ages 10 to 12 offers space to make new friends, join in fun activities and build community. Outright Vermont, Burlington, 4-6 p.m. Free. ‘VERY ERIC CARLE’ EXHIBIT: See WED.30.

chittenden county

FIRST THURSDAYS: MUSIC & MOVEMENT WITH MISS EMMA: Caregivers and their tiny charges boost early literacy through a rhythmic regimen of singing, dancing and motor-skill development. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. PLAY TIME: Patrons ages birth to 5 unleash their energy at a morning of unstructured amusements and socializing. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free.

barre/montpelier

BASEMENT TEEN CENTER: See WED.30. 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

‘CAT KID COMIC CLUB’: Kiddos fix their eyes on this madcap musical based on Dav Pilkey’s irreverent and hilarious book series. Spruce Peak Arts, Stowe Mountain Resort, 10 a.m. $11. 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.

northeast kingdom

ACORN CLUB STORY TIME: Youngsters 5 and under play, sing, hear stories

and color. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 10:30-11 a.m. Free.

FRI.2

burlington

BURLINGTON FNG: Self-identified LGBTQ+ and questioning youths ages 13 to 19 gather weekly to socialize in a supportive environment. Outright Vermont, Burlington, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. ‘CHAMP: AMERICA’S LAKE MONSTER’ EXHIBIT: See WED.30. 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. ‘VERY ERIC CARLE’ EXHIBIT: See WED.30.

barre/montpelier

BASEMENT TEEN CENTER: See WED.30. STORY TIME & PLAYGROUP: Tots ages birth to 6 stretch their imaginations and legs at this weekly offering of storytelling, sing-alongs, crafting and open play with youth librarian Sasha McGarvey. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.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

STORY TIME: Preschoolers take part in tales, tunes and playtime. Latham Library, Thetford, 11 a.m. Free.

northeast kingdom

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: Youngsters and their caregivers delight in beautiful books, silly songs, creative crafts and unplugged play in the library’s

Supported by:

Watch at: sevendaysvt.com/stuckinvt 4H-Stuckinvt093026.indd 1

SAT.3

burlington

Eva Sollberger’s

cozy children’s room. Craftsbury Public Library, Craftsbury Common, 10 a.m. Free.

‘CHAMP: AMERICA’S LAKE MONSTER’ EXHIBIT: See WED.30. CONSTRUCTION FEST: A world of discovery and imagination awaits at this ode to building, featuring touch-a-truck activities, story times, sing-alongs and an opportunity to decorate your own hard hat. Church Street Marketplace, Burlington, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. LEGO TIME: Mini makers ages 4 to 11 design and build original, colorful creations. Fletcher Free Library New North End Branch, Burlington, 11 a.m.noon. Free. ‘VERY ERIC CARLE’ EXHIBIT: See WED.30.

chittenden county

TRACEY WEST & MITALI RUTHS: Two children’s book writers shed light on their respective series, followed by an audience Q&A, book signings, and a take-home activity for kiddos. Shelburne Town Hall, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free; preregister.

barre/montpelier

KIDS’ HERBAL FESTIVAL: Budding botanists discover the magic of herbs through guided forest walks, fairy house building and tea tastings. Proceeds benefit Migrant Justice. White Dove Herbal Sanctuary, Montpelier, noon-4 p.m. By donation; preregister. MEET TEDDY THE THERAPY DOG: Animal lovers pop by the library to make friends with a very good boy, learn about his therapy duties and see some of his astounding tricks. KelloggHubbard Library, 2nd Floor, Children’s Library, Montpelier, noon-1 p.m. Free. ‘PUPPY PALS LIVE!’: Rescued shelter dogs showcase their comedic talents by jumping rope, climbing ladders and executing backflips in an action-packed canine revue for all ages. Barre Opera House, 3 p.m. $24-36. THROTTLE UP FOR HOCKEY: Community members fuel youth

athletics at this fundraiser for Central Vermont Youth Hockey, featuring a scenic motorcycle poker run, live music, raffles and tasty bites. Barre City B.O.R. Arena, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Various prices.

mad river valley/ waterbury

‘OWLS & THEIR CALLS’: Avian enthusiasts meet live feathered friends, hear their unique calls, and touch biological artifacts that showcase how these apex predators hunt and thrive in Vermont’s forests. Mad River Glen, Waitsfield, 11 a.m.-noon. Free; preregister. SATURDAY STORY TIME: Stories and songs help children develop social and literacy skills. Waterbury Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free.

northeast kingdom

CHAMPLAIN TRIO: Vermont musicians Letitia Quante, Emily Taubl and Hiromi Fukuda captivate little listeners with an interactive performance of classic chamber music. Alexander Twilight Theatre, Vermont State UniversityLyndon, 11 a.m.-noon. $10-25; free for VTSU community. SCENIC ROUTE WEEKENDS: Cider pressing, pumpkin painting, fresh doughnuts and summit views sweeten a day of autumnal revelry for all ages. Jay Peak Resort, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Free.

SUN.4

burlington

BAM! COMICS LAB FOR KIDS: Expert Jon Chad teaches budding illustrators ages 8 to 12 how to turn blank pages into panel-by-panel stories at this six-part series. Fletcher Room, Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 3:30-5 p.m. Free; preregister. ‘CHAMP: AMERICA’S LAKE MONSTER’ EXHIBIT: See WED.30. ‘VERY ERIC CARLE’ EXHIBIT: See WED.30.

chittenden county

BETH CHARLES: The Vermont author shares her tender picture book Lilly’s Surprise Pumpkins, following a girl who SUN.4

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WATCH HER LATEST VIDEO! For decades, the Gates farm in the village of Cambridge has been home to an outdoor cat colony. In 2023, community members raised funds to fix about 30 cats to stabilize the colony’s population. Seven Days’ Eva Sollberger met two of the four remaining cats and their caretakers at the Cambridge Village Market.

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calendar SAT.3

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‘PENGUIN ISLAND 3D’: See THU.1. ‘SEA OTTERS: A WILD FAMILY ADVENTURE 3D’: See THU.1. ‘SHARK KINGDOM 3D’: See THU.1. ‘WILD RESCUE 3D’: See THU.1.

food & drink

BURLINGTON FARMERS MARKET: Live local music lends flair to dozens of stands overflowing with seasonal produce, flowers, artisanal wares and prepared foods. 345 Pine St., Burlington, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. CHAMPLAIN ISLANDS FARMERS MARKET: Talented artisans and vendors showcase their farmfresh veggies, meats, eggs, flowers, honey and other goodies. St. Joseph’s Church, Grand Isle, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. CHICKEN PIE TAKEOUT: Traditional chicken and biscuits accompanied by squash, green beans, cranberry sauce, coleslaw and apple crisp make for a to-go meal to remember. The Old Meeting House, East Montpelier, 4-6 p.m. $20; preregister. FALL FOLIAGE FESTIVAL BRUNCH: Leaf peepers fill up on quiche, sweet treats and tea before heading out to feast on autumn colors. Maple Corner Community Center, Calais, 9-11 a.m. Free; cost of food and drink. JASPER HILL & HILL FARMSTEAD ADVENTURE DINNER: The curd-cultured embark on a cheese fever dream, courtesy of two legendary Vermont food and drink producers. Wilson Farm, Greensboro, 6-9 p.m. $185. NORTHWEST FARMERS MARKET: Browsers stock up on produce, preserves, baked goods and other treasures to the beat of live music. Taylor Park, St. Albans, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. 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

INTRO CROSSFIT WORKOUT: See FRI.2, 10-11 a.m. WALK FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS: Community members put one foot in front of the other for suicide prevention, followed by a hope-filled reception with live music and food vendors. Lake Willoughby and

Mt. Pisgah, Westmore, noon-8 p.m. By donation.

holidays

HALLOWEEN HORSEBACK ADVENTURE: See FRI.2.

music

ANA GUIGUI: See FRI.2. CONCERT CHOIR AND CHAMBER ORCHESTRA: Nathaniel G. Lew conducts the mixed-voice chorale in “Moonlight in Vermont” and other traditional favorites, while Yutaka Kono directs the advanced string ensemble. The University of Vermont Recital Hall, Burlington, 3 p.m. Free. KCP PRESENTS: NORTH MISSISSIPPI ALLSTARS: See FRI.2. Fuller Hall, St. Johnsbury Academy, 7 p.m. $18-59; free for students. LIVE IN THE ORCHARD: ELIZA & WILL: Music lovers savor the duo’s traditional fiddle and guitar prowess alongside stunning views and apple picking. Shelburne Orchards, noon-2 p.m. Free. MYRA FLYNN: A self-proclaimed “songwriter on purpose and a singer by accident” performs original indie tunes that blend soulful vocals with supreme lyricism. Fairlee Town Hall Auditorium, 6:30 p.m. Free; preregister. NATALIE MACMASTER & DONNELL LEAHY: A renowned husband-and-wife duo takes fiddling to new heights with help from their two eldest children, Mary Frances and Michael Leahy. Lebanon Opera House, N.H., 7:30 p.m. $38-58. PARTY ON THE BRICKS: Each week, different Vermont outfits set the tone for an outdoor bash on the marketplace while listeners dig into local food and drinks. Church Street Marketplace, Burlington, 3:30-6 p.m. Free. PONYHUSTLE: A Burlington outfit channels the raw and authentic sounds of honky-tonk bands from the ’50s and ’60s with fresh, modern energy. Knoll Farm, Fayston, 6:30 p.m. By donation; preregister. RANI ARBO & DAISY MAYHEM: An Americana four-piece combines folk, country, blues, bluegrass and swing traditions to get listeners’ toes tapping. Burnham Hall, Lincoln, 7:30 p.m. $25-30. SINGER-SONGWRITER SHOWCASE: An evening of contemporary folk music brings together four acclaimed acts for an intimate, in-the-round performance highlighting individual artistry and collaborative spirit. Virtual option available. Next Stage Arts, Putney, 7:30-9:30 p.m. $10-26. WINDROSE: Fans of retro rhythms travel back to the golden age of four-part harmonies at this nostalgic concert of 1950s doo-wop. McIndoes Academy Community Center, McIndoe Falls, 2-3 p.m. Free; donations accepted.

SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

outdoors

THE AMAZING CORN MAZE: See WED.30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. FALL FOLIAGE HIKE: See FRI.2. GREAT VERMONT CORN MAZE: See WED.30, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. HIKE-A-THON: Participants hit the trails in support of the nonprofit’s educational efforts, then gather for live music, local food and a community celebration at the Sap House. Merck Forest and Farmland Center, Rupert, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. $25; free for kids 10 and under; preregister. SENSING THE SEASON: Nature lovers hone their observation abilities to study seasonal shifts at this self-guided outdoor stroll ending in shared discoveries. Rock Point Center, Burlington, 10:30 a.m. Free; preregister. WEEKLY BIRD WALK: Featheredfriend seekers join expert Lachlan Ziegler for a morning trek to sharpen their identification skills. Rock Point Center, Burlington, 8-10 a.m. Free; preregister.

québec

CELTIC COLOURS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL: World-class musicians from Ireland, Scotland, Brittany and beyond take to Eastern Township stages for nine sonorous days. See celtic-colours.com for lineup. Various Québec locations and times. Various prices.

sports

TWIN STATE DERBY DOUBLEHEADER: Teams go head-to-head (times two!) in an inclusive environment that aims to inspire a love for flattrack roller derby. Union Arena Community Center, Woodstock, 4 & 6 p.m. $5-15; free for kids under 5.

theater

‘BLATHER & BLAH: COUNTDOWN’: See FRI.2. ‘BLOODY JACK’: See THU.1, 2 & 7:30 p.m. ‘DAKAR 2000’: See THU.1, 2 & 7:30 p.m. ‘HATCHFORD HOTEL’: See FRI.2. ‘JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN’: See WED.30, 2 & 7:30 p.m. ‘MISERY’: See THU.1. ‘MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS’: See FRI.2. ‘WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME’: See THU.1.

words

AUDIOBOOK WALKING CLUB: Enjoying a good book becomes a collective aerobic activity as lit lovers hit the pavement for a synchronized listening experience. Phoenix Books, Rutland, 11 a.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.4

agriculture

FALL MAPLE OPEN HOUSE WEEKENDS: See SAT.3. GUIDED TOURS: See WED.30, 1-2 p.m.

dance

BALLETX: Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet company pushes the boundaries of classical technique with three bold new works. Flynn Main Stage, Burlington, 7 p.m. $24.75-63.

etc.

CEMETERY TOUR: Reenactors revive centuries of local history while members of the Fair Haven Cemetery Committee provide demonstrations of techniques to clean and repair gravestones. West Street Cemetery, Fair Haven, 2-4 p.m. Free. THE HARDWICK HOP: A FALL FOLIAGE PASSPORT: See WED.30. MASKS ON SUNDAYS: Elderly, disabled and immunocompromised folks get the museum to themselves at a masks-mandatory morning. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 9-10 a.m. Free; preregister. UVM WEEKEND: See FRI.2.

fairs & festivals

AUTUMN ON THE GREEN: Fall foliage sets the stage for a colorful showcase of local artisans, crafters and businesses, with live music, seasonal fare and kids’ activities. Danville Town Green, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. HARVEST CELEBRATION: See SAT.3. MARKET DAY: Local farmers, artisans, crafters, cooks and bakers display their offerings for a special day of shopping, eating and community building. Brookfield Old Town Hall, noon-3 p.m. Free. MOUNTAIN MADE MARKET: See SAT.3. OKEMO VALLEY FALL FOLIAGE TRAIN & POP‑UP FALL FESTIVAL: See SAT.3. RAIL CITY TATTOO CONVENTION: See SAT.3. SUCKA PUNCH GRAFFITI JAM: See FRI.2, noon-5 p.m. VERMONT SHEEP & WOOL FESTIVAL: See SAT.3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

film

See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section. ‘EVERY DAY: BIG AND SMALL’: See THU.1. Catamount Arts Center, St. Johnsbury, 4:30 & 7 p.m. $15. MET OPERA IN HD: ‘COSÌ FAN TUTTE’: The Metropolitan Opera’s production sets Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s satirical comedy of fickle young love at a boardwalk amusement park. Spaulding Auditorium, Hopkins Center for the Arts, Dartmouth

College, Hanover, N.H., 1-5 p.m. $22.

Memorial Library, Jericho, 2 p.m. Free.

‘THE MISANTHROPE’: Sandra Oh stars as a woman facing bitter backlash for speaking her mind in the workplace in this razor-sharp take on Molière’s dark comedy, filmed live on stage at the National Theatre in London. Catamount Arts Center, St. Johnsbury, 1 p.m. $6-15.

GREEN MOUNTAIN MONTEVERDI ENSEMBLE OF VERMONT: Connoisseurs of early music gather for a world-class performance of Tomas Luis de Victoria’s Requiem Mass featuring an allstar cast of vocalists. Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Burlington, 4 p.m. $15-35; preregister.

‘PENGUIN ISLAND 3D’: See THU.1.

‘WILD RESCUE 3D’: See THU.1.

LIVE IN THE ORCHARD: THE SPRING CHICKENS: An old-time string band plays hard-driving traditional Appalachian songs and danceable, upbeat tunes for all ages. Shelburne Orchards, noon. Free.

food & drink

LIVE MUSIC: See THU.1, 2:304:30 p.m.

‘SEA OTTERS: A WILD FAMILY ADVENTURE 3D’: See THU.1. ‘SHARK KINGDOM 3D’: See THU.1.

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. SUNDAY WINE TASTING: Oenophiles swirl and sip their way through a rotating selection of vinos while learning about the producers and regions behind the pours. Bar Renée, Burlington, 1-4 p.m. $5-8. 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.1, 1 p.m.

health & fitness

BURLINGTON INSIGHT MEDITATION COMMUNITY: Certified instructors lead hourlong sessions of the ancient contemplative practice rooted in compassion and generosity. Hood Plant, Burlington, 5:306:30 p.m. By donation. 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.

‘THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN’: Get ready, ’cause here they come! Pitch-perfect harmonies, dynamic choreography and eye-catching costumes hallmark this concert of hits from the high-energy pop-soul era. Chandler Center for the Arts, Randolph, 2 p.m. $34-74. MUSIC IN TROUBLED TIMES FESTIVAL: See WED.30, 2 p.m.

outdoors

THE AMAZING CORN MAZE: See WED.30. GREAT VERMONT CORN MAZE: See WED.30, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

québec

CELTIC COLOURS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL: See SAT.3.

sports

FOOTBALL ON THE BIG SCREEN: Fans don their lucky jerseys and watch the game while indulging in house-smoked barbecue, beer and other toothsome offerings. Switchback Beer Garden & Smokehouse, Burlington, noon-9 p.m. Free.

FOMO? Find even more local events in this newspaper and online:

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.

art

STEPS FOR SURVIVORS: Community members run, walk or roll — either solo or with a team — to support survivors of domestic abuse in Chittenden County. Oakledge Park, Burlington, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $3040; preregister.

See what’s playing at theaters in the On Screen section.

music

AMY DIXON-KOLAR: A singersongwriter, teacher and American Sign Language interpreter mixes traditional Celtic, blues and folk influences into catchy contemporary acoustic tunes. Deborah Rawson

Find visual art exhibits and events in the Art section and at sevendaysvt.com/art.

film music + nightlife Find club dates at local venues in the Music + Nightlife section online at sevendaysvt.com/ music. Learn more about highlighted listings in the Magnificent 7 on page 11.

= ONLINE EVENT = GET TICKETS ON SEVENDAYSTICKETS.COM

LIST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE AT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/POSTEVENT 3RD ANNUAL

SUNDAY POLO MATCH: Pack a tailgate picnic and prepare to experience the fast-paced thrill of the traditional equestrian team sport. Amdez Polo Club, Shelburne, 3 p.m. $10-20.

talks

JOHN MORRIS: In “Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Nazi Resister, Martyr,” a local educator illuminates the life and work of the Lutheran pastor and theologian. Second Congregational Church, Hyde Park, 4 p.m. Free.

theater

‘BLOODY JACK’: See THU.1, 2 p.m. ‘DAKAR 2000’: See THU.1, 2 p.m. ‘HATCHFORD HOTEL’: See FRI.2, 2 p.m. ‘JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN’: See WED.30, 5 p.m. ‘MISERY’: See THU.1, 2 p.m. ‘MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS’: See FRI.2, 3 p.m. ‘WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME’: See THU.1, 2 p.m.

words

BURLINGTON LETTER WRITING GROUP: Pen pals make their mark, swap stationery and exchange ideas at a monthly gathering honoring the lost art of thoughtful correspondence. Zero Gravity Beer Hall, Burlington, 10-11 a.m. Free. THEA LEWIS: See THU.1. Phoenix Books, Rutland, 2 p.m. Free; preregister. TILLIE WALDEN: The New York Times best-selling author and former Vermont cartoonist laureate shares her new graphic novel, Charity & Sylvia, about an openly lesbian couple in 19th-century Vermont. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 1 p.m. Free.

MON.5 etc.

THE HARDWICK HOP: A FALL FOLIAGE PASSPORT: See WED.30. MUSEUM TOURS: See WED.30. ‘PHILADELPHIA II’ OPEN HOURS: See WED.30.

film

See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section. ‘EVERY DAY: BIG AND SMALL’: See THU.1. Barton Public Library, 7 p.m. $15. ‘PENGUIN ISLAND 3D’: See THU.1. ‘SEA OTTERS: A WILD FAMILY ADVENTURE 3D’: See THU.1. ‘SHARK KINGDOM 3D’: See THU.1. ‘WILD RESCUE 3D’: See THU.1.

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.

language

LANGUAGE LOUNGE: See WED.30.

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.

TUE.6 activism

‘THE JUSTICE OF BEING HEARD: ACKNOWLEDGMENT, MEMORY & THE WORK OF PEACE’: Rerooted Archive cofounders Anoush Baghdassarian and Ani Schug address how legal strategy, oral history and community archives intersect to support human rights, conflict transformation and peace building. Axinn Center, Starr Library, Middlebury College, 7 p.m. Free; preregister.

community

outdoors

THE AMAZING CORN MAZE: See WED.30.

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.

GREAT VERMONT CORN MAZE: See WED.30.

conferences

NATURE SKETCHING: Artists of all abilities hone their observational skills by capturing the museum’s buildings, boats and plants on the page. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, 1-3 p.m. Free.

québec

CELTIC COLOURS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL: See SAT.3. ‘THE SECRET CHORD: A LEONARD COHEN EXPERIENCE’: Toronto theater company Soulpepper mounts its tribute concert showcasing the unparalleled artistry, lyricism and introspection for which Cohen was known. Sylvan Adams Theatre, Segal Centre for Performing Arts, Montréal, 7:30 p.m. $38-80.

theater

SHAKESPEARE OUT LOUD: Thespians, language lovers and listeners gather to give voice to tragic star-crossed lovers in an unstructured, open-role script reading of the Bard’s Romeo and Juliet. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 4-5:30 p.m. Free.

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. FREEDOM TO READ BOOK CLUB: Retired adjunct professor Bill Wiles helms a lively open discussion about a frequently banned title at this monthly offering. Rutland Free Library, 6-7 p.m. Free.

PANS/PANDAS 5K RUN + WALK

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.

VERMONT COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP SUMMIT: Workshops, panels, group dialogues and resources promote local engagement in community improvement. Vermont State University-Castleton, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. $25-75; preregister.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2026 · 10:00 AM BURLINGTON SURF CLUB · 50 LAKESIDE AVE · BURLINGTON, VT

A 5K with a bigger purpose. Run, walk and help children affected by PANS/PANDAS find recognition, care and hope.

COME FOR THE 5K. STAY FOR THE FUN. LIVE DJ · RACE SHIRTS · MEDALS · PRIZES · SNACKS · FAMILY FRIENDLY WWW.RUNSIGNUP.COM/Race/VT/Burlington/VermontPANDASPANS5K 4t-alexmanfullfund093026 1

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. WATERCOLOR DROP-IN: Painters bring their own supplies to a weekly, instruction-free session to brush up on their skills in a communal setting. Waterbury Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free.

To learn more, please scan code below

9/28/26 11:32 AM

Help Advance a Vaccine Study for C. diff

Adults Age 65+ Needed for a Vaccine Research Study!

environment

ACT 250 PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSION: Reps from the Vermont Land Use Review Board introduce community members to a new review criterion that goes into effect on January 1, 2028. Rutland Regional Planning Commission, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. CLEAN UP CREW: Armed with trash bags and safety gloves, volunteers gather to clear litter and other debris from community spaces. A potluck is offered at noon. Maple Tree Place, Williston, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. MINI CLEAN UP CREW: Good Samaritans turn their morning routine into civic pride by tidying up and refreshing the city’s much-loved green space. BYO TUE.6

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Having frequent doctor’s visits, a recent hospitalization, or recent antibiotic use? HELP IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A VACCINE TO PROTECT AGAINST AN INTESTINAL BACTERIAL INFECTION •

3.5 year-long study that includes screening, at least 5 clinic visits, and 3 phone visits

•

Compensation is $1320 if all visits are completed

•

Additional compensation if more visits or activities are required

Call: 802-656-0013 • Email: uvmvtc@uvm.edu Visit: uvm.edu/larnermed/mmg/vaccine-testing-center 4t-UVMDeptMed(65+Study)081226.indd 1

SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

9/9/26 1:05 PM

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gloves encouraged. Burlington City Hall Park, 8-8:30 a.m. Free. ‘PROTECTING OUR WATERSHED: UNDERSTANDING THREATS TO LAKE CHAMPLAIN’: See THU.1.

etc.

THE HARDWICK HOP: A FALL FOLIAGE PASSPORT: See WED.30. SPITFIRE SHIPWRECK VIRTUAL REALITY EXPERIENCE: See THU.1.

film

See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section. ‘EVERY DAY: BIG AND SMALL’: See 9/15/26 2:34 PM THU.1. Welden Theatre, St. Albans, 7 p.m. $15.

Construction Construction

16t-ATidyPlace091626-bw.indd 1

fest

10.3 | 10am-12pm downtown, Burlington

an event for kids of all ages Presented by

‘PENGUIN ISLAND 3D’: See THU.1. ‘SEA OTTERS: A WILD FAMILY ADVENTURE 3D’: See THU.1. ‘SHARK KINGDOM 3D’: See THU.1. ‘WILD RESCUE 3D’: See THU.1.

food & drink

GAMES GALORE: Library patrons of all ages gather for bouts of board and card games. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free.

health & fitness

BEGINNER TAI CHI: Weight transference and mindful breathing help practitioners cultivate agility through a contemporary sequence of quintessential martial arts postures. Virtual option available. Unitarian Universalist Church, Springfield, 10-11 a.m. Free.

LANGUAGE LOUNGE: See WED.30.

9/21/26 1:00 PM

say you saw it in

LIBRARY PERKS: INTRO TO TRANSPARENT LANGUAGE: Planning a trip to Italy? Interested in ASL? Learners get the information they need at this introductory class covering the basics of the library’s language courses. Fletcher Room, Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 6-7 p.m. Free. PAUSE-CAFÉ MARDI: Francophones and French-language learners meet pour parler la belle langue. Burlington Bay Market & Café, 5-7 p.m. Free.

SPANISH CONVERSATION: ¿Hablas español? Conversationalists of all SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

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7/31/24 4:41 PM

ANN WILSON: The pioneering Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee — and lead singer of legendary ’70s band Heart — brings her extraordinary vocal range and operatic power to the stage. Flynn Main Stage, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $52.75-105.25. STRUM CLUB: Musicians of all skill levels tune up for a monthly potluck and jam session. York Street Meeting House, Lyndon, 5:30 p.m. Free. 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.

outdoors

THE AMAZING CORN MAZE: See WED.30.

seminars

language

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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.

games

YOGA AS A HEALING ART: HOPE Works hosts a supportive series for survivors of sexual violence, inviting participants to explore healing through movement, meditation and discussion. 6-7:30 p.m. Free; preregister.

churchstreetmarketplace.com

music

québec

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.

Community Partners

WED.7

COOKBOOK CLUB: Culinary enthusiasts bring a dish from Alison Roman’s Something From Nothing to share, then chat about their inspiration. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 5:30-6:45 p.m. Free.

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.

Supported by

levels practice the Romance language in a stress-free environment. Pickering Room, Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Free.

CELTIC COLOURS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL: See SAT.3. ‘THE SECRET CHORD: A LEONARD COHEN EXPERIENCE’: See MON.5.

BASICS CLASS: NAMI Vermont hosts an informative weekly seminar for individuals with a loved one who is struggling with mental health. 6-8:30 p.m. Free; preregister. TENANT SKILLS WORKSHOP: The Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity brings renters up to speed on the fundamentals of tenant rights and responsibilities. Noon-1:30 p.m. Free; preregister.

tech

TECH BREAKFAST: Coffee and waffles fuel free-flowing discussion about supporting Vermont’s technology sector. Zero Gravity Beer Hall, Burlington, 8-10 a.m. Free; cost of food and drink.

words

BURLINGTON LITERATURE GROUP: Over the course of nine weeks, readers analyze Mircea Cărtărescu’s 2015 surrealist novel, Solenoid, about a high school teacher in 1970s Communist Romania who records his nightmarish daily life in a diary. 6:30-8 p.m. Free. DAVID SEDARIS: The preeminent humorist and social satirist shares witty words from his personal essays and short stories. Paramount Theatre, Rutland, 7 p.m. $36.50-46.50. ETHAN TAPPER: A celebrated Bolton author draws from his work as a forester to discuss the importance of caring for ecosystems in his new book, The Forest Year: Finding Hope in a World Worth Saving. Phoenix Books, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free; preregister. 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.

activism

agriculture

GUIDED TOURS: See WED.30. WEDNESDAYS WITH FARMER FRED: See WED.30.

business

‘FRICTION INTO TRACTION: LEADING YOUR BUSINESS WITH HEART — WITHOUT BURNING OUT THE WOMAN RUNNING IT’: Hanna Bauer, founder of HEARTnomics Enterprises, helps participants gain practical tools to stop spinning in circles, find a rhythm and move forward with momentum. Hosted by Women Business Owners Network of Vermont. Noon-1:30 p.m. Free. VERMONT WOMENPRENEURS BIZ BUZZ ZOOM: A monthly virtual networking meetup provides a space for female business owners to connect. 10-11:15 a.m. Free; preregister.

community

available. Dealer.com, Burlington, 6-7:30 p.m. Free; preregister. THE HARDWICK HOP: A FALL FOLIAGE PASSPORT: See WED.30. MUSEUM TOURS: See WED.30. ‘PHILADELPHIA II’ OPEN HOURS: See WED.30.

film

See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section. ‘EVERY DAY: BIG AND SMALL’: See THU.1. Playhouse Movie Theatre, Randolph, 7 p.m. $15. ‘MARY OLIVER: SAVED BY THE BEAUTY OF THE WORLD’: A screening of the 2026 “American Masters” documentary on the Pulitzer Prizewinning poet pairs with popcorn, book sales and a reading by Vermont poet laureate Bianca Stone. Adventure Dinner Clubhouse, Colchester, 7-9 p.m. $5-10; cash bar. VERMONT INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL PREVIEW: Cinephiles enjoy light bites and a cash bar, then sneak a peek at trailers and upcoming highlights from this year’s showcase of international, independent and local flicks. Film House, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 6:30 p.m. Free; preregister.

food & drink

COMMUNITY COOKING: See WED.30. CUPPA ON CAMPUS: See WED.30.

COFFEE & CONVERSATION: See WED.30.

DANVILLE FARMERS MARKET: See WED.30.

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.

EMPTY BOWLS DINNER: A scrumptious meal of locally made soups served in handcrafted vessels raises funds for Spectrum Youth & Family Services. Dudley H. Davis Center, University of Vermont, Burlington, 5-7:30 p.m. $80; preregister.

EAST END WALK/BIKE FORUM: Residents gather for expertguided conversations about plans for pedestrians and cyclists, including potential improvements and neighborhood support for future projects. Light refreshments provided. Schmanska Park, Burlington, 5-7 p.m. Free. VERMONT WOMEN’S MENTOR TRAINING: See WED.30.

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.30. YARN CRAFTERS GROUP: See WED.30.

dance

SQUARE DANCE CLUB: See WED.30.

environment

RAIN GARDEN WORKSHOP: After an informational presentation, representatives from the University of Vermont’s BLUE program prepare eco-minded residents to protect local waterways with hands-on guidance for developing an area to soak up rainwater runoff. Fletcher Room, Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 6-8 p.m. Free; preregistration required.

etc.

CHAMP MASTERS TOASTMASTERS CLUB: Those looking to strengthen their speaking and leadership skills gain new tools. Virtual option

MARKET ON THE GREEN: See WED.30. WED.7

» P.71

FOMO? Find even more local events in this newspaper and online:

art Find visual art exhibits and events in the Art section and at sevendaysvt.com/art.

film See what’s playing at theaters in the On Screen section.

music + nightlife Find club dates at local venues in the Music + Nightlife section online at sevendaysvt.com/ music. Learn more about highlighted listings in the Magnificent 7 on page 11.

= ONLINE EVENT = GET TICKETS ON SEVENDAYSTICKETS.COM

PHOTOS: LUKE AWTRY

AUDITIONS NOW OPEN! YOUTH TALENT SHOW FOR

VERMONT’S RISING STARS

Calling all budding performers! Do you know a singer, dancer, magician, comedian or showstopper?

Sponsored by:

DOGS/CATS/KIDS: Mocha is looking for a home where she can

be the only pet. She has experience living with children and did well with them. Visit the Humane Society of Chittenden County at 142 Kindness Court, South Burlington, Tuesday-Friday, 1-5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 802-862-0135 or visit hsccvt.org for more info.

Jobs »

NO SCAMS, ALL LOCAL, POSTINGS DAILY

NEW STUFF ONLINE EVERY DAY! PLACE YOUR ADS 24-7 AT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/CLASSIFIEDS. SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

Post ads by Monday at 3 p.m. sevendaysvt.com/classifieds Need help? 802-865-1020, ext. 143 classifieds@sevendaysvt.com

Buy y & Sell e

FURNITURE 6.5-FOOT CHRISTMAS TREE New in box, never used, 6.5 foot, pre-lit w/ twinkling LED lights. By Best Choice Products, paid $125. Selling for half price. Info, 802-578-7606. BEAUTIFUL TABLE LAMPS Never-used table lamps w/ shade, quartz base. $500 value. Mint condition. $200. Info, 802-578-7606. CLOTHING HAMPER White solid-wood clothes hamper w/ custom flat black stone top. Mint condition, never used. $200 value, selling half price/OBO. Possible accent table! Contact 802-578-7606.

VICTORIAN BENCH Sturdy, solid cherrywood Victorian bench. Brown leather w/ bottom shelf. From Ashley Furniture. $375 value, selling half price. Mint. Contact 802-578-7606. BEAUTIFUL CONTEMPORARY COFFEE TABLE Contemporary small cherrywood coffee table. Custom gray-tint glass top. $175 value, mint condition. Selling at half price, firm. Info, 802-578-7606. 2 END TABLES, SOFA TABLE & MATCHING LAMP Solid-oak wood bottom shelf w/ green verde marble top. Mint condition. $900 value; half price/OBO. Matching mint-condition lamp w/ shade, green verde marble base. $375 from Gift Barn. Half price/OBO. Info, 802-578-7606.

appt. appointment apt. apartment BA bathroom BR bedroom DR dining room DW dishwasher HDWD hardwood HW hot water LR living room NS no smoking OBO or best offer refs. references sec. dep. security deposit W/D washer & dryer EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 and similar Vermont statutes which make it illegal to advertise any preference, limitations, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, disability, presence of minor children in the family, receipt of public assistance, citizenship, immigration status, or status as a victim or survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or a discrimination. The newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for

GARAGE & ESTATE SALES ANGEL OUTFITTERS RUMMAGE SALE 216 S. Main St., Hardwick. Oct. 1, 3, 6, 8 & 10, 9 a.m.-4 p.m; Oct. 2 & 9, noon-7 p.m. Winter & summer clothing, mostly all just 50 cents!

Musicians M cians & Ar Artists ts

MUSICIANS & HOME & GARDEN BANDS BRAND-NEW PATIO UMBRELLAS Tilt/crank operation, light gray, never used. Comes w/ solid black iron umbrella stand. $350 value, selling at half price/OBO. Info, 802-578-7606.

Community C ommunity mmuni y

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CLASSIFIEDS KEY

Buy & Sell, Community, Musicians & Artists, Vehicles 1-week combo: $12 All print combos include 2-week combo: $22 30 days free online! 4-week combo: $42

SLAVIC LIFE Th e Slavic Life Movement is an organization dedicated to the preservation & evolution of Slavic culture.

VOLUNTEERS WE’RE BUILDING THE NEXT CHAPTER FOR WOLCOTT Can you help? Info, wolcottcommunity trust.org.

➆

real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. Any home seeker who feels they have encountered discrimination should contact: HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity 10 Causeway St., Boston, MA 02222-1092 1-800-669-9777 hud.gov/reporthousingdiscrimination — OR — Vermont Human Rights Commission 12 Baldwin St. Montpelier, VT 05633-0633 800-416-2010 human.rights@vermont.gov

SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

SINGER NEEDED Rock band looking for singer. Ready to play out. We have jam space/recording, all equipment. Contact 802-793-4940.

MUSIC LESSONS

porches front & back. Large fenced-in yard. Gas heat. Very clean. NS. Private parking. HDWD, new windows. Pictures upon request. $1,500. For more information, call, text or email: 802-355-4099, skyhorse205@yahoo. com.

HOUSEMATES NEK HOMESHARE Wanted: someone interested in spending a winter in Vermont’s rural Upper Kingdom, sharing a house w/ an off-grid solar system, heated primarily w/ wood, connected to a spotty internet hookup,

& in the company of an old blue heeler & a healthy-looking, 81-year-old writer who is living w/ an energydraining, slow-moving, incurable blood cancer. Requirements incl. a reliable rig w/ good tires, an easygoing personality & a commitment to stay the winter through Mar. Rent affordable & negotiable; options incl. renting the entire house at winter’s end w/ an option to buy. Contact Paul at 802-467-8338 or paul@ bartonchronicle.com. Also can be reached at POB 397, Island Pond, VT 05846.

REAL ESTATE »

Rentals & Real Estate 1-week combo: $25 2-week combo: $45 4-week combo: $85

Services 1-week combo: $15 2-week combo: $25 4-week combo: $45

Buying or Selling this Fall? Let’s make it happen!

Robbi Handy Holmes • 802-951-2128 robbihandyholmes@vtregroup.com Client focused Making it happen for you!

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LEARN PIANO ON A STEINWAY GRAND Piano lessons avail. for beginner through advanced players. All ages & all genres of music. I have 20 years’ teaching experience & am at a new South End piano studio. Be in touch! Info, randal. pierce@gmail.com, randalpiercemusic.com.

9/1/25 12:34 PM

Rentals R e als & R al Est Real Estate Esta

APARTMENTS & HOUSES FOR RENT ST. ALBANS DUPLEX FOR RENT Comfortable, unfurnished 2-BR/1BA duplex avail. immediately. Features incl.: 2-BR, 1 full BA, W/D, off-street parking for 2 vehicles, private backyard. Trash, water & sewer incl. No pets. Located in a convenient St. Albans neighborhood within walking distance to shops, restaurants, schools, parks & transportation. $1,750. Info, onsitepropvt@gmail.com. RICHMOND DUPLEX RENTAL 5 rooms, 2-BR, 2-BA. Porches, yard, own driveway. Appliances & heat incl. in rent. $2,200/mo. No pets, NS. Avail. Oct. 10. Info, 802-434-2412. COZY 1-BR APT. FOR RENT IN WINOOSKI Unfurnished 1-BR apt. for rent w/ enclosed

For more information about these properties, visit us online at www.getahome.org/find-a-home/ or call 802.861-7373

Seven Days | 1/3 page ad | for 9.30.26

3v-ChamplainHousingTrust093026 1

9/24/26 3:46 PM

Calcoku SEVENDAYSVT.COM/CLASSIFIEDS »

Using the enclosed math operations as a guide, fill the grid using the numbers 1 - 6 only once in each row and column.

3÷

2÷

Show and tell. Sudoku View and post up to

numbers 1-9 only once in each row, column and 3 x 3 box.

2 6

1 6

14+

9 6 2-

1 9 8

2 6 8 5

BY JOSH REYNOLDS

DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK: HHH

Fill the grid using the numbers 1-6, only once in each row and column. The numbers in each heavily outlined “cage” must combine to produce the target number in the top corner, using the mathematical operation indicated. A one-box cage should be filled in with the target number in the top corner. A number can be repeated within a cage as long as it is not the same row or column.

Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column 5 square 9 contains 3 2 all6 of 1 down and7each89-box the numbers one to nine. The same numbers 1 3 2 7 4 6 8 5 cannot be repeated in a row or column.

crossword 4 6 1 2 5 3

Try these online news games from Seven Days at sevendaysvt.com/games.

Put your knowledge of Vermont news to the test.

Difficulty: Hard

SUDOKU

BY JOSH REYNOLDS

WANT MORE PUZZLES?

8 7

Difficulty - Hard

CALCOKU

There’s no limit to ad length online.

NEW ON FRIDAYS:

Extra! Extra!

Post & browse ads Complete the following puzzle by using the at your convenience. 6 photos per ad online.

10x 1-

Open 24/7/365.

4 9 4 9 6 5 1 8 7 3 2 ANSWERS ON P.76 3 5 H8H = CHALLENGING 2 9 7 1HH4H = 6HOO, BOY! H = MODERATE 9 7 4 6 8 1 5 2 3 6 2 1 4 5 3 9 8 7 DOING PUBLIC RELATIONS 8 »6 7 3 2 5 4 9 1 ANSWERS ON P. 76 5 4 3 1 7 9 2 6 8 2 1 9 8 6 4 3 7 5

See how fast you can solve this weekly 10-word puzzle.

say you saw it in

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SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

7/31/24 4:41 PM

HOME SERVICES Repairing or replacing appliances & home systems such as heating & cooling can be costly. A home warranty plan can help. Start saving & get 30 percent off any plan today. Workmanship guarantee incl. Terms apply. Call Cinch Home Services: 1-844-4151477. (AAN CAN)

OVER 425 FIREARMS!

ACT 250 NOTICE MINOR APPLICATION 4C1368 10 V.S.A. §§ 6000 – 6111 Application 4C1368 from St. George Community Cooperative, P.O. Box 1201, Williston, VT 05495 was received on July 24, 2026 and deemed complete on September 21, 2026. The project is generally described as construction of a stormwater treatment practice at a pre-existing manufactured housing community to meet the Vermont Stormwater Rules. The project includes construction of a subsurface gravel wetland, improvement of existing roadside swales, construction of new roadside swales, replacement and improvement of existing driveway culverts, and installation of new driveway culverts to direct runoff from the community to the gravel wetland. The project is located on Hemlock Road in Saint George, 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 “4C1368.”

For more information contact Stephanie H. Monaghan at the address or telephone number below.

Dated this September 22, 2026. By: /s/ Stephanie Monaghan Stephanie Monaghan District Coordinator 111 West Street Essex Junction, VT 05452 802-261-1944 stephanie.monaghan@vermont.gov

PROPOSALS TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF VERMONT

8 5 2-9 3 2 27 9 6 5 14+ 15 8 2 7 4 7+6 2 1 5+4 6 7 3 4 3 1 1 9 8

2÷ 7 3-1 4 8+ 3 9 6 8 5 2

3 3 4 1 9 8 5 2 7 6

6 5 4 3 1

4 3 1 5 2

2 1-6 1 4 6 8 5 9 8 7 3 2 27 1 4 6 1 4-5 22- 3 3 9 8 7 5 4 9 1 Difficulty - Hard 9 2 6 8 4 3 7 5

3÷

10x

Using the enclosed math operations as a guide, fill the grid using the numbers 1 - 6 only once in each row and column.

Calcoku

Difficulty: Hard

SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

PLACE AN AFFORDABLE NOTICE AT: SEVENDAYSVT.COM/LEGAL-NOTICES OR CALL 802-865-1020, EXT. 121.

BID NOW!

Legal Notices

No hearing will be held and a permit may be issued unless, on or before October 19, 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 Preview by Appt. During Business Hours or: request a hearing. Any hearing request must be in PREVIEW FOR BOTH: Mon.|Oct. 19 | 11AM-1PM writing, must state the criteria or sub-criteria at LOCATION: 131 Dorset Lane, Williston, VT issue, why a hearing is required, and what additional evidence will be presented at the hearing. Any hearing request by an adjoining property owner THCAuction.com • 802-888-4662 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 12v-hirchakbrotheres093026 1 9/25/26 12:26 PMparty 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.

PUZZLE ANSWERS FROM P.75

FALL FIREARMS (1756) & SPORTING GOODS (1757) Firearms Auction Closes: Tues. | Oct. 20 | 10AM Sporting Goods Auction Closes: Wed. | Oct. 21 | 10AM

HOME INTERNET Connect to the best wireless home internet w/ EarthLink. Enjoy speeds from 5G &

TAX WORRIES? End your tax worries today. Let us make your tax problem our priority. Scared, stuck w/ high tax amounts? Our A+ tax professionals can help. Call for a free consultation. Call Priority Tax now: 1- 855-496-0514. (AAN CAN)

PSYCHOTHERAPY FOR COUPLES & INDIVIDUALS Immediate openings for individuals & couples. Skip the wait list. Secure statewide telehealth or in-person in Burlington. Blue Cross Blue Shield & Medicaid accepted for individuals. Couples self-pay only $200. Take the 1st step today. Call or text 802-777-5499 or visit rachelkling.com.

GOT AN UNWANTED CAR??? DONATE IT TO PATRIOTIC HEARTS Fast, free pickup. Patriotic Hearts’

ELECTRONICS

STRUGGLING W/ CREDIT CARD DEBT? If you owe $10,000+, we can help you become debt-free in 24-48 mos. Make 1 monthly affordable payment. Get help now! Call 1-877-895-5782. (AAN CAN)

POWER OUTAGES? Prepare for power outages today w/ a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a free 5-year warranty w/ qualifying purchase. Call 1-866-381-0627 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. (AAN CAN)

CADILLAC SRX-4 CROSSOVER 3.6L, black exterior, black leather interior. Premium package. Michelin tires. Mint condition, 125K highway miles. Serviced at Handy’s Cadillac. $14,995/OBO. Info, 802-578-7606.

VEHICLE

Services rv es

FINANCIAL & LEGAL

CLINICAL SUPERVISION & SUPERVISED BILLING Immediate statewide openings for prelicensed professionals or practices seeking operational backing. Tailored guidance from an experienced Burlington-based provider. Call or text 802-777-5499 today to discuss your clinical track or visit rachelkling.com.

HOME BREAK-INS take less than 60 seconds. Don’t wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets now for as little as 70 cents a day. Call 1-877-864-3209. (AAN CAN)

CARS & TRUCKS

Vehicles

VERGENNES AREA, SEEKING JUN. 2027 RENTAL Multigenerational family of 8 seeks budget-friendly short-term rental in Vergennes area, Jun. 4-30, 2027. Minimum 2-BR. Apt., house, camp or RV accepted. Offering $1,500/OBO. Contact kathy.bartlett254@ gmail.com.

POTWIN EPOXY Tired of that old cement floor? Let Potwin Epoxy put down a new finish on it. Call Tyler Potwin for details & options: 802-236-6189.

programs help veterans find work or start their own business. Call 24-7: 1-877-318-7973. (AAN CAN)

VACATION RENTALS

AUDIEN HEARING The world’s 1st hearing aid w/ touchscreen controls. No tiny buttons, apps or prescriptions. 45-day risk-free trial. Free shipping. Lifetime support. More than 1.5 million happy customers. Call Audien: 1-833-689-4423. (AAN CAN)

HOME & GARDEN

[CONTINUED]

ALL YOUR ENTERTAINMENT Nothing on your roof! Sign up for DIRECTV & get your 1st 3 mos. of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ & Cinemax incl. Choice package, $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-855-6064520. (AAN CAN)

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Rentals R e als & R al Est Real Estate Esta

4G LTE networks, no contracts, easy installation, & data plans up to 300 GB. Call 855-873-2215. (AAN CAN)

The Vermont General Assembly is proposing voters amend the Constitution of the State of Vermont as follows: Proposal 3: This proposal would amend the Constitution of the State of Vermont to provide that the citizens of the State have a right to collectively bargain. Article 2* of Chapter I of the Vermont Constitution is added to read: Article 2*. [Right to collectively bargain] That employees have a right to organize or join a labor organization for the purpose of collectively bargaining with their employer through an exclusive representative of their choosing for the purpose of negotiating wages, hours, and working conditions and to protect their economic welfare and safety in

SEVENDAYSVT.COM/CLASSIFIEDS

the workplace. Therefore, no law shall be adopted that interferes with, negates, or diminishes the right of employees to collectively bargain with respect to wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment and workplace safety, or that prohibits the application or execution of an agreement between an employer and a labor organization representing the employer’s employees that requires membership in the labor organization as a condition of employment. Proposal 4: This proposal would amend the Constitution of the State of Vermont to specify that the government must not deny equal treatment and respect under the law on account of a person’s race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or national origin. Article 2* of Chapter I of the Vermont Constitution is added to read:

All bids will be opened on Friday, October 9th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. We will notify all parties of the results. We will then review bids and recommend the lowest responsive bidder to the Jericho Selectboard for approval. Please direct any questions to Paula Hollstein, Assistant Town Administrator, at 899-9970 ext. 3 or email phollstein@jerichovt.gov. STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT PROBATE DIVISION CHITTENDEN UNIT DOCKET NO.:25-PR-07201 IN RE: ESTATE OF CHRISTOPHER J. MURPHY NOTICE TO CREDITORS

That the people are guaranteed equal protection under the law. The State shall not deny equal treatment under the law on account of a person’s race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or national origin. Nothing in this Article shall be interpreted or applied to prevent the adoption or implementation of measures intended to provide equality of treatment and opportunity for members of groups that have historically been subject to discrimination.

To the creditors of: Christopher J. Murphy, late of Colchester, Vermont

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY PROPOSED FLOOD HAZARD DETERMINATIONS FOR CHITTENDEN COUNTY, VERMONT (ALL JURISDICTIONS)

Dated: September 20, 2026 /s/Kathleen Stanfield, Administratrix c/o Harry C. Parker, Esq. Parker Law, PLLC 38 Community Lane, Suite 4 South Hero, VT 05486 802-372-6904 harry@parkerlawvt.com

TOWN OF JERICHO BID ANNOUNCEMENT RE: JERICHO SIDEWALK SNOW REMOVAL The Town of Jericho is seeking sealed bids for Sidewalk Snow Removal Services for a two-year contract starting November 2, 2026, through March 31, 2027, and November 1, 2027, through March 31, 2028 (a 2-year bid- for the winter season (maps and scope of work are posted on our website https://www.jerichovt.gov/314/ RFPs-and-Contract-Bids). All bids must be received by 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 9th, 2026, in the Jericho Town Administrator’s office. Bids may be mailed to Town of Jericho, Attn: Sidewalk Snow Removal, PO Box 39, Jericho, VT 05465. All bids must be sealed.

View and post up to 6 photos per ad online.

Bids must meet the requirements of the Jericho Sidewalk Snow Removal Services Scope of Work and include a description of all equipment the bidder has available for clearing and sanding/ salting.

Article 2*. [Equality of rights]

The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued a preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), and where applicable, Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report, reflecting proposed flood hazard determinations within Chittenden County, Vermont (All Jurisdictions). These flood hazard determinations may include the addition or modification of Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations, or the regulatory floodway. Technical information or comments are solicited on the proposed flood hazard determinations shown on the preliminary FIRM and/or FIS report for Chittenden County, Vermont (All Jurisdictions). These flood hazard determinations are the basis for the floodplain management measures that your community is required to either adopt or show evidence of being already in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. However, before these determinations are effective for floodplain management purposes, you will be provided an opportunity to appeal the proposed information. For information on the statutory 90-day period provided for appeals, as well as a complete listing of the communities affected and the locations where copies of the FIRM are available for review, please visit FEMA’s website at https://www.floodmaps.fema.gov/ fhm/BFE_Status/bfe_main.asp or call the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) toll free at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627).

Show and tell.

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 this 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.

Name of Publication: Seven Days Publication Date: 09/30/2026 Probate Court: 175 Main Street Burlington, VT 05401 INVITATION TO BID SIDEWALK PLOW WITH ATTACHMENTS The City of Essex Junction, Vermont, is accepting sealed bids for a Sidewalk Plow With Attachments. Sealed bids shall be received at the City Manager’s Office, 2 Lincoln Street, Essex Junction, Vermont 05452 until 1:00 PM (local time) on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Information for bidders and bid forms may be obtained, without charge, by emailing Jeffrey P. Kershner, P.E., President, Donald L. Hamlin Consulting Engineers, Inc. at jkershner@dlhce. com. Prospective bidders will be added to the Bidders List and will be provided with the Bidding Documents and Specifications for a Sidewalk Plow with Attachments. Prospective bidders must be on the Bidders List to receive the Bidding Documents and be eligible to submit a bid. Bids will be publicly opened and read at 1:00 PM (local time) on Thursday, October 15, 2026 in the first-floor meeting room at the City of Essex Junction offices located at 2 Lincoln Street in Essex Junction, Vermont 05452. The City of Essex Junction, through its City Manager, reserves the right to waive any informalities in, or reject any and all bids, in whole or in part, or to accept any bid deemed to be in the best interest of the City of Essex Junction. AUCTION – MOBILE HOME Sale Date & Location: Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. – Triple L Mobile Home Park, Lot #61, 2173 North Road in Hinesburg, VT. For more info. call (802) 860-9536. 1997 Commadore Sandpiper, 14’ x 80’, Min. bid $18,581.06

Open 24/7/365. Post & browse ads at your convenience.

Extra! Extra! There’s no limit to ad length online.

Must be moved 5 days after sale. Auctioneer: Uriah Wallace – Lic. #057-0002460

Vermont Housing and Conservation Board to use the CPF funds.

NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS STATE OF VERMONT

Objections to Release of Funds

September 30, 2026 Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development Grace Vinson, Environmental Officer 1 National Life Drive Montpelier, Vermont 05620 (802) 622- 4336 Request for Release of Funds These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board and the State of Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development (Agency). On or about October 16, 2026, the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development (the Agency) will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Community Project Funding (CPF) funds under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L 117-328), to undertake a project known as the Sunset Lake Cooperative Infrastructure Improvement Project for the purpose of replacing and upgrading drinking water and wastewater infrastructure to help preserve affordable housing. The project is located at 60 Jourdan Street, Hinesburg, VT 05461. The total estimated cost of the project is approximately $3.8MM, which includes $1,459,500 (ANR ARPA HH), $250,000 (VHCB), $250,000 (VHCB HUD Community Project Funding, B-23CP-VT-1500), and $1,030,599 (HUD PRICE funding, B-23-PR-25-0002). There are no mitigation factors. Finding of No Significant Impact The Agency, Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR), which will be made available to the public for review either electronically or by U.S. mail. Please submit your request by U.S. mail to Environmental Officer, Department of Housing and Community Development, National Life Building, One National Life Drive, Davis Building 6th floor, Montpelier, Vermont 05620 or via email at Grace.Vinson@ vermont.gov. Public Comments Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Agency, Attn: Environmental Officer, Agency of Commerce and Community Development, Department of Housing and Community Development, One National Life Drive, Davis Building, 6th Floor, Montpelier, Vermont, 05620, or via email at grace.vinson@ vermont.gov. All comments received by October 15, 2026, will be considered by the Department prior to authorizing a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing. Environmental Certification The Agency is certifying to HUD that Ann Kroll, in their official capacity as Director of Federal Programs, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. The Agency’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows

HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the Agency’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the Agency; (b) the Agency has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed HUD by email at CPDRROFBOS@hud.gov or by mail at Thomas P. O’Neill, Jr. Federal Building, 10 Causeway Street, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02222. Responsible Entity Certifying Officer: Ann Karlene Kroll, Director of Federal Programs, Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT PROBATE DIVISION CHITTENDEN UNIT DOCKET NO.:26-PR-04936 In re ESTATE of William D. Symmes NOTICE TO CREDITORS To the creditors of: William D. Symmes, late of Charlotte, Vermont I have been appointed to administer this estate. All creditors having claims against the decedent or the estate must present their claims in writing within four (4) months of the date of the first publication of this notice. The claim must be presented to me at the address listed below with a copy sent to the Court. The claim may be barred forever if it is not presented within the four (4) month period. Dated: Friday, September 25, 2026 Signature of Fiduciary: /s/ Leslie Nepp Executor/Administrator: Leslie Nepp Mailing Address: c/o Langrock Sperry & Wool, LLP 210 College Street, Suite 400 Burlington, Vermont 05401 United States Phone Number: (802) 864-0217 Email: akestner@langrock.com Name of Publication: Seven Days Publication Date: 09/30/2026 Name of Probate Court: Chittenden Probate Court Address of Probate Court: 175 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05401 CITY OF ESSEX JUNCTION DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD PUBLIC HEARING THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15TH, 2026 6:30 P.M. This meeting will be held in person at Lincoln Hall, 2 Lincoln Street in the Meeting Room and remotely via Zoom. The meeting will be live-streamed on Town Meeting TV. • JOIN ONLINE:Visit www.essexjunction.org/DRB for meeting connection information. • JOIN BY TELEPHONE: Dial 1(888) 788-0099 (toll free) Meeting ID: 839 2599 0985 Passcode: 940993 PUBLIC MEETING Design Review and Historic Preservation for

SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

LEGALS » 77

Legal Notices [CONTINUED] change of siding material/color and change in trim color at 10-12 Pearl Street in the VC District, by Chris and Chelsea Russell d.b.a. BCWW Properties, owners. PUBLIC HEARING Appeal of administrative determination requiring relocation or visibility modification of a nontransparent stockade fence constructed within the front setback along Maple Street at 1 Mansfield Avenue in the R2 District by Gail Boundy, owner. This DRAFT agenda may be amended. Plan documents will be available on www.essexjunction. org/DRB five days prior to the meeting. Any questions re: above please call Chris Yuen or Terry Hass – 802-878-6944 TOWN OF RICHMOND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD MEETING AGENDA OCTOBER 14, 2026, AT 7:00-9:00 PM THIS IS A HYBRID MEETING WITH ON-SITE/REMOTE ACCOMMODATIONS. Join In Person: 3rd Floor Room A, 203 Bridge Street, Richmond, VT 05477.

PLACE AN AFFORDABLE NOTICE AT: SEVENDAYSVT.COM/LEGAL-NOTICES OR CALL 802-865-1020, EXT. 142.

Join Electronically via Zoom: https://us02web. zoom.us/j/89057870483. Join by Phone Call: +1 (305) 224-1968 (US) // Meeting ID: 890 5787 0483. Materials: https://www.richmondvt.gov/calendar/ meeting/development-review-board-10-14-26. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: 1. AP2026-003. Chelsye & Trevor Brooks. Parcel ID: JR1330. Continued Hearing. Appellants challenge administrative subdivision approval to the Landowner of 1330 Jericho Road for alleged noncompliance with the subdivision and zoning regulations. 2. VA2026-001. Kenan Heco and Lejla Merina. Parcel ID: AP0020. Continued Hearing. Variance request from front setback requirements at 20 Apple Tree Lane, located in the Agricultural Residential Zoning District and Greystone Estates Neighborhood. 3. SB2026-003. Danny Peet. Parcel ID: JR1925. Applicant has two requests; to gain approval for (1) upgrading minor portions of Mary Drive from driveway to rural road standards, and (2) a building envelope on Lot 12 of the Sadlar Meadow subdivision, an interior “deferred” lot.

Support Groups A CIRCLE OF MEN The ManKind Project (MKP), a 4-decade-old international organization focused on self awareness, personal growth & community service, holds space for men in meetings online, in person, & at trainings & events. Founded in 1984, MKP is nonreligious, nonpolitical, & aims to help men of all backgrounds live w/ integrity, authenticity & accountability. Info, 802-770-2664, runninghungrydog@gmail.com, mankindproject. org. A CIRCLE OF PARENTS SUPPORT GROUPS Please join our professionally facilitated peer-led support groups designed to share our questions, concerns & struggles, as well as our resources & successes! Contribute to our discussion of the unique but shared experience of parenting. For more info or to register, please contact Heather at hniquette@pcavt.org, 802-498-0607, pcavt.org/ family-support-programs. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, that’s ours. Call the Vermont statewide anonymous hotline: 802-802-2288. Alcoholics Anonymous holds daily meetings all over Vermont, both in person & online. For meetings & events throughout Vermont, see aavt.org. ANXIETY RELIEF GROUP Anxiety Relief Group is a safe setting for relaxing & exploring your feelings w/ others through gentle socialization & self-expression, building up what makes you centered & strong. Wed., 4-5:30 p.m. Online. Email us for the Zoom link & more info: morgansplace@pathwaysvermont.org. BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT GROUP Vermont Center for Independent Living offers virtual monthly meetings, held on the 3rd Wed. of every mo., 1-2:30 p.m. The support group will offer valuable resources & info about brain injury. It will be a place to share experiences in a safe, secure & confidential environment. To join, email Linda Meleady at lindam@vcil.org & ask to be put on the TBI mailing list. Info: 800-639-1522.

BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR DRAGON BOAT TEAM Looking for a fun way to do something active & health-giving? Want to connect w/ other breast cancer survivors? Come join Dragonheart Vermont. We are a breast cancer survivor & supporter dragon boat team who paddle together in Burlington. Please contact us at info@dragonheartvermont. org for info. CHARLOTTE ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP Free. No registration req. Are you caring for someone w/ Alzheimer’s? Do you know someone who is? Please join us for our monthly Caregivers Support Group at the Charlotte Senior Center, 212 Ferry Rd., on the 2nd Wed. of each mo., 3-4 p.m. The meetings provide a safe place for caregivers, family & friends of persons w/ dementia to meet & develop a mutual support system. For additional information, please contact Louise Fairbank: louisefairbank67@gmail.com. CONVERSATIONS ABOUT SUICIDE Conversations About Suicide is a judgment-free & open space to talk about personal experiences of suicidal ideation. The group is facilitated by peer support staff w/ lived experience of suicidality. Thu., 3:45-4:45 p.m., at Morgan’s Place, 50 S. Willard St., Burlington. Email us for more info: morgansplace@pathwaysvermont. org, pathwaysvermont.org/programs/ peersupportcenter. FCA FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP Families Coping With Addiction (FCA) is an open community peer support group for adults (18+) struggling w/ the drug or alcohol addiction of a loved one. FCA is not 12-step-based but provides a forum for those living the family experience, in which to develop personal coping skills & to draw strength from one another. Our group meets every Wed., 5:30-6:30 p.m., live in person in the conference room at the Turning Point Center of Chittenden County (179 S. Winooski Ave., Burlington), &/or via our parallel Zoom session to accommodate those who cannot attend in person. The Zoom link can be found on the Turning Point Center website (turningpointcentervt.org) using the “Family Support” tab (click on “What We Offer”).

SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

4. CU2026-005. Ryan Shanley. Parcel ID: JB1002. Applicant seeks conditional use approval for an accessory, professional office use (psychotherapy) at 1002 Johnnie Brook Road, located in the Agricultural Residential Zoning District. 5. SB2026-004. Matthew Dyer and Heather Chadwick. Parcel ID: EM0617. Applicants seek approval for a two-lot subdivision of 617 East Main Street, located in the Agricultural Residential Zoning District. A combined preliminary and final review has also been requested. Note: participation in any of the preceding hearing(s) is prerequisite to the right to appeal. BURLINGTON CITY COUNCIL OPENINGS BURLINGTON CITY COMMISSIONS/BOARDS CSWD – alternate Term Expires 5/31/28 One Opening Church Street Marketplace Commission Term Expires 6/30/29 One Opening Design Advisory Board – alternate Term Expires 6/30/29 One Opening Development Review Board – alt Term Expires 6/30/27 One Opening Development Review Board – alt Term Expires 6/30/29 One Opening

Vehicle for Hire Licensing Board Term Expires 6/30/28 One Opening Winooski Valley Park District Term Expires 6/30/27 One Opening Applications may be submitted to the Clerk/ Treasurer’s Office, 149 Church Street, 2nd Floor, Burlington, VT 05401, Attn: Lori with the deadline date for submission being Wednesday, November 4, 2026, no later than 4:30 p.m. If you have any questions please contact Lori at (802) 865-7136 or via email lolberg@burlingtonvt. gov. Appointments will be made at the November 9, 2026 City Council and City Council With Mayor Presiding Meetings. The City of Burlington encourages persons from diverse backgrounds to apply to serve on boards, commissions and committees. The City is committed to providing equal opportunity to all persons without regard to political affiliation, race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual preference, national origin, disability or any other non-merit factor.

CONTACT CLASSIFIEDS@SEVENDAYSVT.COM OR 802-865-1020 EXT. 115 TO UPDATE YOUR SUPPORT GROUP

Any questions, please send by email to tdauben@ aol.com. HARD OF HEARING SUPPORT GROUP New support group for the hard of hearing. Beginning Mon., Sep. 14, 3-4:30 p.m., in the Quiet Reading Room at the South Burlington Public Library on Market Street. Please join us to share technology, struggles & coping strategies in your hearing-loss adventures. Group will be on the first Mon. of the mo. & the following Mon. if on a holiday. Info, 802-999-8005, buffett402@aol.com. HEARING VOICES SUPPORT GROUP This Hearing Voices Group seeks to find understanding of voice-hearing experiences as real lived experiences that may happen to anyone at any time. We choose to share experiences, support & empathy. We validate anyone’s experience & stories about their experience as their own, as being an honest & accurate representation of their experience, & as being acceptable exactly as they are. Tue., 2:30-4 p.m. Morgan’s Place, 50 S. Willard St., Burlington. Email us for more information: morgansplace@ pathwaysvermont.org, pathwaysvermont.org/ programs/peersupportcenter. KINDRED CONNECTIONS PROGRAM OFFERED FOR CHITTENDEN COUNTY CANCER SURVIVORS The Kindred Connections program provides peer support for all those touched by cancer. Cancer patients, as well as caregivers, are provided w/ a mentor who has been through the cancer experience & knows what it’s like to go through it. In addition to sensitive listening, Kindred Connections provides practical help such as rides to doctors’ offices & meal deliveries. The program has people who have experienced a wide variety of cancers. For further info, please contact info@vcsn.net. LIVING THROUGH LOSS The Volunteer Chaplaincy Program of Gifford Medical Center sponsors a weekly meeting of its “Living Through Loss” grief support group. Anyone who has experienced a significant loss over the past year or so is warmly invited to attend the free weekly meetings every Fri., 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. For info, contact the Rev. Tim Eberhardt, Gifford’s spiritual care coordinator, at 802-728-2107.

MYELOMA SUPPORT GROUP Area myeloma survivors, families & caregivers have come together to form a Multiple Myeloma Support Group. We provide emotional support, resources about treatment options, coping strategies & a support network by participating in the group experience w/ people who have been through similar situations. 3rd Tue. of every mo., 5-6 p.m., on Zoom. Info: Kay Cromie, 655-9136, kgcromey@aol.com. NARCANON BURLINGTON GROUP Group meets every Mon. at 7 p.m., at the Turning Point Center, 179 S. Winooski Ave., Suite 301, Burlington. The only requirement for membership is that there be a problem of addiction in a relative or friend. Info: Amanda H., 338-8106. NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS Narcotics Anonymous is a group of recovering addicts who live without the use of drugs. It costs nothing to join. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using. Held in Burlington, St Albans, Morrisville, Barre & Stowe. Info, 833-4366166 or cvana.org. PARKINSON’S MUTUAL AID GROUP For individuals & caregivers dealing w/ the challenges of Parkinson’s, we meet to share resources & practical ideas for improving quality of life. This inperson group is free & open to the public. Every 2nd Tue. of the mo., 2-3 p.m., at the Old Meeting House, 1620 Center Rd., East Montpelier. Please contact admin@oldmeetinghouse.org or 802-229-9593. RECOVERY DHARMA Recovery Dharma uses Buddhist practices & principles to help people recover from all kinds of addictions & addictive behaviors. This peer-led, nontheistic group offers opportunities to deepen understanding, explore personal inquiry & connect w/ others. We meet every Wed., 6-7 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church in Burlington (the Red Door Church, 21 Buell St.). Enter through the administrative office door (at far left when viewed from Buell St.). We also meet on Thu., 1-2 p.m., at the Turning Point Center, 179 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington. No meditation experience required; all are welcome. Email rd.burlington.vt@gmail.com for more info.

79 SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

ATTENTION RECRUITERS: POST YOUR JOBS AT: PRINT DEADLINE: FOR RATES & INFO:

JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM/POST-A-JOB NOON ON MONDAYS (INCLUDING HOLIDAYS) GILLIAN COMITO, 802-341-3060 GCOMITO@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

YOUR TRUSTED LOCAL SOURCE. JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM

2027 Legislative Intern Interested in Vermont’s legislative process and policies on climate, housing, community planning, transportation, environmental justice, water, forests, and wildlife? We’re 2h-CVCOA092326 1 9/21/26 1:08 PM SEE THE HEART OF THE MATTER seeking a paid Legislative Intern to assist VNRC and our partners, Ben & Jerry’s is hiring a Senior Consumer Services Echocardiographer at Northeastern Vermont Conservation Voters and Associate in South Burlington, VT. Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) the Vermont Planners Association, track legislation in the Vermont State Help patients see the full picture of their heart This isn’t your typical customer service role. As a key voice House, January to April 2027. health while building a rewarding career in the heart of Ben & Jerry’s, you’ll connect directly with fans across the U.S. of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. NVRH is seeking an Echocardiographer and Canada, helping to answer questions, solve problems, and Visit vnrc.org/join-our-team to join our Diagnostic Imaging team. Perform diagnostic cardiac ultrasound create positive experiences that reflect our values and our brand. to learn more and apply. studies, collaborate with physicians and care teams, and make a meaningful This role is best suited for someone with experience in a call impact on patient care every day. center, contact center, consumer affairs, or customer care envi-

SENIOR CONSUMER SERVICES ASSOCIATE

RDCS or RCS certification required • BLS required • Minimum of one (1) year of echocardiography experience required

ronment where balancing conversations across phone, email, and chat is part of the daily rhythm. Alongside consumer interactions, you’ll manage projects, investigate issues, and work across teams to help continuously improve the consumer experience.

Why NVRH?

We’re looking for someone who:

Excellent benefits • Competitive pay • Student loan repayment Tuition reimbursement • Generous PTO • 401(k) match

• Loves helping people and building meaningful connections

9/29/26 10:34 AM Qualifications:

THE GRIND GOT YOU DOWN?

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• Has experience in a call center, contact center, consumer affairs, customer care, or similar high-volume consumer support environment

Apply today: nvrh.org/careers

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Perk up!

Water Utility Technician

7/24/26 11:10 AM

• Stays calm and solution-oriented when handling complex questions, concerns, or escalations

The Water Utility Technician performs scheduled and non-scheduled maintenance and general repair in all areas of the District facilities, i.e., plant, pump stations, garage, grounds, storage tanks, underground vaults, and water distribution and transmission systems. Employee is responsible for the reading of the CWD master meters within the CWD transmission system. Candidate must have a strong mechanical aptitude and possess skills in mechanical repairs and maintenance. Corrective and preventative maintenance in a water related field highly desired. WAGE: $27.53/hour EDUCATION: Minimum of a high school education or equivalent. LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: Employee shall possess or be eligible to obtain a State of Vermont Class D Water System Operator’s Certificate as required by the Vermont Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division. Valid State of Vermont Driver’s License, with the ability to meet the insurability criteria of the District’s insurance carrier. Apply: ruchel.sthilaire@champlainwater.gov

Browse 100+ new job postings from trusted, local employers.

Daysvt

Visit us at Facebook/sevendaysjobs latest postings

jobs.sevendaysvt.com 4t-ChamplainWaterDistrict093026.indd 1

• Communicates with empathy, professionalism, and confidence across phone, email, and digital channels

9/25/26 3:19 PM

• Thrives in a fast-paced environment, balancing consumer interactions with projects and competing priorities • Enjoys collaborating across teams and taking ownership from inquiry to resolution • Brings strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple workstreams at once In return, you’ll join an iconic Vermont company known for its commitment to social impact, great people, and of course, great ice cream. Full-Time • Year-Round • Bonus Eligible Bring your passion for people. Bring your problem-solving skills. Bring your authentic self. We’ll bring the ice cream.

YOUR JOBS AT JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM FOR FAST RESULTS, OR ATTENTION RECRUITERS: POST CONTACT GILLIAN COMITO: GCOMITO@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

80 SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

MULTIMEDIA COORDINATOR 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.

Office Manager / Legal Assistant Monaghan Safar PLLC, a Burlington law firm, has an immediate opening for a full-time office manager/legal assistant in an exciting and welcoming environment. Office Manager responsibilities include billing, accounts receivable, payroll, banking, coordination with the Firm’s bookkeeper on Accounts Payable, and property management issues pertaining to Firm properties. Legal assistant responsibilities include supporting the Firm’s other legal assistant and paralegals in producing legal filings and correspondence, proofing documents, reception, and general office assistance. Competitive salary (starting range of $23-$26 per hour) and comprehensive benefits including health insurance, dental, vision, and 401(k). The ideal candidate has excellent computer, organizational and interpersonal skills. Interested persons please email cover letter & resume to Margie Cain at mcain@msvtlaw.com.

CONTROLLER Building Bright Futures (BBF) seeks a Controller to lead our financial operations and ensure accurate reporting, strong internal controls, and grant compliance across the organization. This full-time (1.0 FTE) position is supervised by the Executive Director and works closely with the Business Manager and Senior Development Manager to support organizational sustainability and growth. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS Salary range: $87,000 - $100,000 annually (full-time), with starting salary dependent on experience. A part-time role will be considered as is feasible. Benefits include generous paid time off (including Fridays off from June through August), health care insurance, dental and vision insurance, retirement, and a monthly remote work stipend.

Desired Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree or five years of relevant professional experience in accounting or finance; CPA licensure strongly preferred • A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting

Key Responsibilities

• Strong proficiency in QuickBooks, Google Suite, and Microsoft Suite

• Oversee monthly and annual financial reporting, including statements of financial position, activities, cash flows, and functional expenses

• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data strategically

• Provide oversight of restricted and unrestricted fund accounting and ensure grant compliance • Establish and maintain internal controls, fiscal policies, and risk management practices • Lead the annual audit and ensure timely, accurate Form 990 filing

TO APPLY Email a cover letter, resume, and three references as one PDF labeled: lastname_ firstname_Controller to: kmobbs@buildingbrightfutures.org. Position open until filled. To learn more about the position or Building Bright Futures, please visit www.buildingbrightfutures.org.

Help Build Vermont’s Healthcare Workforce The Community College of Vermont seeks talented professionals for two exciting statewide opportunities.

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9/21/26 11:15 AM

You’re in good hands with...

Resource Advisor

Provide advising and support to prospective LNA students and healthcare workers. Help individuals access training, financial assistance, and career pathways while connecting them with resources for success.

Project Manager Coordinator

Lead a statewide initiative to expand LNA training and workforce development. Manage partnerships, oversee project implementation, coordinate stakeholder engagement, and support innovative healthcare workforce solutions.

Get a quote when posting online. Contact Gillian Comito 802-341-3060 gcomito@sevendaysvt.com

Learn more and apply at: www.ccv.edu/about/employment

J O B S . S E V E N D AY S V T. C O M

Community College of Vermont is an EOE Employer.

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8/25/26 2:17 PM

NEW JOBS POSTED DAILY! JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM

81 SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

REFRACTIVE COORDINATOR Seeking a full-time position in an ophthalmic eye care ofﬁce.

Radiation Therapist Radiation Oncology

$15,000 SIGN ON BONUS ELIGIBLE

Camp Programs Manager The Camp Programs Manager will lead all camp programs for Outright Vermont. This includes developing new camp opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth, families, and allies and leading the transition of our current camp to Outright’s Sunrise location in central Vermont. The hiring salary range is $74,000-$82,000 as well as full benefits. For a full job description please visit our website: outrightvt.org

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Full Time | Location: St. Johnsbury, Vermont DH benefits start the first day of employment. Treats patients with the various modalities available in Radiation Oncology. Counsels, schedules and maintains detailed records on patient treatment.

Qualifications: • Associates degree in Radiation Therapy (2-year academic and affiliation program) required • 1 year experience preferred.

• Excellent communication skills in oral, written, e-marketing and social networking. • Highly organized multitasker with great time management skills. • Screening potential Lasik recipients. • Eager to learn about vision correction procedures and eye care. • A solid understanding of the sales pipeline and how to move patients forward to the next step.

• Resourceful, independent, and a self-motivator. • Empathetic personality with a concern and respect for patient needs. • Represent the practice with professionalism and conﬁdence. • Marketing and business development experience to help drive sales.

EXCELLENT BENEFITS, $21-$25/HR., STRONG TEAM Application Email: lburt@vteyelaser.com

Required Licensure/Certifications: • NH MIRT license or Temp MIRT license at hire • VT OPR Radiation Therapist or Temp Radiation Therapist at hire • ARRT certified and registered Radiation Therapist within 90 days of hire • BLS within 30 days of hire To apply for this position, please visit us online at:

careers.dartmouth-health.org Dartmouth Health is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law.

9/28/26 5v-DartmouthHealth072926 11:42 AM 1

7/24/26 1:13 PM

Housing Advocate Want to do work that matters?

Publication Seven Days Retail Assistant – Woodworking!

Mosaic Vermont is seeking a full time Housing Advocate to join our team.

The Tree House Hardwoods & Millshop is a retailer of hardwood Sectionand other Careers lumber, plywood related items, along with a milling operation inSize which we make custom butcherblock countertops, 3.83" x 5.25" wood parts, mouldings, trim and other custom projects. This is an Price entry level position in which you will be assisting in the operations of our retail lumber store, including servicing customers, organizing Ad# and maintaining displays, restocking materials and cleaning.

You'll walk alongside survivors of sexual harm and intimate partner violence as they navigate challenges and move toward greater safety & stability. This work will include: • Crisis intervention and

safety planning

• Connecting people to

resources they need to move forward

• Helping people access safe

and stable housing

• Offering support for healing

Find the full position description and application instructions at mosaic-vt. org/about/job-openings.

Run Date

Next available date

Pay: $18-$22/hr Schedule: 40-45 hrs, M-F 8-5, occasional Saturdays • Provide excellent service to customers from the point they enter the store to closing the sale (using Quickbooks POS). • Display a genuine interest in them/their work, using a relationship based approach encouraging return visits, future purchases and positive word-of-mouth promotion. • Answer and respond to customer phone inquiries for basic store, service and product information, again with excellent relationship based customer service. • Assist in receiving inventory deliveries, including unloading material (with use of forklift) and restocking displays in the store. • Ensure the store & merchandise displayed are clean & organized. • Deliver orders to customers using company supplied vehicles, mostly in and around Chittenden County. Apply: info@treehousehardwoods.com

BAKER/PASTRY CHEF Minifactory (restaurant, bakery & grocery) homes Good Food Award Winning V Smiley Preserves (jam company) in downtown Bristol, Vermont. This hybrid cafe, bakery, grocery and production model hums with daily activity. The kitchen is non-traditional and collaborative. We believe that kitchen work is exciting, meaningful, creative and a great fit for all kinds of folks. We’re hiring a skilled, creative baker/pastry chef to helm the baking program at Minifactory. Our location has homed a bakery for almost 5 decades and the community's appreciation for pastry and baking is immense. Our ideal candidate works independently but understands themselves to be a part of the V Smiley Preserves / Minifactory organization. You are the morning time lead in the space, setting the tone in the kitchen, greeting/checking in deliveries, keeping counterfolks informed about menu, etc. You'll step into a wellorganized system built by a veteran pastry chef who is moving on after four years at Minifactory. Compensation: Wages are based off an hourly wage + tips. Pay range is $58,000-70,000/yr with a signing bonus of $2,000 (via 3 and 6 month interval).

Apply at vsmileypreserves.com/jobs

YOUR JOBS AT JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM FOR FAST RESULTS, OR ATTENTION RECRUITERS: POST CONTACT GILLIAN COMITO: GCOMITO@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

82 SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

VETERINARY TECHNICIAN (Full-Time)

Youth Shelter Coordinator, St Albans Building Maintenance & Custodian Youth Coaches:

Burlington & St Albans Drop-In Center & Supported Housing, full & part-time shifts available

Young Adult Peer Navigator

At Richmond Animal Hospital, we believe you can build a rewarding veterinary career without sacrificing time with the people and things that matter most. Join our locally owned, community-focused practice where teamwork, growth, flexibility, and exceptional patient care go hand in hand. - 4-Day Work Week - Flexible Schedule - No Nights, Weekends, or Holidays - 4 Weeks PTO + 7 Paid Holidays - 30 Hours Paid Volunteer Time Off - Health, Dental & Vision Insurance - CE Support & Growth Opportunities - Scrubs Provided - 401(k) Eligibility After 1 Year - $25–$32/hr + $1,500 Sign-On Bonus

Tourism Ambassadors (Part Time)

Ready R Re ady d to Join Our Te dy T Team? am?

The Williston and Georgia South I-89 Welcome Centers are seeking employees with great customer service skills and a passion for Vermont tourism. Responsibilities include providing visitors with tourism information, as well as performing various custodial and physical tasks. The schedule is flexible, with shifts of varying length available seven days a week.

802-383-6333

Apply: vermont@vermont.org

Make a Difference. Build a Career Around Caring. Serving Chittenden, Franklin, Addison & Grand Isle Counties Earn an Average of $25+/hour Full-time + Part-time Available Flexible Schedule + Weekly Pay

Love what you do — and still have time to enjoy life outside of work. Learn more and apply today.

Scan to Apply or Call/Text

Apply: https://richmondanimalhospitalvt.com/careers

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Williston and Georgia South I-89 Welcome Centers - $18.00/hour

Now N No ow H ow Hi Hiring iri ir rin ing ng Caregivers C Ca are ar reg egi giv ive ver ers rs

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Respite Staff

Scan QR code to apply.

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Finance Director 9/22/26 12:53 PM

Talent Search Counselor (Addison County)

Gear Up Counselor

The Finance Director steers the financial engine behind Vermont Housing and Conservation Board’s statewide affordable housing and conservation work. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer and serving as their strategic backup, you’ll direct daily fiscal operations, supervise and mentor the finance team, and ensure the integrity of multi-fund revenue streams, including major federal awards. You’ll lead the annual audit cycle, shape organizational budgeting and financial modeling, oversee a substantial loan portfolio, and liaise with banking partners and state financial systems. Requires CPA or equivalent and deep knowledge of nonprofit or governmental fund accounting, GAAP, and federal Uniform Administrative Guidance, with a track record of clean audits and confident team leadership. Based in Montpelier with some remote flexibility. Applications due October 19, 2026.

(Windsor County)

VSAC is hiring 2 Outreach Counselors positions: one serving Addison County and one serving Windsor County. These roles are perfect for someone who is energized by and excited to work with middle and high schoolers; who has a background in counseling or education; and is familiar with post-secondary education, financing, and with the workforce for new grads. Roles require a background check, driver’s license, and reliable transportation. Both roles have summers off and great benefits! Please visit vsac.org/careers for the full job description, salary information, and to apply! 3v-VSAC093026.indd 1

Farm & Forest Viability Program Coordinator The Farm and Forest Viability Program Coordinator channels funding and support to farm, food, and forest businesses that sustain Vermont’s communities and landscapes. You’ll manage grants and contracts from application through final report, reconcile budgets and payments, and keep project files organized. You’ll gather participant feedback, help evaluate program impact, draft grant proposals, and make systems friendlier for the people who use them. You’ll also connect with statewide networks like Farm to Plate, visit businesses in the field, and help weave equity into every stage of grant-making. This role requires grant management experience, excellent writing, and strong attention to detail. Experience with working lands enterprises, data analysis, or CRM tools preferred. Based in Montpelier with some remote flexibility. Applications due October 12, 2026.

Send resume and cover letter to jobs@vhcb.org. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. VHCB is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.

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New, local, scam-free jobs posted every day! sevendaysvt.com/classifieds

To learn more, visit vhcb.org/careers

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NEW JOBS POSTED DAILY! JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM

83 SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

Road Crew Position Town of Burke, full time: “A renowned destination for outdoor enthusiasts.”

Seeking full-time team player for the Town of Burke Highway Department Road Crew. CDL Class B license required.

The Legislature’s support offices are seeking seasonal staff for the 2027 Legislative Session.

• Four day work week throughout the summer. • Brand new garage with state-of-the-art repair bay & air quality system • 100% Health Care provided • Very competitive salary starting at $29/hour with vacation & sick time

Are you looking for an interesting, challenging, and rewarding place to work? You’ll join a non-partisan and highly professional, collegial team that takes pride in and has a genuine enthusiasm for the mission of the state legislature. These full-time, seasonal positions are based in Montpelier, VT, running from November/December 2026 through May 2027. To apply, please go to: ‘Career Opportunities’ at legislature. vermont.gov.

Job includes physical labor, lifting, plowing, grading and some overtime. Highway winter maintenance and equipment operation experience preferred (Grader, Excavator, 10 Wheeler Plow Truck w/wing). Applications can be picked up at the Burke Town Clerk’s Office or send a letter of interest along with a resume to the Burke Town Clerk’s Office, 212 School St, West Burke, VT 05871. 802-467-3717. Or email to Burke@BurkeVermont.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Equal Opportunity Employer

The Stone Pour Cocktail Lounge & Family-Friendly Restaurant Vergennes, VT

Now Hiring! We opened, and we’re busier than we expected! We’re growing our team & want friendly, reliable people who like working together.

PREP COOK/DISH STEWARD — $20+/hr

Prep ingredients, help the line during service, and keep the kitchen clean and running. Kitchen experience preferred.

DISHWASHER — $16/hr Keep dishes, cookware, and the kitchen ready so our cooks can do their thing. No experience needed; we’ll train you. HOST — $18/hr Be the first friendly face our guests see. Greet and seat guests, take reservations, and keep the dining room moving. No experience needed; we’ll train you. Part-time, 15–25+ hours/ week, with room for more. Evenings, weekends and holidays, room to grow.

Got the Write Stuff? Seven Days is seeking freelance writers to contribute to our award-winning Vermont journalism on an as-needed basis. We’re looking for expertise in several areas:

Apply: thestonespour@gmail.com Full job descriptions at jobs.sevendaysvt.com.

Freelance Culture Writers

Love to write about events, theater, dance, books, visual 3v-VTGeneralAssembly091626.indd 1 9/14/26 1:14 PM arts, music, interesting people and more? We want to talk 5v-TheStonePour093026.indd 1 9/29/26 11:13 AM to you! You must be an excellent writer with reporting experience and a unique voice, a passion for the arts, a sense VEDA is looking for a motivated individual to be of humor and curiosity about Vermont’s creative sectors. our next Credit Analyst. Based on prior experience, Responsibilities include finding and contributing lively this position may be hired at the Credit Analyst or stories in the form of arts news, features, previews, reviews Senior Credit Analyst level. This position supports or interviews. loan officers with financial and business analysis for new loan and servicing requests. Duties include preparing and analyzing Tell us your location, your availability and how you think you financial spreadsheets, analyzing business and marketplace strengths and Are you looking for a part-time can contribute to Seven Days. Please email your résumé, weaknesses, drafting loan credit memos to aide management and/or the job with a mission? Come cover letter, two story ideas you’d like to pursue for us and at Board of Directors in making loan approval decisions. be a part of the VABVI team least three published articles (web links are acceptable) to helping to improve the lives Salary range: $47,000-$90,000 culture@sevendaysvt.com by Friday, October 30. of Vermonters with impaired Location: VEDA has offices in Montpelier, Middlebury, and Burlington. vision. The Vermont AssociaFreelance Kids VT Contributors Position expected to be in-office a minimum of 3 days/week. tion for the Blind and Visually Are you always looking for family-friendly activities and Requirements include but are not limited to: Impaired is looking to hire a Vermont destinations that the kids in your life will love? • Previous experience as a credit analyst or related experience. Driver to work 18-22 hours per Are you a person who recommends the best places to shop • Knowledge of and ability to analyze balance sheets, income statements, week driving a visually imfor kids’ clothes, toys, books or school supplies, or sends cash flow, and collateral adequacy. paired teacher from our Berlin parenting-related video clips and other tips to your friends office to surrounding schools. • Knowledge/ability to analyze business & marketplace strengths & weaknesses. on the group chat? Applicants must possess a • Strong written, verbal, and customer service skills. Kids VT, Seven Days’ parenting publication, is looking for you! reliable vehicle with liability • Accuracy and attention to detail. We’re seeking writers, photographers and content creators insurance, a clean driving • Computer literacy and ability to learn financial database software. of all kinds to help fill our pages and add to our website and record, and be able to pass a other channels. Tell us your location, your availability and what • Bachelor’s degree. background check. Starting you think you can bring to Kids VT. Please email your résumé, pay is $17.33 per hour, plus • Travel within the State of Vermont. cover letter, three topics you’d like to explore and the format mileage compensation. • Knowledge of the agricultural sector is preferred but not required. you’d use to approach them (article, email newsletter, video, Please send your resume VEDA offers competitive salaries and excellent health and retirement benefit etc.) to cathy@sevendaysvt.com by Friday, October 30. to Cathie Peller at packages. Other perks include a flexible work environment, generous cpeller@vabvi.org or tuition reimbursement, and professional development and networking call for an application opportunities. VEDA is an E.O.E. We welcome job applications from all No phone calls or drop-ins, please. 802-505-4006. qualified candidates. To apply, send applications to: trichardson@veda.org.

Credit Analyst

DRIVER

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YOUR JOBS AT JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM FOR FAST RESULTS, OR ATTENTION RECRUITERS: POST CONTACT GILLIAN COMITO: GCOMITO@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

84 SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

Vermont Housing & Conservation Board

Burlington Housing Authority (BHA) We are currently looking for a Housing Retention Specialist within our Housing Retention Services department. This is an excellent opportunity to join the Housing Retention Services team, where you can gain a deep understanding of our business, make a difference in people’s lives every day, and advance your career. Who We Are: Burlington Housing Authority serves the greater Burlington community with housing that is affordable, rental assistance, and support services. Our mission is to provide lowincome, vulnerable members of our community access to safe, affordable housing and retention support services in ways that encourage stability, improve quality of life, end homelessness, and foster vibrant neighborhoods. BHA serves a diverse population of tenants and partners with a variety of community agencies. To most effectively carry out our vision of delivering safe and affordable housing to all, we are committed to cultivating a staff that reflects varied lived experiences, viewpoints, and educational histories. Therefore, we strongly encourage candidates from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals, and women to apply. Multilingualism is a plus! Position Overview Housing Retention Specialist: Provides assistance to residents who have barriers to maintaining housing and/or subsidy. The Housing Retention Specialist works with residents in Chittenden County for the most part and will occasionally provide support to neighboring regions. The Housing Retention Specialist works collaboratively with community service agencies and providers in addition to Section 8, Property Management and Inspection Staff and reports to the Director of Housing Retention and Services. Permanent Supportive Housing Specialist: Provides assistance to community members within Chittenden County who are without housing and have significant medical/mental health barriers to locating and securing housing in Burlington Housing Authority’s service area. Work Location and Other Requirements These positions are in person in Burlington, VT. A valid driver’s license along with reliable personal transportation, with vehicle insurance and registration, is required to carry out the duties of this position Qualifications: While all applicants need to demonstrate a passion for supporting our residents and helping advance Burlington Housing Authority’s mission, we recognize that some applicants may not possess all qualifications listed. We are willing to consider individuals who demonstrate comparable life experience and education in lieu of specific requirements, and/or the will, ability, and initiative to grow into new areas of responsibility. Knowledge and Experience • Bachelor’s degree in social work (or related field) with two to five years of direct service experience, including experience with mental health and substance use supports. • Must have experience with diverse and vulnerable populations.

• Must have a patient and compassionate approach to working with the most vulnerable populations Total Compensation This is a full time position with benefits Base wages Housing Retention Specialist: $24.00 - $26.00 per hour PLUS $2000 SIGN ON BONUS Permanent Supportive Housing Specialist: $26.00 - $27.00 per hour PLUS $2000 SIGN ON BONUS Benefits • Health Insurance (BHA covers between 80% to 83% of the premium for employees) or a $6,000 opt-out payment in lieu of health insurance • Health Reimbursement Account. BHA pays 90% of the deductible as the insurance is being used. That’s up to $2,880 for single enrollment and up to $5,760 for two-person and family. • Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts • Dental and vision insurance (Voluntary plans offered at a discounted group rate.) • Short and long term disability coverage (BHA pays 50% of discounted group rate) • Basic life insurance and accidental death (provided at no cost to employees) • Retire plan is a defined contribution plan. BHA makes annual contribution equal to 10% of base wages • Section 457 plan. BHA employees can contribute to this retirement plan • Employee Assistance Plan • Generous time off policy including 12 days of paid time off and 12 days of sick time in the first year. In addition to the paid time off, BHA recognizes 13 (paid) holidays and 2 (paid) floating cultural holidays. • Annual Performance Bonus Interested in this career opportunity? Send a cover letter and resume to: humanresources@burlingtonhousing.org. Human Resources Burlington Housing Authority 65 Main Street, Suite 101

VHCB AMERICORPS

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY! Open positions around the state serving with non-profit orgnizations.

LAND STEWARDSHIP ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AFFORDABLE HOUSING SERVICES HOMEBUYER EDUCATION For 11 months of service, you’ll receive:

• $31,000 living allowance • $7,395 education award • Health insurance • Training opportunities • Leadership development Service Term: January 12, 2027 through December 10, 2027 vhcb.org/vhcbamericorps/

LOOKING FOR A COOLER OPPORTUNITY?

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Burlington, VT 05401 Find more info about these career opportunities at burlingtonhousing.org. BHA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

• Effective verbal and written communication and knowledge of the social services network in the greater Burlington area. • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and internet navigation preferred. • Excellent organizational skills required. • Must be adept at fostering positive and collaborative relationships with staff, residents, vendors and community agencies

jobs.sevendaysvt.com

NEW JOBS POSTED DAILY! JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM

85 SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

Healthy Living is Hiring! WE’RE LOOKING FOR THE COOLEST HUMANS IN TOWN! COME JOIN A TEAM THAT:

• Focuses on teamwork • Supports a collaborative environment • Puts curiosity and great ideas first • Is dedicated to providing an exceptional guest experience • Builds community relationships • Loves food and cooking • Has fun while working hard! Company Overview: Healthy Living is a locally owned, independent chain of supermarkets serving communities in Vermont and New York. Our mission is to fuel a passion for great food, health, and well-being and be the place where people gather to shop, eat, and work. We are committed to providing super healthful, innovative, and delicious food while maintaining exceptional hospitality and creating an inviting place to shop and eat. We also prioritize our relationships with local farmers and producers, and actively contribute to our community.

ASSISTANT PRODUCE DEPT. MANAGER – WILLISTON Position Overview: The Assistant Produce Manager is responsible for daily department functions specific to the department, ensures the department runs smoothly and effectively, purchases from all vendors and maintains strong vendor relationships. Teaches Produce department staff, provides direction, support, inspiration, and proficient training. Key Supervisory points of this position include hiring, training, and notifying the Produce Manager of any staffing issues that may arise. Ensures timely and accurate replenishment buying, utilizing systems, HL software, auto-order, cycle counts and data reports to effectively purchase for the needs and budgetary goals of the company. The Assistant Produce Manager also serves as the “eyes and ears” for the Produce Manager and Category Manager (CM) for the Produce Department, providing their own observations, Guest feedback and general insights for the Manager, CM and VP of Purchasing and Retail Sales.

PRODUCE ASSOCIATE – WILLISTON The Produce Associate is responsible for all produce stocking responsibilities including; keeping the department abundantly stocked, beautifully organized, and merchandised effectively. Produce Stockers cull, rotate and stock only the highest quality product on the produce floor, prep and bag items as necessary, and ensure there is proper signage for all products. Produce Stockers are also responsible for providing knowledgeable, friendly and superior hospitality to our guests. Schedule: Full-time or Part-Time hours available. Shift hours may be scheduled between 7am-9:30pm. Weekend availability is required. Pay: $15.50 - $18.17 per hour (previous experience taken into consideration). Location: 129 Market St. Williston VT.

COOK – WILLISTON The Healthy Living Cook is talented, passionate, and ready to bring our café to the next level. The Cook position is an integral part of maintaining quality, quantity, and service of our house-made food program! Our cooks maintain organized, clean, and sanitized work areas and equipment while preparing items for our deli, salad bar, "grab and go" case, and Home Meal Replacement (HMR) program.

Hours: Part-time and full-time hours available. Kitchen operating hours are 7:00AM7:30PM. Weekend availability is required. Pay: $17.00 - $19.93 per hour, plus tips. This is a tipped position. Previous experience will be taken into account. Location: 129 Market Street, Williston VT.

CASHIER - SOUTH BURLINGTON We are seeking an energetic and motivated team player to work in our busy Front End as a Cashier. The Front End at Healthy Living is the “final experience” for our guests and is built around strong, professional, and friendly hospitality. We work hard to ensure that our guests leave feeling wonderful about the time spent with us and need staff who genuinely love to go the extra mile! Location: 222 Dorset St. South Burlington VT. Pay: $15.50 - $18.17 per hour. Previous experience will be considered. Shifts: Part-time and full-time availability, weekend availability required.

RECEIVING & FACILITIES MANAGER - WILLISTON The Receiving and Facilities Manager is responsible for the efficient and smooth daily operation of physical store systems and operation of the receiving department, ensuring that receiving procedures and the store is always at its best. This includes, but is not limited to, the functionality, performance and appearance of the facility, grounds and related equipment, daily custodial operations, ensuring cleanliness and sanitation throughout the facility and conducts regular inspections to ensure compliance with cleanliness and safety guidelines. Cleanliness, safety, hospitality and efficiency are their top priorities. Flexible scheduling is a must! Schedule: Full-time hourly position, 40 hours/week including weekend availability. Location: 129 Market St., Williston VT. Rate: $28 - $37.86/hour, previous experience will be taken into consideration.

WINE & BEER LEAD - SOUTH BURLINGTON Healthy Living is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Wine and Beer Lead to join our team. We care deeply about great food and even better service and hospitality. Our Wine and Beer Department is a big part of what makes us special—filled with carefully chosen products and a team that loves sharing what they know. Our Wine & Beer Lead will support the behind-the-scenes operations that keep the department running smoothly. In this role, you’ll help ensure our shelves are well-stocked with a diverse selection of wines and beers, support beautiful merchandising, offer thoughtful pairing suggestions, and contribute to the outstanding service our guests know and love. As our Wine and Beer Lead, you’ll take charge of ordering products, working closely with vendors to get what we need, when we need it. You’ll use tools like HL software, auto-order systems, and reports to keep inventory in check and help us stay within budget. You’ll also play a key role in keeping the department clean, organized, and welcoming—and in training new team members so they feel confident and knowledgeable of department procedures. Schedule: Full-Time, weekend availability required. Pay: $20.00 - $23.44 per hour (previous experience taken into consideration). Location: 222 Dorset St. South Burlington VT.

FOR FULL DESCRIPTIONS AND TO APPLY: 7DVT.PUB/HEALTHYLIVING

YOUR JOBS AT JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM FOR FAST RESULTS, OR ATTENTION RECRUITERS: POST CONTACT GILLIAN COMITO: GCOMITO@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

86 SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

Director of Data Programs and Quality Do you love data, details and telling a story of impact through numbers? Are you interested in leveraging your skills and experience to support a violence-free Vermont? The Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence is seeking a data systems and analysis expert who wants to be a part of the movement to end gender-based violence to be our Director of Data Programs and Quality. The ideal candidate will have experience in data management and reporting, great administrative and analytical skills, fluency in Excel and other platforms, and the ability to work in a highly collaborative team setting. The Vermont Network is an amazing place to work – we prioritize the wellbeing of our staff, take our culture seriously, think big and orient toward what is possible. For more information and the full job description, visit our website at www.vtnetwork.org. Submit cover letter and resume to Karen Tronsgard-Scott, karents@vtnetwork.org. The deadline for applying is October 26, 2026. The Vermont Network is an equal opportunity employer.

WOODWORKER Seeking a team player with strong woodworking skills, an eye for detail, and a great attitude who is interested in a dynamic environment building all types of custom woodwork in our shop in Richmond, VT. The right candidate will be attentive, engaged, efficient, innovative, and excited to work as a team member. Looking for a self-starter with the mathematical skills to build cabinets, doors, stairs, and furniture - all that meet very specific architectural/design guidelines. You’ll work alongside other members of our woodshop team to create unique pieces in a fun environment. We offer excellent pay and benefits and an opportunity to become part of an employee-owned company. Responsibilities Highly proficient with various hand tools, machinery, and other wood-cutting equipment including (but not limited to): Jointers, table saws, bandsaws, planers, shapers, sanders, routers, chisels, hand-planes, etc. Demonstrates workplace safety as a high priority Well versed in the concept of wood movement and strategies to account for it Selects appropriate materials, methods, and equipment for each task Planning effective approaches to work ensuring projects are completed on time Exposure to, and proficiency with, various types of cabinet and architectural hardware Exhibits creative skills and can interpret and develop cabinet designs and layouts Construct and assemble cabinet components and other wood parts, making sure all pieces fit the dimensions specified Experience veneering using paper-backed and raw wood veneer Skills & Requirements Attention to detail & great communication skills are a must Understanding of necessary mathematics Knowledge of materials and processing Applicable engineering and design skills Ability to read plans and blueprints At least two years of custom cabinetmaking experience Able to easily lift and maneuver 50+ lbs. regularly

GO HIRE. Job Recruiters: • Post jobs using a form that includes key info about your company and open positions (location, application deadlines, video, images, etc.). • Accept applications and manage the hiring process via our applicant tracking tool. • Easily manage your open job listings from your recruiter dashboard.

Job Seekers: • Search for jobs by keyword, location, category and job type. • Set up job alert emails using custom search criteria. • Save jobs to a custom list with your own notes on the positions. • Apply for jobs directly through the site.

Get a quote when you post online or contact Gillian Comito: 865-1020, sevendaysvt.com.

jobs.sevendaysvt.com

Pay: $27.00 - $35.00 per hour Apply: jobs@birdseyevt.com 12-jobsgohire-bike23.indd 1 6-Birdseye093026.indd 1

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NEW JOBS POSTED DAILY! JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM

87 SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

Burlington Housing Authority (BHA) We are currently looking for a Maintenance Technician within our Building Operations. This is an excellent opportunity to join the Housing Retention Services team, where you can gain a deep understanding of our business , make a difference in people’s lives every day, and advance your career. Who We Are: Burlington Housing Authority serves the greater Burlington community with housing that is affordable, rental assistance, and support services. Our mission is to provide low-income, vulnerable members of our community access to safe, affordable housing and retention support services in ways that encourage stability, improve quality of life, end homelessness, and foster vibrant neighborhoods. BHA serves a diverse population of tenants and partners with a variety of community agencies. To most effectively carry out our vision of delivering safe and affordable housing to all, we are committed to cultivating a staff that reflects varied lived experiences, viewpoints, and educational histories. Therefore, we strongly encourage candidates from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals, and women to apply. Multilingualism is a plus! Position Overview: The Maintenance Technician performs general maintenance work in BHA owned and managed properties. This includes building exteriors, common areas, apartments, building systems, fixtures, and grounds. Our Building Operations Techs are required to participate in the on-call rotation, which covers night and weekend emergencies. Current rotation is once every 6-7 weeks. Work Location and Other Requirements • This position is an in-person in Burlington, VT. • A valid driver’s license is required to carry out the duties of this position Qualifications: While all applicants need to demonstrate a passion for supporting our residents and helping advance Burlington Housing Authority’s mission, we recognize that some applicants may not possess all qualifications listed. We are willing to consider individuals who demonstrate comparable life experience and education in lieu of specific requirements, and/or the will, ability, and initiative to grow into new areas of responsibility. Knowledge and Experience • Qualified candidates should have a minimum of two years of work in general building maintenance or building trades. The ideal candidate would have a demonstrated proficiency in building trades including carpentry, electrical, painting, plumbing, grounds keeping, and snow removal. • The physical activities for this position include squatting, ascending and descending ladders, scaffolding, and stairs, working in small or confined spaces, twisting and lifting up to 100 pounds, often repeating motions with wrists, fingers, and hands. This position works in all environmental conditions. • Technicians must be detail oriented, efficient, be able to work within time sensitive parameters, and able to work independently, as well as part of a team. • Having strong interpersonal skills and being sensitive to the needs of the elderly, disabled, and very low-income households is a must. • Completed high school or equivalency, or any equivalent trade school along with a combination of training and maintenance experience. • Must have the ability to perform painting and janitorial work, perform minor electrical and plumbing repairs, and to get along well with fellow employees and Residents. Physical Requirements Occasionally: • Ascends and descends ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like • Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time Constantly: • Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces • Moving to accomplish tasks or moving from one job site to another • Adjusting or moving objects

• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers • Operating machinery / heavy equipment and/or power tools • Operating motor vehicles • Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned • Communicating with others to exchange information Environmental Conditions Occasionally working in: • Low and high temperatures • Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind. • Noisy environments • Hazardous conditions • Poor ventilation • Small and/or enclosed spaces Physical Demands: Occasionally: • Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting and/or standing • Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds • Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds • Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more Total Compensation Base wages Pay range is between $24.00 - $26.00 per hour. PLUS, a $1,500 sign on bonus – paid in two installments. This is a full time position with benefits. Benefits • Health Insurance (BHA covers between 80% to 83% of the premium for employees) or a $6,000 opt-out payment in lieu of BHA health insurance. (To qualify for the OptOut, proof of health insurance is required.) • Health Reimbursement Account. BHA pays 90% of the deductible as the insurance is being used. That’s up to $2,880 for single enrollment and up to $5,760 for twoperson and family • Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts • Dental and vision insurance (Voluntary plans offered at a discounted group rate.) • Short and long term disability coverage (BHA pays 50% of discounted group rate) • Basic life insurance and accidental death (provided at no cost to employees) • Retire plan is a defined contribution plan. BHA makes annual contribution equal to 10% of base wages • Section 457 plan. BHA employees can contribute to this retirement plan • Employee Assistance Plan • Generous time off policy including 12 days of paid time off and 12 days of sick time in the first year. In addition to the paid time off, BHA recognizes 13 (paid) holidays and 2 (paid) floating cultural holidays • Annual Performance Bonus Interested in this career opportunity? Send a cover letter and resume to: humanresources@burlingtonhousing.org. Human Resources, Burlington Housing Authority 65 Main Street, Suite 101, Burlington, VT 05401 Find more info about these career opportunities at burlingtonhousing.org. BHA is an E.O.E.

PAULA ROUTLY

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SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

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JULIANNA BRAZILL

SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

FILE: SAM SIMON

REAL PEOPLE. REAL JOBS. Introduce yourself to reps from these fine local organizations at Tech Jam! COMMUNITY PARTNERS • BETA Technologies • Champlain College • Data Innovations • GBIC • GlobalFoundries • Hazelett • Hula • Marvell • Northfield Savings Bank • Norwich University • Simmonds Precision • UVM Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) • Vermont Technology Council • Vermont State University • VTel SUPP ORTING PARTNERS • The Targeted Resume

BEFORE THE JAM

TECH JAM BOOT CAMP

FRIDAY, OCT. 16, 12-1 P.M Learn helpful tips on networking and getting hired at this free, pre-Jam webinar hosted by Sue Schlom of the Targeted Resume.

WANT TO EXHIBIT?

SPACE IS LIMITED. TECHJAM@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

OTHER EXHIBITORS • ARC Business Solutions • Burlington Telecom • Center for Technology, Essex • Champlain Cable • Community College of Vermont • GoCaboodle • Green Mountain Power • Hack Club • Hayward Tyler Inc. • NDI • OnLogic • Oru • PCC Pediatrics EHR Health Solutions • Prime Engineering LLC • State of Vermont | Agency of Digital Services • UVM Advance • VELCO • Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom • Wildlife Imaging Systems

PRESENT

SATURDAY, OCT. 24 • HULA, BURLINGTON • FREE R E G I S T E R A T T E C H J A M V T. C O M

SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY BY ROB BREZSNY REAL OCTOBER 1-7 if something looks irresistibly attractive at first glance, investigate further. I predict your intuition will be extra skilled at distinguishing authentic richness from glamorous distraction.

LIBRA

(SEPT. 23-OCT. 22)

Let’s make Libran writer Ursula K. Le Guin your patron saint. She believed that any human arrangement, however permanent it seems, was made by people and can therefore be unmade and remade by people. The divine right of kings once seemed eternal and inevitable, she liked to remind us. Be like her in the coming weeks, Libra. Refuse to accept that the way things are is the way they must continue to be. Imagine more beautiful, more just and more loving arrangements in every area of your life, including your relationships, your work and your inner life. Then take three steps toward making it so.

ARIES (Mar. 21-Apr. 19): Orchids may lure pollinating insects with ingenious illusions rather than nectar. Some mimic the look or fragrance of other flowers. Others resemble female insects so convincingly that hopeful males unknowingly assist with pollination. From this, we might conclude that nature can be as duplicitous as humans. But rather than being bummed out by the facts of life, let’s use this as a lesson for you to wield in the coming days. Appearances can be deceiving — for both better and worse. If a situation initially seems disappointing or confusing, linger before drawing conclusions. Likewise,

TAURUS (Apr. 20-May 20): I propose we make 93-year-old Taurus musician Willie Nelson your patron saint and role model for the foreseeable future. Earthy, unflappable and unhurried, he has kept making his distinctive, soulful music for over 70 years, devoted all the while to the land and the people who work it. He has never pushed to sound like anyone else; he has patiently, inexorably become more fully himself. It’s your birthright to live like Nelson, Taurus, with a steady, sensual, enduring devotion to what you love. In the coming weeks, I invite you to tend to your deepest roots. GEMINI (May 21-Jun. 20): I may be preach-

ing to the choir here, but there’s a fun kind of magic that thrives when you decline to be consistent. You Geminis are least likely, of all the signs, to exhaust yourself in trying to maintain a unified self-presentation. Like the Gemini poet Walt Whitman, you’re often pleased with the fact that you contain multitudes. It’s a potential superpower! The you who loves solitude and the you who craves connection can both be true. The skeptic and the mystic can coexist in the same nervous system. Your assignment: Honor three contradictory impulses without trying to make them coherent. You’re boisterously excused from having to make too much sense.

CANCER (Jun. 21-Jul. 22): In certain caves,

like the Cave of the Crystals in Naica, Mexico, crystals grow to astonishing sizes. Why? Because the environment remains stable for thousands of years, with steady temperatures, minimal disturbances and slow mineral flow. Under these stable conditions, ordinary molecules assemble into lavish structures. I believe you’re cultivating a similar sanctuary, Cancerian, as you invoke the powers of steadiness and devoted dedication. Even if progress appears slow, the underlying process is gradually generating a beautiful strength and/or lasting treasure. Now’s a good time to redouble your faith in your good work.

LEO (Jul. 23-Aug. 22): The cosmic powers have granted you a license to be magnificent. Not arrogant, please note, but majestic, resplendent and marvelous. You know the difference, right? Arrogance is parasitic, demanding that everyone reflects your glory back at you. Magnificence is expansive, making everyone feel more vital and attuned to their own splendor. The second option is far more nutritious and delicious for you in the long run. In the coming eons, and especially now, I hope you’ll be lavish with your praise and generous with your attention. Glow and dazzle in ways that inspire others to glow and dazzle. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sep. 22): A Zen teaching says, “Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.” But being the post-Zen teacher I am, I protest and say, “No, the chopping and the carrying ARE the enlightenment. There is no separate ‘after.’” The sacred is ALWAYS lurking in the mundane, disguised as ordinary tasks. And you Virgos are potentially the zodiac’s supreme master of this controversial truth. Others may chase after astral bling and transcendent glitter, but you know that divinity lives in the earthy details that are right in front of you. That’s how you transmute seemingly unremarkable stuff into the sublime. It’s time to wield your superpower to the hilt, please! SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Volcanologists distinguish between two different eruptions. In the effusive type, lava flows slowly and steadily, while the explosive eruptions eject material fast and hard. What does this have to do with you? In my astrological estimation, you currently contain building pressures that need release. Here’s the good news: You can maneuver yourself in the direction of effusive expression and thereby make the explosive kind unnecessary. So my advice is to find small, controllable outlets for what’s gathering inside you. Don’t wait until the only option is a massive, sudden discharge. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You’ll

flourish in the coming years if you ask daring questions and befriend sweet ambivalence and welcome adorable uncertainty. You’ll stumble upon weird but interesting success and project potent authenticity if you let your

curiosity lead you to situations outside of your cozy bubbles and velvet ruts. On the other hand, you’ll flounder if you cling to folk wisdom foisted on you by the algorithms, treat all your opinions as facts or pretend you always know what the f*ck is going on in this dazzling mess of a world. Keep it generous and exploratory, Sagittarius. Seek out wide-ranging conversationalists and playful skeptics.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A river delta

is where a river finally meets the sea. Instead of arriving as one bold channel, it fans out into dozens of branching streams, depositing the rich silt it has carried for many miles. Deltas are fertile places because of everything the river gathered along the way and finally lays down. You’re approaching a metaphorical delta, Capricorn. All the experiences, emotions and impressions you’ve been carrying are ready to be released and turned into fertile ground. Abundance wants to grow from all you’ve gathered.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In the 17th

century, Aquarian astronomer Johannes Hevelius mapped the moon with surprising accuracy. Yet he worked with funky homemade telescopes perched on a homemade observatory that he built on the rooftops of his three connected houses. I recommend you borrow his approach, Aquarius. You might feel tempted to postpone action until conditions are ideal, but I hope you’ll begin with what you already possess. Prediction: As you proceed, your tools and strategies will evolve. Momentum will become one of your key resources.

PISCES (Feb. 19-Mar. 20): In traditional Chinese medicine, wei qi is a protective energy that circulates beneath the skin, forming a shield against harmful influences. To nourish it, you revel in sleeping and eating well. You work diligently, with tender discernment, to maintain healthy boundaries. How are you doing with that, Pisces? Is it possible you’ve been working so hard on your deep transformations that you’ve semi-neglected this outer layer of strength? I hope that in the coming weeks, you’ll nurture the subtle shields that prevent you from absorbing every stray particle of psychic weirdness in your environment. Think of this task not as building walls but tending to your garden’s edges.

SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

Respond to these people online: dating.sevendaysvt.com WOMEN seeking... MULLET BABE SEEKING TRUE LOVE Trimmed my mullet today, and it put me in a good mood. Looking for a man who looks exactly like me but with facial hair. Must be gentle. I enjoy gossip, roadkill, light beer, reading memoirs and charming snakes. I’d like to learn new skills. If you have a truck or a bike rack, I’ll be there. slopjoe, 21, seeking: M, l ADVENTUROUS AND LOVABLE! As Ted Lasso said, “I’m lovable.” I’m direct, honest and almost always have a big smile on my face (that comes from my heart). New to Vermont for two years and looking for a man who wants to hold hands while we walk, travel, spend quiet time reading books together and have intelligent conversation. Passion? Yes, very important as well! Lattes_Martinis, 76, seeking: M, l LAID-BACK FUNNY GIRL I’m a curvy girl who enjoys cuddly but confident men. I enjoy reading, hiking and cooking. I love lazy mornings with a hot cup in my hand and a cozy blanket. Looking for someone to be the big spoon to my little spoon. Bookbunny, 39, seeking: M PERIPATETIC, CREATIVE, INDEPENDENT ARTIST I’m considering relocating to Vermont or perhaps Canada. I’m applying for my certificate of Canadian citizenship based on my great-grandmother’s citizenship. I enjoy hiking and horseback riding in Vermont. Villanelle, 70, seeking: M

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. photos of l See 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

KIND HEARTS, ACTIVE MINDS ONLY My happiest moments are spent with family, my Labs and people I care about. I love warm sunny days, swimming, the ocean, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, live music, sports, and plenty of laughter. With retirement on the horizon, I’m excited to travel, try new adventures, and hopefully meet someone kind, affectionate, easygoing and fun to share them with. njoylife, 58, seeking: M, l

ENERGETIC HEARTFELT POSITIVE CUP I believe in nature, connections, laughter, hugging, hugging a lot, colors, textures and patterns, working hard, witty conversations, me. I am strong, feminine, funny and talkative. I like most sports and outdoor activities. I sew, crochet, paint. I like card games. I own a cabin, an ATV, a brush hog. I love music and dancing. I love my family. Cabingirl, 70, seeking: M, l

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ACTIVE AND FUNNY I am a person who loves to be active. I enjoy nature and being outdoors. Hiking, biking, walking, dancing are a few of my favorites. I am looking for a long-term relationship, and I realize these things take time, so getting to know each other first is the best place to start. ActiveAnnie, 62, seeking: M

RETIRED ANTHROPOLOGIST, UNRETIRED CURIOUSITY Field notes from a life well traveled. Decades in East Africa taught me to listen closely and question my assumptions. Now I’ve traded savanna for Vermont forest — and pursue off-the-beaten-path adventures wherever I can. Avid reader and serious Nordic noir fan. Looking for someone not afraid of a woman who asks “Why do people do that?” for a living. RiftValleyRambler, 64, seeking: M, l SEEKING PARTNER IN CRIME Well-traveled, friendly extrovert who loves dancing, art, music, good food, laughter, downhill and cross-country skiing, biking, cuddling, bonfires, bubble baths. Seeking that special person to create memories with; to dance, sing, hold hands and laugh with. Someone who has also led an interesting life. Is healthy, smart, self-confident, supportive, passionate, musical and adventurous. By the way: Pisces, Virgo rising, like the song. carpediem802, 70, seeking: M, l GRACEFUL AGGIE I’m an active, well-educated woman seeking a kind, honest, intelligent man for companionship and fun. I’m a writer and editor working in regenerative agriculture. I love to dance, deejay, hike and garden, and my silly side appreciates dad jokes, board games, dogs and cats, concerts, plays, other languages, new foods, and sitting around doing nothing. Want to join me? Graceful_Aggie, 64, seeking: M, l CURIOUS. PLAYFUL. TENDER. Direct, kind, darkly funny, endlessly curious. I’m an animal lover, cello novice, cold-case sleuth, winter person, research-rabbit-hole enthusiast and believer in science with room for a little woo. I’m seeking steady companionship, mutual curiosity, adult communication and maybe more, if it grows naturally. Homebody-friendly, independent, quirky, emotionally mature. No smoking or drugs; infrequent social drinking only. MissionImpossible, 56, seeking: W, TM, TW, l

SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

VILLAGER LOOKING FOR A VILLAGE I moved to Burlington in 2023 and am looking for new connections. I’m seeking activity partners who can help plan a hiking trip or festival date. I like to be toward the front at a live music show, wander the woods or catch a play. Dimothy, 38, seeking: M, W, TM, TW, Q, NC, NBP, Cp, Gp, l OPENING UP TO NEW WAYS I am a 70-y/o woman who has never allowed my self to be in a relationship with another. I want sweet, gentle sex. I want to travel and have adventures — maybe spend time with elephants. I like to laugh. I want to allow others to love me. I am learning that it takes two to tango! Pansy, 70, seeking: W, l PASSIONATE INTELLECTUAL, CARING AND CAFFEINATED! I spend my days and nights caring for others, and in my downtime I want to have fun! I love sci-fi and fantasy, both books and shows. I’m looking for a male partner to share life with. I’m a coffee enthusiast, morning person, animal lover. Kindness and sincerity are important to me, as is my sobriety. I also love Chinese takeout. Tordycat, 47, seeking: M, l

MEN seeking... OLDIE BUT A GOODIE! ROCK I have lived in Vermont since 1991. I wanna find someone to be with until I pass away. I’m 61 and looking for someone who can appreciate companionship and sex, on occasion! eatmydots69, 61, seeking: W OLD-WORLD HIPPIE, COMPASSIONATE SURVIVOR Mediator; nature lover; cynic, but pretty funny and never cruel. Laughing matters, especially at myself if I get pretentious. Love talking about the universe (me, you, us, everything connected). Ever seeking to slow down and take it, and me, less seriously — it’s an eternal journey. Bergamo, 73, seeking: W, l BRUNCH? Let’s enjoy some company. Dirtfarmer, 64, seeking: W, l

LOVING, CARING, AND LONELY! I am hoping to find a man who has the same interests as me! Hiking, cooking, going to new places and walking hand in hand. Looking for honesty, loyalty and a good lover! Marcey, 68, seeking: M, l

LAID-BACK, EASYGOING Love long walks, hiking, getting to know new people. I’m a lover looking for a new friend or a girlfriend or maybe a girl friend with benefits. Johncarle, 50, seeking: W, l

WIDOWER LOOKING FOR WHAT’S NEXT I lost my soulmate and partner in life of 43 years this year. She made me promise not to go on lonely and heartbroken, so here I am, looking to the future. I have always been an optimist, so I’m hoping that I can find that special lady who’s looking for a clean, caring, honest patriotic American firefighter. FDRoofman250, 69, seeking: W, l

LAID-BACK AND FUN I enjoy seeing others succeed and overcoming their obstacles. I enjoy cooking and cleaning to decompress from stress. Am returning to school to get my master’s as a second career. bluesky333, 40, seeking: W

LAID-BACK, FUN, HANDS-ON AND OUTDOORSY I am a fun guy who likes to have fun and party. I am looking for men or women, 25 to 30 years old. I am looking for some casual hookups, maybe some fun in bed or wherever things take us. Bigdaddy_1, 27, seeking: M, W, Cp

YOUR LOCAL BUTCH SERVICE TOP Assigned lovergirl at birth. Love and hate the mortifying ideal of being known. Physical touch is my love language. Medical assistant hoping to do EMS work. cassandx2, 31, seeking: M, W, TM, TW, Q, NC, NBP

WHERE IS MY PERSON? I’m not sure what to write here — let’s just have a conversation. NyBrandon, 41, seeking: M, l UNDERSTANDING PERSON Looking for friend with benefits. Probably strong friendship after; looking for sex, for the most part. Dev, 30, seeking: W I’M LAID-BACK, ENJOY LIFE I am down-to-earth, love life and all people. Love all animals and love taking long vacations. Blackhawk185, 54, seeking: W NEW EARTH PARTNER I think an open-minded, nature-loving, self-aware, creative, slender gal would be nice, 56 to 74. marcus, 28, seeking: W, l OLDER, ATHLETIC DEMOCRACY ACTIVIST, WRITER Recent widower, age 84, seeks someone near my age for friendship, companionship and possible travel. My ideal would, like me, be thin, comfortable on a heart-healthy diet, mentally and physically fit, well educated, financially independent, like to garden, and still like to bicycle, hike, ski — both crosscountry and Alpine — and more. If this fits you, please reach out to me. AthleticWidowerAt84, 84, seeking: W, l OLD SCHOOL New to this again. Would like someone who can travel at the drop of a hat — museums, concerts, dinner, historic sites, friends. fcleff, 77, seeking: W, l BRIAR BITTEN BIDING MY TIME I’ve been looking and yearning and running in circles. Now I’m tired of this tracing, and I lay back for hours. In the graveyards and the rivers, now I’m minding my own. You join me if ya wanna, just a-watching the stones. reginaldgatorade, 27, seeking: W, Q, NC, NBP, l I’M NOT DEAD YET Love being outside, no matter the season. There is always something that motivates a person to try something new. I am curious, loving and grouchy but will always stand up for the underdog. Bilingual French and English. tobias, 66, seeking: W, l FUN, SPIRITUAL, SARCASM, HONEST Very active, non-needy, very affectionate, and still believe in love, sensuality and caring. Looking for someone easygoing, smart and attractive at our age. antman222, 74, seeking: W, l

TRANS WOMEN seeking...

NONBINARY PEOPLE seeking... SCRAPPY BUT SWEET — HI Hairy and awesome, I like to fight with sticks at the river and ride mopeds and eat yummy food. I like my friends, dancing and music. I’m looking to meet cool people and do fun adventures or whatever. Life is life, and love is wonderful. Just getting lunch is cool, too. LuckyDragon, 22, seeking: W, NBP, l COOL, CARING, CRUNCHY BUTCH A jacked butch with a big heart. I’m a great conversationalist who will cook you dinner, change your oil and bring you flowers. I’m a homebody, but I’m equally happy cruising in my convertible. Most evenings you’ll find me in my garden or practicing martial arts. I’m looking for the Scully to my Mulder. Are you up for an adventure? little_car, 25, seeking: W, l NERDY, CREATIVE ENM I am AFAB femme in an open marriage. I am demisexual and need to get to know someone before jumping into bed. My ideal match would be someone who wanted to make a connection with me and who got along alright with my (straight male) spouse. Being able to all hang out, play games and fool around sounds lovely. Wordynerd, 42, seeking: M, TM, TW, Q, NC, NBP LIFE SHAPED BY LABYRINTH NB, queer, kinky, shy author and historian seeks friends, fellow artists and/or sex partners of all genders. Let’s make silly puns, talk about our creative work and bike around Burlington. If you want to hear about the imaginary, magical Vermont town of Hardship, the historical queers I keep finding or Jareth as role model, hit me up. ModernWizard, 47, seeking: M, W, TM, TW, Q, NC, NBP, l

COUPLES seeking... DOWN-TO-EARTH ESTABLISHED COUPLE Looking for an open-minded woman or couple to join us in a new chapter of life. Both are early sixties, active, love the outdoors, forestry, gardening, dogs and the right moment to chill. He’s straight; she is bi but hasn’t been with a women for a while. Looking for someone with similar interests to enjoy adult entertainment and lifestyle dating. Muffy, 64, seeking: Cp, l

i SPY

If you’ve been spied, go online to contact your admirer!

dating.sevendaysvt.com

EXIT WITH A SPARKLING SMILE You, attractive blonde in blue outfit and sensible shoes, made a quick visit to the rest area and smiled as you entered the building. As you departed, you exited a different door. I, one of the state employees, pointed to the exit you desired and couldn’t help wonder if I should have at least said hello and introduced myself. When: Thursday, September 24, 2026. Where: Sharon Welcome Center. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916671

SOUTH END CITY MARKET We passed in an aisle, said hi, exchanged nice smiles. I found you striking! You have long gray hair and a nose piercing — maybe you’re around my age, early forties? I have shortish curly brown/ gray hair, glasses, was wearing a shirt with lemons on it. We didn’t have a chance to talk, but I’d love to know you! When: Sunday, September 13, 2026. Where: South End City Market. You: Woman. Me: Woman. #916666

MAYBE YO-YOING IS A FLEX? We joked around at the toy store, and you impressed me with your yo-yo skills. We were both with our kids, so I felt too shy to ask for your number. Want to hang out sometime? When: Saturday, September 19, 2026. Where: Montpelier. You: Man. Me: Woman. #916669 HERE COMES THE AIRPLANE Trans diva who queened out with me during my STI appointment: When you asked if I needed a countdown for taking my blood, I said no, but you could pretend it was an airplane. You were game and even made noises. Adorable. When: Friday, September 18, 2026. Where: Planned Parenthood of Burlington. You: Genderqueer. Me: Trans woman. #916668 SILVER FOX AT CITY MARKET You: pulling a turquoise BMW out of the downtown parking lot at 2:20. Me: the CR-V that waited to let you leave. Your firm wave of thanks indicated good manners. That, plus a well-groomed beard and presumptive good taste in food, is all I need to see. If you’re looking, I’m looking at you. When: Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Where: City Market downtown. You: Man. Me: Woman. #916667

TREKKINGCOUPLE WHAT’S UP? Hey there, I got your flirt and inadvertently deleted it. (Easy to do with one wrong move — poof!) I found your profile pretty vague. Can you give me a little more on what you are looking for? Not sure how this will go, so I will leave it at that. When: Thursday, September 10, 2026. Where: Seven Days Flirts. You: Couple. Me: Man. #916665 AS YOU WISH Hurts more now than when it did two years ago, when this all started. Who knew so many were seeking what could’ve been theirs, in their own way, but they demanded it be from someone else? When: Monday, August 17, 2026. Where: in the paper. You: Man. Me: Woman. #916664 MYSTICAL MUSIC FAN I spied you over my shoulder as we took in Sierra Ferrell’s performance. We had a chance for small talk and you said you would be crossing the lake for another visit Thursday. You had a sweet smile, long hair and a clear backpack with pink trim. I wanted to say more, but you slipped away into the starlight night. When: Friday, September 4, 2026. Where: Shelburne Museum concert. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916663

HOTTIE AT MARIA’S BAGELS Younger lady with a killer body who couldn’t resist flirting while we were waiting. When: Wednesday, September 16, 2026. Where: Maria’s Bagels. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916670 LUNCH LADY OF MY DREAMS I miss having the chance to see you during lunch at school. School’s back in session — let’s get together and talk about what’s on the menu? When: Monday, June 1, 2026. Where: school. You: Woman. Me: Gender nonconformist. #916662 EYE CONTACT GAVE ME BUTTERFLIES You: in line in front of me at a brewery. You ordered and told the guy your name was John. I think you had a green polo on. Me: standing behind you in line. I felt you looking at me while I was looking at the menu. When: Thursday, September 3, 2026. Where: Burlington Beer. You: Man. Me: Woman. #916661 MIDDLEBURY CO-OP, SO MANY SMILES You were gorgeous dressed in all black as we exchanged multiple big smiles and eye contact. I saw you drive away in a white Mazda. I tried talking to you on your way out, but perhaps you were shy, too, as opposed to involved with someone else? Would love the opportunity to have a real conversation and connect again. When: Sunday, August 30, 2026. Where: Middlebury Co-op. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916660 SHELBURNE QUEEN CITY CONTRA DANCE Met you last night at the Shelburne Queen City Contra Dance. You are an architect in Burlington. We talked about design, writing and sailing. I taught you how to waltz. Would you like to get a cuppa coffee? I regret not finding you before you departed. When: Friday, August 28, 2026. Where: Shelburne Queen City Contra Dance Hall. You: Man. Me: Woman. #916659 PEACH PURSE AT BREAD AND PUPPET Exchanged big smiles as you were walking up the aisle. Beautiful red/ brown hair; there with your parents and friend? You had a little brown purse with a peach. I grow peaches! Tried to find you after, to no avail. I was there with my mom, too. Would you want to connect and talk political activism, art and hanging with our parents? When: Friday, August 28, 2026. Where: Flynn Theater. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916658

Ask REVEREND Dear Sam Aritan, 

Irreverent counsel on life’s conundrums

Dear Reverend,

I feel so bad for the people I see on the street holding signs asking for money. I want to give them a dollar or some change, but I rarely have cash on me. My wife says I’m a sucker and they just want money for drugs or booze, but that can’t be true for all of them. How can I really help?

Sam Aritan

(MAN, 52)

Feeling empathy does not make you a sucker, and you can tell your wife that I said so. However, considering the nature of human beings, you can be sure that some of them have ulterior motives. The only way to be certain that you are supporting people who are really in need, and not subsidizing any substance-use disorders, is to donate to (or volunteer at) local food banks, shelters or other such charities. You could take it a step further and create a list of those places to hand out — a way of pointing folks to the available resources.

YOU ARE SO VERY HANDSOME You came straight toward me; I was awestruck with your physique. Your gray shirt fit you perfectly. I couldn’t help but push my glasses up. I had things in my hands and realized too late that I used my middle finger. My mind was like, Oh, no, for many reasons. I know you saw me clearly. Clearly vulgar! No offense. When: Wednesday, August 26, 2026. Where: Hannafords NNE. You: Man. Me: Woman. #916656 ON THE BACK ROADS TO WORK … in your maroon Toyota, you said you were hoping to see me again. You asked the time; I, glancing at my watch, said, “What time should it be to sit and talk?” My attempted teasing only turned more obtuse and borderline rude. I’m sorry for souring a sparkly moment and betraying your intuition, but thank you for taking a chance. When: Sunday, August 16, 2026. Where: between Marshfield and Montpelier. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916655 GMP DRIVE-BY You drove by in the passenger seat of the yellow Green Mountain Power truck. I was sitting on my front steps and saw you and couldn’t look away. I have contemplated breaking shit so you have to come fix it. If nothing else, thanks, because our eyes locking gave me enough energy to finish all my chores for the day. When: Friday, August 21, 2026. Where: Maple Street, Waterbury Center. You: Man. Me: Woman. #916654 MY HEART DANCES You are beautiful. We have danced with each other a couple of times. Your smile, so happy and free, makes my world so much better. When I’m around you, I want to be with you. You have an aura that is indescribable. If you are reading this, I hope you feel the same way. Again, you are beautiful. When: Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Where: a lesson. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916652 WHY SO ANGRY?! I found it unsettling to be exposed to such petty behavior. You used to frown upon people like her. I wish you no ill will. I could have turned bitter and righteous. I only want you to be happy. It’s hard to believe we will ever lose connection. But, if that’s what you want, so be it. As you wish. When: Monday, August 17, 2026. Where: Winooski. You: Man. Me: Woman. #916651

PERRYWINKLE’S You told me you’re new to Vermont. Just moved here from Minneapolis. Need someone you show you the sights? I’d happily oblige. When: Friday, August 21, 2026. Where: Perrywinkle’s. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916653 ROYAL PURPLE SANTA CRUZ STIG I spied you as the sun began to sink over the Adirondacks. I interrupted your cooldown with small talk about Camel’s Hump. You mentioned you were headed to Farmers & Foragers post-ride, because it is part of the loop. While I rely on fate to cause our paths to cross again, I threw it to the winds of iSpy. When: Saturday, August 15, 2026. Where: Causeway bike path. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916650 STORM You’ve been on my mind lately. I hope you are well. I miss your soul. Have you visited a rage room yet? Let’s make beautiful art and cook ridiculously delicious food together. We can begin with a proper blackberry maple balsamic reduction. Are you game? — Sarah When: Saturday, June 13, 2026. Where: Williston (please forgive me, I forgot exactly how you identify). You: Woman. Me: Woman. #916649 YOU PULLED ME ASIDE You whispered in my ear and asked if I had an address here. Now pull me aside and tell me why you were looking here. When: Thursday, August 13, 2026. Where: building, not sure of the date. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916648 HEALTHY LIVING RECOGNIZED FROM UVM You peeked into the restroom I was exiting to get paper towels because the dispenser in your restroom was empty. I said I recognized you from 1 S. Prospect St. You immediately agreed and said, “We’re dancing around each other.” We exited at the same time, and I foolishly kept on walking. I’d like to have a longer conversation. When: Wednesday, August 12, 2026. Where: Healthy Living, South Burlington. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916647 BEAUTIFUL KAYAKER AT RESERVOIR You were just getting out of the water on Sunday morning; you had a white blouse on. I offered to help you load it, but you turned down my offer. Please reach out if you’re single. When: Sunday, August 9, 2026. Where: Blush Hill boat launch. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916646

If you still want to give directly, go to the bank, get a stack of $1 bills and take a few with you when you go out. If you’d rather avoid giving cash, buy a handful of small gift cards to local, inexpensive restaurants or coffee shops to give away. For the people you see when you’re in your car, make some bags with nonperishable snacks and travel-size hygiene products to pass out. Don’t let anyone naysay your goodwill: Helping even a little can mean a lot to someone. Good luck and God bless,

The Reverend What’s your problem? Send it to asktherev@sevendaysvt.com. SEVEN DAYS SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 7, 2026

We are three guys, two gay, one bi. One in his 50s, two in their 60s. Clean, sane and professional. Meet in Burlington at my place for man fun. Looking for another mate to four us. If interested, drop a line with phone number. #L1977

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M, 29, seeking F, 23-39, who loves adventure, chaos and getting freaky. Must help me conquer the world, abolish clothing, establish a nudist empire and make questionable decisions together. Serious applicants only. World domination experience preferred, but enthusiasm and a disregard for pants are acceptable. #L1967 I’m a 67-y/o female seeking a 60- to 70-y/o man. Living in central Vermont. Looking for an honest, loving relationship. Enjoy gardening, family, my dog and quiet times. Retired postal employee. #L1965

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