Seven Days, May 8, 2024

He’s

BY

Douglas Sweets thrives in Shelburne

HANNAH FEUER, PAGE 28

Outpatient Surgery Center: a big piece of the access puzzle

By: Dr. Stephen Leffler, President and COO, University of Vermont Medical Center

Every week I get calls and letters from patients who say they are waiting too long for care, especially surgical care. Often, they are right — no question. There are several reasons behind the wait times and it’s going to take work to make a dent in our access challenges, but serving our patients and ensuring they get great care is why I became a physician, so I’m deeply committed to that effort.

We know one of the solutions to improve timely access to care is construction of the Outpatient Surgery Center in South Burlington that we have asked the Green Mountain Care Board to approve.

This isn’t a facility that would be nice to have — for the people of our region, it’s a must-have.

The proposed Outpatient Surgery Center replaces our five ORs at the Fanny Allen campus with eight larger, modern ORs where we’d be able to do more complex surgeries we cannot perform at the Fanny Allen— such as joint replacements.

Without it, our aging and growing population in Chittenden and surrounding counties will drive an annual 4,300 surgical case backlog by the year 2030.

That’s 4,000 people who need care who will wait longer than they should for surgery, leave the state for care, or even worse, go completely without the care they need — with potential serious impacts to their health as a result.

While that’s the five-year projection, we feel the urgency now. Today, UVM Medical Center’s operating rooms are running at full capacity, and we are still not keeping up with our patients’ needs for surgery as quickly as we should. Every time a patient is waiting, I assure you there’s a doctor or nurse at UVM Medical Center who is concerned about them and feels it is absolutely imperative to get them in sooner.

Scan the QR to watch our doctors talk about the need.

Not only would the new center help us keep up with both highly complex and more routine needs, but it would let us do so in a way that responds to how people want to receive health care. Studies across the country show that the number of outpatient surgeries are increasing. Advancements in surgical fields allow more procedures to be performed outpatient, and it is more convenient for patients to recover at home compared to hospital stays for the same procedures, which is why they prefer an outpatient setting.

Beyond simply having enough space, construction of this facility will help us recruit, retain and train medical professionals our community sorely needs. Our learners need to train at a place that offers them time to hone their professional skills alongside our exceptional physician teachers, with access to time in modern ORs with robotic surgical resources — this is an experience that we cannot deliver to all of these learners with our current facilities.

I’m a frugal Vermonter, so I get it. As a state we want to make sure this $130 million project is justified and in the best interest of patients. Please know that construction of the Outpatient Surgery Center won’t drive up costs for our patients — in fact, outpatient procedures keep costs down compared to the inpatient setting, which requires a hospital stay.

We already provide advanced, high-quality care in our region. What’s clear is that our community needs more of it, and that need is growing. I say both as president of UVM Medical Center, and as someone who will someday need the excellent care provided by UVM Medical Center for myself or my family, I hope we are able to move forward with this crucial project so that all who need care will be able to access it easily and without delay.

Canceled

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda omas-Greenfield, who drew the ire of pro-Palestine activists, will not speak as planned at the University of Vermont’s commencement this month.

University president Suresh Garimella delivered the news last Friday evening in a campus-wide email that offered no explanation for the change. He did write, however, that graduating students deserve to be able to celebrate their achievements — an indication that potential protests worried the administration.

Garimella’s email was about the pro-Palestine encampment that cropped up last week on a campus green. Protesters’ demands included

canceling omas-Greenfield’s keynote address. In February, omasGreenfield cast the U.S. vote that vetoed a U.N. resolution calling for a humanitarian pause to Israel’s attacks in the Gaza Strip.

UVM Students for Justice in Palestine, one of the student groups organizing the encampment, posted a message on Instagram on Friday evening heralding the decision as a victory.

“When we fight, we win,” the post says.

Garimella also indicated in his email that the school was initiating discipline of students involved in the encampment, saying it is in violation of school policies. Students had been “given the opportunity to

express themselves within campus rules,” the president wrote. “ erefore, regrettably, appropriate student conduct processes have been initiated for those who have persistently violated university policy.”

On Monday, students rallied for amnesty, and some state and city officials called on the university not to discipline them for peaceful protests.

A similar encampment sprouted last week at Middlebury College. But students there dismantled that encampment on Monday after reaching an agreement with administrators.

Read Colin Flanders’ full story and keep up with developments at sevendaysvt.com.

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SPARKS FLY

UVM police are investigating a blaze inside the sportscasters’ booth at Virtue Field — the second fire there in two weeks.

PAY PLANS

The City of Burlington intends to eliminate parking meters and have drivers use an app or centralized kiosks to pay. Out with the old.

STATE SHROOM

Gov. Phil Scott signed a bill into law that designates the bear’s head tooth as Vermont’s state mushroom. Middle school students in Windham advocated for the fungus.

SPIKE IN STOPS

Data from 2023 show Burlington police pulled over Black drivers at the highest rate in five years. Chief Jon Murad vowed to investigate.

That’s how many people — including a professor — were arrested at a Dartmouth College pro-Palestinian demonstration last week.

TOPFIVE

1. “‘We’re Leaving’: Winooski’s Bargain Real Estate Attracted a Diverse Group of Residents for Years. Now ey’re Being Squeezed Out.” by Derek Brouwer & Alison Novak. Soaring housing costs could imperil the Onion City’s welcoming reputation.

2. “Reinvented Deep City Brings Penny Cluse Café’s Beloved Brunch Back to Burlington” by Jordan Barry. e home fries and some other favorites are back.

3. “Aggressive Behavior, Increased Drug Use at Burlington’s Downtown Library Prompt Calls for Help” by Courtney Lamdin. e management of increasingly challenging patrons is putting a strain on staff.

4. “Nunyuns Bakery & Café to Close in Burlington’s Old North End” by Melissa Pasanen. Owners Kristine Harbour and Paul Bonelli will close the local eatery at the end of May.

5. “Burlington’s Blue Cat Steak & Wine Bar Closes After 18 Years” by Jordan Barry. Owner Mariasha Giral announced the news in a letter printed in Seven Days @veganboyjosh vermont specific life hack: saving up all our household garbage for the year and putting it all on the side of the road in Green Up Day bags this weekend

WINDOW INTO HISTORY

Many Burlingtonians know that Battery Park served as a military base during the War of 1812 and Americans there repelled a British naval attack with cannon fire. Far fewer know that they can thank a long-shuttered glass company for turning the space into a park.

Queen City historian Diana Carlisle documented the connection in a history journal nearly 25 years ago. Now she’s behind an effort to install a commemorative marker in Battery Park to share its unique history with a wider audience.

“I love the story of people who are behind everything,” Carlisle said. e glassworkers were “super important for the growth of Burlington.”

Champlain Glass Company was founded in 1827, two years after the Erie Canal opened and created greater demand for building materials to aid the country’s westward expansion. Located northeast of what is now Battery Park, in the vicinity of North Champlain and Monroe streets, the plant specialized in making window glass. e enterprise was so significant that the area is labeled “Glassville” on some old city maps. Glassblowers worked on call, so the company built housing throughout the Old North End. Frederick Smith, the company’s eventual owner, helped lay out the neighborhood streets and named Charles Street for his son. Other workers settled in abandoned military barracks at the “commons,” or what is now known as Battery Park.

In 1840, Smith and his business partners sold some of the company property. But instead of

offering the future parkland to a developer, the partners deeded the plot — which has stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains — to the city to be used “as a public Common … forever,” the land records say.

“When I found that out, I thought, Oh, my gosh,” Carlisle said.

Last summer, Carlisle petitioned the state to create a historic marker, much like those found on Burlington’s waterfront, Centennial Field and the Church Street Marketplace. e marker has been made, and a dedication is expected in the coming weeks. For Carlisle, it’s a fitting ending to a story that has captivated her for more than two decades.

“It’s very satisfying and rewarding to recognize and remember,” she said.

COURTNEY LAMDIN

COMPILED BY SASHA GOLDSTEIN & MATTHEW ROY

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda omas-Greenfield

RUNNING DEEP.

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NEWS & POLITICS

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stAff writers Derek Brouwer, Colin Flanders, Rachel Hellman, Courtney Lamdin, Kevin McCallum, Alison Novak, Anne Wallace Allen

ARTS & CULTURE

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SUCCESS STORY

Thank you for the in-depth article about Shaina Taub [“Born for Broadway: Waitsfield’s Shaina Taub Arrives in a Big Way, Starring in Her Own Musical, Suffs,” April 17]. Hooray, another Vermonter makes it to Broadway!

This was a much better review of her accomplishments than was provided by the New York Times , really digging into how much work she has put into becoming a theater star.

When I moved to Vermont nearly 17 years ago, my first optometrist was her father, who told me that his daughter really loved being onstage. I’ll say!

Harry Goldhagen EAST FAIRFIELD

PITTSBURGH OR BUST

[Re “‘We’re Leaving’” and From the Deputy Publisher “Winooski, My Town?” May 1]: It’s amazing that Winooski is now so high-end. I guess our threats and fears about the F-35s destroying property values did not pan out.

My heart is heavy for Vermont being outpriced for locals. It’s really why many need to move. I now live in Pittsburgh, where $150,000 houses are really nice and $1,300 apartment rentals are abundant. The best part is being surrounded by diverse, working-class folks who are happy and love their teams. I was looking for the 1992 version of Winooski, and I found it.

Jodi Harrington PITTSBURGH, PA

LEGISLATURE IS ‘LOSING TOUCH’

I have grown uneasy over the past few years with the feeling that the veto-proof majority of our legislature was losing touch with how our Vermont citizens actually live and try to make a living. It shows when its legislation turns into laws, regulations, taxes and fees.

With recent news, I conclude that the gap is complete. I have read and heard members of our legislature talking of Vermont’s duty to be a model and “lead by example” on climate change [“A Debate About the Cost Is Dogging a Renewable Energy Bill,” March 22, online]. This mindset is totally divorced from Vermont’s reality. We are a very small state with one of the smallest populations.

The duty of our legislature is to the citizens and the well-being of our state. Yes, we should do our part toward climate change mitigation. But we must have some sense of reality and practicality of what our small state can actually do and how much effect it will have overall. Let us have some modesty here and much less grandiosity. Weatherizing homes, encouraging heat pumps and solar panels, installing electric charging stations — we can do much in those areas within our fiscal means over a period of time.

“Fair share” is a term bandied about these days. This is our state’s “fair share” of climate change mitigation.

Harold Somerset BRANDON

ASK A LIBRARIAN

After 20 hours of searching by local business owners and employees, neighbors and friends, and the work of BTV Bike Recovery, it was two librarians at Fletcher Free Library who finally recovered my stolen e-bike from the perpetrator, using exactly the “verbal judo” you describe in [“Reading the Room: Aggressive Behavior, Increased Drug Use at Burlington’s Downtown Library Prompt Calls for Help,” May 1].

Thank you for covering the unsung work of all the staff at Fletcher Free, a gem of a library to rival any I’ve had the pleasure to be a patron of. How they are able to offer the excellent collection, wide-ranging programs, and warm and professional service they do when I have personally witnessed the intensity of what they deal with on a daily basis, I will never know. But we cannot continue to ask baristas, librarians and shop clerks to have the level of social work skills needed to keep their places of work safe and productive. I don’t know what the answer is, but I do know that Burlington is full of people trying to move the ship in the right direction, with love, justice and sheer grit. Thank you, staff of Fletcher Free, for all you do.

Valerie Wood-Lewis BURLINGTON

Security at Fletcher Free Library

PROTECT THE LIBRARY

[Re “Reading the Room: Aggressive Behavior, Increased Drug Use at Burlington’s Downtown Library Prompt Calls for Help,” May 1]: Of all our institutions, none holds a candle to the library — a place where we can go to find the peace to read, research or catch up on the news. A place where we can actually take a book out, take a book home. A place where we can go to ask a librarian for help — help to find out about a particular subject. For free.

The library is a pillar of our democracy, our republic.

Please keep this great tradition alive. Let other public groups and public spaces provide daytime rest and rehab for the indigent, for drug addicts, for those who would devour this precious place, who chase away those seeking the library for what it was created for.

Winifred McCarthy BURLINGTON

RED FLAGS

Thank you for the article on Zoie Saunders, our new interim education secretary [“Top of the Class? Gov. Scott’s Pick for Education Secretary, Zoie Saunders, Faces Questions About Her Qualifications,” April 10]. I have been dismayed by Gov. Phil Scott’s decision and also disappointed that he took so long to appoint someone. I can’t believe that Vermont doesn’t have some excellent candidates who know a little something about our classrooms, counties and record of excellence in addressing student needs.

When so many in the field of education question this choice, several red flags go up. The reputation of the Florida school system remains tainted with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ attacks on curricula and book

banning! This position needs a qualified and experienced person.

Ruth Furman JERICHO

ED SYSTEM IS BROKEN

[Re “Top of the Class? Gov. Scott’s Pick for Education Secretary, Zoie Saunders, Faces Questions About Her Qualifications,” April 10]: The objections to Zoie Saunders’ appointment seem to be mostly that she has not previously been a teacher, principal or superintendent. Do we really want to repeat the past? In Vermont, we have a very broken public school funding system. It needs to be fixed now. We can’t keep doing what we have always done and expect to get different results.

Gov. Phil Scott is doing more to fix this funding problem than the legislature, which is only meeting with school officials and school employees. We need different perspectives to fix this unsustainable funding system.

Judy Thomas WILLISTON

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NEWS+POLITICS 14

You Can’t Get There

Older Vermonters who have given up driving can face isolation, loneliness

Overdose-Prevention Site

Bill Heads to Governor

Zen and the Art of Trash Collection

A group of Montpelier residents spruce up the city, one cigarette butt at a time

Bernie Sanders to Run Again

Barre Di erent

City voters will choose between pugnacious om Lauzon and progressive Samn Stockwell for mayor

Education Bill Would Speed Up Secretary Search Process ARTS+CULTURE 40

Countdown

eater review: tick, tick… BOOM!, Vermont Stage

Page Turners

Four authors win Vermont Book Awards

Outrun My Gun

Book review: Lilith, Eric Rickstad

Phoning Home

At the Lanpher Memorial Library in Hyde Park, a “wind phone” connects callers with lost loved ones

Bianca Stone Named New Vermont Poet Laureate

Grocery Popping

“Circles & Squares” at Hexum Gallery

‘Heavy Kinship’ at the Tarrant Gallery

Contemplates Bodies and Connectedness

A Quiet Place

Reflecting on Margaret Glaspy’s e Sun Doesn’t ink

Find a new job in the classifieds section on page 79 and online at jobs.sevendaysvt.com.

DIANE SULLIVAN • IMAGE CALEB KENNA

Wunderle's Big Top Adventures Performances by Emma Cook & A2VT Face painting Caricatures

MAGNIFICENT

MUST SEE, MUST DO THIS WEEK COMPILED BY EMILY HAMILTON

THURSDAY 9

WHY SO SERIOUS?

Independent filmmaker Vera Drew’s meticulously fair use-compliant masterpiece e People’s Joker screens at the Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center Film House in Burlington. Parodying modern superhero franchises, incorporating crowdsourced animation, and skillfully integrating themes of gender identity and fascism, this 2022 remixed riff is triumphantly low-rent and surprisingly moving.

SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 64

SATURDAY 11

Bird’s-Eye View

Avian enthusiasts of all ages spread their wings at World Migratory Bird Day, a celebration of all things flying at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science in Quechee. Visitors meet raptors and songbirds, learn about loons and New England bogs, and take a deep dive into the world of insects, on which many birds depend.

SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 69

SATURDAY 11

Empire State of Mind

New Inca Son’s spring residency with BarnArts Center for the Arts culminates in an outdoor, allages concert at Barnard Town Hall. e Peruvian Bolivian band draws on its members’ Indigenous heritage and the long musical traditions of the Inca Empire. Food is available for purchase from local food trucks.

SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 66

WEDNESDAY 15

Take the Pancake

Dummerston’s Scott Farm Orchard kicks off its monthly summer Crêpe Night series with a picnicstyle community supper. e ticket price includes one savory galette, one sweet French pancake and a salad, and benefits Brattleboro Area Affordable Housing. Future dates support other local nonprofits.

SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 68

FRIDAY 10

True Blues

Buffalo Nichols brings the blues into the 21st century during an exuberant concert at the Barre Opera House. Nichols’ juke-joint growl and driving guitar rhythms lend themselves equally well to painful meditations on Black history and sublime joy, all of which are present on tunes from his recent, self-titled debut album.

SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 65

WEDNESDAY 15

Live Studio Audience

Readers may have heard in this very paper that Burlington’s comedy scene is on the rise. Standup supporters do their part at Good Tape!, an opportunity for local jokesters to film a solid 10minute set at Vermont Comedy Club. At this show, laughing your butt off could actually help up-andcoming comics further their careers.

SEE CLUB LISTING ON PAGE 59

ONGOING

Blue Paint Special

East Middlebury artist Leigh Harder presents her solo show “ e Blue Between Day and Night” at Middlebury’s Town Hall eater. Created with the relatively new medium of alcohol ink, Harder’s landscapes depict the textures and shifting shadows of woodlands, mountains and gardens in layered shades of indigo and green.

SEE GALLERY LISTING AT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/ART

HERE’S WHAT PAST DONORS HAVE SAID ABOUT RACHEL’S WORK:

“I support a free and robust press as an essential element of democracy and community. Plus, Rachel does great work.”

CHRISTY MIHALY, EAST CALAIS

“Rural towns are the backbone of Vermont, and one town can learn from another. Rachel has done terrific work in shedding light on what our rural towns face — many thanks.”

CECILIA

ELWERT, SOUTH STARKSBORO

“You folks at Seven Days do such good work, and Rachel Hellman is a positive addition to the staff.”

JANE AND CLYDE HOLT, HINESBURG

HELP SEVEN DAYS REPORT ON RURAL VERMONT

For the past two years, Report for America corps member Rachel Hellman has been seeking stories of small-town life in Vermont.

“We believe in what you do!”

JOHN AND ELLEN BOUDIN, NORTH CHITTENDEN

“I place a high value on Seven Days reporting, and Rachel Hellman’s stories have been superb!”

LINDA GIONTI, HUNTINGTON

“Rachel Hellman’s stories are consistently fascinating and well written. She, and the topics she covers, are a fantastic addition to Seven Days.”

NOAH HARRISON, MONTPELIER

She’s found 125 of them so far, in 84 di erent towns.

We’re happy to announce that Rachel is staying at Seven Days for another year — and we need your help to fund her reporting!

The goal: $50,000.

We’ve already received $30,000 from major donors including Vermont Co ee founder Paul Ralston. If you can pitch in, we’ll raise $20,000 by May 17. Support Rachel’s work today!

To fund Rachel’s reporting on rural towns, visit sevendaysvt.com/donate-rfa

Want to send a check?

Make it out to Report for America and put “for Seven Days” in the memo. Mail it to:

Report for America Seven Days Campaign c/o e GroundTruth Project, Lockbox Services 9450 SW Gemini Dr., PMB 46837 Beaverton, OR 97008-7105

If you send a check, please let us know it’s coming. Contact Gillian at 802-865-1020, ext. 115, or gillian@sevendaysvt.com. All contributions to Report for America are tax-deductible. Contributions do not influence editorial decisions.

Rural Reporter

I’ve always thought the term “reporter” undersells the job of writing the “first rough draft of history,” as Washington Post publisher Phil Graham phrased it in 1963. That the word is so simple — and, frankly, humbling — is a reminder to every journalist who steps into the swirl of current events: Our job is to document what we see, hear and experience as accurately as possible, but, in the end, the story is not about us.

We are recording the news, not making it.

That said, to be a good reporter requires more skills and qualities than I can list here: curiosity, for one, and a genuine interest in learning how things work. Good reporters ask questions and listen. Like scientists, they also look for patterns, connect the dots and hatch hypotheses.

When sources aren’t forthcoming, it often means we’re on to something. Overcoming the obstacles that arise — from persuading people to talk to getting access to data — takes drive, discipline and a certain degree of obsession.

Once all the facts are gathered, another kind of work begins: writing up that research into a readable tale.

Readers who don’t like the published result will say so in letters to the editor and on social media platforms that don’t require real names or fact-checking. In that realm, the journalist faces twin challenges: to grow a thick skin without losing the ability to feel — and to tell the truth without self-censoring to avoid the inevitable negative reaction. The latter skill is especially crucial these days.

Did I mention a reporter does this over and over again, week after week, for relatively low pay?

“The toughest job you’ll ever love,”

to steal a recruitment slogan from the Peace Corps, is what Rachel Hellman signed up for. She came to Seven Days through a similar service program. The nongovernmental nonprofit Report for America recruits rookie journalists and places them in newsrooms across the U.S.

RFA calls them corps members and for three years partially subsidizes their

Rachel’s on the lookout for stories that illustrate what rural communities are up against: problems and solutions. In January, she reported on how some areas of Vermont are employing community nurses to visit elders in their homes, warding o potential emergencies by bridging the gaps between health and social services. In this week’s issue, she investigates what

“THE TOUGHEST JOB YOU’LL EVER LOVE,” TO STEAL A RECRUITMENT SLOGAN FROM THE PEACE CORPS, IS WHAT RACHEL HELLMAN SIGNED UP FOR.

work, requiring host newsrooms to fundraise for the remaining expenses. RFA o ers resources, training and fiscal sponsorship to help. Seven Days applied to host a corps member at the end of 2021. To make our case, we created a compelling beat: covering Vermont’s rural towns in an aging state. RFA approved our request, and Rachel arrived on June 1, 2022.

Since then, working alone and with more experienced colleagues on the Seven Days news team, Rachel has filed 125 stories from 84 Vermont towns. One of my favorites was about an Addison Selectboard member who served an extra year because no one remembered that his term was up.

It was Rachel’s idea to write about a day in the life of Front Porch Forum, Vermont’s homegrown social network, reporting on a collection of interesting posts that appeared within a 24-hour period around the state. The resulting cover story was a quirky, contemporary and moving tapestry of Vermont life.

it’s like to live in rural Vermont without being able to drive. Both stories are part of a series we’re calling “This Old State,” in which our news and culture reporters explore Vermont’s aging demographic and its impact on, well, everything.

Meanwhile, on a recent Sunday, Rachel was the writer who answered the call to cover student protests at the University of Vermont.

If you’d like to see more articles by Rachel, help us pay for her continued training. We need to raise $50,000 this spring. That, plus a small contribution from RFA, will fund the next year of her reporting (see opposite page for details).

This is a relatively new way of funding journalism, but the job itself hasn’t changed much. If anything, it’s gotten harder. We’re grateful that young reporters like Rachel are embracing the work. We’re going to need each and every one of them.

Paula Routly

BERNIE ENTERS THE RACE

You Can’t Get There

Older Vermonters who have given up driving can face isolation, loneliness

BY RACHEL HELLMAN • rhellman@sevendaysvt.com

Burlington had never seemed so far away to Joel Rosinsky.

His heart was set on making it to the Flynn theater to attend a 50th-anniversary performance of Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion” radio show, his favorite, on April 20. But Rosinsky, who no longer drives, faced a now-familiar conundrum: He had no way to get there from his home in Essex Junction, a mere 10 miles away.

Since Rosinsky gave up his driver’s license three years ago because of eyesight loss to macular degeneration, his world has closed in on him. The nearest bus stop is a half-mile walk. The bus trip to Burlington can take 90 minutes, and service ends at 7:30 p.m., all but ruling out evening outings. A separate service for older Vermonters and people with disabilities, called the Special Services Transportation Agency, also quits at 7:30. When Rosinsky requested a ride from the agency a few weeks ago, it never showed up. Private rideshare services such as Uber are far too

expensive for Rosinsky, who depends on Social Security.

Here he was again, trying to solve the puzzle of getting … anywhere.

“Just having an evening where I can enjoy myself,” Rosinsky said. “It’s really complicated.”

Before he lost the ability to drive, the retired social worker enjoyed meeting friends in Burlington for co ee. Rosinsky was “in the community,” as he puts it, engaged in politics and eager to seize the day.

Now, he spends most of his time at home alone. A friend takes him grocery shopping once a week, but if he runs out of something, he has to wait. Rosinsky said he’d like to attend a support group for other legally blind Vermonters but has no way of getting to the meetings.

Having little to look forward to has thrown a pall over his daily life, making the mere act of taking care of himself a challenge.

Rosinsky’s struggle is widely shared among older Vermonters who can no

THIS OLD STATE

longer drive. Although the state’s transportation agencies often shuttle seniors to doctor’s appointments or the grocery store, the system falls short when it comes to just about anything else: seeing friends, entertainment, spending time in nature. Rosinsky lives in Chittenden County, the state’s most populous county. Those who live in rural stretches have even fewer transportation options.

OverdosePrevention Site Bill Heads to Governor

STORY & PHOTO BY KEVIN MCCALLUM kevin@sevendaysvt.com

Drug reform advocates celebrated Tuesday’s passage of a bill that would allow Vermont to establish its first center for people to safely use illegal drugs.

Members of the House signed off on changes to H.72 that their Senate colleagues approved last week. The bill now goes to the desk of Gov. Phil Scott, who has signaled that he’ll veto it. Legislative leaders say they expect to have the votes to override.

The bill instructs the Vermont Department of Health to set guidelines for an overdose-prevention site by September, after which one could open.

“What we have right now is unsafe injection sites all over the state,” said Grace Keller, a former program coordinator at Howard Center, following final passage of the bill.

Burlington leaders, including newly elected Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, have expressed strong support for a center as a way to help the Queen City address a recent surge in overdoses. Where — and when — one would open is still unclear.

The bill provides broad protection from liability for center staff who help people use drugs or prevent overdoses. It also calls for officials to track whether the center helps reduce deaths, gets more people into drug treatment and reduces litter from discarded needles.

At the Statehouse on Tuesday, Rev. Elissa Johnk, lead minister at First Congregational Church of Burlington, recalled finding people who were high in the bushes outside her church on Easter Sunday; officiating over the burials of overdose victims; and giving sermons as ambulance sirens wailed.

“Not having an overdose-prevention center means we are asking the rest of us — store clerks, librarians, office managers, shop owners — to be counselors and medics and cleaners,” Johnk said. “Not having an overdose-prevention center puts the burden on all of us, and we are not able to hold it.” ➆

Grace Keller

William Siple and Sandy Harris riding Rural Community Transportation’s “microtransit” bus

Zen and the Art of Trash Collection

group of Montpelier residents spruces up the city, one cigarette butt at a time

The time had come for another meeting of the Trash Tramps, a group of retirees who have made a weekly hobby out of picking up Montpelier’s litter. They stood outside the local senior center, hard to miss with their fivegallon buckets, arm-length metal tongs and neon traffic vests. A sign-in sheet revealed their chosen “Tramp names.”

Here was Penny Lane, a former city employee, and Sanitation Sue, a retired physical therapist. Here was C. Moore Buttz, Sister Sludge, Perky Pickup and Tots for Trash. And here was Eileen Dover, aka Anne Ferguson, the 73-yearold leader of this gang of do-gooders.

Before heading out, they formed a circle for their usual ritual. They raised their tongs toward a dreary sky. They’ve adapted a quote from a 19th-century Unitarian minister, Edward Everett Hale, as a sort of civic-minded Serenity Prayer. They recited it now in unison.

“We’re only eight, but still, we are eight,” they said. “We cannot do everything, but still, we can do something. And because we can’t do everything, we’ll not refuse to do something we can do.”

They pointed their tongs toward the pavement and added their own lighthearted motto: “This work is beneath us.”

The Trash Tramps have met like this almost every Tuesday for close to a decade — rain, snow or shine. They have

picked up enough cigarette butts to fill the Statehouse Dome, plus innumerable beer cans, rubber bands, needles, plastic shards, and whatever else they find wedged between cars or stuck in bushes. It is slow, tedious work, and there’s always more to do.

That might discourage most people. But the Tramps have come to embrace the endless nature of trash picking, finding not only a sense of community and purpose but also a religious experience of sorts — succor for the soul.

“Sometimes, when the world is spinning out of control, if you can just do something, like pick up a cigarette...”

Ferguson said as she bent down to pluck a butt off the pavement. She pointed to the spot she had just cleaned. “There. That’s change. It’s not big and not momentous, but it’s something.”

Ferguson, who worked 25 years for the Vermont Department of Health, came up with the idea for the weekly outings after learning that a friend of hers had started picking up trash on daily walks. As for the name, Ferguson said with a shrug, “It’s just funny.”

Both the city and its trash hauler, the Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District, appreciate the Tramps’ work. The city has provided vests and allows the Tramps to use its dumpsters.

Bernie Sanders to Run for Reelection

BY COLIN FLANDERS colin@sevendaysvt.com

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) a nnounced on Monday that he will seek a fourth six-year term in the Senate this fall, ending months of speculation over his political future.

Sanders, who will turn 83 before November’s election, told Seven Days that he feels a duty to help the country navigate one of the “most difficult moments in American history.”

“The challenges we face are enormous,” Sanders said, citing climate change, income inequality and the threat former president Donald Trump poses to democracy.

“I am a senior member of the delegation, in a position to have influence,” Sanders said, “and I just cannot turn my back on these crises.”

Sanders easily won his last campaign in 2018, receiving 67 percent of the vote to Republican challenger Lawrence Zupan’s 25 percent. He now serves as chair of the Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee, a position that’s given him broad authority over many of the issues he’s focused on during his four-decade political career.

His announcement comes amid a robust debate about the age of American politicians. Sanders would be 89 by the end of his next term.

Sanders has urged voters to consider the “whole” candidate, including, most importantly, what they stand for.

On Monday, Sanders said he personally hasn’t missed a day of work in three years, save for a week recovering from COVID-19.

“Who knows what happens tomorrow?” he asked, rapping his knuckles on a wooden desk at his campaign office in downtown Burlington. “But I feel healthy, I feel strong, and I think I’m up to the job.”

Sanders already has a nearly $10 million campaign war chest and only one declared challenger, Republican Gerald Malloy.

“What we need to do is bring the country together around a sense of purpose,” Sanders said. “The purpose is that, rather than hating each other, we’ve got to come together to address our collective needs.” ➆

You Can’t Get There « P.14

As Vermont’s population ages, making it the third-oldest state, experts say the transportation gap makes isolation a growing problem. Loneliness is associated with higher risk for health problems such as heart disease, depression and cognitive decline among older adults, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s associated with higher costs, too: an estimated $6.7 billion in additional federal Medicaid spending annually, according to AARP.

Driving is essential in Vermont, and deciding to give up the keys can be a wrenching choice for older people even as their skills, vision and reaction times decline. People over 65 have a higher likelihood of being injured or killed in a traffic crash, according to the state Agency of Transportation. Those odds increase with advancing age. Still, Vermont stands with Connecticut as the only two northeast states that don’t require a vision test for older drivers renewing their licenses.

Erich Parent, an occupational therapist at Rutland Regional Medical Center who directs the hospital’s driver rehab program, said the seniors he works with are often devastated when they learn it is no longer safe for them to drive. Parent helps older Vermonters sharpen their driving skills, prolonging the time they can spend on the road.

“Our clients — especially our rural clients — are put in this extremely difficult situation where they don’t have the support necessary to exist in their home without driving,” he said. “There’s definitely not enough resources.”

For older Vermonters stuck at home, life can become monotonous. Mary Cargill, 93, has lived for more than three decades in a home in rural Derby where she and her late husband raised six children. She doesn’t want to move out but has had a hard time adjusting to life without a car.

“I hated giving up my independence,” she said. “I have to wait until my kids are free to go anywhere. But I’ve always told them, ‘I will not interfere with your lives.’”

Cargill spends most of her time puttering about her home. Meals on Wheels drops by twice a week. The volunteer driver, Brian Kuper, sometimes helps Cargill open the window or shovel her driveway.

Otherwise, Cargill waits for her son to take her to the grocery store or pharmacy after work. If he’s pressed for time, he picks up what she needs on the way over. Cargill is grateful, but it means one less opportunity to be out in the world.

She at least has family nearby to help. Many seniors who live alone do not and depend on public transportation. The gaps

in services exist even though Vermont stands out among the 10 most rural states by spending the most per resident on transportation. That money funds a network of regional transportation districts that provide bus rides, on-demand trips and other transportation services for residents across the state.

Vermont’s Older Adults and Persons With Disabilities Transportation Program, or O&D service, funded largely through Medicaid, provides free medical trips for residents 60 and older and people with

of Transportation. “But we really don’t cover many social trips.” MacDonald said the agency has wanted to expand the scope of the O&D program, but budget cuts have gotten in the way.

Rideshares such as Uber are available in more populated parts of the state. But for older Vermonters living in rural Vermont — and anyone on a tight budget — the services are not a viable option.

Some regional transportation agencies are trying their own work-arounds. Rural Community Transportation, which serves

disabilities. In 2023, its drivers — some paid and some volunteer — made 112,000 total trips statewide. The program costs roughly $6.7 million a year, most of which comes from the federal government.

While such programs sometimes enable seniors to travel for nonurgent needs — such as buying groceries — more critical requests, such as doctor’s appointments, usually take precedence.

“We can get you to the pharmacy or the grocery store or your doctor’s appointment — that’s one thing,” said Ross MacDonald, public transit coordinator for the Agency

the Northeast Kingdom and Lamoille County, is experimenting with a “microtransit” program in Morrisville to make rural transportation more flexible, particularly for elderly residents.

Since last year, the agency has provided a free, Uberlike service to Morrisville residents, who request a ride by using an app or calling the agency. Within hours, an electric van shows up at their door, including on evenings and Saturdays. AI software clusters trips to ensure that each rider reaches their destination by their requested time and also that the van is taking the shortest route.

The agency has provided more than 200 trips per week at just 60 percent of the cost of any of its other transportation programs. Residents have used the service to get to work, to court or just to enjoy a slice of pizza — all for free. Older residents make up a large portion of the riders. Many of them use it to get to day services for seniors.

“It’s been an unbelievable success, from all of my measurements,” said Caleb Grant,

PHOTOS: KEVIN GODDARD

Rural Community Transportation driver Chris Braithwaite

Caleb Grant

Sen. Bernie Sanders

GETTING OLD IN VERMONT IS COMPLICATED.

executive director of Rural Community Transportation, which hopes to expand the program to Newport and Lyndonville next year.

On a recent weekday morning, the microtransit van picked up Sandy Harris, 78, and William Siple, 76, from a barbershop in downtown Morrisville. Both were heading back to their nearby senior housing complex. Siple had just given up his driver’s license a few months earlier.

“I was nervous about what it might mean for my quality of life when I had to give up my license, but this has been great,” Siple said of the service. “My life hasn’t changed at all.”

The Town of Essex offers something similar. Taxpayers fund a Senior Van, which allows older residents to get anywhere in town for free. The van has about 300 active riders, some of whom rely on it for their daily needs.

“Getting your hair done or getting your nails done is just as important for your mental health and your emotional health as it is for you to go to a doctor’s appointment,” said Nicole Mone-St. Marthe, the town’s director of senior services.

Mone-St. Marthe has heard from other municipalities interested in replicating the program. “This should be looked at as an essential service,” she said.

Although the transportation programs in Morrisville and Essex are promising, they serve a tiny portion of Vermonters. Rosinsky, for example, can’t take advantage of the Senior Van because he lives in Essex Junction, which left Essex to become an independent city in 2022.

Other experts say the solution is to provide seniors with housing options in

downtowns instead of helping them get around. Dana Rowangould, an assistant professor at the University of Vermont who’s researching rural transportation, found that many older Vermonters living in a town center said they could generally get where they need and reported high satisfaction with their living arrangements.

It’s also often cheaper for transportation services when riders live downtown. MacDonald, of the Agency of Transportation, explained: “To serve 8,000 people in a seven-square-mile area, versus 8,000 people in a 200-square-mile area, is quite different from a cost perspective.”

For Rosinsky, who grew up riding the bus and subway in New York City, that point is painfully clear.

“In some ways, it’s easier to age in New York,” he said. “Getting old in Vermont is complicated.”

Rosinsky eventually solved his quandary over how to get to the Garrison Keillor show: The Special Services Transportation Agency took him to Burlington and a neighbor drove him home. Even after spending the following week cooped up and mostly alone, he sounded buoyed by his evening out.

“It’s not necessarily about having a destination,” Rosinsky said. “It’s just about being out in the world.”

Rosinsky envisions a life with reliable transportation. He’d go to more shows at the Flynn, grab a coffee with his friend or maybe stroll along Church Street. It would be enough, he mused, to buy a creemee and sit outside, enjoying the warming weather. ➆

Rachel Hellman covers Vermont’s small towns for Seven Days . She is a corps member of Report for America, a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms. Find out more at reportforamerica.org.

JOEL ROSINSKY

Joel Rosinsky

Barre Di erent

City voters will choose between pugnacious om Lauzon and progressive Samn Stockwell for mayor

BY ANNE WALLACE ALLEN • anne@sevendaysvt.com

After floods hit downtown Barre last summer, City Councilor Thom Lauzon toured the damage with other local o cials and met with residents whose homes had been destroyed. Lauzon, 62, a businessman known for his strong opinions and assertive nature, said the experience convinced him that he should seek another term as mayor, a position he held from 2006 to 2018.

He’s facing City Councilor Samn Stockwell, 71, an English professor at Community College of Vermont. If elected on May 14, she would be Barre’s first woman mayor, as well is its first openly gay one. She often speaks about helping underprivileged people and said her election would demonstrate that Barre is open to all.

“What being gay brings is a message of, You are welcome here,” she said.

Stockwell’s supporters praise her drive to make the city more diverse, collaborative and welcoming. Lauzon, the city’s largest property owner, is a self-described “numbers guy” who seldom talks about social issues.

Lauzon’s supporters acknowledge he is brash.

“There are definitely some times when Thom should probably hold his tongue,” said City Councilor Michael Deering. But Lauzon is Barre’s best shot at improving its economy, he said. His backers say he’s the one to help the city recover and to manage a costly flood-resilience project.

At a council meeting on April 2, Lauzon proposed giving developers a tax break to stimulate construction. Stockwell asked for a delay, saying she wanted the council to have more time to talk about how the tax breaks would a ect Barre’s financial picture.

“You’re so damned afraid to do anything,” Lauzon retorted, adding: “It’s crazy. Wow. What’s the worst thing that can happen?”

Outgoing Mayor Jake Hemmerick admonished Lauzon to be civil.

Some Stockwell supporters say Lauzon is just too abrasive.

“Thom Lauzon tends to raise the heat,” said planning commission Secretary Joe Reil, whose wife served a term on the city council. “He’ll make snide comments; he’ll push buttons and insult people under his breath so only they can hear him. It’s nasty.”

To some degree, this mayoral contest represents a classic Vermont culture clash.

The Granite City, hometown of Gov. Phil Scott, is a blue-collar community of about 8,500 people where thousands of workers once shaped Barre Gray granite into products that were shipped worldwide. That industry has declined, and the city’s poverty rate is now 24 percent, more than twice the state average.

In recent years, Barre — or Barre City, as it’s often called, to distinguish it from the town with the same name — has attracted new residents priced out of neighboring areas. Two years ago, LGBTQ supporters opened the Rainbow Bridge Community Center, a drop-in space that played a prominent role in flood recovery. The introduction of more progressive ideas has led to backlash at times, such as the conflict that erupted in 2020 over fl ying a Black Lives Matter fl ag in City Hall Park.

Barre has what’s known as a “weak mayor” system. A salaried city manager appoints and supervises department heads, negotiates contracts for the city, and makes recommendations to the city council. The mayor, who is paid about $2,000 a year, runs city council meetings, votes to break ties and attends ceremonial events such as ribbon cuttings. Candidates for the o ce do not run as members of political parties.

The flood of July 2023 changed Barre. Like many places in Vermont, the city

already faced a critical lack of housing; flooding damaged about 10 percent of its existing stock. About 50 homes were destroyed, and another 300 units need repairs. Flooding and housing now dominate conversations about life in Barre, and Lauzon has garnered support among voters who are worried about rising costs.

MOST PEOPLE DON’T APPRECIATE HOW HARD THE POOR HAVE TO WORK TO KEEP A ROOF OVER THEIR HEADS.

SAMN STOCKWELL

He and his wife, Karen, are landlords to many of the town’s most prominent businesses, including the Barre-Montpelier Times Argus . After the flood, he took about 15 nonprofit leaders out to lunch and presented them all with checks.

Lauzon is a CPA, a partner in a local accounting firm and the owner of more than 50 buildings. In a 2017 cover story, Seven Days detailed how, while mayor, Lauzon also sought to develop some of his own properties and advocated for them before various city boards. Then and now, Lauzon’s critics suggest there is a conflict

2024 ELECTION

of interest in his dealings with the city — a charge he denies.

Lauzon has long been at odds with the incumbent mayor. Hemmerick has accused Lauzon of using his political clout to benefit his development business while serving on a city council working group on housing. Hemmerick said the group dissolved because of disagreements over tax breaks for developers that Lauzon supported.

“It was clear to me that Thom’s interests focused on starving the city’s general fund of future revenues in a never-ending Ponzi scheme of tax stabilization that would benefit his personal development interests,” Hemmerick wrote in an email to Seven Days. Lauzon said he doesn’t get a better deal than anyone else on his property taxes or an advantage in permitting discussions.

“Show me the proof,” Lauzon said in an interview in April.

He is also embroiled in a feud with local residents who are threatening to sue over a property he owns. Since Lauzon bought the building in 2020, summers are sullied by fume-belching skid steers and other diesel equipment idling in the residential district, according to neighbor Steve Restelli. The city sent Lauzon’s tenant a warning on April 22 detailing ways the property was violating local ordinances. Lauzon said he has repeatedly asked his tenant to clean up the property.

“I don’t think Thom Lauzon is fi t to run for anything,” Restelli said. He added that he thinks Lauzon is receiving special treatment because of his influence.

“If I was doing what he is doing with that lot, they would have shut me down within a week,” Restelli said.

“It’s a commercial property; we’ve been playing by the rules,” Lauzon responded when asked about Restelli’s complaints. Rick DeAngelis, co-executive director of Good Samaritan Haven, a homeless shelter in Barre, said his early relationship with Lauzon was rocky. In 2020, he said, Lauzon told him he’d “‘make a large donation when you open up a shelter in Montpelier.’”

DeAngelis was taken aback. “I was like, Oh, man, this guy has a chip on his shoulder about bringing in poor populations to Barre.”

But DeAngelis has grown to appreciate Lauzon and his donations and said if he

Barre mayoral candidate Samn Stockwell in the city’s north end, which was badly damaged by last July’s flooding

lived in Barre, he’d vote for him. Good Samaritan opened a shelter in November in Montpelier’s former Elks Club building.

“You know, he was right,” DeAngelis said. “If we were going to add additional services, we should bring it into some of the other communities.”

Stockwell previously worked as a disabilities and mental health manager at Head Start and at Washington County Mental Health Services. When she announced her candidacy at an event in early March, she relayed a story she’d heard about a family that had been housed in a motel for four years.

“Most people don’t appreciate how hard the poor have to work to keep a roof over their heads,” she said.

Stockwell is well known in Barre. Now in her fourth year on the city council, she emphasized collaboration at her campaign announcement. “No matter how hard we work, none of us will get everything we want,” she told her supporters, who cheered and clapped.

“All of us make mistakes; we’ll all get discouraged, and we’ll disagree,” she said. “To be allies of each other, we must help each other through the rough spots.”

In an interview, Stockwell said she’d like to improve conditions for poor residents, including by offering better public transportation and assistance with childcare; she’d also like to attract a full-size grocery store close to downtown

— something Barre hasn’t had in more than 30 years.

Darren Ohl, who owns the downtown Vermont Bicycle Shop, has been impressed with how Stockwell works with others.

“Barre has never had a woman mayor,” he said. “What the hell! It’s time.”

He added, “Thom has had his chance, and he’s done a fine enough job. But it’s time to let someone else get into that role and do a good job.”

Not everyone thinks Stockwell’s approach is what Barre needs.

“Samn’s talking about how we’ve got to get through this with kindness,” City Councilor Deering said. “I love Samn. I love kindness. But kindness is not going to solve budget issues. Kindness is not going to drive up the grand list and get things done in public-private partnerships.”

A big job lies ahead for the city, which could get millions of dollars from the feds and the state to help redevelop the city’s devastated north end by creating a floodplain and new flood-resistant housing. That’s work that City Manager Nicolas Storellicastro will continue to lead, whoever is elected mayor. He said the city council on which Lauzon and Stockwell both sit has taken important first steps by signing off on preliminary plans for buyouts and rebuilding.

“The big thing is making sure there’s consensus on a vision” for the area, Storellicastro said. “And I think we’ve gotten there.” ➆

Thom Lauzon

David

Finkel & Wu Han of Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

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EDUCATION

Education Bill

Would Speed Up Secretary Search Process

BY ALISON NOVAK alison@sevendaysvt.com

A bill intended to speed up and adequately fund the search process for a secretary of education advanced in the Vermont House on Tuesday.

The proposed changes in state law come after the most recent search for an education secretary took nearly a year. That process ended in controversy last week when the Vermont Senate voted not to confirm Zoie Saunders, Gov. Phil Scott’s pick for the post. Immediately after the vote, the governor appointed Saunders  interim secretary, a designation that does not require legislative approval.

S.167, the so-called miscellaneous education bill, has already been approved by the Senate. e House Education Committee added new language last week stating that the State Board of Education “shall begin a robust national search process not later than 60 days after public notification of the resignation of a Secretary of Education.”

House Education Committee chair Rep. Peter Conlon (D-Cornwall) said the provision was added “to make sure these important searches are done in a timely manner.”

e State Board of Education customarily awaits a letter from the governor before starting its search.

e board sends three finalists to the governor, who appoints one. After former secretary Dan French resigned in April 2023, Gov. Scott waited nearly four months to ask the state board to initiate the process.

The bill also gives the state board authority to “request from the Agency of Education the funds necessary to utilize outside resources for the search process.”

Seven Days  reported in October that the state board spent roughly $500 on its most recent secretary search, a figure that pales in comparison to the money that Vermont school districts spend to hire principals and superintendents. ➆

Zen and the Art of Trash « P.15

Grants from the waste district helped them upgrade their buckets and tongs. Eight to 10 people show up most weeks. There’s no age requirement, but almost all the regulars are between 55 and 85. Some have been forced to hang up their tongs because of health issues; newcomers usually learn about the Tramps at the Montpelier Senior Activity Center, their de facto headquarters. Regulars can earn a set of “golden tongs” — salad tools that Ferguson paints yellow and inscribes with the recipient’s Tramp name.

Gearing up in the senior center ahead of last week’s gathering were Donna Casey and Nona Estrin, two of the newest Tramps.

Casey, a 68-year-old former city sta er, grew bored with retirement and saw in the Tramps a chance to be active, meet people and do something good for the environment. “It checks all the boxes,” said Casey, who chose her Tramp name, Penny Lane, after finding a coin on her first outing.

Estrin, 83, had wanted to join the Tramps for years but never made the time for it. This winter, she told herself, “If I don’t do this now, I never will.” Six months later, she’s hooked. It’s good exercise, she said, squeezing her trash grabber.

Estrin had been going by an old nickname, but as the sign-in sheet was passed around, she finally declared her Tramp name: Trashy Duck. She said she was inspired by the arrival of this reporter,

who, at Ferguson’s urging, came up with his own moniker — Elmer Crudd.

After their opening ritual, the Tramps split up and set out across Montpelier.

Ferguson, pulling a little red wagon filled with three buckets, cut a path through a gravel parking lot near Shaw’s supermarket, stopping every few feet to scoop up litter: a lone black winter boot, a mud-filled water bottle, a carton’s worth of cigarette butts.

SOMETIMES,

WHEN

THE

two about finding the Zen zone. She has dabbled in Buddhism and, at one temple she attended, told the abbot of her plan to begin a daily practice of picking up 100 discarded filters. Don’t, the abbot replied, unless with each butt, you thank the smoker for leaving it there.

WORLD

IS SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL, IF YOU CAN JUST DO SOMETHING, LIKE PICK UP A CIGARETTE ... THAT’S CHANGE. ANNE FERGUSON

Strolling along, Ferguson explained that her spouse, Nancy Schulz, aka Sister Sludge, has helped her approach the work as a Buddhist might: by leaning into the meditative aspects. She sometimes gets so lost in the rote act that she fails to notice it’s 3 p.m., when the Tramps are due back at the senior center. That’s landed her in the “doghouse” a few times, she said with a grin.

Ferguson now carries a watch in her pocket, though she still sometimes struggles to call it quits. Running behind last week, she couldn’t resist waiting for a break in traffic along Main Street so that she could run out to pick up yet another discarded butt.

“The world’s going by, and you’re caught up in picking up litter,” Ferguson said, her wagon rumbling over the gravel. “You come out of it, and you’re just like, Whoa, that was cool.” Ferguson hung a left onto Langdon Street, where she spotted Schulz scooping up a bunch of cigs along a curb.

Schulz, who started another local cleanup group known as the Graffiti Removal Infrastructure Team, or GRIT, two years ago, knows a thing or

Schulz dropped the idea like a spent cigarette.

“I’m not that evolved,” she said with a laugh, squeezing between two parked cars to grab yet more cigs.

Back at the senior center parking lot, the Tramps gathered all the butts they’d collected into one plastic bag. As Ferguson explained, they contain fiberglass, which can be shredded and recycled for use in other products. Since 2021, they’ve collected 250,000-plus butts and shipped them to Terracycle, a New Jersey recycling company.

Ferguson balanced the bag in her palm to estimate the count. “Twenty-five hundred,” she said with satisfaction.

As they sifted through the rest of their haul, they took stock of unusual finds. “Who got the shoe?” someone asked. “I did!” Ferguson replied. “I said, ‘Let’s give it the boot.’”

Ferguson said she never gets upset by cleaning the same places over and over again. And if any of the Tramps ever do, she will tell them that it’s time to take a break. “Because the anger is only going to hurt you,” she said. Her advice: Approach each day without any expectation that things will be as you left them.

A Buddhist monk couldn’t have said it better. ➆

1% OF SALES TO Spring into the season for outdoor living & explore our furniture Designed for Enjoying Life Outside

Anne Ferguson, aka Eileen Dover, picking up a dirty bottle

FEEDback

UNFAIR REVIEW

I was looking forward to reading Jim Schley’s review of Adrie Kusserow’s recent book The Trauma Mantras: A Memoir in Prose Poems. I have been deeply moved by the beauty, courage, intelligence and insight that fills each page of this sensoryrich, boldly honest and often challenging book. Hundreds of times I had to pause, quiet myself and simply let the words land. I am someone who loves the craft of writing and geeks out on grammar, and my critique of a writer’s skill or lack of skill often keeps me in my head. But from the first chapter, this book landed fully on my heart. It was a book I savored, choosing to digest it one chapter at a time over many weeks, taking Adrie’s imagery, metaphors and multiple hard truths with me on my daily walks in the woods.

SMALL-SCHOOL SPIRIT

[Re “The Deepest Cut: Rising Costs and Property Tax Hikes Again Threaten the Survival of Small Schools,” March 27]: Vermont doesn’t have too many schools; we have too few children to fill them.

closing their little schools is a way to begin, and it may well result in the disintegration of Vermont’s culture.

Millard Cox RIPTON

VOTERS ARE SAYING ‘NO’

So I was sadly disappointed by [“Over the Borderlines,” April 24], Schley’s review of Adrie’s book. While he has a terrific editing and writing pedigree, I am afraid he completely misread a beautiful, unique and important piece of work due to a lack of ... imagination? Open-heartedness? Time? I’m not sure.

Because there’s not enough space here to counter his litany of complaints, I will focus on one that I find most egregious — his claim that this book lives up to the epithet of “me-moir” with the author’s numerous “self-conscious interventions.” Adrie courageously reveals aspects of herself with a rare humility I’ve not often encountered in memoirs or in life.

Annie O’Shaughnessy UNDERHILL

Addressing the real problems — affordable housing and affordable childcare — will encourage young Vermonters to stay and have children, and will bring in young families. Tax reduction from closing small schools is not proven. When Addison Central School was closed in 2018 in the Addison Northwest School District, increases in the costs of health care, wages, goods and transportation continued, as did tax increases.

Cox, now retired, worked as a special educator in the Addison Central Supervisory Union.

WORKING, WORKING

To permit large-town voters in a school district to close a small-town school against that town’s wishes is suppression of a minority and overrides the right of smalltown voters to make decisions about their own town [“Town of Roxbury Sues Over Budget Vote That Could Close Its School,” April 18; “Court Rejects Roxbury’s Request to Block School Budget Vote,” April 24].

Closing a small town’s school and busing its children to a larger school will not necessarily improve education. The addition of more students increases class sizes and workloads for the educators and service providers in the larger school and can exacerbate behavioral problems brought on by too many students per classroom.

Small towns attract people as good places to live and to raise and educate children. People in small towns experience cultural deprivation when their small-town school is closed against their wishes. Small towns are central to Vermont’s economy, society and identity. If we want small towns to disappear,

Thanks for [“Employees of a Certain Age: More Vermont Seniors Are Working, Due to Financial Need or Choice. They May Help Plug the Labor Gap,” April 17]. So many Vermont seniors are still working, not because they want to but because our brutal age of Reaganomics and our low-wage society have forced them to keep working.

Since retirement pensions were destroyed in favor of the scam of 401ks, and few people below the level of management are thought worthy enough for either of these things, many seniors have neither and just have to keep working as if there were no retirement at all. While some are working by choice, many more are still working because they have to. As one senior worker I know said, “I will still be serving lunch at my funeral.”

I am one of them. At 68, I still have to work full time. Social Security is my pension. It covers the $4,000 I have to pay for Medicare each year, and that’s about it. I’ll have to keep working full time until they shovel me under.

The thing to remember is that if America were a decent country and not a Victorian workhouse like it is now, seniors could retire in comfort. We deserve this after working all our lives. But America is not a decent country that gives a damn for its people.

Walter Carpenter MONTPELIER

[Re “Taxing Work: House Ways and Means Chair Emilie Kornheiser Sees Raising Revenue as Part of Her Mission,” April 24]: Early in my professional career, I worked within the Boston mayor’s office under a Democratic leadership team I admired. This administration approached spending decisions the way a family on a budget makes decisions around the kitchen table. Such discussion might include replacing the old family car versus taking a trip to Disney or fixing the leaky roof over getting a new aboveground pool. When considering how to embark on new initiatives, they realized it may be necessary to freeze or reduce spending in existing programs or departments. Priorities were discussed; this team was smart and compassionate in recognizing there is a dependence upon taxes, which are elastic. When times are good, taxes increase; and when times are not good, they decrease.

Times are not good for Vermonters today. The fact that voters are refusing school budget increases in droves reinforces this, and it is making national news. I do not see this necessarily related to education spending so much as it relates to general tax fatigue. Voters in Vermont are seizing one of the few opportunities where they can directly a ect the spending decision and, in doing so, sending a clear message of “no” directly to Montpelier legislators. Montpelier needs to listen to this message voters are sending.

We are looking for our legislators to sit at that proverbial kitchen table and make the tough decisions on spending priorities and cost containment. Montpelier, please do not disappoint your constituents, lest they seize the next best opportunity to be heard come the November polls.

John Zimmer WESTMORE

lifelines

OBITUARIES

Dr. Andrew Paul Krapcho

MARCH 6, 1932-APRIL 26, 2024

SHELBURNE, VT.

Dr. Andrew Paul Krapcho passed away peacefully at the University of Vermont Medical Center at the grand old age of 92.

Born in Alden, Pa., to Martin and Anna Krapcho, Paul was the youngest of four children, all of whom were encouraged to attend college to avoid a coal mining career like that which ended his father’s life when Paul was only 11 years old. His older brother John, a PhD chemist, served as his mentor and father figure, encouraging him to pursue chemistry as a career. After earning BS and PhD degrees in chemistry from Penn State (1953) and Harvard (1957), Paul taught at Smith College for two years, where his soon-to-be wife, Arlene Fisher, was a student. ey married in the chapel on the Smith College campus in 1958 and welcomed their first child, Karen, the following year, during Paul’s postdoc at Penn State University. He joined the Chemistry Department at UVM, with the inception of a PhD degree program in 1960. Soon after his arrival in Vermont, his daughter Susan was born and, two years later, his son, Doug. During a 40-year teaching span, he taught organic chemistry to approximately 6,000 undergraduate students and over 400 graduate students, 49 of whom received PhDs. Among his most impactful contributions to science were the development of a well-known chemical reaction,

Valerie Gump

JANUARY 16, 1932APRIL 25, 2024

SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT.

OBITUARIES, VOWS, CELEBRATIONS

regularly referred to as “Krapcho decarboxylation,” and co-discovery of the anticancer drug pixantrone (trade name Pixuvri), currently used in the treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

As an invited speaker to many international symposia, Paul loved to travel and enjoyed exploring the plains of Africa, wonders of New Zealand, temples of India and Great Wall of China, to name a few of his destinations. He enjoyed skiing, scuba diving and camping with his family. He was very fond of sailing and kayaking on Lake Champlain and enjoyed the naps he and Arlene took up at their cabin later in their lives.

Paul is survived by his wife of 66 years, Arlene, and their children, Karen Krapcho and her spouse, Whit Reid; Susan Hullinger and her spouse, Monte; and Doug Krapcho and his spouse, Cindy; as well as his grandchildren, Whitney Reid, Jesse Reid, Erin Hullinger, Sylvie Hullinger, Devon Krapcho and Natalie Krapcho.

A private graveside service will be held at the Shelburne Cemetery in early May. In lieu of flowers, Paul would ask that you consider voting for someone other than Donald Trump in November. Donations can be made to the A. Paul and Arlene Krapcho Green and Gold Professorship, a foundation near and dear to the both of them (go.uvm. edu/krapcho).

On April 25, 2024, Valerie Patricia Gump left her earthly life to experience another exciting adventure into a new and unknown realm. Valerie was born on January 16, 1932, in London, England, and arrived in North America in 1954. She always loved to travel, meet new people, and experience different cultures and foods. Her genuine curiosity about others gave her the ability to engage complete strangers in conversation. Her most in-depth learning was during her stay in the small village of Chogoria, at the foot of Mount Kenya. She traveled extensively in the U.S. and Canada, to many cities and in the wilderness, but regardless of all the beautiful and amazing spots around the globe, Vermont was still tops for her. Valerie wished everyone whose path crossed hers the happiness,

learning, excitement and love she experienced in her lifetime. She is survived by her husband, Dieter W. Gump, of Burlington, Vt.; her children and spouses, Laura (Ned) Gardner of Morristown, N.J.; Jamieson (Cheryl) Gump of Tyngsborough, Mass.; and Brooks (Linda) Gump of Skaneateles, N.Y.; a sister and her spouse, Ann (Carl) Bleich, of Ottawa, Canada; five grandchildren; two nephews; and two great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Valerie was predeceased by her brother, Harry Waite, of Kent, England. At Valerie’s request, there will be no funeral service. ose who wish may make a contribution in her memory to Spectrum Youth & Family Services, 31 Elmwood Ave., Burlington, VT 05401-4347.

Edward Sbardellati

DECEMBER 3, 1946-APRIL 17, 2024 MIDDLESEX, VT.

Edward J. Sbardellati, 77, of Middlesex, Vt., passed away at his home on April 17, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife, Clare McFadden; daughter, Sarah Sbardellati; sons, Adam and Ian Sbardellati; four grandchildren, Bayley, Maya, Hazel and Celia; and close cousin, Dr. James La Paglia.

Ed was born in Derby, Conn., on December 3, 1946, to his parents, Edward Sr. and Genevieve Bilcz Sbardellati.

Ed married Jean Miller in 1968. ey had two sons, Adam and Ian, before their eventual divorce. In 1989 he married Clare McFadden in Calais, Vt. ey built a home in Middlesex that they shared until his death. eir daughter, Sarah, arrived in 1991.

Ed loved school and often joked that he would have kept going back if they let him. e first in his family to graduate from college, he earned an AB history degree from Norwich University in 1968, an MS in elementary education in 1972 from Southern Connecticut State University, an MED in special education in 1975 from the University of Vermont and a PhD in special education in 1980 from the University of Pittsburgh.

Vermont Association of ABA and Washington County Mental Health Services established the Ed Sbardellati Award for Excellence and Innovation in School-Based Mental Health Services, also known as “ e Eddie.” e award is granted to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field in Vermont.

Ed had many interests and hobbies, including a longtime membership in the Vermont Association for Applied Behavior Analysis, snowshoeing with his friends, golfing, skiing, gardening, traveling, kayaking, photography, science fiction, and studying U.S. and world history.

One of Ed’s passions was travel. Over the years, he and Clare visited many places. Some of his favorites were in the Caribbean, Central America, California and Europe. Proud of his Italian heritage, he visited Italy three times, enjoying the history, culture, and, especially, the food and wine. He also fulfilled a dream of seeing some of the antiquities in Greece, particularly the Acropolis in Athens. He was always up for exploring and learning. If a problem arose while traveling, he would say, “We are on an adventure!”

He started his career as a middle school teacher at Willis School in Ansonia, Conn., before moving to Vermont, where he was a consulting teacher in special education. In 1981, he joined a team at Washington County Mental Health that played a key clinical role in the successful effort to close the largest state institutions in both New Hampshire and Vermont for individuals with autism and developmental delays — the first states to do so in the country.

Ed is credited with bringing applied behavioral analysis to the state of Vermont by helping to establish and maintain the first ABA graduate training programs in the state through Washington County Mental Health and Northern Vermont University. Ed continued to support individuals with special needs and their families in Vermont and Massachusetts throughout his nearly 40-year career.

In honor of his leadership, the

Ed lived his life with enthusiasm and intensity. He had a lifelong love of learning, held strong opinions and enjoyed a good argument. He was generous with his time and resources and dedicated much of his energy toward helping children and families and teaching and mentoring students. He cherished his deep connections to friends, colleagues and family.

Ed was predeceased by his parents and his brother, August Sbardellati. Arrangements are in the care of Guare and Sons Funeral Home in Montpelier, Vt. ose wishing to express online condolences may do so at guareandsons.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to World Central Kitchen at donate.wck.org, or Washington County Mental Health Services at wcmhs.org, or PO Box 647, Montpelier, VT 056010647 (attn. CYFS programs).

A celebration of life will be held on June 15, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Zenbarn in Waterbury Center.

Mary Lou (Merola) Lafayette

JULY 16, 1955-APRIL 29, 2024

BURLINGTON, VT.

Mary Lou (Merola) Lafayette peacefully passed away on April 29, 2024, at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, surrounded by her family.

She was born in Burlington on July 16, 1955, the daughter of Robert and Ruth Merola. As one of six children in a large, extended Italian family, Mary Lou learned early on the importance of family. From baptisms to graduations to weddings, her life centered on food, conversation and community. She was fortunate to grow up in a more innocent time when kids could safely explore the world around them and learn cooperation and independence.

Mary Lou attended Cathedral Grammar School and Rice Memorial High School, where she enjoyed cheerleading, Stunt Night and making lots of friends, many of whom she remained close to throughout her life. In her twenties, Mary Lou was a talented duckpin bowler, often bringing home honors and enjoying years of camaraderie with her bowling friends.

Kaleb Bates-Wolcott

JUNE 17, 1982-APRIL 18, 2024 FAYSTON, VT.

This obituary is written in honor of Kaleb’s life and memory.

Kaleb Asher Bates-Wolcott was born at home in Elmore, Vt., on June 17, 1982. He died peacefully in the early morning on April 18, 2024, at Central Vermont Medical Center in Barre, Vt., at the age of 41. He had bravely, as the warrior he was, coped with muscular dystrophy throughout his lifetime. Kaleb was an amazing human being. He was strong-willed, intelligent, kind and generous, with a great sense of humor — a good listener who patiently listened to the worried well at his bedside.

Kaleb lost his ability to walk at age 12 and creatively and fiercely adapted to his life in an electric wheelchair. His top priority was his social life. In Wauwatosa, Wis., he learned early that to meet people

In 1983, Mary Lou married Martin “Marty” Lafayette, also of Burlington, and they had three children. Mary Lou was deeply involved in her children’s lives, first staying home to raise them, then volunteering at their schools, and later attending their many sports and activities. She and Marty took their family on several trips to Lake George, where they had honeymooned, and on camping trips around Vermont. Mary Lou also loved to spend time with family at the Merola camp on Colchester Point. In the early part of her career, Mary Lou worked for the Given Health Care Center and at Flynn Elementary School. In 1997, she was hired at Starr Farm Nursing Center (now Elderwood), where she devoted 23 years of her

life. Mary Lou’s warm voice was the first thing every caller heard, and her beautiful smile greeted all who walked through the door. Her kindness and compassion put the residents, their families and visitors at ease, along with her genuine care and respect for her coworkers.

Mary Lou’s favorite role was as a mother, both to her children and to many others she mothered along the way. At Starr Farm, she earned the nickname “Mama” because of her uncanny ability to sense what others needed and to give so generously — whether it was a meal, a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen or a person to share a laugh with. Her love was limitless. Later, she thrived in her role as Mimi to her grandchildren,

he had to reach out to them, first by ignoring their biases and fears of the disabled, and then disarming them with his wit and humor. He quickly got a paper route with a friend who rode on the back of his chair at top speed, while pitching papers onto lawns. In high school, he began to watch cooking shows with a friend after school, which developed into 15 to 20 teens regularly testing new recipes in the kitchen into the early hours of the morning. Kaleb prided himself on directing and inspiring his friends on how to appreciate and cook good food. (His mother bought the groceries. “Really, you need Chilean sea bass?”) Kaleb also had an eclectic taste in music, ranging from

Frank Sinatra to Wu-Tang Clan, obscure local hip-hop to Coldplay and classical to jazz. While attending Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin, he began, on his own, to investigate the music scene in Milwaukee. Security guards at each venue soon realized he wasn’t safe in the raucous crowds, so he watched from backstage and met many famous musicians along the way.

He took in the world through conversations, food, art, music and film. These hours of study resulted in critical and categorical knowledge of just about everything, including the existence of bigfoot and ancient aliens. He entertained all ages at his bedside by figuring

Jack and Maddie. She nurtured and mentored them and cherished the special bond and time they had together.

Mary Lou is survived by her husband of 40 years, Marty Lafayette; her daughter, Amy Lafayette (Dan Barnes); her sons, Bob and Rick Lafayette; her grandchildren, Jack and Madelyn Lafayette; her sisters, Sherie Desautels (Jerry), Jane Merola McKenzie and Robin LaBelle (Mark); her brothers, Jim (Susan) and Frank Merola (Mary Wheatley); and many nieces, nephews and extended family. She was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Ruth Merola.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Mary Lou’s dear friend Jill Mitchell for all the ways she took care of Mary Lou during her illness.

A celebration of Mary Lou’s life was held on April 10 at the Burlington Elks Club, 925 North Ave., Burlington.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the North End Food Pantry (northendfoodpantry.org).

out what people’s tastes were and introducing them all to new movies or the latest series or video game. Kaleb was supported, loved and cared for by a large group of extended family, friends and caregivers whom he cared for deeply.

Kaleb’s immediate family members include his parents, James G. Wolcott of Jeffersonville, Vt., and Barbara A. Bates of Westmoreland, N.H.; his siblings, Eliza BatesWolcott of Fayston, Vt., and Ezra Bates-Wolcott of Traverse City, Mich.; his nephews, Elijah Wolcott of Descanso, Calif., and Jackson Craig, of Fayston, Vt.; his niece, Lilliana Hoy of Sandy, Utah; and his maternal grandmother, Janet Mckallor Beck of Westmoreland, N.H.

A Viking celebration of life will be held at a later date, with close friends and family.

In memory of Kaleb, consider donating to the charity of your choice. “Pay it forward!’’ He would like that.

IN MEMORIAM

Benjamin Williams

1955-2023

There will be a memorial service for Benjamin Williams, who passed away on October 21, 2023, at the age of 68, at his home in Woodbury, Vt. The memorial will be held on May 24, 2 p.m., at Vermont College of Fine Arts, Montpelier, Vt. Reception to follow.

Mitchell Telega 1955-2024

Mitchell Telega, also known as Mickey, was born in Hopewell, Pa., and graduated from Our Lady of Fatima School and Community College of Beaver County. He was a traveling medical technologist who worked in all 50 states, including a long assignment in Alaska. He served many years as a volunteer firefighter. In Vermont, he worked at North Country Hospital until his retirement, when he returned to Pennsylvania to serve as constable of the third ward of the city of Beaver Falls. He is the father of Brian and Elizabeth.

OBITUARIES

Michael Samara

MARCH 5, 1948-APRIL 26, 2024 SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT.

Michael David Samara passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack at his home on April 26, 2024. Extraordinary staff from the South Burlington emergency departments and his beloved wife, Lucy, were by his side. Michael was born on March 5, 1948, to Josephine and Frederick Samara of Manchester, N.H. He grew up in a close-knit Lebanese and Syrian American family, with his Arabic-speaking grandparents living in the apartment downstairs. roughout his life, he took significant pride in his heritage. In 1970, he earned his degree at the University of New Hampshire, and two years later, he went on to earn his master’s degree in education in counseling and personnel, also at UNH. It was during this time at UNH that he met his best friend and partner, Lucy. ey married in 1975 at the Community Church of Durham, UCC.

Michael served as codirector of residential life and director of counseling at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Indiana before moving to Vermont in 1977 to serve as director of student life at Saint Michael’s College. Michael was soon promoted to the roles of dean of students and vice president for student affairs and served for 35 years before retiring in 2012. During this time, he touched the lives of a broad range of people: students, faculty, administrators and the dining hall staff. He was beloved for his thoughtful and caring demeanor, advocacy, equity and inclusion. He formed lasting relationships, including with students, many of whom stayed in touch with him for decades after graduating. Following his retirement, Michael enrolled in the Clinical Pastoral Education Program at the University of Vermont Medical Center. Michael went on to serve as a per diem chaplain at the medical center and on the professional advisory group for the CPE Program.

Michael returned to Saint Michael’s College in a part-time position from 2013 to 2018, serving on the campus ministry staff and in academic support. On his second retirement from SMC, Michael wrote, “I must end with a special thank you and acknowledgement to the Society of Saint Edmund.

e Edmundites took a chance on a young man in 1977. I have always felt their hospitality, support, love and faithful care. I am most grateful.”

Michael’s greatest love was his family. He adored his two children, Julie Samara ompson and Andrew Samara, and their spouses, Matthew ompson and Emily Hubbard Samara. Michael dearly loved spending time with his five granddaughters: Audrey and Madeleine Samara ompson, and Franny, Juno and Robin Samara, who experienced their “Jiddo” as full of poems, stories, games, laughter and silly songs.

Michael had a passion for writing, Boston sports, playing guitar and vacationing on Wells Beach. He loved watching his children and grandchildren in all of their interests and activities. Michael also took significant meaning from his faith and was an active member of the First Congregational Church UCC of Burlington for nearly 40 years and served the church community in many roles.

Along with Lucy, his children and their spouses, and his grandchildren, Michael is survived by his brother, Richard Samara, of Manchester, N.H., and many beloved in-laws, cousins and friends.

A celebration of Michael’s life will be held on Friday, May 31, 1:30 p.m., at the First Congregational Church UCC of Burlington, Vt.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael’s honor can be made to the Joint Urban Ministry Project (jumpvt.org) or to the First Congregational Church of Burlington Pastoral Care Fund (firstchurchburlington.org).

Francis Lennon

MAY 1, 1948-APRIL 29, 2024 BURLINGTON, VT.

Francis “Frank” John Lennon died on April 29, 2024, at his home in Burlington, Vt. He was born on May 1, 1948, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Manhattan.

Frank spent his youth in Queens Village, N.Y., where he attended Our Lady of Lourdes School. He was a frequent traveler, embarking on many summer holidays to Ireland to visit his grandmother, aunts, uncles and cousins. Steamship travel and the need to dress fancy for meals gave Frank his love of three-piece suits and cool hats.

Frank graduated from Power Memorial Academy in Manhattan. During high school, he was a member of the glee club and bowling team. He often recounted to his children that he needed to walk, take a bus and ride the subway to get to school every day. He also liked to share that one of his classmates went on to be a famous NBA star.

quick trips with a backpack and a tight turnaround.

Frank graduated from St. John’s University in Queens with a political science degree in 1969. Frank loved to discuss politics and would leave the TV on C-SPAN for background noise.

Frank was part of the “Sabre Street Madmen,’’ a group of close friends who met in kindergarten and remained tight over the decades. Frank’s masterful driving skills earned him the nickname “U-Turn,” for his ability to make them on a dime and, for some reason, very frequently.

Hot rods and cars were an integral part of Frank’s life. From late-night drag racing to memorizing every aspect of any model of car ever assembled, Frank knew automobiles. He could name them by their headlight shape, their paint or decal options, or how they sounded. is love of cars was shared with his buds and his dad. Later in life, he was the master of always reminding his loved ones when their car needed an oil change. He also sent classified ads to anyone who was thinking of buying a car, whether or not they asked for such assistance. Lastly, Frank’s love of die-cast model cars continued for over 70 years. Weekly outings to every drug store in northern Vermont were a must to find a toy car with the properly portrayed factory options.

His early travel experience steered him toward his future career. His first job was with Swissair at JFK, loading luggage onto planes and dabbling in freight shipping. One perk of this position was last-minute, inexpensive tickets, which allowed Frank to travel the world — alas, they were just

In the early 1970s, he left New York City for Connecticut and worked for Emery Worldwide at BDI. He specialized in getting packages where they needed to be, and Emery’s expansion to BTV brought him and his growing family to Vermont in 1979. He continued to work for Emery and its subsidiaries until the mid-1990s. He then worked at KBA Planeta — moving industrial-size printing press machines from Europe — until his retirement in 2009. Despite his retirement from full-time work, he brought smiles to passengers by reuniting them with their delayed luggage and delivering Friday paychecks to those excited for their weekend. Frank’s work ethic was bar none, and he didn’t miss a day in his life. Frank later enjoyed lunch dates with his children, attending his grandchildren’s concerts and sporting events, puttering around the house, and watching car videos on YouTube.

Frank’s superpowers included his quick wit and dry humor (you needed to be fast to catch the joke), his ability to name any airport in the world via its three-alpha code, his ability to get the family to the airport with hours to spare, and his ability to carve a turkey. Frank loved good fish and chips, classic movies, Irish sweaters, three-piece suits, and thrift shop T-shirts.

Frank is survived by his seven children: Jeanne (Karl), Teresa, Jennifer, Francis (Laura), Audrey (Patrick), Jack and Tony; as well as their mother, Frank’s former spouse and lifelong friend, Kathleen Mellisy Lennon. In addition, Frank is survived by his seven grandchildren: Nicholas, Peyton, Carter, Parker, Milo, Tyler and Addison. Frank is predeceased by his mother, Margaret O’Neill Lennon; his father, Hugh P. Lennon; and his partner-in-life, Judith E. Ververs. He will also be greatly missed by his crew: Tom, Frank, Tom, Frank (not a typo), Anthony and Rich.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Meals on Wheels (agewellvt.org) or to the charity of your choice.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Ready Funeral Home, 68 Pinecrest Dr., Essex Junction, VT 05452.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Ready Funeral & Cremation Services. To send online condolences to the family, please visit readyfuneral.com.

Stephen P. Adams

APRIL 1, 1941-MAY 1, 2024 STOWE, VT.

Stephen P. Adams of Stowe passed away on May 1, 2024, at the University of Vermont Medical Center. Steve was born on April 1, 1941, in Montpelier, Vt. He was the second of three sons born to his parents, Alice Barker Adams and Charles R. Adams.

Steve’s childhood was spent enjoying the ski slopes of Vermont, where he excelled at ski racing as a member of the Junior National Team and of the Middlebury College Ski Team. Many summer days were spent with his cousins, aunts and uncles in Westport, Mass., at the beloved family “boathouse,” where he developed a lifelong love of sailing, and he competed in many races on Lake Champlain, as well as the Newport Bermuda Race.

later years with friends and family. Steve was a devoted alumnus of Middlebury College and maintained exceptional lifelong friendships with many classmates. He loved to attend Middlebury events such as Homecoming.

Steve had a long and successful career managing the financial/operational aspects of the Department of Medicine at UVM. He was one of the first in the country to hold this type of position. He was a member of the board of trustees of the University Health Center for many years. He also owned and ran Lamoille Medical Management, managing small local practices in his area of Vermont. He served as president of the Mt. Mansfield Ski Club, where he was enthusiastically involved in the junior ski racing program, spending many winter days in the start shack, as well as traveling to ski races with his children, Kimberly and Krister.

Steve was never happier than when he was skiing on Mount Mansfield, which he did well into his seventies. He enjoyed meeting friends for tea at the Octagon and cruising the Front Four. Second to Mount Mansfield was his beloved Vail, Colo., where he traveled many times with his wife, Linda, who was a ski writer and photographer. He also enjoyed trips to Vail in

Steve was predeceased by the love of his life, Linda, in 2001. He is survived by his daughter, Kimberly, and son-in-law, Douglas Weiss, of Denver; and his son, Krister, and daughter-in-law, Clarissa (Kiki), of Waterbury, Vt. He also leaves his treasured granddaughters, Kelsey Weiss and her husband, Yahia Imam, of Denver; Bettina Weiss of Washington, D.C.; and Sydney Adams of Waialua, Hawaii. Steve was also a loving greatgrandfather to Zayne and Ramy, both of Denver.

Steve is also survived by his brothers, William (Janet) Adams of Riverside, Conn., and James (Barbara) Adams of Jericho, Vt., as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his special aunt Laura (Locket) Adams of Montpelier, Vt.

The family cannot adequately thank Audrianna Blais and Ann Marie Duff for their kindness and unparalleled dedication in assisting and caring for Steve in his later years. Many thanks, as well, to his wonderful neighbors on Shaw Hill.

Steve (aka “Buster”) will be remembered by many friends and family members for his great sense of humor, gregarious nature and loyalty as a dedicated friend. A true Vermonter, he lived life on his own terms on his beloved mountains of home.

There will be a celebration of Steve’s life to be held at a later date in Stowe. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Steve’s honor be made to the Mt. Mansfield Ski Club, the Kelly Brush Foundation or the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

Joe Moore

CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE

FRIDAY, MAY 24

All are invited to a celebration of life service for Joe Moore on Friday, May 24, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the First Unitarian Universalist Church (top of Church Street), 152 Pearl St., Burlington. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Vermont Blues Society, 1696 Maple St., Waltham, VT 05491, or online at vermontbluessociety.org. Donations in Joe’s name will be used to aid in the formation of the Joe Moore Music for Youth Scholarship Fund, dedicated to supporting musical development of youth.

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The Mourning Run

Chip Piper aims to run 10 marathons in 10 days. He’s driven by grief over the loss of his stepson to drug addiction and the hope of helping others.

BY HANNAH FEUER • hfeuer@sevendaysvt.com

It’s 6:30 a.m., and Chip Piper is headed out for a run on the Silver Lake Trail in Salisbury — though “run” is a loose term for his pace. The first mile climbs 466 feet, and it takes Piper about 19 minutes as he dodges icy patches and knobby roots — more of a hike than a run. He turns around at a high point, extends his stride and accelerates downhill, splashing through mud puddles that soil his bright green HOKA sneakers. Heating up, he sheds his thick black gloves but keeps on his beanie, emblazoned with the words “Run Happy.” Toward the bottom, he checks his GPS watch: He has run the third mile in nine and a half minutes.

He picks up the pace. “I can’t have you thinking I’m that slow,” he quips to a reporter who has tagged along.

Piper, 55, is no elite athlete. He’s five foot seven with a solid build, and his gait sometimes resembles a shuffle. Yet between May 16 and 25, he’ll attempt an almost unfathomably grueling physical challenge: running 10 marathons in 10 consecutive days. He’s one of 12 people who are expected to participate in the 262-mile event in Ripton, during which runners will repeatedly scale a 26.2-mile course that gains almost 5,000 feet. It’s part of an ultra-race series called Infinitus, organized by the Endurance Society, an organization whose logo is a crawling skeleton.

Despite his cheery hat, Piper describes his motivation for the Sisyphean contest as a way of understanding immense pain — and working through grief.

Four years ago, his stepson, Michael Lepore-Capek-Piper, died of a fentanyl overdose at 33. Piper had raised Michael from the age of 3, and the two shared a deep father-son bond. Ultra-running, Piper says, allows him to experience a sliver of the suffering Michael might have endured during withdrawal — and of the mental fortitude required to keep going despite that agony.

Piper’s mantra: “On the other side of pain is victory.” Running provides catharsis, he said, and a way for him to help fight the scourge of addiction.

By asking community members to sponsor his participation in ultramarathons,

Piper has raised more than $50,000 in just three years. He donates the money to two Vermont nonprofits that help people recovering from substance use: Jenna’s Promise in Johnson and Turning Point Center of Addison County. This year, he aims to raise $25,000 in advance of his deca-marathon, although he has been struggling with donor fatigue and has only raised about $6,000 so far.

Piper’s marathons are an extreme example of the ways in which parents, spouses and other family members channel the pain of losing someone to addiction, turning it into action to help others. As overdose deaths in Vermont continue to rise, grieving families hold fundraisers, create artistic projects, establish nonprofits and lobby for policy changes in hopes of making a dent in a crisis that claimed at least 212 Vermonters in 2023.

These families face not only the loss of a loved one but also the burden of societal judgment. After an overdose, obituaries rarely disclose the true cause of death, and parents can become buried in feelings of guilt and shame. Piper is one of those seeking to flip the script and speak candidly about opioid addiction.

He put it this way: “This is my suffering, to demonstrate that you can get through to the other side.”

A LOSING BATTLE

Piper became Michael’s stepfather when he married the boy’s mother, Patty Lepore Capek, in 1990.

It was Piper who guided Michael through childhood milestones — teaching him how to ride a bike, swim and, eventually, drive a car. He helped coach Michael’s youth baseball team, beaming

with pride when Michael hit his first home run. As the boy grew older, the two watched Netflix shows, played video games and bonded over their admiration for basketball legend Michael Jordan.

But Piper knew Michael was a different kind of kid. On the boy’s first day of kindergarten, the teacher called and said Michael was being so disruptive that he would have to be picked up early.

“I’m not gonna lie: He was a difficult child,” Piper said. “He was extremely smart, but traditional learning was not for him.”

Michael, who had been diagnosed with ADHD, briefly attended Middlebury Union High School before dropping out and earning his GED. He worked at a construction company and as a prep cook at fast-food restaurants. He married his high school sweetheart at 22, and the two had three boys.

Chip Piper holding a photo of his stepson, Michael

I don’t want anyone to ever have to go through some of the shit that I went through.

CHIP PIPER

His addiction began in his mid-twenties after a dentist pulled several of his teeth and prescribed OxyContin for the pain. Soon, Michael was buying drugs on the street. He separated from his wife and moved home with his parents.

“I just kept working with him and trying to be positive, and I told him that he could do it, [quit] if he wanted to,” Piper said. “He didn’t believe he could.”

Piper kept the overdose-reversal drug Narcan in the house and used it to resuscitate Michael five times — on one occasion, twice in a single day. At his wits’ end, he tossed Michael’s drug stash in a dumpster but soon found his stepson diving through the trash bin, desperate for a fix.

In summer 2020, there was a glimmer

of hope. Michael and his childhood friend Dan Lovely went on a nine-day, 48-mile drug-free backpacking trip on the Long Trail. Out in the woods, Michael appeared to shed his troubles. At times, carrying 40 pounds of gear on his back, he would break into a spontaneous run.

“The week he came back from the Long Trail, he had the greatest feeling ever,” Piper said. “It was such a big deal for him. I think he was trying to do something to make me proud.”

Days later, his mother found Michael unconscious in the middle of the night. Piper administered Narcan and CPR, but by the time EMTs arrived, Michael was dead.

An autopsy revealed that the drugs in his system were 100 percent fentanyl,

Trail running became a form of meditation, and Piper started to view the sport as his therapy. The solitude of the woods forced him to work through his emotions, and he felt that pushing his body to its limits connected him to Michael’s suffering.

So in 2021, he registered for the Moosalamoo Ultra, a 36-mile trail race in Goshen, in Michael’s memory. He asked community members to pledge donations to Turning Point Center of Addison County for every mile he completed.

Though the race didn’t unfold as planned — after completing 27 miles, Piper accidentally veered off course and dropped out — it allowed him to deliver a check for $1,096 to the Middlebury nonprofit.

“We were like, Wow ,” said Nichole Bachand, who worked at the recovery center at the time. “At Turning Point, there’s not people walking in and giving you $1,000 very often.”

Touched by Piper’s story and his drive, she volunteered to build a website and manage fundraising for his future charitable efforts, a campaign they dubbed Trail Run 4 Recovery.

In 2022, Piper entered the Infinitus 88K, an approximately 55-mile race at Silver Towers campground in Ripton. After 36 miles, he dropped out again, this time because of knee pain. But any disappointment with his athletic performance was overshadowed by pride in his fundraising: This time, he’d raised $20,000. Still, he wanted to cross a finish line. He realized he might have more success in a different event: the Infinitus pentamarathon, five marathons in five consecutive days. Unlike the 88K — in which runners sometimes race through the night — the penta-marathon would allow him to return home each day to sleep and recover.

which can be lethal even in the smallest of doses. He hadn’t stood a chance.

RUNNING THROUGH THE GRIEF

Afterward, Piper was haunted by recurring bad dreams of Michael’s overdoses.

“Someone blue and not breathing, my wife in the background screaming,” Piper said. “That’s what I see in my nightmares.”

Specific dates added a layer of anguish: Michael’s birthday in September, the anniversary of his death in July.

“It was a traumatic time,” Piper said. “I don’t want anyone to ever have to go through some of the shit that I went through.”

“I said, Well, maybe I’ll do a marathon a day; that might be easier,” he said. “Not easy — but it might be something that’s achievable.”

This time, he prevailed. As Piper approached the finish line of the final 26.2 miles, he pumped his hiking poles in the air. He was the last of nine runners — not counting two who dropped out mid-race — to complete the five-day event, yet he grinned from ear to ear. He finished with a time of 46 hours, 32 minutes. He was 17 pounds lighter, and he had raised $30,000.

MOMENTUM FOR CHANGE

Four years on, Piper still finds it difficult to talk about memories of his stepson. But he also witnessed Michael hiding his drug use out of shame. Determined

Michael at 16, with his cat, Kitty Baby

Michael at 10, holding his baseball trophy

Chip Piper running by Sugar Hill Reservoir in Addison County

for those with substance-use disorder to feel comfortable seeking help, Piper has pushed himself to share the details of Michael’s death.

Roberta Enright, a recovery coach at Turning Point, recognizes Piper’s struggle. She used to lead a support group for families and says the stigma around substance-use disorder often complicates the grief felt by those closest to victims of a fatal drug overdose. Parents, who tend to blame themselves for their child’s death, often have an especially tough time, she said.

“It’s different if your kid dies in a car accident or the kid dies of an illness, as opposed to if a child dies of an overdose,” she said. “Society is not as kind.”

Tera Howard of Windsor suffered in silence for three years after losing her brother to an overdose in 2019. Then, in 2022, she helped organize Windsor’s first Overdose Awareness Day event, a candlelight vigil. For the first time, she was able to share publicly her own struggles with substance use and the story of her brother’s death.

“To share the darkest times of your life with people you don’t know … it’s very scary,” Howard said. “But it’s also really helped me in my grief process.

Overdose Awareness Day in Windsor

Because now I feel like I’m doing something and that I’m taking my brother’s story and helping to keep his memory alive.”

Even Dawn and Greg Tatro of Johnson, who were spurred by their daughter’s death in 2019 to start the nonprofit Jenna’s Promise, felt the stigma of her drug use. The family considered limiting her obituary to saying only that Jenna “died suddenly.” In the end, that didn’t feel right.

“We figured out very, very soon that we’re not going to hide in a closet,” Greg Tatro said. “We said, ‘We’re going to speak loudly, and we’re going to tell people exactly what happened.’”

Jenna’s Promise received half the money Piper raised in 2023. Informed by Jenna’s six-year struggle in and out of recovery centers, the Tatros’ organization takes a holistic approach to treating substance-use disorder: Residents not only receive medical treatment, they also attend meetings, take free yoga classes and work a job.

“It helps us heal because we’re doing something,” Dawn Tatro said. “When I look at the people who come in, their parents are going through the same thing that we’re going through.”

“That grief has to go somewhere, and you can be really angry at the system. And sometimes I still am angry at some of the things that happened to my son,” she said. “But you can turn that into something productive.”

Blake has also told the story of her son’s life and death on a national stage: In 2022, she was one of about two dozen people who testified in court to address members of the Sackler family — who own Purdue Pharma, the makers of the highly addictive painkiller OxyContin — as part of their bankruptcy hearing. In a virtual courtroom, she held up photographs of Sean and recounted the events leading up to his death at age 27. At the end of her testimony, Blake addressed the Sacklers directly, saying: “I want you to know the devastation you have caused our family.”

It’s different if your kid dies in a car accident or the kid dies of an illness, as opposed to if a child dies of an overdose. Society is not as kind.

ROBERTA ENRIGHT

In addition to supporting Jenna’s Promise, Piper’s fundraising has allowed Turning Point to offer on-call hours 24-7 and has filled funding gaps when grant money has been tight. Piper now sits on the group’s board of directors.

“Grief can turn into bitterness. Like, These services didn’t work, because now my child is gone,” Danielle Wallace, Turning Point’s executive director, said. “But instead, [Piper is] really looking at how we can expand these services so that they can be helpful for the next person.”

For Kimberly Blake, an ob-gyn doctor at the University of Vermont Medical Center, action has meant taking a leadership role with Vermont’s chapter of the national organization Team Sharing, a support group for parents who have lost a child to an overdose. The group of about 60 people meets monthly to share memories of their children and how they’re navigating the stages of grief. Group members make a point to know each lost child’s birthday and death anniversary. On those painful dates, the parents send each other notes of support.

Blake lost her son Sean to a fentanyl overdose in 2017.

Lisa Allard of Braintree also lost a child, Amanda, to a fentanyl overdose. Two years after her daughter’s death, she joined mourners carrying tombstones that named their lost loved ones in the 2023 Trail of Truth march in Washington, D.C., an annual event to memorialize victims of substance use and demand improved access to recovery treatment.

In Brattleboro, Dakota Roberts, who lost his brother, Kaya, to an overdose in 2018, went to work for the AIDS Project of Southern Vermont, where he helps drug users find out what’s in the drugs they buy. The idea is that catching lethal amounts of fentanyl and xylazine in the drug supply will save lives.

“This comes from a natural drive to help people, but there’s also a semi-selfish aspect to it, where this is helping me in my own struggles and my own trauma,” Roberts said. “It’s a good way to really honor his light and keep his memory going in a way that he would have been proud of.”

Kris Francoeur, a former principal of Middlebury Union Middle School, channeled her grief after her son Sam’s death from a fentanyl overdose into a 2019 memoir, Of Grief, Garlic and Gratitude: Returning to Hope and Joy From a Shattered Life — Sam’s Love Story. Writing the book was an emotional process that sometimes left her in a dark place, she said, but she also felt a responsibility to share the truth about how Sam died.

The Mourning Run « P.31

“To know that it has touched people, and maybe helped some people in their own journeys, has been really important,” she said.

THE FINISH LINE

Ultimately, Piper would like to start his own nonprofit and host a race in Michael’s memory. It would likely be a 5K, he said, a distance “more on everyone’s level.”

But for now, he is focused on training and fundraising. He’s building up to running 50 miles a week, distances that he documents on the exercise app Strava. He runs early in the morning before heading to work at General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems in Williston, where he manages contracts.

When Piper is hurting on his training runs, he talks to Michael, which helps keep him going. Around his neck he wears a necklace with a silver bullet containing Michael’s ashes. Often at his heels is his German shepherd, M.J., named for Michael.

“I get emotional on the trail. I laugh; I cry,” Piper said. “I say, ‘Hey, man, I gotta get through this, brother. You’ve gotta help me out.’”

While the grief that drives him now is relatively new, marathons are not.

Piper started running as a teenager — he was planning to enlist after graduating from Middlebury Union High School and feared he wouldn’t be in shape for basic training. He joined the U.S. Army, which sent him to Germany, where he ran his first marathon, finishing fast enough that he qualified for the Boston Marathon. In 1989, he finished the Boston race in three hours and 46 minutes — and raised $1,300 for multiple sclerosis research.

Running faded from his life, and in his forties he gained a substantial amount of weight. Determined to improve his health and wean himself from blood pressure medication, he returned to running and lost more than 100 pounds.

Piper acknowledges that some might view his determination to run 10 marathons in 10 days as dangerously extreme. But he isn’t concerned, pointing out that he’s not aiming for speed — just to finish. If he begins to feel that continuing is unsafe, he’s promised his wife that he’ll stop.

“It’s a better way to wreck your body than using drugs,” Piper said. “I’m su ering, but those people who are using drugs are su ering way worse.”

After completing the first marathon, Piper expects to be sore, tired and hungry. He’ll go home, eat pasta salad, soak in an Epsom salt bath, sit in compression boots that push the lactic

I get emotional on the trail. I laugh; I cry.

CHIP PIPER

acid out of his legs, go to bed, wake up and run 26.2 miles again. And again, until he’s done it 10 times.

What might be a minor inconvenience in a 5K — getting a side cramp or stepping in a puddle — can become a race-ending obstacle in an ultramarathon. Runners take to the starting line knowing there’s a real possibility of a DNF, sports lingo for “did not finish.”

“Doing a marathon a day for 10 days, you don’t know how your body’s going to respond,” said Andy Weinberg, the Infinitus race director. “If you have really bad blisters on day five or day six, it might not happen.”

Another uncertainty is whether Piper, with only $6,000 in gifts so far, will

meet his goal of raising $25,000 through pledges, business donations and a series of ra es. The ra e items include an allterrain vehicle, for which Piper hopes to sell enough $100 tickets to cover its $8,500 cost and another $11,500 to donate to Turning Point and Jenna’s Promise. If ticket sales fall short, he said, he’ll likely cover the $8,500 himself.

While that’s a scary prospect, Piper said he’ll consider the race worthwhile regardless of how much he raises. The message, he said, is more important than the money.

Jim Ploof, a friend of Piper’s who won the Infinitus 100-mile race in 2022, said mental determination is often what propels an ultramarathoner across the finish line.

Piper has that. His mission, to help people like Michael, keeps him moving.

“He’s struggled, and it gives him a way to deal with it,” Ploof said. “I think running itself has saved him.”

Despite currently dealing with some knee pain, Piper is confident he can complete the 10-day challenge. “Mind over matter,” he said. “Don’t give up.” His cause, he said, is too important to consider quitting. ➆

INFO

Infinitus Deca-Marathon, ursday, May 16, through Saturday, May 25, at Silver Towers campground in Ripton. endurancesociety.org, trailrun4recovery.com

Chip Piper crossing the finish line of his penta-marathon

Chip Piper running the Boston Marathon in 1989

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Job of the Week

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

As an Executive Director at Mans eld Hall, you will manage all overall operations at your designated site, with support from the Executive Team. ere is not a position that includes managing a board or fundraising. You will be at the forefront of our e orts to create an inclusive and supportive environment for our students, helping them to succeed in the Four Core Areas of Living, Learning, Giving, and Engaging.

WHO YOU ARE

• A holder of a graduate degree in social or behavioral sciences. • Experienced with a minimum of 3-5 years in a leadership role, preferably in educational settings.

The Scoop on Mansfield Hall

From Vice President of People Operations, Casey Cox, PhD.

What is Mansfield Hall and who does it serve?

CC: Mansfield Hall was founded to fill a crucial educational gap for fi rst-time college students with executive function challenges. ese young people live on our Burlington campus and receive academic tutoring, social guidance and help with core life skills. We provide hands-on support during this overwhelming period of change and upheaval for neurodiverse students.

What unique duties will the Executive Director tackle?

CC: e Executive Director must deftly shift between micro and macro management techniques, maintaining personal connections with all 75 students and their families, as well as directing a staff of 35 to guide our strategic vision. e E.D. will be on-site fi ve days a week and get to know all the students by name, acting as an integral mentor in their development. Apply for this great local job and many more: jobs.sevendaysvt.com

food+drink Recipe for Success

In Shelburne,

family-run Douglas Sweets bakes Scottish shortbread like Mom used to make

BY RACHEL STEARNS

Growing up in Bolton in the early 2000s, the Townsend kids had the coolest mom on the block — er, slope. Debra Townsend was known for hosting up to 30 of their friends at a time in the family’s large, ski lodge-style home. Nearly a quarter century later, siblings Brittiny, Matthew, Hannah and Ian are grown up and scattered across the globe, but they all talk every day. And Douglas Sweets, the cookie bakery their mom founded in 2011, helps keep them close.

Debra, 66, and daughter Hannah, 32, may be the only family members on the payroll at present, but the Scottish shortbread company has employed the whole family — both o cially and uno cially, as small businesses are wont to do — at various times throughout its 13-year history.

“The kids would come home from university and help, especially at Christmastime, when it got busy,” Debra recalled of the early days, when she baked in her home kitchen.

These days, the operation runs out of a commercial space in Shelburne, and her kids need not don aprons if they come home for the holidays. With Hannah working remotely from Montréal, Debra has built a brand that captures the artisan food culture of Vermont in an old-world treat. Already available in gift shops and fine foods stores across the Lower 48, the crisp, buttery, sweet-but-not-too-sweet treats will soon reach a new group of foodies nationwide, thanks to an expanded seasonal partnership with Whole Foods Market.

Amid all the success, the Vermont company remains rooted in family.

“Being a mother is absolutely everything to me,” Debra said. And the business’ origin story is tied to an unconventional choice the family made back in 2008.

After separating from her husband,

Debra whisked away her four teens on an epic two-year backpacking trip. With funds from the sale of their house, the Townsends started in Peru and journeyed through 45 countries and all but one continent, mostly staying in hostels and keeping a tight budget. They saw the wonders of

IT’S CLOSER NOW TO THE WAY MY MUM’S RECIPE WAS THAN AT ANY OTHER TIME.

DEBRA TOWNSEND

the world, perused markets, took cooking and language classes, and, being Vermonters, tried to visit Ben & Jerry’s scoop shops along the way.

When the trip ended in 2010, the kids went o to college and Debra found herself back in Bolton and in need of income. So she dusted o her mother’s shortbread recipe and sold cookies at a Christmas market in Richmond under the name Douglas Sweets, in honor of her mother, Joan Douglas. A Scottish immigrant, Douglas had developed the recipe when she was 17, missing Scottish shortbread while living in the U.S.

To Debra’s surprise, she sold out at the market.

“It’s 50 percent less sugar than an ordinary cookie; it’s all good ingredients; it’s all natural. I know it’s a good product, and I thank my mum for it,” she said, crediting the family recipe rather than her own baking talent or business acumen.

Encouraged by her early success, Debra began approaching local food stores that sold Vermont products. Healthy Living in South Burlington was the first to carry her cookies, she said. City Market, Onion

Debra and Hannah Townsend

Douglas Sweets products

SIDEdishes

SERVING UP FOOD NEWS

Nunyuns Bakery & Café to Close in Burlington’s Old North End

Prompted by the pending sale of the Burlington building where NUNYUNS BAKERY & CAFÉ has operated since 2008, KRISTINE HARBOUR and PAUL BONELLI have announced they will close their Old North End business at the end of May.

Harbour initially told Seven Days that the couple would wait to announce the bakery’s closure until their landlord, Ken Axelson, found a buyer for 139-143 North Champlain Street. However, after more than two months of waiting for the building to sell, she and Bonelli decided to go ahead with their plans.

“The timing just felt right for us,” Harbour wrote by email. “After 16-plus years, we decided it was time to move on. It’s bittersweet, but it’s a good thing for us.”

The two-story building, which includes the 1,740-square-foot bakery and café on the first floor and an upstairs apartment, was listed until last week for $1.3 million through Lake Point Properties. That listing has since expired, according to David

Davidson of Lake Point Properties, who had no further comment.

On May 2, Axelson told Seven Days, “We would love to sell it to someone who would continue to operate a restaurant or bakery there.” Axelson did not immediately return a call inquiring whether the building is still for sale.

Nunyuns established itself as an under-the-radar neighborhood favorite, known for its egg sandwiches on freshly baked biscuits and sassy cookies such as Valentine’s Nudies and Thanksgiving turkeys o ering a festive “bird” gesture with their tail feathers. The bakery’s

Fauxstess February featured housemade versions of mass-produced snack cakes.

The café often boasted fanciful, seasonal paintings in its large windows, and a chunky sign depicting a toaster graces the storefront corner. Harbour said the sign will stay with the building. She and Bonelli plan to take some time o before deciding what they will do next.

Melissa Pasanen

New Owners at Lincoln Peak Vineyard in New Haven

LINCOLN PEAK VINEYARD, a long-standing winery in New Haven, has new owners. KEVIN BEDNAR and NICHOLE BAMBACIGNO will retain the business’ name, bring production back to the winery and revive several of its popular wines, including the Ragtime line — all with a “fresh, younger energy,” Bednar said.

Nunyuns Bakery & Café and one of its anksgiving cookies

Nichole Bambacigno and Kevin Bednar at Lincoln Peak Vineyard

food+drink

Recipe for Success «

River Co-op in Burlington and Hunger Mountain Co-op in Montpelier followed. “Slowly, the business built organically,” she said.

In 2013, with fresh-outta-businessschool confidence, Hannah joined the company, working her way up to a COO role that includes strategic planning, sales and corporate relationships, and shared responsibility for account management, branding and administrative tasks.

To meet growing demand, in 2016 the duo moved the operation into a quaint red building behind Fiddlehead Brewing and Folino’s pizzeria in Shelburne. (The nextdoor neighbor is another specialty food company, Vermont Tortilla.)

While the Townsends declined to give exact numbers, they said sales increased by 65 percent in their first year together at the bakery. Sales climbed by 400 percent from 2016 to the end of 2023, they said.

Despite enthusiastic support from Vermont’s locavores, shortbread doubters remain. For a simple dessert — some recipes include just butter, flour and sugar — shortbread is notoriously tricky to nail. It can come out dry, hard and tasteless — or worse, soft and greasy. At tastings, Debra sometimes has to convince people to try it. Hannah suggested that many people just don’t realize how great shortbread can be. To rectify that, she took charge of changing Douglas Sweets’ packaging. “I really wanted ‘cookie’ to stand out, not necessarily ‘shortbread,’” she said. Whatever you call them, Douglas Sweets’ treats are excellent. Their elegant, scalloped-edge shape and naturally long shelf life make them great for gifting. The perfectly crisp, biscuit-style shortbread is rich and light at the same time. A hint of salt hits the palate first, and, as the cookie dissolves into buttery crumbles, subtle sweetness accents the featured flavor, of which there are currently 10.

The lineup includes pecan, orange blossom and salted caramel, as well as chocolate chip-studded flavors such as double dark, coconut and latte. Debra said the last two will be retired soon as the company prepares for its Whole Foods partnership. A new flavor exclusive to the grocery chain is in the works, and the Townsends plan to increase cookie production by 15 percent at their Shelburne facility.

While the Whole Foods expansion will raise its profile, Douglas Sweets already has fans around the country. Maddy Wright, 26, of Sacramento, Calif., includes the cookies in curated book boxes she ships from her online bookstore, Obsidian Bookhouse. In Douglas Sweets shortbread, Wright said she found the right “snackable” book accompaniment.

“Something about their brand story, flavor profiles, and even the packaging felt special — like I was in Vermont myself and could smell the cookies baking in the other room,” she wrote by email.

The company, which employs two fulltime bakers alongside a crew of seasonal employees, is going strong partly because of the Townsends’ willingness to adapt and make decisions that meet the needs of both the market and their family. They have streamlined their offerings — previous flavors inspired by their world travels, such as Thai basil peanut, were delicious but too niche. And they now mix in chocolate chips instead of hand-dipping the cookies in chocolate, a physically tiring task that Debra used to do by herself.

“We’ve tried to automate [the process] as much as possible so that no employee who replaced my mum was in the same situation, in pain going home,” Hannah said, noting that the chocolate coating also had a tendency to melt, which limited the shipping possibilities.

For a time, the Shelburne bakery also included a retail shop and small café, but to avoid burnout, the company gradually

shifted to a wholesale-only model — with online purchases available for pickup. (A six-ounce bag of Douglas Sweets shortbread costs $7.50.)

The Townsends also instituted a fourday workweek to help achieve that elusive work-life balance. Starting from scratch required Debra to “throw everything I had

Double dark chocolate chip shortbread cookies

The Townsend family on their around-the-world trip

Emily Bechtold, Douglas Sweets’ primary baker, with double dark chocolate chip shortbread cookies

at the business,” she said, but Hannah’s involvement has helped her slow down. Now, Debra handles product development, bakery operations and local business relationships.

“Our priority was to make a good shortbread product that we felt proud of; Hannah’s priority was to do so in way that allowed us to have a balance in our lives,” she said. The schedule leaves more possibility for travel — a necessity for Debra, whose kids all live in different countries and whose first grandchild was just born in Portugal.

Despite upscaling and automation, the Townsends maintain they haven’t sacrificed the quality of their product. On the contrary, Debra said the shortbread is even better now than when she was making it all by hand. Rolling out the dough over and over made it denser, she explained. Now, with the help of a machine called a depositor that cuts the cookies, they’re handled much less and retain that ethereal, airy crunch.

“It’s closer now to the way my mum’s recipe was than at any other time,” she said.

Hannah noted that the imprint of each generation of her family is evident in the evolution of Douglas Sweets’ packaging. Though her grandmother never produced shortbread to sell, she said, the first version of the design reflected her influence: “It had bows, and it was quaint and cute.”

“Then a couple years later, it was my mum who really took the reins, and the packaging was very modern and sleek and cool,” she continued, before teasing that another change is coming. “Now it feels like it’s my turn, my opportunity to bring it to its next stage,” she said. “And I’m lucky because I have so many siblings to help.”

Debra has relinquished control of the new look, saying it will be as much a surprise to her as it is to customers — but she trusts Hannah to get it right. As a testament to their tight family bond, she said, the kids have always come through when she needed them most.

“I would have quit long ago, because being in business is so hard, especially when you’re by yourself,” she said. “As soon as the kids stepped in, especially Hannah, it made it all better because I was doing it not just for me but for them, too.” ➆ INFO

Learn more at douglassweets.com.

CHRIS GRANSTROM founded Lincoln Peak as a vine nursery specializing in hybrid grapes in 2001, and its first wines hit the market in 2007. The vineyard has been owned and operated by SHELBURNE VINEYARD since 2021.

Bednar and Bambacigno, both 32, met at E. & J. Gallo Winery in Bambacigno’s hometown of Modesto, Calif. Bambacigno said they left that business — one of the largest wineries in the world — to “get our hands dirty” and “harvest hop” in New Zealand, Australia and Austria before taking jobs as head winemakers at competing wineries in New Jersey.

“But neither of us were really stoked to live in New Jersey,” Bednar said. “It was just a stepping stone to getting back to Vermont,” where he grew up.

They familiarized themselves with the “collaborative, supportive” Vermont wine scene over the next few years, Bednar said, and jumped on the opportunity to purchase Lincoln Peak when Shelburne Vineyard CEO ELEANOR LÉGER approached them.

“[The Granstroms] just nailed it,” Bednar said. “From the way the vines were planted and cared for to the way the buildings were built to the geography and the climate, it’s a special spot.”

In a press release, Léger said the couple’s “dedication to preserving the heritage of this beloved vineyard and their commitment to crafting exceptional wines make them the perfect fit” for Lincoln Peak’s next chapter.

Bambacigno and Bednar, who are expecting their second child this week, plan to restart the winery’s Friday live music nights in June. The tasting room is currently open Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 6 p.m., with flights and glasses of wine and local cheese and charcuterie boards.

Jordan Barry

CONNECT

Follow us for the latest food gossip! On Instagram: Jordan Barry: @jordankbarry; Melissa Pasanen: @mpasanen.

Double dark chocolate chip shortbread cookies

BEAR CIERI

Light My Fire

Queen City Café’s biscuits are hot at Burlington’s Coal Collective

BY JORDAN BARRY jbarry@sevendaysvt.com

Sean Richards didn’t intend to open a biscuit restaurant. His plan for Queen City Café was wide-ranging — breakfast, lunch and dinner — and built around simple, seasonal wood-fired fare, including rôtisserie chickens and whole-roasted cauliflower.

But almost as soon as he fired up the 10-by-12foot oven in the former Myer’s Bagels spot on Pine Street, Richards’ biscuits became a thing In the month since opening, he and his team have baked up to 150 per day in cast-iron pans, rotating around the oven’s hot spots. As the neighboring outdoor Burlington Farmers Market returns for the season this weekend, he expects that number could grow to 500 fluffy, flaky, perfectly fired rounds on a busy Saturday.

“It’s a terrible business idea to cook biscuits in a wood oven,” Richards joked. “It’s the hardest thing ever to get right.”

Complicated as the setup may be, he and his team are nailing it. Richards, 41, grew up in Fair Haven but spent a good chunk of his early career cooking in Tennessee, both in Knoxville and

at Blackberry Farm in the Great Smoky Mountains. He knows his way around a biscuit. And for now, they’ve become Queen City Café’s main focus, whether sandwiching eggs and wood-fired bacon for breakfast or mopping up hearty chicken soup at lunch.

The change is partly because they’re so popular, he said, and partly because his initial schedule was unsustainable.

The café’s grand opening was April 4, just in time for the April 8 eclipse. Richards went all in on breakfast, lunch and dinner, pulling a long shift from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day.

“I worked myself almost to death,” he said.

The chef — whose previous gigs range from cooking on the road for touring musicians to running several high-profile kitchens in Vermont, including Prohibition Pig, ArtsRiot, Philo Ridge Farm and the Inn at Round Barn Farm — had to temporarily step away from his brand-new restaurant. Friends and family took over: His mom worked the register, his dad did dishes, his brother learned how to make biscuits, and his 70-year-old neighbor waited tables.

IT’S A TERRIBLE BUSINESS IDEA TO COOK BISCUITS IN A WOOD OVEN.

SEAN RICHARDS

Barge Canal Market owners Adelle Lawrence and Jeremy Smith, the latter of whom is Richards’ childhood friend, kept things running and “made me not come here for four days,” Richards said. “It was driving me crazy, but it’s what needed to happen, and I’m the luckiest person in the world.”

With a more manageable schedule and a more robust staff, Richards is back on track. He was fortunate — and a little surprised, he said — to find a team of

cooks who have wood-oven experience. The temperature needs to hover around 450 degrees to bake the biscuits and cook chickens, but it gets much hotter near the central steel beam. Managing it and moving cast-iron pans full of biscuits to the right spots “takes a lot of training,” he said.

Most of those pans are from Tennessee, too. Richards started a collection while he worked down there, taking regular trips to the Lodge Cast Iron outlet near Dollywood, singer Dolly Parton’s theme park.

Queen City Café chicken and biscuits

To keep up with biscuit production, he added cast-iron sheet pans to the more than two dozen skillets he already had.

The Orleans family, who own the building, have dubbed 377 Pine Street the Coal Collective — a nod to its history as Citizens Coal Company in the early 1900s. It’s now a hub for all things fun and delicious in the South End, including the Pinery’s seasonal beer garden and the South End Get Down block party, which returns on Friday, May 17.

“That’s why I wanted this space — to build my life around this part of town,” said Richards, who lives half a mile away.

Queen City Café has photos of the buildings’ past on its walls, adding to the stately library-like setting conceived by Barge Canal’s Lawrence and Smith. An overstuffed leather couch and chairs, spacious tables, lots of outlets, and Wi-Fi make the café a great spot to linger over work or catch up with friends.

Unfortunately, I was in a rush when I

stopped for breakfast last week, having underestimated the construction on Pine Street. But the smell of bacon cooking in the wood oven calmed me as soon as I walked in. I ordered the vegan breakfast sandwich ($7, plus $2 for vegan sausage), though ironically I got it with regular egg and cheese on the advice of a friend, who said the fully vegan version she tried

could use a little fat. I ate it in a meeting, so engrossed in the biscuit’s soft flakes that I may now have a writing assignment I don’t know about.

Armed with a little bit of Crisco and a recipe he developed for nondairy buttermilk, Richards could fool the biggest butter lovers among us. It wasn’t just a good vegan biscuit — it was a good biscuit.

While Queen City serves breakfast until 2 p.m., the biscuits also shine in the lunch menu’s chicken and biscuits ($12). Richards called the creamy, flavor-packed stew “an old-school Vermont thing that church ladies in Fair Haven used to cook,” though the café’s version is “gussied up a little bit.”

Whichever meal you go for, Queen City’s menu blends old-school Vermont dishes with the chef’s southern influence and almost sneaky touches, such as eggs fried in roasted garlic oil, and fingerling potatoes tossed with ramps on the pickup-only dinner menu that relaunched over the weekend (available Thursday and Friday, 4 to 7 p.m.).

The result is comforting, simple-seeming fare that’s lighter and more complicated than it appears — bacon-and-cheese-laden biscuits aside. ➆

INFO

Queen City Café, 377 Pine St., Burlington, 489-6412, queencitycafebtv.com

The dining room at Queen City Café

culture

Astory often hits harder when viewers know it’s true, and tick, tick… BOOM! is — at least as far as make-believe musical comedy can be. The composer Jonathan Larson wrote an autobiographical monologue in 1991, when his career seemed stalled. It wouldn’t be long before Larson broke through with the prize-winning Rent, a Broadway success he didn’t live to see. Converted to a three-person musical after his death, BOOM! is Larson’s story of early disappointment and unshakable hope. The Vermont Stage production bounces with youthful conviction.

The show begins with a ticking clock as Jon tells the audience he’s dreading his 30th birthday: If he hasn’t succeeded in getting a musical produced by 30, he fears he never will. And he wonders if he should keep trying as he watches his best friend, Michael, settle into a uence as a marketing executive and listens to his girlfriend, Susan, question whether she should leave New York.

Jon lives in a fifth-floor SoHo walkup, scratching out songs and working as a waiter. He confesses that his idol is Stephen Sondheim, a name he whispers out of beatific respect. And then the songs take over, telling Jon’s story with a rich homage to Sondheim (“Sunday”), a funny patter song duet that’s also a duel (“Therapy”), a soaring number (“Come to Your Senses”) that kicks o the show’s four-song climax and a dozen more.

The comedy is clever, but audiences may laugh most as the two supporting characters spring into multiple roles. The actors playing Michael (Connor Kendall) and Susan (Kianna Jensen Bromley) make small, swift costume changes to fill out Jon’s world. Coleman Cummings, as Jon, whirls with a striver’s energy. Even the props are semi-magical, hidden behind multiple locker doors for the actors to retrieve.

Jon doesn’t face big obstacles, just fears. And those fears are only interesting because of events that stand outside the show itself. One of his fears now seems tragic (he’s wary of his 30th birthday but won’t live longer than his 35th), and another seems silly (he frets he hasn’t achieved enough but is a few years away from revolutionizing musical theater). Within the show, it’s all too clear his career doubts won’t stand in his way — they barely register.

Cummings and director Cristina Alicea bathe Jonathan in the bright glow of creative certainty. The story screams

Countdown

eater review: tick, tick… BOOM!, Vermont Stage

BY ALEX BROWN • alex@sevendaysvt.com

that nobody’s stopping this dreamer, and Cummings portrays him always revving up for a bust-out dance move, balancing on the toes of his sneakers. No money and an indifferent agent count as problems, but Jon faces no blocks to his artistic drive and always has his friends’ support. What he feels he doesn’t have is time.

THE STORY SCREAMS THAT NOBODY’S STOPPING THIS DREAMER.

The musical’s structure is missing any real rock bottom — and, for that matter, doesn’t rise much higher than its starting point, either. The pleasure for viewers is not in the little impulse to whisper to the hero (and also to ourselves) not to give up. It’s in watching buoyant youth charge forward, aware that life is short.

Larson only wrote three full musicals. His first, the unproduced Superbia, never got past the workshop stage, which gives the character in BOOM! his feeling of

THEATER

a man in a hurry, and Alicea helps us see that best when she occasionally boxes him in immobility or leaves him swashbuckling through a song while the supporting actors calmly observe in stillness.

Bellando gives Jonathan and Michael some good-times dance moves that wouldn’t be out of place on a peppy soda commercial. As a dancer, Susan earns more engaging choreography, though Bellando overdoes the drama in one number, losing the show’s gritty tone. Overall, the movement expresses youth itself.

Cummings radiates energy for the full, intermission-free 90 minutes. He’s a solid singer with a bright collection of entreating looks. All that’s missing is a layer deeper than earnest — but, boy, can he yearn.

Bromley shows Susan wavering between commitment to Jon and a need to grow up, at least a little. For each of her smaller characters, Bromley supplies sharp comic details in voice or manner. And her strong, emotional vocals, especially on the knockout “Come to Your Senses,” brighten the show.

While Jon wrestles with shallow doubts, Kendall portrays Michael quietly facing deeper ones even as his career ascends. He’s left a creative childhood for the fake creativity of marketing, and now his playful side is masking fear. Kendall gives him a quirky tenderness.

failure. His final musical, a fuller look at the seize-the-day theme he explores in BOOM!, is the remarkable Rent, which swept the theater awards in 1996, winning the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony, Drama Desk and New York Drama Critics’ Circle awards for best musical.

Larson died suddenly the day before Rent’s first performance in 1996. In 2001, the playwright David Auburn reworked Larson’s monologue into a musical with characters and scenes.

Alicea and choreographer Carissa Bellando fill the smallish stage with big gestures. Alicea responds to the show’s stripped-down cast size and the Black Box Theater’s limited playing space by emphasizing motion. The characters swoop and dive in the musical numbers but bustle just as much in straight scenes. Jon personifies

Larson’s melodic songs are suited to rock-pop orchestration, and many tunes have the hammering piano howl of Billy Joel. Others rest on jazz-inflected harmonics. Each performer has a standout solo, but most songs depend on three voices in haunting harmony, which the miked cast couldn’t always deliver on Thursday but will probably find during the run. A live four-person band, headed by musical director Nate Venet, sits in silhouetted view above the stage.

A driven young guy lamenting his professional anxieties may seem indulgent, but what’s driving him is the pressure on us all: Time is fleeting. We might want to live it like Jon, singing a song as loud and long as we can. ➆

INFO

tick, tick... BOOM!, by Jonathan Larson, directed by Cristina Alicea, produced by Vermont Stage. rough May 26: Wednesdays through Saturdays, 7:30 p.m.; and Sundays, 2 p.m., at Black Box eater, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, in Burlington. $34-64. vermontstage.org

From left: Connor Kendall, Coleman Cummings and Kianna Jensen Bromley in tick, tick… BOOM!

Page Turners

Four authors win Vermont Book Awards

BY MARY ANN LICKTEIG • maryann@sevendaysvt.com

Three Vermont poets and a cartoonist have won the 2023 Vermont Book Awards, the state’s highest literary prizes, which were presented at the Vermont College of Fine Arts in Montpelier on Saturday.

Poet Sandra Simonds won the fiction award for her debut novel, Assia; former Vermont poet laureate Mary Ruefle won in the creative nonfiction category for her volume of prose poems, The Book; and poet Vievee Francis won the poetry honor for The Shared World. Cartoonist, artist and educator Dan Nott received the children’s literature award for his debut nonfiction graphic novel, Hidden Systems: Water, Electricity, the Internet, and the Secrets Behind the Systems We Use Every Day Administered by the Vermont College of Fine Arts, Vermont Humanities and the Vermont Department of Libraries, the prizes recognize work by Vermont authors published in 2023. Each winner received $1,000 and a whimsical sculpture that lights up — di erent for each category — created by Wolcott artist Trevor Corp.

The author of eight books of poetry and an instructor at Bennington College, Simonds loosely based her debut novel on

the life of Assia Wevill, a German Jew who escaped Nazi Germany and whose a air with Ted Hughes broke up his marriage to Sylvia Plath, according to the book’s synopsis. In 1969, Wevill killed herself and her child in what is widely viewed as an attempt to copy Plath’s famous suicide.

“Lending a contemporary feminist perspective to an unrecognized chapter in modern literary history, Assia is a novel that asks us to hold our judgment and to consider the personal and political histories of people who commit unthinkable acts,” according to the book’s publisher, Noemi Press.

Simonds thanked the small publishing house during the awards ceremony, noting its support of authors who are queer and of color. “It’s a press that really, really tries to celebrate di erence,” Simonds said. Assia belonged there, she continued, “and I’m very, very grateful that they took a chance on this book, because a lot of people rejected it.”

When Bennington poet and essayist Ruefle was named poet laureate in 2019, she told Seven Days at the time, she embarked on a project: mailing copies of

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her favorite poems to 1,000 Vermonters. She discards handwritten drafts of her own poems, she said, and she’s “clueless about what they are when they begin.”

Ruefle has published 23 volumes; Publishers Weekly dubbed her “the patron saint of childhood and the everyday.” Her 2019 poetry release, Dunce, was a Pulitzer Prize finalist and on the long list for the National Book Award.

Her 2023 collection “is demurely entitled The Book,” Jim Schley wrote in a review for Seven Days. “But the contents are bristling with surprises, as the poet orchestrates collisions between divergent topics and perspectives.”

Ruefle was unable to attend the Vermont Book Award ceremony, but Simonds read remarks prepared by her: “I would like to thank everyone in this room for being a reader of one author or another, for whether you read or whether you write, you are engaged in carrying on a long tradition built on the idea of what it is like to be a human in the past, the present and the future.”

Accepting her award, Francis expressed gratitude for Vermont. She was born in Texas, the last state to free its slaves, she noted. “And all my life, I wanted to live in Vermont,” she said. “Well, if I couldn’t get to Canada...

“But being in Vermont,” she continued, “the first state to rid us of the scourge that was slavery, finally being here, this feels like acceptance.”

Francis, an associate professor of English and creative writing at Dartmouth College, lives in White River Junction. Her third collection, Forest Primeval (2015), won the $100,000 Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award and the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award. Last month, she won a fellowship from the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation.

River Junction-based Parsifal Press, a micropress for comics and other objects, with his partner, Daryl Seitchik.

“Francis’ literary style could be called omnivorous,” Schley wrote in Seven Days last year. “She has read widely, and the echoes of older poetics, such as those of Shakespeare, William Butler Yeats and Robert Frost, are audible in her work, alongside and entwined with rhythmand-blues cadences ... Her reader hears an exuberant playfulness with syllables, words and clauses, even when a poem is thematically very serious.”

Nott, who lives in Wilder, holds a master’s of fine arts from the Center for Cartoon Studies in White River Junction, where he now teaches. He has released two comic books with the school: This Is What Democracy Looks Like: A Graphic Guide to Governance and Freedom and Unity: A Graphic Guide to Civics and Democracy in Vermont. He runs White

“I started Hidden Systems with a pretty small question I was thinking about:  What do we see when we picture the internet?” Nott said in his acceptance speech. He expanded his book’s scope to include the electrical grid and waterworks. “So Vermont might not be the most obvious place to write a book about infrastructure,” he continued. “You’re actually providing me with perspective that I could have easily missed during my years living in cities.”

Hidden Systems was on the National Book Award long list and has been honored by the National Science Teaching Association, National Council of Teachers of English and American Booksellers Association.

“A lot of explainer comics can be dense and not engaging,” Center for

Cartoon Studies cofounder James Sturm told Seven Days in 2019, “but Dan can find the poetry in what he’s trying to communicate.”

Fourteen authors were Vermont Book Awards finalists. CNN national political correspondent Eva McKend, a former anchor at WCAX-TV, gave the keynote address at the awards ceremony. Good writing reminds us of our humanity, McKend said: “We see ourselves on the page. We see ourselves at our worst and at our best, who we want to become, and who we want to — at all costs — avoid becoming.” ➆

Alice Dodge contributed reporting.

Clockwise from top left: Mary Ruefle; Eva McKend and Vievee Francis; Sandra Simonds; Vievee Francis; Dan Nott

POETRY

Bianca Stone Named New Vermont Poet Laureate

BY KEN PICARD • ken@sevendaysvt.com

Bianca Stone often doesn’t understand a poem the first time she reads it — and perhaps even after a second or third reading. It’s a surprising confession from the 41-year-old poet and teacher from Brandon, whom Gov. Phil Scott named Vermont’s 10th poet laureate on May 1.

But as Stone explained, “It’s not about understanding poetry ... You kind of let poetry happen to you and surrender to the not knowing.”

In literary circles, the name Stone has long been synonymous with poetry. Bianca Stone is a granddaughter of acclaimed Goshen poet Ruth Stone, who served as Vermont’s sixth poet laureate.

Bianca Stone has carried on her late grandmother’s legacy. She cofounded the poetry nonprofit Ruth Stone House in Goshen, which she turned into an artists’ retreat. ere, she teaches anyone from grad students to those who’ve never taken a poetry class; hosts a podcast, “Ode & Psyche”; and serves as editor-atlarge of the online quarterly Iterant.

Stone is the author of such books as What Is Otherwise Infinite, which won a 2022 Vermont Book Award; e Möbius Strip Club of Grief (2018); and Someone Else’s Wedding Vows (2014). She

also edited e Essential Ruth Stone (2020).

As Vermont’s ambassador for the art of poetry during the four-year term, Stone hopes to create spaces for people who normally don’t engage with it.

“Our culture doesn’t have poetry myths entrenched in it anymore. As a result, we often don’t know how to read it or interpret it,” she said. Yet “poetry is in many ways closer to how our minds actually work.”

Unlike a novel, poetry can convey seemingly random imagery from our consciousness, often in nonlinear ways. “You’re not always sure what it means,” she added. “But there’s a lot going on in our minds that we don’t understand.”

e Vermont Arts Council has managed the poet laureate selection process since 1988. Stone was chosen by an outside committee after it had received more than 200 nominations for 31 Vermont poets. Past Vermont poet laureates include Louise Glück, Chard deNiord and, most recently, Mary Ruefle.

A formal appointment ceremony for Stone is being planned for this spring. ➆

culture

In Jewish folklore, Lilith was the first wife of Adam. The stories say God created them side by side, as equals. But Adam wanted a subservient wife. Unwilling to submit to her husband’s authority, she was banished from the Garden of Eden.

The legendary Lilith has grown into an emblem of female liberation and male contempt. In southern Vermont author Eric Rickstad’s seventh novel, a gripping thriller that bears her name, she becomes a national symbol for women no longer willing to put up with male violence.

Set in a small Michigan town, Lilith begins with the sort of violent episode that was once unthinkable yet has become commonplace. Elementary school teacher and single mother Elisabeth mentally prepares herself and thinks about her classroom for a monthly lockdown drill. She’s come to doubt the efficacy of the shelter-in-place strategy now common in U.S. schools, and even her students poke holes in it.

If only she’d listened to her young son, Lydan, that morning. He told her that he had “an icky feeling” about going to school that day, but she shrugged it off, even though she’d rather have played hooky with him.

Elisabeth regrets that decision when an active shooter enters the school. Breaking school board-approved protocol, she flees with her class to the nearby town library, then returns to the massacre to search for Lydan. She finds him hiding in his classroom closet, bloodied and nearly unconscious. They barely escape with their lives.

The next few weeks are a blur. Elisabeth rarely leaves her son’s hospital bed as he rests in an induced coma.

But she snaps out of her state of numb shock when she sees a televised interview with Iowa-based gun shop owner Max Akers. A national mouthpiece for the defense of the Second Amendment, he uses the tragedy at Elisabeth’s school — and several subsequent ones — as a springboard to announce his candidacy for president. His genius idea for keeping public spaces safe: Give everyone a gun, especially teachers.

Akers’ smugness enrages Elisabeth. When she discovers that the school district wants to punish her for defying the district’s lockdown rules, her inner dumpster fire becomes an inferno.

At her hearing, Elisabeth’s mind races. The attempt to suspend her seems like yet another instance of men punishing women for no good reason. She begins to see the school board blowhards, Akers and the shooter as part of the same problem,

Eric Rickstad

Outrun My Gun

Book review: Lilith, Eric Rickstad

BY JORDAN ADAMS

concluding that men have “a perceived right to violence.”

“When trapped in a cage of facts that prove them wrong,” she thinks, “they double down, triple down, quadruple down — instead of admitting fault, they lay siege to the facts and the messenger, retreat to defensive spite and self-righteous outrage.”

If men perpetrate 99 percent of mass murders and sexual assaults, Elisabeth concludes, then men need to be punished — to be shown that their lust for guns and violence is unequivocally wrong, as is their insistence that more guns equal more safety. She decides the only way to make them understand is by committing her own act of violence, which she manages to secretly record. After she

Time fractures.

I am here but not here. I am me but not me.

I have existed and never will exist. I have existed for eternity.

This is real and not real.

It’s an excellent method of encapsulating Elisabeth’s wandering, unstable thoughts as she becomes a vessel for collective female rage.

Male violence is a running theme in Rickstad’s work, whether he’s writing serial killer thrillers (The Silent Girls and its sequels) or a gritty coming-of-age novel set in the Northeast Kingdom (his 2000 debut, Reap). Here, he expertly depicts a certain type of American man who, on the surface, is a family man, a pillar of the community, a “good guy” — but who, behind closed doors, makes jokes about murdered schoolkids and underage girls’ genitalia.

Rickstad only shows us the worst of these men, and the reader has little choice but to hate them as much as Elisabeth does. And he’s not wrong in his underlying assertion that a deadly social disease infects many American men.

Through Elisabeth, the author conflates school shootings and other patriarchyrelated woes. He reminds us that women (and everyone else) ought to be angry at men who try to manipulate, control and hurt women. But in the process, he skips over a crucial part of the mass shooting problem: mental health.

uploads the video to the internet under the pseudonym Lilith, she becomes a pop culture phenomenon, galvanizing both sides of the gun debate.

LILITH BEGINS WITH THE SORT OF VIOLENT EPISODE THAT WAS ONCE UNTHINKABLE YET HAS BECOME COMMONPLACE.

As pressure mounts to find the woman who started it all and bring her to justice, Elisabeth has to decide whether she can live with the anxiety of always looking over her shoulder. She’s covered her tracks well, but even one missed fleck of dried blood could be her undoing.

Rickstad’s prose, intimate and immediate in first-person present tense, regularly turns to a kind of poetry. His sentence structure collapses, and words float dreamily across the page.

In the chaos of the novel’s violent inciting incident, Elisabeth’s thoughts devolve into clipped, dissociative ramblings:

Elisabeth only fleetingly thinks of her school’s massacre as an outcome of mental illness. She refers to the gunman as a “lunatic,” an outdated and flattened explanation. Perhaps this is part of a pattern of deliberate character development. Against sound medical advice, Elisabeth refuses to take sedatives or antidepressants to ease her PTSD and anxiety. Mental health may be her blind spot. But since no character points this out or turns the conversation to the shooter’s state of mind, the story lacks crucial nuance about what drives people — usually men — to commit mass shootings in the first place.

A few loose ends may also leave readers scratching their heads — for example, Lydan’s convenient premonition about the shooting. But Rickstad offsets a few dangling threads with a wealth of details that recall real cases.

The children escaping to the library echoes the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Conn. The book’s Michigan setting recalls that state’s 2021 Oxford High School shooting, for which the perpetrator’s parents were convicted of involuntary manslaughter in April. The message is clear: Rickstad could

FROM LILITH

Lydan’s ribs rise and fall, shallow and weak, with the sound of a balloon leaking air. I don’t dare put him down.

Carrying Lydan, I step toward the body of a man slumped in a chair at the teacher’s desk. He’s been shot in the head. Stan Taylor. He started his teaching career three weeks ago. Garrulous, creative, a teacher adored by students and teachers and parents alike. A natural. What was he, twentythree years old?

“Close your eyes,” I say to Lydan, even though his eyes are rolled so far to the back of his head that only the whites show. I don’t know if he hears me or not. I rest him as gently as I can on a desk, beneath which lie two destroyed children.

e classroom doorknob rattles.

It knows someone is alive in here because I locked the door behind me.

I pick up a wooden chair and smash it against the window. e glass spiderwebs.

Poppoppop.

Wood splinters around the classroom door’s knob.

I slam the chair against the window again. e glass shatters.

Pop pop. e doorknob blasts from the door.

have set his story in many di erent places and still echoed reality.

An incredibly suspenseful and consuming novel overall, Lilith makes a memorable, bold statement about taking action instead of sending thoughts and prayers. Anyone even remotely tuned into social justice culture is likely to be fed up with “slacktivism.” Much like the recent film Promising Young Woman, a story about a woman who takes her desire for vengeance against predatory men to an extreme, Lilith moves conversations about male power and female oppression further than the echo chambers of Instagram can ever hope to do. ➆

INFO

Lilith by Eric Rickstad, Blackstone Publishing, 245 pages. $26.99.

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Phoning Home

At Lanpher Memorial Library in Hyde Park, a “wind phone” connects callers with lost loved ones

In 2010, garden designer Itaru Sasaki of Japan installed a telephone booth in his garden that he called a “phone of the wind.” The rotary phone line was not connected to anything, but the booth gave Sasaki a meaningful place to have a one-way conversation with his cousin, who had died of cancer.

The following year, an earthquake and tsunami devastated Japan, killing nearly 20,000 people. Sasaki opened his booth to the public, and thousands have since visited to “call” their loved ones, their words carried on the wind to the other side.

“Wind phones” have caught on around the globe, including in Vermont. In Hyde Park, Lanpher Memorial Library director Amy Olsen was inspired to add a wind phone outside the library after reading the children’s book The Phone Booth in Mr. Hirota’s Garden . It was installed in fall 2022, with grant funding from the Vermont Department of Libraries and the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. The cozy space contains a rotary phone with a heart in the center of the dial.

In her latest episode of “Stuck in Vermont,” Seven Days senior multimedia producer Eva Sollberger visited the wind phone and spoke to organizers and community members about it. Kate Donnally of Hyde Park — a therapist and former state rep — was one of the early users of the phone, at times visiting daily to help work through a mental health crisis. Emily Neilsen of Johnson has also spent time in the booth, processing anxieties related to last summer’s flood and calling two late loved ones: her dog Klauss and her grandmother.

Sollberger spoke with Seven Days about filming the episode.

How did you hear about the wind phone?

I heard about the original wind phone in Japan in a “This American Life” episode from 2020. It’s a very moving piece about the inventor of the wind phone and the grief and devastation in his coastal town

of Ōtsuchi after the tsunami. The town lost 10 percent of its population, and hundreds of people were missing. It’s hard to imagine how these families recovered from such intense, sudden loss. The wind phone played a part in that recovery process.

Amy Olsen sent Seven Days an email last fall about the wind phone in Hyde Park. It’s fitting that the librarian was inspired by a children’s book. The wind phone is a private space, and at first Olsen and I weren’t sure if anyone would volunteer to be in a video about it.

out anxieties or significant life changes. After the pandemic and its reverberations, I think we all have a lot of grief to work through. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so it’s an appropriate time to shed light on the wind phone.

Did you make any calls?

I grew up in Johnson, and I love driving on Route 15 in Lamoille County. I’m always reminded of my childhood. This was my first time visiting Johnson since the flood. Its residents have been through a lot, and it’s so sad to see that they still don’t have a grocery store since Sterling Market flooded.

What kind of role does the library play in Hyde Park?

I called my grandma Margaret. She has been dead for almost 20 years, and most of our conversations when she was alive were over the phone. So it felt very familiar, holding a receiver and talking to her. As I said in the video, I could almost hear her scratchy voice on the line, asking me if I had a pie in the oven. Even though it was only me talking, it felt like she was there. And I realized that I should be calling her more often. There aren’t any wind phones in my town yet, but I could just give her a call from my backyard to say hello.

But you were able to make a video work. Yes. I am so grateful to everyone for sharing their experiences with the wind phone on camera. It takes a lot of bravery and vulnerability to open up about these intimate moments. I was impressed by all the di erent uses for the wind phone. Traditionally, it’s a place to call lost loved ones, but it can also be a space to work

You filmed in Hyde Park, which is close to your hometown.

Olsen said the village of Hyde Park has been compared to Stars Hollow, the fictional town in “Gilmore Girls” that is full of quirky people. I can totally see that comparison. As I have said in these pages before, I love libraries, and the Lanpher feels really welcoming. It would fit right in at Stars Hollow. Olsen is the beating heart of the library, and you can tell that the library is essential to the town. As a comforting space for people to work through complex emotions, the wind phone has also become essential.

Episode 714: Wind Phone at a Library

Emily Neilsen using the wind phone

on screen

The People’s Joker

Baby Reindeer

Sometimes the only way to weather the pain of life is to laugh at it. In two much-discussed new releases, the brilliant theatrical takeo The People’s Joker and the Netflix series “Baby Reindeer,” comedy is presented as a way to process trauma while defiantly asserting that I’m still here

The DC Comics character of Batman’s archnemesis, the Joker, is a modern archetype of the “killing joke” — the aggressive strength of laughter and the creative fertility of despair. For Christopher Nolan, he was an agent of chaos.

REVIEW

In Todd Phillips’ Joker (which will get a sequel this fall), he was an icon of the disenfranchised white male.

Vera Drew’s feature directorial debut, The People’s Joker, takes the character’s association with subversion a step further. Its protagonist is the self-named Joker the Harlequin (played by Drew), a trans woman who finds liberation on the stage of Gotham City’s one underground comedy club, far from the controlling eye of a fascist Batman.

If you’re guessing that Warner Bros. Discovery didn’t sanction this take on its property, you’re right. After its 2022 premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, The People’s Joker was pulled from circulation except for “secret” screenings — including one at Vermont’s own White River Indie Film Festival in 2023, according to the director’s then-Twitter feed.

This April, The People’s Joker finally appeared in theaters, bearing a disclaimer that describes it as a transformative fair use of the DC mythos. Don’t miss the chance to see it on Thursday, May 9, 7 p.m., at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center in Burlington, presented by the Vermont International Film Foundation.

It would be easy to laud The People’s Joker just for deconstructing the superhero cinematic industrial complex from a queer perspective. But it’s also a visually

stunning film, alternating seamlessly between live action and the animation styles of more than 100 artists. Drawing on her background as an editor, Drew has crafted a trippy collage, a frenetic ride through the pop culture landscape, halfway between Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and the weirdest TikTok account you ever stumbled across.

At the core of it all is a solid coming-of-age story that reclaims the spirit of the campy Batman outings of Joel Schumacher, to whom the film is dedicated. In this alternative version of Gotham, the seldom-seen Batman is a tyrant who forbids all comedy except “UCB Live,” where players are rigidly gender-segregated — a knowing dig at comedy training juggernaut Upright Citizens Brigade.

Rejecting this coercive laugh machine, our protagonist joins forces with other misfits to open an “anti-comedy” club. They include a lovable version of the Penguin (Nathan Faustyn) and the acerbic edgelord Mr. J (Kane Distler), who helps Joker embrace her trans identity while also drawing her into the spiral of an abusive relationship.

Cowriters Drew and Bri LeRose know the material they’re satirizing, and The People’s Joker never stops being funny. The jokes come thick and fast, layered with self-conscious meta-commentary. But these are the wellearned kind of laughs, derived from bitter experience of just how cruel the world can be.

Donny Dunn, the protagonist of the viral sevenepisode series “Baby Reindeer,” knows something about “anti-comedy” — as does Richard Gadd, the Scottish comedian who plays him. “Baby Reindeer” began as an openly autobiographical one-man show. Its subjects — stalking and sexual abuse — are anything but funny. But Gadd’s keen observation and brutal honesty redefine cringe comedy for a new generation.

Donny is a young London bartender and standup comedian whose absurdist antics leave audiences cold. But he does have at least one fan: middle-aged Martha

Scott (Jessica Gunning), who walks into his bar one day and describes herself as a lawyer to the stars. With her self-glorifying monologues of dubious veracity and her casual disrespect of boundaries, Martha is a walking red flag. But she’s also entertaining, and her innuendo-laden compliments flatter Donny, who’s currently living with his ex’s mom and trying to figure out his sexuality. Though he doesn’t reciprocate Martha’s romantic interest, he lets her into his life — and immediately regrets it.

Imagine a version of Fatal Attraction where there is no attraction, only one person’s obsessive desire for control and the other’s flailing horror. When Martha bombards Donny with misspelled emails that veer wildly between declarations of love and hate, we know she doesn’t really want him as a boyfriend, or even as a friend. She just wants all of his attention. And when she shows up in clubs where he’s performing and makes herself part of his ailing act, she comes dangerously close to steering his narrative.

It’s embarrassing to admit that you trusted the wrong person — perhaps especially embarrassing for men — and “Baby Reindeer” plumbs the depths of that embarrassment. It doesn’t spare Donny’s vanity, either. We want to yell at him to assert himself, yet we understand his self-defeating behavior because the show traces its roots.

In traditional comedy, a woman like Martha would be treated as a laughingstock or a mere inconvenience. Here she gets her due, both as a compellingly perverse personality and a physical threat. Like The People’s Joker, “Baby Reindeer” questions some of the most basic and unconscious assumptions we make about gender and power. It’s also funny, in the darkest way. While Joker the Harlequin does eventually surmount her trauma to attain comedy transcendence, whether anyone gets the last laugh in Gadd’s scenario remains an open question. MARGOT

Filmmaker and star Vera Drew makes the Batman nemesis a new kind of subversive icon.

Richard Gadd’s self-referential series has complexity to go with the cringe.

NEW IN THEATERS

KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES: On an Earth that has been ruled by apes for 300 years, a young chimp goes on a life-changing road trip in the latest series entry, directed by Wes Ball and starring Freya Allan, Kevin Durand and Dichen Lachman. (145 min, PG-13. Bijou, Capitol, Essex, Majestic, Paramount, Roxy, Star, Sunset)

THE LONG GAME: Set in 1955, Julio Quintana’s sports drama tells the story of Mexican American caddies who build their own desert golf course. Jay Hernandez, Dennis Quaid and Cheech Marin star. (112 min, PG. Playhouse)

CURRENTLY PLAYING

ABIGAILHHH Criminals who kidnap a gangster’s cute ballerina daughter get a rude awakening in this horror flick. Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett (Ready or Not) directed. (109 min, R. Sunset)

THE BEASTHHHH Léa Seydoux plays a woman who visits her past lives to purge herself of emotions in this sci-fi romance from director Bertrand Bonello. (146 min, NR. Roxy, Savoy)

BOY KILLS WORLDHH1/2 A bereaved young man (Bill Skarsgård) trains to become an instrument of bloody vengeance in this action thriller. (115 min, R. Roxy, Welden)

CHALLENGERSHHHH1/2 A love triangle among three tennis pros (Zendaya, Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor) makes sparks fly when two of them face off years later in this drama from Luca Guadagnino. (131 min, R. Capitol, Essex, Majestic, Roxy, Star, Stowe, Welden; reviewed 5/1)

CIVIL WARHHHH Journalists race toward a Washington, D.C., threatened by rebels in this dystopian action thriller from Alex Garland, starring Kirsten Dunst and Wagner Moura. (109 min, R. Essex, Majestic, Roxy, Stowe; reviewed 4/17)

DRAGONKEEPER: A girl must find a dragon’s egg to save ancient China from an evil emperor in this animation. (99 min, PG. Essex, Marquis, Welden)

DUNE: PART TWOHHH1/2 The saga of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and the spice planet Arrakis continues. (166 min, PG-13. Capitol, Majestic; reviewed 3/6)

FALLEN LEAVESHHHH Two lonely working-class residents of Helsinki (Alma Pöysti and Jussi Vatanen) drift toward romance in this drama from Finnish director Aki Kaurismäki. (81 min, NR. Savoy; reviewed 1/17)

THE FALL GUYHHH1/2 Ryan Gosling plays an injured Hollywood stuntman who must track down a missing movie star in this action comedy from David Leitch (Bullet Train), also starring Emily Blunt. (126 min, PG-13. Bijou, Capitol, Essex, Majestic, Marquis, Paramount, Roxy, Star, Stowe, Sunset, Welden)

GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIREHH1/2 A new generation of ghostbusters joins the old one to fight an evil force that threatens Earth with a new ice age. (115 min, PG-13. Bijou, Majestic, Sunset)

GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIREHH1/2 The two legendary monsters square off again in this action adventure from Adam Wingard (Godzilla vs. Kong). (115 min, PG-13. Essex)

KUNG FU PANDA 4HHH Po (voice of Jack Black) must train his warrior successor in this animated adventure. (94 min, PG. Bijou, Capitol, Majestic, Welden)

LA CHIMERAHHHH1/2 A young Englishman (Josh O’Connor) has a sixth sense for tomb raiding in this trancey drama set in Tuscany from director Alice Rohrwacher, with Isabella Rossellini. (130 min, R. Savoy; reviewed 4/24)

MARS EXPRESSHHHH A detective and an android investigate a murder in this adult animation set on Mars in the 23rd century, directed by Jérémie Périn. (88 min, NR. Roxy)

THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY

WARFAREHHH British special ops fight the Nazis in this action flick loosely based on Operation Postmaster. (120 min, R. Capitol)

TAROTHH Those tarot readings you thought were an innocent and enlightening pastime? In this horror flick, they can unleash evil. (92 min, PG-13. Essex, Majestic, Sunset)

UNSUNG HEROHH This inspirational biopic tells the story of a family’s rise in the Christian music industry. Star Joel Smallbone codirected with Richard L. Ramsey. (112 min, PG. Essex)

WICKED LITTLE LETTERSHHH The women of a small town investigate to see who has been sending profane missives in this comic period piece with Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley. (100 min, R. Savoy)

OLDER FILMS AND SPECIAL SCREENINGS

ALIEN 45TH ANNIVERSARY (Sunset)

THE FIRST OMEN (Sunset)

METROPOLITAN OPERA: MADAMA BUTTERFLY (Essex, Sat only)

STAR WARS: EPISODE 1 — THE PHANTOM MENACE 25TH ANNIVERSARY (Essex, Majestic, Roxy, Star, Sunset)

OPEN THEATERS

Catamount Arts’ theater is currently closed until further notice. (* = upcoming schedule for theater was not available at press time)

*BIG PICTURE THEATER: 48 Carroll Rd., Waitsfield, 496-8994, bigpicturetheater.info

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

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

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

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

MERRILL’S ROXY CINEMAS: 222 College St., Burlington, 864-3456, merrilltheatres.net

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

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

SAVOY THEATER: 26 Main St., Montpelier, 229-0598, savoytheater.com

STAR THEATRE: 17 Eastern Ave., St. Johnsbury, 748-9511, stjaytheatre.com

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

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

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

Note: These capsule descriptions are not intended as reviews. Star ratings come from Metacritic unless we reviewed the film (noted at the end of the description). Find reviews written by Seven Days critic Margot Harrison at sevendaysvt.com/ onscreen-reviews.

Grocery Popping

In “Circles & Squares” at Hexum Gallery, two artists minutely manipulate the mundane

BY ALICE DODGE • adodge@sevendaysvt.com

Pop art seems a little deflated. A movement that once used everyday objects to interrogate capitalism has mutated into a shiny kaiju of commerce, stomping all over its rebellious roots.

Which makes “Circles & Squares,” a twoperson show of post-pop paintings by Jack Kenna and Miles Shelton at Hexum Gallery in Montpelier, so surprising. Kenna’s intricate, brightly colored portraits of milk crates vibrate with energy.

Shelton’s minutely observed paintings of price stickers o er up the blurs, blobs and blunders that personalize the mechanical, ordinary and brutal act of declaring worth. Both artists embrace solid technique and a subtle hand to illuminate unseen aspects of the workaday grocery store.

It isn’t just Hexum’s occasional clubbeat soundtrack that makes Kenna’s milk crates — normally rigid — seem like they’re dancing. By warping the objects’ planes, the painter animates them. He gives them strong personalities, enhanced by his spoton use of color. The dull brick orange of “Wawa (Orange on Yellow)” and bright, preschool blue of “Readington Farms (Blue on Blue)” are the exact shades lodged somewhere in memory. Kenna’s skillful use of light and shadow render them solidly, even as the skewed perspective contradicts that verisimilitude.

In “Dairyland (Yellow on Red),” a restricted palette of yellow, red and green, augmented by thin green outlines, makes the picture vibrate. In “Hood (Black on Black),” the painter interrupts his nearmonochromatic palette with neon-pink outlines that signal this crate is having an awesome night out.

Shelton’s palette is likewise arrestingly bright, but he wields it in an altogether di erent way. His subject is price stickers — usually fluorescent, sometimes smudged or torn, layered on top of each other or given room to shine.

Anyone who has ever used a price

gun has experienced that moment when the stickers misfeed or misprint. These errors are at the heart of many of Shelton’s works. He painstakingly reproduces faded numbers and blurred words, using a range of acrylics from runny, transparent strokes to bold, glossy black.

It may seem strange to call Shelton’s neon colors and eye-catching sticker shapes subtle, but his technique is very much that.

In “99% Organic,” for instance, color shifts infinitesimally from the barely seen edge of one price tag to the one that covers it. There is very little depth here but just enough to tell the eye exactly what’s going on.

Many of the works feature the round, handwriting-font “special” price tags used on day-old bread or other products a grocer is eager to move, and many look as though they got stuck in the printer. The resulting

bendy, trippy numerals pair well with Kenna’s psychedelic crates.

Hexum gallerist John Zaso’s instinct to pair these artists was a good one, as each painter’s work contrasts with but primarily adds to the strength of the other. Kenna’s milk crates, with their overlapping open grids, are the stuff of first-year drawing students’ still-life nightmares, yet he embraces their nooks and crannies with evident delight.

Shelton’s subjects, on the other hand, seem as though they wouldn’t be of much visual interest — they are bold, flat, straightforward. Yet they are carefully, clearly observed for the tiny details that make them real. That care is one of pop art’s best qualities: the ability to point at something forgettable and make the viewer look at it anew.

Both artists demonstrate tremendous patience and skill with their chosen subject matter, which is par for the course at Hexum; over the gallery’s inaugural year, Zaso has often presented subversive or provocative work that’s nonetheless neat as a pin.

“I’m drawn, as a collector, to meticulous artwork,” he explained.

In addition to its formal qualities, this work nods toward storytelling. Kenna’s crates have been places, from Wawa

“99% Organic” by Miles Shelton

“Dairyland (Yellow on Red)” by Jack Kenna

(Pennsylvania’s beloved convenience store chain) to Upstate Farms. Shelton uses titles to add occasional narrative, such as “This Week’s Tuna Melt Special on Wheat” or “Girl Scout Cookie Flavored Deodorants.” One canvas features three labels: “Buy,” “Ripe Now!” and “$19.98” and is aptly titled “Smellovision.”

Beyond these tidbits, it’s tempting to look for deeper meanings in the artists’ work, but that is hard to find. Shelton’s “Wholesale Lamb Ain’t What It Used to Be” seems like it should say something about the current moment: It presents the viewer with prices ranging from “2/$5.00” to “$299.99” and a large green sticker labeling the canvas “HALAL.”

hostility, or power of ownership versus creative reuse. A milk crate is one of the few objects disposable enough not to be missed but of great practical value.

ANYONE WHO HAS EVER USED A PRICE GUN HAS EXPERIENCED THAT MOMENT WHEN THE STICKERS MISFEED OR MISPRINT.

Thinking along these lines falls apart pretty quickly, however; any deeper meaning viewers see here is likely their own.

Pop art mixes up what matters with what’s cheap and points out what’s banal but expensive. That is done to great effect here. Prices are just numbers, and price is the only thing that matters. A crate holds things, but here the object holds its own. What you see is what you get: It’s all just circles and squares. ➆

INFO

Likewise, many of Kenna’s crates proclaim warnings such as “Misuse Punishable by Law,” which could be a comment on the current climate of

“Circles & Squares,” featuring Jack Kenna and Miles Shelton, is on view through May 17 at Hexum Gallery in Montpelier. hexumgallery.com

“Readington Farms (Blue on Blue)” by Jack Kenna

‘Heavy Kinship’ at the Tarrant Gallery Contemplates Bodies and Connectedness

BY PAMELA POLSTON ppolston@sevendaysvt.com

The Amy E. Tarrant Gallery at the Flynn in Burlington is only open on Saturday afternoons and to patrons prior to theater shows. Currently, extensive work on Main Street makes just getting to the gallery a bit challenging.

Despite these restrictions, making the effort to experience “Heavy Kinship Vol. 9” is very much worthwhile. Viewers will find an installation that inventively transforms the space and stimulates both eye and mind.

Danish artist Nana Francisca Schottländer works “at the intersection between dance, performance, installation, and conceptual art,” according to the Flynn’s description. Thus, the large-scale photographs, printed on long scrolls, and looped videos in the gallery are records of her immersive practice.

Accompanying texts explain Schottländer’s research-based productions at half a dozen sites around Europe. Heard through headphones, the audio for one of the videos incorporates commentary on Vermont rock: the Green Mountains. (“Our oldest ancestor is called granite…”)

Visitors are immediately confronted with the presence of rock. Chips of local red and gray stone are neatly arranged in piles and paths around the gallery, evoking

CALL TO ARTISTS

‘BRIDGES’: Established and emerging artists are invited to submit one or two artworks on the theme in any medium. Deadline: May 29. Jericho Town Hall. Info, catherine.mcmains@gmail.com.

the serenity of a Zen garden. Larger rocks are placed purposefully throughout. In one case, the artist gently proposes communing with a stone the size of a coffee table. Heavy kinship, indeed.

Schottländer explores the “co-creative potentials of encounters between rocks and humans,” the Flynn writes. While this relationship can be utilitarian — one video shows Italian workers cutting stone into cobble-size pieces — it is deeply existential, as well. The artist also engages with rock’s evolutionary companion: water.

In a tiny booth in the gallery, viewers can focus on a mesmerizing video of moving water: trickling, cascading, exhaling against a rocky shore. The audio is a veritable guided meditation; Schottländer, whose voice resembles that of American performance artist Laurie Anderson,

CURATORIAL INTERNSHIP: Rising juniors and seniors in the Southern Vermont Supervisory Union are invited to apply for a two-month summer internship at the Bennington Museum. Info and application at benningtonmuseum.org. Deadline: May 15. Online. Info, 447-1571.

soothes the listener as she asks “how to understand where I begin and end.”

In other videos, the artist can be seen — clothed or nude — moving so slowly among piles of rocks that she seems to be embracing them. In another, several performers, clad in head-to-toe white bodysuits, lie motionless on a beach as the tide flows in around them. They look like human boulders.

Viewers may wonder how this Eurocentric exhibition arrived in Burlington. Flynn executive director Jay Wahl met Schottländer through his involvement on a steering committee in the Copenhagen-based IN SITU, a platform for artistic creations in public spaces. “The Flynn is the only non-European member of IN SITU,” he explained. Schottländer is an associate artist and producer. She visited

OPENINGS + RECEPTIONS

ALISA SIKELIANOS-CARTER: Mixed-media paintings exploring themes of boundlessness, infinitude and futurity by the upstate New York artist. Reception: Thursday, May 9, 4:30-6 p.m. Michael S. Currier Center, Putney School, through May 13. Info, 387-6258.

Vermont to design the installation and attend the reception.

“Heavy Kinship” is, in essence, about humans and interconnectedness with the rest of the natural world. That can be a fraught topic, but Schottländer is neither dogmatic nor woeful.

“I thought about Vermont’s relationship of rock and climate and the economy,” Wahl said. “And here’s this artist who’s asking these questions. There’s something exceedingly timely about what she’s doing.” ➆

INFO

“Heavy Kinship Vol. 9” by Nana-Francisca Schottländer is on view Saturdays, before stage shows or by appointment through June 22 at Amy E. Tarrant Gallery, the Flynn, in Burlington. flynncenter.org

‘WHAT’S IN THE WATER’: An Iskra Print Collective show of screen prints. Reception: Thursday, May 9, 6-10 p.m. Karma Bird House Gallery, Burlington, through June 9. Info, hello@thekarmabirdhouse.com.

ANA KOEHLER: “Revealed/Revered,” new works on paper. Waterbury Studios, through July 31. Info, joseph@thephoenixvt.com.

ANNA YAKUBOVSKAYA: “Embracing the Ephemeral,” paintings on silk and paper by the Russian-born, Vermont-based artist. Reception and artist

From left: Terschelling, Holland, 2023, research for the project Tidal Meditations for Oerol Festival; Monterosa, Italy, 2022

demonstration: Saturday, May 11, 2-5 p.m. Frog Hollow Vermont Craft Gallery, Burlington, through May 30. Info, 863-6458.

ANNE SEKELSKY: Digital photography of landscapes, waterways and more. Espresso Bueno, Barre, May 13-June 26. Info, 479-0896.

ART RESOURCE ASSOCIATION: A 49th anniversary exhibit of works by more than 30 member artists. Reception: Wednesday, May 15, 3-5 p.m. Vermont Statehouse Cafeteria, Montpelier, through May 31. Info, paragraphics@pshift.com.

BARBARA KRUGER: An exhibition of more than a dozen works spanning three decades of the artist’s work in graphic images and words. Hall Art Foundation, Reading, May 11-December 1. Info, 952-1056.

CHELSEA PAFUMI: “In the Beginning,” an MFA exhibition of mixed-media art and installations. Closing reception and talk: Friday, May 17, 3-5 p.m., in conjunction with MFA exhibitor Caroline Loftus at Julian Scott Memorial Gallery. Susan Calza Black Box Gallery, Visual Arts Center, Johnson, May 13-18. Info, 635-1469.

‘CONFECTED, BORROWED & BLUE’: Contemporary transferware by British artist Paul Scott. Shelburne Museum, May 11-October 20. Info, 985-3346.

DENIS VERSWEYVELD: “Stilleven,” still lifes and sculptures by the Vermont artist. Reception: Friday, May 10, 5-7 p.m. AVA Gallery and Art Center, Lebanon N.H., May 10-June 8. Info, 603-448-3117.

ED RUSCHA: “Works on Paper,” an exhibition of more than a dozen artworks by the internationally acclaimed American artist. Hall Art Foundation, Reading, Saturday, May 11, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Info, 952-1056.

‘FROM HOMESPUN TO COUTURE’: An exhibition about fashion in historic Middlebury featuring archival materials, dresses, hats, shoes and more from the object collection. Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History, Middlebury, May 10-August 31. Info, 388-2117.

‘A GRAND SPECTACLE IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS’: Black-and-white circus photography by Elliot Fernander. Shelburne Museum, May 11-October 20. Info, 985-3346.

IAN CLARK: Nature photography selected from images of more than 400 species of birds. Artist talk exploring the natural history of loons: Saturday, May 11, 3 p.m. Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Quechee, through July 31. Info, 359-5000.

‘AN INSTANT OUT OF TIME: SHAPING A COLLECTION’: An exhibition of photographs from the museum’s collection focused on social documentary, contemporary imagery, portraits and landscapes. Hood Museum, Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H., through July 21. Info, 603-646-2900.

JOAN HANLEY: “The Vegetative Soul,” paintings and installation. Reception: Friday, May 10, 5-7 p.m. AVA Gallery and Art Center, Lebanon, N.H., May 10-June 8. Info, 603-448-3117.

KEN RACHLIS: “At Your Doorstep,” landscape photographs by the Richmond photographer. Reception: Wednesday, May 8, 5-7 p.m. Pickering Room, Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, through May 31. Info, 863-3403.

LORNA MCMASTER: “Stewarding a Seed Collection,” portraits and landscapes in felted wool that call attention to the interdependence of pollinators , native plants and foodways, by the contemporary fiber artist. Shelburne Museum, May 11-October 20. Info, 985-3346.

‘MODEL BOATS: THE CRAFTSMANSHIP OF JERRY DEGRAFF’: A selection of hand-built vessels by the late Vermont craftsman. Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History, Middlebury, May 10-January 4. Info, 388-2117.

‘NEW ENGLAND NOW: STRANGE STATES’: The third biennial exhibition featuring 12 multidisciplinary artists whose work is grounded in mythology, environmentalism, the ideals of beauty, transformation, and gender and cultural identity. Shelburne Museum, May 11-October 20. Info, 985-3346.

‘OFF THE WALL’: An art show and sale featuring lightly juried artwork, crafts and craft supplies. A portion of proceeds benefits the MAC scholarship fund. MAC Center for the Arts Gallery, Newport, May 10-June 23. Info, 334-1966.

‘PATENT PENDING’: An exhibition of objects, from clothespins to sports bras, that illustrate ingenuity and innovation in Vermont. Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History, Middlebury, May 10-November 19. Info, 388-2117.

PETER ANDERSON AND CALEB BROWN: “Mapping Memories of Place and Space,” the artists present unique approaches to the same subjects of maps, time and memory. Reception: Friday, May 10, 5-7 p.m. AVA Gallery and Art Center, Lebanon, N.H., May 10-June 8, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Info, 603-448-3117.

‘THE POWER OF PERSPECTIVE’: A community art exhibit that addresses both human and avian perspectives and experiences. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, through October 31. Info, 434-2167.

ROBERT LONGO: “Icarus Rising,” an exhibition featuring the artist’s work across media including drawing, photography, painting, sculpture, music, performance and film. Hall Art Foundation, Reading, May 11-December 1. Info, 952-1056.

SHERRIE LEVINE: A survey of photographs, paintings and sculptures by the American artist spanning more than 30 years. Hall Art Foundation, Reading, May 11-December 1. Info, 952-1056.

STUDIO ART THESIS EXHIBITION: A capstone show of artworks by graduating seniors. Reception: Friday, May 10, 5-7 p.m. Johnson Memorial Building, Middlebury College, May 10-24. Free. Info, 443-5397.

VERMONT FURNITURE: A new installation of furniture and associated material culture, from the 19th century to the present. Shelburne Museum, May 11-October 20. Info, 985-3346.

‘WHO CARES?’: An exhibition of artworks used as prompts to consider questions about what “care” means, who cares for whom and in what contexts, curated in conjunction with college class “Maid in America: The Politics of Domestic Labor.” Hood Museum, Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H., through August 11. Info, 603-646-2808.

ZORAWAR SIDHU AND ROB SWAINSTON: “Doomscrolling,” imagery culled from mainstream media between May 24, 2020, and January 6, 2021, forming a portrait of the U.S. during the time of pandemic, Black Lives Matter protests, the 2020 election and insurrection at the Capitol. Hall Art Foundation, Reading, May 11-December 1. Info, 9521056.

ART EVENTS

ART SWAP: An opportunity to buy secondhand artwork and/or bring in pieces to sell. Drop off May 1-4. Axel’s Frame Shop & Gallery, Waterbury, May 8-11. Info, 244-7801.

WORKSHOP: EXPLORING THE POWER OF COLOR IN ART AND DESIGN: Jason Bemis from the American Institute for Color and the Environment leads a discussion and exercise around color and its influence on design and art. Limited seating, reservations available. Chaffee Art Center, Rutland, Wednesday, May 8, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 775-0356.

CURATORS’ TOUR: ‘IN NATURE’S GRASP’: Cocurators Michael Abrams and Sarah Freeman lead a tour and discussion about the exhibition of paintings by 11 contemporary artists. Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, Thursday, May 9, 7 p.m. Info, 257-0124.

PALETTE PERSPECTIVES: SARAH WESSON: Artist talk by the plein air painter featured in current exhibit “Green Gold,” reservations required. Sparrow Art Supply, Middlebury, Thursday, May 9, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 989-7225.

VISITING ARTIST TALK: TERRY EKASALA: The Vermont artist explains how her materials and process inform the play between abstraction and representation in her artwork. Vermont Studio Center, Johnson, Thursday, May 9, 8-9 p.m. Free. Info, 635-2727.

ARTIST TALK: EDWARD HOLLAND: A virtual discussion of the artist’s abstract, collagebased paintings that embed the constellations of the zodiac, currently on view at the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center. More info and Zoom link at brattleboromuseum.org. Online, Saturday, May 11, 7 p.m. Info, 257-0124.

‘CARVE-IN’: The Green Mountain Woodcarvers discuss and work on a variety of projects. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free with museum admission. Info, 434-2167.

SCOTT KEKUHAUPI’O MANLEY: A demonstration of the Hawaiian artist’s methods for engraving on slate. Slate Valley Museum, Granville, N.Y., Saturday, May 11, 1-3 p.m. Free with museum admission. Info, 518-642-1417.

SEASON OPENING: The museum reopens for the 2024 season with new exhibitions, selections from the permanent collection and new merchandise in the gift shop. Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History, Middlebury, Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Info, 388-2117.

SEASON OPENING COMMUNITY DAY: The public is invited to a free day of visiting the new exhibitions, gardens and buildings. Shelburne Museum, Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Info, 985-3346.

VERMONT WEEK OPEN STUDIOS: Thirty-one Vermont artists and writers display what they’ve created during their weeklong residency. Vermont Studio Center, Johnson, Saturday, May 11, 2-4 p.m. Free. Info, 635-2727.

FIBER ARTS CRAFT CIRCLE: An informal gathering for teens and tweens. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, Sunday, May 12, 1-3 p.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.

BIPOC MAKER NIGHTS: WOODWORKING: Hosted in partnership with the Root Social Justice Center, affinity spaces for anyone who identifies as Black, Indigenous or a person of color to create community around woodworking. Bring a woodworking project to repair or make. HatchSpace, Brattleboro, Monday, May 13, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 552-8202.

ARTS ACCESS SUMMIT: ‘RESILIENCY AND REST’: Inclusive Arts Vermont invites community members, organizations, artists and educators for an online day of learning and conversation on access in the arts, featuring disabled artists and accessibility experts. Online, Wednesday, May 15, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $50 or sliding scale. Info, info@inclusiveartsvermont.org. ➆

S UNDbites

News and views on the local music + nightlife scene

BY CHRIS FARNSWORTH

On Location: Indie Musician Christina Schneider on Moving to Vermont

A few months ago, I was down in Brattleboro talking with some local musicians and artists near the Estey Organ Museum. (No, it’s not a museum full of livers and kidneys floating in jars. But yes, my brain went there as well.) The former factory for reed, pump, pipe and melodeon organs is something of a hangout, as area bands such as THUS LOVE live and rehearse in the apartments nearby.

As happens often in my job, I found myself in a conversation about Vermont music, listing o new bands I was into or had heard buzz about. Someone (hell if I can recall who — there was cannabis involved) blurted out, “LOCATE S,1 is incredible!”

Within seconds, “Heart Attack” was playing on a Bluetooth speaker, washing over me with synths, indiedisco beats and a velvet-smooth voice. I was instantly enamored of the track’s vitality, its originality and the shifting genres blurring together into one weird, alternate-universe version of pop music. Having never heard of Locate S,1, I was gripped with that specific sort of excitement that happens whenever I’m on the cusp of a new musical obsession. I googled the band, already shaking my

World”-type benefit for maple syrup shortages at this point.

music as S,1, debuting in 2018 with the album Healing Contest, which was produced by Barnes. Personalia followed in 2020. Then she moved to Athens, where Barnes was based, but she found the scene challenging.

“I wanted to go somewhere where the scene wasn’t full of paranoia or suspicion,” she said. “Where musicians wanted to see each other succeed and make art, and that’s what we have here now. Music scenes in big cities can be great, but they carry their own challenges. There’s no sense of competing here, and people seem to just have a natural reverence for people trying to make cool shit.”

Nonmusical concerns spurred the move — Barnes’ daughter recently enrolled in a New York college, and the couple wanted to be closer. But Schneider said she knew southern Vermont was the right choice for her, both personally and as an artist.

“I love our little street where we live now in Marlboro,” she said. “There’s other artists around. And being this close to Brattleboro, I can work with Chris!”

head at the realization that a record this good was from a Vermont artist. How had I missed this?

My heart sank as soon as I found the info: Locate S,1 is the project of CHRISTINA SCHNEIDER, an Athens, Ga.based musician who previously lived in Seattle and New York City. As I read about her being the partner of KEVIN BARNES, the mastermind behind indierock staple OF MONTREAL, and signing to Captured Tracks, I felt a twinge of annoyance that I’d been given false hope. I thought I was listening to one of the best local records I had ever laid ears on.

“She’s from Athens, dude,” I said, putting my phone away with a sigh of disappointment.

“Nope,” one of the artists replied. “She moved to Vermont this summer!” Some internet sleuthing quickly revealed that, indeed, Schneider and Barnes had departed Athens for southern Vermont. That alone wasn’t so strange: It’s become something of a trend lately for indie artists to relocate quietly to the Green Mountains, where solitude is abundant. Between NEKO CASE, ADRIANNE LENKER, RYLEY WALKER and half of GUSTER, we could stage a “We Are the

But I was still curious about the reasons for Schneider’s move, because Wicked Jaw, her latest LP as Locate S,1, had me reeling. Blending a pleasing, almost smirking sense of experimental music with candy-coated pop, the record presents a strikingly original sound. From the neon-lit, savage takedown of modern American society in “Go Back to Disnee” to the jazzy indie-pop number “You Were Right About One Thing,” Schneider dazzles with sonics while slaying with lyrics.

As someone who simply can’t abide a musical mystery, I reached out to Schneider, who was lovely enough to hop on the phone from her new digs in Marlboro.

I tried to phrase “What the hell are you doing here?” as politely as I could. Turns out, she’s making a return of sorts. Schneider lived in Poultney as a kid and even came up playing in the Brattleboro scene.

“I got so inspired to write music after seeing CHRIS WEISMAN play,” Schneider said, referring to the Brattleboro composer who, when she saw him, was also in the band HAPPY BIRTHDAY with future KING TUFF front man KYLE THOMAS. “Those guys were like rock stars to me.” Schneider eventually left Vermont for New York City. She began releasing

Weisman appears on Wicked Jaw , as does former Vermonter RYAN POWER , giving the album a hint of the Green Mountains. Schneider said she’s proud of the 2023 record and finds it easier to revisit than some of her earlier work.

“Past albums are so hard to listen to,” she admitted. “It’s like you threw a tantrum and you don’t really want to think about what you did.”

She sees Wicked Jaw as having reshaped her perception of success.

“My partner is an indie artist that found success in the ’90s, so they were sort of grandfathered into this thing that doesn’t really exist anymore,” Schneider said, referring to the notion of “making it” as an indie artist. “I spent a lot of time comparing myself to them before I realized that all I really need to do is make an album that I’m proud of. And I feel like I did that.”

Schneider hopes to delve further into her new scene and assemble a local crew with which to play shows.

“I always wanted to come back to Vermont and live here until I died,” she said, laughing. “Hopefully that doesn’t happen anytime soon, but still — I’m here, and I feel like I’m in this new upward spiral of creativity. I’m truly happy to be here.” ➆

Christina Schneider

On the Beat

Indie-folk artist and Vermont native FREYA YOST released her debut album, Delicate Elements, last month. It’s a little surprising it took her this long, as Yost, 37, has been performing since age 12, touring with French Canadian dancer BENOIT BOURQUE’s La Danse des Enfants troupe.

“I grew up surrounded by music,” Yost told me recently in a Zoom conversation from her home in Italy. “Everyone around me was so busy making music, so I just started to teach myself how to play.”

Much of the music with which she was inundated came from Yost’s mother, renowned Vermont musician

and producer KRISTINA STYKOS. Founder of the independent record label Thunder Ridge Records, Stykos has produced more than 30 albums in her home studio, Pepperbox Studio, originally in South Washington. She’s released eight solo records as well, with 2018’s River of Light ending up on several of Vermont’s year-end best-of lists. Strangely enough, she had no idea her daughter was cooking up an album.

“She showed up a couple summers ago for the family vacation and announced that she wanted to make an album,” Stykos recounted by phone. “For me, it came out of the blue — I had no idea she’d been playing guitar and writing songs.”

Yost spent the better part of 2023 traveling between Italy and her

Eye on the Scene

Last week’s live music highlights from photographer Luke Awtry

DEATH AT WAKING WINDOWS, WINOOSKI, MAY 4: e Waking Windows music festival took another lap around the Winooski rotary over the weekend, and it felt more like its humble beginnings than the expansive downtown takeover of past festivals. at’s not to say this year’s experience paled in comparison. While touring acts such as Yonatan Gat and ey Hate Change elevated the festival to unexpected heights, the larger presence of local acts felt great. e festival headliner was Death, the 1970s punk pioneers out of Detroit originally consisting of three brothers: Bobby Sr., Dannis and David Hackney. Death disbanded in 1977, and the family moved to Vermont soon after. When recordings reemerged in the late 2000s, a new chapter began — but, sadly, without brother and guitarist David, who died of cancer in 2000. Death last performed in October 2019, but Saturday night in Winooski was the first time Bobby Sr.’s sons Urian and Julian joined their father and uncle as the newest members of the band. For the first time in 47 years, the family and the band were once again one and the same.

mother’s studio, now in Lincoln, laying down tracks. As mother and daughter interacted in a way that was new to both of them, they soon found themselves admiring each other’s skill.

“It was really cool to hear her music!” Stykos said. “Regardless of her being my daughter, I was just so fascinated to hear what she had to say as a songwriter. And her songs just captured my imagination.”

For Yost, it was a treat to see her mother in her element as a producer.

“I was blown away watching her,” Yost said. “She has total command of the whole process; she’s an amazing producer. I learned so much just observing the way she works.”

The mother-daughter team hopes to collaborate again soon, despite their physical separation. Delicate Elements is streaming now at freyayost.bandcamp. com. Learn more about Stykos and her studio at kristinastykos.com.

Radio Bean narrowly escaped a fiery fate over the weekend after an apartment above the popular Burlington nightclub caught fire. While the club itself was spared, and fortunately no one was injured in the blaze late on Saturday night, the Bean will be out of commission for at least a week.

According to owner LEE ANDERSON, the venue sustained heavy water and smoke damage, including to music equipment and cash register computers. While his insurance company evaluates the property, Anderson plans to move any shows from Radio Bean to Light Club Lamp Shop, his adjoining club, which is undamaged.

“There’s still a lot of stu to figure out, but hopefully we can get open again soon,” Anderson said by phone.

The gods of live music taketh, and the gods of live music giveth! While firerelated issues have shut down the Bean, the oldest dive bar in the state, CharlieO’s World Famous, is back! The tiny, locally beloved Montpelier bar sustained significant fire and water damage in October after the neighboring Mad Taco caught fire — a second crisis closely following last summer’s disastrous flooding.

The damage took down Charlie-O’s for the better part of seven months, dealing a blow not only to Capital City barflies but also to oodles of local bands the club routinely books. At last, the caution tape came down and the doors reopened on May 2. The bar plans a proper grand reopening on Sunday, May 12, when it opens its veranda.

Welcome back, Charlie-O’s! You were missed. ➆

Kristina Stykos

RadioVermont

music+nightlife

CLUB DATES

live music

WED.8

BBQ and Bluegrass (bluegrass) at Four Quarters Brewing, Winooski, 6:30 p.m. Free.

Blue Fox Trio (blues) at Red Square, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.

Cathedral Bells, Rew (indie) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 7 p.m. $12/$15.

Giovanina Bucci (singersongwriter) at 14th Star Brewing, St. Albans, 6 p.m. Free.

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

Jazz Sessions (jazz) at the 126, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free.

Live Jazz (jazz) at Leunig’s Bistro & Café, Burlington, 6:30 p.m. Free.

Moon Hooch, Teddie X (dance, jazz) at Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington, 8 p.m. $20/$25.

Otter Creek, Danny & the Parts, Mirabelle Skipworth (bluegrass, Americana) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 8:30 p.m. $10.

Slugweed, Starvation Wages, Will Bollinger (punk) at Despacito, Burlington, 8 p.m. $5.

Wednesday Night Dead (Grateful Dead covers) at Zenbarn, Waterbury Center, 7 p.m. $5. Willverine (electronic) at the Wallflower Collective, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. Free.

THU.9

Adam Ezra Group (folk) at Nectar’s, Burlington, 7 p.m. $20/$25.

AliT (singer-songwriter) at Filling Station, Middlesex, 6 p.m. Free.

Antara, Chris Cheney (singersongwriter) at Charlie-O’s World Famous, Montpelier, 8 p.m. Free.

Bob Gagnon (jazz) at Stone’s Throw, Waterbury, 6 p.m. Free.

Cedar (instrumental) at Bent Nails Bistro, Montpelier, 8 p.m. Free.

Christine Jensen (jazz) at the Brass Lantern Inn, Stowe, 6:30 p.m. $35-$45.

Frankie & the Fuse (rock) at Red Square, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

Frankie Cosmos (indie rock) at Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington, 8 p.m. $20/$25.

Friedman and Quigley Duo (jazz) at Hugo’s, Montpelier, 7:30 p.m. Free.

Greenbush (jazz) at Foam Brewers, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

Jerborn (covers) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 6 p.m. Free.

Lincoln Sprague (jazz) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 5 p.m. Free.

Mikaela Davis, Bridget Kearney (indie) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $25/$28.

Olive Klug, Crysalis, Ratland (folk) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 8 p.m. $16/$18.

Scarfold, Old North End, C.i.D.B, Short Changed (punk, hardcore) at Despacito, Burlington, 8 p.m. $5.

Smokey Newfield Project (bluegrass) at Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling, Essex, 6 p.m. Free.

FRI.10

Andriana Chobot (indie pop) at Stone’s Throw, Richmond, 6 p.m. Free.

Audrey Pearl (singer-songwriter) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 8 p.m. Free.

Beg Steal or Borrow (bluegrass) at Double E Performance Center’s T-Rex Theater, Essex, 8 p.m. $20/$25.

Breanna Elaine Band, Bird Boombox (rock, bluegrass, punk) at the Underground, Randolph, 7:30 p.m. $14-$17. Info, 431-6267.

Charlie Uffleman, Ashna Hill, Jen Gonzalez, Logan Pickrell, Jenny Henry (singer-songwriter) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 7 p.m. $10.

Chris & Izzy (acoustic) at 1st Republic Brewing, Essex, 6 p.m. Free.

Chris Peterman (jazz) at Bleu Northeast Kitchen, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. Free.

Dave Mitchell’s Blues Revue (blues) at Red Square, Burlington, 2 p.m. Free.

Dirty Looks (covers) at 14th Star Brewing, St. Albans, 6 p.m. Free.

Duncan MacLeod Trio (jazz) at Jericho Café & Tavern, 7 p.m. Free.

Frankie White (singer-songwriter) at Hotel Vermont, Burlington, 4 p.m. Free.

Good Trees River Band (rock) at Monopole, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 10 p.m. Free.

Hit Squad (covers) at Red Square, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

Minor Moon, Vega, Lily Seabird (country, folk) at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington, 8:30 p.m. $12/$15.

Mr. Moose & Friends (jam) at Poultney Pub, 6 p.m. Free.

Nate Michaud (acoustic) at Gusto’s, Barre, 6 p.m. Free.

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

No More Blue Tomorrows (folk, rock) at Charlie-O’s World Famous, Montpelier, 9:30 p.m. Free.

No Showers on Vacation, Lara Cwass Band (jam) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 9:30 p.m. $10.

Phantom Airwave (funk, soul) at the Old Post, South Burlington, 8 p.m. Free.

Pluto Rising (dance) at Bent Nails Bistro, Montpelier, 7 p.m. Free.

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.

Bring Out Your Dead

SAT.11 // MARCUS REZAK [JAM]

Guitarist extraordinaire MARCUS REZAK is known for fronting big tribute projects such as Shred Is Dead and Gumbo, which play the music of the Grateful Dead and Phish, respectively. Though the cover game keeps him busy with over 200 gigs a year, in November the six-string samurai released an all-new album of original music titled Guitar Head. The blues-heavy record was produced by Grammy Award-winner Paul Nelson and features fellow Vermont musician Ray Paczkowski of the Trey Anastasio Band and members of Twiddle. Touring to celebrate the album’s vinyl release, Rezak stops by Zenbarn in Waterbury Center on Saturday, May 11. Philadelphia funk act MUSCLE TOUGH open the show.

Ragged Company (blues, rock) at Bent Nails Bistro, Montpelier, 9 p.m. Free.

Rap Night Burlington (hip-hop) at Drink, Burlington, 9 p.m. $5.

Red Hot Juba (jazz) at Hugo’s, Montpelier, 7:30 p.m. Free.

Sibling Reverie (covers) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 5 p.m. Free.

Strange Machines, Muscle Tough (jam) at Nectar’s, Burlington, 8 p.m. $15.

Up From Below 2.0 with Troy Millette & the Fire Below, Madaila, Cricket Blue, Max Higgins (folk, pop, comedy) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 6 p.m. $20/$22. Will Keeper, Fawn, tip/toe (indie rock, pop) at Foam Brewers, Burlington, 8 p.m. Free.

SAT.11

Blackwater, Wrackethead (jam) at Nectar’s, Burlington, 8 p.m. $10. Breanna Elaine (jazz) at Hugo’s, Montpelier, 7:30 p.m. Free. Comatose Kids, Frankie & the Fuse, Champlain Daze (indie rock) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 10 p.m. $10.

The Conniption Fits (covers) at Gusto’s, Barre, 9 p.m. Free. Embers, Reign Havok, Waved Image (metal) at Monopole, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 10 p.m. Free.

Good Trees River Band (rock) at Orlando’s Bar & Lounge, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free. Greaseface, Torn, Redeye (indie) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 6:30 p.m. $10.

The Heavy Nettles (folk) at Jericho Café & Tavern, 7 p.m. Free.

Ian Campbell (singer-songwriter) at the Den at Harry’s Hardware, Cabot, 7 p.m. Free.

Jim Branca Trio (blues) at Bent Nails Bistro, Montpelier, 8 p.m. Free.

Josh Panda and Peter Day (Americana) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 5 p.m. Free.

Joshua Glass (singer-songwriter) at Bleu Northeast Kitchen, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. Free.

Lazer Dad (covers) at Red Square, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

Leddy Moss (folk rock) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 8 p.m. $5.

Left Eye Jump (blues) at Red Square, Burlington, 2 p.m. Free.

Live Music Saturdays (live music series) at Dumb Luck Pub & Grill, Hinesburg, 7 p.m. Free.

Marcus Rezak, Muscle Tough (jam) at Zenbarn, Waterbury Center, 8 p.m. $25/$30.

Phil Cohen (indie rock) at Foam Brewers, Burlington, 8 p.m. Free. The Pilgrims, Dylan Patrick Ward & the Lovable Losers (rock) at Charlie-O’s World Famous, Montpelier, 9:30 p.m. Free. Shanty Rats (folk) at Whammy Bar, Calais, 7 p.m. Free. Staircase 24 (covers) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 9 p.m. Free.

Willi Carlisle, Aaron Jonah Lewis (singer-songwriter) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $18/$20.

SUN.12

Bluegrass Brunch (bluegrass) at the Skinny Pancake, Burlington, noon. Free.

John Lackard Blues Band (blues) at Red Square, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

Matt Hagen (acoustic) at Foam Brewers, Burlington, 1 p.m. Free. Mother’s Day Brunch with Marcie Hernandez & Friends (folk) at Zenbarn, Waterbury Center, 10 a.m. $60.

Sunday Brunch Tunes (singersongwriter) at Hotel Vermont, Burlington, 10 a.m. Yarn (country) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $17/$20.

MON.13

UnityTX, Chamber, Dead Solace, Keepsake (metal) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $20/$25.

TUE.14

Big Easy Tuesdays with Jon McBride (jazz) at the 126, Burlington, 8 p.m. Free.

Bluegrass Jam (bluegrass) at Poultney Pub, 7 p.m. Free.

Cooie & Adlai (covers) at Lawson’s Finest Liquids, Waitsfield, 5 p.m. Free.

Dobbs’ Dead (Grateful Dead tribute) at Nectar’s, Burlington, 9 p.m. $10/$20.

Giannina Sol (singer-songwriter) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 7 p.m. $5.

Honky Tonk Tuesday with Wild Leek River (country) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 9 p.m. $10.

WED.15

BBQ and Bluegrass (bluegrass) at Four Quarters Brewing, Winooski, 6:30 p.m. Free.

Bent Nails House Band (blues, rock) at Bent Nails Bistro, Montpelier, 8 p.m. Free.

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

Jazz Sessions (jazz) at the 126, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free.

5G ’ s GIVEAWAY

music+nightlife

FRI.10 // UP FROM BELOW 2.0 [FOLK, POP, COMEDY]

Top of the Class Some of Burlington’s best and brightest performers join forces to present UP FROM BELOW 2.0, a multi-genre showcase fusing music and comedy. Americana act TROY MILLETTE & THE FIRE BELOW (pictured) headline the musical portion of the night with support from indie-pop standouts MADAILA and chamber-folk duo CRICKET BLUE. Keeping things light is a collection of comedians, including MAX HIGGINS, ALEX DUVAL, ALEX ST. LOUIS and MARLON FISHER, as well as a performance from local influencer JONNY WANZER. It all goes down on Friday, May 10, at the Higher Ground Showcase Lounge in South Burlington.

live music

WED.15 CONTINUED FROM P.57

Jesse Again (rock) at 14th Star Brewing, St. Albans, 6 p.m. Free.

Kath Bloom (singer-songwriter) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 7 p.m. $15/$20.

Live Jazz (jazz) at Leunig’s Bistro & Café, Burlington, 6:30 p.m. Free.

Marc Ribot’s Ceramic Dog (jazz) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 7 p.m. $27/$32.

Queen City Rounders (singer-songwriter) at Foam Brewers, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free. Uncle Baby Trio (rock) at Red Square, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.

Wednesday Night Dead (Grateful Dead covers) at Zenbarn, Waterbury Center, 7 p.m. $5.

Willverine (electronic) at the Wallflower Collective, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. Free.

WED.8

DJ CRE8 (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington, 11 p.m. Free.

Local Dork (DJ) at Foam Brewers, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.

The Mid Week Hump with DJs Fattie B and Craig Mitchell (DJ) at Monkey House, Winooski, 7 p.m. Free.

THU.9

Distinct Motive, LYQD, Empti, Oddpaco, Mvlleus & Kazm (DJ) at Club Metronome, Burlington, 8 p.m. $25/$35.

DJ Chaston (DJ) at Red Square Blue Room, Burlington, 11 p.m. Free.

DJ Two Sev (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington, 11 p.m. Free.

Vinyl Night with Ken (DJ) at Poultney Pub, 6 p.m. Free.

FRI.10

DJ 91 (DJ) at Einstein’s Tap House, Burlington, 10 p.m. Free.

DJ Craig Mitchell (DJ) at Red Square Blue Room, Burlington, 10 p.m. Free.

DJ Kata (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington, 10 p.m. Free.

DJ Taka (DJ) at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington, 11 p.m. $10/$15.

John’s Jukebox (DJ) at Gusto’s, Barre, 9 p.m. Free.

Tricky Pat, Sekhmet, Oddpaco, Bo Twiggs (drum and bass) at Despacito, Burlington, 8 p.m. Free.

SAT.11

Blanchface (DJ) at Manhattan Pizza & Pub, Burlington, 10 p.m. Free.

DJ A-Ra$ (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington, midnight. Free.

DJ Raul (DJ) at Red Square Blue Room, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.

Gimme Gimme Disco (ABBA tribute) at Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington, 8:30 p.m. $20/$25.

Matt Payne (DJ) at Red Square Blue Room, Burlington, 10 p.m. Free.

Molly Mood (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington, 10 p.m. Free.

Roost.world (DJ set) (DJ) at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington, 11 p.m. $10/$15.

SUN.12

Mi Yard Reggae Night with DJ Big Dog (reggae and dancehall) at Nectar’s, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free.

TUE.14

The Vanguard - Jazz on Vinyl (DJ) at Paradiso Hi-Fi, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

WED.15

DJ CRE8 (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington, 11 p.m. Free.

Local Dork (DJ) at Foam Brewers, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.

open mics & jams

WED.8

Irish Sessions (Celtic, open mic) at Burlington St. John’s Club, 6:30 p.m. Free.

Open Mic (open mic) at Monopole, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 10 p.m. Free.

Open Mic with Danny Lang (open mic) at Poultney Pub, 7 p.m. Free.

THU.9

Old Time Jam (open jam) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.

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

Open Stage Night (open mic) at Orlando’s Bar & Lounge, Burlington, 8 p.m. Free.

SUN.12

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

MON.13

Open Mic (open mic) at Despacito, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

TUE.14

Open Mic Night (open mic) at Drink, Burlington, 8 p.m. Free.

Venetian Soda Open Mic (open mic), at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

WED.15

Bluegrass Jam (bluegrass open jam) at Stone’s Throw, Richmond, 6:30 p.m. Free. Irish Sessions (Celtic, open mic) at Burlington St. John’s Club, 6:30 p.m. Free.

Open Mic (open mic) at Monopole, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 10 p.m. Free.

Open Mic with Danny Lang (open mic) at Poultney Pub, 7 p.m. Free.

Venetian Trivia Night (trivia) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.

Wednesday Team Trivia (trivia) at Einstein’s Tap House, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free.

THU.9

Family Friendly Karaoke (karaoke) at North Hero House Inn & Restaurant, 6 p.m. Free.

Karaoke and Open Mic Night (karaoke, open mic) at 14th Star Brewing, St. Albans, 6:30 p.m. Free.

Karaoke Night (karaoke) at Zenbarn, Waterbury Center, 7 p.m. Free.

Trivia (trivia) at Highland Lodge, Greensboro, 7 p.m. Free.

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

Trivia Night (trivia) at McGillicuddy’s Five Corners, Essex Junction, 6:30 p.m. Free.

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

Trivia Thursday (trivia) at Spanked Puppy Pub, Colchester, 7 p.m. Free.

comedy

WED.8

Residency: Unscripted (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 7 p.m. $5.

Standup Comedy Open Mic (comedy open mic) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 8:30 p.m. Unrescripted (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 7 p.m. $5.

THU.9

Bob the Drag Queen (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. $40.

FRI.10

Bob the Drag Queen (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. $40.

Wit and Wine (comedy) at Shelburne Vineyard, 7 p.m. $10.

SAT.11

Bob the Drag Queen (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. $40.

SUN.12

$5 Improv Night (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 7 p.m. $5.

MON.13

Mondays Are Scary! with Maddie Cross (comedy) at the Phoenix, Waterbury, 7 p.m. $10.

TUE.14

Free Stuff! (comedy) at Lincolns, Burlington, 9:30 p.m. Free.

WED.15

Good Tape! (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 7 p.m. $5. Standup Comedy Open Mic (comedy open mic) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 8:30 p.m.

FRI.10

Karaoke (karaoke) at McKee’s Pub & Grill, Winooski, 9 p.m. Free.

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

SAT.11

Rabble-Rouser Trivia Night! (trivia) at Rabble-Rouser Chocolate & Craft, Montpelier, 7 p.m. $5.

SUN.12

Sunday Funday (games) at 1st Republic Brewing, Essex, noon. Free.

Venetian Karaoke (karaoke) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

MON.13

Trivia (trivia) at the Filling Station, White River Junction, 6 p.m. Free.

Trivia (trivia) at North Hero House Inn & Restaurant, 7 p.m. Free.

TUE.14

Godfather Karaoke (karaoke) at the Other Half, Burlington, 10 p.m. Free. Karaoke Tuesdays (karaoke) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free. Karaoke with DJ Party Bear (karaoke) at Charlie-O’s World Famous, Montpelier, 9:30 p.m. Free.

Karaoke with Motorcade (karaoke) at Manhattan Pizza & Pub, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free.

Music Bingo (music bingo) at Stone Corral, Richmond, 7 p.m. Free.

Taproom Trivia (trivia) at 14th Star Brewing, St. Albans, 6:30 p.m. Free. Trivia Night (trivia) at the Depot, St. Albans, 7 p.m. Free.

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

Tuesday Trivia (trivia) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

WED.15

Karaoke Night (karaoke) at Drink, Burlington, 8 p.m. Free.

Musical Bingo (trivia) at Orlando’s Bar & Lounge, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

WED.8

Karaoke Night (karaoke) at Drink, Burlington, 8 p.m. Free.

Musical Bingo (trivia) at Orlando’s Bar & Lounge, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

Trivia Night (trivia) at Stone Corral, Richmond, 7 p.m. Free.

Trivia Night (trivia) at Stone Corral, Richmond, 7 p.m. Free.

Venetian Trivia Night (trivia) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.

Wednesday Team Trivia (trivia) at Einstein’s Tap House, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free. ➆

A Quiet Place

Reflecting on Margaret Glaspy’s e Sun Doesn’t ink

BY CHRIS FARNSWORTH • farnsworth@sevendaysvt.com

When you’ve been anointed a “next big thing” by gilded outlets such as Pitchfork and Rolling Stone, there’s a danger of being typecast. With an ethereal voice and guitar chops for days, Brooklynbased singer-songwriter Margaret Glaspy is already wearing a cape as the Next Great Indie-Rock Hero.

Observe Glaspy’s irresistible charm and e ortless sense of cool in the video for “Act Natural,” the first single from her acclaimed 2023 LP, Echo the Diamond

ALBUMS

All fuzzy guitars and indie-rock stomp, the song shows Glaspy at the intersection of riot grrrl and ingénue as she takes turns sipping co ee and riing on her guitar in a kitchen, amplifier perched on the counter.

The power-trio sound of Echo the Diamond followed her more pop-leaning, synth-heavy 2020 LP, Devotion. But on her new EP, The Sun Doesn’t Think, Glaspy takes a whole di erent approach, which she’ll bring to Brattleboro for a performance at the Stone Church on Friday, May 10.

On a recent phone call from her home, she recalled how, as she toured with her band, rocking out every night with her beloved electric guitars, she found herself turning to her acoustic guitar after the shows.

“When you’re touring, you’re repeating yourself a lot, musically,” Glaspy said.

To keep her mind creating, she found herself writing folk songs in hotel rooms. On Echo , she had “covered the songs in electric guitar,” as she put it, but she quickly realized she wanted to do something different with this sparse music, capturing its immediacy.

Bob Dylan. On “Would You Be My Man?” she sings in the voice of a “nameless heroine I dreamed up.”

“There’s a knife by the door that you don’t know about,” she sings, as a sinistersounding melody su uses the song with gothic dread. “There’s a few numbers in my book that you don’t know / But you don’t need to know about ’em.”

“I have these characters and environments that live in my life and write songs through me,” Glaspy said of her process. “I love getting acquainted with them; it reminds me what the job description is.” By the time the title track brings the EP to a close, the record has vindicated Glaspy’s choice to make it quick and dirty. Would a ballad like “Bathtub” sound incredible with her full band fleshing it out? Absolutely. But sometimes a songwriter knows when to let space and sparseness work for the music, and Glaspy reveals herself as a master of letting it be on The Sun Doesn’t Think.

“It’s the di erence between photography and sculpture,” she said. “There are musicians who are so incredibly talented at meticulously sculpting a record. But I like to take a photo — I’ve time-stamped my life very freshly with this EP.”

The Sun Doesn’t Think is a five-song collection of hushed, intimate ballads that feature only Glaspy and her acoustic. With everything else stripped away, the Northern California-born singer-songwriter

stares straight into the camera and delivers one hell of a confessional.

The moment “24/7” kicks off the record, the listener is transported to Glaspy’s living room, staring across a co ee table as she strums her guitar.

“I just want you to feel all right / I’m not even on my own side / I’ll be the sacrifice / Go ahead, serve me on rice,” she sings. “Or do you think that I’m trying too hard? / You’ve known me since I was counting stars.”

The Sun Doesn’t Think is the sound of Glaspy glorying in adulthood. Now in her mid-thirties, she finds herself looking back at her childhood and reevaluating her notions of love and happiness.

“I delight in being an adult,” Glaspy said. “It’s such fertile ground as a songwriter. You have to contend with the world, and it’s a lot, but I just find it so refreshing.”

There’s no more adult-sounding song title than “I Need Help.” Harmonizing with herself over a clever guitar lick, Glaspy takes a hard look in the mirror and realizes she might be in trouble.

“I need help,” she sings, almost breathlessly. “And it’s hard to admit it / but I’ve burned all of my bridges.”

The tricky thing about making a record as naked as The Sun Doesn’t Think is that it involves losing the partition between yourself and your audience. While Glaspy didn’t obscure her true self on her previous records, there’s an extra edge of intimacy in her latest release.

A skilled and clever songwriter, Glaspy also works with characters in a similar way to her favorite songwriters, Tom Waits and

“These songs just felt like they were supposed to be acoustic,” Glaspy said. “Electric guitar feels like my performance vehicle. Usually the only one hearing me play acoustic is my husband while I’m sitting around the house. So this is me being a little more vulnerable, letting people into the house.”

She’ll take that vulnerability on the road this summer and do a small run of solo acoustic shows, living the life of a folk singer.

“There’s a sweetness and purity to showing up at the venue with just an acoustic guitar, no amps or pedals or a band,” Glaspy said. “It’s just you and the audience, and that has its own beauty.”

She said she’s especially excited to play the songs on the new EP. “They’re fresh from the farm to the market,” she joked. “You can’t beat that instant transmission of playing songs that are so of the moment.”

The Sun Doesn’t Think is the sound of a songwriter issuing a raw, honest update. The guitars and indie snarl will return, but for now, Glaspy needs a little quiet time. ➆

INFO

Glaspy: Unplugged with Ryan Lerman, Friday, May 10, 8 p.m., at the Stone Church in Brattleboro. $35-40. stonechurchvt.com

e Sun Doesn’t ink is available on all major streaming platforms.

Margaret

Margaret Glaspy

Embrace Your Inner Artist

calendar

MAY 8-15, 2024

WED.8

business

QUEEN CITY BUSINESS

NETWORKING INTERNATIONAL GROUP: Savvy businesspeople make crucial contacts at a weekly chapter meeting. Burlington City Arts, 11:15 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 829-5066.

VERMONT TOURISM SUMMIT:

Owners, managers and employees of businesses that depend on out-of-staters convene to share insights and learn from the experts. Grand Summit Resort Hotel, West Dover, 2-10 p.m. $75-450; preregister. Info, 865-5202.

community

CURRENT EVENTS: Neighbors have an informal discussion about what’s in the news. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m.noon. Free. Info, 878-4918.

WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE NOTCH?: Townsfolk hear from the Lamoille County Planning Commission going into the summer season. Cambridge Historical Society, Jeffersonville, 7-8 p.m. Free. Info, cambridgehistorical society.vt@gmail.com.

crafts

GREEN MOUNTAIN CHAPTER OF THE EMBROIDERERS’ GUILD

OF AMERICA: Anyone with an interest in the needle arts is welcome to bring a project to this monthly meeting. Holy Family Parish Hall, Essex Junction, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, gmc.vt.ega@gmail.com.

YARN CRAFTERS GROUP: A drop-in meetup welcomes knitters, crocheters, spinners, weavers and beyond. BYO snacks and drinks. Must Love Yarn, Shelburne, 5-7 p.m. Free. Info, 448-3780.

dance

WEST COAST SWING DANCING: People pair up for a partner dance and move to every genre of music. Bring clean shoes. North Star Community Hall, Burlington, lessons, 7 p.m.; dance, 8-9:30 p.m. Donations. Info, team@802westiecollective. org.

education

ANNUAL TRADES FAIR:

Prospective students visit a trade school to learn about its programs, meet local employers and watch demonstrations. Central Vermont Career Center, Barre, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 476-6237.

film

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

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

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

Listings and spotlights are written by Emily Hamilton Seven Days edits for space and style. Depending on cost and other factors, classes and workshops may be listed in either the calendar or the classes section. Class organizers may be asked to purchase a class listing.

‘FUNGI: THE WEB OF LIFE

3D’: Sparkling graphics take viewers on a journey into the weird, wide world of mushrooms, which we are only just beginning to understand.

Northfield Savings Bank 3D Theater: A National Geographic Experience, ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 10:30 a.m., 12:30, 2:30 & 4:30 p.m. $3-5 plus regular admission, $14.50-18; admission free for members and kids 2 and under. Info, 864-1848.

‘GREAT WHITE SHARK

3D’: Viewers learn the true story behind one of our most iconic — and misunderstood — predators. Northfield Savings Bank 3D Theater: A National Geographic Experience, ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, noon, 2 & 4 p.m. $3-5 plus regular admission, $14.50-18; admission free for members and kids 2 and under. Info, 864-1848.

NXT ROCKUMENTARY FILM

SERIES: ‘COVER YOUR EARS’: A 2023 documentary digs into the history of music censorship. Next Stage Arts Project, Putney, 7 p.m. $10. Info, 387-0102.

‘OCEANS: OUR BLUE PLANET

3D’: Scientists dive into the planet’s least-explored habitat, from its sunny shallows to its alien depths. Northfield Savings Bank 3D Theater: A National Geographic Experience, ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 11:30 a.m., 1:30 & 3:30 p.m. $3-5 plus regular admission, $14.50-18; admission free for members and kids 2 and under. Info, 864-1848.

REC/CREATE: Seasoned outdoorspeople teach cinematographers how to capture the great outdoors on video. The Media Factory, Burlington, 6-8 p.m. Free; preregister; limited space. Info, 651-9692.

‘TINY GIANTS 3D’: Through the power of special cameras, audiences are transported into the world of the teeniest animals on Earth. Northfield Savings Bank 3D Theater: A National Geographic Experience, ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 11 a.m., 1 & 3 p.m. $3-5 plus regular admission, $14.50-18; admission free for members and kids 2 and under. Info, 864-1848.

food & drink

WHAT’S THAT WINE

WEDNESDAYS: Aspiring sommeliers blind-taste four wines from Vermont and beyond. Shelburne Vineyard, noon-6 p.m. $15. Info, 985-8222.

games

BOARD GAME NIGHT: Lovers of tabletop fun play classic games and new designer offerings. Waterbury Public Library, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

health & fitness

CHAIR YOGA: Waterbury Public Library instructor Diana Whitney leads at-home participants in gentle stretches supported by seats. 10 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

language

BEGINNER IRISH LANGUAGE

CLASS: Celtic-curious students learn to speak an Ghaeilge in a supportive group. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, noon-1 p.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.

ELL CLASSES: ENGLISH FOR BEGINNERS AND INTERMEDIATE STUDENTS: Learners of all abilities practice written and spoken English with trained instructors. Presented by Fletcher Free Library. 6:30-8 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, bshatara@ burlingtonvt.gov.

INTERMEDIATE IRISH LANGUAGE CONVERSATION AND MUSIC: Speakers with some experience increase their fluency through conversation and song. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 863-3403.

lgbtq

QUEER WRITER’S GROUP: LGBTQ authors meet monthly to discuss their work, write from prompts, and give each other advice and feedback. Rainbow Bridge Community Center, Barre, 5:30-7 p.m. Free. Info, 622-0692.

Various Montréal locations. Prices vary. Info, 514-298-0757.

seminars

ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR WITH STACKPOLE & FRENCH: Professionals teach attendees where to start with a plan for their wealth and its beneficiaries. Bridgeside Books, Waterbury, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 244-1441.

SCAM JAM: AARP Vermont and fraud expert Doug Shadel teach attendees how to spot bogus emails, fake phone calls and beyond. Delta Hotels Burlington, South Burlington, 9-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 866-227-7451.

sports

GREEN MOUNTAIN TABLE

TENNIS CLUB: Ping-Pong players swing their paddles in singles and doubles matches. Rutland Area Christian School, 7-9 p.m. Free for first two sessions; $30 annual membership. Info, 247-5913.

theater

‘MEAN GIRLS’: Touring Broadway performers make fetch happen in this uproarious musical adaptation of Tina Fey’s 2004 teen comedy. The Flynn, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $64.70-100.50. Info, 863-5966.

‘TICK, TICK... BOOM!’: Vermont Stage presents an autobiographical musical by Jonathan Larson, the late creator of Rent Black Box Theater, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $34-64. Info, 862-1497.

words

JULIA ALVAREZ: The celebrated author talks about her latest novel, The Cemetery of Untold Stories, with New England Review editor Carolyn Kuebler. Town Hall Theater, Middlebury, 7 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 382-9222.

KERRIN MCCADDEN: The prize-winning Vermont poet

FOMO?

Find even more local events in this newspaper and online:

art

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 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

music

PIANO RECITAL BY STUDENTS OF DIANA FANNING: Addison County ivory ticklers play works by composers including Bach, Beethoven, Chopin and Debussy. Robison Concert Hall, Mahaney Arts Center, Middlebury College, 7:30-9 p.m. Free. Info, 443-5221.

québec

FESTIVAL ACCÈS ASIE: The annual Asian Heritage Month extravaganza features art shows, film screenings, play readings, food tastings and more. See accesasie.com for full schedule.

behind American Wake reads from her work. Vermont Studio Center, Johnson, 8-9 p.m. Free. Info, 635-2727.

LIFE STORIES WE LOVE TO TELL: Prompts from group leader Maryellen Crangle inspire true tales, told either off the cuff or read from prewritten scripts. Presented by Dorothy Alling Memorial Library. 2-3:30 p.m. Free; preregister; limited space. Info, 878-4918.

MICHAEL BROSNAN: The poet reads from his experimental collection Emu Blis, Bums Lie, Blue-ism. Norwich Bookstore, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 649-1114.

WRITERS’ BLOC OPEN MIC: Locals share their original poetry and prose. Radio Bean, Burlington, 7-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, writersblocpete@gmail.com.

THU.9 agriculture

BULBS: PLANTING IN SPRING FOR SUMMER COLOR: Established and aspiring gardeners gather to learn about planting bulbs in spring. Horsford Gardens & Nursery, Charlotte, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 425-2811.

bazaars

SPRING RUMMAGE SALE: Bargain shoppers browse a wide array of secondhand treasures. Grace Congregational Church, Rutland, 6-9 p.m. Free. Info, 775-4301.

business

BIZ BUZZ BURLINGTON: Local female business owners meet and chat over coffee. Kestrel Coffee Roasters, Burlington, 10-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 999-4449.

VERMONT TOURISM SUMMIT: See WED.8, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. crafts

KNIT FOR YOUR NEIGHBOR: All ages and abilities are invited to knit or crochet hats and scarves for the South Burlington Food Shelf. All materials are provided. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 2-5 p.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.

KNITTING GROUP: Knitters of all experience levels get together to spin yarns. Latham Library, Thetford, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 785-4361.

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

film

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

COME AS YOU ARE MOVIE SERIES: ‘KINKY BOOTS’: The 2005 comedy that inspired the Broadway hit follows a struggling shoemaker and the drag queens who save his business. Lebanon Opera House, N.H., 7 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 603-448-0400.

‘FUNGI: THE WEB OF LIFE 3D’: See WED.8.

‘GREAT WHITE SHARK 3D’: See WED.8.

FAMI LY FU N

Check out these family-friendly events for parents, caregivers and kids of all ages.

• Plan ahead at sevendaysvt.com/family-fun

Post your event at sevendaysvt.com/postevent.

WED.8

burlington

STEAM SPACE: Kids in kindergarten through fifth grade explore science, technology, engineering, art and math activities. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.

TODDLER TIME: Librarians bring out books, rhymes and songs specially selected for young ones 12 through 24 months. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.

chittenden county

BABYTIME: Caregivers and infants from birth through age 1 gather to explore board books and toys. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.

MOVIE MATINEE: Film lovers have a family-friendly afternoon at this screening of an animated favorite. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:45 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

PLAY TIME: Little ones build with blocks and read together. Ages 1 through 4. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 1010:45 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

mad river valley/ waterbury

LEGO CHALLENGE CLUB: Kids engage in a fun-filled hour of building, then leave their creations on display in the library all month long. Ages 6 through 8. Waterbury Public Library, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 244-7036.

THU.9

burlington

BABYTIME: Pre-walking little ones experience a story time catered to their infant interests. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.

GROW PRESCHOOL YOGA: Colleen from Grow Prenatal and Family Yoga leads little ones in songs, movement and other fun activities. Ages 2 through 5. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.

chittenden

county

KIDS BOOK CLUB FOR K-2 AND THEIR PARENTS: Little bookworms and their caregivers learn to love reading together through sharing, crafts and writing activities. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 4-5 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 846-4140.

PRESCHOOL MUSIC WITH LINDA BASSICK: The singer and storyteller extraordinaire leads little ones in indoor music and movement. Birth through age 5. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library,

MAY 11 | FAMILY FUN

Little Miss Sunshine

Miss Northern Vermont’s Teen Mina Smith makes an appearance at Inklings Children’s Books for a very special story hour. In keeping with her humanitarian goal of improving the lives of all Vermont kids and families, Smith reads the picture book The Butterfly Tree by Filipina American author Myrna P. Tesoro. This modern fairy tale takes place in a fantastical garden and follows three mischievous butterflies as they learn a powerful lesson about the Golden Rule. Smith’s nonprofit, Love Your Neighbor VT, helps Vermonters struggling with homelessness and poverty through fundraising efforts with other local organizations.

MINA SMITH

Saturday, May 11, 10:30-11:30 a.m., at Inklings Children’s Books in Waitsfield. Free. Info, 496-7280.

Williston, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

PRESCHOOL PLAYTIME: Pre-K patrons play and socialize after music time. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

STORY TIME: Little ones from birth through age 5 learn from songs, crafts and picture books. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

barre/montpelier

VERMONT ALL STATE MUSICAL FESTIVAL: High school students lend their talents to jazz, band, orchestra and choral performances. Spaulding High School, Barre, 6:30 p.m. Prices vary. Info, 476-4811.

stowe/smuggs

WEE ONES PLAY TIME: Caregivers bring kiddos 3 and younger to a new

FRI.10

chittenden county

LEGO BUILDERS: Aspiring architects enjoy an afternoon of imagination and play. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.

barre/montpelier

VERMONT ALL STATE MUSICAL FESTIVAL: See THU.9.

upper valley

STORY TIME: Preschoolers take part in tales, tunes and playtime. Latham Library, Thetford, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 785-4361.

SAT.11

burlington

FAMILY PLAYSHOP: Kids from birth through age 5 learn and play at this school readiness program. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.

FLYNNZONE KIDS HOUR: ANIMAL

DANCE: Little ones ages 3 through 5 learn about choreography and modern dance through interactive movement activities. The Flynn, Burlington, 10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 863-5966.

STORIES WITH GEOFF: Little patrons of the library’s new location enjoy a morning of stories and songs. Fletcher Free Library New North End Branch, Burlington, 11:1511:45 a.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.

chittenden county

AUDUBON AT THE WINOOSKI LIBRARY: Kids ages 3 through 10 learn all about the migratory birds currently coming back to Vermont. Winooski Memorial Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 434-3068.

FRENCH STORY TIME: Kids of all ages listen and learn to native speaker Romain Feuillette raconte une histoire. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:1510:45 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

LEGO FUN: Amateur toy architects build creatively. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 878-6956.

TEEN THROWBACK MATINEE: Film buffs ages 13 and up share popcorn over a fantasy flick. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2-4:15 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

barre/montpelier

MOTHER’S DAY: Little ones craft cards, key chains and jewelry for their moms and grandmas. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 223-3338.

VERMONT ALL STATE MUSICAL FESTIVAL: See THU.9, 2 & 4 p.m.

sensory learning experience each week. Morristown Centennial Library, Morrisville, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 888-3853.

mad river valley/ waterbury

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: Games, activities, stories and songs engage 3- through 5-year-olds. Waterbury Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

YOGA STORIES WITH ADRIENNE: Kids of all ages learn about healing movement through tales and demonstrations. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 223-3338.

Mina Smith

MNFF SELECTS FILM SERIES:

‘THE JANES’: A 2022 documentary tells the story of the pre-Roe pro-choice movement in Chicago. Town Hall Theater, Middlebury, 7 p.m. $14-16. Info, 382-9222.

‘OCEANS: OUR BLUE PLANET 3D’: See WED.8.

‘THE PEOPLE’S JOKER’:

Filmmaker and star Vera Drew’s meticulously fair use-compliant 2022 parody of modern superhero franchises delivers humor and heart. Film House, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 7-8:40 p.m. $6-12; VTIFF member benefits apply. Info, 660-2600.

‘TINY GIANTS 3D’: See WED.8.

food & drink

FREE WINE TASTING: Themed wine tastings take oenophiles on an adventure through a region, grape variety, style of wine or producer’s offerings. Dedalus Wine Shop, Market & Wine Bar, Burlington, 4-7 p.m. Free. Info, 865-2368.

OLD NORTH END COMMUNITY

DINNER: A vegetarian meal precedes the Neighborhood Planning Assembly meeting. O.N.E. Community Center, Burlington, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Free; donations accepted. Info, 598-3139.

games

DUPLICATE BRIDGE: A lively group plays a classic, tricky game with an extra wrinkle. Waterbury Public Library, 12:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 244-7223.

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. Donations. Info, lafferty1949@ gmail.com.

health & fitness

MINDFUL MOVEMENT WITH BECKY: SUPREMELY STRONG: Inspired by Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s workout routine, movers use resistance bands and weights to tone muscles. Waterbury Public Library, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Free; preregister; limited space. Info, 244-7036.

language

ITALIAN CONVERSATION GROUP: Semi-fluent speakers practice their skills during a conversazione with others. Best for those who can speak at least basic sentences. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, noon-1 p.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.

lgbtq

QUEERDOS ARE BACK!: Local LGBTQ writers share their poetry and prose. Ages 21 and up. BYOB. Main Street Museum, White River Junction, 7 p.m. Donations. Info, info@mainstreetmuseum.org.

STORIES FROM THE VERMONT

QUEER ARCHIVES: Curator Meg Tamulonis shows historical items and tells what they represent about the history of Vermont’s

Once and Future

Up-and-coming musicians and dancers get their time in the spotlight at Vermont Folklife’s annual Young Tradition Festival, a three-day celebration of intergenerational arts education. This year’s lineup includes a performance by Nepali folk band Himalayan Dreams, the Young Tradition Touring Group opening for Québécois trio Genticorum, and a student and mentor showcase at the Burlington Farmers Market. Plus, creatives of all ages join in the fun at an instrument jam and a family-friendly contra dance.

YOUNG TRADITION FESTIVAL

Friday, May 10, 7-9 p.m.; Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. & 7-9 p.m.; and Sunday, May 12, 10 a.m.-noon & 1:30-3:30 p.m., at Burlington City Hall Auditorium. Prices vary. Info, 388-4964, vtfolklife.org.

LGBTQ community and gay rights movement. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 6-7 p.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.

music

CARSIE BLANTON: The Nina Simone-inspired singer belts out songs full of moxie and mischief. Milton opens. Live stream available. Next Stage Arts Project, Putney, 7 p.m. $10-30. Info, 387-0102.

MUSIC DEPARTMENT STUDENT

SHOWCASE: Student instrumentalists show off what they’ve learned in the past year. Refreshments provided. Mahaney Arts Center, Middlebury College, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, dsimon@middlebury.edu.

outdoors

BIRD OUTING WITH AUDUBON VERMONT: AARP Vermont hosts a birding stroll through

the foothills. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 8-10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 866-227-7451.

québec

FESTIVAL ACCÈS ASIE: See WED.8.

seminars

GOLD STAR DOG TRAINING: Puppy lovers learn how to read their best friends’ cues and get better at canine communication. Humans only. Milton Public Library, 6-7:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

theater

‘MEAN GIRLS’: See WED.8. ‘TICK, TICK... BOOM!’: See WED.8.

words

MORNING BOOK GROUP: Readers start the day off right with a lively discussion of Fifty Words for Rain

by Asha Lemmie. ADA accessible. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.

VIRTUAL POETRY OPEN MIC: Wordsmiths read their work at an evening with local performance poet Bianca Amira Zanella. Presented by Phoenix Books. 7-8:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 855-8078.

FRI.10 activism

TAKE BACK THE NIGHT: Survivors and youth organizers raise awareness about sexual violence at a Mosaic march and vigil. Montpelier High School, 4-8 p.m. Free. Info, 476-1388.

MAY 10-12 | FAIRS & FESTIVALS

bazaars

SPRING RUMMAGE SALE: See THU.9, 9 a.m.-noon.

business

VERMONT TOURISM SUMMIT: See WED.8, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

crafts

FIBER ARTS FRIDAY: Knitters, crocheters, weavers and felters chat over their projects of the day at this weekly meetup. Waterbury Public Library, noon-2 p.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

dance

DANCE SPRING CONCERT: Student choreographers Tyler Hadar and Samia Sami display a semester’s learning. Dance Theatre, Mahaney Arts Center, Middlebury College, 2 & 7:30 p.m. $5-15. Info, 443-6433.

SHAKTI RISING: HONORING OUR STORIES: Amrita Dance Creations tells the story of Mother Earth through five Indian and Indigenous dance pieces. Dock 5160 — Verdun Cultural Centre, Montréal, 7:30-8:45 p.m. $13.50. Info, 514-872-4995.

fairs & festivals

YOUNG TRADITION FESTIVAL: HIMALAYAN DREAMS: Worldrenowned sarangi player Shyam Nepali and his band play centuries-old music meant to be echoed from the peaks of Mount Everest. See calendar spotlight. Burlington City Hall Auditorium, 7-9 p.m. $20. Info, 388-4967.

film

See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section. ‘BUSHMAN’: A 1971 mockumentary-style dramedy takes an incisive look at American race politics through the eyes of a Nigerian intellectual in San Francisco. The Screening Room @ VTIFF, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 7-8:15 p.m. $5-10. Info, 660-2600.

‘FUNGI: THE WEB OF LIFE 3D’: See WED.8.

‘GREAT WHITE SHARK 3D’: See WED.8.

‘THE LAST LAUGH’: Composer Jeff Rapsis plays a live score on the historic pipe organ for this pioneering 1924 masterpiece of the German expressionist silent film era. Epsilon Spires, Brattleboro, 8-10 p.m. $10-20. Info, info@epsilonspires.org.

‘OCEANS: OUR BLUE PLANET 3D’: See WED.8.

ODD FELLOWS MOVIE NIGHT:

‘NEPTUNE FROST’: Cinephiles enjoy a Rwandan sci-fi musical rooted in themes of anti-colonialism and Afrofuturism. Odd Fellows Lodge, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free. Info, burlingtonoddevents@gmail.com.

‘TINY GIANTS 3D’: See WED.8. 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. Info, programs@damlvt.org.

lgbtq

RPG NIGHT: Members of the LGBTQ community gather weekly to play games such as Dungeons & Dragons and Everway. Rainbow Bridge Community Center, Barre, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 622-0692.

music

‘BIRDS OF A FEATHER’: The acclaimed Sarasa Ensemble plays 17th-century pieces from the freewheeling stylus phantasticus movement. Brattleboro Music Center, 7-9 a.m. $20. Info, 257-4523.

BUFFALO NICHOLS: A thoroughly modern bluesman draws on decades of Black American sorrow and joy. Barre Opera House, 8-10 p.m. $36-42. Info, 476-8188.

AN EVENING WITH CHAMBER

MUSIC SOCIETY OF LINCOLN

CENTER: Artistic directors David Finckel and Wu Han and young virtuoso Chad Hoopes present an invigorating program. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, Stowe Mountain Resort, 7 p.m. $55-95. Info, 760-4634.

FRIDAY NIGHT PIANO: A performance of piano rolls from the 1900s through the present — and from ABBA to Led Zeppelin — entertains as audiences eat snacks around the firepit. Main Street Museum, White River Junction, 5-10 p.m. Free. Info, info@mainstreetmuseum.org.

MATHIS PICARD: The internationally acclaimed Jazz at Lincoln Center pianist closes out the House of Jazz season. Town Hall Theater, Middlebury, 7:30 p.m. $15-40. Info, 382-9222.

MOZART, FAURÉ, BERNSTEIN: Mad River Chorale and the South Burlington Community Chorus perform uplifting works for spring, accompanied by strings, harp and piano. Elley-Long Music Center, Saint Michael’s College, Colchester, 7:30 p.m. $5-20; free for kids under 12. Info, sbcommunitychorus@ gmail.com.

PLAY EVERY TOWN: Prolific pianist David Feurzeig continues a four-year, statewide series of shows in protest of high-pollution worldwide concert tours. Pawlet Community Church, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 505-5281.

outdoors

SPRING BIRDING: Folks of all interests and experience levels seek out feathered friends in flight. All supplies provided. Sodom Pond, Adamant, 7-9 p.m. Free. Info, 229-6206.

québec

FESTIVAL ACCÈS ASIE: See WED.8.

sports

31ST ANNUAL CASELLA CHAMBER CHALLENGE GOLF

TOURNAMENT: Individuals and teams hit the links and hope for a hole in one. Barre Country Club, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $115; $460 for teams of four; preregister. Info, 229-5711.

talks

HOWARD COFFIN: A historian unfolds the realities of life for Vermont women during the Civil War. Twinfield Union School, Plainfield, 5:30-7 p.m. Free. Info, 454-1680.

theater

‘LOVE LETTERS’: This two-person production, presented by QuarryWorks Theater, follows a pair of long-term pen pals through various stages of life. Frank Suchomel Memorial Arts Center, Adamant, 7:30-9:15 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 229-6978.

‘ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST’: The Lamoille County Players bring this classic drama, set in a psychiatric hospital during a dark time in America for mental health care, to life. Hyde Park Opera House, 7 p.m. $15-20. Info, 888-4507.

‘TICK, TICK... BOOM!’: See WED.8.

words

JULIA C. ALTER, PABLO MEDINA, RAGE HEZEKIAH & BEN

ALESHIRE: Alter, winner of the 2023 Sundog Poetry Book Award, and other special guests read from their work. Next Stage Arts Project, Putney, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Free; donations accepted. Info, 585-8502.

REMEMBRANCE HONORING

REUBEN JACKSON: Toussaint St. Negritude, Rajnii Eddins and other local wordsmiths muse on race, story, mortality and the life of their late friend and fellow poet. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.

RUTLAND FREE LIBRARY BOOK

SALE: A broad selection of used, rare and antique books goes on sale to benefit the library. Rutland Free Library, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Donations. Info, 773-1860.

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.

SAT.11

agriculture

FRIENDS ANNUAL PLANT SWAP: Home gardeners and houseplant enthusiasts trade labeled, noninvasive flora. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 9 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 454-1324.

climate crisis

CLIMATE FRESK: Concerned citizens ages 17 and up learn how to take action against climate change. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 2:30-5:30 p.m. Free; preregister; limited space. Info, 863-3403.

dance

LIVE BAND SWING DANCE WITH BACK PORCH REVIVAL: Live tunes soundtrack a night of jitterbugging. Bring clean shoes. North Star Community Hall, Burlington, beginners’ lesson, 7:30 p.m.; dance, 8-10:30 p.m. $10-20. Info, 864-8382.

SWING DANCE: All-star DJs back a night of dancing with bigband bops. Bring clean shoes. Champlain Club, Burlington, beginners’ lesson, 7:30 p.m.; dance, 8 p.m. $5. Info, 864-8382. etc.

LUXE TOUCHES: CURATEYOUR-OWN WEDDING RETREAT: Brides-to-be enjoy a day of luxury, inspiration and relaxation during an exclusive bridal retreat focused on nontraditional weddings. Day Haus, Stowe, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $399. Info, 603-345-1007.

SHAMBHALA MORNING:

Readings and reflections follow half an hour of mindfulness. Refreshments served. Shambhala Meditation Center, Burlington, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 777-4414.

VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION

CLINIC: Horse lovers age 14 and up prepare to help out at this riding facility for folks with disabilities. No experience required. Reinbow Riding Center, Belmont, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 236-2483.

fairs & festivals

KINGMAN FEST: A street fair full of food and family-friendly fun ends in a blowout concert for all to sing along to. Kingman St., St. Albans, 5-9 p.m. Free. Info, 617-431-8015.

YOUNG TRADITION FESTIVAL: GENTICORUM & THE TOURING GROUP: World music melds with traditional Québécois, folk and Celtic sounds. The 20 teen performers of Young Tradition Touring Group open. See calendar spotlight. Burlington City Hall Auditorium, 7-9:30 p.m. $20. Info, 388-4967.

film

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

‘CHAMELEON STREET’: Wendell B. Harris writes, directs and stars in this underrated 1989

We’re here to help. Our obituary and in memoriam services are affordable, accessible and handled with personal care.

Post your obituary or in memoriam online and in print at sevendaysvt.com/lifelines Or contact us at lifelines@sevendaysvt.com or 865-1020 ext. 121.

Embedded in Vermont’s natural and cultural communities, Pond Brook School approches education through the lens of the Champlain Valley; in woodlands or in community centers.

Pond Brook provides hands-on, rich and engaging curriculum, based in and around Bristol.

comedic masterpiece about a Black American con man. The Screening Room @ VTIFF, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 7-8:40 p.m. $5-10. Info, 660-2600.

‘FUNGI: THE WEB OF LIFE 3D’: See WED.8.

‘THE GOLD RUSH’: Charlie Chaplin plays an incompetent prospector in this 1925 hit. Jeff Rapsis soundtracks the screening with live music. Brandon Town Hall, 7 p.m. Free. Info, brandontownhallfriends@ gmail.com.

‘GREAT WHITE SHARK 3D’: See WED.8.

‘OCEANS: OUR BLUE PLANET 3D’: See WED.8.

‘TINY GIANTS 3D’: See WED.8.

food & drink

CAPITAL CITY FARMERS

MARKET: Meats and cheeses join farm-fresh produce, baked goods, locally made arts and crafts, and live music. Capital City Farmers Market, Montpelier, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 272-6249.

BURLINGTON FARMERS MARKET: Dozens of stands overflow with seasonal produce, flowers, artisanal wares and prepared foods. 345 Pine St., Burlington, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 560-5904.

games

CHESS CLUB: Players of all ages and abilities face off and learn new strategies. ADA accessible. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.

health & fitness

COMMUNITY YOGA CLASS: An all-levels session offers a weekly opportunity to relax the mind and rejuvenate the body. Wise Pines, Woodstock, 10-11 a.m. Free; donations accepted. Info, 432-3126.

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

language

CROISSANTS ET CONVERSATION: Novice French speakers meet up over refreshments and games. Alliance Française of the Lake Champlain Region, Burlington, 10-11:30 p.m. Free. Info, info@ aflcr.org.

FRENCH CONVERSATION FOR ALL: Native French speaker Romain Feuillette guides an informal discussion group. All ages and abilities welcome. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free; preregister; limited space. Info, 878-4918.

lgbtq

COCO & ANNABEL PRESENT: A DRAG-THEMED VARIETY SHOW: Katniss Everqueer headlines a come-one-come-all talent show for drag, music and clownery of all types. Ages 18 and up. Main Street Museum, White River Junction, performer signup, 7:45 p.m.; show, 8 p.m. $15. Info, info@ mainstreetmuseum.org.

TRANSPLANTS PLANT SALE: Green thumbs have a day of queer fun featuring donated sprouts for purchase. Proceeds benefit the Pride Center’s transgender advocacy program. Pride Center of Vermont, Burlington, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, trans@pridecentervt. org.

music

NEW INCA SON: The Indigenous Peruvian and Bolivian band closes out its spring BarnArts residency with an outdoor, all-ages concert. Barnard Town Hall, 5-8 p.m. $520. Info, 234-1645.

ONION RIVER CHORUS: Listeners gather to enjoy a rendition of Gioacchino Rossini’s Pelte Messe Solennelle. Unitarian Church of Montpelier, 7:30-9:30 p.m. $20; free for kids under 18. Info, 477-3922.

PLAY EVERY TOWN: See FRI.10. Old Parish Church, Weston, 2 p.m. PRYDEIN & THE CATAMOUNT

PIPE BAND: Two Vermont-raised Scottish ensembles bridge traditional tunes and modern kilt-rock. Dinner available for purchase. Highland Center for the Arts, Greensboro, 7 p.m. $5-20. Info, 533-2000.

SCENES AND SONGS: Students of Carol Christensen and Susanne Peck present a lively evening of musical theater from Broadway to opera. Robison Concert Hall, Mahaney Arts Center, Middlebury College, 7:30-9 p.m. Free. Info, 443-5000.

‘SEEDS OF MODERNISM: FAURÉ, GOUNOD, FRANCK AND BRUCKNER’: David Neiweem conducts a program of late Romantic works for choir and organ. College Street Congregational Church, Burlington, 7:30-9 p.m. $10-25. Info, 372-3891.

UNCLE BABY TRIO: Middlebury musician Braden Winslow fronts an act defined by intricate picking and engaging lyrics. Shelburne Vineyard, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 985-8222.

Folk Wisdom

MAY 12 | MUSIC

all-ages line dance featuring live Québécois tunes. Bring clean, soft-soled shoes. See calendar spotlight. Burlington City Hall Auditorium, 1:30-3:30 p.m. $1030. Info, 388-4967.

environment

ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS: Volunteers learn how to remove invasive plants in an environmentally friendly way. No experience necessary. Shelburne Farms, 8:45 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info, breezybeegardens@gmail.com.

film

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

‘FUNGI: THE WEB OF LIFE 3D’: See WED.8.

‘GREAT WHITE SHARK 3D’: See WED.8.

‘OCEANS: OUR BLUE PLANET 3D’: See WED.8.

‘TINY GIANTS 3D’: See WED.8.

food & drink

STOWE FARMERS MARKET: An appetizing assortment of fresh veggies, meats, milk, berries, herbs, beverages and crafts tempts shoppers. Stowe Farmers Market, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, stowefarmersmarket@gmail. com.

health & fitness

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. Info, mollyzapp@live.com.

The Wailin’ Jennys have been stalwarts of the folk-pop scene since their founding in 2002; now they bring their precise harmonies and energetic Americana inflections to the Paramount Theatre stage. Soprano Ruth Moody, mezzo Nicky Mehta and alto Heather Masse weave their voices and instruments into one impeccable, rootsy sound. The band performs hits from its Juno Award-winning albums 40 Days and Bright Morning Stars and from Firecracker, the album that charted for more than a year on Billboard. Audiences can also look forward to traditional folk songs and numbers by the likes of Tom Petty and Dolly Parton.

THE WAILIN’ JENNYS

Sunday, May 12, 7 p.m., at Paramount Theatre in Rutland. $48-68. Info, 775-0903, paramountvt.org.

outdoors

SPRING FOREST BATHING: Folks unplug, slow down and experience nature through a guided mindfulness practice. Audubon Vermont Sugarhouse, Huntington, 9 a.m.-noon. $35; preregister. Info, 434-3068.

québec

FESTIVAL ACCÈS ASIE: See WED.8.

theater

‘LOVE LETTERS’: See FRI.10, 2-3:45 & 7:30-9:15 p.m.

‘ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST’: See FRI.10. ‘TICK, TICK... BOOM!’: See WED.8.

words

THE POETRY EXPERIENCE: Local wordsmith Rajnii Eddins hosts a supportive writing and sharing circle for poets of all ages. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 1-3 p.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.

RUTLAND FREE LIBRARY BOOK SALE: See FRI.10.

SUN.12

agriculture

EARLY BIRDERS MORNING WALK: Led by various experts, birders amble through museum grounds in search of native birds. Bring tick repellent and binoculars. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington,

7-8:30 a.m. $5-15 suggested donation. Info, 434-2167.

community

HUMAN CONNECTION CIRCLE: Neighbors share stories from their lives and forge deep connections. Pickering Room, Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 3-4:30 p.m. Free; preregister; limited space. Info, humanconnectioncircle@ gmail.com.

crafts

YARN CRAFTERS GROUP: See WED.8, 1-3 p.m. dance

YOUNG TRADITION FESTIVAL: FAMILY CONTRA DANCE: No experience is necessary at this

VERMONT SUN HALF MARATHON, 5K & 10K: Novice and advanced athletes alike marvel at mountainous central Vermont as they tackle courses of various lengths. Branbury State Park, Salisbury, 9 a.m. $38-58. Info, 388-6888.

holidays

HINESBURG ARTIST SERIES

MOTHER’S DAY CONCERT: Uplifting works performed by the Hinesburg Community Band and South County Chorus make for a cheerful family show. Champlain Valley Union High School, Hinesburg, 4 p.m. Free; donations accepted. Info, 373-0808.

MOTHER’S DAY BUFFET: Moms and the people who love them sip on drink specials and dig into prime rib, French toast, eggs Benedict and beyond. Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling, Essex, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $30-60; free for kids 4 and under; preregister. Info, 857-5629.

MOTHER’S DAY SPRING

WILDFLOWER WALK: Naturalists Brett Engstrom and Bradley Materick lead moms (and their fans) on a springtime stroll. Stranahan Town Forest, Marshfield, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

The Wailin' Jennys

MOTHER’S DAY WILDFLOWER

WALK: Families stroll through meadows and woods in search of breathtaking blossoms. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 1-3 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 229-6206.

lgbtq

BOARD GAME DAY: LGBTQ tabletop fans bring their own favorite games to the party. Rainbow Bridge Community Center, Barre, 1-6 p.m. Free. Info, 622-0692.

CRAFT CLUB: Crafty queer folks work on their knitting, crocheting and sewing projects. Rainbow Bridge Community Center, Barre, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 622-0692.

music

COMMUNITY CHORUS SPRING CONCERT: Recent alum Ronnie Romano conducts student and faculty singers in their end-ofsemester show. Robison Concert Hall, Mahaney Arts Center, Middlebury College, 5-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 443-5221. MOZART, FAURÉ, BERNSTEIN: See FRI.10. Green Mountain Valley School, Waitsfield, 4 p.m. $15-20; free for kids under 12.

STRAIGHT NO CHASER: The legendary a cappella group transports audiences to somewhere sunshiney on their Yacht Rock Tour. The Flynn, Burlington, 8 p.m. $52.50-84. Info, 863-5966.

THE WAILIN’ JENNYS: The superstar folk trio brings its impeccable harmonies and innovative sound to Vermont. See calendar

spotlight. Paramount Theatre, Rutland, 7 p.m. $48-68. Info, 775-0903.

YOUNG TRADITION FESTIVAL: FAMILY-FRIENDLY JAM:

Québécois musicians Pascal Gemme and Véronique Plasse lead a tuneful get-together for musicians of all ages and skill levels. BYO instruments. See calendar spotlight. Burlington City Hall Auditorium, 10 a.m.-noon. Free; donations accepted. Info, 388-4967.

québec

FESTIVAL ACCÈS ASIE: See WED.8.

‘POTUS, OR BEHIND EVERY GREAT DUMBASS ARE SEVEN WOMEN TRYING TO KEEP HIM

ALIVE’: Veep fans laugh their pantsuits off at this comedy

about an incompetent president and the beleaguered White House staffers who have to repair his blunder of global proportions. Sylvan Adams Theatre, Segal Centre for Performing Arts, Montréal, 1 p.m. $25-68. Info, 514-739-7944.

theater

‘LOVE LETTERS’: See FRI.10, 2-3:45 p.m.

‘ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST’: See FRI.10, 2 p.m.

‘TICK, TICK... BOOM!’: See WED.8, 2 p.m.

words

ZOOM ART & WRITING SHARE: Jewish

Communities of Vermont hosts a welcoming virtual sharing circle for Jewish creatives of all stripes

— whether secular, religious or anywhere in between. 4-5:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, alison@ jcvt.org.

MON.13

film

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

‘FUNGI: THE WEB OF LIFE 3D’: See WED.8.

‘GREAT WHITE SHARK 3D’: See WED.8.

‘OCEANS: OUR BLUE PLANET 3D’: See WED.8.

REQUIRED VIEWING: Audiences don’t know which cult classic they’re about to watch at this monthly screening series. Spiral House Art Collective, Burlington, 7

p.m. Free. Info, colleengoodhue@ gmail.com.

‘TINY GIATS 3D’: See WED.8. games

MONDAY NIGHT GAMES: Discounted wine by the glass fuels an evening of friendly competition featuring new and classic board games, card games, and cribbage. Shelburne Vineyard, 4-7 p.m. Free. Info, 985-8222. language

ENGLISH CONVERSATION CIRCLE: Locals learning English as a second language gather in the Digital Lab to build vocabulary and make friends. ADA accessible. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, noon-1 p.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.

FAMI LY

mad river valley/ waterbury

MINA SMITH: The Miss Northern Vermont’s Teen and founder of Love Your Neighbor VT reads The Butterfly Tree by Myrna P. Tesoro, a fantastical tale that teaches kids the Golden Rule. See calendar spotlight. Inklings Children’s Books, Waitsfield, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 496-7280.

northeast kingdom

WEEE!! DANCE PARTY: Little ones and their caregivers express themselves through movement at this free-wheeling DJ bash. Highland Center for the Arts, Greensboro, 2-3 p.m. $5 suggested donation; preregister. Info, 533-2000.

upper valley

WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY: Avian enthusiasts of all ages spread their wings during a day of crafts, games and visits with the resident raptors and songbirds. Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Quechee, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular admission, $16.50-19.50; free for members and kids 3 and under. Info, 359-5000.

SUN.12

burlington

DAD GUILD: Fathers (and parents of all genders) and their kids ages 5 and under drop in for playtime and connection. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.

SENSORY-FRIENDLY SUNDAY: Folks of all ages with sensory processing differences have the museum to themselves, with adjusted lights and sounds and trusty sensory backpacks. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 9-10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, kvonderlinn@echovermont.org.

barre/montpelier

GENDER CREATIVE KIDS: Trans and gender-nonconforming kiddos under 13 and their families build community and make new friends at this joyful monthly gathering. Locations vary; contact organizer for info. Various locations statewide, 2-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 865-9677.

MON.13

burlington

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: Bookworms ages 2 through 5 enjoy fun-filled reading time. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.

chittenden county

POKÉMON CLUB: Players trade cards and enjoy activities centered on their favorite strategic game. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918. upper valley

STORY TIME WITH BETH: A bookseller and librarian extraordinaire reads two picture books on a different theme each week. Norwich Bookstore, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 649-1114.

TUE.14

burlington

AWKWARD TALKS: A BOOK CLUB FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS: Family nurse practitioner Celia Bird prepares grown-ups for conversations with their kids about bodies, consent and how babies get made. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 6-7:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 863-3403.

FREE BEGINNER GUITAR LESSONS: New fingerpickers learn from Aram Bedrosian of Burlington Music Dojo. BYO guitar highly encouraged. Ages 11 through 18. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 6-7 p.m. Free; preregister; limited space. Info, 863-3403.

SING-ALONG WITH LINDA BASSICK: Babies, toddlers and preschoolers sing, dance and wiggle along with Linda. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.

chittenden county

FREE PLAY ART: Creative kids make paintings to take home. Ages 8 and up, or 6 and up with an adult helper. ADA accessible. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: Little ones enjoy a cozy session of reading, rhyming and singing. Birth through age 5. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

TODDLERTIME: Lively tykes gather for short stories, familiar songs, rhymes and fingerplays. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.

mad river valley/ waterbury

HOMESCHOOL COMPUTER CLUB: Home students learn everything from basic tech techniques to graphic design in this monthly class. Waterbury Public Library, 11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

WED.15

burlington

FAM JAM: Vermont Folklife hosts a tuneful get-together for musicians of all ages and skill levels. BYO instruments. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, ytv@vtfolklife.org.

STEAM SPACE: See WED.8.

TODDLER TIME: See WED.8.

chittenden county

BABYTIME: See WED.8.

PLAY TIME: See WED.8.

stowe/smuggs

‘A COUNTRY STORE OPERA’: Teen vocalists from 10 local schools tell a very Vermont tale by way of works from the Italian bel canto tradition. Community Church, Stowe, noon1:30 p.m. $10-20 suggested donation. Info, 382-9222.

mad river valley/ waterbury

TEEN HANGOUT: Middle and high schoolers make friends at a no-pressure meetup. Waterbury Public Library, 3-6 p.m. Free. Info, 244-7036. K

Public

May 1, 5:00pm – 7:00 pm Delta Hotel, 1117 Williston Rd, South Burlington, VT

May 2, 12:00pm – 2:00pm Virtual Meeting – Registration required

May 14, 12:00pm – 2:00pm Rutland Free Library, 10 Court St, Rutland, VT

May 15, 5:00pm – 7:00pm

St. Albans Town Office, 398 Georgia Shore Road, St. Albans, VT

Refreshments will be served.

Please RSVP at www.velco.com/vlrtp or 802-770-6381

classes

THE FOLLOWING CLASS LISTINGS ARE PAID ADVERTISEMENTS. ANNOUNCE YOUR CLASS FOR AS LITTLE AS $16.75/WEEK (INCLUDES SIX PHOTOS AND UNLIMITED DESCRIPTION ONLINE). SUBMIT YOUR CLASS AD AT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/POSTCLASS.

culinary

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE

PIZZA: We’ll make a chocolate chip cookie recipe in giant form so we can top with your choice of ganache, buttercream, caramel, white chocolate, fun candies, sprinkles and more! We will also get the chance to eat a slice during the class, then you’ll take home your whole cookie pizza. Tue., Jun. 4, 6-7:15 p.m. Cost: $65. Location: Red Poppy Cakery, 1 Elm St., Waterbury Village Historic District. Info: 203-4000700, sevendaystickets.com.

CUBAN NIGHT: Join us for Latin flavor and fun! Janina will teach her family recipes for ropa vieja, yucca con mojo and a Vermont twist on a Cuban classic for dessert — maple flan. You’ll learn to make all three recipes, and we’ll finish off the class by having dinner together to enjoy all our hard work. Fri., May 17, 6-8 p.m. Cost: $100. Location: Red Poppy Cakery, 1 Elm St., Waterbury Village Historic District. Info: 203-400-0700, sevendaystickets.com.

kids

PLAYFUL MINDS WORKSHOPS: Playful Minds Workshops are a series of fun-filled and enriching themed experiences that support creative expression through exploration. From arts and crafts to interactive storytelling to

music and movement to cooking, there will be something for every child to enjoy and learn from. For children ages 4 to 6. Weekends through early Jun. Cost: $60/3hour workshop. Location: Camp Meade, 961 Route 2, Middlesex. Info: Planetary Art Institute, Annie Sklar, 279-3148, hello@planetaryartinstitute. org, campmeade.today/ art-programs-and-store/p/ playful-minds-workshop.

martial arts

AIKIDO: THE WAY OF HARMONY: Cultivate core power, aerobic fitness and resiliency. e dynamic, circular movements emphasize throws, joint locks and the development of internal energy. Not your average “mojo dojo casa house”; inclusive training and a safe space for all. Scholarships and intensive program are available for serious students. Visitors are always welcome! Adult basic classes 5 days/ week. Membership rates incl. unlimited classes. Contact us for info about membership rates for adults, youths & families.

Location: Aikido of Champlain Valley, 257 Pine St., Burlington. Info: Benjamin Pincus, 951-8900, bpincus@burlingtonaikido.org, burlingtonaikido.org.

music

MUSIC LESSONS EASTMAN/ MCGILL: Offering voice lessons for all ages and piano, clarinet and saxophone lessons for elementary school-age children. Worked professionally for 20 years and settling in the Burlington area. We come to work on technique but will have a fun time building up the repertoire list and energetic, confident spirit! Private lessons.

Cost: $45/hour; $25/half hour.

Location: Sommerfield Studio Room, 79 Sommerfield Ave., S. Burlington. Info: Geoffrey Penar, 598-8151, gpenar@gmail.com.

printmaking

MOTHER’S DAY PRINT & SIP: Join visual artist Jen Berger, from At the Root, to learn the basics of carving and printing with linoleum. Everyone will leave with six-plus handmade Mother’s Day prints and the knowledge to make many more! All materials supplied. Sun., May 12, 5-7 p.m. Cost: $45.

Location: Standing Stone Wines, 33 Main Street, Winooski. Info: attherootvt@gmail.com, sevendaystickets.com.

yoga

POSTPARTUM DOULA

TRAINING: Serve women and families in your community during a time of huge transition and growth by becoming an Ayurveda postpartum doula. You will learn about pregnancy, birth and postpartum through the lens and language of Ayurveda while receiving training in traditional postpartum care practices, balanced with practical understanding for modern women. May 13-17, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Cost: $1,195/weeklong workshop w/ VSAC grants avail. Location: e Ayurvedic Center of Vermont, 34 Oak Hill Rd., Williston. Info: Allison Morse, 872-8898, info@ayurvedavermont.com, ayurvedavermont.com.

Humane Society

of Chittenden County

housing » APARTMENTS, CONDOS & HOMES on the road » CARS, TRUCKS, MOTORCYCLES pro services » CHILDCARE, HEALTH/ WELLNESS, PAINTING

buy this stuff » APPLIANCES, KID STUFF, ELECTRONICS, FURNITURE music »

INSTRUCTION, CASTING, INSTRUMENTS FOR SALE jobs »

NO SCAMS, ALL LOCAL, POSTINGS DAILY

Sandy

AGE/SEX: 7-month-old spayed female

ARRIVAL DATE: October 1, 2023

SUMMARY: This bun is looking to hop into her new home! Once she feels comfortable her personality really shines and she may even follow you around to try to get in on the action! She’s a sensitive girl who craves consistency and safety and would love to meet a new bunny best friend to pal around with. She can be a little bit picky with eating as she is being exposed to new foods, so helping her to establish a good routine will be important. Since she is still very young, there is a preferred method for introducing any new, healthy vegetables. Sandy is looking for a home who has another bun (or buns!) who can be her new buddy!

Sandy is currently staying in an HSCC foster home. Please contact our adoption center if you’re interested in setting up an appointment to meet her at the shelter.

Visit the Humane Society of Chittenden County at 142 Kindness Court, South Burlington, Tuesday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. or Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 862-0135 or visit hsccvt.org for more info.

DID YOU KNOW?

Rabbits require lots of space to hop around and jump up to have happy healthy lives! They can live free-rein in a bunny proofed room/home, in an x-pen enclosure, or large rabbit cage. If contained, their space should always be large enough so they can hop around, and they should be let out of their pen for at least a few hours every day for exercise.

Sponsored by:

CALCOKU 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.

SUDOKU BY JOSH REYNOLDS

DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK: HH

Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each 9-box square contains all of the numbers one to nine. The same numbers cannot be repeated in a row or column.

ANSWERS ON P.74 H = MODERATE H H = CHALLENGING H H H = HOO, BOY!

WANT MORE PUZZLES?

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

NEW ON FRIDAYS:

Put your knowledge of Vermont news to the test.

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

Legal Notices

PROPOSED STATE RULES

By law, public notice of proposed rules must be given by publication in newspapers of record. The purpose of these notices is to give the public a chance to respond to the proposals. The public notices for administrative rules are now also available online at https://secure.vermont.gov/ SOS/rules/ . The law requires an agency to hold a public hearing on a proposed rule, if requested to do so in writing by 25 persons or an association having at least 25 members.

To make special arrangements for individuals with disabilities or special needs please call or write the contact person listed below as soon as possible. To obtain further information concerning any scheduled hearing(s), obtain copies of proposed rule(s) or submit comments regarding proposed rule(s), please call or write the contact person listed below. You may also submit comments in writing to the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules, State House, Montpelier, Vermont 05602 (802-828-2231).

Rules Governing the Licensing of Educators and the Preparation of Education Professionals. Vermont Proposed Rule: 24P018 AGENCY: Vermont Standards Board for Professional Educators

CONCISE SUMMARY: The proposed rule revisions support the VSBPE’s mission. Specifically, the VSBPE is: 1.Clarifying a Baccalaureate degree is not required for Driver’s education in-vehicle only; 2.Allowing more flexibility for praxis testing requirements and waiver process; 3.Making various changes around School Psychology licensure requirements recommended by the National Association of School Psychologists; 4.Allowing additional Special education provisional licenses based on updated guidance from the US Department of Education; 5.Updating the Model Code of Educator Ethics (MCEE) based on revisions from national organizations; 6.Making routine revisions to the following endorsements: Early Childhood Education, School Counselor, School Psychologist, and Special Educator; 7.Establishing a new PK-12 Mathematics Specialist Endorsements; and, 8.Making various technical corrections.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Andrew

Prowten, Agency of Education, 1 National life Drive, Davis 5, Montpelier VT 05620 Tel: 802-828-0768 Fax: 802-828-6433 Email: andrew.prowten@vermont.gov URL: https:// education.vermont.gov/event-location/ vermont-standards-board-professional-educators. FOR COPIES: Katie Gagliardo, Agency of Education, 1 National life Drive, Davis 5, Montpelier VT 05620 Tel: 802-828-0699 Fax: 802-828-6433 Email: Katie.Gagliardo@vermont.gov

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY OF WINOOSKI UNIFIED LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS

In accordance with 24 V.S.A § 4441 and § 4444, the City of Winooski’s Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, May 23, 2024 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Members of the public interested in participating in this hearing can do so by attending in person at Winooski City Hall, 27 West Allen Street, Winooski VT; or electronically by visiting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83144277522; or by calling (646) 558 8656 and using Webinar ID: 8314427 7522. Toll charges may apply. Amendments to the Unified Land Use and Development Regulations

• Section 2.3 - Applicability

• Section 2.4 - Land Use Table

• Section 2.5 - Dimensional Requirements Table

• Section 2.6 - Residential A, “R-A”

• Section 2.7 - Residential B, “R-B”

• Section 2.8 - Residential C, “R-C”

• Section 2.9 - Central Business District, “C-1”

• Section 2.10 - General Commercial, “C-2”

• Section 2.11 - Downtown Core, “DC”

• Section 2.13 - Industrial, “I”

• Section 2.14 - Public, “P”

• Section 3.2 - Uses

• Section 3.3 - Dimensional Standards

• Section 3.6 - Parking

• Section 3.7 - Zoning Permits in the Downtown Core

• Section 4.2 - Access, Driveways, Roads, and Circulation

• Section 4.3 - Conversion or Change of Use

• Section 4.12 - Parking

• Article V - All Sections except Section 5.6

• Article IX - Definitions

• Appendix B - Form Based Code Part 4

• Appendix B - Form Based Code Part 6

• Appendix B - Form Based Code Part 8

Statement of Purpose: The purpose of these amendments are as follows:

Section 2.3 – Establishes a new subpart F to clarify the number of primary structures on a property.

Section 2.4 – Updates multiple sections of the use table for consistency with state statute and internal consistency with the regulations.

Section 2.5 – Updates the dimensional requirements including minimum lot size, setbacks, and building heights

Section 2.6 – Updates the purpose statement for the district.

Section 2.7 – Updates the purpose statement for the district.

Section 2.8 – Updates the purpose statement for the district.

Section 2.9 – Updates the purpose statement for the district.

Section 2.10 – Updates the purpose statement for the district.

Section 2.11 – Updates the purpose statement for the district.

Section 2.13 – Corrects table references.

Section 2.14 – Updates the purpose statement for the district and corrects table references.

Section 3.2 – Updates the list of uses for internal consistency.

Section 3.3 – Clarifies the method to determine street grade for establishing building heights.

Section 3.6 – Eliminates parking minimums for specific uses and adds requirements for bicycle parking.

Section 3.7 – Clarifies the application requirements for zoning permits in the Downtown Core Zoning District.

Section 4.2 – Adds new subparts to clarify encroachment for existing driveways serving multi-unit and non-residential properties.

Section 4.3 – Adds provisions exempting specific uses from needing a zoning permit.

Section 4.12 – Provides updates for consistency with state statute and internal document consistency.

Article V – Updates and clarifies all sections of this article except Section 5.6.

Article IX – Adds new definitions for consistency with state statute and amends several existing definitions.

Appendix B Form Based Code Part 4 – Updates several sections for consistency with state statute.

Appendix B Form Based Code Part 6 – Updates several sections for clarification and internal consistency.

Appendix B Form Based Code Part 8 – Removes language related to affordable housing.

Geographic Area Affected: The proposed amendments will apply to the entire City including all zoning districts.

Section Headings Impacted: The following specific updates are included with these amendments: Section 2.3 – Adds a new Subpart F to clarify that each lot in the City’s Residential Zoning Districts (R-A, R-B, and R-C) shall have one primary or principal structure unless the property is configured as a Planned Unit Development.

Section 2.4 – Updates the land use table to add new uses and proposes editorial changes to existing uses for consistency with other sections of the code. This includes deleting the use of “Detached Cottage”, amending text for the uses of “Group Home”, “Retail Sales, Neighborhood Commercial”, “Restaurant, Café”, and “Daycare Facility”, and adds new uses for “Multi-Unit Dwelling (5+ Units)”, “Family Child Care Facility” and “Family Child Care Home”. The footnotes are also amended and updated to correct conflicts with statute. Definitions are added to clarify the meaning of “P”, “CU” and “P/CU”.

Section 2.5 – The dimensional table has been completely revised and separated into two tables; one for primary structure and one for accessory structure. Minimum lot sizes, setbacks, and dimensions have been updated to reflect conditions on the ground in most zoning districts. This change also clarifies the overall building height for accessory structures as a percentage of the primary structure with additional relief for accessory dwelling units.

Section 2.6 – Expands the purpose statement for the R-A zoning district to include references to densities and uses.

Section 2.7 – Expands the purpose statement for the R-B zoning district to include references to densities and uses.

Section 2.8 – Expands the purpose statement for the R-C zoning district to include references to densities and uses.

Section 2.9 – Includes editorial changes for high-density.

Section 2.10 – Expands the purpose statement for the C-2 zoning district to clarify that multiunit developments may be included in this district.

Section 2.11 – Includes editorial changes in the purpose statement for high-density and mixed uses.

Section 2.13 – Updates section references for permitted and conditional uses in Section 2.4 and Section 2.5

Section 2.14 – Clarifies the properties that are included in this zoning district under the purpose statement and updates section references for permitted and conditional uses in Section 2.4 and Section 2.5

Section 3.2 – Updates the permitted uses list for consistency of terminology. This specifically applies to the use of “Child care facilities” and “Hotels, motels, inns, and bed and breakfasts”.

Section 3.3 – Clarifies Subpart C.2 to provide additional detail on the determination of building heights when Street Grade Level is used to establish the overall height. New language is added when buildings front on multiple public streets.

Section 3.6 – Parking minimums have been updated for consistency with state statute related to residential dwellings. This change also eliminates minimum parking requirements for all uses except residential uses and lodging establishments. Editorial changes are also included in Subpart D, as well as the removal of Subparts E and F. A new Subpart E is included to require minimum parking for bicycles. This section is consistent with bicycle parking regulations as included in Section 4.12.

Section 3.7 – Includes editorial changes to clarify the process for zoning applications in the Downtown Core Zoning District and what documents need to be submitted with the application. Also includes a new Subpart E.3 to clarify when a zoning permit is needed.

Section 4.2 – Adds language to Subpart F related to encroachment of existing driveways

serving multi-unit or non-residential driveways for clarification and interpretation of the regulations. Also clarifies the encroachment permitted by Subpart I.

Section 4.3 – Replaces language under Subpart A.1 to allow changes of use from permitted uses to other permitted uses; or conditional uses to permitted uses be done without requiring a permit if specific conditions are met. Also includes editorial changes under Subpart A.2. for clarification.

Section 4.12 – Adds new language under Subpart C to clarify exemptions to maximum parking limitations. Updates use categories in the minimum vehicle and bicycle parking tables for consistency with other sections of the regulations. Reduces the minimum number of required parking spaces for residential uses consistent with state statute. Removes the dimensional standards for parking spaces under Subpart I and establishes references to Public Works Standards for these dimensional requirements.

Article V – Includes changes to all sections under Article V except Section 5.6. Changes include editorial updates and/or changes for clarification. Specific changes are as follows:

Section 5.1 includes clarifications on accessory dwelling units and where they are permitted. This section also includes regulations for nonowner-occupied properties or properties with multiple dwellings, which were previously regulated as “Detached Cottages”. This section also clarifies dimensional standards for the accessory dwelling unit.

Section 5.2 includes editorial amendments for consistency with state statute related to “Family Child Care Home”, “Family Child Care Facility”, and “Day Care Facility”. This section also includes clarification on when a zoning permit is needed.

Section 5.3 provides clarification on when the regulations apply and adds references to the Gateway Zoning District and Downtown Core Zoning District.

Section 5.4 proposes to delete all the existing text and make this section reserved for future regulations.

Section 5.5 includes clarification for where fuel sales are permitted.

Section 5.7 adds new language to clarify when a zoning permit is needed for home occupations.

Section 5.8 updates references to statute and reorganizes this section. Editorial changes are also included for clarification.

Section 5.9 includes clarification for retail sales and neighborhood commercial uses including where the use is permitted. Changes also include editorial updates for clarity, removal of language that limits the number of residential uses permitted with neighborhood commercial uses, clarifies when a zoning permit is needed.

Section 5.10 updates references to the Agency of Education, and includes new language to include emergency shelters and references to other statutory language.

Section 5.11 adds language to clarify the minimum height of a fence for a swimming pool and adds language to clarify when a zoning permit is needed.

Section 5.12 creates new standards for temporary structures and exempts them from needing a zoning permit provided specific standards are met.

Section 5.13 includes editorial updates for consistency with other sections of the land use regulations.

Section 5.14 amends incentives for priority housing projects based on changes to statute. Other amendments in this section include increases in lot coverage in exchange for priority housing under various categories, creates new language for a bonus story consistent with state statute, including minimum requirements to receive the bonus story. This section also includes a new incentive related to administrative review of projects that include priority housing that is offered for sale.

Section 5.15 includes an updated reference to a map included in Article X.

Article IX – Includes new definitions consistent with state statute for “affordable housing development” and “emergency shelter”; and new definitions for multi-unit dwellings with five or more dwellings; family childcare facility; principal use; property; and front yard. Multiple

editorial changes have been included for various definitions to include consistency with state statute, consistency with other sections of the regulations, or for clarification of when or how the definition should and could be used.

Appendix B - Form Based Code Part 4 – Deletes a reference to a bonus story provision for affordable housing and includes a new reference to Section 5.14 that includes new language on bonus stories. Also updates Section 406 related to minimum lot size requirements, and allowable uses for consistency with Section 2.4 and state statutes. Also clarifies that properties in the Detached Frontage Building Form Standard are eligible for an accessory dwelling unit.

Appendix B - Form Based Code Part 6 – Includes clarification for Section 604 related to roofs and parapets. Specifically provides information on roof configurations and techniques; and updates the standards for when an attic story is exempt from the overall building height requirements. Section 604 also includes organizational amendments for clarity. Section 607 is updated to include standards for lighting related to signs, and other editorial and organizational standards. Section 608 is amended to include clarification on what mechanical equipment may be permitted in the street space and under what circumstances. This section also includes organizational and editorial changes for clarity.

Appendix B - Form Based Code Part 8 – Deletes standards previously included for affordable housing related to the bonus story as included under Section 804.H

The full text of these amendments is available at the Winooski City Hall, 27 West Allen Street, during normal business hours or by contacting Eric Vorwald, AICP, Director of City Planning by calling 802.655.6410 or evorwald@winooskivt.gov.

STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT

PROBATE DIVISION CHITTENDEN UNIT

DOCKET NO.: 24-PR-02252

In re ESTATE of Todd Martel

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

To the creditors of: Todd Martel, late of South Burlington, Vermont

I have been appointed to administer this estate. All creditors having claims against the decedent or the estate must present their claims in writing within four (4) months of the date of the first publication of this notice. The claim must be presented to me at the address listed below with a copy sent to the Court. The claim may be barred forever if it is not presented within the four (4) month period.

Dated: May 6, 2024

Signature of Fiduciary: /s/ Emily Martel, Administrator

Executor/Administrator: Estate of Todd Martel c/o Stackpole & French Law Offices P.O. Box 819, Stowe, VT 05672 shaselton@stackpolefrench.com (802) 253-7339

Name of Publication: Seven Days

Publication Date: May 8, 2024

Name of Probate Court: State of Vermont — Chittenden Probate Division Address of Probate Court: PO Box 511, 175 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05402

STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT

PROBATE DIVISION CHITTENDEN UNIT

DOCKET NO.: 24-PR-02749

In re ESTATE of Nellie Mae Tourville

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

To the creditors of: Nellie Mae Tourville, late of Huntington, VT.

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: May 1, 2024

Signature of Fiduciary: /s/ Wendy Smith

Executor/Administrator: Wendy Smith c/o Paul R Morwood Esq., 333 Dorset St., South Burlington, VT 05403 phone: 802-862-2135

Name of Publication: Seven Days Publication Date: 05/08/2024

Name of Probate Court: State of VermontChittenden Probate Division Address of Probate Court: 175 Main Street , Burlington, VT 05401

STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT ENVIRONMENTAL DIVISION DOCKET NO. 24-ENV-00030

IN RE: HINESBURG CENTER, LLC ) CASE NO: 4C1140-4 )

NOTICE OF APPEAL

Appellants, Hinesburg Center, LLC, David F. Lyman Revocable Trust, and Creekside Investments LLC (collectively “Appellants”), by their attorneys, Gravel & Shea PC, hereby appeal to the Vermont Superior Court, Environmental Division from the District Environmental Commission #4 Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Order, dated March 27, 2024, a copy of which is available at: https://anrweb.vt.gov/ANR/Act250/Details. aspx?Num=4C1140-4. Appellants are the applicants for the land use permit and owners of the property and are parties by right pursuant to 10 V.S.A. §§ 8502(5)(A) & (B) and 8504(a). The appeal involves 47.5 acres of land in Hinesburg, Vermont. The project is generally described as the creation of 21 new lots (22 lots total) and the construction of 73 new homes (15 single-family, two 9-unit buildings, one 6-unit building, one 34-unit building, 14,500 square feet of non-residential space (office, retail, light industrial) in three buildings, and greenspace, known as Hinesburg Center Phase II (the “Project”). The Project is located at Farmall Drive in Hinesburg, Vermont.

The Permit Application concerns a number of issues, including the proper application of Criterion 1(D) – Flood Hazard areas; River Corridors.

Dated: May 2, 2024 /s/ Matthew B. Byrne Matthew B. Byrne, Esq. Robert H. Rushford, Esq. Jeffrey O. Polubinski, Esq. Gravel & Shea PC

76 St. Paul Street, 7th Floor, P. O. Box 369 Burlington, VT 05402-0369 (802) 658-0220 mbyrne@gravelshea.com rrushford@gravelshea.com jpolubinski@gravelshea.com For Appellants 4876-1813-7527, v. 3

CITY OF BURLINGTON IN THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-FOUR A REGULATION IN RELATION TO RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION—

2 Traffic-control light locations

3 Stop sign locations

5 One-way streets designated

6 Left turns prohibited

7 No-parking areas

8 No parking 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays

9 Fifteen-minute parking

10 Two-hour parking

11 One-hour parking

16 Bus stops

17 Designation of parking meter zones

Sponsor(s): Public Works Commission Action: Approved Date: 4/17/2024

Attestation of Adoption: Phillip Peterson, PE

Senior Transportation Planner, Technical Services

Published: 05/08/24

Effective: 05/29/24

It is hereby Ordained by the Public Works Commission of the City of Burlington as follows:

That Appendix C, Rule and Regulations of the Traffic Commission, 2 Traffic-control light locations, 3 Stop sign locations, 5 One-way streets designated, 6 Left turns prohibited, 7 No-parking areas, 8 No parking 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, 9 Fifteenminute parking, 10 Two-hour parking, 11 One-hour parking, 16 Bus stops, 17 Designation of parking meter zones, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Burlington is hereby amended as follows:

2 Traffic-control light locations.

(a) Traffic-control light signals are hereby established at the following locations: (1)-(73) As written.

(74) Two (2) flashing caution lights on Shelburne Street near the intersection of Shelburne Street and South Willard Street Reserved (75)-(76) As written.

3 Stop sign locations.

Stop signs are authorized at the following locations: (1)-(36) As written. (37) At the intersection of Southcrest Drive Foster Street, and Home Avenue causing all traffic on Foster Street to stop. (38)-(87) As written.

(88) At the intersection of Southcrest Drive, Foster Street, and Home Avenue, causing all traffic on Southcrest Drive to stop. Reserved (89)-(258) As written.

(259) At the intersection of Southcrest Drive and Home Avenue, stopping both eastbound and westbound traffic Reserved (260)-(319) As written.

5 One-way streets designated. The following streets are hereby designated as one-way streets, and all traffic and travel thereon, except pedestrians, shall pass in the direction indicated and not otherwise: (1)-(2) As written.

(3) North Champlain Street, northerly from Sherman Pearl Street to Peru Street Manhattan Drive, with the exception of bicycles traveling southbound in the designated contra-flow lane. (4)-(44) As written.

6 Left turns prohibited.

No vehicle shall make a left turn at any time at the following locations: (1)-(4) As written.

(5) Onto the northbound entrance ramp of Vermont Route 127 when going south on North Avenue Reserved (6) As written.

(7) Exiting the southernmost access to Ethan Allen Shopping Center Reserved (8) Entering the southernmost access to Ethan Allen Shopping Center Reserved (9)-(13) As written.

7 No-parking areas.

No person shall park any vehicle at any time in the following locations: (1)-(8) As written.

(9) On the west side of Bradley Road for a space of 1,000 feet north from North Avenue. Reserved (10)-(121) As written.

(122) On eithe r the north side of Poplar Street. (123)-(132) As written.

(133) On the east side of South Champlain Street between Maple Street and the driveway of the Vermont Spool and Bobbin Company. Reserved (134)-(258) As written.

(259) On the east side of University Place, between the 2 driveway entrances of the Royal Tyler Theatre Reserved (260)-(359) As written.

(360) For 50 feet either side of Davis Roadway at UVM on the east side of South Prospect Street Reserved

(361) For 50 feet on either side of Wright driveway at UVM on the east side of South Prospect Street. Reserved (362)-(425) As written.

(426) The space located directly in front of the parking garage on the east side of St. Paul Street between Pearl Street and Cherry Street. On St. Paul Street, from Cherry Street to Pearl Street. (427)-(446) As written.

(447) On the east side of Church Street between Main Street and King Street in the designated area

Legal Notices

17 Designation of parking meter zones.

(a)-(d) As written

just for a distance of 100 feet north of 184 Church Street, such area being across the street from the rear access to the Flynn Theater (448)-(584) As written.

8 No parking 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

No person shall park any vehicle between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays inclusive, in any of the following locations : (1)-(8) As written.

(9) On the south side of North Street for two hundred sixty-eight (268) feet west of Murray Street Reserved (10)-(14) As written.

(15) On the west side of Pine Street between Flynn Avenue and Ferguson Avenue Reserved (16)-(19) As written.

9 Fifteen-minute parking.

(a) No person shall park a vehicle longer than fifteen (15) minutes, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., Sundays and holidays excepted, in the following areas : (1)-(72) As written.

(73) Two spaces in front of 47 Maple Street Reserved

(74)-(98) As written.

(99) In the 2 spaces in front of 424 Pine Street Reserved

(100) In the 2 spaces in front of 422 Pine Street Reserved (101)-(126) As written.

(b) No person shall park any vehicle, at any time, longer than fifteen (15) minutes at the following locations :

(1)-(17) As written.

(17.1) In the space in front of 184 North Street. To be effective between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

(18)-(33) As written.

(34) In the two (2) designated spaces on the south side of Colchester Avenue in front of 291 and 297 Colchester Avenue , between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Sundays and holidays excepted.

(c)-(d) As written.

9-1 Three-hour parking.

No person shall park a vehicle for a period longer than three (3) hours, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Sundays and holidays excepted, in the following locations:

(1) On either side of St. Paul Street between Main Street and Maple Street. Reserved

10 Two-hour parking.

No person shall park a vehicle for a period longer than two (2) hours between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Sundays and holidays excepted, in the following locations:

(1) On either side of Elmwood Avenue between Allen Street and North Street except for one hour spaces in front of 145-147 Elmwood Avenue.

(2)-(8) As written.

(9) On the south side of Main Street, from Battery Street to Lake Street Reserved

(10)-(20) As written.

11 One-hour parking.

(a) As written.

(b) No person shall park a vehicle for a period longer than one (1) hour between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, holidays excepted, in the following locations:

(1) In the two (2) designated spaces in front of 297 Colchester Avenue Reserved

(2) As written.

(c)-(f) As written.

16 Bus stops.

(a) The following spaces are hereby designated as bus stops:

(1)-(10) As written.

(11) On the west side of St. Paul Street beginning thirty (30) feet north of Cherry Street and continuing north to Pearl Street f or two hundred five (205) feet, effective from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

(12)-(25) As written.

(b)-(c) As written.

(e) Three (3) hour zones. The following streets or portions of streets are hereby designated as three (3) hour parking:

(1) The north side of Cherry Street, from McAuliffe’s Pine Street westerly to the Cathedral Square driveway Battery Street

(2) As written.

(3) On the north side of Cherry Street from the Cathedral Square driveway westerly to Battery Street Reserved

(4)-(7) As written.

(8) On the south side of King Street, the first five (5) four (4) spaces west east of Battery Street, between South Champlain Street and Battery Street.

(9)-(37) As written.

(38) The third, fourth and fifth parking spaces west of St. Paul Street on the north side of King Street. Reserved

(39)-(40) As written.

(41) On the west side of South Union Street, from College Street to the driveway at 89 South Union Street adjacent to the YMCA

(42)-(73) As written.

(f) Ten (10) hour zones. The following streets or portions of streets are hereby designated as ten (10) hour parking meter zones:

(1)-(15) As written.

(16) On the north side of King Street, the first two (2) three (3) spaces west of St. Paul, between St. Paul Street and Pine Street.

(17)-(21) As written.

(g) Designated streets with no time limit metered parking: The following streets or portions of streets are hereby designated as no time restriction metered parking zones:

(1)-(7) As written.

(8) Cherry Street from St. Paul Pine Street to Winooski Avenue.

(9)-(12) As written.

/hm: BCO Appx.C, Section 2 ,3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 4/17/2024

CITY OF BURLINGTON IN THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-FOUR A REGULATION IN RELATION TO RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION—26 MOTORCYCLE PARKING.

Sponsor(s): Public Works Commission

Action: Approved Date: 4/17/2024

Attestation of Adoption:

Phillip Peterson, PE

Senior Transportation Planner, Technical Services

Published: 05/08/24

Effective: 05/29/24

It is hereby Ordained by the Public Works Commission of the City of Burlington as follows:

That Appendix C, Rule and Regulations of the Traffic Commission, 26 Motorcycle parking of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Burlington is hereby amended as follows:

26 Motorcycle parking.

The following locations are designated for the parking of motorcycles only:

(1)-(12) As written. (13) On the south side of Main Street at the corner of Lake Street and Main Street, in front of 1 Main Street Reserved (14)-(23) As written.

** Material stricken out deleted.

*** Material underlined added.

/hm: BCO Appx.C, Section 26 4/17/2024

CITY OF BURLINGTON IN THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-FOUR A REGULATION IN RELATION TO RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION—7 NO-PARKING AREAS

Sponsor(s): Public Works Commission

Action: Approved Date: 4/17/2024

Attestation of Adoption:

Phillip Peterson, PE

Senior Transportation Planner, Technical Services

Published: 05/08/24

Effective: 05/29/24

It is hereby Ordained by the Public Works Commission of the City of Burlington as follows:

That Appendix C, Rule and Regulations of the Traffic Commission, Section 7 No-parking areas of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Burlington is hereby amended as follows:

7 No-parking areas.

No person shall park any vehicle at any time in the following locations:

(1)-(211) As written.

(212) Repealed On the north side of Pearl Street beginning at the intersection with North Williams Street and extending west to the driveway of 360 Pearl Street (213)-(270) As written.

(271) Reserved On the north side of Pearl Street beginning at the intersection with North Williams Street and extending east for seventy five (75) feet. (272)-(584) As written.

** Material stricken out deleted.

*** Material underlined added.

/hm: BCO Appx.C, Section 7 4/17/2024

WARNING POLICY ADOPTION

CHAMPLAIN VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Board of School Directors gives public notice of its intent to adopt local district policies dealing with the following at its meeting scheduled on May 21, 2024:

D6 - Volunteers

Copies of the above policies may be obtained for public review at the Office of the Human Resources Dept. in Shelburne, VT.

STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT

PROBATE DIVISION CHITTENDEN UNIT

DOCKET NO.: 24-PR-01804

In re ESTATE of Catherine M Heffron

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

To the creditors of: Catherine M Heffron, late of Burlington, Vermont

I have been appointed to administer this estate. All creditors having claims against the decedent or the estate must present their claims in writing within four (4) months of the date of the first publication of this notice. The claim must be presented to me at the address listed below with a copy sent to the Court. The claim may be barred forever if it is not presented within the four (4) month period.

Dated: May 2, 2024

Signature of Fiduciary: /s/ Norman C Smith

Executor/Administrator: Norman C Smith, PO Box 24, Essex Junction, VT 05452 phone: 802-288-9088 email: norman@normansmithlaw.com

Name of Publication: Seven Days

Publication Date: 05/08/2024

Name of Probate Court: State of VermontChittenden Probate Division

Address of Probate Court: 175 Main Street , Burlington, VT 05401

STATE OF VERMONT

SUPERIOR COURT CIVIL DIVISION

LAMOILLE UNIT CASE NO. 24-CV-01693

In Re: Abandoned Mobile Home of Stephanie Miller & Brandon Godfrey

Notice Of Hearing

A hearing on Ship Sevin II, LLC’s Verified Complaint to declare abandoned and uninhabitable the mobile home of Stephanie Miller and Brandon Godfrey located at the Pinecrest Mobile Home Park, Lot #22, 5 Third Street in Morrisville, Vermont has been set for May 29, 2024 at 8:15 a.m. at

the Vermont Superior Court, Lamoille Unit, Civil Division located at 154 Main Street in Hyde Park, Vermont. To participate in this hearing, the WEBEX Login Information is as follows:

App: Cisco Webex Meeting

Website: https://vtcourts.webex.com

Meeting Number: 2335 590 2963

Password: LamoilleCR1

If you do not have a computer or sufficient bandwidth, you may call (802) 636-1108 to appear by phone. (This is not a tollfree number). When prompted enter the meeting ID number listed above, followed by the pound symbol (#). You will be prompted to enter your attendee number (which you do not have). Instead, press pound (#). If you have technical difficulties, call the Court at (802) 888-3887.

Date: May 3, 2024

Ashley Harvey, Judicial Assistant Lamoille Unit

VERIFIED COMPLAINT FOR ABANDONMENT

PURSUANT TO 10 V.S.A. § 6249(i) (Uninhabitable)

NOW COMES Ship Sevin II, LLC (“Ship Sevin”), by and through its Counsel Nadine L. Scibek, and hereby complains pursuant to 10 V.S.A. § 6249(i) as follows:

1. Ship Sevin, a Vermont limited liability company with a principal place of business in South Burlington, County of Chittenden, State of Vermont, is the record owner of a mobile home park known as the Pinecrest Mobile Home Park (the “Park”), located in the village of Morrisville, Vermont.

2. Stephanie Miller (“Miller”) and Brandon Godfrey (“Godfrey”) are the record owners of a certain mobile home (the “Mobile Home”) described as a Benchmark, 14’ x 80’ located at the Pinecrest Mobile Home Park, Lot #22, 5 First Street in Morrisville, Vermont according to the Town of Morristown Land Records. See attached Bill of Sale.

3. Miller leased a lot in the Park from Ship Sevin pursuant to a written lease. Miller paid Ship Sevin a security deposit of $334.00. See attached Lease. 4. Miller and Godfrey’s last known mailing address is 5 Third Street, Morrisville, VT 05661.

5. The mobile home has been abandoned and is empty. The last known resident of the mobile home was Miller. All of Miller’s personal property is believed to have been removed from the mobile home and utility services have been terminated. On December 8, 2023, the Park’s Counsel communicated with Miller & Godfrey with respect to their intentions with their mobile home. See attached.

6. On or about December 9, 2023 the Mobile Home was destroyed by fire. See attached photographs. On or about December 12, 2023, Miller contacted Ship Sevin and indicated that she was walking away from the mobile home.

7. Miller was evicted from the Park for nonpayment of rent on or about November 27, 2023 by the Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department. The mobile home has been vacant since that time. The Court issued a Judgment and Writ of Possession to Ship Sevin on November 3, 2023. See Ship Sevin II, LLC v. Miller, Vermont Superior Court, Lamoille Civil Unit, Case No. 23-CV-03387. See attached.

8. The following security interests, mortgages, liens and encumbrances appear of record with respect to the mobile home:

a. There are no current or delinquent taxes owed to the Town of Morristown as the taxes were abated after the fire on December 9, 2023. See attached.

9. Mobile home storage fees continue to accrue at the rate of $415.00 per month. Rent/ storage fees due Ship Sevin through April, 2024 total $5,958.60. Attorney’s fees and court costs incurred by Ship Sevin currently exceed $3,000.00.

10. Ship Sevin sent written notice by certified mail to the Town of Morristown on March 7, 2024 of its intent to commence this action. See attached.

11. The mobile home is uninhabitable. Cindy Whitham, Property Manager, will testify under oath as to the poor and unlivable condition of this mobile home at the abandonment hearing. WHEREFORE, Ship Sevin respectfully requests that the Honorable Court enter an order as follows:

1. Declare that the mobile home has been abandoned;

2. Transfer the mobile home which is unfit for human habitation to the Park owner

without a public auction so that it may be removed and disposed of accordingly.

3. Order pursuant to 10 V.S.A. § 6249(j) that the mobile home and any security deposit paid be conveyed to the Park Owner in “as is” condition, and free from all liens and other encumbrances of record.

DATED April 30, 2024. SHIP SEVIN II, LLC

BY: Nadine L. Scibek

Attorney for Ship Sevin II, LLC

I declare that the above statement is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that if the above statement is false, I will be subject to the penalty of perjury or other sanctions in the discretion of the Court.

April 30, 2024 BY: Cindy

Whitham

Duly Authorized Agent for Ship Sevin II, LLC

STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT

PROBATE DIVISION FRANKLIN UNIT

DOCKET NO.: 24-PR-00986

In re ESTATE of Michele Anne Murphy

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

To the creditors of: Michele Anne Murphy, late of Bakersfield, 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: May 3, 2024

Signature of Fiduciary: /s/ Kyle J. Gabaree

Executor/Administrator: Kyle J. Gabaree, c/o Laura E. Gorsky, Esq., PO Box 471, Richmond, VT 05477 phone: 802-434-3344 email: laura@vtgorskylaw.com

Name of Publication: Seven Days Publication Date: 05/08/2024

Name of Probate Court: Vermont Superior Court, Franklin Unit, Probate Division Address of Probate Court: 17 Church St., St. Albans, VT 05478

NORTHSTAR SELF STORAGE WILL BE HAVING A PUBLIC AND ONLINE SALE/AUCTION

for the following storage units on May 23, 2024 at 9:00 am

Northstar Self Storage will be having a public and online sale/auction on May 23, 2024 at 9am EST at 205 Route4A West, Castleton, VT 05735 (3-37), 130 Taconic Business Park, Manchester Center, VT 05255 (M203), 1124 Charlestown Road, Springfield, VT 05156 (Units S56, S108, CC07) and online at www.storagetreasures.com at 9:00 am in accordance with VT Title 9 Commerce and Trade Chapter 098: Storage Units 3905. Enforcement of Lien

Unit # Name Contents

1 3-37 Thomas Amerio Household Goods

2 M203 Cory Hazelton Household Goods

4 S56 Bobbie Bennett Household Goods

5 S108 Helena Bundy Household Goods

6 CC07 April Epperson Household Goods

TOWN OF WESTFORD SELECTBOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Pursuant to 24 V.S.A. Chapter 117 and the Westford Land Use & Development Regulations, the Selectboard will hold a public hearing to consider amendments to Chapter 320, Section 326 of the Westford Land Use & Development Regulations. This hearing will be held at the Westford Town Office and via ZOOM at 6:30pm on Thursday, May 23, 2024. Public comment at this hearing is welcomed and encouraged. The

proposed amendments to the town’s Land Use & Development Regulations include:

• Add internally illuminated signage for commercial properties to Section 326.D (Exempt signs) with specific provisions including:

o Maximum square footage and quantity

o Prohibition of movement, flashing, blinking, etc.

o Prohibition of branded product advertisement

o Illumination limited to business hours

• Remove Section 326.C(8)

• Amend Section 326.C(9) to add the phrase “free-standing.”

• Amend Figure 3-11 (Maximum Sign Area and Height) to include internally illuminated interior signs.

• Adds Figure 3-11-A: Sign Area Calculation

• Add definition for internally illuminated signs. Copies of the full text of the proposed amendments to the Westford Land Use & Development Regulations are available at the Westford Town Office, 1713 VT Route 128, and Westford, Vermont or may be viewed on the Town of Westford website at https://westfordvt.us/documents/ planning-zoning/

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/ 85650659626?pwd=djlaZ2ljUmlDVkpTRExTbWlaZ WV5Zz09 Meeting ID: 856 5065 9626 - Passcode: DA68bw

(Or dial: 1 646 558 8656: Meeting ID: 856 5065 9626 - Passcode: 538062)

For information call the Town Offices at 802-878-4587.

TOWN OF JERICHO, VT NEW HIGHWAY GARAGE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) MUNICIPAL PROJECT MANAGER (MPM) SERVICES PHASE-1 3/18/24

1. Background

On March 5, 2024, the residents of Town of Jericho voted to approve a bond of $4.15 million for the construction of a new town maintenance facility. Following this approval, the Town is seeking the services of a Municipal Project Manager (MPM) to assist with permitting, design and construction of the facility. MPM services will be split into two phases. Phase-1 Preconstruction and Phase-2 Construction. In advance of the bond vote, the Town completed a feasibility study prepared by Ascent Consulting LLC. To review the study, follow this link: https://jerichovt. org/Highway-Department/news_feed/townmaintenance-facility-2 The Town reserves the right to negotiate Phase-2 Construction Services with the successful Phase-1 Preconstruction Services provider. All questions related to this project should be directed to Paula Carrier, Interim Town Administrator pcarrier@jerichovt.gov.

2. Schedule

The following dates will drive the anticipated schedule for Phase 1 planning.

a. 3/25/24: Post Phase-1 MPM RFP Services

b. 5/20/24: RFP Response Due, 5PM EDT

c. June 2024: Selection of MPM Services

d. June 2024-April 2025: Duration of Phase-1 Services

e. June 2025: Construction Starts

3. Scope of Services

The MPM will provide services and guidance to the Town and its municipal interest. The town requires the following services for the Phase-1 Preconstruction. The purpose of Phase-1 Preconstruction is to assist the town with the design, permitting and preparation for the bid package. It is anticipated that the design will be at 100% by end of January 2025 for February 2025 bidding.

a. Duration of Phase-1 Preconstruction Services is from May 2024 through April 2025.

b. Prepare RFP for design services for civil, architectural, structural, MEP/FP, special inspections. Respond to design services RFIs and document. Assist the Town with posting and advertising the RFP.

c. Analyze design service proposals and make recommendations to the Town.

d. Prepare design services contracts, review pay requests for Town approval.

e. Attending design meetings, ensure design is aligned with schedule and budget.

f. Assist with State and local permitting requirements.

g. Facilitate a design kick-off meeting outlining schedules and goals of the project to the design team.

h. Document updates to design and permitting status. Report to the Selectboard at meeting on the first Thursday of each month.

i. Provide cost estimates as the design progresses to ensure the project design aligns with budget.

j. Assist and provide Value Management services as needed. Provide guidance to design team regarding lessons learned from previous maintenance facility projects.

k. Prepare prequalification RFP for general contractor bidders. Post, review and background check qualifications, make recommendations to the Town.

l. Prepare bid package, send to prequalified bidders, respond to RFIs, assist the Town with bidding process, prepare bid analysis, perform descoping and make recommendations to the Town.

m. MPM is to include in their cost for computer, cell phone, vehicle, business and vehicle insurance and personal protective equipment. Reimbursable costs are to be included in the cost of services.

n. Clearly identify any services that will be performed by a sub-consultant.

4. Submission requirements

To be considered responsive to this RFP, each response to the RFP must include the following requirements. The Town reserves the right to reject all proposals resulting from this RFP to: 1. negotiate with any or all qualified proposers 2. to waive any formality and technicalities 3. to solicit new proposals or 4. to cancel in part or in entirety this RFP if found to be in the best interest of the Town. Solicitation of this RFP in no way obligates the Town to award a contract. Each respondent is responsible for their own cost in preparation of this RFP. Late proposals will not be accepted. Only electronic submissions will be accepted. It will be the responsibility of the respondent to confirm proposals have been received by the Town.

Electronic submissions are due no later than 5PM EDT on 5/20/24 to Paula Carrier at pcarrier@ jerichovt.gov. There will not be a public bid opening. Complete RFP will include:

a. Cover letter

b. Overall Consultant Description: provide primary contact information, location of office, any and all staff or sub-consultant who will be involved in the project.

c. Resume of each staff member

d. Project experience with references e. Proof of business insurance f. Cost Proposal

5. Evaluation and Selection

The Town of Jericho Selectboard will evaluate the proposals. Selection criteria will be based on maintenance facility project experience, estimating capabilities, staff experience and cost proposal. The Town reserves the right to request additional information and or require an onsite interview of party submitting.

TOWN OF BOLTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD PUBLIC HEARING: MAY 23, 2024

The Town of Bolton’s Development Review Board will hold a public hearing on May 23, 2024 at 6:30pm.

Place: Virtual or Municipal Conference Room, 3045 Theodore Roosevelt Highway, Bolton, VT, 05676.

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81615729896?pwd=RE ZDZzZrWG9uRVVoSjIvY204N0k4dz09 Meeting ID: 816 1572 9896 Passcode: 420398

The following applications will be reviewed: 2024-04-DRB; Applicant & Property Owner: Jeremy and Andrea Knepper, 110 Stone Hill Rd., is seeking to amend a previously approved boundary line adjustment to modify the adjoining property line but with no change to the parcel acres from the areas prior to the 2023 decision (2023-04-DRB & 2023-05-DRB)(Tax Map #11-2120113).

2024-05-DRB; Applicant & Property Owner: Bolton Dome Company, Andrew Roy, 200 Champ

Ln. is seeking a conditional use for the construction of three primitive cabins for limited commercial use by outdoor recreationalists (Tax Map #9-4090579).

2024-06-DRB; Applicant & Property Owner: Michael & Chealsea Hunter and Curt Hunter, 428 Bolton Valley Access Rd., are seeking two setback waivers to extend the roofline of an existing nonconforming structure. (Tax Map #15-3000428)

2024-07-DRB; Applicant & Property Owner: Rodney Pingree, 3623 Theodore Roosevelt Hwy., is seeking a conditional use to elevate existing single-family structure for the purposes of providing flood mitigation within the Flood Hazard Overlay I. (Tax Map #15-2003623)

2024-08-DRB; Applicant & Property Owner: Miranda Hance, 3497 Theodore Roosevelt Hwy., is a conditional use for the redevelopment of an existing lot replacing the former home with the new proposed home providing flood mitigation. (Tax Map #15-2003497)

Additional information can be obtained through email by calling 802-434-5075, or by email at zoningbolton@gmavt.net. Pursuant to 24 VSA § 4464 and § 4471, participation in this local proceeding, by written or oral comment, is a prerequisite to the right to take any subsequent appeal.

INVITATION TO BID

Greenprint Partners, acting as Project Manager, seeks qualified contractors for several Vermont Schools Green Infrastructure Stormwater Improvements for the locations listed below. Federal Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE), Women-Owned, Veteran-Owned, Minority-Owned contractors and suppliers, and Small Businesses are strongly encouraged to submit a bid proposal.

Project Description: The project consists of stormwater improvements at various schools to meet the Vermont Stormwater Rules. Locations of the work are as follows:

School, Town Montpelier High School, 5 High School Drive, Montpelier, VT Spaulding High School, 155 Ayers Street, Barre City, VT Charlotte Central Elementary School, 408 Hinesburg Road, Charlotte, VT Hinesburg Community School, 10888 Route 116, Hinesburg, VT Lake Region Union High School, 370 Lake Region Road, Barton, VT Lyman C Hunt Middle School, 1364 North Ave, Burlington, VT Derby Elementary, 907 Elm Street, Derby, VT Newport City Elementary School, 166 Sias Ave, Newport City, VT North Country Union High School, 209 Veterans Ave, Newport, VT Swanton School, 24 Fourth Street, Swanton, VT

Schedule: Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2024 and be substantially completed by the start of the school year in August 2024.

The construction work involves the installation of various stormwater improvements including, but not limited to: wetland creation, underground storage facilities, disconnection areas, dry wells, storm sewers, paving and erosion control and landscaping, depending on the location.

These projects are subject to Davis Bacon wage rates compliance and with Build America Buy America provisions.

Any interested subcontractors and suppliers should visit the following website for information on obtaining bidding documents: www. Greenprintpartners.com/resources and click on Bidding Opportunities. For additional information please send an email to the construction project manager: Howard@greenprintpartners.com

Legal Notices

BURLINGTON PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

Burlington Comprehensive Development Ordinance Amendment

ZA-24-03: Emergency Shelters

Pursuant to 24 V.S.A. §4441 and §4444, notice is hereby given of a public hearing by the Burlington Planning Commission to hear comments on the following proposed amendments to the City of Burlington’s Comprehensive Development Ordinance (CDO). The public hearing will take place during the Planning Commission meeting on Tuesday, May 28th, 2024, with the hearing starting at Time Certain 6:45pm. You may access the hearing/meeting as follows:

The meeting will be held in the Sharon Bushor Conference Room at City Hall (149 Church Street)

To join virtually from a Computer, please click this URL to join, and enter the Webinar ID if prompted: Link: https://zoom.us/j/97941883790?pwd=bGZB NzNyV1liL3p5NkhIL2dqUFIzdz09

Webinar ID: 979 4188 3790 Passcode (if needed): 658929

To join virtually by phone, dial this number and enter the Webinar ID when prompted: Number: +1 312 626 6799 Webinar ID: 979 4188 3790

Pursuant to the requirements of 24 V.S.A. §4444(b):

Statement of purpose:

The purpose of the proposed amendments are as follows:

• ZA-24-03: The proposed amendment brings emergency shelter standards in the CDO into compliance with the current statutory standards.

Geographic areas affected:

This amendment applies to the following areas of the city:

• ZA-24-03: All current zoning districts within the city that permit emergency shelters, either as-of-right or conditionally (RL/W, RM/W, RH, NMU, NAC, NAC-CR, NAC-RC).

List of section headings affected:

The proposed amendments modify the following sections of the Burlington Comprehensive Development Ordinance:

ZA-24-03: Modifies Sec. 5.4.13 and Se. 13.1.24.3.1; and amends Appendix A- Use Table.

The full text of the Burlington Comprehensive Development Ordinance is available online at www.burlingtonvt.gov/DPI/CDO. The proposed

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

amendment can be reviewed in hard copy posted on the first floor of City Hall, 149 Church Street, Burlington or online at https://www.burlingtonvt. gov/DPI/CDO/Amendments

TOWN OF WESTFORD REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL: TOWN WIDE SOLID WASTE

The Town of Westford is requesting quotes for the town wide collection of residential and commercial trash, recycling, and food residuals for July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2026.

Mail or hand deliver quotes to Town of Westford, Attn: Holly Delisle, 1713 Vermont Route 128, Westford, VT 05494 by 4:30pm May 9, 2024, for consideration.

Notification of successful entity will be made by June 13, 2024, and a contract mutually acceptable to both the Contractor and the Town will be executed prior to June 30, 2024.

PURSUANT TO THE VERMONT SELF-STORAGE FACILITY ACT SEC. 2.9 V.S.A CHAPTER 98 UNITS WILL SOLD BY SEALED BID.

Viewing by appointment. Call us at 802-891-9374 to schedule.

Appts for viewing and sealed bidding will be 5/16 9:00 am-4:30 pm Bid will be opened on 5/16 at 4:45 pm. Winning bidder will be notified by phone.

10x10 – Penny Butchino, Jason Casey, Holly Cota

10x20 – James Lachance

Storage unit will be sold as one lot.

All winning bidders will be required to pay a $100.00 Deposit which will be refunded once unit is left empty and broom swept clean.

The winning bid must remove all contents from the facility by the end of the weekend corresponding with date of bid acceptance at no cost to ez access self storage. We reserve the right to reject any bid lower than the amount owed by the occupant. We reserve the right to remove any unit from the auction should current tenant bring his or her account current with full payment prior to the start of the auction.

Storage Unit Address:

387 Route 7 South, Milton, Vermont

INTENT TO APPLY HERBICIDES

Selective Vegetation Control

Vermont Electric Cooperative, 42 Wescom Road, Johnson, Vermont 05656 has been issued a permit from the Vermont Secretary of Agriculture to apply herbicides. All herbicides will be applied by ground-based, hand-held equipment. This notice constitutes a notification to residents along the right-of-way that water supplies and other environmentally sensitive areas near the right-ofway should be protected from spray and that it is the resident’s responsibility to inform the contact person of the existence of a private water supply near the right-of-way. The contact person at VEC is Sara Packer, Vegetation & Right-of-way Management Program Manager, (802) 730-1104, or 1-800-832-2667 (ext. 1104). Further information may also be obtained from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, 116 State Street, Montpelier, Vermont 05620-2901, telephone (802) 828-2431.

Operations will commence on or about June 24, 2024 using one or more of the following herbicides: Escort® XP or Patriot® (metsulfuron methyl), Krenite® S (fosamine ammonium), Arsenal® Powerline™ or Polaris® (imazapyr), AquaNeat or AquaMaster® (glyphosate) and Garlon® 4 Ultra (triclopyr).

Maintenance will be conducted on transmission lines in the following towns:

Lines:

Line C31 Highgate/Enosburg

Line C32 Enosburg Tap

Line H15 Irasburg

Line H16 Irasburg VELCO to Burton Hill

Line 463 Pleasant Valley Pleasant Valley 463R Breaker

Switch 31M

Switch 11, 17N & 17S

418R Recloser

116R Recloser

R343 Recloser

Town(s)

Highgate, Sheldon, Enosburg Enosburg

Irasburg

Irasburg, Barton Cambridge Cambridge Barton Jay Eden Johnson Fairfax

Maintenance will be conducted on select portions of distribution lines in the following towns: Albany, Barton, Craftsbury, Glover, Greensboro, Irasburg, Sheffield, Lyndon, Wheelock, Berkshire, Brighton, Newark, Westmore, Warren’s Gore, Canaan, Lemington, Derby, Holland, Morgan, Charleston, Fairfield, Fairfax, St. Albans Town, Swanton, Highgate, Newport City, Coventry, North Hero, Norton, Richmond, Hinesburg, Huntington, Williston, Underhill, Jericho, Essex, Westford, Cambridge, Johnson, Waterville, Belvidere, Eden

Administrative Coordinator

The Intervale Center seeks a dynamic, mission-driven Food Access Manager to join the Food Hub Team. The Food Access Manager implements yearround free food distributions, works on program development with the Food Hub Manager, and participates in local and statewide conversations around food security. The Food Access Manager is responsible for coordinating gleaning e orts, managing the Fair Share CSA, and organizing winter pop-up distributions. An ideal candidate has a minimum of two years’ experience in program or project management, strong experience working in farming or food systems, and excellent communication skills.

Intervale Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity of experience, background, and perspective to enrich our work. Applications by members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged. For complete job description and how to apply, please visit: intervale.org/join-our-team

ATTENTION RECRUITERS:

POST YOUR JOBS AT: JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM/POST-A-JOB PRINT DEADLINE: NOON ON MONDAYS (INCLUDING HOLIDAYS) FOR RATES & INFO: MICHELLE BROWN, 802-865-1020 X121, MICHELLE@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

Director of Sports Medicine & Performance

MU LTIPLE POSITIONS OPEN!

Are you our next Guest Services Representative? Buyer? Produce Associate?

Scan to see all open positions!

ST AFF CURATED BENEFIT S Apply online at healthylivingmarket.com/careers

OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

We have a fun, friendly work environment and are looking to hire an Operations Coordinator! This position is a key part of our operations team and will assist with daily operations, including scheduling of awning projects and services, as well as order processing. This key role also provides exemplary customer service to current and prospective clients. If you enjoy multi-tasking with critical thinking in a fast-paced role, we encourage you to apply!

TEMPORARY SEASONAL AWNING INSTALLER

Full, part-time and multiple positions are available. Willing to train! These positions will be a part of our team based out of Williston, VT. The successful candidates will work with our installation teams to install custom awning and shade products throughout Vermont, parts of New York and New Hampshire. Company provided clothing and transportation to job sites, paid holidays and a fun, positive working environment!

To apply, please visit our website and complete our online application: ottercreekawnings.com

The Athletic Department at Saint Michael’s College is excited to invite applications for the Director of Sports Medicine and Performance position. Join our dynamic Athletic Department’s leadership team and become the driving force behind the Purple Knights’ success. As a leader in the department, you will steer the ship for all Athletic Training and Strength & Conditioning services, elevating our student-athletes to peak performance. You can help shape the future of sports medicine and performance at our institution. Immerse yourself in a vibrant collegiate community, fueled by passion and commitment, and enjoy the rewards of a full-time (11-month) position with comprehensive benefits.

For a complete job description, benefits information, and to apply online, please visit: bit.ly/SMCDSMP.

The City of Burlington’s Community & Economic Development Office

This position tracks all CEDO grant project dollars through the City’s Enterprise Resource Planning system & ensures timely and accurate reporting. This position is directly responsible for the documentation and maintenance of internal controls over federal and state grant awards within CEDO. This position works closely with Assistant Directors and project managers to create, maintain, and monitor budgets; track receipt and use of funding sources; and ensure the availability of accurate data for grant management financial reporting, including adherence to state and federal requirements. Our ideal candidate holds an Associate’s Degree in Accounting or Business and three years of grant accounting and must have demonstrated the ability to show great attention to detail, strong working knowledge of computer systems and proficiency with Excel, and experience with account reconciliation, project & grant billing. Previous municipal fiscal experience preferred.

Pay Grade 16: $28.73 - $32.02 Hourly and comes with a generous benefits package.

The City of Burlington is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage applicants who can contribute to our growing diversity.

Learn more about the role and our benefits package and apply: governmentjobs.com/careers/burlingtonvt/jobs/4478966/grantsand-finance-specialist?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

ATTENTION RECRUITERS:

Line Cook/Chef

General Stark’s Pub at Mad River Glen is looking for a year-round, part-time/full-time Line Cook/Chef with culinary experience and an understanding of ski area culture. The ideal candidate for this position will be able to prepare and cook pub menu items in a fast paced, high volume restaurant environment. This position involves cooking on the line in the summer up to 5 days a week (Wednesday - Saturday) from 2pm - 10pm and brunch on Sundays from 8am - 3pm as well as 40hrs a week in the winter during ski season. We are looking for an individual who is team oriented and can be available to prepare the occasional banquet meal as well. Food ordering and inventory experience are a plus.

This is an hourly position that comes with an employee ski pass & other benefits at Mad River Glen. Winter schedules are flexible. Pay is based on experience. Interested candidates please send resume, cover letter & 2 references to david@madriverglen.com or call 802-496-3551 for more information.

Engaging minds that change the world

Seeking a position with a quality employer? Consider The University of Vermont, a stimulating and diverse workplace. We offer a comprehensive benefit package including tuition remission for on-going, full-time positions.

Business Liaison Librarian - UVM Libraries - #F3051PO - The University of Vermont Libraries seek a creative and collaborative research and instruction librarian to join the Libraries’ Information and Instruction Services Department. The new hire will support the teaching, learning, and research endeavors of the University and will serve as the Libraries’ liaison to the Grossman School of Business and the Department of Community Development and Applied Economics. We seek both experienced librarians and those who are new to the field. Come and grow with us!

For further details about this position (including salary information) and to apply online, please visit our website. The search will remain open until the position is filled. For best consideration, complete applications should be received no later than May 20, 2024. For additional information, please contact search co-chair Daisy Benson, daisy.benson@uvm.edu

For further information on this position and others currently available, or to apply online, please visit www.uvmjobs.com Applicants must apply for positions electronically. Paper resumes are not accepted. Open positions are updated daily. Please call 802-656-3150 or email employment@uvm.edu for technical support with the online application.

The University of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT & BOARD LIAISON

Be part of the Copley Team!

This full-time position coordinates the CEO’s schedule and serves as liaison between hospital Leadership and the Trustees. We are looking for an individual with:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Proficiency with MS Office Suite, scheduling, and creating spreadsheets and documents

• Ability to work in a dynamic environment

• Interest in collaborating on special projects in a thriving local healthcare setting

For more information visit copleyvt.org/careers or contact Kaitlyn Shannon, Recruiter, at 802-888-8144 or kshannon@chsi.org.

Apprentice Line Worker

Morrisville Water and Light is seeking a qualified, reliable, safety minded individual(s) to fill an Apprentice Line Worker vacancy(s). This position will be responsible for assisting in the installation, repairing and maintenance of overhead and underground electrical lines and equipment in a safe and effective manner within the established guidelines of industry work practices.

Applicants must also be able to meet the physical demands of the position, live within 30 minutes of the office and be in an on-call rotation. More detailed description is available at mwlvt.com/job-openings

Submit cover letter and resume to Morrisville Water & Light, 857 Elmore Street, Morrisville, VT 05661 or dheller@mwlvt.com. No phone calls please. E.O.E.

Due: 5/6 by 11am

Size: 3.83” x 3.46”

Conservation Crew Leader

Cost: $308.55 (with 1 week online)

Work outside this summer and make a difference. Complete paid training, then co-lead youth crews: 4 weeks in Rutland, 4 weeks in Woodstock. Hands-on projects will improve parks and forests.

Dates: May 27 – August 10 Schedule: Mon - Fri, full time. Not a camping position.

Compensation: $705 – $750/week Age requirement: 21+

Apply: www.vycc.org/positions

Women’s Lacrosse Assistant Coach

The Department of Athletics at Saint Michael’s College invites applications for the Women’s Lacrosse Assistant Coach position. This position will support the Women’s Lacrosse Head Coach in all aspects of running a collegiate program including the support of developing a year-round training program, working independently with student-athletes, and recruiting prospective student-athletes. Required qualifications include having at least 4 years of collective experience in coaching or collegiate (or higher) sport participation and the ability to successfully pass a driving record check. For a complete job description, benefits information, and to apply online, please visit: https://bit.ly/SMCACWL

Experienced, Skilled Woodworker

RED HOUSE BUILDING

is currently seeking an experienced, skilled carpenter to join our wood shop team. This is a full-time position with flexible scheduling, benefits, and hourly pay based on skill level. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years experience with milling, cabinet construction, shop safety, and comprehensive use of machinery. This position is primarily based at our wood shop in Colchester, but job site installations are also included in the responsibilities.

If you are a reliable, motivated, and skilled person who is interested in being a part of unique, custom home building then please submit your resume to info@ redhousebuilding.com

Parks Maintenance Crew Member

Are you looking for a job that allows you to be outside in the summer enjoying the fresh air and weather? Want to learn about natural area stewardship? The Winooski Valley Park District seeks self-motivated, hardworking, energetic individuals to maintain 19 parks in the Winooski River watershed. Position is based out of the Ethan Allen Homestead in Burlington, Vermont. Applicants must be able to work 40 hrs/wk (M-F, 8-4). The position runs from mid-May until the end of October. (There may be some flexibility with the season start/end date.)

Duties include landscaping, carpentry, equipment, trails, buildings, and grounds maintenance. Experience or a desire to learn about mower use/maintenance and trails upkeep necessary. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. Ability to work outside in all weather conditions required and be on your feet all day. Please e-mail a resume and brief letter of interest to timlarned@wvpd.org Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.

FARM TO PLATE NETWORK MANAGER

Join our team to strengthen VT's food system. Responsible for supporting the Network's focus areas of: food access, healthcare and community health, workforce development and education systems, racial equity, farmland access and land use planning, and community development.

FT salary between $63-66k, great benefits, casual but professional hybrid work environment, and an organizational culture where people feel valued, are energized, and can support forward-thinking solutions to our food system and climate challenges.

VSJF is an E.O.E. committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and a strong sense of belonging in the workplace.

PLEASE READ full job description here: vsjf.org/about-vsjfvermont/job-openings

Send cover letter & resume to jobs@vsjf.org by 5pm 5/13/24.

Are you a strategic leader with a desire to close the opportunity gap in Vermont?

SEEKING A DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

Join us as our Director of Strategic Initiatives to help drive change in VT communities. The director oversees members of the Grants & Community Impact team, collaborates with diverse stakeholders to create community impact strategies, and sets departmental goals for impact and success.

If this sounds like a good fit for you, visit VERMONTCF.ORG/CAREERS for a complete job description and instructions for applying.

Camp Director

Waterbury Recreation is looking for multiple Camp Directors to lead the 2024 Summer Camp. The Camp Directors will implement and supervise the 2024 Summer Camp for the Town of Waterbury. The Camp Directors will work directly with campers to provide a safe, responsible, well-supervised camp. The positions are responsible for implementing activity planning and projects, a positive learning environment, establishing a positive rapport with students, guardians and counselors, and preparing materials and supplies. Ahead of summer hours, Camp Directors will be required to have 1-3 planning sessions with the Recreation Director and Program Coordinator to prepare for camp.

Interested applicants should complete an employment application and email to Katarina Lisaius at: klisaius@waterburyvt.com with their cover letter and resume. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

We’re Hiring!

Employees enjoy competitive pay and benefits, including 13 paid holidays and generous paid time off.

Administrative Assistant Food Service Specialists

Full-time and part-time positions available

Our mission: Lund helps children thrive by empowering families to break cycles of poverty, addiction and abuse. Lund offers hope and opportunity to families through education, treatment, family support and adoption.

• Loading and unloading trucks at customers’ locations, Booska Warehouse, and other areas within the state.

• Heavy lifting of furniture, boxes, hot tubs, pianos, safes, boilers, and others items as needed in accordance with moving industry.

• Running areas as needed, box deliveries, equipment deliveries, light truck maintenance.

• Operating forklifts, loading and unloading of delivery trucks, box orders.

Director of Music

• Equipping trucks with all necessary equipment before leaving the yard.

• Pre-trip inspections before operating any Booska owned vehicle.

• Wood working, building crates, rigging, hoisting furniture.

• Pack jobs.

• Paperwork on moves, Bill of Ladings, Inventories, and other paperwork as needed.

• Performing the work in a safe and friendly maner.

Let’s Make Beautiful Music Together

The First UU Society of Burlington is searching for our next Director of Music who directs our adult choir, plays the piano, and collaborates to create an engaging, spiritual worship service. Our congregation is interested in a range of musical styles and is looking for someone who loves what they do and loves helping us find and express the music within us. Facility with AV/ tech a must. Experience with the organ: a plus. We are an organization with a mission you can feel great about. Let's find out if we are a good fit.  Work on-site on Sunday mornings and one evening per week (choir rehearsal), plus some remote hours.

Please go to uusociety.org/information/employmentopportunities to see the full job description. Send an email with your résumé to career@uusociety.org

New GRAD RN program helps ensure success!

Kick-start your nursing career at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) with our innovative Nurse Residency Program. Designed for passionate new grads, the program offers wrap-a-round support for long-term career excellence. Beginning in summer 2024, full-time positions will be available in departments such as Med Surg, Emergency and more. Applicants need a Vermont or multi-state RN licenses, BLS certification, and to be a graduate of an accredited nursing program. Program pillars include Leadership, Patient Outcomes, and Professional Roles. New grads are provided daily support and collaborative guidance. Join NVRH for competitive compensation, benefits, and a supportive environment where patients, community and employees thrive. St. Johnsbury, Vermont.

Apply now at www.nvrh.org/careers.

House Manager/Personal Assistant

Stowe/Morrisville: Personal Assistant sought for a family office located in Morrisville, Vermont to provide administrative support to both the professional and personal life of the Principal and her family. Duties are varied and will partially be administrative in nature as well as project-based work that requires research and creative thinking. The Personal Assistant must be an organized self-starter with the ability to work independently. Responsible for executing a variety of duties in alignment with the Principal’s wishes using resourcefulness and sensibility. The ideal candidate is bright, tech savvy, a consummate professional, interested in the arts and the world at large, and possesses a good sense of humor as it is a congenial place to work. Be willing to serve as driver on occasion. The successful candidate will be willing to work in a home office in a private residence in the country with other employees on property.

The position is full-time. Minimum three years as a PA/EA required. Please send resume, references, and starting salary requirements to arobertson25@hotmail.com

ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT STAFF

Vermont Legal Aid seeks a highly organized individual who enjoys working as part of a team, with a desire to further our mission. We have a full-time position available in Burlington, VT.

We encourage applicants from a broad range of backgrounds, and welcome information about how your experience can contribute to serving our diverse client communities. Applicants are encouraged to share in their cover letter how they can further our goals of social justice and individual rights. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to a discrimination-and-harassment-free workplace. Please read our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: vtlegalaid.org/commitment-diversity-inclusion

Responsibilities include general office management and front desk duties (answering phones, client contact, data entry, typing, file/document/database management), as well as providing administrative support to multiple attorneys and paralegals. Experience in an administrative support role is preferable. Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite required. Fluency in French, Spanish, Swahili, Kirundi, Somali, Arabic, Nepali, or Burmese is a plus. For job description and details: vtlegalaid.org/about-vla/jobs

Base salary is $42,480 with salary credit given for relevant prior work experience. Benefits include: Four weeks paid vacation, retirement, and excellent health benefits; possibility for law office study. Application deadline is May 20, 2024, or until filled. Send cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references as a single PDF file with subject line “Support Staff – May 2024” to hiring@vtlegalaid.org Please tell us how you heard about the position.

Head of Rescue Services

The Town of Shelburne is seeking candidates for a full-time, exempt leadership role for their Rescue Department (Shelburne Rescue). This position is Shelburne Rescue’s first full-time non-volunteer Head of Rescue Services. Shelburne Rescue is a municipal, combination (paid/ volunteer) ambulance service providing 911 emergency medical services to the Town and its neighboring communities. The Head of Service has the primary responsibility for executive oversight for Shelburne Rescue. The Department Head serves as the chief executive of the squad and represents both the Town of Shelburne as well as the Department and its providers to the public, the district and the state. The Department Head is expected to participate in emergency responses and is responsible for the leadership, management, and administration of the Department. This is to be accomplished through departmental planning, strategic visioning, and the development of long-term and short-term goals for the Department and its providers. Through the supervision of the Training Officer and lead providers (“Crew Chiefs”), the Department Head ensures the professional and efficient conduct of the Department operations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• National Registry of EMTs Paramedic Level Certification

• 5+ years’ experience in EMS with increasing levels of responsibility

• Emergency Vehicle Operations Certification or similar

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Supervisory/leadership experience

• VT EMS District 3 Credentialing / Paramedic Experience

• Firefighting experience (FFI or above)

• Interest in supporting the Town of Shelburne Fire Department emergency responses

• Bachelor’s Degree in EMS/Paramedicine/Emergency Management or similar

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Please submit your resume and complete the employment application, or contact Adam Backus, Town of Shelburne HR Assistant, at (802) 985-5121, abackus@shelburnevt.org. Equal Opportunity Employer

Local established flooring contractor. Fluent in QuickBooks and Excel a must, online and certified payroll, A/P, A/R, AIA contract billing, financial reporting, sales tax filing, bank recons, year end prep for accountant. Must be a team member and able to work in an open office floor plan. Must be able to work independently and willing to jump in as needed in our small 7 person office. Send resumes to: pdonohue@nefcvt.com

Openings

Drivers, and Drivers District

Brookfield Transportation with a Transportation Street, crrussell@orangesouthwest.org schoolspring.com/

Employer

Immediate Openings For:

School Bus Drivers

Route Drivers

Substitute Drivers

Orange S.W. School District: Randolph, Braintree, Brookfield

Join our Transportation Team. Earn a great hourly wage with a flexible schedule.

Contact Craig Russell, Transportation Coordinator 24 Central Street Randolph, VT 05060 (802) 728-9276 crrussell@orangesouthwest.org Or apply at: schoolspring.com/ jobdetail?jobId=4510062

Equal Opportunity Employer

General Assembly

Capitol

Police Officer

Adaptive Sailing Coordinator

The Northeast Disabled Athletic Association (NDAA) seeks the right person to lead our 2024 adaptive summer sailing program. Located at the Moorings in Malletts Bay, we are looking for someone who likes to work with persons with disabilities and knows how to sail. Must be organized, a competent sailor with good motorboat skills, comfortable with launching, rigging and maintaining two sailboats and an inflatable, and instructing and scheduling sailors and volunteers.

This position is weatherdependent from June to September and will require two full days a week. This is a great position for a student or retiree who wants to be outside, near the water and loves to help people enjoy sailing. Stipend available.

Send resumes to: pstanden@smcvt.edu

The Legislative support offices are currently hiring. The nonpartisan offices are an interesting, challenging, and exciting place to work.

You will be part of a highly professional and collegial team that is proud of, and enthusiastic about, the mission of the state legislature.

v To apply, please go to 'Career Opportunities' at legislature.vermont.gov.

Housekeeper

We're seeking a full-time housekeeper to keep a home impeccable for two individuals. Your duties encompass daily cleaning, laundry, changing linens, and preparing meals. Organizing spaces and managing supplies.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Daily cleaning and maintenance

• Preparing meals

• Organizing personal space

• Managing all aspects of entire residence's operation

• Managing household supplies

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 3 years of housekeeping experience

• Good communication/work ethic

• Excellent time management skills

• Fluent in English

• Honest, self-motivated and detail oriented

• Driver's license (bonus)

• Valid passport: may be asked to travel on rare occasions

Resumes to: imak74@hotmail.com

Weatherization Field Supervisor

We are seeking a Weatherization Field Supervisor to join our growing Weatherization and Climate Impact department at Capstone Community Action. The Field Supervisor is responsible for leading teams of Technicians, overseeing worksites, and manageing weatherization projects. This position is a hands-on, active member of the teams, participating in the work alongside the Technicians, communicating with homeowners and residents, maintaining worksite safety, and ensuring that work is conducted according to quality and performance standards.

The ideal candidate must have experience in building construction or trades, and experience supervising, leading or directing a team or crew. This position involves travel to and from worksites in an Agency vehicle; Field Supervisors are required to have a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

We offer a competitive wage and benefits package, which can be viewed at capstonevt.org/careers

Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest & resume to: Capstone Community Action, Inc., Human Resources - 20 Gable Place, Barre, VT 05641 Or e-mail: jobs@capstonevt.org

Capstone Community Action, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider. Applications from women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people from diverse cultural backgrounds are encouraged.

The Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival [MNFF], celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year, is seeking a new Executive Director to guide the Festival into its second decade.

The Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival [MNFF], celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year, is seeking a new Executive Director to guide the Festival into its second decade.

Our goal is to hire a new Executive Director by August 1 or sooner, with his/ her/their duties commencing in September 2024, following an introduction at the Festival in late August. The MNFF is a highly successful and selective regional film festival buttressed by robust community support.

Our goal is to hire a new Executive Director by August 1 or sooner, with his/her/their duties commencing in September 2024, following an introduction at the Festival in late August. The MNFF is a highly successful and selective regional film festival buttressed by robust community support.

The position of Executive Director is a full-time, year-round job, with significant emphasis on the five-month period of peak responsibility between April 15 and September 15, during which time the Executive Director must be in residence in the greater Middlebury area. The ideal candidate for this position must have extensive experience managing or holding a leadership position in a non-profit arts or cultural organization (6 – 8 years); be able to juggle myriad organizing, scheduling and recruiting tasks; exhibit strong interpersonal skills for engaging the community, Festival sponsors and stakeholders; o er clear evidence of fundraising ability; and demonstrate a love and appreciation for films and the art of filmmaking.

For complete job description, salary range and a full list of duties, please visit middfilmfest.org/employment-opportunities. Please e-mail a letter of application, resume, and three references with their contact information to elizabeth@middfilmfest.org by May 31, 2024.

The position of Executive Director is a full-time, year-round job, with significant emphasis on the five-month period of peak responsibility between April 15 and September 15, during which time the Executive Director must be in residence in the greater Middlebury area. The ideal candidate for this position must have extensive experience managing or holding a leadership position in a non-profit arts or cultural organization (6 – 8 years); be able to juggle myriad organizing, scheduling and recruiting tasks; exhibit strong interpersonal skills for engaging the community, Festival sponsors and stakeholders; offer clear evidence of fundraising ability; and demonstrate a love and appreciation for films and the art of filmmaking.

MNFF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

For a more complete job description and a full list of duties, see the job description at https://middfilmfest.org/employment-opportunities/.

Long-Term Care OMBUDSMAN

Vermont Legal Aid seeks two full-time, Long-Term Care Ombudsmen: one for Chittenden and one for Bennington county, VT.

General responsibilities: Advocate for long-term care recipients. Identify, investigate, and help resolve complaints made by, or for, individuals receiving long-term care services in long-term care facilities and in the community through Vermont’s Choices for Care Medicaid program. Visit long-term care facilities to talk with residents and monitor conditions. Empower long-term care recipients to direct their own care. See vtlegalaid.org/about-vla/jobs for details.

We encourage applicants from a broad range of backgrounds, and welcome information about how your experience can contribute to serving our diverse client communities. Applicants are encouraged to share in their cover letter how they can further our goals of social justice and individual rights. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace. Please visit: vtlegalaid.org/about-vla/diversity-inclusion

Starting salary is $48,200, with additional salary credit given for relevant prior work experience. Four weeks’ paid vacation and retirement, as well as excellent health benefits.

One position will focus on Chittenden County, the other will focus on Bennington County. Significant in-state travel in a personal vehicle required (with travel reimbursement).

Application deadline is May 27, 2024. Your application should include a cover letter (specify location preference), resume, writing sample, and three professional references with contact information, sent as a single PDF. Applicants must be able to pass conflict of interest review and background check. Email your application to hiring@vtlegalaid.org; include in the subject line your name and “VOP Ombudsman May 2024.” Please let us know how you heard about this position.

ATTENTION RECRUITERS:

Development Assistant

Lake Champlain Maritime Museum seeks part-time, in person Development Assistant. Integral member of fundraising team, responsible for data entry/reporting and support for mailings/special events. 20 hours/week, $22/hour.

See lcmm.org/careers for full position description and application instructions.

Business Associate

Seasonal Lawn/ Landscape Job

WHERE YOU AND YOUR WORK MATTER

GRANT S MAN AGEM ENT SPECIALIS T – MONTPELIER

The Department of Housing and Community Development seeks an enthusiastic and creative team player with excellent organizational, administrative, and communication skills to assist and support state and federal grant programs that create vibrant communities where people love to live, work, and play. DHCD is remote work friendly. For more information, contact Richard Amore at richard.amore@ vermont.gov. Department: Commerce & Community Development. Location: Montpelier. Status: Full Time, Limited Service. Job ID #49976. Application Deadline: May 13, 2024.

ENVIRONMENT AL PRO GRAM MAN A GE R - LAKES AND POND S – M ON TPELIER /HYBRID REMO TE

We’re looking for an experienced environmental manager to join our team of dedicated and knowledgeable water resource professionals. The Lakes and Ponds Program Manager oversees the administrative, planning, and policy work of the program. The program protects and restores the health of Vermont lakes, and the public uses they support through outreach, water quality monitoring and assessment, and regulatory programs. For more information, contact Bethany Sargent at bethany.sargent@vermont.gov. Department: Environmental Conservation. Location: Montpelier/Hybrid Remote. Status: Full Time. Job ID #49315. Application Deadline: May 22, 2024.

AGRICUL TURE DEVELOPM ENT SPECIALIS T I –MONTPELIER

The Agriculture Development Division of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets seeks a highly motivated individual to support Vermont’s agricultural, forestry and food businesses. This position is a key part of the marketing team and will lead the Division’s price discovery and reporting programs, which cover farmers markets, beef, organic dairy, and maple. This position will also provide Division-wide support around efforts to enhance quantitative storytelling and impact reporting. For more information, contact Trevor Lowell at trevor.lowell@vermont.gov. Department: Agriculture, Food & Markets. Location: Montpelier. Status: Full Time, Limited Service. Job ID #49983. Application Deadline: May 8, 2024.

FIN ANCIAL DIRECT O R IV – WATERBURY

The State of Vermont Agency of Human Services seeks a confident and organized professional for the position of Financial Director IV. Responsibilities include supervision of more than $1B in annual federal receipts, compliance with the federal Cash Management Improvement Act, submitting the Agency’s quarterly cost allocation plan to HHS Cost Allocation Services, monitoring AHS departments’ financials, and development of AHS’ SEFA form. This position serves as one of two deputies to the CFO. For more information, contact Richard Donahey at richard. donahey@vermont.gov. Department: Human Services. Location: Waterbury. Status: Full Time. Job ID #50009. Application Deadline: May 13, 2024.

As a member of the Student Government Association (SGA) team, the Business Associate will provide key management and operationalization of critical business functions. Responsibilities including management of the online payment platform, administering purchasing card and fleet card programs, reconciling expenses, and managing communications regarding revenue and expenses. The Associate responds to inquiries and supports student leaders in navigating business processes, collaborates on financial reporting, administers purchasing processes, and other business needs. As a member of the Business Office, the Associate will adhere to federal, University, and SGA policies, procedures, and guidelines, and perform other administrative functions. Our staff support and promote a safe and inclusive environment while supporting the mission and philosophy of the Department of Student Life, the Division of Student Affairs, and the University of Vermont. This is an 11-month position.

The University of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category legally protected by federal or state law. The University encourages applications from all individuals who will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the institution. Submit your application online uvmjobs.com/postings/72078

Minifactory (cafe & grocery) homes V Smiley Preserves (jam company) in downtown Bristol, Vermont. This hybrid restaurant, grocery & production model hums with daily activity. 16 Main St (our location) has operated continuously as a bakery/cafe for over 4 decades.

We serve coffee, manufacture and sell our preserves in house while serving an all-day-style menu. Biscuits w/ Ham & Peach Tomato Jam, 24 Hour Yogurt w/ Braised Greens and Crispy Lentils, Radicchio w/ Honey Creme Fraiche & Lemon, Chickpea Pancakes w/ Herby Urfa Biber Chicken.

Currently hiring with pay $20-28/hr, DOE:

• HYBRID BAKING ASSISTANT & COOK

• DAYTIME COMMUNITY KITCHEN COOK

• HONEY JAM MAKER (TO TRAIN)

Bristol, Vermont is located in Addison County. The area is agricultural and adjacent to the mountain communities of Lincoln and Starksboro. We are a 40 minute drive to Burlington, 25 minutes to Middlebury.

V Smiley Preserves and Minifactory are queer owned/run. Full descriptions & application details: vsmileypreserves.com/jobs

Must be at least 16 years old, a team player who works well alone or in a small group, is able to operate a commercial mower, can perform typical lawncare work, is able to lift up to 50 lbs. and safely use ladders. This up-to 40 hours per week seasonal position without benefits is available now. The pay-rate is $20/hour. Contact (802) 985-9218 or email: bmercure@ meachcovefarms.org

Vermont Tent Company is currently accepting applications for the following positions for immediate employment and future summer/fall employment starting in May. Full time, part time, after school and weekend hours available for each position. Pay rates vary by position with minimum starting wage ranging from $19-$23/hour depending on job skills and experience. We also offer retention and referral bonuses.

• Tent Maintenance

• Tent Installation

• Drivers/Delivery

• Load Crew Team

Interested candidates submit application online: vttent.com/ employment

No phone calls, please.

MOVING PROFESSIONALS

Local moving company looking for movers! Previous experience is not required. We will train the right candidates! Applicants must have a valid driver’s license, have the highest level of customer service and work well in a team atmosphere. Competitive wages!

Please call 802-655-6683 for more information or email resume to: Jennifer@vtmoving.com

2v-VTMovingCo050119.indd

LINEWORKER

The Town of Hardwick Electric Department (HED) is looking for fully qualified First-Class Lineworkers to fill vacancies within our operations team. With 325 miles of overhead/ underground power facilities, we serve over 4,000 customers in 11 Vermont towns.

Applicants must be proficient in performing all overhead/underground transmission and distribution operations, construction, maintenance, and restoration duties in accordance with industry standard safe work practices for both energized and de-energized equipment. Successful candidates will be in the on-call rotation for after-hours outage response. Successful candidates will possess and maintain a Vermont Class A Commercial Driver's License. Position requires probationary period of six months. In addition to a competitive wage, HED offers an excellent benefits package.

Operations Support

True North Evolution is seeking a full-time, year-round Operations Support person. The ideal candidate is an adaptable team player with a positive attitude who is willing to work both indoors and outdoors performing a variety of tasks associated with the logistics of running our program. Tasks include food packing and rationing, gear outfitting, transportation, and facilities maintenance. Candidates must be willing to work weekends and occasional evenings. A clean and valid driver’s license is required. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits offered. Benefits include health, dental, vision and accident insurance, an employee assistance program, a Wellness Fund, student loan repayment reimbursement, and a SIMPLE IRA.

Program Manager

WINGPERSON

Seeking a responsible, creative, kind, spirited,

individual to help my son continue to improve his living, recreation and communication skills. Alternating weekends each month, Friday 5:00 pm — Saturday 5:00 pm, $500 per day, or 2 consec. weeknights from Mon to Th, 5-10 pm, $25/hr.

Send resume to sk@kieselaw.com

True North is seeking a Program Manager to join our team. The ideal candidate is an adaptable team player, with a positive attitude and leadership skills who is willing to work both indoors and outdoors. The Program Manager will be working closely with all departments at True North to help facilitate daily programming for the students, coordinate and execute schedules, supervise and train guides (direct care staff), and support the therapeutic goals for students. Candidates must be willing to work weekends and occasional evenings. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits offered. Benefits include health, dental, vision, accident insurance, an employee assistance program, SIMPLE IRA, access to an employee wellness fund, and opportunity for student loan reimbursement.

Office and Medication Administrator

True North is actively hiring for an Office and Medication Administrator who can assist in day-to-day office administrative tasks, organize and pack student medications, and effectively communicate and collaborate with parents, doctors, and various True North departments. The ideal candidate is an organized, flexible team player with a warm and friendly personality. This is an inperson, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. position. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits offered. Benefits include health, dental, vision, accident insurance, an employee assistance program, SIMPLE IRA, access to an employee wellness fund, and the opportunity for student loan payment reimbursement.

For more information, visit: truenorthevolution.com/careers Relocation stipends available on a case by case basis.

e Mission of Mans eld Hall is to build a community that empowers and supports students with diverse learning needs to earn a college degree, develop authentic living skills, and create a meaningful life.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

As an Executive Director at Mans eld Hall, you will manage all overall operations at your designated site, with support from the Executive Team. ere is not a position that includes managing a board or fundraising. You will be at the forefront of our e orts to create an inclusive and supportive environment for our students, helping them to succeed in the Four Core Areas of Living, Learning, Giving, and Engaging.

WHO YOU ARE

• A holder of a graduate degree in social or behavioral sciences. • Experienced with a minimum of 3-5 years in a leadership role, preferably in educational settings.

• Adept in various evidence-based practices, including Neurodiversity, Autism, and Executive Functioning Challenges. • Experience with co-occurring mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, selfharm and suicidal ideation. • Committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

WHY MANSFIELD HALL?

Impact: Make a meaningful di erence in the lives of young adults, your team, and changing the narrative of disability in our society.

Culture: Join a team that values respect, inclusion, and professional growth.

Bene ts: Competitive salary, comprehensive health bene ts, and a supportive work environment.

For full job descriptions and to apply: mans eldhall.org/employment 289 College Street, Burlington, VT 05401 (802) 440-0532 | mans eldhall.org

Mans eld Hall is an E.O.E. committed to a diverse workplace. People from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, women, and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.

ATTENTION RECRUITERS:

8_MansfieldHall_050824.indd 1 5/3/24 2:07 PM

POST YOUR JOBS AT: SEVENDAYSVT.COM/POSTMYJOB

PRINT DEADLINE: NOON ON MONDAYS (INCLUDING HOLIDAYS)

FOR RATES & INFO: MICHELLE BROWN, 802-865-1020 X121, MICHELLE@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

HARDWICK ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT

Burlington Housing Authority (BHA)

Are you interested in a job that helps your community and makes a difference in people’s lives every day? Consider joining Burlington Housing Authority (BHA) in Burlington, VT to continue BHA’s success in promoting innovative solutions that address housing instability challenges facing our diverse population of low-income families and individuals.

We are currently hiring for the following positions:

Building Operations 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.

Housing

Retention Services – Site

Based: Responsible for supporting those who have mental health and substance use challenges and/or who have moved from homelessness to Bobbin Mill, Wharf Lane, and other BHA properties. The position works closely with property management and other site-based staff to identify challenges and respond with appropriate direct service and coordination of community services, with a goal of eviction prevention and facilitating a healthy tenancy.

Offender Re-entry Housing Specialist: Provides support to men and women under the VT Department of Corrections supervision from prison back to Chittenden County. The ORHS focuses on high-risk men and women who are being released from jail and graduating transitional housing programs and in need of permanent housing. The ORHS provides intensive retention and eviction prevention services and works collaboratively with the Burlington Probation and Parole Office. Additionally, the ORHS works with various case workers, Re-Entry staff and the Administrative Staff from the VT Department of Corrections and the broad network of COSA staff as necessary throughout Chittenden County.

For more info about these career opportunities: burlingtonhousing.org

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!

Our robust benefit package includes premium medical insurance with a health reimbursement account, dental, vision, short and long term disability, 10% employer funded retirement plan, 457 retirement plan, accident insurance, life insurance, cancer & critical illness insurance.

We provide a 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. Plus, a sign on bonus!

Interested in this opportunity? Send cover letter/resume to: humanresources@ burlingtonhousing.org

Human Resources

Burlington Housing Authority 65 Main Street, Suite 101 Burlington, VT 05401

Find more info about these career opportunities at burlingtonhousing.org

BHA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

GO HIRE.

Job Seekers:

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.

• 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 Michelle Brown: 865-1020, ext. 121, michelle@sevendaysvt.com.

Case Manager

Case Manager to help implement refugee resettlement leading to economic self-sufficiency.

Responsibilities include: case in-take, liaising with employers and officials, maintenance of files. Preference for an individual who is familiar with working with foreign nationals and has foreign language capacity. Requires patience and understanding for people entering the US with lack of knowledge of English and the life in Vermont. Requires computer skills.

Send resumes to: contact@grace-initiative.org

Veterinary Receptionist/ Patient Care Coordinator

Qi Veterinary Clinic

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Passionate

• A strong communicator in person, via email and phone

• Loves animals and the people who care for them

This is a full-time position consisting of four 10 hour shifts per week. Pay range is $18-$25 and includes the following benefits:

• 40 hours paid personal/sick time per year

• 80 hours paid vacation time/year

• 52 hours paid major Holidays per year

• $2,600 contribution towards healthcare premium per year

• Simple IRA with matching up to 3%

• Staff Lunches 2-3 times/week

Serious applicants must submit a resume, include a cover letter telling us why you're the right person for us and 3 references. One reference must be from a direct supervisor. Send resumes: therese@Qivet.com

Executive Director

Vermont Natural Resources Council’s Board of Directors seeks a new Executive Director and invites candidates to apply for the opportunity to lead this impactful, established, and highly regarded organization at an exciting time. The successful candidate will be a seasoned and collaborative nonprofit leader who is familiar with legislative processes, environmental policy issues, and environmental justice.

To learn more about the position and how to apply, visit eostransitions.applicantpool.com

Sales Associate

(Keyholder)

Join Ten Thousand Villages in Burlington as a Retail Sales Associate! We are seeking part-time keyholders with weekday and weekend availability for our Church Street location. If you want to directly connect the Ten Thousand Villages mission and products with customers in a friendly work environment, apply today! Customer service skills a must, previous retail experience preferred. Hourly rate starting at $18.00.

manager.burlington@ tenthousandvillages.com

2v-VNRCinterns050824.indd

CHILD PROTECTION REGISTRY REVIEWER

GRANT S MAN AGEM ENT SPECIALIS T – MONTPELIER

COMPENSATION: $33 per hour, plus mileage reimbursement for approved travel

SCHEDULE: Part-time (number of hours per week varies)

INITIAL CONTRACT TERM: Through June 30, 2025

The Department of Housing and Community Development seeks an enthusiastic and creative team player with excellent organizational, administrative, and communication skills to assist and support state and federal grant programs that create vibrant communities where people love to live, work, and play. DHCD is remote work friendly. For more information, contact Richard Amore at richard.amore@ vermont.gov. Department: Commerce & Community Development. Location: Montpelier. Status: Full Time, Limited Service. Job ID #49976. Application Deadline: May 13, 2024.

Direct Support Professional

Why not have

a job you love?

Provide direct supports to individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism in their home, the community or their workplace. This is a great entry level position to human services and for those looking to continue their work in this field. Starting wage is $20/hr with a sign on bonus of $1,000 at 6 months.

Benefit package includes 29 paid days off in the first year, comprehensive health insurance plan with premium as low as $13 per month, up to $6,400 to go towards medical deductibles and copays, retirement match, generous signon bonus and so much more.

And that’s on top of working at one of the “Best Places to Work in Vermont” for six years running. Make a career making a difference and apply today: staff@ccs-vt.org

SUMMARY: This is a part-time contracted position with the Department for Children and Families (DCF) — Commissioner's Registry Review Unit.

ENVIRONMENT AL PRO GRAM MAN A GE R - LAKES AND POND S – M ON TPELIER /HYBRID REMO TE

THE DUTIES INCLUDE:

•Meeting with individuals substantiated for child abuse or neglect

•Reviewing information provided about each case

•Determining whether DCF met policy and legal requirements in reaching its decision

We’re looking for an experienced environmental manager to join our team of dedicated and knowledgeable water resource professionals. The Lakes and Ponds Program Manager oversees the administrative, planning, and policy work of the program. The program protects and restores the health of Vermont lakes, and the public uses they support through outreach, water quality monitoring and assessment, and regulatory programs. For more information, contact Bethany Sargent at bethany.sargent@vermont.gov. Department: Environmental Conservation. Location: Montpelier/Hybrid Remote. Status: Full Time. Job ID #49315. Application Deadline: May 22, 2024.

AGRICUL TURE DEVELOPM ENT SPECIALIS T I –MONTPELIER

•Reviewing petitions to expunge an individual’s Child Protection Registry record

•Work is primarily home based & involves travel to state offices.

•The work schedule is flexible.

•The successful applicant must undergo and pass all background checks deemed necessary by the State and DCF before the contract can be awarded.

The Agriculture Development Division of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets seeks a highly motivated individual to support Vermont’s agricultural, forestry and food businesses. This position is a key part of the marketing team and will lead the Division’s price discovery and reporting programs, which cover farmers markets, beef, organic dairy, and maple. This position will also provide Division-wide support around efforts to enhance quantitative storytelling and impact reporting. For more information, contact Trevor Lowell at trevor.lowell@vermont.gov. Department: Agriculture, Food & Markets. Location: Montpelier. Status: Full Time, Limited Service. Job ID #49983. Application Deadline: May 8, 2024.

FIN ANCIAL DIRECT O R IV – WATERBURY

QUALIFICATIONS: Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree plus 10 years’ experience in human services or related field such as education, legal, health or law enforcement. OR Master’s Degree with 5 years’ experience in a human services or related field such as education, legal, health or law enforcement.

The State of Vermont Agency of Human Services seeks a confident and organized professional for the position of Financial Director IV. Responsibilities include supervision of more than $1B in annual federal receipts, compliance with the federal Cash Management Improvement Act, submitting the Agency’s quarterly cost allocation plan to HHS Cost Allocation Services, monitoring AHS departments’ financials, and development of AHS’ SEFA form. This position serves as one of two deputies to the CFO. For more information, contact Richard Donahey at richard. donahey@vermont.gov. Department: Human Services. Location: Waterbury. Status: Full Time. Job ID #50009. Application Deadline: May 13, 2024.

HOW TO APPLY: Your application must be submitted through the Vermont Business Registry website, found here: dcf.vermont.gov/about/jobs Please direct all inquiries to Matthew Rockwell, Grants and Contracts Manager at AHS. DCFContractsandGrantsRFP@vermont.gov.

Learn more at : careers.vermont.gov

The State of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity Employer

DEADLINE TO APPLY: MIDNIGHT ON FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2024.

ATTENTION RECRUITERS:

Chief Development Officer for International NGO

PH International (Project Harmony, Inc.) is an international non-profit with 40 years of experience focusing on civic engagement, cross cultural learning, and increased opportunities in the digital age. The U.S. headquarters is located in Waitsfield, VT with field offices in Armenia, Republic of Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine, with projects implemented globally.

PH International is seeking a full-time Chief Development Officer based in the Vermont office. This is a senior management position leading the design and development of new funding and outreach opportunities. The CDO will be a dynamic and creative individual with excellent technical writing and communication skills. A solid understanding of program development, implementation, and crosscultural considerations is essential. Experience with USG funding, compliance, OMB requirements, and budget development are required. Working in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment, the CDO will have opportunities to lead and learn about new technologies and best practices at the cutting edge of citizen engagement, exchange programming, civic education, youth-oriented programs, crossborder initiatives, legal education, and educational reform.

For job description and to apply: ph-int.org/vacancies. Application deadline: May 26, 2024.

Site Coordinator

This position is to provide operational support to the Williston campus by serving as a site Coordinator. The basic function will be as a resource to all campus partners to ensure the facilities are properly used, maintained, and secured. This position will serve a cross functional role in both Public Safety and Campus Operations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience managing a complex operation within a vibrant, fast paced setting

• A similar combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business or other appropriate discipline, plus three to four years of relevant clerical and administrative experience, or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired.

Vermont State University is a part of the Vermont State Colleges System (VSCS). VSCS values individual differences that can be engaged in the service of learning. Diverse experiences from people of varied backgrounds inform and enrich our community. VSCS strongly encourages applications from historically marginalized and underrepresented populations.

VSCS is an equal opportunity employer, in compliance with ADA requirements, and will make reasonable accommodations for the known disability of an otherwise qualified applicant.

Please contact our HR office for help with accommodations: humanresources@ vermontstate.edu

For more details: bit.ly/VSUsiteCoord

fun stuff

“Last chance to turn back ... You’re sure you want to evolve?”

JEN SORENSEN

HARRY BLISS

Who is exploring another run for Vermont governor?

Answer topical questions like these in our weekly news quiz. It’s quick, fun and informative. Take a new quiz each Friday at sevendaysvt.com/quiz.

LIKE TO DO PUZZLES?

Challenge yourself with online games from Seven Days at sevendaysvt.com/games.

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

RACHEL LINDSAY

TAURUS

(APR. 20-MAY 20)

Keizoku wa chikara nari is a Japanese proverb that means “To continue is power.” I propose you make that your motto for the next four weeks. Everything you need to happen and all the resources you need to attract will come your way as long as your overarching intention is perseverance. This is always a key principle for you Tauruses but especially now. If you can keep going, if you can overcome your urges to quit your devotions, you will gain a permanent invigoration of your willpower.

ARIES (Mar. 21-Apr. 19): When my friend Jessalyn first visited Disneyland as a child, she was smitten by its glimmering, unblemished mystery. “It was far more real than real,” she said. “A dream come true.” But after a few hours, her infatuation unraveled. She began to see through the luster. Waiting in long lines to go on the rides exhausted her. The mechanical elephant was broken. The food was unappetizing. The actor impersonating Mickey Mouse shucked his big mouse head and swilled a beer. The days ahead may have resemblances to Jessalyn’s awakening for you. This slow-motion jolt might vex you initially, although I believe it’s a healthy sign. It will

lead to a cleansed perspective that’s free of illusion and teeming with clarity.

GEMINI (May 21-Jun. 20): Do you believe there are divine beings, animal spirits and departed ancestors who are willing and able to help us? If not, you may want to skip this horoscope. I won’t be upset if you feel that way. But if you do harbor such views, as I do, I’m pleased to tell you that they will be extra available for you in the coming weeks. Remember one of the key rules about their behavior: They love to be asked for assistance; they adore it when you express your desires for them to bring you specific blessings and insights. Reach out, Gemini! Call on them.

CANCER (Jun. 21-Jul. 22): I’m taking a gamble here as I advise you to experiment with the counsel of visionary poet and painter William Blake (1757-1825). It’s a gamble because I’m asking you to exert a measure of caution as you explore his daring, unruly advice. Be simultaneously prudent and ebullient, Cancerian. Be discerning and wild. Be watchful and experimental. Here are Blake’s directions: 1) “The road to excess leads to the palace of wisdom, for we never know what is enough until we know what is more than enough.” 2) “If the fool would persist in his folly, he would become wise.” 3) “The pride of the peacock is the glory of God. The lust of the goat is the bounty of God.” 4) “No bird soars too high if it soars with its own wings.” 5) “Exuberance is Beauty.”

LEO (Jul. 23-Aug. 22): Cosmic energies are staging a big party in your astrological House of Ambition. It’s a great time to expand and intensify your concepts of what you want to accomplish with your one wild and precious life. You will attract unexpected help as you shed your inhibitions about asking for what you really want. Life will benevolently conspire on your behalf as you dare to get bolder in defining your highest goals. Be audacious, Leo! Be brazen and brave and brilliant! I predict you will be gifted with lucid intuitions about how best to channel your drive for success. You will get feelers from influential people who can help you in your quest for victory. (PS: The phrase “your one wild and precious life” comes from poet Mary Oliver.)

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sep. 22): Is it possible to be too smart for your own good? Maybe, although that won’t be a problem for you anytime soon. However, you may temporarily be too smart for some people who are fixated on conventional and simplistic solutions. You could be too super-brilliant for those who wallow in fear or regard cynicism as a sign of intelligence. But I will not advise you to dumb yourself down, dear Virgo. Instead, I will suggest you be crafty and circumspect. Act agreeable and humble, even as you plot behind the scenes to turn everything upside down and inside out — by which I mean, make it work with more grace and benefit for everyone concerned.

LIBRA (Sep. 23-Oct. 22): In my fairy tale about your life in the coming weeks and months, you will transform from a crafty sleuth to an eager explorer. You will finish your wrestling matches with tricky angels and wander off to consort with big thinkers and deep feelers. You will finish your yeoman attempts to keep everyone happy in the human zoo and instead indulge your sacred longings for liberation and experimentation. In this fairy tale of your life, Libra, I will play the role of your secret benefactor. I will unleash a steady stream of prayers to bless you with blithe zeal as you relish every heart-opening, brain-cleansing moment of your new chapter.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In the coming months, I will encourage you to keep deepening and refining the art of intimacy. I will rejoice as you learn more and more about how to feel close to people you care for and how to creatively deal with challenges you encounter in your quest to become closer. Dear Scorpio, I will also cheer you on whenever you dream up innovations to propitiate togetherness. Bonus blessings! If you do all I’m describing, your identity will come into brighter focus. You will know who you are with greater accuracy. Get ready! The coming weeks will offer you novel opportunities to make progress on the themes I’ve mentioned.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You could offer a workshop on the perks of wobbliness. Your anxious ruminations and worried fantasies are so colorful that I almost hesitate

to tell you to stop. I’m wondering if this is one of those rare phases when you could take advantage of your so-called negative feelings. Is it possible that lurking just below the uneasiness are sensational revelations about a path to liberation? I’m guessing there are. To pluck these revelations, you must get to the core of the uneasiness.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): During the past 11 months, life has offered you unprecedented opportunities to deepen and ripen your emotional intelligence. You have been vividly invited to grow your wisdom about how to manage and understand your feelings. I trust you have been capitalizing on these glorious teachings. I hope you have honed your skills at tapping into the power and insights provided by your heart and gut. There’s still more time to work on this project, Capricorn. In the coming weeks, seek out breakthroughs that will climax this phase of your destiny.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Naturalist and author Henry David Thoreau declared, “We need the tonic of wildness.” Amen! In my view, you Aquarians especially need this sweet, rugged healing power in the coming weeks. Borrowing more words from Thoreau, I urge you to exult in all that is mysterious, unsurveyed and unfathomable. Like Thoreau, I hope you will deepen your connection with the natural world because “it is cheerfully, musically earnest.” Share in his belief that “we must go out and re-ally ourselves to Nature every day. We must make root, send out some little fiber.”

PISCES (Feb. 19-Mar. 20): I have four questions and homework assignments for you, Pisces. 1) Is there a person in your inner circle who is close to ripening a latent talent that would ultimately benefit you? I suspect there is. What can you do to assist them? 2) Is there a pending gift or legacy that you have not yet claimed or activated? I think so. What would be a good first step to get it fully into your life? 3) What half-dormant potency could you call on and use if you were more confident about your ability to wield it? I believe you now have the wherewithal to summon the confidence you need. 4) What wasteful habit could you replace with a positive new habit?

Respond to these people online: dating.sevendaysvt.com

WOMEN seeking...

SINGING, SPRINGTIME AND GREAT CONVERSATIONS

Warm, thoughtful, intelligent, aware, intuitive, witty, gracious, earthy, musical, earnest, enthusiastic and romantic woman seeks man who seriously wants the fun, delight, challenges, mystery, awe and rewards of a long-term, committed relationship. VermontContent 62, seeking: M, l

EMBRACING THE LAYERS OF LIFE

I laugh and love with gusto and have a skeptic’s mind. Very comfortable living in the depths and layers and do not thrive in the shallows. I value intellect and humility. I love color, being in the beauty of our world, and experiencing the gifts that can be found in joy, grief, laughter, intimacy and the complexities of being human. LoveBlueReds 55, seeking: M

GENUINELY HAPPY, SEEKING SAME Easygoing, life-loving sixtysomething in search of a man comfortable in his own skin who loves deep conversations. All the usuals apply: Must love dogs. It’s the way to my heart, for sure. Must also love the outdoors, and not in a fanatic way. Enjoy being in nature. And finally, for now anyway, must love a good belly laugh. Joyful 64, seeking: M, l

SMART, SELF-AWARE, KIND

SEEKS SAME Smart, self-aware and kind seeking same. AnneShirley 48, seeking: M

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W = Women

M = Men

TW = Trans women

TM = Trans men

Q = Genderqueer people

NBP = Nonbinary people

NC = Gender nonconformists

Cp = Couples

Gp = Groups

GENUINE, THOUGHTFUL, PASSIONATE

Solo tiny-farming in the hills is sublime, but this unscripted homesteading comedy could use more characters: a partner in permaculture, a paddling companion, a cross-country/backcountry ski buddy, a Scrabble challenger. Some other favored pastimes: sailing, reading, Champlain Islands camping in fall, vegetarian cookery, making you laugh. Life is good. Just missing someone special to share the journey. nordicbette242 53, seeking: M, l

CUTE OLD CHICK!

I am compassionate, still a thrill seeker (I just zip-lined in Costa Rica), curious about the world and using the Google machine to search for answers. My bucket list is long. Get your passport out and let’s go! 70 years young, originally from Vermont, retired, enjoys long walks, gardening, biking, anything on water, eating sushi. ExoldVermonter 70, seeking: M, l

LIVING THE NEXT CHAPTER

Hello. I am looking for someone to spend this next chapter of life with. I enjoy taking walks, going for rides on the back roads with no destination in mind. I love the ocean. It’s my happy place. I enjoy going out for a meal now and then but am just as content to stay in. My grandchildren are my joy. Ajb, 60 seeking: M, l

A FRESH START

I’m smart, work hard and want someone who can help me play hard. I’m not looking to meet “soon,” nor do I want an instant relationship (I just got out of one), but I am open to it if the right person comes along. I feel like I just woke up from a long nap — entertain me! Freshstart 57 seeking: M, l

CREATIVE WOMAN SEEKS LIBERATED

MALE

I want a guy who was raised by a liberated mother. I am creative, witty, talented, graceful and devilish. Someone once said I think out of both sides of my brain — organized and artistic. I once auditioned for and was selected to sing backup for the Shirelles. People think I’m fun to be with. Maybe you will, too. San2Lus, 74 seeking: M, l

BIODYNAMIC, SAGACIOUS ARTIST

Desire meaningful conversation, companionship, laughter and love. I am family- and community-minded with philanthropic tendencies; broadly studied in history, art, science and spirituality; well traveled and influenced by world cultures. I lead a conscientious, healthy lifestyle and keep a clean home, hands and heart. Retired, actively pursuing my passions and enjoying my grandchildren. Are you similarly inclined? Eruditee, 60, seeking: M, l

NATURE GIRL

New to the area and looking for friends and dates for the first time in my life. I feel weird even doing this (does everyone say that?). I’m in my 50s but slim and fit and honestly look younger than I am. Prefer slim, tall men but honestly don’t care much as long as you’re openminded, fun and a good conversationalist. Highmeadows, 58, seeking: M, W, NC

INTROVERTED EXTROVERT TO DANCE

Are you a grown-up and still curious, playful, inquisitive, ever learning? I thrive outdoors in every season and relish reflective company, solitude and togetherness, sharing ideas and inspiration, and desires to love in a way that we feel free. I see that many of us here wonder how to describe ourselves. Aren’t we all more than we can say? esmeflying, 60, seeking: M, l

LOYAL, DEPENDABLE, DIFFERENT, LOVING

I am a mature, single woman of color who is open-minded, real and comfortable in my uniqueness. I am looking for white mature man for companionship and friendship. I value peace and joy and am not interested in any drama. Mami8 40, seeking: M

LIVING LIFE HUMBLY AND LOVINGLY

Would love to share what life has taught me through experiences. Traveled a lot and now like to go on long drives around Vermont hills. Looking for another soul in a physical form to laugh, eat, hike, swim, hold hands and watch the sunrise. Ahh285 55, seeking: M, W, l

LAID-BACK, OLD-SCHOOL

I am a loving, caring, honest and dependable woman. I care about family and old and new friends. I would do what I can to help others. I believe in God. Looking for someone of the same, plus kind and gentle, to be someone my family would also like. sunshineCarol, 75, seeking: M, l

HONEST, KIND, FUNNY, ADVENTUROUS, CURIOUS

I’m comfortable being on my own but want to share adventures and experiences with that special someone. I love to hear people’s stories; I’ve been told I’m a good listener. I’m looking for someone who is kind, likes to laugh and loves experiencing new things; ideally starting off as a friendship that grows to a deeper and more caring relationship. Friendlysoul 67 seeking: M, l

MEN seeking...

IMPULSIVE, GOOFY, ROMANTIC BALD GUY

I’m a Sagittarius, Rabbit, 9w8, INFP. If any of that means something to you, then we should talk. I like to have fun and am a bit goofy. I make up songs and dance spontaneously. I also like to relax with a book on the sofa. I like walks in the woods. I’m romantic and like holding hands and kissing. Autumn63 60, seeking: W, l

NO EXPECTATIONS

I created this profile because someone posted their profile and they’ve piqued my curiosity. Dating sites otherwise have little to no appeal. NoExpectations 62, seeking: W, l

EVER EVOLVING

Keep life simple and grounded. enlightenment, 60, seeking: W

OLD SCHOOL

I’m the cool guy. The one after you go, “That needs to happen again.” NEKlove 27, seeking: W, l

LAID-BACK, OLD-SCHOOL AND LOVING LIFE!

I’m a man with many interests who never likes to be bored, and I’m looking for a partner or new friend to share my life with and experience new things together. New foods, new sights, new sounds and new conversation topics. I have a lot of love to give, so I hope we can meet and see where things go. Edb9432, 42, seeking: W, l

FIT, KIND, RETIRED ADVENTURER

Recently widowed retiree looking for adventure. I am completely housebroken — cooking, washing, ironing, sometimes picking up. Looking to travel to the 13 states I haven’t been to and the Canadian Maritimes. I am involved in city board activities and military service orgs. Love dining out and theater or a good movie. arbycow, 82, seeking: W, l

NERDY GUY, GREAT DAD JOKES

Newly single guy in Chittenden County looking for great banter, inside jokes and amazing sex. A romantic at heart, I thrive on spontaneity and getting lost in our intimacy, if only for a night. Chad724 25 seeking: W, Cp, l

CASUAL BUT RESPECTFUL, FUNNY

You will always find me making plans as if my life were eternal, at the grocery store choosing my fresh products or enjoying a red wine, the aroma of garlic and basil while I cook. I don’t participate in any social network. My private life is exactly that: private. I want to receive what I give: sincerity and respect. Azzurro60 63 seeking: W, l

OLD-SCHOOL

Looking for wife-material woman who enjoys outdoors and helps around the house. I am honest and loyal. Someone who is not religious but desires to grow spiritually. Hockeyman 42 seeking: M

RETRO GROUCH

Quiet, more than a bit worn at the edges and lost inside my own head at times but warm, kind and thoughtful inside. My tolerance does run out with hypocrisy and mean-spiritedness. I am by no means the stereotypical male, and I never got the attraction of team sports. wanderling 67, seeking: W, NC, l

LAID-BACK, ORALLY BI, KINKY

Looking for kinky friends for friendship and more. Looking for people close to central Vermont. Looking for women, men and trans. I like to be involved in threesomes and group sex. If you are a man with a full beard, I’m not interested. It’s a really big turnoff for me. Sorry. looking67 56, seeking: M, W, TM, TW, Q, NC, NBP, Cp, Gp, l

EVERY DAY ABOVE GROUND IS GOOD

Active, athletic, open-minded, optimistic and positive. Seeking longterm relationship with a like-minded woman. Davidus, 60 seeking: W, l

NEW TO THIS

In great shape. Look much younger than my age. Hardworking homeowner who enjoys the outdoors, good food, traveling, riding my Harley, weekends on the boat. Any real adventure. Midvte 53, seeking: W, TW

DOWN-TO-EARTH

Hi. I’m looking for someone who likes to smile. I enjoy gardening, riding motorcycles, metal detecting, boating. I enjoy a cozy night at home with that special someone, maybe sitting around a fire. brian69, 55, seeking: TW, l

SUNNY SIDE OF LIFE

I have built a new house, new life in the NEK. I’m a young 67, active and always busy doing something, whether it’s work or play. Now that the house is done, it’s time to be outdoors creating my gardens and yard. I’m looking for a positive, happy, possibly nude gardener and creator who complements my own creative energy. MRO67, 67 seeking: W, l

PASSIONATE YET KINKY

I am a 61-y/o male who wants to meet someone to become FWB who is open-minded, not afraid of trying new things sexually. I am looking for a trans woman, female or trans male. Looking4sez 61 seeking: W, TM, TW

STONER DEADHEAD LIVING HIS LIFE

Been on this mountain for 25 years. Empathetic, compassionate, generous egoist. Creative tool-using lover of science, magic and humanity. Maker of music, pizza, tie-dyes and other creative oddities. Seeking a fun distraction. A muse. Growth. A dinner companion. A break from solitude. If magic happens, I am not likely to run away. MountainAnarchist, 58, seeking: W, l

TRANS WOMEN seeking...

RECENTLY RELOCATED, ADVENTUROUS, FREE SPIRIT

I’m a gorgeous, white, 100 percent passable trans lady who is 57 and could pass as 30 — yes, 30! I long for love, laughter and romance, along with loving nature. I want a man who’s all man, rugged, handsome, well built but prefers a woman like myself. It’s as simple as that. We meet, fall in love and live happily ever after. Sammijo, 58, seeking: M, l

GENDERQUEER PEOPLE seeking...

BABY BUTCH SEEKS GUIDANCE

(Not sexual or romantic.) If you’re queer, an activist or anything of the like, I would love to connect! I’m a genderweird (truly) babydyke butch, and I desperately want to learn from older queers. As much research as I’ve done on gay history, I always want to learn more and connect. If there are any other butches out there, please reach out! antweed, 18, seeking: TM, TW, Q, NC, NBP, l LET ME WRITE YOUR STORY Truly just here to explore everyone else. Dating weirds me out, and sex is so intimidating, so just let me be your friend. I promise I’m actually kinda cool. orion_nebula, 28, seeking: M, W, TM, TW, Q, NC, NBP, l

COUPLES seeking...

LOOKING FOR FUN PEEPS

Fun, open-minded couple seeking playmates. Shoot us a note if interested so we can share details and desires. Jackrabbits, 60, seeking: W, Cp

FUN COUPLE LOOKING FOR EXPLORATION

We are a secure couple who enjoy the outdoors, good wine, great food, playing with each other, exploring our boundaries and trying new things. We are 47 and 50, looking for a fun couple or bi man to play and explore with us. We are easygoing, and we’d love to meet you and see where our mutual adventures take us. vthappycouple, 50, seeking: M, Cp, Gp

LOVERS OF LIFE

We are a 40s couple, M/F, looking for adventurous encounters with openminded, respectful M/F or couples. Looking to enjoy sexy encounters, FWBs, short term or long term.

sunshines 43, seeking: M, W, Q, Cp

I SEE YOU

I wonder if you also come here hoping that someone noticed you. I wonder if when someone notices you, you lose interest in them. I wonder if you will ever be content. When: Saturday, May 4, 2024. Where: Burlington. You: Man. Me: Woman. #915998

18TH HOLE AT KWINIASKA

Very attractive blonde, finishing play on the 18th in the afternoon. I was coming off the fifth hole. Red-striped shirt. We shared a hello and a smile. Would you like to play a round together? Nine or 18? When: Saturday, May 4, 2024. Where: Kwiniaska Golf Club. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915997

SPARKS FLYING AT LAMP SHOP

Eyes catch from across the bar; your smile illuminates my heart. Such a fleeting yet very memorable moment. I hope to see you soon, Michelle. When: Friday, May 3, 2024. Where: Lamp Shop. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915996

DID YOU FEEL A SPARK

...by the bulk lentils? (You were wearing a light blue shirt, maybe in your late 20s, early 30s. You were also closer to the garbanzo beans.) I hope you did because you’re beautiful, it’s spring, and I’d love to meet again. When: Saturday, May 4, 2024. Where: Hunger Mountain Co-op. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915995

SUPER SMILING SWIMMER

You were in the masters’ swim. I was in the next lane, admiring your speed (and your cool blue suit). When I stopped to stretch, you paused in a turn to smile and say hello. For a swimming pool, that’s a long conversation. Care to try one on dry land? When: ursday, May 2, 2024. Where: e Edge, South Burlington You: Woman. Me: Man. #915994

If you’ve been spied, go online to contact your admirer!

HANDSOME BY THE BEVERAGE COOLER

I was standing by the beverage cooler near the produce department and checking out the new flavors of GT’s kombucha while the woman beside me stocked drinks. You were the handsome fella smiling at me when I turned around. Had I known my ride would be running late, I might have tarried a bit longer to enjoy the moment. When: Sunday, April 28, 2024. Where: Dorset St. Hannaford. You: Man. Me: Woman. #915993

ORB OF IMMEASURABLE BEAUTY

I’ve seen you around, but when you passed in front of a mass of incandescent plasma, I felt an alignment and harmony of bodies like never before and I saw you in a new light. I’ve been thinking of you ever since. Hit me up if you want to grab a sandwich together sometime. When: Monday, April 8, 2024. Where: in the sky. You: Gender nonconformist. Me: Man. #915992

STOWE SKI INSTRUCTOR AND REMOTE

We rode Valley House because Super Bravo stopped running. You were hoping to get to Blueberry Hill to ride your bike. You: from Waterbury, went to American U. Me: Annapolis, Guilford in Greensboro, worked at Green Mountain Club. Guy to my right on quad very loud persistent annoying talker. Are you “Sharon” the love? I want to know more. When: Saturday, April 27, 2024. Where: Sugarbush Valley House lift. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915991

APARTMENT CLEANING

I cleaned your apartment in 2023. You were moving out of it. I ripped out your carpet on the stairs. Super rainy day. I thought you were both very cute but didn’t want to be forward and tell you that I’d love to be your third wheel. When: Tuesday, August 1, 2023. Where: Pearl. You: Couple. Me: Man. #915987

My mother passed away four months ago. Although she was older and had lived a great life, it was still rather unexpected. I don’t have any other family besides one sister who lives in another state. I’ve been doing OK, but now that Mother’s Day is coming, I’m really missing her and feeling sad. How do I get through the first one without her?

MICHAEL HURLEY DISTRACTION

You: gorgeous butch(?) with alive eyes offering food at the show. Me: nonbinary queer in Carhartt jacket taken by your smile and attention. Do you eye-gaze all the gays? I was prepared with a handful of verbal inanities after the show to linger in your presence, but you had disappeared! Wanna try and linger longer sometime? When: Tuesday, April 23, 2024. Where: Michael Hurley show, East Fairfield. You: Group. Me: Nonbinary person. #915990

RED HEAD AND TIGER BODY

Devastating, darling, just one of kind. At comedy improv, you sat so close but had someone else sit on your lap. We drank; we sang. We got up to play improv games together. at sparkle in the eye, echoes of an Irish wild ancestress! You know I know. I know you know. We know we know. Remembering the good times. When: Saturday, March 30, 2024. Where: Hugo’s, Montpelier. You: Woman. Me: Woman. #915989

ASHLEY AND OLIVIA

We met at the Richmond playground the week of April 8. I thought I had your number in my phone, but now I can’t find it. Since you’re from Hinesburg, I don’t know if we’ll run into you again without making a plan. Playground meetup? — Emily and Ellis. When: ursday, April 11, 2024. Where: Richmond playground. You: Group. Me: Woman. #915988

ARANDAS IN MONTPELIER

I was running late for work; you were paying for your gas. Gazes met; quick and charming smile. I got to the counter to pay; you came back in and sheepishly said a once-in-a-lifetime thing just happened: You tried to take the pump with you. I like to think our brief connection flummoxed you into your first pump drive-away. Single? When: Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Where: Arandas in downtown Montpelier. You: Man. Me: Woman. #915986

CHARLIE AT THE CO-OP

You might build floating shelves for your tiny kitchen, and you liked my smile. My kitchen is big and in need of a sous chef (though maybe we could take turns being head chef). Let’s make scrumptious meals together and fend off the crudeness of reality with the culinary arts. Bon appétit! When: Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Where: City Market. You: Man. Me: Woman. #915984

SAILING ON WITHOUT A WORD

I noticed you early in the cruise: tall, gray hair, dark jacket, 60s-ish. You sat on the deck in the stern, middle section, for a few minutes. I wish I had been braver and chatted with you. I was wearing a teal Patagonia jacket, gray hair in a ponytail and solar glasses. When: Monday, April 8, 2024. Where: Spirit of Ethan Allen eclipse cruise. You: Man. Me: Woman. #915983

MILTON HANNAFORD

CHECKOUT LINE

We were standing next to each other in different lanes. I made a comment that it was as busy as I had ever seen it, and you said it must be the solar eclipse. You got through your lane a cart ahead of mine. If you see this message, I would like to get together sometime and chat some more. When: Saturday, April 6, 2024. Where: Milton Hannaford checkout line. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915979

ARE YOU THE QUEUE?

You laughed. You liked the word “queue,” found it quaint. Asked me, “Do you come here often?” You kept brushing your hands all over me! Long-bearded man, rough-handed construction man. Foxy Market was so busy that night. We had to fly, my friend and I, to Barre. You have my number? ose breeze-block dogs, give me a call! When: Friday, April 5, 2024. Where: East Montpelier. You: Man. Me: Woman. #915978

GOOD MEASURE CONNECTION

You came to my show. We made lots of eye contact throughout and chatted afterward. I loved your dance moves and long hair. You were tall, named Austin and originally from the Carolinas. You commented on my eye shadow and left before I could ask for your number. Let’s go dancing together sometime? When: Saturday, April 6, 2024. Where: Good Measure Brewery. You: Man. Me: Woman. #915976

YOU SANG ‘COME OUT TO PLAY’

How did you know my true wild name? Clever, bravo! You see my beauty! I’ll play on this brand-new day. e sun is up, with an eclipse. Time to make a move. I’m wearing that daisy chain, eyes wide open. Looking up, as the light goes to dark. Sing to me. I want to hear your heart’s desire sung. When: ursday, April 4, 2024. Where: central Vermont. You: Man. Me: Woman. #915977

BLUE HAIR, DON’T CARE

Blue hair, Supercuts stylist. Something about the look in your eyes made me want to get to know you. It was a glow of confidence and beauty. I gave you a wave on my way out. If you’re interested, I Spy back. When: Saturday, April 6, 2024. Where: Williston. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915981

HEALTHY LIVING BARISTA

You served me a latte with almond milk. You: beautiful smile, jeans and black top. Would love to chat. Sigh. When: Saturday, April 6, 2024. Where: Healthy Living, Williston. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915975

LOVELY CUSTOMER AT DELI

You were waiting for your sandwich beside the table where I was eating, and you left an impression on me. You were wearing a long, dark green coat, a light olive-green dress and dark stockings. You had a winter hat on with a pom-pom on top. I think I overheard the deli staff call you “Caroline.” I’d love a chance to introduce myself over a cup of coffee. When: Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Where: Top of the Block Sandwich Shop. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915972

HANDSOME HANDYMAN

I spy a tall, dark-haired hunk often fixing up the house next door. Wondering if you wanted to grab a Caprese sandwich at City Market sometime soon? When: Tuesday, March 12, 2024. Where: N. Prospect St., Burlington. You: Man. Me: Woman. #915971

SNACKY CLUSTERS GOT YOUR ATTENTION?

Handsome guy. Your gorgeous eyes definitely got my attention. I’d really like to know if there’s a chance I could meet you for dinner, lunch, breakfast, bag your groceries, carry your bags to the car? Don’t be shy; your eyes weren’t. When: Monday, March 25, 2024. Where: Trader Joe’s. You: Man. Me: Man. #915970

EVERYTHING SHE DOES IS MAGIC

Were you singing to me? You were fingering those bass strings expertly at open mic night. I raised my glass in your honor, a salute to your bravery. Later you were standing beside me, waiting to seal your instrument back into its large case! You radiated heat, a tantalizing “come hither” vibration. You could ask for my number. Why not? When: ursday, March 21, 2024. Where: the Whammy Bar. You: Man. Me: Woman. #915969

De Downhe ted Daught ,

My mother died two days before Mother’s Day in 2015. It’s never easy losing your mom, but I tell ya what: at put an extra whammy on it.

Luckily, I had a lot of family nearby, and we muddled through by cracking jokes and indulging in my mom’s favorite treat: ice cream. I can only imagine how hard it must be not to have relatives close at hand. Even though your sister lives far away, give her a call to reminisce about happy times and support each other long-distance. If you have friends you can lean on, now would be a good time to reach out to them, too.

Cook one of her famous recipes. Buy yourself a bouquet of her favorite flowers. Put on the music she listened to and dance around the house. Do whatever makes you feel her presence the most. If your mother was like mine, she wouldn’t want you to feel blue about anything — even her passing. But it’s OK to be sad. You just lost her a minute ago. Pull out the old photos and let the tears flow. A good hard cry can be like a shower for your soul. Just be sure to follow it with something that will cheer you up.

music old hard be with

Grief is weird. It’s not something you ever really get over. However, sooner or later you’ll find a way to move through life with it. Pro tip: A hot fudge sundae can really help.

Although your mom isn’t physically here anymore, you can still do something to honor her on Mother’s Day. Take the day to celebrate the part of her that lives on in you. Watch a movie the two of you loved.

Good luck and God bless,

Female, 22, seeking a toxic relationship with unhealthy boundaries, dating for marriage. I love taxidermy, specifically fish. You catch ’em; I’ll tax ’em. Please respond. I’m so lonely. #L1752

Anyone able to liven up away from this state? SWF, mid60s, NS, DD-free, seeks guy(s) or gal(s) also set to haul off Vermont’s phonies map! Love radical, non-predator people and pets. #L1750

24-y/o independently wealthy male looking for two young partners of any kind for some double ramming. Bipolar but will do my best to treat you amazingly. #L1751

I’m a man in my late 60s, seeking a female. Seek female with some desire and passion for a relationship. Many interests. Let’s talk. See phone number, please. #L1748

Come dance with me in the gazebo. Nice guy, 5’10, 195 pounds. 74 y/o but looks younger, new to the market. Seeks a good woman/partner 55 to 75 y/o to love and be loved by. Very attentive and affectionate, likes to have fun and travel. 420 friendly. #L1749

I’m a GM, early 60s, looking for playtime friends. Can be long- or short-term. Nice guy, easygoing and fun to be with. #L1745

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PUBLISH YOUR MESSAGE ON THIS PAGE!

1 Submit your FREE message at sevendaysvt.com/loveletters or use the handy form at right.

We’ll publish as many messages as we can in the Love Letters section above. 2

Interested readers will send you letters in the mail. No internet required! 3

He needs it bad, and she needs it more: ISO ideal M/F couple in need of attentive oral assistance to complete their lovemaking pleasure. Mature M welcomes your thoughts. #L1747

I’m a gay male, 65 y/o, seeking gay men for new friendships. Outgoing, fun, loving person seeking meaningful connections. “Best friend” kinda guy here! is is not an ad for sex; friendship only. Looking forward to hearing from you. #L1746

Woman, 63. NEK, single, work full time. Healthy, adventurous, curious, kind. Seek male friend to hang out with, explore, share conversation, meals. Not into divisive politics. Definitely into nature/beautiful surroundings. If romance happens, that would be wonderful. #L1744

70, young-looking, good shape. Enjoy karaoke, singing, comedy. Seek female, 45 to young 70s. I am 5’9, hazel eyes, 163 pounds, black hair. #L1743

I’m a SWM, early 60s, island dweller seeking a SF. Do you like shots of tequila and getting caught in the rain? Do you like walks in the islands and the taste of Champagne? Do you like making love at midnight in a sweet summer sweat? Do you like any of these items? Come with me and escape. Active. Athletic. Adventurous. #L1742

Int net-Free Dating!

I’m a 73-y/o male desiring a woman in her 70s or 80s to experience together the joys of a sensuous relationship. Phone number, please. #L1741

Very active, elderly gent who lives alone seeks a lady with similar interests to share his lovely home. Splendid views, huge deck, paved highway, free TV and Wi-Fi. I enjoy snowmobiling, antiques, classic cars, parades, long rides, eating out, flowers and community involvement. Seeking a woman who enjoys the same. #L1738

NEK prince, 74, seeks princess. I’m very attentive, sweet and good-looking, seeking the same in a woman, 60 to 74. Writer a plus. Don’t need a maid; want a partner to love and be loved by. Nice home on romantic property. No Trumpers. #L1737

Not a romantic/sexual request! Young, handsome woman seeking butch mentor (25 to 45) for guidance in selfexpression, strength and intersocietal relations. #L1735

Describe yourself and who you’re looking for in 40 words below: (OR, ATTACH A SEPARATE PIECE OF PAPER.)

I’m a

AGE + GENDER (OPTIONAL) seeking a

AGE + GENDER (OPTIONAL)

I’m a SWM seeking a bi male and bi female for fun times. Clean, nonsmoking, drink ok. Any age, race. Nudist, movies, porn. Send phone number. #L1739

I’m a 67-y/o woman seeking a 55- to 76-y/o man. I am looking for a man to enjoy inside and outside — one who finds time to be a companion, is not a couch potato, and enjoys the outdoors, traveling, golf, fishing, etc. Leave your cell number. #L1733

I’m a woman, 80 y/o, seeking a man, 70 to 80 y/o. I want friendship as well as a companion. Also like the outdoors in the summer. Swimming, boating and just reading at home. Like going out to eat once in a while. #L1734

Let’s do some things — coffee at Black Cap Coffee, dinner, Green Mountain Film Festival, music at Hugo’s or Bent Nails Bistro. Woman, early 70s, seeking man of similar age to explore common interests. #L1732

Required confidential info:

(MORE)

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THIS FORM IS FOR LOVE LETTERS ONLY. Messages for the Personals and I-Spy sections must be submitted online at dating.sevendaysvt.com.

Bulbs: Planting in Spring for Summer Color

THU., MAY 9

HORSFORD GARDENS & NURSERY, CHARLOTTE

Bicycle Brake Adjustment Workshop

THU., MAY 9

OLD SPOKES HOME, BURLINGTON

Breanna Elaine Band w/ Bird Boombox

FRI., MAY 10

THE UNDERGROUND, RANDOLPH

WED., MAY 15 ONLINE

Facing Change: Life’s Transitions and Transformations

Eco-resiliency Gathering: “Relationality of Geoengineering”

WED., MAY 15 ONLINE

Cut Flower Gardening Talk

THU., MAY 16

HORSFORD GARDENS & NURSERY, CHARLOTTE

Basic Flowers Class for Mother’s Day

SAT., MAY 11

RED POPPY CAKERY, WATERBURY

Onion River Chorus

SAT., MAY 11

UNITARIAN CHURCH OF MONTPELIER

Aurora Chamber Singers - Seeds of Modernism: Fauré, Gounod, Franck and Bruckner

SAT., MAY 11

COLLEGE STREET CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, BURLINGTON

Early Birders Morning Walk

SUN., MAY 12

BIRDS OF VERMONT MUSEUM, HUNTINGTON

Mother’s Day Print & Sip

SUN., MAY 12

STANDING STONES WINES, WINOOSKI

MONDAYS ARE SCARY! Stand-Up

Comedy hosted by Maddie Cross

MON., MAY 13

THE PHOENIX, WATERBURY VILLAGE

Berry Galette Workshop

TUE., MAY 14

RED POPPY CAKERY, WATERBURY

Spanish Tapas Community Dinner

THU., MAY 16

STOWE STREET CAFÉ, WATERBURY

Shifting Adjustment Workshop

THU., MAY 16

OLD SPOKES HOME, BURLINGTON

Reciprocity: the Legend of the Crane Wife

THU., MAY 16

SOAPBOX ARTS, BURLINGTON

Cuban Night

FRI., MAY 17

RED POPPY CAKERY, WATERBURY

Jessica Pavone String Ensemble + Liew Niyomkarn

FRI., MAY 17

THE PHOENIX, WATERBURY VILLAGE

Bella Voce “Singing and Living in Harmony” Concert

SAT., MAY 18

COLLEGE STREET CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, BURLINGTON

Wolves & Wolves & Wolves & Wolves w/ Miracle Blood, Lungbuster and SUS

SAT., MAY 18

THE UNDERGROUND, RANDOLPH