Health care in Vermont is in crisis. Our failing system is costing Vermonters hundreds of millions of dollars each yearand sometimes their lives.
There are changes we can make right now to improve the situation, and with 30 years of experience as a physician, I would like to help.
I’m running against three incumbents, but I feel strongly that if we keep electing the same people year after year, we’re going to get the same failed policies. We need new voices, new energy, and new ideas in the State Senate.
I ask for your support and your vote in the
e man accused of shooting three college students of Palestinian descent in Burlington last year wants to fire his public defenders.
Jason Eaton, who faces three counts of attempted murder, has asked to make his case for doing so before a state judge in a private hearing that even prosecutors would not be able to observe. Superior Court Judge Kevin Griffin will consider Eaton’s request during a hearing on Friday, August 2.
Public defender Sarah Varty filed Eaton’s written motion for new counsel. Under Vermont law, Eaton must show “good cause” to switch lawyers at this stage of court proceedings. In a separate filing, Eaton asked that the hearing to consider his request be conducted behind closed doors with only him, his attorneys and the judge.
“Mr. Eaton anticipates revealing information and communications that would otherwise be protected by attorney-client confidentiality,” Varty wrote in the June 11 filing.
State’s Attorney Sarah George “strenuously” objected. “ e mere fact that this case has garnered media attention is not a justification for prohibiting the State from witness-
emoji that
SCRUM-TASTIC
Man Charged With Shooting Palestinians WANTS NEW LAWYER
ing the hearing nor does it provide justification to conduct a closed hearing from the public,” she wrote.
Last Friday, Seven Days filed its own objection to Eaton’s request to close the hearing. e newspaper’s attorney, Matthew Byrne, wrote in a 10-page motion that courts have frequently affirmed the importance of open hearings in criminal cases except for narrow circumstances. “ ere is no basis to close the hearing,” Byrne wrote.
Eaton is accused of shooting three young Palestinian men as they were walking on the sidewalk by his apartment near the University of Vermont campus. e crime, which took place not long after the war in Gaza erupted, garnered international attention.
Public officials denounced the shooting as “hateful,” but Eaton has not been charged with a hate crime. At the time of Eaton’s arrest, George said her office had yet to uncover evidence of motive that would support a hate-crime enhancement.
“My assumption,” Eaton’s attorney Margaret Jansch said last week, “is that if there had been evidence to support a hate crime enhancement, it would have already been done.”
Read Derek Brouwer’s full story at sevendaysvt.com.
The U.S. women’s rugby sevens team, featuring Burlington-raised star Ilona Maher, won the bronze at the Summer Olympics — the country’s first medal in the event.
BEAR UP THERE
A game warden was called to get a black bear out of an attic at a Stowe condominium. The latest humanbruin encounter.
JURY’S OUT
A mistrial was declared in the case of Franklin County Sheri John Grismore, who is accused of kicking a handcu ed man in the groin. Take another shot?
BERN’S BACKING
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president. He wants her to focus on the working class.
$130 million
That’s the value of unclaimed property — cash, checks, property deeds, heirlooms and even gold bars — being held by the Vermont Treasurer’s O ce.
TOPFIVE
MOST POPULAR ITEMS ON SEVENDAYSVT.COM
1. “Neighbor Charged With Murdering 82-YearOld Enosburg Woman” by Derek Brouwer. Cops say Darren Martell Jr. broke into an 82-year-old woman’s home and sexually assaulted and killed her.
2. “A Farting Bear Caught on Camera Is What We All Needed to See” by Jack McGuire. A trail cam captured the toot.
3. “Jr’s Williston Closes; Jr’s Winooski Remains Open Under Different Owners” by Leah Krason. Classic Italian American eateries Junior’s Winooski and Jr’s Williston, both originally owned by Bogdan Andreescu, have gone their separate ways.
4. “Video: Plainfield Recovers From Catastrophic Flood” by Eva Sollberger. e small central Vermont town suffered widespread damage in the July 10-11 event.
5. “Haymaker Bun’s New Burlington Café Packs a Punch” by Jordan Barry. e breakfast sandwich is a knockout, our writer found.
@ScullyBully We are on our third “1000-year flood event” in Vermont, in case you were wondering how we are doing up here.
BOW WOW
Emmy Award-winning director Andy Mitchell is preparing to launch his latest film, Inside the Mind of a Dog, on Netflix next month. And he wants the subjects of the movie — lots of them — to show up to a special screening in Middlebury.
Mitchell is hoping at least 220 canines will attend the August 10 event at the Memorial Sports Center in order to break the Guinness Book of World Records mark of “most dogs to attend a film screening.” e current record of 219 pups was set last year in Los Angeles at an outdoor showing of PAW Patrol: e Mighty Movie
“I have to give full credit to my 13-year-
old son, Billy,” for the idea, Mitchell said. He noted that the previous event had Hollywood support, while Middlebury’s “homegrown, grassroots version” has an exciting opportunity to take the crown.
Mitchell, 49, worked as a wildlife cinematographer for a decade at National Geographic and later went freelance to continue pursuing “adventure filmmaking” in harsh climates: the Arctic, the Sahara Desert and underwater. Many of the documentaries are animal-related, including his previous Netflix film, Inside the Mind of a Cat. at movie is similar to his latest 75-minute flick, which follows a group of service dogs as they are trained. Mitchell weaves in tidbits about canine history and psychology, as well as tricks to understand what’s on a dog’s mind.
It’s a mix of “feel-good and informative,” he said.
Many Middlebury folk are playing a role, including the Homeward Bound animal shelter and a fleet of volunteers who will help keep the dogs safe, supply treats and provide free popcorn for the humans. Mitchell’s arts nonprofit, Middlebury Underground, is presenting the event. Doors open at 3 p.m. Mitchell is hoping the pups settle down for the required 10 minutes of “watching time” needed to get the record.
Among those planning to go? e director’s golden retriever, Boone, who will “have the time of his life,” Mitchell said.
To register your dog ahead of time, visit middunderground.org/guinnessbook.
LEAH KRASON
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Directer Andy Mitchell getting footage of soonto-be service dogs.
Jason Eaton
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NOT IN THE MOVIE…
“The Hills Are Alive” [June 19] about the von Trapp family, contains sadly common misinformation as far as the prewar history of the von Trapps is concerned. For reasons of space, let me just point out that it would be di cult to square the claim that the von Trapps “repeatedly refused to show support for the Nazi regime” (based only on Maria’s and the family’s statements) with Georg von Trapp’s repeated, and futile, attempts in 1937 and, probably, early 1938 to arrange lectures and a concert tour in Nazi Germany (as evidenced by documents in Germany’s Federal Archives).
I’m not claiming that the von Trapps were Nazis — I’m quite certain they weren’t — but they had no problem with fascism of the Austrian and Italian type, and obviously not enough of a problem with German national socialism to prevent Georg from trying to make money in Germany.
It should finally be recognized that many of the family’s claims about their history up to 1939 are either unproven — and, too often, implausible — or can be refuted. I have done this in my book Notes on the Trapp Family in Austria: From Maria’s Grandparents to Summer 1939, where all the sources are given and discussed.
Dr. Frederick S. Litten MUNICH, GERMANY
PICKING A POET
We would like to correct a factual error in the letter titled “Poetry for the People” [Feedback, July 24]. The Vermont Arts Council does not select the Vermont poet laureate but rather manages the
CORRECTION
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Please call 802-865-1020, ext. 132 with your credit card, contact circ@sevendaysvt.com or mail your check to: Seven Days, c/o Subscriptions, 255 S. Champlain St., Ste. 5, Burlington, VT 05401
Seven Days shall not be held liable to any advertiser for any loss that results from the incorrect publication of its advertisement. If a mistake is ours, and the advertising purpose has been rendered valueless, Seven Days may cancel the charges for the advertisement, or a portion thereof as deemed reasonable by the publisher. Seven Days reserves the right to refuse any advertising, including inserts, at the discretion of the publishers.
“Breaking News,” last week’s cover story about the state of Vermont journalism, contained an incorrect date. The union at VTDigger.org was formed in 2020.
The June 19 cover story headlined “The Hills Are Alive” misrepresented the von Trapp family’s wealth upon arriving in the United States. While they had only about $4 with them, they owned real estate and other assets in Europe, which they could not easily access.
nomination process. After a call to the public for nominations, submissions are reviewed by a panel of knowledgeable and experienced reviewers identified by the council, its partners and other experts in the field. The recommendations of the panel are sent to the governor’s office, and the governor makes the final selection and names the poet laureate.
Seven Days also made this error in the story about Bianca Stone [“No Stone Unturned: Vermont’s New Poet Laureate Isn’t Afraid of Going Deep,” June 12]. Thank you for the opportunity to set the record straight. We hope that this is corrected in any future coverage.
Catherine Crawley STOWE
Crawley is communications director at the Vermont Arts Council.
BETTER LEDBETTER
Rob Mann of Colchester’s “Message to Burlington” [Feedback, July 17] made a lot of sense. We’ve got to make Burlington safer and cleaner.
Why is it acceptable to allow Vermont’s largest city to degrade because of homelessness and crime? I was excited about moving to Burlington. Now I feel differently.
The primary election is coming up on August 13. I have decided to vote for Stewart Ledbetter for Vermont Senate from the Chittenden-Central district, which includes Burlington [“News Breaker to News Maker: Stewart Ledbetter to Run for Vermont Senate,” May 17, online]. He is the only sensible Democrat running. He has shown he has an open mind, after
and leave a job when you’re ready because it has changed, or your preferences or abilities have changed, or just because there’s something else you’d like to do with your time. Just don’t mistake change for age, and don’t mistake aging for inability.
Kaomi Taylor COLCHESTER
WELCOME PEEK
Thank you for sharing the rich history and the beautiful home of Richard Alther [ Nest : “On a Curve: Richard Alther’s Lakeside Home Is a Memorial to His Own History — and Vermont’s,” July 2]. I admire people that can create on all levels. He truly is gifted. I am grateful he chose Vermont to share his talents in business and the visual arts.
My 35-year-old DR trimmer is still working!
a 40-year career as a newsman. (He’s decisive.)
There are four seeking the Democratic nomination for three Senate seats. Support for downtown Burlington is one of Ledbetter’s top three priorities. He will not forget us, as have the leaders in Montpelier. Do something different. Downtown Burlington needs help. I think a vote for Ledbetter is a vote to bring back a little common sense.
Brenda Laquer BURLINGTON
AGE IN
I am troubled when I see talented people in the generations above me counting themselves out because they’re “too old” [From the Publisher: “Aging Out?” July 11]. This belies the reality that people are incredibly diverse in how they age. Who among us can’t point to friends and relatives, decades older than we are, who are able to think and run circles around us? It also discounts the value that tends to accrue with experience — and feeds the harmful fiction that older folks aren’t relevant or worthwhile.
We blame age because, in an ageist culture, we can’t help internalizing ageism. Then, when memories fail or knees hurt, we default to, “Hmm, I’m getting old,” not “Gosh, this job didn’t used to require half as much juggling” or “Hmm, I should get checked for Lyme disease.” Plus, blaming age (ours or someone else’s) lets us off the hook for painful decisions, which become inevitabilities rather than choices.
Planned obsolescence is bad enough for the planet when it’s applied to products. Let’s not impose it on people, too. Go ahead
WAKE BOAT MATH
Ann Czar WALLINGFORD
[Re “Making Waves: For Wake Boat Opponents, New Rules Mean New Battles,” May 22]: The person responsible for drafting the regulation limiting wake boats to lakes as small as 50 acres seems to be arithmetically challenged. In my opinion, the rule should be based on the principle that the man-made waves should be smaller than the natural waves. I have sailed on Malletts Bay. In a 20 miles per hour breeze, the waves on the inner bay are smaller than the wakes of the larger pleasure boats. On the outer bay, the waves are comparable to the one shown in the photograph. A lake that measures five miles by five miles is large enough to have natural waves comparable in size to wake boat waves. At this size, requiring the wake boats to operate 1,000 feet from shore isn’t overly restrictive.
John Pennucci COLCHESTER
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Private roads were destroyed in recent floods, and homeowners may be stuck with the tab
Neighbor Charged With Murdering Enosburg Woman
Up in the Air
Vermont’s PCB testing program continues to cause logistical problems — and angst — for schools
UVM Medical Center Earns
Approval for New Surgical Facility
Flood Survivors Find Personal Items That Were Swept Away
Record Rains Cause NEK Flooding
Immigration O cials Illegally Deported Vermont Family, Advocates Say
A Farmer Challenges Kornheiser for Her House Seat
FOOD+ DRINK 30
Fresh Catch
Come on in, the water’s
Land of Honey
FEATURES 26
Peaks, Presidents and Pinball ree to six hours in Manchester, southern Vermont’s tourist haven
ARTS+CULTURE 36
Big House Music
An Upper Valley vocal sextet brings meditative songs to the men’s prison in Springfield
Wander Boy
eater review: Pippin Weston eater Company
Disaster Zone
Plainfield residents recover after a devastating flood
The ‘Huh?’ Factor
Ordinary becomes irreverent in Ed Ruscha’s works on paper at the Hall Art Foundation
Escape to ‘Lake Valley’ at Burlington’s BCA Center
Free Jazz
Big names and local acts converge at the
11 Magnificent 7 13 From the Publisher
Side Dishes
Movie Review
Plainfield suffered catastrophic damage during the July 10 and 11 flood. e Great Brook, which was clogged with trees, washed out roads, bridges and houses and demolished two-thirds of an apartment building that locals call the Heartbreak
MAGNIFICENT
THROUGH SUNDAY 4
MUST SEE, MUST DO THIS WEEK
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ONGOING
Submit your upcoming events at sevendaysvt.com/postevent
Willkommen, Bienvenue
e Tony Award-winning 1966 musical Cabaret tells the story of the Kit Kat Klub nightclub on the eve of the fascist takeover in Germany that started World War II. With Broadway veteran Kevin David omas directing, Northern Stage revives the production at the Barrette Center for the Arts in White River Junction.
SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 56
THURSDAY 1 & SATURDAY 3
After the Flood
e Savoy eater in Montpelier and Okemo Valley TV in Ludlow screen “ e Forgotten,” a 30-minute documentary about the July 2023 flooding in Vermont, focused on Proctorsville. Village residents share their experiences, including the volunteer support that poured in behind the floodwaters. e screenings benefit recovery efforts after a repeat deluge this year.
SEE CALENDAR LISTINGS ON PAGES 56 & 59
THURSDAY 1-SUNDAY 4
Fair Weather
FRIDAY 2-SUNDAY 4
FOOL ME ONCE
Burlington not only suffers fools but welcomes them during the annual Festival of Fools. Acrobats and aerial artists, magicians and musicians rotate among four outdoor stages. Even dogs get to show off new tricks at “Mutts Gone Nuts.” A parade launches the festivities from city hall.
SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 58
Multimedia Darlings
Artists channel meaningful family connections into a multimedia collection for “Carnival of Sorts” at Studio Place Arts in Barre. Matt Lutz displays a love of science fiction in his modelmaking. Herb Rieth uses sewing to honor the women who raised him. Jason Galligan-Baldwin revisits childhood materials in his collages, and Tyler Smith reveals an obsession with pocketknives.
SEE GALLERY LISTING AT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/ART
“Mid” by Jason Galligan-Baldwin
Fried dough, farm exhibits and 4-H demonstrations herald the county fair season and Franklin County Field Days in Highgate. Fairgoers enjoy an antique tractor parade, a ventriloquist act, a demolition derby, square dancing, and musical acts including Old Man Garage Band and Darcy Cahill. Kids get a thrill on the mechanical bull and at the petting zoo.
SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 56
MONDAY 5
Give Your Regards
Colchester native Merritt David Janes, fresh from performing in the original Broadway cast of Back to the Future, gathers several friends for Broadway in Vermont at Moose Meadow Lodge in Duxbury. With a live band, they sing favorites from classic and contemporary musicals while lacing in tales of their professional escapades.
SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 61
TUESDAY 6
Musical Melting Pot
Seven Days music editor Chris Farnsworth wrote admiringly earlier this year that he had “never seen or heard another band like TEKE::TEKE.” Led by guitarist Sei Nakauchi Pelletier and singer Maya Kuroki, the Montréal septet fuses Japanese punk with psychedelic rock for the Tuesday Night Live concert at Johnson’s Legion Field.
SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 63
Festival of Fools performer Jan Damm
Superlative State
Every year is an “election year” at Seven Days. I’m referring, of course, to our annual Daysies competition in which readers nominate and vote for their favorite local businesses, artists and experiences. The contest involves months of planning; the nomination round happened in April, followed by voting on the finalists in late May to early June, when 20,065 people weighed in.
Seven Days’ sta collected their 483,002 votes — in 236 categories — and spent July wrangling All the Best, the lovingly curated and artfully designed magazine inserted in this week’s issue. Producing it is a Herculean task, but we think it’s worth the e ort.
Frankly, our readers see eye to eye on a lot of things, such as the enduring appeal of Mount Philo and Shelburne Farms. Some folks win year after year — looking at you, Katharine Montstream, City Market and Leonardo’s — proving the power of incumbency.
Fuentes, a native of Guadalajara, Mexico, who came to the United States when he was 15 and worked as a dishwasher in Louisiana, as food writer Melissa Pasanen reported when Casa Real opened last October. Less than a year later, he and his business partners are opening a second location, Casa Grande, in the Williston space formerly occupied by Vermont Tap House. Bottom line: Vermont businesses are working hard to serve you. The Daysies competition is our way of honoring their industry — and making visible their essential contributions to the local economy.
But as with any exercise in democracy, upsets happen. For the first time in Daysies history, Bolton Valley Resort edged out Smugglers’ Notch and Stowe Mountain for best ski/ride slope. Noah Kahan joined the winning musical ranks of Kat Wright, Brett Hughes, Rough Francis and A2VT. WCAX weatherman Gary Sadowsky unseated Darren Perron as the TV personality to watch.
We almost lost it all, remember, during the pandemic?
There’s a lot of intel — and signs of generational change — packed into the food and beverage categories. Now that Penny Cluse Café is gone, a.m. eating looks di erent in Chittenden County. The breakfast sandwich at Kountry Kart Deli got beat by the one at the Café HOT. Stowe Cider tipped over Citizen Cider — the result of bad publicity last fall? In two displays of support for Montpelier, Sarducci’s beat out Blue Paddle Bistro for best restaurant outside Chittenden County, and Charlie-O’s World Famous survived flood and fire to score bragging rights as best dive bar. Similarly, it seems the electorate is looking for good deals on food: In 2024, our readers chose Casa Real, a Tex-Mex restaurant in Colchester, near Costco, as Vermont’s best new restaurant — likely for its generous portions, big padded booths and margarita glasses the size of your head.
One of the proprietors is 30-year-old Eduardo
Keep that in mind when you study these crowdsourced recommendations or share them with someone who is eager to explore what this place has to o er. In print or online, All the Best is quite simply the locals’ guide to the Green Mountain State, a 72-page love letter to Vermont.
We also asked readers to pick their favorites in some new categories this year, including neighborhood corner store, family-friendly festival, craft fair, podcast, used-book store, local cannabis grower, place to camp and bowling alley.
There’s always more to learn about this patch of Earth we share. Start with All the Best and Seven Days.
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Paula Routly
ADVOCATES DECRY DEPORTATION
ENVIRONMENT
Neighbor Charged With Murdering Enosburg Woman
BY DEREK BROUWER derek@sevendaysvt.com
An 82-year-old woman found dead in Enosburg last week was sexually assaulted, murdered and then partially burned in the woods by a 23-year-old neighbor, according to police.
e alleged killer, Darren Martell Jr., pleaded not guilty in a St. Albans courtroom last Friday to a charge of aggravated murder — the most severe charge under state law, which carries a minimum sentence of life in prison without parole.
Roberta Martin disappeared from her Butternut Hollow Road home, where she lived alone, sometime between 11:30 p.m. on July 16 and noon the following day, when a pair of neighbors reported her missing.
Washed Out
Private roads were destroyed in recent floods, and homeowners may be stuck with the tab
BY KEVIN MCCALLUM • kevin@sevendaysvt.com
Kevin Sweeney stood outside his Moretown home on July 10 and watched the unnamed creek that typically trickles alongside his private road. As the remnants of Hurricane Beryl dumped record amounts of rain across central Vermont, the waterway exploded into a torrent. The muddy floodwaters raged down the center of Edge Drive, washing away the gravel road.
“That’s when I went into the house and told my wife, ‘We won’t be leaving anytime soon,’” Sweeney recalled last week.
By morning, a massive, 15-foot-deep ravine had formed where Edge Drive had been. Sweeney and his wife, Virginia, as well as a family that lives farther up the road, were effectively cut off from the world. The only way the Sweeneys can now leave their home is to scamper down a muddy trail through the woods, leaving their stranded vehicles behind.
Nearly 9,000 miles of dirt roads crisscross Vermont, according to the Agency of
Transportation, and many were washed out during the deluge. But while towns with damaged unpaved roads can expect some help from the state and federal government, people who live on private
WE ARE USED TO, BY NOW, TALKING ABOUT INUNDATION FLOODING. BUT IT IS FLASH FLOODING THAT DOES THIS KIND OF DAMAGE. LIZ SCHLEGEL STEVENS
roads such as Edge Drive typically share the cost of maintaining them with neighbors. Some of those homeowners could now be on the hook for bills in the range of tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Difficult, costly flood recovery is becoming commonplace in Vermont. On Monday night into Tuesday morning, storms dumped up to eight inches of rain in the Northeast Kingdom, causing yet another series of flash floods that washed out roads, particularly around St. Johnsbury. Residents and public o cials were assessing the extent of the latest damage even as homeowners such as the Sweeneys cope with the July 10 flooding.
Figuring out how to get Edge Drive repaired and how to pay for it has consumed the Sweeneys’ lives since that flood, with no end or clear answers in sight.
“We don’t know what to do,” Sweeney said from the rim of the wide canyon outside the Cape-style home he purchased last year.
In the immediate aftermath of the storm, state o cials had a grasp of the impact on state infrastructure: 54 roads closed or damaged, eight bridges out, and
As search crews looked for Martin, investigators homed in on Martell, who had recently begun living in a camper in the neighbors’ backyard. e Department for Children and Families told investigators that Martell had a history of “assaultive behavior” toward his girlfriend. e woman also reported that Martell had stolen a relative’s underwear and “implied that he used them for sexual gratification.”
On July 18, police executed a search warrant on the camper and seized Martell’s property. Days later, they learned that Martell used a wooded area near Sand Hill Road to grow cannabis. At the location, less than a mile from Martin’s residence, police said they found a gas can and Martin’s remains, which were scattered and “appeared to be burned.”
e day after discovering Martin’s remains, Vermont State Police detectives found Martell on a public path in St. Albans. He was masturbating, police allege, and ran away before police arrested him.
Martell later told police that he had never spoken to Martin nor been to her property. But vaginal swabs from Martin’s body found sperm with DNA that “preliminarily” matched Martell’s. State police and prosecutors are tightly controlling information about the case and declined to say much beyond what was included in the court affidavit.
After the hearing, Franklin County State’s Attorney Bram Kranichfeld said the murder is a “terrible tragedy for our community.” ➆
Edge Drive from a drone
Roberta Martin
Up in the Air
Vermont’s PCB testing program continues to cause logistical problems — and angst — for schools
BY ALISON NOVAK • alison@sevendaysvt.com
North Country Union High School was built when Lyndon B. Johnson was president. Its 55-year-old windows and doors need to be replaced, according to a facilities assessment completed last year. The heating and electrical systems are due for an overhaul. Classrooms are small and outdated.
“It’s just not suitable for 21st-century education,” principal Chris Young said. “We’ve maintained it well … But it’s outlasted its useful life.”
to remove PCBs. The toxic chemicals were detected at high levels in the air in spring 2023, and school officials hope a $5 million remediation project this summer will improve the situation.
EDUCATION
New
classes starting soon at the Y!
Preparing your kids for back-toschool time? Get ready to get back into the Y classes.
• Fall Session: 9/9-10/27 (7 weeks)
• Registration opens August 26 (earlier for members!)
• Youth programs in swim, movement, and more gbymca.org/fall1session
Instead of undertaking construction projects that would improve the building, however, frustrated administrators in the Newport-based district are deep into an expensive state-mandated initiative
But test results won’t be back until just after school starts. That has North Country administrators working to get confirmation from the state that they’ll be able to use even parts of the building — or figure out an alternative plan for students if PCB levels are still high.
“What we don’t want to have happen is to get to the end of August and look at results after doing a $5 million project and have [the state] say, ‘Whoops, you can’t actually be in the building,’” superintendent Elaine Collins said.
Of the Vermont school buildings that have been tested for airborne PCBs since 2022 — an initiative prompted by the discovery of the chemicals at Burlington High School in 2020 — North Country’s contamination is the most serious and widespread. But trying to fix it has ushered in a host of other problems,
North Country Union High School’s library, wrapped in plastic
significant damage to several railroad lines. Assessments of municipal and private roads, however, took time.
In Barnet, for example, the town-maintained Rake Factory Road was washed out, forcing the dozen or so residents to walk a mile to get into or out of their homes, said Bob Joly, who lives on the road and is director of the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum.
“The road was so demolished it was down to the bedrock,” he said.
The intensity of the rainfall — as much as seven inches dumped in 12 hours — turned many small streams into destructive torrents, damaging roads not previously considered vulnerable.
“We are used to, by now, talking about inundation flooding,” said Liz Schlegel Stevens, cochair of CReW — Community Resilience for the Waterbury Area — a nonprofit that manages flood recovery for Bolton, Duxbury, Moretown and Waterbury. “But it is flash flooding that does this kind of damage.”
The full extent of the local destruction is still unclear. Many of the 2,200 homeowners reporting property damage so far have described washed out roads and driveways. Federal Emergency Management Agency officials are assessing these reports to determine whether and where to declare a federal disaster.
In counties that meet the threshold for individuals to get help from FEMA, private roads could qualify — under certain conditions. The homes would need to be owner-occupied and inaccessible due to the road damage.
Washington County, which is home to Moretown, is likely to qualify for a federal disaster declaration, but who would get money — and when — isn’t clear.
At press conferences about the flooding, Gov. Phil Scott has said he worries that the destruction is worse than reported so far. He’s encouraged Vermonters to continue to report storm damage to the state’s 211 line.
“We’re going to find that there’s a lot of damage out there that we haven’t seen yet on some of these back roads,” Scott told reporters last week. An unknown number of homes are inaccessible, he said.
The damage to municipal roads in hard-hit Hinesburg is severe, estimated to cost at least $550,000 in repairs, according to town manager Todd Odit. Many private roads might have sustained destruction of comparable value, he said.
The state has asked the federal government to release emergency funds to speed the repair of state roads and has expedited the release of highway aid to help towns rebuild local roads faster, Vermont
I WENT INTO THE HOUSE AND TOLD MY WIFE, “WE WON’T BE LEAVING ANYTIME SOON.”
KEVIN SWEENEY
Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn told reporters.
It’s clear from preliminary reports that damage to private roads in some areas is worse than after Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, Schlegel Stevens said.
“In Moretown alone, I can think of at least eight private roads with extensive damage,” she said.
The scale of the damage stunned even those who have become battle-hardened by three floods in the space of a year. Waterbury Selectboard member Kane Sweeney — no relation to Kevin Sweeney — volunteered to deliver water-testing kits to Edge Drive homeowners whose wells might have been contaminated by the flooding.
Much of the hillside was washed away and deposited onto the valley below, and cars can’t access two of the three homes. Last week, an SUV owned by a resident at the bottom of Edge Road remained buried in muck nearly to its windows.
“When I went out there and stood at
power lines that serve as the backbone for the state’s power grid, upgraded the transmission lines above Edge Drive. It built an access road over a creek and to the power lines. The utility installed a two-foot-diameter plastic culvert pipe so the creek could flow under the dirt road.
But neighbors say that culvert was too small and was plugged with debris from previous floods. It served as a barrier that diverted the floodwaters down Edge Drive, they contend.
VELCO spokesperson Shana Louiselle said the culvert “was appropriately sized at the time it was put in.” The utility has a program to maintain its larger culverts around the state to prevent them from becoming clogged with debris — but not for smaller ones.
The utility sent a team to investigate the damage last week and is exploring what caused the blowout. The culvert may have played a role, Louiselle said, but if it did, it’s just “one piece of the puzzle.” Because multiple streams jumped their banks in the area, she doubts even a large culvert could have prevented the road damage.
“This is a really complex situation with multiple potential factors,” Louiselle said.
State geologist Ben DeJong visited the site, which was first reported as a landslide, and said it is clear the culvert was too small to handle the volume of floodwaters. Even a culvert double the size might not have been big enough, he said.
But that doesn’t mean anyone did anything wrong.
the base of the driveway, I just said, ‘Holy shit,’” Sweeney recalled. “The road doesn’t exist anymore. It’s a ravine.”
Sweeney said it’s heartbreaking to realize that homeowners on private roads will likely be on the hook for repairs many of them can’t afford.
“Areas that have never been flooded before are beginning to flood, and it brings into question the integrity of our infrastructure,” he said.
The state has been working hard since Irene to rebuild roads and bridges in ways that help them better withstand flooding. After last year’s deluge, officials noted that bridges rebuilt post-Irene without pilings in riverbeds held up well. But the Edge Drive washout underscores how private roads near smaller waterways remain vulnerable.
The issue can be even more complicated when multiple entities have overlapping rights-of-way and responsibilities for road maintenance.
In 2015, Vermont Electric Power Company, which manages the high-voltage
“We don’t design for this kind of storm. We just don’t,” DeJong said, adding, “I don’t know that anyone is building back better to that level, and that’s the problem.”
Kevin Sweeney, who works in marketing at a local arts organization, said he’s hired a civil engineer to get an estimate for the work needed to repair Edge Drive, which will cost tens of thousands of dollars in materials alone. He said 95 percent of his life’s savings are invested in his home, which the couple bought last year after moving from the Buffalo, N.Y., area.
They’ve had to borrow a car from a family member and leave it parked at the bottom of the hill. They’re hauling groceries in by hand. And they won’t be able to get heating oil delivered if the road isn’t repaired by winter.
With FEMA yet to decide whether individuals in Washington County will qualify for disaster assistance and VELCO downplaying the role its culvert played in the damage, Sweeney worries he and his neighbors will be on their own.
“I’m 66,” he said. “I don’t want to have to have to work ’til I’m 85 to pay for this.” ➆
UVM Medical Center Earns Approval for New Surgical Facility
BY COLIN FLANDERS • colin@sevendaysvt.com
State regulators on Monday ruled that the University of Vermont Medical Center can build a new $130 million surgical center if it agrees to a few conditions meant to control costs and reduce the impact on other hospitals.
UVM Medical Center must cap what it charges for surgeries at the new center and can only open six operating rooms to start — two fewer than it had proposed.
The hospital is also prohibited from spending money to advertise the new facility. And it will be required to provide the Green Mountain Care Board with regular updates on wait times, staffing levels and physician productivity, among other data.
The decision landed 3-2, with care board members Owen Foster, Robin Lunge and Jessica Holmes in the majority.
“The path to reaching a decision in this case was not easy,” the three regulators wrote. “UVMMC’s proposal has the potential to significantly impact health care in Vermont for decades.”
The approval will allow Vermont’s largest hospital to expand its surgical capacity and potentially gain a bigger market share.
In a statement, the hospital called the center a critical piece of its long-term planning and said the regulatory approval was an important milestone for the years-in-the-making project. But it said the conditions could impact “multiple aspects” of the plan.
“We will spend the next several days closely reviewing the decision,” the hospital said.
The ruling comes as part of the “certificate of need” process, which requires the Green Mountain Care Board to sign off on any major health care investments. Applicants must demonstrate that their projects further Vermont’s goal of improving health care access while also containing costs.
Making their pitch this spring, UVM Medical Center executives said the project would allow them to shift procedures away from the outdated Fanny Allen campus and into a new state-of-the-art facility better equipped to handle the many complex procedures
now performed on an outpatient basis. They asked for permission to start with eight operating rooms and said they would have enough space to accommodate four more should they become needed.
The five Fanny Allen ORs would be repurposed, officials said. Last week, the care board approved the hospital’s request to purchase the Colchester campus for $17.3 million.
The expanded surgical capacity would help the hospital chip away at existing backlogs and prepare for future demand, officials said, pointing to internal projections that showed the medical center will soon need to perform 4,000 more surgeries annually than it can currently handle.
Another selling point, officials said, was that the center would generate at least $10 million in annual profit by 2030, money that could be used to bolster hospital services that operate at a loss.
The hospital’s desire to run the new center as a profit generator didn’t sit well with Foster, the care board chair. “Our health care system is at an inflection point,” he wrote in a concurring opinion, “and projects that impose unwarranted costs on Vermonters and small businesses will only exacerbate the problem.”
The imposed conditions, which include a requirement that UVM charge private insurers no more than 170 percent of what Medicare will pay for the same service, were enough for Foster to overcome his concerns. But the same couldn’t be said for board members Thom Walsh and David Murman, who, in a pair of dissenting opinions, appeared unconvinced that the project was necessary.
They questioned UVM’s efficiency and said they believed it could find cheaper ways to conduct more surgeries, such as expanding operating hours or referring more cases elsewhere.
They also worried about the impact on Vermont’s struggling rural hospitals.
There is a “significant risk” that the new center will draw surgical patients away from Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans and Copley Hospital in Morrisville, Walsh wrote.
That would lead to a greater statewide dependence on UVM, “a high-priced hospital that already has a monopolistic healthcare market position and demonstrates inefficient systems, stagnating quality, and long wait times for primary and secondary care,” Walsh wrote.
“This proposal is an example of the type of consolidation that we are actively trying to move away from,” Walsh added.
The hospital has said the center could open in the next two years. ➆
UVM Medical Center
Flood Survivors Find Personal Items at Were Swept Away
BY RACHEL HELLMAN • rhellman@sevendaysvt.com
Jake McBride spends a portion of each day walking along the Winooski River, looking for something — anything, really — that might be his. On July 10, McBride’s home, an apartment building in Plainfield known as the Heartbreak Hotel, was destroyed by floodwaters, displacing McBride and at least 11 other residents. Other nearby homes were also inundated.
In the days after, McBride and his neighbors started piecing together their lives. ey needed new passports and new Social Security cards and, most importantly, new places to live. Searching for lost items was not on the top of their lists.
“At first, we didn’t understand the urgency we needed in our search,” McBride said. “We were still in shock.”
And yet, with each passing day, irreplaceable photos, family heirlooms and other personal effects are making their way from the Great Brook to the Winooski River.
For survivors searching for their belongings, time is of the essence. So McBride, 10 or so friends, and other volunteers started searching the riverbank downstream from the Heartbreak. What emerges, and what matters, is often a surprise to all involved.
Last week, McBride found a chip clip on the riverbank, the type you use to keep food fresh. Trash, one might assume.
“It was my great aunt’s,” McBride explained. “I lost everything else that I have of hers. I keep telling people that anything is something right now, and something is everything.”
ose who find items have been bringing them to the stone wall at Grace United Methodist Church in Plainfield, where volunteers placed plastic bins. A hodgepodge collection — photos, DVDs, handmade jewelry — have ended up there.
For many, reunion with a beloved object has brought waves of emotions. Neil Towne, a volunteer from Waterbury, spent the days after the flood looking for lost pets. While Towne didn’t find any animals, he did recover photographs scattered on the riverbank.
Some were of Allison Lurene’s late cat. Lurene, who lost her Brook Road apartment in the flood, asked Towne to keep an eye out for a flag she’d received at her father’s military funeral.
e next day, Towne found the flag. When he picked it up, it nearly fell apart. But he followed tradition when he presented the keepsake to Lurene, holding the flag waist-high and giving her a salute. Both were moved to tears.
“It felt pretty important to be able to return that to her,” Towne said. “It was extremely rewarding.”
Stephen Abell no longer lives in Plainfield, but the home he rents out on Brook Road was swept away in the flood. He had stored many prized possessions — mostly instruments — in the house.
Someone found one of his guitars and posted a photo of it on the town’s Facebook page. Abell was elated.
“I’ll probably never play it, but I’ll hang it on the wall and say, ‘Well, that survived the flood of 2024,’” Abell said.
e recovery mission has been a wholetown effort. One Plainfield resident, Adam Krakowski, has volunteered his skills as a professional decorative arts conservator to restore photos and paper damaged by the flood. So far, he’s revived photos and a journal for a handful of neighbors. He also restored a hand-carved box for a Heartbreak resident, who got “a little tearyeyed” when reunited with it, Krakowski said.
Toward the beginning of McBride’s search, he found a photo of his greatgreat-grandmother. It was the only one remaining from a box of old photographs he had insisted on taking from his aunt, who lives in Louisiana. It would be safer in Vermont, McBride said he told her.
It’s one of several belongings that McBride has found, all of which fit in a crate he keeps in the back of his car.
“It sometimes feels like a fever dream, doing this work,” McBride said. “Like: Did I even live here?”
Each day, something new emerges. e items are the physical manifestation of memories and the relics of neighbors’ lives. Out of the river comes camera equipment, half of a beloved vintage cooler, jars of carefully labeled spices and a neighbor’s old wooden stool, faded from years of use. ➆
Record Rains Cause NEK Flooding
BY RACHEL HELLMAN & JACK MCGUIRE
A slow-moving thunderstorm late Monday and early Tuesday dropped more than eight inches of rain on St. Johnsbury over just six hours, a record soaking that led to yet another round of flooding in Vermont.
e previous record for a single day of rainfall in St. Johnsbury was set in 1913, at 4.99 inches. On Tuesday, 7.89 inches fell there, according to the National Weather Service; combined with Monday’s precipitation, it was more than eight inches. Pete Banacos, science and operations officer at its Burlington office, said the storm remained nearly stationary for hours above the Northeast Kingdom town.
“It is highly unusual to see these kinds of rainfall amounts in Vermont,” Banacos said.
A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration graphic says that a rain event such as this could be expected in St. Johnsbury only once every 1,000 years.
St. Johnsbury fire chief Bradley Reed told Seven Days that he had never witnessed a rainstorm such as this one during his career. Flash flooding struck, a bridge failed at Farmer Drive, and the fire department had to rescue people stuck in a car.
Authorities were still assessing damage and were setting up a shelter at 51 Depot Square. Rainwater damaged seven of the 11 units in a Main Street apartment building. Residents said they had to evacuate in the middle of the night when water cascaded down. Ceilings collapsed, and residents worried whether insurance would cover the damages.
Damaged roads in the region were closed. Lyndonville, Barnet and Norton were among hard-hit communities.
In St. J, Concord Avenue sustained the most damage, Reed said. Part of the road remained closed on Tuesday, with debris and silt covering swaths of it. Bill urston, who lives on Concord Avenue, said flooding last year and earlier this month had a minimal effect on
his property. But the overnight storm created small craters in his driveway and flooded his basement.
Authorities closed Red Village Road in Lyndonville, portions of which were covered with mud and water. A white SUV sat in the nearby Passumpsic River.
Ten swift-water rescue teams were dispatched to the region and rescued around 24 people. e teams were still prepared to respond to additional calls for assistance on Tuesday afternoon. No injuries or fatalities had been reported.
According to Mark Bosma, public information officer for the state’s Emergency Management Department, the damage to St. Johnsbury is significant and may be even more extensive than from the July 10 flooding. Bosma encouraged those affected to call 211 to report any damage and said residents should stay off closed roads and avoid driving through standing water.
Vermont’s flood-weariness was showing.
“Well this is getting old real fast for our region,” read a post on the Facebook page of Morrison’s Feed Bag, a St. Johnsbury feed store. “Our warehouse is completely destroyed at the moment and full of 6” of mud.”
Found photos
Stephen Abell’s guitar
Flood damage on Concord Avenue in St. Johnsbury
Flood damage in St. Johnsbury
An accompanying video showed people removing merchandise from a muddy structure. The business also assured customers that a “wonderful team of family, employees and friends” had gathered to dig out. It said, “WE ARE OPEN!!!!!! PLEASE COME IN!”
Maria Vance, owner of Cheap Totes, an online business based in St. Johnsbury, was still recovering from July 10 flood damage when the latest flood struck. Overnight, floodwaters carried two shipping containers containing most of her inventory down the road and into a sinkhole.
“I never would’ve imagined that this much water could come from rain alone,” Vance said.
Rep. Scott Campbell (D-St. Johnsbury) spent the morning biking around his neighborhood, surveying the damage. One spot on Farmer Drive was hard hit.
“There’s probably a 30-foot canyon there now,” Campbell said. “It’s shocking.”
Campbell said neighbors are already organizing a “basement mucking party” on Wednesday for low-lying households affected by the flooding.
Bosma summed up what many were feeling.
“I’ve been around for a while, and I don’t ever remember a storm stopping and dropping this much rain in one area,” Bosma said. “But nothing really surprises me anymore after the last few years.”
Storms were again headed into Vermont on Tuesday afternoon, and still more were forecast for Wednesday. Additional flash flooding could be in store then if another weather system arrives with the potential for torrential downpours.
“The bottom line is we need to stay on our toes and be very watchful of this system,” Banacos said. ➆
Flooding in St. Johnsbury
“StewartLedbetterwillbea
-Gov.PeterShumlin (D)3-TermVTGovernor
Up in the Air
« P.15
including disruptions and uncertainty for administrators, teachers and families. That’s the case not just at North Country but in other districts across the state.
An initiative that was created to keep kids and faculty safe has in some districts led to a quagmire.
Around 350 schools in Vermont, all built before 1980, qualify for testing. Of the 136 tested so far, 44 have airborne PCB levels that require further action under state guidelines. Most have not been fully remediated yet. The Department of Environmental Conservation, which is overseeing the project, must sign off on any work schools do. Getting results for air and materials testing can take weeks.
NOT A SINGLE STATE HAS SAID, “OH, [VERMONT] HAD A GOOD IDEA. LET’S COPY THEM.”
REP. PETER CONLON
In the Mill River Unified Union School District, air testing last year showed that both Clarendon and Wallingford elementary schools had elevated levels of PCBs. The Clarendon library and some classroom space had to be closed; gym use has been limited. In Wallingford, pre-K students had to swap classrooms with older students, which required some plumbing and maintenance work to create appropriate spaces for smaller children.
Superintendent Brian Hill had hoped PCB mitigation would be finished this summer so that school operations could return to normal when the new year started. But he’s learned that the DEC won’t authorize additional testing that must be done before remediation can start, putting his district in a holding pattern.
“We have been told we’re not a priority,” Hill said. He’s prepared to start the school year with the same space limitations in place and no plan for moving forward.
Rebecca Fillion, principal of Twin Valley Elementary School in Wilmington, is dealing with a delay as well. PCBs were found in her school in March 2023. Carbon air filtration units were installed last year as a way to lower the airborne
levels — but airborne results came back higher. Fillion had hoped another project, to improve ventilation, would have been completed so that the school gym could reopen.
“Sadly, it’s mid-July and we are still in the planning phase,” Fillion wrote in an email to Seven Days earlier this month.
At Bellows Falls Union High School, which has been contending with its own PCB problems for the past year, it’s unclear whether the state will allow students to use the gym or locker rooms when school opens, according to Windham Northeast superintendent Andy Haas. Just in case, he said, they’re making contingency plans for preseason and fall sports.
Rep. Peter Conlon (D-Cornwall), chair of the House Education Committee, is watching the various situations unfold across the state with dismay. He tried this year and last to pass legislation that would pause the PCB testing program. But the plan met resistance from the Senate and Gov. Phil Scott’s administration. Sen. Brian Campion (D-Bennington), chair of the Senate Education Committee, has been a strong advocate for the program, but he won’t be returning to the legislature next year.
Still, Conlon said, “I’m not sure there’s a whole lot more I can do.”
“How many years into this are we now?” he added. “And not a single state has said, ‘Oh, [Vermont] had a good idea. Let’s copy them.’”
North Country’s saga started in spring 2023, when testing showed that airborne PCB levels in dozens of classrooms were higher than the Vermont Department of Health allows. Ten rooms exceeded the state’s “immediate action level” of 300 nanograms per cubic meter, meaning that no students or staff could occupy the space.
Under the direction of a state-hired consultant, the district undertook multiple PCB mitigation projects last school year that cost nearly $1 million.
But follow-up air testing this June showed that PCB levels had actually soared in some spaces, according to Collins — in many cases, way over the state’s immediate action level.
This summer, North Country is embarking on its biggest mitigation effort yet. It includes painting over PCBladen surfaces and grinding down caulk on windows at a cost of $5 million — money that will come from a dwindling pot of funds set aside by the legislature to address PCB contamination. After the North Country project is complete, only $870,000 will remain in the state education fund for remediation work, according to the Agency of Education
director of operations Jill Briggs Campbell — a fraction of what further projects will cost.
The project won’t be finished until mid-August, just about a week before the new school year starts. After that, another round of air testing will occur. Both Collins and Young said they are concerned that if PCB levels remain high, the health department will order them to shutter the school and they’ll have to scramble to find alternative spaces for learning. Young said the Agency of Education is working to help the district secure trailers just in case.
The administrators worry about the toll that a chaotic start to the school year would take on their approximately 720 high school students, who have already experienced pandemic-related education disruptions. The district has asked the health department to issue an occupancy letter for the building that outlines which spaces are usable if air testing results don’t improve. Rep. Erin Brady (D-Williston), vice chair of the House Education Committee, and Conlon also wrote to state officials urging them to provide guidance.
“Without clear direction from the [health department], the school administrators are placed in an untenable situation where they must interpret the rules of the program and guess what the [health department] requirements for occupancy might be, or relay what someone told them on the phone,” Conlon and
Brady wrote in the July 18 memo. “That is, frankly, unacceptable as these educators deal with all that is being thrown at them with this program that they did not ask for.”
But in a joint statement to Seven Days, the departments of health and environmental conservation said they will not provide an occupancy letter until the current PCB project and another round of testing is completed.
“It is anticipated that the [project] will result in a meaningful reduction in PCBs indoor air levels,” the statement said.
“We are prepared to support the school to ensure the educational, health, and mental health needs of its students are being met.”
Young said he and Collins had a productive meeting with state officials on Monday, and he feels like they are starting to understand the situation from the school’s perspective. Still, the administrators aren’t fully reassured.
“While I would like to believe that the mitigation work will result in a reduction in PCB indoor air levels, I can’t plan for a school opening based on what the [health department] anticipates, especially given the lengthy turnaround time for results to be validated and reported back to the school,” Young wrote in an email.
The best way for the state to support his students’ educational, physical and mental health needs, he added, “will be to work with us to open school on-time and in-person.” ➆
Hunter Barnes
A World Away
North Country principal Chris Young and superintendent Elaine Collins
Immigration Officials Illegally Deported Vermont Family, Advocates Say
BY JACK MCGUIRE • jmcguire@sevendaysvt.com
Advocates say a woman from Honduras and her two children were deported from Vermont earlier this month after immigration officials failed to completely review the woman’s case for asylum.
Greisy Mejia’s case has been taken up by Brett Stokes, director of the Center for Justice Reform and an assistant professor at Vermont Law & Graduate School; and Migrant Justice, a Burlington-based nonprofit that advocates for workers on local farms.
Mejia, 29, has actually been deported twice within the past eight months after fleeing Honduras over extortion threats in her home country. But both times, according to advocates, U.S. immigration officials did not review her claims that she feared for her life, which is part of the asylum process.
“They’re essential. It’s not like you have an option if you express a fear. You must receive [a review],” Stokes said.
Mejia, her 9-year-old daughter and infant son surrendered to U.S. Border Patrol in Texas in November 2023 after illegally crossing the border and requesting asylum. But the federal agency, which, at the time, was dealing with a surge in illegal crossings and a backlog in asylum requests, sent her back to Honduras three days after she entered the U.S.
“She ought to have had a ‘credible fear’ review sometime in her crossing then, but it doesn’t appear that that happened,” Stokes told Seven Days
Mejia and her children fled Honduras again earlier this year and crossed the southern border in February. But they didn’t turn themselves in, according to Migrant Justice, and the family was kidnapped and held for ransom. Mejia finally escaped and contacted police in Uvalde, Texas. (Neither Migrant Justice nor Stokes provided more information about the kidnapping.)
The family again found themselves in the custody of U.S. Border Patrol, this time for about a month. According to Stokes, immigration services determined that Mejia was not a flight risk and allowed her to travel to Vermont, where her partner lives and works on a farm, under an order of supervision. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement gave her an ankle monitor and let her live in Vermont with routine check-ins.
“You could kind of think of it like parole
or probation. You’re just checking in with somebody to make sure that your address is still current and nothing’s changed,” Stokes said.
Mejia connected with Stokes and the Center for Justice Reform in mid-June. The group planned on having her apply for a stay of removal, which postpones deportation, and a T visa, which allows victims of trafficking to stay in the U.S.
Stokes said Mejia had a routine check-in scheduled for July 22, and they were receiving positive signs about the situation. But very suddenly, according to Stokes, the agency moved up the meeting to July 9.
ICE records indicate Mejia was deported on July 10. Stokes said he first learned about it after Mejia called the Center for Justice Reform from Honduras. He has since filed her application for a T visa and is working to bring her back to the U.S.
“We denounce this cruel and horrific abuse,” Thelma Gómez, of Migrant Justice, said in a statement. “ICE needlessly and knowingly sent a family back to a country where their lives will be at risk — in violation of the law and the agency’s own guidelines. We hold ICE responsible for any harm that comes to Greisy and her family. This is an attack against the entire immigrant community.”
ICE, in a statement, said it followed proper procedures.
“A person who is ordered removed, is physically removed, and thereafter illegally reenters, can be subject to reinstatement of the previous removal order,” a spokesperson wrote in a statement to Seven Days
Mejia’s deportation may be part of a trend of increased ICE enforcement, according to Stokes.
“From what I’m hearing from colleagues, the last six months or so is about as bad as [ICE arrests and removal operations have] been in recent memory,” he said.
Will Lambek of Migrant Justice said Mejia’s case reminded of him of when ICE deported Durvi Martinez in 2020, even though Martinez expressed fear for their life. Martinez, a farmer and activist, died of COVID-19 after being sent home from Vermont.
“[Greisy’s case is] not unprecedented, but this goes against the statutory obligations and ICE’s internal guidelines,” Lambek said. ➆
ELECTION 2024
A Farmer Challenges Kornheiser for Her House Seat
BY ANNE WALLACE ALLEN • anne@sevendaysvt.com
Rep. Emily Kornheiser (D-Brattleboro) backed tax increases this year that incensed some Vermonters. Now, she has a Democratic primary challenger: first-time candidate Amanda Ellis-Thurber, a farmer.
Ellis-Thurber said she was galvanized when she saw a New York Times story about wealth taxes that Kornheiser proposed in January. She said she has voted for Kornheiser and expected her to focus on policy that would affect her constituents in Brattleboro — not the whole state.
“How many conversations has Emilie had with her local district about tax proposals?” Ellis-Thurber asked.
Kornheiser, who was endorsed by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and got elected in 2018, made a name for herself with her quick ascent to chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. She has championed progressive goals such as securing equal access to health care, education and housing.
Ellis-Thurber has long worked on her family’s 600-acre operation, Lilac Ridge Farm. She said she’s running in the August 13 primary — her first venture in politics — because she wants to help small businesses.
Taxes and affordability are a hot topic in the state. Last winter, Vermonters facing double-digit tax increases voted down 30 school budgets. Property tax bills now landing in mailboxes have an average increase of 14 percent.
Further, as of July 1, employers and the self-employed are subject to a new payroll tax of 0.44 percent that supports childcare programs.
Jill Stahl Tyler, who served on the Brattleboro School Board for eight years, said she encouraged Ellis-Thurber to challenge Kornheiser because she’s concerned that high taxes are harming the state. “I want somebody who has a practical mindset, who understands that sometimes there are limitations in budgets,” Tyler said.
Ellis-Thurber earned a degree in plant and soil science from the University of Vermont in 1994. She and her husband raised three children on Lilac Ridge Farm, where they now milk 40 Holsteins and run a farmstand and creemee business.
Ellis-Thurber obtained a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Antioch University New England in 2015 and worked for three years as an outpatient therapist at a clinic in Greenfield, Mass. She’s also been a ski instructor at Stratton Mountain Resort.
Kornheiser, who earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the now-defunct Marlboro College and a master’s in public policy, community development and economics from the University of Vermont, works as a consultant for nonprofit organizations and waits tables to supplement her income. She described her experience as a former café owner and single parent
who ended up relying on welfare when her child was born about 20 years ago. She has outlined her own financial struggles as a renter who is also burdened by the mortgage on a home she owns with her former partner.
“I am paying off my student loans while my child is going to college, I have a mortgage, I have significant property taxes, my father just moved here, and I’m going to have to care for him, too,” Kornheiser said at a Democratic candidates’ forum. “It’s a wild ride to be on.”
She wants to shift more of the tax burden to wealthy Vermonters and make life easier for lower-income residents through initiatives such as paid family leave and universal childcare. Last year, she authored legislation that would have established a 3 percent surcharge on adjusted gross incomes of more than $500,000 and a tax on unrealized capital gains. Neither gained traction.
This month, Mindy Haskins Rogers, a former Vermonter who lives in Northampton, Mass., publicly challenged Ellis-Thurber’s account of her middle-class struggles. EllisThurber’s family is supported by the income from a $2 million farm property that she owns in Nebraska, Rogers wrote in a letter to the Commons, and has a vacation home in Greensboro. “I question whether she really understands the plight of Vermont’s working and middle classes,” she wrote.
Ellis-Thurber said her own family’s money helped her buy Lilac Ridge from her in-laws, and income from the Nebraska property keeps the family afloat. The Greensboro second home, she said, is modest. ➆
Greisy Mejia and her daughter in Vermont
Rep. Emily Kornheiser
Amanda Ellis-Thurber
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OBITUARIES, VOWS, CELEBRATIONS
OBITUARIES
Zelda Athena Jones, our sweet little angel and biscuit, was born on June 13, 2024, in Burlington, Vt. She brought
Janice Whitney
FEBRUARY 26, 1950JULY 20, 2024
JERICHO, VT.
immense joy to her parents, Matthew and Hallie Jones, with her big personality, curiosity, sass and strength. Zelda’s favorite place in the world was in her mom and dad’s arms, where she felt safe and loved. She loved being cuddled, while
Janice Whitney, 74, of Jericho, Vt., died peacefully on July 20, 2024, at the McClure Miller Respite House after a short illness.
She was born in Slatersville, R.I., on February 26, 1950, daughter of the late Ralph and Shirley Scott Whitney. She graduated from Champlain Valley Union High School in 1968 and the University of Vermont radiation tech program. She went on to work at the University of Vermont Medical Center for more than 30 years, where she met her husband, Ed Tumielewicz, who predeceased her in 2016. After her retirement from
grabbing everything within reach, sucking on milk lollipops and opening her beautiful big eyes.
ough her time on Earth was short, Zelda was a true warrior at heart. She fought with every ounce of strength she had, giving her parents the proudest and happiest six weeks they could have ever asked for.
Zelda’s defining moments were witnessed every day. She grunted and growled when things didn’t go her way, but she smiled with contentment after feeding in her parents’ arms. She looked around in awe at a world that she was far too good for. In just 40 days, she left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew her.
During her stay in the
the UVM Medical Center, Jan put her creative talents to good use and opened a gift shop, Greetings, in Bristol, Vt., which she owned and operated for several years. Jan loved her gardens, driving around in her Mini convertible, her numerous dogs, and times with family and friends.
She is survived by two sisters and brothers-in-law, Jill Browne and husband Aidan of Waban, Mass.; and Jennifer Stowell and husband David of Jericho. She was predeceased by her sister Susan Patterson in 1989. She also leaves behind seven nieces and nephews,
NICU at the University of Vermont Medical Center, Zelda was surrounded by the love and care of her parents, as well as the dedicated nurses and doctors who tirelessly looked after her. Her strength and spirit impacted everyone she encountered, leaving a lasting impression even on those who hadn’t yet met her.
Zelda Athena Jones left this world on July 23, 2024, but her memory will forever be cherished by her grieving parents, Matthew and Hallie, as well as the countless lives she touched in her short time here. May she rest peacefully, forever remembered as a beautiful mix of her loving parents and a source of boundless love and joy.
whom she adored: David Mullin, Sam Browne, Jessica Grant, Caoimhe Kahn-Woods, Timothy Patterson, Amy Bernal and Kate Fitzpatrick. e family would like to express their gratitude to the nurses and staff on Miller 5 and at the McClure Miller Respite House for their compassion and care. Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements are in the care of the Cremation Society of Chittenden County, a division of the Ready Family. To send online condolences, please visit cremationsocietycc.com.
Clare Helene Jacobs
DECEMBER 21, 1928JULY 24, 2024 RICHMOND, VT.
On Wednesday, July 24, 2024, Clare Helene Jacobs (née Cliggett), age 95, passed away peacefully at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, Vt.
She was born on December 21, 1928, to Mary (Barnett) and John Cliggett in Oaklyn, N.J., growing up among a close and loving family in the Kensington section of Philadelphia, under the “L” (elevated train).
During her late high school years, she was a switchboard operator for Bell Telephone. After graduation, she worked for the Jacobs Bros. Chevrolet dealership, where she met the love of her life, Frank C. “Bunny” Jacobs Jr. ey married in 1950, moving to West Oak Lane, where they raised their daughters while Clare worked as a medical assistant for Dr. Paul C. Moock, Jr.
of learning something new each day.
She relocated to Richmond, Vt., in recent years and made many new friends as she adjusted to “country life.”
Clare leaves her daughters, Clare A. Jacobs of Perkasie, Pa., Angie Jacobs (Alan Pierson Franchot) of Richmond, Vt., and Lisa Dwyer (Pete Dwyer) of Williston, Vt.; her sister Jane Trautwein of Flourtown, Pa.; and her grandchildren, Angelina and Erick Turk, Raymond and Nicole Monteleone, Charles Mangan, Brennan Mangan, Austin Graven Franchot, and Heather Pierson Nelson. She is also survived by her six loving great-grandchildren, as well as many caring nieces and nephews.
Clare is reunited in heaven with her husband, Bunny, along with her brothers and sisters and their spouses: Jack and EllaNora Cliggett, Dolores and Maurie Wolf, Dick and Edith Cliggett, Mary and Norman Hunter, Bob and Marie Cliggett, and Albert Trautwein. Clare also joins her close “Club” girlfriends and their spouses from high school days, who remained forever friends through life, including Mary and Bill Ludwig, Dot and Moon Schmidt, Eva and Dutch Schlaich, Lorraine and Charlie Brown, and Helen and Sam Porter.
Frances M. Bessette
DECEMBER 14, 1948JULY 24, 2024
BURLINGTON, VT.
Frances M. Bessette, 75, passed away at Elderwood at Burlington nursing home on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
She was born in Burlington, Vt., on December 14, 1948, the daughter of Edward F. and Lillian V. (Bell) Bessette. She loved children, having been
involved with childcare for many years.
She is survived by her last sibling, her sister Mary Fisher, and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Visitation will be on Friday, August 2, 2024, 11 a.m. to noon, at Elmwood-Meunier Funeral Chapel, 97 Elmwood Ave., Burlington. Her memorial service will begin at noon. Interment will follow with her family in Shelburne Village Cemetery.
In 1974, Clare and Bunny relocated from the city to Huntington Valley, Pa. eir home was often bustling with family and friends celebrating holidays and special events or just dropping by. eir door was always open for love, support, listening and a cold beer. Together, Clare and Bunny vacationed in Ormond by the Sea, Fla., as well as a few special trips to Alaska.
Clare enjoyed a lifetime activity of collecting and researching antiques and vintage items, frequenting resale shops and flea markets. Among varied interests in her many years, she enjoyed music, dancing, piano playing, socializing, cooking, sewing, knitting, reading and investing. She took up playing the ukulele in her eighties. Clare was inquisitive and made a practice
We are grateful for the wonderful care Clare has received over her years in Vermont from Dr. Hannah Rabin. A special thank-you to Cathy Branon for her helpful efforts in keeping Clare at home, along with our compassionate support team from the University of Vermont Home Health & Hospice program. Finally, immense gratitude for the thoughtful staff and volunteers at McClure Miller Respite House. Clare particularly enjoyed hearing the Noyana Singers each week.
A celebration of Clare’s life will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024, 2 p.m., at the Richmond Congregational Church, UCC. To honor Clare’s kindness and generosity, please consider a gift to Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity (vermonthabitat.org) or a gift to the Richmond Food Shelf & rift Store richmondfoodshelfvt.org) in her memory.
Zelda Jones
JUNE 13, 2024-JULY 23, 2024 MILTON, VT.
Peaks, Presidents and Pinball
Three to six hours in Manchester, southern Vermont’s tourist haven
BY HANNAH FEUER • hfeuer@sevendaysvt.com
Manchester, nestled between the Green Mountain and Taconic Mountain ranges in southwest Vermont, has long been a popular getaway for New Yorkers seeking respite from city life. A destination for second-home owners, it has a year-round population of about 4,500 that swells to as many as 12,000 people in the summer, according to John Burnham, executive director of the Manchester Business Association.
Often compared to tony Stowe or Woodstock, the town has an upscale ambience. Visitors might stay at the luxurious EQUINOX GOLF RESORT & SPA or KIMPTON TACONIC HOTEL, with Bromley and Stratton mountain resorts for skiing nearby. The MANCHESTER DESIGNER OUTLETS feature brands such as Brooks Brothers, Vineyard Vines and Polo Ralph Lauren.
Yet the town’s rich history sets it apart from Vermont’s other resort destinations.
Manchester Village was among the first places in New England to be developed and advertised as a summer getaway.
Many U.S. presidents vacationed in Manchester, including William Howard Taft, Ulysses S. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt and Benjamin Harrison. Abraham
3 TO 6 HOURS
This series is a Vermont-size take on the popular New York Times travelogue “36 Hours.” Since most destinations in the Green Mountain State don’t require a day and a half to experience, we offer day trip itineraries of local towns in three- to sixhour chunks. Got a good travel tip? Email us at culture@sevendaysvt.com.
off their skills at Manchester’s annual flyfishing festival in August.
Further demonstrating New Yorkers’ interest in Manchester, the New York Times wrote a “36 hours in Manchester, Vt.” story in 2014. Visitors definitely could spend 36 hours in this vibrant resort town, but in keeping with our spin-off series’ concept, we offer an itinerary for exploring like a local — three to six hours at a time.
9 a.m. to noon
Start the day at UP FOR BREAKFAST , a brunch spot cleverly named for its location up a flight of stairs. The menu, featuring pancakes, omelettes and huevos rancheros, has remained relatively unchanged for the past two decades, co-owner Wojtek Wierzbicki said. A local favorite is the hearty Hungry Hiker: two eggs, two pancakes, two sausage links, two bacon strips, toast, coffee and home fries. It’s best to arrive early to avoid lines. People tend to comment on “how small it is and how busy it is,” Wierzbicki said. “But, you know, it kind of gives it that homey vibe.”
Lincoln’s son Robert took such a liking to Manchester that he bought a summer estate in town — now open to the public as a museum.
Overlooking Manchester Village stands the towering spire of the FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, founded in 1784 and notable for welcoming Vermont’s first Black pastor, in 1818. YE OLDE TAVERN , opened in 1790 and Vermont’s oldest inn, remains operational today as a restaurant transporting customers back to colonial times. The private boarding school Burr and Burton Academy, established in 1829 as a seminary, later became the state’s first coed secondary school.
Located on the picturesque Battenkill River, Manchester is also the birthplace of the fly-fishing store ORVIS, which claims to be the oldest mail-order retailer in the U.S. Today, the Orvis fly-fishing school offers lessons to refine casting techniques, and practitioners of the sport can show
For a quicker bite, head to WILLOUGHBY’S DEPOT EATERY , famous in town for its freshly baked doughnuts. Indulge in bestsellers such as the honey dip or maple cream, or try something new with the maple bacon or PB&J flavors. Named after owner Courtney Callo’s late dog, Willoughby, the eatery also offers an array of sandwiches, each of which is “connected to a dog and their personality,” Callo said. The signature Willoughby sandwich? Egg, sausage and cheddar cheese sandwiched between doughnuts and drizzled with maple syrup.
Next, browse the stacks at NORTHSHIRE BOOKSTORE , a locally owned establishment spanning 15,000 square feet, with more than 60,000 books in its inventory. A collection of 500 rare books includes Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire signed by J.K. Rowling for $4,000, The Supreme Court: How It Was, How It Is signed by late chief justice William Rehnquist for $1,000, and a first edition of the 1936 Margaret Mitchell novel Gone With the Wind for $400. Afterward, unwind with a beach read and a latte at the COLBURN CAFÉ , conveniently located inside the bookstore.
Ye Olde Tavern
Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home
IF YOU GO
EQUINOX GOLF RESORT & SPA
3567 Main St., 362-4700, equinoxresort.com
KIMPTON TACONIC HOTEL, 3835 Main St., 362-0147, taconichotel.com
You may also want to pick up a history book as inspiration for the next stop, HILDENE, THE LINCOLN FAMILY HOME
Explore the Georgian Revival mansion where Robert Todd Lincoln and his wife, Mary, resided in the summer; stroll the gardens; and step aboard a restored 1903 wooden Pullman car that will transport you back in time.
Noon to 6 p.m.
Grab lunch at AL DUCCI’S ITALIAN PANTRY, an Italian grocery store and deli featuring fresh cheese, imported meats, and homemade dishes such as eggplant
NORTHSHIRE BOOKSTORE
4869 Main St., 362-2200, northshire.com
HILDENE, THE LINCOLN FAMILY
HOME, 1005 Hildene Rd., 362-1788, hildene.org
AL DUCCI’S ITALIAN PANTRY 133 Elm St., 362-4449, alduccis.com
MOONWINK, 4479 Main St., 768-8671, Facebook
MOUNT EQUINOX SKYLINE DRIVE 42 Skyline Dr., Arlington, 362-1114, equinoxmountain.com
PASTIME PINBALL, 4802 Main St., 366-1200, pastimepinball.com
SOUTHERN VERMONT ARTS CENTER
860 Southern Vermont Arts Center Dr., 362-1405, svac.org
DEPOT 62, 515 Depot St., 366-8181, depot62.com
THE CROOKED RAM, 4026 Main St., 417-5049, thecrookedramvt.com
EARTH SKY TIME COMMUNITY FARM, 1547 Main St., 821-8806, earthskytime. com
parmesan and lasagna. Co-owner Patricia Vunk said the store makes her nostalgic for her childhood in an Italian neighborhood on Long Island.
A crowd favorite is the three-meat sandwich, packed with salami, soppressata, capicola, roasted peppers, fresh mozzarella and basil, drizzled with oil and vinegar. And, as Vunk put it, customers “go crazy” for a pasta dish — penne with creamy marinara and housemade sausage — that is only made on Saturdays. “People will wait hours for it to be ready,” she said.
Alternatively, head to MOONWINK , which has been the only Burmese restaurant in the state since Essex Junction’s Irrawaddy closed in 2023. Co-owner May Stannard, who cooks her native Burmese cuisine, is currently running the restaurant as a one-woman show while her husband, Wes, recovers from septic shock. Help this beloved local gem stay afloat while enjoying traditional Burmese dishes such as Oh No Kou Swel, a creamy coconut chicken noodle soup with a hardboiled egg, cilantro and lime.
Take your food to go for a picnic on the summit of Mount Equinox, accessible by car via MOUNT EQUINOX SKYLINE DRIVE
Owned by the Carthusian monastic order, the path is the longest privately owned paved toll road in the U.S. Drive carefully as you navigate hairpin turns and climb 3,248 feet to summit the tallest mountain in the Taconic Range. At the top, enjoy panoramic views and amenities including picnic tables, restrooms and a meditation room. On the way down, be sure to give your car’s brakes a rest at the designated pull-off points. Even my sturdy Toyota RAV4 started sputtering during the steep descent.
Last year, Vermonters threw away 71,113 tons of food scraps which ended up in our only landfill. Equal to 242 pounds of food scraps per person per year.
CSWD’s Organic Recycling Facility (ORF) and our six Drop-Off Centers accept food scraps from residents and businesses to keep them out of Vermont’s only landfill. For information scan or visit cswd.net/a-to-z/food-scraps
Pullman car at Hildene
Northshire Books
Peaks,
Back in town, compete with your friends for the highest scores at PASTIME PINBALL, where $27 buys unlimited play on more than 60 vintage pinball machines. Co-owner Beth Friedman describes the arcade as a “playable pinball museum.” Bounce through pinball history on machines set up in chronological order of release date, starting with a Humpty Dumpty-themed game from 1947. Upstairs, a snack bar offers craft beer, nachos and ice cream sundaes.
Pastime Pinball is not your average Dave & Buster’s. “We didn’t want an arcade vibe,” Friedman said. “It’s a more upscale version: bright, airy and very, very clean.”
People looking to learn about pursuits even more niche than pinball should consider visiting the AMERICAN MUSEUM OF FLY FISHING. “You kind of have to know the sport to get anything out of this,” gallery assistant Bob Goodfellow admitted.
Despite not being an angler myself, I enjoyed exploring the world’s largest collection of fly-fishing-related artwork; learning about the legendary “king and queen of flyfishing,” Joan and Lee Wulff; and marveling at King Charles III’s fishing vest.
If you’re eager to experience fly-fishing firsthand, visit the ORVIS flagship store next door, where customers can practice casting and feed fish at the pond out back. The store also hosts a free Fly Fishing 101 course on Sunday mornings, a cost-effective alternative to the $279 lesson at Orvis’ fly-fishing school. “People come from all over the globe just to say they’ve caught a fish in the Battenkill,” general manager David Carlsen said.
Conclude the afternoon at the SOUTHERN VERMONT ARTS CENTER , a sprawling 100-acre campus with numerous art exhibits, a sculpture garden, a café and a 400-seat theater. The venue doubles as a museum and a shopping destination, with much of the featured artwork available for purchase. Past exhibits have ranged from “For the Love of Vermont: The Lyman Orton Collection” to “The Red Dress,” a garment that’s been to 51 countries and is continually embroidered as it travels the world.
6 p.m. to midnight
For dinner, DEPOT 62, offers a one-of-a-kind experience: a Turkish restaurant inside a furniture store. Munch on warm pide — a traditional puffy bread topped with sesame and black cumin — surrounded by colorful sofas, stacks of ornate rugs and funky chandeliers. Try the Konya kebab, lamb meat slow-cooked in a wood-fired oven and served in a traditional earthenware pot called a güveç.
PEOPLE COME FROM ALL OVER THE GLOBE JUST TO SAY THEY’VE CAUGHT A FISH IN THE BATTENKILL.
DAVID CARLSEN
Save room for after-dinner drinks and small plates inside the CROOKED RAM or in its outdoor space, the Yard, open from May to October. Known for exceptional cocktails, fine spirits, and a curated selection of natural wines and craft beers, the Crooked Ram was recognized as one of Esquire ’s 27 “Best Bars in America” in 2021. Pair a drink with the top-selling Bianca Roni, a Neapolitanstyle white pizza with pepperoni that’s become so popular the restaurant now features it on a T-shirt.
Finish the day with music at EARTH SKY TIME COMMUNITY FARM , a threegeneration family farmstead with a bakery, inn and concert venue. Among the upcoming artists are Lakou Mizik, a collective of Haitian musicians formed in the wake of the country’s devastating 2010 earthquake (August 4); and Saints and Liars, a Vermont-based Americana band (September 8). Like Manchester itself, the venue still feels like small-town Vermont — with a pinch of influence from different corners of the world.
David Carlsen at Orvis
Winner, winner, chicken dinner!
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dinner
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food+drink
Fresh Catch
Come on in, the water’s fine at Original Skiff Fish + Oysters in Burlington
BY MELISSA PASANEN
pasanen@sevendaysvt.com
Some sage culinary advice from Jimmy Bu ett is inscribed above the oyster bar at the new Original Ski Fish + Oysters in the Hilton’s relaunched Hotel Champlain Burlington, near the lakefront. “Give me oysters and beer for dinner every day of the year,” Bu ett sang in 1974 on “Tin Cup Chalice.” The next line of the song, “And I’ll feel fine. I’ll feel fine,” is implied.
I’m all in on oysters and a cold beer. But I felt especially fine on my second visit to the stylish new restaurant, sitting at the oyster bar, sipping a gin and tonic slushie ($14 — where have you been all my life?) and sharing an ice-cold platter of oysters and littleneck clams on the half shell ($4 per oyster; $2 per clam).
While my introduction to frozen gin and tonics was belated, I have enjoyed a long, blissful relationship with raw oysters since overcoming a rocky start when my teenage self was initiated into the world of briny bivalves with a very large, slippery and salty specimen in a shot glass.
A couple of Sunday evenings ago, my husband and I watched Original Ski sous chef Tim Novine shuck oysters that bore no similarity to my gag-provoking nemesis. Instead, the medium-size Barnstable, Mass.-raised shellfish yielded the ideal oyster: slurpable, sweet and oceanic.
But the less common (around here, at
FOOD LOVER?
least) and less expensive freshly opened raw clams are what will draw me back to Original Ski . The meaty mollusks had a muscly chew and minerally richness — and they paired beautifully with my new beverage crush.
FEW THINGS MAKE ME FEEL MORE ON VACATION THAN A FROZEN DRINK, THOUGH WALKING THROUGH A HOTEL TO A RESTAURANT HELPS.
Few things make me feel more on vacation than a frozen drink, though walking through a hotel to a restaurant helps.
Original Ski , which opened in late June, is a partnership between DiamondRock Hospitality, the owner of Hotel Champlain Burlington; and the Heirloom Hospitality restaurant group. The latter is owned by Eric Warnstedt, chef-founder of Hen of the Wood in Burlington and Waterbury, and it also owns Prohibition Pig in Waterbury, Doc Ponds in Stowe and Gallus in Waterbury, which recently opened in Hen’s original gristmill location.
Warnstedt and members of his 180-person team created and designed Original Ski as a casual seafood restaurant for DiamondRock. They developed
the launch menu and helped hire and train the sta , led by general manager Marina Cook and chef de cuisine Kevin Sprouse. The two seasoned culinary professionals, both 41, worked together at Charlotte’s Philo Ridge Farm before its restaurant operation went on hiatus last December.
Once Original Ski gets its sea legs, so to speak, Heirloom will step back, and the hotel’s management company, Aimbridge Hospitality, will oversee the operation. “It will be our brand, our food, our recipes — but we’re not running the restaurant,” Warnstedt told Seven Days last November.
The oyster bar-meets-fish house concept is something that Warnstedt, a Florida native and recreational sport fisherman, said he’s wanted to do for a while. He sees it as filling a niche in Burlington, he added.
A long bar divides the restaurant down the middle, creating two very di erent settings. The front half, which includes the oyster bar and a row of high-top tables, is bright and airy, with white subway tile and blond wood. The darker rear portion has chocolate-brown leather banquettes and cherry tables. The eagle-eyed might
INFO
Original Skiff Fish + Oysters, 60 Battery St., Burlington, 859-5070, originalskiffoyster.com. e city garage in the hotel offers two hours’ free parking.
spy family photos of Warnstedt boating and fishing among the clutter of campy but somehow still tasteful wall decor.
“My Florida roots are hanging out pretty seriously,” Warnstedt said with a laugh.
Though the menu is not purist by any means, it leans more New England chowder house than Gulf Coast fish house, partly due to the regionally available seafood. Highlights of my two meals included a pair of New England classics. Rhode Island-style stu es ($16) — substantial quahog shells stu ed with a kicky mixture of seasoned chopped clams, Portuguese garlic sausage and a judicious amount of bread crumbs — were delicious, and their authenticity was validated by the Providence, R.I., native with whom I dined, though he noted the oft-debated inclusion of sausage. A small bowl of chunky, deeply flavored bluefish chowder ($14) was so thick — but not gloppy — that a spoon easily stood at attention in it.
On the more global and lighter side, I
Oysters and littleneck clams with a frozen gin and tonic at the raw bar at Original Skiff Fish + Oysters
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SERVING UP FOOD NEWS
BY JORDAN BARRY • jbarry@sevendaysvt.com
Hong’s Chinese Dumplings Owner to Retire, Sell Business
After nearly 25 years of serving handmade dumplings, crispy scallion pancakes, cold sesame noodles and hot chile oil to Burlington customers, HONG YU plans to retire. Her business, HONG’S CHINESE DUMPLINGS, is for sale. Yu, 65, started selling dumplings from a food cart on the Church Street Marketplace in 2000 and moved to a year-round spot at 77 Pearl Street in 2017. Rolling thousands of dumplings
has taken a toll on her neck and hands, she said, and she sometimes feels dizzy working in the hot kitchen.
“This is time, you know?” Yu told Seven Days. Yu said a price for the restaurant will emerge from her conversations with potential buyers. The sale would come with her entire catalog of recipes, she said, “even some not on the menu.” She plans to stay on and teach the new owners how to prepare the dumplings just as she has for so many years.
“I won’t just say, ‘Good luck,’” Yu said. “I’ll show them how to make everything.”
Yu learned to make dumplings from her mother in China when she was 10 years old. At first, she used two hands to roll the dough. Her mother corrected her: “No, one hand,” Yu recalled, explaining that the other hand should be used to crimp the dumpling’s edges so that they stay together.
“I made an ugly dumpling,” she said with a laugh. “The filling fell out. Nothing inside. My mom said, ‘It’s OK, Hong. That’s your dumpling. You go ahead and eat it.’ Next time, I did better.”
Yu’s dumplings improved to the point of celebrity: In March 2020, she was featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” on Food Network. A photo of Yu and “the Guy,” as she
Hong’s Chinese Dumplings
fsgallery.com
especially enjoyed two of the raw fish preparations that change daily based on the supply from Wood Mountain Fish, the restaurant’s seafood purveyor. On our first visit, slender triangles of yellowtail crudo, spangled with capers, shallot and crunchy Maldon salt, swam in olive oil and lemon juice ($18). During our second meal, nuggets of halibut ceviche ($16) hung out with jalapeño, cucumber and radish in a lightly fermented tomato, cucumber and basil water. The ceviche came in a rocks glass, which I appreciated when we’d finished the fish and I wanted to sip (OK, gulp) the rest of the refreshing vegetable juice.
I had two minor quibbles with that dish: To my taste, the flavors popped more fully when I added a touch of salt. Second, small forks for spearing the chunks of fish and vegetables would have been more helpful than the envelope of saltines that accompanied the ceviche — though the salty crackers may have been the reason for its under-seasoning.
By contrast, saltines were the perfect accompaniment for the excellent creamy, smoky bluefish dip ($15), though I’d happily eat it slathered on cardboard.
Among the fried menu items we sampled, a clutch of piping hot salt cod fritters ($16) boasted crisp outer shells yielding to soft, saline hearts. The accompanying creamy tang of a malt vinegar aioli mellowed their on-theedge saltiness. A fish fry main course of lightly cornmeal-coated flounder ($26) was solid, though I would have preferred a little more fish and fewer Old Bay-drenched fries, which were clearly not hand-cut on the premises. (Making them in-house is a long-term goal, Sprouse said.) Fried oysters ($17) with a tarragon aioli hit the balance of crunchy exterior and tender interior that is requisite for fried shellfish. We shared the oysters four ways, and it’s indicative of their quality that I wished there had been a few more.
In a full-on nod to Florida, the star of the small dessert menu is the top-notch key lime pie ($9), made by Hen of the Wood pastry chef Laura Schantz. The Vermont contribution paled in comparison: the creemee sundae was disappointingly more icy than creamy. Sprouse acknowledged later that his culinary background does not include creemee making, and it’s a work in progress.
The chef does have bona fide seafood chops. His first
job
Seafood. His favorite seafood is jumbo lump crab meat from Virginia or North Carolina, which has yet to make an appearance on Original Skiff’s menu.
He and his two sous chefs, Novine and Grady Jakobsberg, are getting all the systems and basics down at the new restaurant before they refine the opening roster of dishes. “We developed the backbone,” Warnstedt said. “Then Kevin will be able to put his own fingerprint on it.”
For now, the kitchen team is playing with specials, taking the freshest whole fish available and serving it as the daily fish main selection. On our first visit, that was a nicely cooked yellowfin tuna seared with cherry tomatoes, garlic scapes and a chimichurri sauce ($45). Sprouse said he’ll soon pull the yellowfin trim from the freezer and feature it in a tuna kofta kebab special, served with cucumbers and yogurt.
General manager Cook brings a culinary degree and sommelier background to her management of the front of the house, which covers 145 seats, including almost 40 on a handsome remodeled wood patio out front. Overall, I was impressed with the service, especially for a new spot.
A southern California native, Cook admitted that seafood has not traditionally been her jam, though she’s coming around. She seconded my strong support for raw littleneck clams and hypothesized, with a grin, that they don’t get the same love as raw oysters simply because “they don’t have the same publicist.”
“I live and die by the steak,” she said, referring to the ribeye ($55) with crispy onions and blue cheese, one of several non-seafood main dishes.
More than halfway through my second Original Skiff meal, I grudgingly realized I should probably try one of those selections. I asked Novine, who was busy shucking oysters and clams, about his favorite non-seafood dish. Without missing a beat, he copped to fancying the Skiff burger ($19), which he said was modeled on the Big Mac. My husband and I split one, and it was, indeed, pretty good — but not what I would go to Original Skiff for.
When I asked Warnstedt for his recommendations, he said that, after the raw bar and small seafood plates, he especially likes the bone-in pork chop ($38) with clams and cider.
The combination does sound, as Warnstedt promised, “really frickin’ good.” But if you’re looking for me at Original Skiff, I’ll most likely be at the oyster bar, alternately slurping raw clams and a frozen gin and tonic — happy as a clam.
as a teenager, growing up in the Tidewater region of Virginia, was at a classic coastal fried-fish joint called Bill’s
The outdoor dining area at Original Skiff
Baked stuffies
The dining room at Original Skiff
food+drink
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calls him, still hangs in the restaurant; customers come from across the U.S. and Canada because they saw her on the show, she said.
In her retirement, Yu plans to relax a little. “Then I have a new thing,” she
said: She wants to create tai chi and dancing videos on TikTok. “And maybe I’ll sing,” she added. “Or knit. Follow me, you can have a hat!”
Hong’s is currently closed for the hot summer months. If she hasn’t found a buyer by fall, Yu said, she may reopen — and throw a big party to thank all of her longtime customers.
Flood-Damaged Miss Lyndonville Diner Will Not Reopen
Miss Lyndonville Diner will not reopen after sustaining damage in Vermont’s early July flooding. JANET GRAY BURNOR, who has owned the diner for 46 years, plans to sell the business.
“I’m choosing to rebuild but not reopen,” Burnor, 72, told Seven Days.
The closure of the Northeast Kingdom staple “feels like a death in the community,” she said, getting choked up. “We are heartbroken. I completely understand the community’s reaction to this loss, and I have tremendous gratitude. They’ve never let us down.”
There were customers in the diner as water from the Passumpsic River crossed the street, Burnor said. Manager TRAVIS BUTTS, who has worked at the diner for 25 years, evacuated customers and staff, then got trapped while closing down equipment.
“He made a sandwich and went up on the roof,” Burnor said.
The kitchen and the dining room were filled with at least a foot of water, Burnor said. She plans to repair the building before selling, unless a buyer wants to make it their own. Then she’ll retire.
“I’m going to be 73 in a few weeks,” Burnor said. “I didn’t plan to do it this way. But to me, it’s a logical response to what happened, and I’m totally OK with it.”
Burnor didn’t want the closing to be a “knee-jerk reaction” to the flood, she
said. She made her decision after talking with daughters KIM GABORIAULT and HEIDI SANBORN, who run the dining room.
When the diner is rebuilt, it won’t be for the first time. A fire destroyed the building — originally a Sterling diner car — in 1978, when Burnor and her late husband, Ashley Gray, were leasing it.
“Now, for the first time, I see the owner of the building’s perspective,” Burnor said. “When that fire hit, [the previous owner] wanted to be done.”
She and Gray built a legacy in Lyndonville, attracting locals, tourists and politicians on the campaign trail for blue-plate specials at the diner’s long counter or burgers and fries in a booth. When Gray died of cancer in 2005, Burnor continued. In late June, she told Seven Days that Miss Lyndonville’s longevity came from its strong relationships with the community and longtime staff.
“It’s good food, it’s good service — all the mechanical stuff,” Burnor said at the time. “But it’s that emotional realm that sets us apart from a lot of places.”
When the business sells, Burnor said, she’ll offer to train the new owner’s dining room staff, “to instill the difference between an ‘order taker’ and someone who cares about the people they’re dealing with.”
She hopes the diner will continue in the same vein — and with a similar menu. Some of the dishes have been around for 46 years. ➆
Miss Lyndonville Diner before the flood
food+drink
Land of Honey
Catching the buzz at a backyard apiary in Burlington
BY IAN DARTLEY • idartley@sevendaysvt.com
If you’re driving a little too fast down North Winooski Avenue in Burlington, you might miss the sign: a little wooden board hanging over a residential porch adorned with flowerpots. Double-sided with illustrations of bees and hives, it reads, “Honey for Sale.”
Beyond that, no telltale signs of an apiary are visible from the street. Intrigued, this reporter had to head around back to catch the buzz. There, a backyard oasis teems with life — a koi pond, a chicken coop, blackberry and raspberry bushes, a butterfly bush, and four busy beehives.
Those hives produce anywhere from 200 to 500 pounds of honey each year, according to homeowner Randy Sightler, who’s been quietly beekeeping and jarring and selling honey for about 13 years. While he’s had the occasional vendor approach him about wholesaling, he keeps his backyard operation low-key. The honey is available to those who take time to seek it out, responding to Sightler’s posts on Front Porch Forum or simply showing up at his front door.
“You’re either doing it commercially or just as a hobby,” Sightler said. “We sell some of the honey and give some of it away, so I guess we fall in between those two.”
Sightler, 65, is a retired social worker. He got all the necessary beekeeping equipment — bee boxes and hive frames — 15 years ago through his wife, Elizabeth, and took it up as a hobby with guidance from the Vermont Beekeepers Association. Elizabeth’s grandfather built the wooden parts of the hives by hand, and her father was a beekeeper for about 10 years before he became allergic to honeybee stings.
Sightler himself said he usually gets stung once a day. “I don’t mind the stings as much as the rest of my family,” he joked.
Besides being occasionally painful,
beekeeping can be expensive — for Sightler, it runs $600 to $1,000 a year. But he said he’s found a happy medium between working for pleasure and money. “We make enough to cover equipment, and that’s really our main goal,” he said.
One of his customers is Martha Maksym, a Grand Isle resident and longtime friend of Elizabeth’s. “We probably buy about eight to 10 quarts of honey from Randy every year,” she said. She cooks with the honey, and her husband puts it in his coffee and oatmeal every morning.
Randy Sightler
The sign on Randy Sightler’s front porch
PHOTOS: DARIA BISHOP
SEASONAL EATS
“Whenever we run out, I immediately put another order in,” she added.
Chris Rivers, a longtime friend and neighbor of the Sightlers, uses the honey in everything from infused tea to Thai
I’D RATHER MAKE CONNECTIONS WITH FOLKS THAN MAKE MONEY.
RANDY SIGHTLER
shrimp dishes. He keeps his home, also an Airbnb, stocked with honey for the guests. “You could say we serve as unofficial ambassadors,” he quipped.
Sightler usually offers three different kinds of honey: two batches harvested early and late in the year, plus a linden-forward one he collects when the nearby flowering trees are at the peak of their blooming cycles.
The linden is a standout. Earthy and minty, its notes match the fragrances the wind blew over from Sightler’s flowers. He recommends it with something that doesn’t have too much of its own flavor — chèvre on crackers, for example. The
Early ’24 honey could be a sweet and tangy companion to berries, while the Mid ’24 has a buttery consistency and is lighter in color than its early-year counterpart. Sightler thinks it works best as an alternative sweetener for tea, coffee or baked treats.
The honey varies in color and taste depending on when it’s collected. Sightler has lived among his linden trees for so long that he’s become attuned to their blooming cycle and knows when the nectar will have stronger or lighter flows, he said. If he wants a batch to be richer, he’ll collect it when the flows are at their strongest.
Sightler sells his honey in one-, twoand three-pound jars, starting at $8. He also gives it away to family, friends and neighbors — and even trades it for bags of chicken feed.
“The honey and eggs from the chickens are like a social currency,” he said. “I’d rather make connections with folks than make money.” ➆
INFO
To purchase Sightler’s honey, schedule a pickup time by calling 578-8552 or emailing sightlerhomestead@gmail.com.
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Randy Sightler’s honey
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MUSIC
Big House Music
An Upper Valley vocal sextet brings meditative songs to the men’s prison in Springfield BY
KEN PICARD
• ken@sevendaysvt.com
Asolitary fan hummed as 25 inmates filed into the un-airconditioned visitation room at Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield on a steamy July afternoon. Dressed in prison-issued navy blues, some with T-shirts reading “work crew” or “kitchen,” the men sat in folding chairs under fluorescent lights while an Upper Valley vocal sextet, Non Prophets, prepped at the front of the room for a 90-minute performance.
While the concert venue may have been less than idyllic, the inmates watched with interest as the four men and two women warmed up, their ethereal voices harmonizing over a slow, heartbeat-like drum rhythm.
Michael P., 33, who’s serving time for a probation violation, said he takes advantage of opportunities like this whenever the prison offers them. (The Vermont Department of Corrections asked that the inmates in attendance not be fully identified.)
“No one forces you to be here,” Michael said of the concert. “Worst case, it gets you out of your unit. Best case, you hear something life-changing.”
Julian Calv was hoping the latter for him. The 25-year-old Quechee musician, composer and leader of Non Prophets organized the concert as a memorial to
the incarcerated men who’ve died at Southern State in recent years — at least 12 since January 2022. Though some of those deaths resulted from natural causes, others, including two suicides and an overdose, raised concerns from inmates’ families and prisoners’ rights groups. Hence the show’s title and theme: “On Mortality, Life and Death.”
The musical performance was the third in a four-part creative project funded by the New England Yearly Meeting, a regional Quaker group whose members routinely work on social justice causes, including prisoners’ rights. Calv organized the show with Devon Kurtz, a former volunteer from Woodstock who led a biweekly Quaker ministry at Southern State and secured the grant.
Over the past 18 months, the Quakers also funded the publication of a book of artwork and writings, Sketches From Behind Prison Walls, and a May art show at Springfield’s Gallery at the VAULT, both featuring works by Southern State inmate Rein Kolts. As the fourth leg of the project, Non Prophets plan to release a recording of the prison concert, with all proceeds to be donated to a local restorative justice program.
The concert was the first of its kind for Anthony Giordano, Southern State’s volunteer services coordinator. Giordano, who’s worked in corrections for 17 years, said he doesn’t get many requests from the public to entertain inmates. But when Calv and Kurtz approached him, he was willing to “test the waters” and see how the concert was received.
Kurtz, who now works in Salt Lake City as a national prison policy reform advocate, said he was interested in a memorial concert because it would draw attention to the high number of deaths at Southern State. He described that toll as “unlike anything I’ve seen at prisons across the country.”
Vermont DOC spokesperson Haley Sommer pushed back on that assertion. Because Southern State has geriatric, medical and psychiatric units, she said, it has a larger population of inmates with complex physical and mental health conditions than the state’s other prisons.
“I wouldn’t say that’s something that’s unique to Vermont,” she added. “The folks in prison in general are aging.”
Non Prophets consist of Sarah Penna and Hannah Philbrook on vocals; Brent Blair on vocals and percussion; the mononymous Nabeel on acoustic guitar, vocals and percussion; David Kenyon on vocals and synthesizer; and Calv on vocals and percussion. Calv’s triangular drum, called a trimba, was invented by Louis T. Hardin (1916-99), an
e Non Prophets at Southern State Correctional Facility
e Non Prophets performing for inmates
Wander Boy
Theater review: Pippin, Weston Theater Company
BY ERIK ESCKILSEN
Whatever Pippin’s professors told him at the University of Padua must have made quite an impact because, when the title character of the popular musical returns home after completing his studies, he’s determined to live a life of meaning and consequence. It’s a familiar goal of recent grads high on commencement-speech hype. But where to begin?
In the production of Pippin currently running at Weston Theater Company’s Walker Farm — its village Playhouse is still under repair from 2023 flood damage — Pippin (Rixey Terry) first looks for glory in the kingdom of his father, Charlemagne (David Bonanno). Lest an iota of medieval historical accuracy be mistakenly attached to this whimsical fiction, Pippin’s world has been designed as a dazzling facsimile of an ’80s-era disco. Lengths of tinsel blanket the walls leading into the theater and form the curtain. When the shiny strands part, the audience is immersed in Pippin’s quest to find his “corner of the sky,” as the show’s signature tune puts it — beneath a canopy of mirrored disco balls and colorful mannequin legs. Characters break the fourth wall to address the audience directly and also roam the aisles, intensifying the intimacy of the space, the
CHALLENGING DANCE SEQUENCES. THEATER
first couple of rows of which are within a sword’s length of the stage.
While Frank J. Oliva’s scenic design offers a curious aesthetic for this meandering tale of existential angst — not a sentiment typically associated with disco — the vibe works well to vanquish malaise, like so many Visigoths, creating a vibrant space for captivating song-and-dance numbers.
TERRY’S VOCAL RANGE IS AS ELASTIC AS HIS BODY IS ACROBATIC IN
Felicity Stiverson’s innovative choreography and Jessie Lawyer’s dance captainship electrify this show with some straight-up disco dancing, including roller disco, that peppers a range of routines as varied as the landscapes on Pippin’s episodic journey. The cast’s good chemistry, under the direction of Susanna Gellert, comes through in how the performers move together, even when just grooving in the background of someone else’s solo. Deep talent pops like Champagne corks behind the velvet ropes of this improbable rural Studio 54 franchise.
The shimmering spectacle launches Pippin on a collision course with destiny. Coached by the Leading Player (Tomias Robinson), a sort-of narrator in the play’s quirky framing device, Pippin becomes both an agent of dramatic action and the
Rixey Terry (center) in Pippin
culture
acted-upon object in others’ designs. The Leading Player, for one, already has a finale in mind at the outset of Pippin’s adventure.
One effect of the Pippin narrative structure is to accentuate his aimlessness. He gives the soldier’s life a shot in his father’s realm, despite the king’s preference that the learned Pippin leave the fighting to him and his less intellectually adroit stepson, Lewis (Spencer Dean). Nevertheless, the king lets Pippin have a go at battlefield glory. Pippin passes the warrior’s test, but his sensitive soul is unappeased. He marches on to other campaigns — in art, revolution and love.
Also Weston’s executive artistic director, Gellert has a deft touch that brings out the best in this versatile cast. Terry’s Pippin shoulders the story well. He enacts Pippin’s haplessness convincingly in the broadstrokes register of musical theater, and his vocal range is as elastic as his body is acrobatic in challenging dance sequences. Pippin’s interactions with Charlemagne animate Bonanno’s wry turn as a monarch beyond reproach. He wears indifference to his subjects’ pleas on his regal sleeve, but his regard for his dreamy son is more nuanced, blending pride, love and disappointment in exchanges punctuated by humorous displays of impatience.
Alia Munsch’s Catherine, who connects with Pippin in the second act as a widow raising a child alone on her estate, awakens a similar dynamic with Pippin. We read in her expression, no less than in her song, a wish that Pippin would get his act together. Munsch may have the strongest singing voice in the cast, a delightful surprise after a first act in which her role is much smaller.
Playing her daughter, Thea, Liv Scott makes the most of her few onstage
moments. She’s a credible parental burden to Pippin, especially when she won’t forgive him his failures. She tightens into a ball of smoldering disapproval, her back to him even when he goes to great lengths to please her. Spoiler alert: He offers her a cuddly, live bunny.
Other characters challenge Pippin to stay the course, chief among them Robinson as the Leading Player. He’s a commanding presence over Pippin’s progress. He sings and dances with an arresting,
casual confidence, and his mood swings add enough volatility to compel attention every instant he’s onstage.
As Pippin’s stepmother, Fastrada, Courtney Arango plays the devious diva with disarming charm, working her feminine wiles to disrupt the royal order.
In the role of Lewis, Dean is comically brooding and brutish as the character most likely not to succeed in ascending to the throne. Costumed by Jessica Crawford like a latter-day Freddie Mercury — all mesh
and midriff — Dean wrings humor when shifting his glaring dislike for heir apparent Pippin to a fawning obedience to his mother.
Pippin lore holds that “Corner of the Sky” has endured as a popular audition number for theater artists, possibly since its 1972 premiere. Terry does justice to that catchy tune. But the Weston production’s showstopper is, without a doubt, Barbara Lloyd’s rendition of “No Time at All.” Playing Pippin’s grandmother Berthe, Lloyd
avant-garde musician and composer known professionally as Moondog.
Moondog also wrote or inspired nearly all the songs Non Prophets played. Calv described them to the prisoners as “music for your mind.”
The ensemble’s name is a play on words in multiple senses, Calv explained. It refers to the group’s lack of interest in turning a profit and to its secular nature. Non Prophets is also a subtle nod to the numerology — specifically, the number nine — that pervades Moondog’s compositions.
Performed in vocal rounds and canons, Non Prophets’ songs all have a cyclical, free-flowing quality, blending voices with
acoustic and synthesized sounds and Native American-inspired drumbeats. The combination creates an effect that Nabeel called a “mental movement or meditation.”
“Even if you don’t remember the melody or the rhythm,” he said, “you remember the essence of what the piece was.”
After each suite of melodies, Calv paused to explain the songs’ names and lyrics to the audience. Many referenced trees from around the world, which served as metaphors for life, death, isolation and loneliness — all themes of particular relevance to the incarcerated.
The music seemed to have an almost hypnotic effect on the men, who ranged in age from twenties to seventies, including
one man who used a walker. More than a few closed their eyes, tapped their feet and nodded to the rhythms. One listener, with bifocals and a salt-and-pepper beard, swayed from side to side and silently raised a fist into the air. Only the occasional squawk of a correctional officer’s walkietalkie served as a reminder that this was a captive audience.
When the show ended, more than half the men gave the sextet a standing ovation. Several approached the musicians to compliment them and ask questions.
Among them was Ryan J., a 32-year-old from Newport who was nearing the end of a 14-year sentence. Though he’d never attended a concert before, he said, “I love music. It definitely helps me. At the end of
the day, it builds on your mind, and it makes you go to a better place.”
Byron H., sporting a tie-dyed bandanna and a Grateful Dead tattoo, agreed.
“I liked the theme of life and death [and] the way they relate life to trees,” he said. “In the end, we all lay down, like the trees.”
The concert seemed to invigorate the musicians, none of whom had ever performed in a correctional facility before.
As the only women in the room, Philbrook and Penna both said they were somewhat nervous going into the show but quickly relaxed once they began to sing. Philbrook, 23, said she found it “incredibly touching and meaningful” that several of
Tomias Robinson (center) in Pippin
« P.37
Big House Music « P.36
delivers the song with verve and vitality when Pippin seeks his elder’s counsel. She shares the lyrical life lesson “It’s time to start living / Time to take a little from this world we’re given” with equal measures wisdom and wit.
The number offers Pippin a useful perspective and the audience a toetapping tune to hear, and heed, long after the tinseled drapes have closed. The Weston rendition features players leading the audience through the chorus with placards showing lyrics.
Lloyd’s bravura performance is a highlight of a show that, thanks also to musical director Larry Pressgrove and a nimble orchestra, propels Pippin forward with vital force. This becomes necessary in the second act, when the stakes for our wanderer, born into royalty and afflicted with the curse of the privileged class — ennui — can start to feel a little low.
The prospect of a fulfilling, important life is an invaluable prize. But falling short, for a person with Pippin’s options, is not exactly the deadest of dead ends. Indeed, while the Leading Player may not get exactly what he wants, we get an ending to which we can relate.
This taut, high-spirited Pippin proves the search for purpose is not just a young man’s game — and the journey really is more inspiring than the arrival. ➆
INFO
Pippin, book by Roger O. Hirson, music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, directed by Susanna Gellert, produced by Weston Theater. Through August 17: Tuesday through Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, 2 p.m.; and Sunday, 3 p.m., at Walker Farm in Weston. $25-79. westontheater.org
the men came up to her afterward to say how much they enjoyed the music.
“I think we were all a little apprehensive about what to expect,” Blair added. “But as soon as we got going, everyone in the audience was great.”
For his part, Calv said he’s always wanted to perform for incarcerated individuals and other marginalized groups, and he was glad for the opportunity to use his music to entertain and inspire an audience.
“This was the first,” he added of the concert, “and I hope it’s the first of many.” ➆
INFO
Follow Julian Calv and Non Prophets on Instagram, @n.o.n_prophets.
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Disaster Zone
Plainfield residents recover after a devastating flood
On July 10 and 11, exactly one year after Vermont’s last catastrophic flood, the remnants of Hurricane Beryl caused significant damage to our state once again. The village of Plainfield was battered by the raging Great Brook, which took down trees and washed out roads, bridges and houses. It also demolished two-thirds of a historic apartment building on Mill Street that locals called the Heartbreak Hotel. Everyone escaped the Heartbreak in time. Twelve residents and their pets were displaced and are currently seeking housing; several cats still have not been found. Town Clerk Bram Towbin estimated that Plainfield’s infrastructure repairs will cost between $8 million and $15 million dollars. The town’s entire annual budget is less than $1.4 million, and its residents are still recovering from last year’s flood.
For the latest episode of “Stuck in Vermont,” Seven Days senior multimedia producer Eva Sollberger traveled to Plainfield a week after the flood to meet residents
and hear about their experiences. Eli Barlow had lived in the Heartbreak for four years before losing everything when his apartment washed away. He wants to stay in Plainfield but is struggling to find a ordable rental housing. Arion Thiboumery is the owner of the Heartbreak, or what’s left of the Heartbreak, which was built in the 1880s. After experiencing three floods in the past year, he is not planning to rebuild. He hopes the area will be turned into a floodplain.
Across the road, Jenni Belotserkovsky and Jim Gerstman are crossing their fingers for a buyout by the Federal Emergency Management Agency after being denied last year. Silt covered the first floor of their home of 16 years, mud packed their basement, and rushing water washed out their backyard. After staying with friends in Barre, the couple and
their 12-year-old daughter have found a shared house in Marshfield. Their mortgage payments can be deferred for two months, but after that, they don’t know how they will a ord rent and a mortgage on an uninhabitable home.
Susan Grimaldi lives down the street, on Brook Road. As the president of the Plainfield Historical Society, she is familiar with the many floods the town has endured. Her home of 46 years was pummeled — she lost her backyard, retaining wall, pantry, upper balcony and deck — but she hopes to fix it up and live in it this winter. After that, she will consider a FEMA buyout. Grimaldi has experienced six floods in her home, but she said this was the worst. She no longer feels safe there.
Volunteers have been working hard in Plainfield, mucking out basements and providing food and clothing. A temporary bridge is being built on Mill Street, and water crews are repairing service lines. As Plainfield’s residents recover from this devastating blow, many wonder what the future holds for their town and our floodprone state.
Sollberger spoke with Seven Days about filming the episode.
Why did you go to Plainfield?
Like many Vermonters, I have flood fatigue. Three floods in one year’s time will do that to you. I live in Burlington and was so grateful to be una ected by the latest flood disaster. But I was glued to my phone, watching the devastation ripple across our state. The photos of the decimated Heartbreak were all over social media. It became a symbol for what we were all feeling: gutted, discouraged, heartbroken. I wanted to see it for myself.
Was it difficult to get there?
Getting around the state is not easy after a flood. There were washed-out roads and bridges, which crews were frantically repairing. I was lucky that Route 2 opened the day before my visit, which helped me avoid a detour. One week after the flood, the streets in the village that were most a ected — Brook Road, Hudson Avenue and Mill Street — still looked like a disaster zone. Houses were battered; mud, tree limbs and garbage were piled high; and large machines ruled the roads. The area should be avoided unless you live there or are there to help.
How did you connect with people?
Plainfield resident Genese Grill helped put me in touch with people ahead of my visit, which was very helpful. I was grateful to everyone who spoke to me and shared their stories. I am also thankful to the many Plainfield residents who shared photos and videos of the night of the flood and the aftermath.
Eli Barlow’s story broke my heart. It is hard to imagine losing your home in an instant. He spoke so eloquently about the Heartbreak’s tight-knit, creative community and his hopes to re-create it elsewhere. Barlow’s roommate, Jake McBride, shared a digital photo album that helped me understand how unique that dwelling and its inhabitants were. It made the loss even sadder.
What does the future hold?
As these extreme weather events become more common, I think Vermonters will have to make some hard decisions about the future of our state. Plainfield is dealing with all of this right now, along with the many towns that were hit this time around or are perhaps still recovering from last year’s flood. I hope we can come together to make our state stronger and protect our precious villages nestled along Vermont’s hills, valleys and waterways. ➆
Seven Days senior multimedia producer Eva Sollberger has been making her award-winning video series, “Stuck in Vermont,” since 2007. New episodes appear on the Seven Days website every other ursday and air the following night on the WCAX evening news. Sign up at sevendaysvt.com to receive an email alert each time a new one drops. And check these pages every other week for insights on the episodes.
Episode 720: Flooding in Plainfield
Jim Gerstman and Jenni Belotserkovsky
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on screen
Twisters ★★★
Amovie about wild weather that never mentions climate change? Twisters, the stand-alone sequel to Twister (1996), directed by Lee Isaac Chung, broke box o ce records for a disaster movie this month. According to a July 28 New York Times story, the film reflects a new Hollywood trend of catering to conservative red-state audiences — in this case, by omitting from the screenplay any mention of why natural disasters such as tornadoes have increased in frequency.
(Mark L. Smith’s script does acknowledge that all kinds of storms have become more severe, and a farmer character bemoans her embattled livelihood.)
Brooks Barnes of the Times writes that Twisters plays to moviegoers’ desires “to be entertained, no homework attached.” So let’s take the movie on its own terms. How entertaining is Twisters?
The deal
Oklahoma native Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones) has a sixth sense for which storm systems will develop into destructive tornadoes. And she has a dream: to deflate the funnel clouds by shooting them with beads of absorbent sodium polyacrylate. (This is movie science; don’t try it at home.) Instead, an EF5 tornado flattens her research project, killing all of Kate’s gang of plucky meteorology students except for her and her friend Javi (Anthony Ramos).
Five years later, an older and sadder Kate is doing a desk job in New York for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration when Javi comes back into her life. He’s been testing military radar as a promising new way to monitor tornadoes and needs Kate’s storm-whispering skills for an expedition to Oklahoma’s Tornado Alley.
Back in the path of disaster, Kate reckons with panic attacks and rival storm chasers. Particularly persistent is Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), a YouTube “tornado wrangler” who seems less interested in stopping storms than in putting on a show. But could he and Kate have more in common than she realizes?
Will you like it?
Of course they do, because Twisters is structured like a rom-com with tornadoes, Pride and Prejudice torn by gale winds. From their first meeting, Kate and Tyler are all about the cute banter, albeit
in a hostile register. When she spots the influencer cowboy assisting the residents of a wrecked town — finding a lost dog, even — her fate is sealed. And that’s even before he takes her to a rodeo.
If you’re like me and recently revisited the original Twister on Max, you know it’s a hokey epic with spectacular e ects (for its time) and predictable Hollywood plotting. Today, we love that movie less for its disaster money shots than for its ensemble cast — a rare bonanza of character actors, some of whom would go on to stardom in the new century. The presence of late, lamented Bill Paxton and Philip Seymour Ho man tugs at the heartstrings in a way that only the merciless passage of time can accomplish.
As corny as the original, Twisters features callbacks to some of its bestremembered moments: the “sister” tornadoes, the EF5, the devastation of a movie theater playing a horror flick. Director Chung seems like a good choice to inject a blockbuster with heart and humor, having made the Oscar-nominated Minari, an indie drama about an immigrant family farming in the heartland.
But the ragtag ensemble of storm chasers in Twisters isn’t as fleshed out or as fun to watch as that of the original. There are likable supporting players here, such as Sasha Lane (American Honey) as a member
of Tyler’s crew. They don’t have much to do, though, because the focus is firmly on Kate’s personal journey out of trauma and her evolving relationship with Tyler.
Powell and Edgar-Jones are charming when they spout meteorology jargon at each other — so charming that it’s easy not to notice his character doesn’t add up. Tyler seems to represent the audience the movie is trying to reach — a straight-shooting entrepreneur, disdainful of government and city folk but not opposed to innovation for a good cause. The film pulls an awkward bait and switch, though: It introduces him as a crass exploiter of destruction — parallel to Cary Elwes’ villain in Twister — only to inform us a bit later that actually he only posts stunts on YouTube so he can use the profits to help people. Jane Austen this isn’t, and even an actor as likable as Powell can’t pull o that abrupt transformation.
It’s disappointing to see Hollywood reject scientific consensus as “homework,” especially since Twisters is closer to real-world concerns than most of the CGI-driven blockbusters these days. At the same time, one has to wonder whether anyone’s mind would have been changed by a nod to anthropogenic climate crisis in a movie that depicts a storm chaser literally screwing his vehicle into the earth so he can shoot fireworks into a tornado’s
funnel. If silly summer fun is all you come for, you’ll leave satisfied.
MARGOT HARRISON
margot@sevendaysvt.com
IF YOU LIKE THIS, TRY…
TWISTER (1996; Max, YouTube Primetime, rentable): Sure, the effects are dated, but where else can you see Oscar winner Hoffman and the director of Tár (Todd Field) chasing tornadoes together?
THE END WE START FROM (2023; rentable): Disaster movies have been explicitly addressing climate crisis since Roland Emmerich’s hyperbolic e Day After Tomorrow (2004; Disney+, Hulu, Philo, rentable). For a more recent and realistic depiction of the human toll of catastrophic storms, watch this British survival drama starring Jodie Comer and Benedict Cumberbatch.
SUPERCELL (2023; Disney+, Hulu, rentable): If tornadoes are your passion, check out this tale of a storm chaser’s teenage son who runs away to follow in his dad’s footsteps. Or the found-footage disaster flick Into the Storm (2014; rentable).
It’s another bad day in Tornado Alley in the hokey stand-alone sequel to the ’90s blockbuster.
NEW IN THEATERS
THE FIRING SQUAD: Three Australian drug traffickers face execution in Indonesia in this faith-based film directed by Timothy A. Chey. Kevin Sorbo and Cuba Gooding Jr. star. (93 min, PG-13. Essex)
HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON: This “sequel” to the beloved picture book imagines the adult life of a boy who can draw things into reality. Zachary Levi, Lil Rel Howery and Zooey Deschanel star. Carlos Saldanha directed the family adventure. (92 min, PG. Bijou, Essex, Majestic, Paramount)
KNEECAP: A Belfast-based hip-hop trio raps in the Irish language in this comedy-drama from director Rich Peppiatt, starring Móglaí Bap, Mo Chara and DJ Provaí as themselves. (105 min, R. Savoy)
TRAP: Attending a pop star’s concert can be murder in this serial killer thriller from M. Night Shyamalan, starring Josh Hartnett and Hayley Mills. (105 min, PG-13. Capitol, Essex, Majestic, Sunset)
CURRENTLY PLAYING
BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIEHH1/2 Will Smith and Martin Lawrence return as maverick Miami police officers in this action-comedy. (115 min, R. Bethel, Sunset)
DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE: Two superheroes — one unkillable, one un-shut-up-able — team up in the latest Marvel flick, starring Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman and Emma Corrin. Shawn Levy (Free Guy) directed. (127 min, R. Big Picture, Bijou, Capitol, Essex, Majestic, Marquis, Paramount, Roxy, Star, Stowe, Sunset, Welden)
DESPICABLE ME 4HH1/2 Gru Jr. joins the lovable villain’s family in the fourth installment of the animated family franchise, with the voice talents of Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig and Joey King. (95 min, PG. Bijou, Capitol, Essex, Majestic, Playhouse, Roxy, Star, Sunset, Welden)
THE FABULOUS FOUR: Three old friends (Susan Sarandon, Megan Mullally and Sheryl Lee Ralph) travel to the wedding of a fourth (Bette Midler) in this comedy from Jocelyn Moorhouse (The Dressmaker). (99 min, R. Capitol)
THE FALL GUYHHH1/2 Ryan Gosling plays an injured Hollywood stuntman in this action comedy. (126 min, PG-13. Sunset)
HUNDREDS OF BEAVERS: In this award-winning absurdist action comedy, set in the 19th century, a drunk applejack salesman (Ryland Brickson Cole Tews) faces off against … hundreds of beavers. Mike Cheslik directed. (108 min, NR. Savoy)
INSIDE OUT 2HHH1/2 The anthropomorphized emotions from Pixar’s animated hit are back. With Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith and Lewis Black. (96 min, PG. Capitol, Essex, Majestic, Roxy, Sunset)
LONGLEGSHHH1/2 An FBI agent (Maika Monroe) chases a serial killer with disturbing connections to her in this horror film from Oz Perkins (The Blackcoat’s Daughter), with Nicolas Cage and Blair Underwood. (101 min, R. Essex, Majestic, Roxy, Stowe; reviewed 7/17)
LOST NATION: Jay Craven’s latest locally shot film explores the lives of Ethan Allen (Kevin Ryan) and poet Lucy Terry Prince (Eva Ndachi). (90 min, PG-13. Savoy)
ROBOT DREAMSHHHHH In 1980s Manhattan, a lonely dog orders himself a robot companion in this wordless, Oscar-nominated animation for all ages, directed by Pablo Berger. (102 min, NR. Catamount [ends Thu], Savoy; reviewed 3/13)
THELMAHHHH A nonagenarian (June Squibb) seeks vengeance on a phone scammer in this action-comedy from debut director Josh Margolin. (97 min, PG-13. Catamount)
TWISTERSHHH Two competing teams of storm chasers harness their ambitions to Oklahoma’s tornados. Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell and Anthony Ramos star. Lee Isaac Chung (Minari) directed. (117 min, PG-13. Bethel, Big Picture, Bijou, Capitol, Essex, Majestic, Marquis, Playhouse, Roxy, Star, Stowe, Sunset, Welden; reviewed 7/31)
OLDER FILMS AND SPECIAL SCREENINGS
BEFORE I DISAPPEAR (Catamount, Wed 31 only)
COCO (Catamount, Tue only)
THE FORGOTTEN (Savoy, Thu only)
THE INCREDIBLES (Catamount, Thu only)
THE KIDNAPPING OF JASMINE DELRAY (Savoy, Sat only)
METROPOLITAN OPERA ENCORE: LA CENERENTOLA (Essex, Wed 31 only)
PONYO (Essex, starts Sat)
SEVEN SAMURAI (Savoy)
THE SMURFS (Playhouse, Sat only)
TRUST IN LOVE (Savoy, Tue only)
WATCHERS (Sunset)
OPEN THEATERS
(* = upcoming schedule for theater was not available at press time)
SUNSET DRIVE-IN: 155 Porters Point Rd., Colchester, 862-1800, sunsetdrivein.com
*WELDEN THEATRE: 104 N. Main St., St. Albans, 527-7888, weldentheatre.com
Longlegs
The ‘Huh?’ Factor
Ordinary
becomes irreverent in Ed Ruscha’s works on paper at the Hall Art Foundation
BY AMY LILLY
When New York City’s Museum of Modern Art mounted its first retrospective of works by Los Angeles artist Ed Ruscha last year, critics loved it. They admired the 86-year-old’s “deadpan” and “poker-faced” (the New York Times) use of text as a subject of art, with its “complete absence of snark” (New York
Review of Books). They gleefully recalled that his now-iconic artist’s book, Twentysix Gasoline Stations, published in 1963, was rejected by the Library of Congress, and they noted that the art history world has never known what to do with him.
Criticism is fun to read, but ultimately Ruscha’s work is best experienced on its own ostensibly straightforward terms.
on Paper” at the Hall Art Foundation in Reading, where 21 drawings, paintings and photos from the foundation’s collection are assembled in a small gallery beside the café. The viewing experience is both ba ing and funny, an unsettling of expectations about art and culture in work that is itself a body of oblique criticism.
Seven black-and-white photographs of gas stations begin the exhibition. Ruscha shot them in 1962 along the highway between LA and his parents’ home in Oklahoma City, where he grew up. As subjects, the low-lying structures are all di erent but unremarkable and far from unique; one is the same prefab type that now houses the Spot restaurant in Burlington. The photos are devoid of people and largely empty of cars. They’re often taken from across the road, with large stretches of pavement dominating the foreground.
REVIEW
Ruscha’s subject was, after all, average, mundane America — ordinary phrases and words, familiar text from pop culture (the Hollywood sign, the 20th Century Fox logo), and the unromantic parking lots and gas stations behind the country’s obsession with freedom of the road.
Vermonters can now enjoy a sample of Ruscha’s ouevre in “Ed Ruscha: Works
In other words, they’re “banal” — as the Hall’s own description puts it — which raises several questions: Are these a comment on the visual poverty of American life? Are they meant to challenge the idea of photography as art? Do they elevate the mundane by designating it as worthy of close looking?
Ruscha selected the images from Twentysix Gasoline Stations, which has become enshrined as a touchstone for artists who make books. But he had little use for regarding the work as precious. The Hall’s group of 19.25-by-23-inch prints are from Ruscha’s 1989 limited-edition portfolio of 10 gelatin silver prints, intended to be framed and shown on a wall rather than viewed singly while turning pages.
The other works on view, text drawings and paintings made between 1970 and 2015, reveal a through line of irreverence. (Ruscha once made a text drawing of the phrase “Artists who make ‘pieces’,” forever problematizing what to call each of his artworks.) While Ruscha also made giant paintings — his most famous, “The Los Angeles County Museum on Fire,” exceeds 4 by 11 feet — the Hall’s works on paper are only slightly larger than the photos: modest but meticulously made, ahem, “pieces.”
One, “Pig” (1970), elegantly depicts the word as three-dimensional scraps of paper standing on edge. The i’s dot is a rolled paper curl; the two pieces making up P are carefully shadowed. The work sets o thought associations between “pig,” capitalism and receipt machines, or at least their blank rolls of paper. But the work’s media — gunpowder and pastel — startle.
Gunpowder, one of many substances
Ruscha experimented with beginning in the late 1960s, offered a certain color and ease of correction that he couldn’t get with graphite, he said. Given the low-level humor of much of his art — “Microscopic Migraines” (1989) at the Hall overlays the words on a steepled church — it’s hard not to follow another trail of associations, from gunpowder as an explosive to the gas stations to Ruscha’s penchant for depicting fire.
THE VIEWING EXPERIENCE IS BOTH BAFFLING AND FUNNY.
— but the Hall’s has the added resonance of Shakespeare. (“We few, we happy few, we band of brothers,” from Henry V.) Can the weight of literary importance be reduced to a phrase that reads the same forward and backward? It’s ambiguous, as always.
Public
investment in child care is WORKING.
THANK YOU LAWMAKERS FOR IMPROVING SCHOOL READINESS, GETTING PARENTS BACK TO WORK, AND MAKING OUR COMMUNITIES STRONGER!
Most of his other experiments were in organic substances, among them stock diner items such as egg yolk, coffee, mustard, ketchup and chocolate paste. All this makes “Made in USA” (1976), a work in Pepto-Bismol and graphite, all the more amusing. Its precisely stenciled letters against a faintly pink background imply that what is typically a mark of pride can barely be stomached.
Other works toy with text fonts or language, such as the familiarly large A in “Atlas” (1983) and the phrase “We Few” in a 2003 acrylic-on-board drawing. The latter is among a series of palindromes Ruscha did in the early 2000s — “Tulsa Slut,” “Never Odd or Even,” “Lion in Oil”
Ruscha once explained the pronunciation of his last name, which sounds like “rew- shay .” A paternal ancestor with the Bohemian German last name of Rusiska, he said, shortened it to Ruscha and rhymed it with the Oklahoma town of Chickasha, which is pronounced “chi-kuh-shay.”
Looking for an origin story for Ruscha’s work in that mismatch between language and expectation is tempting. But the story likely has the same quality for him as Twentysix Gasoline Stations. The book, he said in a 1973 interview, “had an inexplicable thing I was looking for, and that was a kind of ‘Huh?’ That’s what I’ve always worked around.” ➆
INFO
“Ed Ruscha: Works on Paper” is on view through December 1 at the Hall Art Foundation in Reading. hallartfoundation.org
LEARN MORE ABOUT ACT 76 AND PUBLIC INVESTMENT IN CHILD CARE: PAID FOR BY LET’S GROW KIDS
Clockwise from left: From “Selected works (from ‘Gasoline Stations’)”; “Pig”; “We Few”
Escape to ‘Lake Valley’ at Burlington’s BCA Center
BY ALICE DODGE • adodge@sevendaysvt.com
The experience of Rachel Rose’s “Lake Valley” begins with taking off one’s shoes and walking across a plush carpet in a darkened room. Visitors to the video installation at Burlington’s BCA Center sit on ottomans or the floor, quiet and ready for story time. They are soon immersed in a colorful and comforting yet unsettling animated world, roiling with pattern and sound.
“Lake Valley” draws on imagery and themes from 19th-century children’s books, and it has the surreal, lonely quality of those stories. Think of The Velveteen Rabbit, Winnie-the-Pooh or Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Watching the video brought to mind a childhood favorite this author had forgotten: a 1936 picture book called Phewtus the Squirrel, in which a beloved toy, usurped by a conceited new stuffed rabbit, goes on an adventure and is magically transformed into a real, wild squirrel.
Rose’s video has a story, but its plot is not the point. It features a pet — a kind of rabbit-dog-fox hybrid — from whose perspective we see a series of moments: being fed, an egg cracking, people leaving the house. When the pet goes for a walk, the landscape transforms: It becomes wild and lush, a Henri Rousseau-style jungle where the pet meets other creatures and eventually faces scary exploding fireworks. Just when its world is destroyed, the scene shifts into a framed landscape in the pet’s home, where it is once again safe but not necessarily happy. Meanwhile, a girl in the house dreams, eats and rides in the car to her dad’s office. Her dreams are detailed worlds in contrast to the sketchy outlines of other children in her waking life.
These hand-drawn animations are rich and stylistically varied — some made of patterned torn paper or collage, some simply but evocatively drawn. There is an overwhelming amount of color and texture that’s mirrored in the sound design. We hear things only a pet would: the swish of pants as someone walks, running water, low thrumming noises, haunting higher melodies.
“Lake Valley,” which was shown at the 2016 Venice Biennale, comes out of Rose’s research-based art practice, in which BCA curator Heather Ferrell is particularly interested. Ferrell said by email that she wants to present artists such as Rose “who are constantly
OPENINGS + RECEPTIONS
BIG RED BARN ART SHOW: An exhibition of works in multiple mediums by more than 30 Mad River Valley artists. Red Barn Galleries at Lareau Farm, Waitsfield, through September 1. Info, balibby@gmail.com.
ERIC SUTPHIN: “Variations,” oil paintings of still lifes by the Plainfield, N.H., artist and writer. Converse Free Library, Lyme, N.H., through September 30. Info, 603-795-4622.
‘THE SPORT OF THE SPIRIT’: A group exhibition capturing viewpoints shared by painters and outdoor recreationists, including works by Leo ManciniHresko, Eric Tobin, George Van Hook, Karen Winslow and others. Visions of Vermont, Jeffersonville, through August 18. Info, 760-7396.
LISTED
learning new processes and using materials in inventive ways for each new project.” Each of Rose’s projects looks stylistically different and deals with different themes; each also takes at least a year to make.
For “Lake Valley,” the New York artist used a traditional process called cel animation, familiar from early Disney movies such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, drawing and physically layering elements such as cut paper on clear celluloid sheets to make each frame in the 12-frame-per-second, eight-minute video. She used thousands of pieces of older illustrations, which gives the video a varied visual texture and allows one object to melt seamlessly into another. This adds to the dreamlike quality of the narrative.
The team at BCA worked for six months with the artist and her gallery to mount the installation, which includes the carpet and specialized projection screen. Video installation can look deceptively simple, but it’s expensive and technically difficult to get right. Because of that, Vermonters are rarely afforded the opportunity to see internationally recognized works of this quality.
While “Lake Valley” centers on themes of loneliness and abandonment, it also borrows a baffling key feature of the best children’s literature: It’s often alienating to adults, while children love it and connect with it
JOHN REILLY: A show of paintings exploring color and featuring Vermont and New York landscapes. Visions of Vermont, Jeffersonville, through August 31. Info, 760-7396.
MARTHA OHLIGER: An exhibition of landscapes and still lifes by the St. Albans artist. Visions of Vermont, Jeffersonville, through August 31. Info, 760-7396.
LYNN ADAMS: An exhibition of watercolors showing the nature center’s campus in different seasons. Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Quechee, August 1-October 31. Info, 359-5000.
BETHANY ANDREWS-NICHOLS: “Unrepeated, mostly,” an installation by the blockprinting and washi-taping artist from Beenanza Design. Thirtyodd, Burlington, August 1-31. Info, 338-7441.
‘FINDING HOPE WITHIN’: A group exhibition of drawings, mixed media, crochet, poetry and narrative
AND
INFO
Rose: Lake Valley” is on view through September 15 at BCA Center in Burlington. burlingtoncityarts.org
writing by incarcerated artists at the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility in South Burlington. Rockingham Free Public Library, Bellows Falls, August 1-September 27. Info, 463-4270.
AUGUST FEATURED ARTISTS: An exhibition of sewn items, works on paper, stained glass and art quilts by Chris Bessette, Kristina Bolduc, Lindsay DiDio and Ann Standish. Reception: Thursday, August 1, 4:30-7 p.m. AIR Gallery, St. Albans, August 1-31. Info, 528-5222.
‘DEWDROPS IN THE GARDEN’: A group exhibition of works by 42 artists, inspired by the curator’s love for the Deee-Lite album of the same name. Reception: Friday, August 2, 4-8 p.m. Hexum Gallery, Montpelier, through August 3. Info, hexumgallery@gmail.com.
3RD ANNUAL PRINTMAKING INVITATIONAL 2024: An exhibition of prints curated by Phillip Robertson and Jeremy Vaughn and presenting the work
of Vermont artists Beth Russell Campo, John R. Killacky, Judy McCrory, Lisa Arms, Lori Hinrichsen, LynaLou Nordstrom, Lynn Newcomb and Trey Hancock. Reception: Friday, August 2, 4-8 p.m. T.W. Wood Gallery, Montpelier, August 1-September 23. Info, 262-6035.
ED BURNHAM: “Contemplating the Sacred,” an exhibition of mixed-media drawings by the North Carolina-based artist. Reception: Friday, August 2, 4-8 p.m. T.W. Wood Gallery, Montpelier, August 1-September 23. Info, 262-6035.
BETSY DERRICK: An exhibition of landscape paintings in oil that build on the artist’s pastel technique. Reception: Friday, August 2, 5-7 p.m. Long River Gallery, White River Junction, August 1-October 31. Info, 295-4567.
‘COLLAGE/UNCOLLAGE’: An exhibition of collagebased works by Todd Bartel, Laura Christensen,
strongly. According to curatorial assistant Jacquie O’Brien, some kids from the BCA summer camps have been back to see the video three or four times, taking off their shoes and reveling in the experience of being somewhere apart from the rest of the world. ➆
“Rachel
Stills from “Lake Valley”
Luciana Frigerio, Leslie Fry, Jennifer Koch, Michael Oatman, W. David Powell and Peter Thomashow, guest curated by Powell. Reception: Friday, August 2, 5-8 p.m. The Phoenix, Waterbury, August 2-November 21. Info, joseph@thephoenixvt.com.
JLEE MACKENZIE: “Mentors & Spirits,” an exhibition of three large wood scrollworks inspired by spiritual deities and presented by the Vermont State Curator’s Office. Reception: Friday, August 2, 4-7 p.m. Vermont Statehouse, Card Room, Montpelier, through August 16. Info, 279-5558.
ANNA YAKUBOVSKAYA: “Watercolor Diary: Three Years in Vermont,” watercolor and silk paintings by the St. Johnsbury artist. Reception: Friday, August 2, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Vermont Natural Resources Council, Montpelier, August 2-October 31. Info, 223-2328.
‘MEDITATIONS IN ART’: A group show featuring Meri Stiles and 14 other artists. Reception: Friday, August 2, 5-7 p.m. The Satellite Gallery, Lyndonville, August 2-31. Info, 229-8317.
REGIS CUMMINGS: “The Ordinary and Extraordinary: Mystical Works,” new paintings by the Montpelier artist in response to the pandemic and global conflicts. Reception: Friday, August 2, 4:30-7 p.m. Vermont Supreme Court Gallery, Montpelier, through October 15. Info, 279-5558.
SHOW 62: A group show featuring work by all 23 members of the gallery. Reception: Friday, August 2, 4-8 p.m. The Front, Montpelier, August 2-September 1. Info, info@thefrontvt.com.
‘SOFT OPENINGS’: An inaugural exhibition at the new gallery, featuring works by Vermont artists Arista Alanis, Megan Bogonovich, Cameron Davis, Pamela Fraser and Wylie Garcia. Reception: Saturday, August 3, 6-9 p.m. K. Grant Fine Art, Vergennes, August 3-September 28. Info, kristen@ kgrantfineart.com.
PAMELA WILSON: “Unveiling Transformation,” an exhibition of yupo watercolor paintings, handweaving and wood-fired ceramics that rely on landscapeembedded materials by the Barre artist. Reception: Saturday, August 3, 2-4 p.m., with artist demonstration, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Frog Hollow Vermont Craft Gallery, Burlington, August 1-29. Info, 863-6458.
‘THE QUARTET’: A show of watercolor paintings by Annelein Beukenkamp, Gary Eckhart, Robert O’Brien and the late Lisa Forster-Beach. Reception: Sunday, August 4, 2-4 p.m. Emile A. Gruppe Gallery, Jericho, through August 25. Info, 899-3211.
ART EVENTS
LISA KENT: “Skies Over Vermont,” a reception and one-night exhibition of soft pastel landscapes. Art Works Frame Shop & Gallery, South Burlington, Wednesday, July 31, 5-7 p.m. Free. Info, 660-4999.
MONTPELIER ART WALK: Venues around the Capital City welcome pedestrian viewers in this bimonthly event. Various Montpelier locations, Friday, August 2, 4-8 p.m. Free. Info, info@cal-vt.org.
PEGGY WATSON: A reception featuring oil and acrylic paintings by the Montpelier artist, whose prints are carried by the gallery. Artisans Hand Craft Gallery, Montpelier, Friday, August 2, 4-7 p.m. Free. Info, 229-9492.
ACTION PAINTING TO LIVE MUSIC: An event where musicians play while painters paint. Art supplies provided; musicians should bring their instruments. Artwork created will be on display through August as part of the Nu Mu 3 Festival. 118 Elliot, Brattleboro, Friday, August 2, 5-8 p.m. Free. Info, 118elliot@gmail.com.
MINI PRESS DEMO: Visitors create 3-inch prints using plates made from milk cartons with help from printmaker Janet Cathey. Two Rivers Printmaking
Studio, White River Junction, Friday, August 2, 5-7 p.m. Free. Info, 295-5901.
FIRST FRIDAY EVE: An open evening for the public to visit exhibitions, grounds and gardens, with live music. Shelburne Museum, Friday, August 2, 5-7 p.m. Free. Info, 985-3346.
ARTIST TALK: AXEL STOHLBERG: The Vermont artist discusses his works on view in “The Architecture of Dreams.” AVA Gallery and Art Center, Lebanon, N.H., Friday, August 2, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Info, 603-448-3117.
ARTIST TALK: ERIKA LAWLOR SCHMIDT: A discussion of monotypes and collages on view in the exhibition “Of Earth and Astral Plane.” AVA Gallery and Art Center, Lebanon, N.H., Friday, August 2, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 603-448-3117.
ORWELL ART FESTIVAL: The second annual fest includes displays from local artists and craftspeople and activities for kids. Orwell Town Green, Saturday, August 3, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 377-0464.
BTV MARKET: Artworks and crafts from a rotating cadre of local creatives. Burlington City Hall Park, Saturday, August 3, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Info, 865-7166.
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 project to repair or make. HatchSpace, Brattleboro, Monday, August 5, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 552-8202.
AUTUMN WATERCOLOR CLASS: A series taught by Pauline Nolte for experienced painters and newcomers; supplies provided for beginners. Register by email. Waterbury Public Library, Tuesday, August 6, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Info, judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com. ➆
PURPLE HAZE
music+nightlife
To George Petit, jazz is “a language and a lexicon that is shared all over the world.” While its players have a common vocabulary, how they employ it can vary widely. And, the Stowe guitarist explained, dialects and accents within that language help form a rich and diverse musical tradition that has the capacity to inspire and surprise even the most devoted jazz fans.
Eliciting those reactions is the goal of the Stowe Jazz Festival, which Petit founded in 2017 to celebrate the music — or rather, the language — he’s shaped his life around. If attendees come away happy, and a little bewildered, then he’s done his job.
“People come up to me every year after this festival and say, ‘What is this music?’” Petit, 65, said. “I’m like, ‘It’s jazz.’ It might be jazz the way they hear it and play it and write it in Peru, which is the intention,” he continued. “And they’re like, ‘God, we love this music. It’s not what we expected.’
“Great,” Petit said. “That’s kind of the idea.”
This Friday, August 2, to Sunday, August 4, the festival will bring a mix of international and local performers to the ritzy ski town — all for free. Big-name talents and local favorites will share the spotlight and mingle with the audience between sets, leading to a uniquely community-oriented atmosphere. The only restriction? There will be no blues, folk, hip-hop, jam or other genres allowed onstage. Just pure, raw jazz.
That doesn’t mean the event will su er a lack of variety. Held at 10 venues around Stowe, Petit’s festival features 30 acts running the gamut from swing and bebop to ethereal Brazilian guitar and funky electric grooves, all under the banner of jazz.
“I make sure that what I program is not only inclusive and varied and diverse, as far as the people are concerned, but the styles are, too,” Petit said.
A guitarist, composer and recording engineer, Petit performed at New York City’s Carnegie Hall at just 8 years old. He’s since toured everywhere from Europe to South America, making valuable connections along the way. So when he started organizing the nonprofit festival, which is mostly funded by grants and roughly 100 sponsors, booking was just a matter of reaching out to folks he had met throughout his career. He said he now receives hundreds of submissions from critically acclaimed artists each year wanting to play in Stowe.
As a result, “the vibe here is incredible,” he said. Players from “the most competitive jazz scenes from all over the world”
Free Jazz
Big names and local acts converge at the Stowe Jazz Festival
BY NINA SABLAN • nsablan@sevendaysvt.com
come to Stowe and “play their butts o to people that [otherwise] would never hear this.”
Petit added that he has a high bar for acceptance to the fest: “You’ve really got to be spectacular.”
Big names on the main stage at the Alchemist brewery this year include Grammy-winning vocalist Nicole Zuraitis, Broadway drummer Jared Schonig, Brazilian guitarist Chico Pinheiro, Toronto saxophonist Andrew Rathbun and Cuban pianist Manuel Valera. Saturday’s headliner is the electric jazz fusion band Forq, led by keyboardist Henry Hey,
who has worked with the likes of David Bowie, Rod Stewart and Empire of the Sun.
On Sunday, Civil Disobedience close the festival, performing songs written by major jazz musicians in the 1960s to commemorate the Civil Rights Movement. That material includes songs written in the wake of the 1968 assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which have only been recently uncovered. The band’s saxophonist, Donny McCaslin — who played alongside Bowie on the late singer’s final album, Blackstar — praised the Stowe festival’s community atmosphere.
“George has done a great job of fostering this … fluid environment, where we can walk out and talk to people in the audience, and to each other, taking in the music,” he said.
“It’s part of our sense of bonding a community together, to be able to look o the main stage and see families with their children,” Petit said. “You don’t get tickets; you just turn up.”
Even so, the festival still appeals to discerning jazz fans.
“What [Petit’s] doing is extremely rare,” local jazz and blues guitarist Paul Asbell said. “It’s high-profile, world-class players that have been carefully curated based on quality.” Asbell’s trio will play three shows during the festival: Friday and Saturday at the Stowe Village Inn and Sunday by the pool at the Outbound Stowe hotel.
He’ll also be part of the festival’s closing show, a rare reunion of the locally legendary Sneakers Jazz Band at the Field Guide Lodge on Sunday. Much of the lineup away from the main stage is similarly homegrown, including psychotropical jazz outfit Guagua, the Bruce Sklar Quintet and the Michael Hartigan Trio.
In recent years, the Vermont music community has criticized the state’s signature jazz showcase, June’s Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, for hosting non-jazz artists and o ering fewer opportunities for locals to perform. In contrast, those players seem to feel embraced by the Stowe Jazz Festival.
“George has done a really good job, in my opinion, of curating the best of the people who are local,” Asbell said.
World-renowned trumpeter Ray Vega agrees. He’s a senior lecturer at the University of Vermont and the host of the Vermont Public radio show “Friday Night Jazz.” His fiery, funk-infused Latin jazz ensemble opens the festival with a main stage set on Friday afternoon.
“George goes out of his way to hire local talent,” Vega said. “And I’ll put our musicians here against anybody. We’re good.”
Now all they need is decent weather. Petit recalled that the festival’s first year was beset by an all-too-familiar sight around the Green Mountains in recent summers: rain. But fans made the best of it.
“We had Vermonters dancing in a mosh pit with the rain coming down, which was awesome,” Petit said. ➆
INFO
Stowe Jazz Festival, Friday, August 2, through Sunday, August 4, at various locations in Stowe. Free. stowejazzfestival.org
Ed Cherry at the Stowe Jazz Festival
S UNDbites
News and views on the local music + nightlife scene
BY CHRIS FARNSWORTH
On the Beat
Big shout-out to Burlington rockers ROBBER ROBBER, who merited the Pitchfork treatment this week when their new album, Wild Guess, got a pretty positive review from the website’s oft-hard-to-please critics. It’s another moment in what feels like a steady upward trajectory for the indierock group.
Over the weekend, I headed to Foam Brewers after the FLAMING LIPS show at Waterfront Park to catch Robber Robber’s release party with fellow area indie rockers GREASEFACE. The scene was truly chaotic, in the best sense. As I stared down the massive line to get into the brewery, I was simultaneously annoyed that I hadn’t popped over earlier and hyped that a local show was pulling that kind of attention. The crowd also highlighted the growing momentum of indie rock in the Queen City: Robber Robber, Greaseface, LILY SEABIRD, NOAH KESEY and GREG FREEMAN (among others) have built up the most robust scene Burlington has witnessed in years.
Even better? It’s not just Burlington. The WHAT DOTH LIFE contingent down in Windsor continues to produce good records, with excellent o erings from MCASH and the PILGRIMS in the past few months. I was also recently privy to an advance listen of the forthcoming album from Brattleboro’s THUS LOVE, and holy shit does it rock.
Forget the jam bands and NOAH KAHAN clones (of which there are so many these days): Vermont is indierock central right now. Do yourself a favor and check in before the inevitable period when most of them take o for bigger markets!
Once upon a time, seemingly in another life, your friendly neighborhood music editor was in the film biz. I don’t drink enough these days to get the kind of drunk required to properly regale you with horror stories of that wretched industry, but I can tell you what was unequivocally my least favorite gig during the decade or so I spent working on films.
In 2004, while still in film school, several of my classmates and I were hired to shoot a documentary about what was supposed to be the swan song
Eye on the Scene
Last week’s live music highlights from photographer Luke Awtry
THE FLAMING LIPS, GRAND POINT NORTH, BURLINGTON, FRIDAY, JULY 26: It was September 2015 and less than six months before I started photographing live music when the Flaming Lips last played Burlington’s Waterfront Park. I was there but so far back in the crowd that I didn’t really get the full experience. is time was different: I was in the pit and, for the first four songs, stuck between two enormous pink robots, the adversaries from the 2002 album Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots. To merely say the band played that album in its entirety would be an understatement. is was a performance. Maybe even the show of the year. Picture 20-foot-tall robots, a stage-wide rainbow, huge moving eyeballs and lips, bouncing balls as large as Volkswagen Beetles, front man WAYNE COYNE dressed as a delicate flower, blasts from an arsenal of confetti guns, and a gigantic FUCK YEAH BURLINGTON inflatable being passed out into the crowd while LOUIS ARMSTRONG’s “What a Wonderful World” played us all out. And what a wonderful — and biodegradable — mess was made in the name of pure fun and joy.
of jam-band giants PHISH. The Phab Phour had booked a farm in Coventry to host their “final” festival. Of course, we all know the band reemerged a few years later and picked up where it left o , but for one dreadfully wet and muddy weekend in the Northeast Kingdom, the Phish world grappled with its soul, terrible weather, a very drugged-out band and some big feelings. Su ce it to say, the documentary we were hired to shoot never saw the light of day, as what was supposed to be a cheery, epic send-o of Vermont’s biggest band became a depressing slog.
Phear not, Phanatics! Someone else made a doc about the festival. Or rather, the massive tra c jam the event created. Premiering on Friday, August 2, at the Coventry Community Center, “JAM” was shot by longtime Phish fan ALEX DALTAS when he was just 16 years old. Twenty years after that shit show, Daltas presents his account of the massive gridlock, where thousands of fans abandoned their vehicles on the side of the highway and just kept walking to the venue, determined to hear “You Enjoy Myself.”
It sounds like a lovely celebration of music driving people to do whatever it takes to hear the songs they love. For me, it’s more like a trigger warning and
a callback to bribing farmers to tow my car out of four feet of mud. But who knows, maybe the film will heal some of that trauma? ➆
Listening In
(Spotify mix of local jams)
1. “WHATCHA LOOKING FOR” by Billy Wylder
2. “MOVIN’ TO THE COUNTRY” by Long Gone John, TallGrass GetDown
3. “CAN I BE HONEST” by Violet Crimes
4. “SOUTHSIDE” by Rivan, 3ee
5. “TWIN REVERB” by Benny Yurco
6. “ALWAYS BE YOU” by Grace Palmer
7. “DEATH LILY” by the Wet Ones!
Scan to listen sevendaysvt. com/playlist
Audiologist
Hearing and communication is vital to connection with family and friends, work and community - and YOU have the ability to shape the lives of those in need. Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) seeks a full-time Audiologist for our ENT & Audiology practice. Work with a team of committed professionals in a mixed specialty practice offering ENT, Audiology, Allergy, Speech-Language Pathology, and Palliative Care to perform diagnostic testing for all ages. Collaborate with ENT providers and Hearing Instrument Specialist, as well as manage hearing aid services, including assessments, fittings, and repairs. Located in Vermont’s beautiful Northeast Kingdom, NVRH offers competitive wages, student loan repayment, generous paid time off, and a comprehensive benefits package. Join us in providing exceptional patient-centered care that really makes a difference!
Apply now at www.nvrh.org/careers.
Sarah A. Winans,
What challenges will the Audiologist face on the job? e Audiologist is responsible for providing comprehensive diagnostic audiological testing, diagnoses and treatments for individuals with hearing loss or balance problems. is position is perfect for someone who enjoys a busy practice in a small, rural area. We don’t do big procedures or fancy things but rather little everyday, bread-and-butter services, delivered with high-quality, personalized patient care.
Why is this a unique opportunity? is job isn’t about pushing a sale to make a quota. It is about putting the patient first and finding the right technology for their hearing loss and lifestyle. We are here to build relationships with our patients and support them in their hearing care journey.
music+nightlife
CLUB DATES
live music
WED.31
BBQ and Bluegrass (bluegrass) at Four Quarters Brewing, Winooski, 6:30 p.m. Free.
Bettenroo (rock, country) at North Hero House Inn & Restaurant, 5:30 p.m. Free.
Jazz Sessions (jazz) at the 126, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free.
Jeanines, Community Breakfast (indie rock) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $10.
Jeff & Gina (acoustic) at Two Heroes Brewery Public House, South Hero, 6 p.m. Free.
Live Jazz (jazz) at Leunig’s Bistro & Café, Burlington, 6:30 p.m. Free.
Live Music Wednesdays & Tacos (weekly music series) at the Tillerman, Bristol, 5 p.m. Free.
Sun June, allie (indie) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $18/$22.
Three Piece Meal (funk, jazz) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 10 p.m. $10.
Willverine (electronic) at the Wallflower Collective, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. Free.
Cooie & Friends (blues) at von Trapp Brewing Bierhall, Stowe, 5:30 p.m. Free.
Corner Junction Bluegrass (bluegrass) at 14th Star Brewing, St. Albans, 6 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.
On Display
Philadelphia’s MANNEQUIN PUSSY might be the modern face of rock and roll. The quartet started as a buzz-heavy punk outfit, riding the strength of ferocious records, such as 2016’s Romantic, with a sort of aggressive shoegaze bent, occasionally bordering on full-blown metal. Recently, Mannequin Pussy have shifted more toward melody and the pop instincts of singer and main songwriter Marisa Dabice. The quartet’s I Got Heaven, released in March, showcases a band thriving at the intersection of feminist punk, garage-rock sleaze and erudite, lived-in indie rock. Mannequin Pussy visit the Higher Ground Ballroom in South Burlington on Thursday, August 1, with support from Connecticut indie rockers OVLOV
Dave Mitchell’s Blues Revue (blues) at Red Square, Burlington, 2 p.m. Free.
Eric George (folk, country) at Hotel Vermont, Burlington, 4 p.m. Free.
Hi Fi, Syndicate Sound (electronica, drum and bass) at Bent Nails Bistro, Montpelier, 9 p.m. Free.
Joshua West (singer-songwriter) at Old Soul Design Shop, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 8 p.m. Free. Joyer, Shower Curtain, Greaseface, Zoie Party (indie rock) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 8:30 p.m. $10/$15.
Mean Waltons (bluegrass) at Poultney Pub, 6 p.m. Free. Michael Hartigan Trio (jazz) at American Flatbread, Stowe, 8 p.m. Free.
The Middle Ages (hip-hop) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 7 p.m. $10.
Midnight Breakfast, Baby Fearn & the Plants (indie, soul) at Foam Brewers, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free. Mirage (rock) at the Old Post, South Burlington, 7 p.m. Free. Paris Monster (funk, soul) at the Mill ADK, Westport, N.Y., 7:30 p.m. $28.52.
Pitt Crew (covers) at Whammy Bar, Calais, 7 p.m. Free.
Pressing Strings, Jessica Willis Fisher (roots rock, folk) at Nectar’s, Burlington, 8 p.m. $10. Rap Night Burlington (hip-hop) at Drink, Burlington, 9 p.m. $5.
The Ries Brothers (rock, funk) at Club Metronome, Burlington, 8 p.m. $12.
The Samples (rock) at Double E Performance Center’s T-Rex Theater, Essex, 8 p.m. $25/$35. Skylark (string quartet) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 8 p.m. Free.
That Cat’s Something I Can’t Explain (Syd Barrett tribute) at Despacito, Burlington, 8 p.m. $10.
SAT.3
Briar Rats (rock) at Whammy Bar, Calais, 7 p.m. Free.
Dee Davis & Marc Gwinn (jazz, folk) at von Trapp Brewing Bierhall, Stowe, 5:30 p.m. Free. Dorée, Jonaleh (singer-songwriter) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 7 p.m. $10.
The Glorious Sons (rock) at Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington, 7 p.m. $25/$30. Guavatron (jam) at Nectar’s, Burlington, 8 p.m. $10.
Instant Narwahl (rock) at Old Soul Design Shop, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 8 p.m. Free.
Johnny Lit’s Jerry Duty (Jerry Garcia tribute) at Double E Performance Center’s T-Rex Theater, Essex, 9 p.m. $10/$15. Jon McBride’s Big Easy (jazz) at American Flatbread, Stowe, 8 p.m. Free.
King 810, the Last Ten Seconds of Life, Extortionist (metal) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $27/$32.
Leander, Bundock (singersongwriter, rock) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 10 p.m. $10.
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.
Mal Maïz (Latin, psychedelic) at Foam Brewers, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free.
Michael Arnowitt (jazz) at Hugo’s, Montpelier, 7:30 p.m. Free.
The Radiance, Ari and the Birds (indie, pop, folk) at the Underground, Randolph, 7:30 p.m. $10-17.
Returnables (rock, blues) at the Den at Harry’s Hardware, Cabot, 7 p.m. Free.
Tracie and Paul Cassarino (jazz) at Bleu Northeast Kitchen, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. Free.
Blue Rock Boys (Americana, country) at Blue Paddle Bistro, South Hero, 5:30 p.m. Free.
Bluegrass Brunch (bluegrass) at the Skinny Pancake, Burlington, noon. Free.
Bluegrass Brunch (bluegrass) at Madbush Falls, Waitsfield, noon. Free.
Red River North (country) at Lawson’s Finest Liquids, Waitsfield, 3 p.m. Free.
Sinai Vessel, Little Kid, a Box of Stars, Vehicle, Dari Bay (indie, DJ) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $13/$15.
Zach Nugent (Grateful Dead tribute) at Madbush Falls, Waitsfield, 7 p.m. $10 suggested donation.
WED.7
BBQ and Bluegrass (bluegrass) at Four Quarters Brewing, Winooski, 6:30 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. Live Music Wednesdays & Tacos (weekly music series) at the Tillerman, Bristol, 5 p.m. Free.
Matt Hagen (acoustic) at Vermont Pub & Brewery, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.
Willverine (electronic) at the Wallflower Collective, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. Free.
djs
WED.31
DJ Chia (DJ) at Bent Nails Bistro, Montpelier, 8 p.m. Free.
DJ CRE8 (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington, 10 p.m. Free.
Local Dork (DJ) at Foam Brewers, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.
Sunday Brunch Tunes (singersongwriter) at Hotel Vermont, Burlington, 10 a.m.
Them Apples (covers) at Vermont Pub & Brewery, Burlington, 1 p.m. Free.
MON.5
The Faerie Godbrothers (Americana, jazz) at Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling, Essex, 6 p.m. Free.
Jerborn (rock) at North Hero House Inn & Restaurant, 5:30 p.m. Free.
TUE.6
Big Easy Tuesdays with Jon McBride (jazz) at the 126, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free.
Bluegrass Jam (bluegrass) at Poultney Pub, 7 p.m. Free.
Eliza Thorn, Jess Leone & Brendan Casey (singer-songwriter) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 7 p.m. $5/$10.
Grateful Tuesdays (Grateful Dead tribute) at Nectar’s, Burlington, 9 p.m. $10/$20.
Honky Tonk Tuesday with Wild Leek River (country) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 9 p.m. $10.
Jay Southgate (vibraphone) at Bent Nails Bistro, Montpelier, 5 p.m. Free.
The Steppes (rock) at Lawson’s Finest Liquids, Waitsfield, 5 p.m. Free.
Thank You, I’m Sorry, Fawn (indie) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 8:30 p.m. $10/$12.
Up Around the Sun (folk, bluegrass) at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington, 7 p.m. $7/$10.
Queer Bar Takeover (DJ) at Charlie-O’s World Famous, Montpelier, 8 p.m. Free.
Salsa Night with DJ Charlango, DJ Tarzana (DJ) at Hugo’s, Montpelier, 7 p.m. Free.
THU.1
All Ears (DJ) at the Big Spruce, Richmond, 6 p.m. Free.
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.2
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.
Latin Night with DJ JP Black (DJ) at Einstein’s Tap House, Burlington, 8 p.m. Free.
Social Noise (DJ) at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington, 9 p.m. $10.
TOP2BTM, Emoji Nightmare, GAYBAR (DJ, drag) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 8 p.m. $15/$22.
SAT.3
DJ A-Ra$ (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington, midnight. Free.
THU.1 // MANNEQUIN PUSSY [INDIE ROCK]
REVIEW this
Vermont musicians have been busier than ever, inundating music editor Chris Farnsworth with submissions. With albums coming in hot and fast, sometimes it takes a full six-pack of reviews to keep the queue moving. Why not make it seven, you ask? Because sometimes we get tired of listing things in increments of seven, all right?
Coppermind and St. Silva, Loading Screen Music
(SELF-RELEASED, DIGITAL)
Technology and time are strange bedfellows. Each generation has its own jealously guarded memories of the tech of its day. For Gen Xers and millennials, one of those sacred relics is the trippy phenomenon of loading-screen music. Whether these tracks were entertaining gamers waiting for video games to fire up or scoring the menu of a DVD, they became almost a genre unto themselves in the early years of the 21st century.
Burlington producers and musicians Ian Steinberg, aka Coppermind, and Ben Dexter Cooley, aka St. Silva, aimed to re-create that nostalgic slice of interstitial sounds on Loading Screen Music. Sometimes ambient and sometimes melody-driven, the piano-forward scores could easily double as an ASMR soundtrack. It’s hard not to envision the DVD logo bouncing around the TV screen as notes ripple out of the speakers, percussive and ethereal at once.
KEY TRACK: “Ice Skating on Memory” WHY: Steinberg hammers out a spectral dirge on the piano, building a sort of passive tension that never resolves. WHERE: stsilva.bandcamp.com
Dipped in Moonlight, Dipped in Moonlight
(SELF-RELEASED, DIGITAL)
Roots rockers Dipped in Moonlight, who formed in Johnson in 2023, aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel. A good-natured groove machine centered on vocalist April Streeter’s clear, soulful voice, the four-piece channels the sun-streaked sounds of ’70s Laurel Canyon-style rock and folk. It’s a particularly Vermont kind of synthesis, a rock outfit that mixes equal parts Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers Band influences with hints of jazz and bluegrass.
In many acts of this type, the e ect falls flat, with milquetoast songs that sound like bad AI amalgamations of older, better music. Fortunately, Dipped in Moonlight have the instrumental chops and songwriting acumen to rise above the fray.
On their steady self-titled debut, the band o ers all the usual elements — perky, bright and clean guitar licks; an easygoing rhythm section; and songs that would do well at any après ski event in the Green Mountains. What keeps the album from fading into the shrubbery along with most of Vermont’s “soft jam” contingent is the playful nature of songs such as “Promise,” which display flashes of funk and bold production.
KEY TRACK: “Heart Carved in a Tree” WHY: The band blends reggae and swing with surprising results. WHERE: Spotify
Pat Lambdin, Shiv Sarod Vol. 1
(SELF-RELEASED, DIGITAL)
It’s not often one encounters a Vermont musician schooled in the classical Indian tradition, but Pat Lambdin is something of an anomaly in the scene. Trained on the sitar by renowned Indian musician Pandit Shivnath Mishra, Lambdin is a licensed music therapist who regularly travels to India to learn and perform.
On his latest record, Shiv Sarod Vol. 1, the musician makes the sarod, a North Indian string instrument known for a deeper and more introspective tone than the sitar, the centerpiece of his classical compositions. Lambdin’s sarod sings, babbles, whispers and belts out raga after raga over six tracks.
Tabla player Prashant Mishra, the grandson of Lambdin’s mentor and himself a rising name in Indian music, provides the album’s percussion. The live album was recorded on the morning of March 8 in Benares, India, only two months before its release. The combination of Lambdin’s loquacious sarod playing and Mishra’s evocative percussion creates a collage of sound that is as meditative as it is intriguing.
KEY TRACK: “Raag Bhupali Gat in Rupak” WHY: A gorgeous pentatonic scale raga, the song represents the state of nonattachment. WHERE: patlambdin.bandcamp.com
Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate, Everyone on Board
(SELF-RELEASED,
CD AND DIGITAL)
Land ho! Raise the ship’s flag, because Vermont’s most nautical of kids’ music pirates is back with a new album full of singalongs, life lessons and positivity. Musician Ron Carter, better known to little Vermont buccaneers as Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate, has been writing and releasing music for kids since 2002. The Smugglers’ Notch-based singer-songwriter mixes fun and education into catchy, aquatic-themed tunes. Ron’s latest o ering, Everyone on Board, continues his long and consistent run of entertaining records. He adds just enough musical tricks to keep adult listeners interested, even as he gets the kids singing along to songs about such pressing topics as wanting one’s binky back (“Gimme Back My Binky”) and study habits (“Smarty Pants Pirate”). There’s a kind of subtle genius to Rockin’ Ron’s songwriting; balancing a sense of fun with an educational bent is much harder than it appears.
KEY TRACK: “Wreckers” WHY: With a sonic nod to the theme song of “Gilligan’s Island,” the tune will get a classroom full of tykes singing along. WHERE: Spotify
Thorny, Flood
(WITHERWILLOW SOUNDS, DIGITAL)
“When the Water Comes,” the first track on the new Thorny album, Flood, eases into being with an eerie beauty, equal parts apprehension and acceptance in its glacial synth patches and ghostly percussion. After all, what can humans do about the flood?
The ambient project of Plainfield musician JD Ryan, Thorny is a fascinating study in musical reaction to environmental stimuli. Ryan began working on Flood, the follow-up to the excellent 2023 album See No Sky, after central Vermont experienced devastating floods last July. A concept record of sorts, Flood follows the timeline of the water overtaking a town and receding, leaving behind mud, destruction and hard questions.
Throughout the record, Ryan uses synthesizers and bass guitar to represent the horror and tranquility of the water, the despair over natural destruction, and the hope of reconstruction. No word yet on whether this summer’s floods will inspire a sequel.
KEY TRACK: “The View From Above” WHY: Ryan juxtaposes the sorrow of seeing the disaster with the optimism of reconstruction. WHERE: witherwillow.bandcamp.com
Geo Kim Organ Trio, Radiance
(SELF-RELEASED, DIGITAL)
When the Geo Kim Organ Trio formed in 2021, it was a coming together of some of the Burlington scene’s best jazz musicians. Guitarist Kim was known for his work with bands Guagua and Trio Gusto, Shane Hardiman had played organ with soul singer Kat Wright, and drummer Troy Hubbard pounded the skins for jazz fusion act Viscus. It should surprise no one that the trio’s debut, Radiance, is a triumphant, sonically adventurous and downright killer album that displays the instrumental prowess of all three players.
From the tasteful six-string work of Kim on “Dark Matter” to Hardiman’s grooving solo on “Boogaloo #5” to Hubbard’s bebop beat on “Oso’s Revenge,” Radiance is chock-full of musical mastery. More importantly, though, the songs move and groove, showing o a trio that can e ortlessly shift genres while maintaining a distinctive and sophisticated sound.
For a debut, Radiance feels remarkably like a mid-career record. That’s down to incredible production from Ben Collette at Burlington’s Tank Recording Studio and a band that is far tighter than most 3-year-old acts have any right to be.
KEY TRACK: “DV Y CB” WHY: One of the album’s slower, smoother compositions, the song highlights both the virtuosity and restraint in Kim’s guitar playing. WHERE: geo imorgantrio.bandcamp.com
CHRIS FARNSWORTH
CONTINUED FROM P.53
DJ Broosha (DJ) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 10 p.m. $10.
DJ Dakota (DJ) at Einstein’s Tap House, Burlington, 10 p.m. Free.
DJ Raul (DJ) at Red Square Blue Room, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.
HAVEN (DJ) at MothershipVT, Burlington, 10 p.m. Free.
John’s Jukebox (DJ) at Gusto’s, Barre, 9 p.m. Free.
Matt Payne (DJ) at Red Square Blue Room, Burlington, 10 p.m. Free.
Molly Mood (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington, 10 p.m. Free.
SUN.4
Mi Yard Reggae Night with DJ Big Dog (reggae, dancehall) at Nectar’s, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free.
TUE.6
e Vanguard — Jazz on Vinyl (DJ) at Paradiso Hi-Fi, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.
WED.7
DJ CRE8 (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington, 10 p.m. Free.
Local Dork (DJ) at Foam Brewers, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.
Wadada Wednesdays: Reggae
Dub Night with Satta Sound (reggae, dub) at ArtsRiot, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.
open mics & jams
WED.31
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.1
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.
FRI.2
Red Brick Coffee House (open mic) at Red Brick Meeting House, Westford, 7 p.m. Free.
SAT.3 // VIOLET CRIMES [PUNK]
Fight Night
A recent addition to the 802 punk scene, Burlington’s VIOLET CRIMES debuted in 2023 with the no-frills, raw hardcore sounds of the Change My Mind demo. The female-fronted five-piece followed that up with the release of the single “Ledbetter,” which the band put out via Liberty or Death Records on the compilation Women in Punk Fusing melodic pop-punk anthems with an impassioned feminist bent, the band’s debut EP, Fighting Words, delivers the many facets of heaviness that the group brings to bear live. Violet Crimes celebrate the EP’s release with a show at ArtsRiot in Burlington on Saturday, August 3, along with fellow punks BURN KIT, PSYCH WARD DISCO and ROBBERY
SUN.4
Olde Time Jam Session (open jam) at the Den at Harry’s Hardware, Cabot, noon. Free.
MON.5
Open Mic (open mic) at Despacito, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.
TUE.6
Open Mic Night (open mic) at Bent Nails Bistro, Montpelier, 7 p.m. Free.
Open Mic Night (open mic) at Drink, Burlington, 8 p.m. Free. Venetian Soda Open Mic (open mic) 7 p.m. Free.
WED.7
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. e Ribbit Review Open-Mic & Jam (open mic) at Lily’s Pad, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.
comedy
WED.31
$5 Improv Night (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 7 p.m. $5.
Max Higgins: Asking for Advice (comedy) at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington, 9 p.m. $10.
Standup Comedy Open Mic (comedy open mic) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 8:30 p.m.
THU.1
Roast of Max Higgins (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 6:30 p.m. $5/$10. Welcome Adventurers! (comedy, D&D) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 9 p.m. $5.
FRI.2
Ariel Elias (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $25.
Hey! You! You love music, right?
Sure, everyone does, but you’re just a little more obsessed with it than your friends. Do you spin an album multiple times, glorying in how each listen opens up new layers to discover? Or maybe you lament how certain records fail to move you? If you dig music from diverse genres and places, but also know how
trivia, karaoke, etc.
WED.31
Karaoke After Dark (karaoke) at Old Soul Design Shop, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 7 p.m. Free.
Karaoke Night (karaoke) at Drink, Burlington, 8 p.m. Free.
Musical Bingo (music bingo) at the Depot, St. Albans, 6 p.m. Free.
Musical Bingo (music bingo) 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 Alfie’s Wild Ride, Stowe, 7 p.m. Free.
Trivia Night (trivia) at Rí Rá Irish Pub Burlington, 7:30 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.1
Karaoke Night (karaoke) at Zenbarn, Waterbury Center, 7 p.m. Free.
Radio Bean Karaoke (karaoke) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free.
Summer Trivia with Katy (trivia) at Highland Lodge, Greensboro, 7 p.m. Free.
Comedy Open Mic (comedy open mic) at the Den at Harry’s Hardware, Cabot, 8 p.m. Free.
Winners’ Showcase: Top 5 (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 9:15 p.m. $10/$20.
SAT.3
Ariel Elias (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. $25.
TUE.6
ree Leaves Comedy Showcase (comedy) at the 126, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.
WED.7
$5 Improv Night (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.
Trivia (trivia) at Jericho Café & Tavern, 6:30 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.
Karaoke Friday Night (karaoke) at Park Place Tavern & Grill, Essex Junction, 8 p.m. Free.
SAT.3
Creemee Dreemee Puppet Slam (puppet show) at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington, 8 p.m. $10.
SUN.4
Karaoke with DJ Coco Entertainment (karaoke) at Old Soul Design Shop, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 5 p.m. Free.
robust the local scene is and love watching Vermont musicians punch above their weight, Seven Days is looking for you. We need freelance writers to help us tackle the sounds of the Green Mountains, from rock to folk to hip-hop and beyond. If you’ve got two ears and a heart and love to tell people about what you’re listening to, send us a few samples of your music writing at music@sevendaysvt.com.
Sunday Funday (games) at 1st Republic Brewing, Essex, noon. Free.
Venetian Karaoke (karaoke) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.
MON.5
Trivia Monday with Top Hat Entertainment (trivia) at McKee’s Pub & Grill, Winooski, 7 p.m. Free.
Trivia with Brain (trivia) at Charlie-O’s World Famous, Montpelier, 8 p.m. Free.
Trivia with Craig Mitchell (trivia) at Monkey House, Winooski, 7 p.m. Free.
TUE.6
Godfather Karaoke (karaoke) at the Other Half, Burlington, 10 p.m. Free.
Karaoke Night (karaoke) at Alfie’s Wild Ride, Stowe, 7 p.m. Free.
Karaoke Night (karaoke) at Drink, Burlington, 8 p.m. Free.
Musical Bingo (music bingo) at the Depot, St. Albans, 6 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 Alfie’s Wild Ride, Stowe, 7 p.m. Free.
Trivia Night (trivia) at Rí Rá Irish Pub Burlington, 7:30 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
calendar
JULY 31-AUGUST 7, 2024
WED.31
business
CELEBRATE SUMMER:
The Women Business Owners Network convenes members and nonmembers for conversation and connections, encouraging them to bring a book, podcast or online course that they have found helpful. BYOB, snack and chair. Essex Experience, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 503-0219.
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.
climate crisis
ECO-RESILIENCY
GATHERING: STATE OF THE CLIMATE CHECK-IN:
Environmentalists gather online monthly to discuss ecological questions, emotional elements of climate change, ideas for change, building community and creating a thriving world. 6-7 p.m. Free. Info, akmckb@gmail.com.
community
2024 SCAVENGER HUNT IN STOWE: Townsfolk put on their detective caps, grab a map at the library and search Stowe for stickers. Prizes include hotel
stays and goods from local merchants. Stowe Free Library. Free. Info, 253-6145.
crafts
YARN CRAFTERS GROUP: A drop-in meetup welcomes knitters, crocheters, spinners, weavers and beyond. BYO snacks and drinks. Must Love Yarn, Shelburne, 1-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Free. Info, 448-3780.
film
See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section.
‘BLUE WHALES: RETURN OF THE GIANTS 3D’: Andy Serkis narrates the journey of a lifetime into the realm of the world’s largest mammals and the scientists who study them. 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, $16.50-20; admission free for members and kids 2 and under. Info, 864-1848.
‘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
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 and Carolyn Shapiro
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.
Learn more about highlighted listings in the Magnificent 7 on page 11.
wines from Vermont and beyond. Shelburne Vineyard, noon-6 p.m. $15. Info, 985-8222.
health & fitness
Champlain, Burlington, 11 a.m., 1 & 3 p.m. $3-5 plus regular admission, $16.50-20; admission free for members and kids 2 and under. Info, 864-1848.
‘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, noon, 2 & 4 p.m. $3-5 plus regular admission, $16.50-20; admission free for members and kids 2 and under. Info, 864-1848.
‘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, 11:30 a.m., 1:30 & 3:30 p.m. $3-5 plus regular admission, $16.50-20; admission free for members and kids 2 and under. Info, 864-1848.
food & drink
BEACH BITES: Food trucks bring a variety of eats for diners to enjoy while a rotating cast of musical artists entertains. Leddy Park, Burlington, 5-8 p.m. Free; cost of food and drink. Info, 864-0123
DANVILLE FARMERS MARKET: Villagers shop local from various vendors handing out fruits, veggies and prepared foods. Danville Village Green, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, cfmamanager@ gmail.com.
WEDNESDAY’S GRILL & CHILL: Live music soundtracks a big community picnic. Essex Experience, 5-8 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4200.
WHAT’S THAT WINE WEDNESDAYS: Aspiring sommeliers blind-taste four
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.
= ONLINE EVENT
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.
MINDFUL MOVEMENT YOGA ON THE LAWN: Attendees soothe their sore swimming, hiking and gardening muscles with mindful stretching. BYO mat. Waterbury Public Library, noon. Free; preregister. 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.
music
BROWN BAG LUNCH CONCERT
SERIES: MONTEVERDI
VOCALISTS: Monteverdi Music School singers present an opera showcase in the church courtyard. Christ Church Pocket Park, Montpelier, noon-1 p.m.
CHAD HOLLISTER BAND: The Vermont roots rockers return home to stir up a party with guitar, horns, drums, bongos and smooth vocals. Martha Pellerin & Andy Shapiro Memorial Bandstand, Middlesex, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 461-7702.
CRAFTSBURY CHAMBER PLAYERS: The classical music ensemble begins its 58th season performing music by an array of composers from various eras. Elley-Long Music Center, Saint Michael’s College, Colchester, 7:309 p.m. $10-25 single admission; season passes $90-140; free for kids 12 and under. Info, 586-0616.
MILTON BUSKER & THE GRIM
WORK: The Vermont band introduces audiences to “suit-folk” — that is, songs of the people if they got dressed up for a night out. Shelburne Vineyard, 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 985-8222.
MUSIC ON THE BRICKS: RACHEL
ANA DOBKEN: The soul and indie-rock singer plays drums, guitar and piano to accompany her creative lyrics. Church Street Marketplace, Burlington, 5:30-7 p.m. Free. Info, 863-1648.
THE GRIPPO FUNK BAND: Saxophonist Dave Grippo and his musical colleagues get groovy with classic funk, soul, and R&B. Sam Mazza’s Farm Market, Bakery & Greenhouses, Colchester, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, smazzafarm@ gmail.com.
WEDNESDAYS ON THE WATERFRONT: STUDIO TWO: A Beatles tribute band focuses on the Fab Four’s early years, from 1962 to 1966, when they produced hits such as “Yesterday” and “Can’t Buy Me Love.” Newport Waterfront, 6 p.m. Free. Info, 748-2600.
YOUNG TRADITION SUMMER SHOWCASE: Local musicians, instructors and students from Trad Camp perform songs and dance for a concert with plenty of audience participation. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 6-7 p.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.
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.
VERMONT LAKE MONSTERS: Spectators buy some peanuts and Cracker Jack to watch the Green Mountain State’s own Futures Collegiate Baseball League team face off against new opponents each night. Centennial Field, Burlington, 5:35 & 8 p.m. $6-17; $125-418 for season passes. Info, 655-4200.
tech
FILMING IN THE STUDIO: Wouldbe producers practice setting up a studio show, switching cameras during interviews and using chroma-keyed backgrounds. The Media Factory, Burlington, 6-8 p.m. Free; donations accepted. Info, 651-9692.
theater
‘CABARET’: Northern Stage re-creates the Tony Award-winning 1967 musical focused on the backstage drama at the fictional Kit Kat Club in Germany on the eve of World War II. Byrne Theater, Barrette Center for the Arts, White River Junction, 7:30 p.m. $19-29. Info, 296-7000.
‘PIPPIN’: Weston Theater Company tells the story of a young prince who longs for an extraordinary life. Weston Theater at Walker Farm, 2-4:30 & 7:30-10 p.m. $59-79. Info, 824-5288.
words
KATHY ELKIND: The Vermont author of To Walk It Is To See It reveals the healing power of landscapes and walking as meditation. Worthen Library, South Hero, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 372-6209.
TEEN ENSEMBLE II: Students from Village Harmony’s teen music camp perform songs from Greece, Albania, Corsica and Georgia in contemporary compositions. Unitarian Church of Montpelier, 7 p.m. By donation. Info, villageharmony@gmail.com.
TRISH ESDEN, DONNA RAE MENARD AND HANK PARKER: Three Vermont mystery authors share how their life experiences and other jobs feed into their
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.
SEWING (AND QUILTING)
TOGETHER: Library staff lead a friendly monthly meetup for needlesmiths. ADA accessible. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 4-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.
WOODWORKING LAB: Visionaries can experiment, collaborate, and create a project or learn a new skill with the help of mentors and access to tools and equipment in the maker space. Hannaford Career Center, Middlebury, 5-8 p.m. $7.50 drop-in fee. Info, 382-1012. etc.
NIGHT OWL CLUB: Astronomers and space exploration experts discuss the latest in extraterrestrial news with curious attendees. Presented by Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium. 7 p.m. Free. Info, 748-2372. fairs & festivals
FRANKLIN COUNTY FIELD DAYS: Fairgoers indulge in fried foods, a demolition derby, tractor pulls, amusement park rides, live music and 4-H animal and farm exhibits. Franklin County Field Days Site, Highgate, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. $20. Info, 238-4904, franklincounty fielddays@gmail.com.
SUMMERVALE: Locavores fête farms and farmers at a weekly festival centered on food, music, community and conservation. Intervale Center, Burlington, 5:308 p.m. Free. Info, 660-0440. film
See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section.
‘BLUE WHALES: RETURN OF THE GIANTS 3D’: See WED.31.
‘THE FORGOTTEN’: A 30-minute documentary by Vermont filmmakers depicts the July 2023 flooding of Proctorsville and its community response, followed by a panel discussion. Proceeds benefit this year’s flood recovery in Plainfield. Savoy Theater, Montpelier, 6:30-8:30 p.m. $10. Info, 229-0598.
‘FUNGI: THE WEB OF LIFE 3D’: See WED.31.
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.31
burlington
IMAGINATION STATION: Giant Jenga, blocks and tic-tac-toe entertain shoppers of all ages in between stops. Church Street Marketplace, Burlington, 1-3 p.m. Free. Info, 863-1648.
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.
VR NATIONAL PARKS: Teens take virtual tours of the Grand Canyon, Hawaii’s volcanoes, Death Valley and other locales. Ages 11 through 18. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 1-2 p.m. Free; preregister; limited space. Info, 863-3403.
chittenden county
ADVENTURES IN PLAY: Toddlers play with giant blocks, hoops, chalk, bubbles and water. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.
SUMMER BABYTIME: Infants gather for a gentle, slow story time. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 9:15-9:45 a.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.
SUMMER CRAFTYTOWN: From painting and printmaking to collage and sculpture, creative kids explore different projects and mediums. Ages 8 and up, or ages 6 and up with an adult helper. ADA accessible. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.
barre/montpelier
BATS WITH JERRY SCHNEIDER: Kids learn all about Earth’s only flying mammals, including bat vision, echolocation, migration and hibernation. Bring a T-shirt to make a bat tee. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581, jaquithpubliclibrary@gmail.com.
MAGIC WANDS WORKSHOP: Wizardsto-be create their own spell-making accessories using glue guns and carving tools specialized for youngsters. Caregivers should plan to stay with kids under 8. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 1-3 p.m. Free. Info, 223-3338.
upper valley
FOREST DISCOVERY CENTER: Interactive learning stations, demonstrations and crafts give kids hands-on nature experiences. Ages 8 and under. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, Woodstock, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 457-3368.
Fun on the Farm
Nostalgia gets in the driver’s seat for Antique Tractor Day, a celebration of the machinery that works the fields. Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock highlights tractors more than 40 years old, including seven models dating back to the 1930s. Tractor parades show off the engines’ sheer power, and the Slow Race lets observers cheer on their favorite. Kids can ride pedal tractors through an obstacle course, take tractor-drawn wagon rides and craft tractors to take home. This event is part of Vermont Open Farm Week, which brings families to working farms for a variety of activities, from feeding pigs to harvesting carrots.
ANTIQUE TRACTOR DAY
Sunday, August 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock. Regular museum admission, $12-19; free for members and kids under 3. Info, 457-2355, billingsfarm.org.
THU.1 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 ages 2 through 5 in songs, movement and other fun activities. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 1111:30 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, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. 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, 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 ADVENTURES: Little ones from birth through age 5 learn from songs, crafts and picture books. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 1010:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.
stowe/smuggs
WEE ONES PLAY TIME: Caregivers bring kiddos 3 and younger to a new sensory learning experience each week. Morristown Centennial Library, Morrisville, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 888-3853.
animated film, and the car cutouts are free to take home after the show. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-5 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.
LEGO BUILDERS: Each week, children ages 8 and older build, explore, create and participate in challenges. Children ages 6 to 8 are welcome with an adult. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.
barre/montpelier
STORY TIME & PLAYGROUP: Participants ages 5 and under enjoy science, art and nature-themed activities. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.
upper valley
ART IN THE PARK: National park artists-in-residence lead nature-inspired activities for all ages. Marsh-BillingsRockefeller National Historical Park, Woodstock, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Free. Info, 457-3368.
STORY TIME: Preschoolers take part in tales, tunes and playtime. Latham Library, Thetford, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 785-4361.
SAT.3
burlington
LITTLEST GUPPIES: Kids grow their fins with water activities including dock play, sailboat exploration, paddleboarding and on-land science games. Community Sailing Center, Burlington, 9-10 & 11 a.m.noon. $10 per class. Info, 864-2499.
SPLASH DANCE: Kids soak up some summer fun in the fountain while DJs spin family-friendly tracks. Burlington City Hall Park, 1-3 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7166.
STORIES WITH GEOFF: Little patrons of the library’s satellite location enjoy a morning of stories and songs. Fletcher Free Library New North End Branch, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.
chittenden county
OUTDOOR SATURDAY STORY TIME: A special storyteller reads to little ones in front of the library. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.
upper valley
mad river valley/ waterbury
PRESCHOOL PLAY & READ STORY TIME: Games, activities, stories and songs engage 3- through 5-year-olds. Waterbury Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.
northeast kingdom
STORY TIME: Kids 5 and under play, sing, hear stories and color. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 10:15-10:45 a.m. and 2-2:30 p.m. Free. Info, 745-1391.
FRI.2 burlington
IMAGINATION STATION: See WED.31.
chittenden county
DRIVE-IN MOVIE: Cardboard vehicles provide the viewing spot for an
FOREST DISCOVERY CENTER: See WED.31.
MAGNIFICENT MAMMALS DAY: Animal lovers meet some of their furry backyard and farmyard neighbors, including goats from Five Rooster Farm and other creatures from Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, and take part in hands-on activities and crafts. Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Quechee, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular admission, $16.50-19.50; free for kids 3 and under. Info, 359-5000.
SUN.4
burlington
MASKS ON! SUNDAYS: Elderly, disabled and immunocompromised folks get the museum to themselves at a masks-mandatory morning. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington,
‘OCEANS: OUR BLUE PLANET 3D’: See WED.31.
‘TINY GIANTS 3D’: See WED.31.
‘VANISH: DISAPPEARING ICONS OF A RURAL AMERICA’: A 2023 documentary tracks photographer Jim Westphalen’s quest to capture classic rural structures across the country. A Q&A with the artist and director follows. Highland Center for the Arts, Greensboro, 7-9 p.m. $14. Info, 533-2000.
food & drink
ADVENTURE DINNER: PARIS
OLYMPICS POP-UP: A Parisianinspired, farm-driven menu offers up special drinks and onenight-only dishes. Drop-ins and reservations welcome. Peg & Ter’s, Shelburne, 4-9 p.m. Cost of food and drink. Info, 248-224-7539.
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.
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.
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
POP-UP HAPPY HOUR: Locals connect over drinks at a speakeasy-style bar. Hosted by OUT in the 802. Lincolns, Burlington, 5:30-7 p.m. Free. Info, 860-7812.
music
BEN & JERRY’S CONCERTS ON THE GREEN: JOE RUSSO’S ALMOST DEAD: SOLD OUT: Marco Benevento, Dave Dreiwitz, Tom Hamilton, Scott Metzger and Joe Russo take the stage in a tribute to the Grateful Dead. Shelburne Museum, 6 p.m. $59.50-65; free for children 12 and under. Info, 652-0777.
DAVE KELLER BAND: The local bluesman and his band belt out soulful tunes while Nibbles of Love serves up snacks. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.
FEAST & FIELD MUSIC SERIES: Farm-fresh foods and live tunes are on the menu at a weekly pastoral party out in the orchard. Fable Farm, Barnard, 5:30-8:30 p.m. $5-25; $120-1,250 for season passes. Info, 234-1645.
PIZZA BY THE POND: A wood-fired oven delivers all-you-can-eat pies made of local ingredients while musicians regale diners. Blueberry Hill Inn, Goshen, 5-8 p.m. $23-43; free for kids 7 and under. Info, info@blueberryhillinn.com.
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: PLUTO RISING: New wave meets retro-soul and reggae for an upbeat dance party of original songs and covers. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: THE RECORD COMPANY: The blues band rocks the resort, with food and drink vendors on hand for dance-break refreshment. Lake Morey Resort, Fairlee, 8 p.m. Free. Info, 748-2600.
THURSDAYS BY THE LAKE: BLUES OVER EASY: Downtown listeners dance to the blues belted out by local instrumentalists including guitarist Paul Asbell and keyboardist Chas Eller. Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 540-3018.
sports
VERMONT LAKE MONSTERS: See WED.31, 6:35 p.m.
theater
‘BURIED CHILD’: An Illinois farm family hides a terrible secret in this 1978 Sam Shepard play that includes sprinkles of dark comedy amid the gothic mystery. Eclipse Grange Theater, Thetford, 7:309:30 p.m. $15-25. Info, 785-4344.
‘CABARET’: See WED.31, 6:30 p.m.
‘EVERY BRILLIANT THING’: A young boy tries to lure his mother out of depression by creating a list of all the things worth living for in this coming-of-age play. Depot Theatre, Westport N.Y., 5 p.m. $3743. Info, 518-962-4449.
‘INTO THE WOODS’: Stephen Sondheim’s beloved musical upends the happily-ever-after fates of familiar fairy tale characters, including Cinderella, Rapunzel and Jack of beanstalk fame. Blow-MeDown Farm, Cornish, N.H., 7 p.m. $30-67.50. Info, 603-448-0400.
‘LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS’: The beloved musical comedy stars a foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivorous plant that torments a floral assistant named Seymour. Jean’s Playhouse, Lincoln, N.H., 7:30 p.m. $38-45. Info, 603-745-6032.
‘PIPPIN’: See WED.31.
‘THE PROM’: In this popular stage comedy, a group of eccentric Broadway performers rally behind the cause of a high schooler who’s banned from attending prom with her girlfriend. Lost Nation Theater, Montpelier City Hall, 7:30 p.m. $1535. Info, 229-0492.
‘TEXTING THROUGH GRIEF’: Vermont Public Theater, actress Mary Bacon and writer James Still present a reading of a new play about how communities and individuals process grief. Arlington Common Performance Hall, 7-8:20 p.m. Free. Info, vermont publictheater@gmail.com.
AUG. 2 & 4 | MUSIC
For Folk’s Sake
Vermont folk musician Moira Smiley spreads her sound across the state this week. On Friday, she hits the stage for Burlington City Arts’ Summer Concert Series. Come Sunday, she highlights songs from her new album in a concert with the Rhizome Project string quartet to honor 25 years of folk performances at the historic Old West Church in Calais. Singer Deb Flanders organizes the annual concerts to honor her great-aunt Helen Hartness Flanders, a musicologist who collected more than 4,800 recordings of New England folk songs and ballads while working for the Vermont Commission on Country Life. Proceeds benefit Young Tradition Vermont and Vermont Folklife.
MOIRA SMILEY
Friday, August 2, 12:30-1:30 p.m., at Burlington City Hall Park. Free. Info, 865-7166, burlingtoncityarts.org. Sunday, August 4, 4 p.m., at Old West Church in Calais. $10-20. Info, 233-1015, sevendaystickets.com.
FRI.2 bazaars
FIRST FRIDAY: Live music soundtracks a bustling summer market overflowing with food, artisan goods and kids’ activities. Merchants Row, Randolph, 5:307:30 p.m. Free. Info, 728-4305.
community
2024 SCAVENGER HUNT IN STOWE: See WED.31.
crafts
FIRST FRIDAY FIBER GROUP: Fiber-arts fans make progress on projects while chatting over snacks. GRACE, Hardwick, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Free; donations
accepted. Info, info@ruralartsvt. org.
fairs & festivals
FESTIVAL OF FOOLS: An array of street performers rotate through downtown stages to busk for cash while captivating audiences with juggling, magic tricks, acrobatics and music. Church Street Marketplace, Burlington, noon-10 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7166.
FRANKLIN COUNTY FIELD DAYS: See THU.1, 8 a.m.-11 p.m.
FREE FIRST FRIDAY EVE: The museum opens its exhibits to one and all, and the lawns overflow with food, drink, games and live music. Shelburne Museum, 5-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 985-3346.
food & drink
ADVENTURE DINNER: PARIS OLYMPICS POP-UP: See THU.1.
RICHMOND FARMERS MARKET: Vendors present a diverse selection of locally produced foods and crafts as picnickers enjoy live music. Volunteers Green, Richmond, 3-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, rfmmanager@gmail.com.
SOUTH END GET DOWN: Food trucks dish out mouthwatering meals and libations. Live DJs and outdoor entertainment add to the fun. 377 Pine St., Burlington, 5-9 p.m. Free. Info, orleanseventsvt@ gmail.com.
games
MAH-JONGG: Tile traders of all experience levels gather for a game. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 1-3 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.
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.
PEOPLE WITH ARTHRITIS CAN EXERCISE: Active adults with stiffness and pain keep joints flexible, muscles strong and bodies energized with a weekly low-impact class. Waterbury Public Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.
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
ALL NIGHT BOOGIE BAND: The Burlington quintet gets listeners up and dancing to blues, rock and soul. Camp Meade, Middlesex, 5-8
FOMO?
film
See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section.
‘BLUE WHALES: RETURN OF THE GIANTS 3D’: See WED.31.
‘FUNGI: THE WEB OF LIFE 3D’: See WED.31.
‘HAROLD AND MAUDE’: Bud Cort and Ruth Gordon play a gloomy teenage boy and eccentric older woman who fall in love in this 1971 classic comedy. The Screening Room @ VTIFF, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 7 p.m. $5-10. Info, 660-2600.
‘OCEANS: OUR BLUE PLANET 3D’: See WED.31.
‘TINY GIANTS 3D’: See WED.31.
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
Moira Smiley
p.m. Free. Info, info@campmeade. today.
BLUEGRASS & BBQ WITH HOT PICKIN’ PARTY: The Vermont trio plays original songs and traditional tunes with guitar, bass and dobro while listeners consider dinner options from Southern Smoke and La Chapina. Shelburne Vineyard, 5:30-9 p.m. $10; price of food and drinks. Info, 985-8222.
COLD CHOCOLATE: An Americana band expands into folk and funk, then returns to bluegrass for tight harmonies and original tunes. Knoll Farm, Fayston, 6:30 p.m. $25. Info, 496-5686.
FIRST FRIDAY LIVE: NANA¡ AND JOHNNY B: The singer-songwriter-drummer and alt-country musician, respectively, join up for a release party celebrating their new albums. Junction Arts & Media, White River Junction, 6-8 p.m. Free; donations accepted. Info, 295-6688.
MARLBORO MUSIC FESTIVAL:
Pianists Mitsuko Uchida and Jonathan Biss oversee a series of classical concerts over five weekends. Persons Auditorium, Potash Hill campus, Marlboro, 8-9:30 p.m. $20-40. Info, 254-2394.
NU MU 3, THE LAND OF MU: A monthlong art and music festival features creative types of all stripes. 118 Elliot, Brattleboro, 5-8 p.m. Free; $20 donation suggested. Info, 118elliot@gmail.com.
PIZZA BY THE POND: See THU.1, 5-8 p.m.
THE SAMPLES: The band leans into rock, reggae and folk behind the unique vocals and guitar playing of lead singer-songwriter Sean Kelly. Essex Experience, 8-11 p.m. $25-35 . Info, 878-4200.
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES:
MOIRA SMILEY: The Vermont folk musician hits the stage for a show on the pedestrian thoroughfare. See calendar spotlight. Burlington City Hall Park, 12:301:30 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7166.
THE SWEETBACK SISTERS: Emily Miller, Zara Bode and their band infuse classic country with a contemporary sensibility, mixing jazz and ragtime into songs about heartbreak and resilience. Next Stage Arts Project, Putney, 7:30 p.m. $22-25; $10 live stream. Info, 387-0102.
UNPLUGGED ON THE
MARKETPLACE: GEORGE
MURTIE: The singer-songwriter covers popular songs from every genre in an acoustic performance at the top of the block. Church Street Marketplace, Burlington, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, 863-1648.
talks
BEN KOENIG: The owner of Plainfield’s Country Bookshop shares his perspective on Dorothy Canfield Fisher and the controversy caused by her historical support of the eugenics movement. Craftsbury Public Library, Craftsbury Common, 6 p.m. Free. Info, 586-9683.
tech
MORNING TECH HELP: Experts answer questions about phones,
laptops, e-readers and more in one-on-one sessions. ADA accessible. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 846-4140.
theater
‘BLOW ME DOWN: A PIRATE PLAY IN THREE ACTS’: An original comedy by Brooklyn playwright St. John Frizell chronicles the exploits of “Spanish John, Pirate”, with plenty of salty humor. Phantom Theater, Edgcomb Barn, Warren, 8-9:30 p.m. $20. Info, tracy@madriver.com.
‘BURIED CHILD’: See THU.1.
‘CABARET’: See WED.31, 7:30 p.m.
‘EVERY BRILLIANT THING’: See THU.1.
‘HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL’:
BarnArts Summer Youth Theater takes on the popular stage adaptation of the 2006 Disney film about a romance between the teen stars of a school production. Barnard Town Hall, 7 p.m. $10-15. Info, 234-1645.
‘INTO THE WOODS’: See THU.1, 7 p.m.
‘LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS’: See THU.1.
‘PIPPIN’: See WED.31, 7:30-10 p.m.
‘THE PROM’: See THU.1.
‘UNCLE VANYA’: The barn-based theater ensemble stages a modern take on the Anton Chekhov classic about a family of landed gentry tearing apart at the seams, directed by Alex Brown. Unadilla Theatre, Marshfield, 7:30 p.m. $15-30. Info, 229-0492.
SAT.3
agriculture
NATIVE PLANTS AND POLLINATORS: Gardeners learn planting techniques conducive to attracting bees and butterflies. Horsford Gardens & Nursery, Charlotte, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 425-2811.
bazaars
ARNOLD’S RESCUE CENTER COMMUNITY MARKET: Visitors peruse a variety of food, crafts and other items to benefit the animals at the refuge. Arnold’s Rescue Center, Brownington, 9 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 239-872-7333.
community
2024 SCAVENGER HUNT IN STOWE: See WED.31. USED BOOK SALE: Books of all genres for all ages go on sale, and all proceeds fund library programming. Cash or check only. Middlebury Town Offices, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4095, friendsofilsleylibrary@gmail.com.
dance
CONTRA DANCE: Julian Blechner does the calling and Good Company provides the music for contra newbies and devotees alike, with gender-neutral role terms and a beginners’ lesson to start. Bring clean, soft-soled
shoes. Capital City Grange, Berlin, 7:40-11 p.m. $5-20. Info, 225-8921. TREE DANCING WORKSHOPS: A circus aerialist and an experienced arborist teach a movement workshop amid the branches, at a beginner level the first day and with more advanced skills on the second. Nimble Arts, Brattleboro, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $250; 25 percent discount if taking both workshops. Info, 318-2639. etc.
BIRTHDAY BASH COMMUNITY
APPRECIATION: A local business celebrates its milestone with art, music, food vendors and a silent auction, while Hollow Brook Farms offers maple tastings. Island Craft Shop, South Hero, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, 372-3945, vtislandcraftshop@gmail.com.
SUMMER DOG PARTY: Pups jump, run, bark and play during a canine-centric annual party, with hiking trails, a swimming pond, pie-eating and other contests, and music and food for the humans. Dog Mountain, St. Johnsbury, noon-4 p.m. Free; donations accepted. Info, 800-449-2580.
fairs & festivals
DANVILLE COMMUNITY FAIR:
Fairgoers enjoy a parade, food, dancing, a Bear Crawl 5K and live music all day, ending with a performance by the Chad Hollister Band. Danville Town Green, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Free. Info, 227-3113.
FESTIVAL OF FOOLS: See FRI.2, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
FRANKLIN COUNTY FIELD DAYS: See THU.1, 8 a.m.-11 p.m.
film
See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section.
‘BLUE WHALES: RETURN OF THE GIANTS 3D’: See WED.31.
‘THE FORGOTTEN’: See THU.1, Okemo Valley TV, Ludlow, 8:30 p.m. Info, 228-8808.
‘FUNGI: THE WEB OF LIFE 3D’: See WED.31.
‘THE KIDNAPPING OF JASMINE DELRAY’: Three local filmmakers premiere their noir-style black comedy about a detective and his father that was shot entirely in central Vermont. A Q&A follows. Savoy Theater, Montpelier, 7-8:30 p.m. $10-12. Info, 229-0598.
‘OCEANS: OUR BLUE PLANET 3D’: See WED.31.
‘PARIS IS BURNING’: A landmark 1990 documentary highlights New York City’s drag ball scene in Harlem’s African American and Latinx communities in the 1980s. The Screening Room @ VTIFF, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 3-4:15 p.m. $5-10. Info, 660-2600.
‘TINY GIANTS 3D’: See WED.31. food & drink
BURLINGTON FARMERS
MARKET: Dozens of stands overflow with seasonal produce, flowers, artisanal wares and prepared SAT.3 » P.60 Disasters hit and recovery can
Meats and cheeses join farm-fresh produce, baked goods, locally made arts and crafts, and live music. 133 State St., Montpelier, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 272-6249.
GRANGE COMMUNITY POTLUCK:
Guests bring a side dish to accompany provided hamburgers, black bean burgers, hot dogs and ice cream. Capital City Grange, Berlin, 6-7 p.m. Free. Info, 225-8921.
ST. JOHNSBURY FARMERS
MARKET: Growers and crafters gather weekly at booths centered on local eats. Pearl St. & Eastern Ave., St. Johnsbury, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, cfmamanager@gmail. com.
TAPS & TASTES: Local breweries, cider makers and food vendors offer samples while DJ Dave, the Chris Pallutto Trio and Remember Jones perform. Jackson Gore Inn, Okemo Mountain Resort, Ludlow, noon-6 p.m. $15-60. Info, 228-1600.
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.
music
A CAPPELLA LOLLAPALOOZA:
Three all-vocal, no-instrument groups show off their harmonic skills and different styles of performance. Homer Knight Barn, Island Arts Center, North Hero, 7-8:30 p.m. $25. Info, 372-8889.
BANDWAGON SUMMER SERIES: GLEN DAVID ANDREWS BAND:
The New Orleans vocalist and trombone player brings his band and his Big Easy bona fides for a high-energy show. Cooper Field, Putney, 6 p.m. $20-25; free for children under 12. Info, 387-0102.
BARR HILL SUMMER MUSIC
SERIES: ALL NIGHT BOOGIE
BAND: The rock quintet brings blues, soul and rock-and-roll tunes to the distillery. Barr Hill, Montpelier, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 472-8000.
MAC’S PARTY: A two-day party features 10 bands, a mac-andcheese tasting, a fire-dancing performance, and camping. Lavender Essentials of Vermont, Derby, noon-midnight. $39-179. Info, 323-3590.
MARLBORO MUSIC FESTIVAL: See FRI.2, 8-9:30 p.m.
RYAN OBER & THE ROMANS: The folk rockers channel their inner cowpokes to pick and grin their way through a concert amid the grapevines. Shelburne Vineyard, 6 p.m. Free. Info, 985-8222.
SUNDOWN SESSIONS: JUSTIN
BURGESS: The Canadian singer-songwriter traces his influences, from Bono to Leonard Cohen, in his rock grooves laced with soul. The Pinery, Burlington, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 578-5560.
YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING
BAND: Bluegrass veterans dip into rock, alternative, improvisational and psychedelic realms with their high-energy acoustic show. Lake Morey Resort, Fairlee, 8 p.m. Free. Info, 748-2600.
outdoors
CASCADE AND PORTER
MOUNTAIN HIKE: The Green Mountain Club leads one of its most popular treks: a moderate 6-mile hike to two of the Adirondacks’ 4,000-plus-foot peaks. Meet at Market 32, Burlington, 5 a.m. Free. Info, 238-5164.
sports
EAST COAST WATERCROSS: Jet skiers battle it out with aerial maneuvers and head-to-head races on Lake Champlain. Food vendors keep spectators well fed during the action. Plattsburgh City Beach, N.Y. Free; $13 per day parking. Info, 518-563-1000.
LAKE CHAMPLAIN DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL: Teams race long paddleboats to compete for prizes and raise money for Dragonheart Vermont in its 20th year of supporting breast cancer survivors. See calendar spotlight. Waterfront Park, Burlington, noon-4:30 p.m. Free to watch; fundraising minimums for participating teams. Info, dragonheartvermont.org.
VERMONT LAKE MONSTERS: See WED.31, 6:05 p.m.
theater
‘THE BEGINNING AFTER THE END OF HUMANITY CIRCUS’: Bread and Puppet’s summer show incorporates puppetry, dancing and acrobatics to explore themes of grief, death, genocide and — ultimately — hope. Bread and Puppet Theater, Glover, 3 p.m. $10; by donation for kids under 6; preregister. Info, 525-3031.
‘BLOW ME DOWN: A PIRATE PLAY IN THREE ACTS’: See FRI.2, 7-8:30 & 9-10:30 p.m.
‘BURIED CHILD’: See THU.1.
‘CABARET’: See WED.31, 2 & 7:30 p.m.
‘EVERY BRILLIANT THING’: See THU.1, 5 p.m.
‘HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL’: See FRI.2, 2 & 7 p.m.
‘INTO THE WOODS’: See THU.1, 5 p.m.
‘LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS’: See THU.1.
‘PIPPIN’: See WED.31.
‘THE PROM’: See THU.1.
‘UNCLE VANYA’: See FRI.2, 7:30 p.m.
words
FRIENDS SUMMER BOOK SALE: Readers shop for fun discoveries and familiar titles at this fundraiser for the Queen City’s public library. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.
TRACY WINN AND KERRIN
MCCADDEN: Winn reads from her new story collection, River in the House based on interviews about Vermont flooding during
AUG. 3 & 4 | SPORTS
Enter the Dragon
Teams of paddlers take to the lake in long boats to race in the Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival. Dragonheart Vermont celebrates its 20th year of supporting breast cancer survivors, and the annual race on the Burlington waterfront serves as the primary source of its funds. Spectators watch as teams compete in 200- and 500-meter courses. Paddling groups deck themselves out in themed costumes or decorate their tents to pursue additional prizes for enthusiasm. Taming dragons is no easy task; a fleet of food trucks helps folks refuel.
LAKE CHAMPLAIN DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL
Saturday, August 3, noon-4:30 p.m., and Sunday, August 4, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., at Waterfront Park in Burlington. Info, dragonheartvermont.org.
Tropical Storm Irene; McCadden reads from her poetry collections. A reception follows. BigTown Gallery, Rochester, 4 p.m. Free. Info, 767-9670.
SUN.4 agriculture
VERMONT OPEN FARM WEEK: Locals and visitors meet farmers for an up-close look at the plants and animals they raise and the food they produce through a variety of on-farm events. Various locations statewide. Free; fee for some activities. Info, diginvt@ vermontfresh.net.
community
2024 SCAVENGER HUNT IN STOWE: See WED.31.
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.31.
dance
SUNDAY SERVICE: Local DJs bring their own unique styles to a biweekly outdoor dance party. Rotary Park, Winooski, 2-7 p.m. Free. Info, info@downtownwinooski.org.
TREE DANCING WORKSHOPS: See SAT.3, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
fairs & festivals
FESTIVAL OF FOOLS: See FRI.2, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
FRANKLIN COUNTY FIELD DAYS: See THU.1, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
film
See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section.
‘BLUE WHALES: RETURN OF THE GIANTS 3D’: See WED.31.
‘FUNGI: THE WEB OF LIFE 3D’: See WED.31.
‘OCEANS: OUR BLUE PLANET 3D’: See WED.31.
‘TINY GIANTS 3D’: See WED.31.
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.
SUMMER POTLUCK DHARMA DINNER: Visiting Gaden Shartse monks join a regular potluck dinner and discussion. Main dishes and beverages are provided; bring
a side dish or dessert to share. Milarepa Center, Barnet, 4-7 p.m. Free. Info, 633-4136.
VERSHIRE ARTISAN & FARMERS MARKET: Foodies, farmers and their friends buy and sell freshgrown produce and handmade treasures. Vershire Town Center, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Free. Info, vershiremarket@gmail.com.
WINOOSKI FARMERS MARKET: Families shop for fresh produce, honey, meats, coffee and prepared foods from a gathering of seasonal vendors at an outdoor
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.
PRACTICE: New and experienced meditators are always welcome to join this weekly practice in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hahn. Sangha Studio — Pine, Burlington, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, newleafsangha@gmail.com.
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.
music
BURLINGTON CONCERT BAND: Whitney Lussier directs free concerts weekly in the band’s 173rd season. Battery Park, Burlington, 7-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, l.solt@ burlingtontelecom.net.
LEVITT AMP ST. JOHNSBURY
MUSIC SERIES: REVEREND
PEYTON’S BIG DAMN BAND: Listeners hoot, holler, stomp and clap to this trio’s Delta blues, rockabilly style and honky-tonk grooves. Dog Mountain, St. Johnsbury, 5-7 p.m. Free. Info, 748-2600.
MAC’S PARTY: See SAT.3, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
MARLBORO MUSIC FESTIVAL:
See FRI.2, 2:30-4 p.m.
MOIRA SMILEY: The folk singer shares selections from her new album in a concert with Rhizome Project string quartet to honor 25 years of folk performances at the historic location. See calendar spotlight. Old West Church, Calais, 4 p.m. $10-20. Info, 233-1015.
PATRICK ROSS AND DOUG
PERKINS: A fiddler and traditional musician joins a jazz guitarist who leans into rock and bluegrass. The Old Meeting House, East Montpelier, 4-5:30 p.m. $15. Info, 249-0404.
SUNDAY SESSIONS: The patio at Tavern on the Tee restaurant hosts tunes from a variety of musicians. Open to the public. Ralph Myhre Golf Course, Middlebury, 4-7 p.m. Free. Info, 443-5125.
TWILIGHT ON THE TAVERN
LAWN: THE EMILY MARGARET
BAND: The vocalist and guitarist leads an R&B and jazz quartet that draws inspiration from Hiatus Kaiyote, Amy Winehouse and Lianne La Havas to produce intricate melodies with soulful overtones. Putney Tavern Lawn, 6 p.m. Free. Info, 387-5772.
WESTFORD SUMMER CONCERT
SERIES: SHELLHOUSE: A band named for a mountain in Ferrisburgh delivers classic rock and original songs for an outdoor jam, with food trucks. Westford Common, 6:30-8 p.m. Free; donations welcome. Info, 363-0930.
WINE & JAZZ SUNDAYS: THE JAZZ COLLECTIVE: Middlebury bassist Ron White leads a group of professional musicians in smooth tunes as listeners sip and
socialize. Reservations recommended. Shelburne Vineyard, 5 p.m. Free; cost of food and drink. Info, 985-8222.
seminars
HAWAIIAN OPEN: An Aloha State theme snazzes up a four-person, 18-hole scramble format, followed by a pig roast and prizes for the best island shirts. Ralph Myhre Golf Course, Middlebury, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. $55-85. Info, 443-5125.
sports
EAST COAST WATERCROSS: See SAT.3, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. LAKE CHAMPLAIN DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL: See SAT.3, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
VERMONT LAKE MONSTERS: See WED.31, 5:05 p.m.
talks
‘JUSTIN MORGAN’S HORSE’: Amanda Gustin of the Vermont Historical Society traces the lineage of the Morgan horse in Vermont, with a possible visit by a Morgan that lives nearby. Red Brick Meeting House, Westford, 2-3:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-8890.
theater
‘THE BEGINNING AFTER THE END OF HUMANITY CIRCUS’: See SAT.3, 3 p.m.
‘BURIED CHILD’: See THU.1, 3-5 p.m.
‘CABARET’: See WED.31, 2 p.m.
‘EVERY BRILLIANT THING’: See THU.1, 3 p.m.
GARRISON KEILLOR: The man behind the well-known voice on public radio entertains with storytelling, songs, jokes and a little poetry in his latest live show. Bellows Falls Opera House, 2 p.m. $35-60. Info, 387-0102.
‘HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL’: See FRI.2, 2 p.m.
‘INTO THE WOODS’: See THU.1, 5 p.m.
‘PIPPIN’: See WED.31, 3-5:30 p.m.
‘THE PROM’: See THU.1, 2 p.m.
‘UNCLE VANYA’: See FRI.2, 2 p.m. words
BACK ROADS READINGS: MATTHEW OLZMANN AND VIEVEE FRANCIS: Two poets and authors read from their latest collections. Highland Center for the Arts, Greensboro, 3 p.m. Free. Info, 533-2000.
DAVID S. TATEL: The retired federal judge talks about his book, Vision: A Memoir of Blindness and Justice with Linda Ramsdell, founder of the Galaxy Bookshop. East Craftsbury Presbyterian Church, 6-7 p.m. Free. Info, jwsimpsonmemorial@gmail.com.
MON.5 agriculture
OPEN FARM WEEK: FEED THE PIGS: Hungry hogs await deliveries of Red Hen Baking bread and vegetable slops from a local grocery store by visiting servers who trek into the forest to feed
them. Long pants and hard shoes required to enter the pen. Union Brook Farm, Northfield, 1-3 p.m. Free. Info, 774-279-1649.
VERMONT OPEN FARM WEEK: See SUN.4.
community
2024 SCAVENGER HUNT IN STOWE: See WED.31.
HEALTH CARE COMMUNITY MEETING:
The Green Mountain Care Board hosts a virtual meeting with a health systems expert to discuss the future of care in Vermont and hear from state residents. 6-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, gmcb.board@ vermont.gov.
etc.
SACRED HEALING ARTS OF TIBET: Buddhist monks create a large sand mandala while guests watch, with a dissolution ceremony on the final day. Milarepa Center, Barnet, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Donations accepted. Info, 633-4136.
film
See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section.
‘BLUE WHALES: RETURN OF THE GIANTS 3D’: See WED.31.
‘FUNGI: THE WEB OF LIFE 3D’: See WED.31.
‘OCEANS: OUR BLUE PLANET 3D’: See WED.31.
‘TINY GIANTS 3D’: See WED.31.
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.
FARM & FOREST YOGA FLOW: Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park ranger and yoga teacher Jen Jackson leads a balanced asana practice. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 5:15-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 457-3368.
YOGA CLASS: Yogis gather for poses and downward dogs amid the bookshelves. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 4:45-5:45 p.m. Free. Info, 863-3403. lgbtq
BOARD GAME NIGHT: LGBTQ tabletop fans bring their own favorite games to the party. Rainbow Bridge Community Center, Barre, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 622-0692. music
‘BROADWAY IN VERMONT’: Colchester native and veteran of the Great White Way Merritt MON.5 » P.62
August 9-11, 2024
Farr’s Field, US Rt. 2, Exit 10 I-89, Waterbury Admission: $15, Kids 12 & under are FREE
Pick from 25 fun civics activities — each one you do is another chance to win the grand prize.
Open to K-8 students who want to learn about and improve their communities. The deadline is September 2, but enter often to qualify for weekly drawings.
Super Job, Susannah!
Susannah Rye, age 10, collected donations for the Waterbury Common Market, a resource that provides food for people in Waterbury and nearby towns. “I donated 33 items,” she wrote. “I emailed all of my neighbors to ask them for cereal and pasta sauce.” Susannah has done 22 activities so far this summer!
AS TO STUDENTS
Trinity Children’s Center admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, disability, and family/parental status to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, disability, family/parental status, sexual orientation, age, income, or political beliefs in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school-administered programs.
Check them out for important and useful information, including: Contact Michelle for a quote at legals@sevendaysvt.com; 865-1020 x121
David Janes gathers friends to sing favorites from classic and contemporary musicals. Moose Meadow Lodge, Duxbury, 6 p.m. $28.03-41.80. Info, 244-5378.
SAMBATUCADA OPEN
REHEARSAL: Burlington’s own samba street percussion band welcomes new members. No experience or instruments required. 8 Space Studio Collective, Burlington, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 862-5017.
ST. JOHNSBURY BAND: The nation’s third-oldest community band regales locals during a weekly ice cream social.
Caledonia County Courthouse, St. Johnsbury, 7:30 p.m. Free. Info, manager@stjohnsburyband.org.
VERGENNES CITY BAND
SUMMER CONCERTS: An all-volunteer community ensemble makes music on the green all summer long. Vergennes City
FAMI LY FU N
9-10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 864-1848.
POKÉMON GO WALK: Players fan out across downtown Burlington to catch ‘em all, starting in the Teen Space at the library. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 2-3 p.m. Free. Info, 540-2546.
upper valley
ANTIQUE TRACTOR DAY: Spectators cheer on their favorite vintage machines in parades and races, with family-friendly activities and local food in between. See calendar spotlight. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular museum admission, $12-19; free for members and kids under 3. Info, 457-2355.
MON.5 burlington
OUTDOOR STORY TIME: Librarians engage little ones in an interactive experience, including nature-based crafts. Rain location is the New North End branch of Fletcher Free Library. Leddy Park, Burlington, 11 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 863-3403.
READ WITH SAMMY: The Therapy Dogs of Vermont emissary is super excited to
Park, 7-8 p.m. Free. Info, sodaniel27@gmail.com.
TUE.6 agriculture
GROWING AND USING CULINARY
HERBS: AARP Vermont and Vermont Garden Network host a hands-on workshop to identify, plant, prune and harvest perennial and annual herbs. Ethan Allen Homestead, Burlington, 5-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 866-227-7451.
VERMONT OPEN FARM WEEK: See SUN.4.
community
2024 SCAVENGER HUNT IN STOWE: See WED.31.
CURRENT EVENTS
DISCUSSION GROUP: Brownell Library holds a virtual roundtable for neighbors to pause
hear kids of all ages practice their reading. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.
mad river valley/ waterbury
TINY TOTS STORY TIME: Little tykes have fun, hear stories and meet new friends with Ms. Cynthia. Ages 3 and under. Waterbury Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.
upper valley
ART IN THE PARK: See FRI.2. 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.
northeast kingdom
STORY TIME: See THU.1, 2-2:30 p.m.
TUE.6
burlington
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
FAMILY STORY TIME: Lively little ones gather for short stories, familiar songs, rhymes and fingerplays. Ages 5 and under. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.
OUTDOOR STORY TIME: Youngsters enjoy a sunny session of reading, rhyming and singing with Dorothy
and reflect on the news cycle. 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6955. dance
SWING DANCING: Local Lindy hoppers and jitterbuggers convene at Vermont Swings’ weekly boogie-down. Bring clean shoes. North Star Community Hall, Burlington, beginner lessons, 6:30 p.m.; dance, 7:30-9 p.m. $5. Info, 864-8382. etc.
SACRED HEALING ARTS OF TIBET: See MON.5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. film
See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section.
‘BLUE WHALES: RETURN OF THE GIANTS 3D’: See WED.31. ‘FUNGI: THE WEB OF LIFE 3D’: See WED.31.
Alling Memorial Library. Birth through age 5. Williston Town Green, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.
northeast kingdom
LAPSIT STORY TIME: Babies 18 months and younger learn to love reading, singing and playing with their caregivers. Siblings welcome. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 10:1510:45 a.m. Free. Info, 745-1391.
WED.7 burlington
IMAGINATION STATION: See WED.31.
TODDLER TIME: See WED.31. chittenden county
BABY TIME: Parents and caregivers bond with their pre-walking babes during this gentle playtime. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.
SUMMER CRAFTYTOWN: See WED.31.
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.
TEEN QUEER READS: LGBTQIA+ and allied youths get together each month to read and discuss ideas around gender, sexuality and identity. Waterbury Public Library, 6-7 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 244-7036.
upper valley FOREST DISCOVERY CENTER: See WED.31. K
‘OCEANS: OUR BLUE PLANET
3D’: See WED.31.
‘TINY GIANTS 3D’: See WED.31. language
MANDARIN CONVERSATION
CIRCLE: Volunteers from Vermont Chinese School help students learn or improve their fluency. ADA accessible. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 11 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 846-4140.
PAUSE-CAFÉ FRENCH
CONVERSATION: Francophones and French-language learners meet pour parler la belle langue Burlington Bay Market & Café, 5-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 343-5493.
music
CANTRIP: The Scottish band uses pipes, fiddle, guitar and vocals to tie traditional music to funk, metal, swing and klezmer. Shelburne Vineyard, 7-9 p.m. $18; free for children under 12; tickets required. Info, 985-8222.
FAIRLEE SUMMER CONCERT
SERIES: Outdoor audience members take in a show from a new band each week. Fairlee Town Common, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. Info, contact@fairleearts.org.
TUESDAY NIGHT LIVE:
TEKE::TEKE: A Montreal-based seven-piece group performs a unique blend of Japanese psychedelic-rock and surf music with guitars, drums, trombone and flute. Legion Field, Johnson, 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 730-2943, tuesdaynightlive@ townofjohnson.com.
seminars
VERMONT COMMUNITY
LEADERSHIP SUMMIT:
Community builders across the state convene to “Forge Forward, Thrive Together” with panels on topics including economic vitality, climate resilience and youth engagement. Judd Hall, Vermont State University-Randolph, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. $25-50; reduced rates available. Info, 223-6091.
theater
‘PIPPIN’: See WED.31, 7:30-10 p.m.
words
BURLINGTON LITERATURE GROUP:
Readers analyze two novels by Iris Murdoch, Under the Net and The Black Prince, over 10 weeks. 6:30-8 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, info@nereadersandwriters. com.
ENVIRONMENTAL BOOK
CLUB: ‘CLIMATE CAPITALISM’: Concerned readers tackle Climate Capitalism by Akshat Rathi, which introduces activists fighting climate change on five continents, in a discussion led by Jennifer Green, the director of sustainability and workforce development at Burlington Electric. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 863-3403.
WED.7
activism
CHAMPLAIN VALLEY DSA GENERAL MEETING: Members of the local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America and other left-wing activists gather to plan political activities. Democracy Creative, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. Free. Info, hello@ champlainvalleydsa.org.
DISABLED ACCESS & ADVOCACY OF THE RUTLAND AREA (DAARA) MONTHLY ZOOM MEETING:
Community members gather online to advocate for accessibility and other disability rights measures. 11:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 779-9021.
agriculture
VERMONT OPEN FARM WEEK: See SUN.4.
business
QUEEN CITY BUSINESS NETWORKING INTERNATIONAL GROUP: See WED.31.
community 2024 SCAVENGER HUNT IN STOWE: See WED.31.
crafts
YARN CRAFTERS GROUP: See WED.31, 5-7 p.m. etc.
CHAMP MASTERS TOASTMASTERS OF GREATER BURLINGTON: Those looking to strengthen their speaking and leadership skills gain new tools at a regular meeting. 6-7:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 338-2305.
SACRED HEALING ARTS OF TIBET: See MON.5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. film
See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section.
‘BLUE WHALES: RETURN OF THE GIANTS 3D’: See WED.31.
‘CROSSING’: In this 2024 Georgian film, a retired schoolteacher tries to reconnect with her transgender niece who has crossed the border into Turkey. Film House, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 7-9:30 p.m. $6-12. Info, 660–2600.
‘FISH WAR’: This 2024 documentary focuses on the fight for Indigenous salmon fishing rights in Washington State, with a discussion to follow. KelloggHubbard Library, Montpelier, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 365-1446.
‘FUNGI: THE WEB OF LIFE 3D’: See WED.31.
‘OCEANS: OUR BLUE PLANET 3D’: See WED.31.
‘TINY GIANTS 3D’: See WED.31. food & drink
BEACH BITES: See WED.31. DANVILLE FARMERS MARKET: See WED.31.
WEDNESDAY’S GRILL & CHILL: See WED.31.
WHAT’S THAT WINE
WEDNESDAYS: See WED.31.
health & fitness
CHAIR YOGA: See WED.31.
language
BEGINNER IRISH LANGUAGE CLASS: See WED.31.
ELL CLASSES: ENGLISH FOR BEGINNERS AND INTERMEDIATE STUDENTS: See WED.31.
INTERMEDIATE IRISH LANGUAGE CONVERSATION AND MUSIC: See WED.31.
SPANISH CONVERSATION:
Fluent and beginner speakers brush up on their español with a discussion led by a Spanish teacher. Presented by Dorothy Alling Memorial Library. 5-6 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, programs@damlvt.org.
music
CRAFTSBURY CHAMBER PLAYERS: See WED.31.
MUSIC ON THE BRICKS: ALI
T: The Vermont indie-pop singer-songwriter puts her own spin on the pop-rock anthems of the early 2000s. Church Street Marketplace, Burlington, 5:30-7 p.m. Free. Info, 863-1648.
RIPE: The Boston quintet pulls from its alt-rock collection of bluesy grooves for a lawn show with special guests G. Love and the Free Label. Spruce Peak at Stowe, 6-10 p.m. $40. Info, 760-4634.
sports
GREEN MOUNTAIN TABLE
TENNIS CLUB: See WED.31.
HIT AND SIP WOMEN’S CLINIC: Women come together to socialize, sip drinks, and snack on cheese and crackers while hitting golf balls. Ralph Myhre Golf Course, Middlebury, 6-7 p.m. $30. Info, 443-5125.
theater
‘LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS’: See THU.1, 2 p.m.
‘PIPPIN’: See WED.31. ➆
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.
Are you a 2024 Daysies finalist or advertiser? If so, you’re invited to celebrate
SEVEN DAYSIES PARTY
Proceeds benefit the 2024 Best Nonprofit winner. Dance your booty off yacht-rockto classics from Pontoon!
The Seven Daysies are presented by
This is a private event. Advance tickets are required: 7dvt.pub/vegas
$10 THRU JULY 26
$15 THRU AUGUST 2
= ONLINE EVENT FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2024 • 7-10 P.M. ECHO LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN, BURLINGTON
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
PEACHES, PLUMS, & PLUOTS:
In this class, use seasonal stone fruits to make three magnificent but easy-to-puttogether desserts: peach and frangipane toast, plum torte, and pluot galette. Aug. 17, 1-3 p.m. Cost: $75. Location: Richmond Community Kitchen, 13 J olina Ct. Info: 802-434-3445, sevendaystickets.com.
gardening
CUT FLOWER GARDENING & ARRANGING: Join us for a two-part class on cut flower gardening and arranging. e first half of the class will be a talk and Q&A about cut flower gardening, while the second half will be a hands-on lesson in floral arranging. Bring your own vase; flowers are provided. Aug 22 or 29, 10:30
SUMMER DAY CAMPS AT CAMP MEADE: Weeklong, half-day camps. Visit campmeade.today for more details! Supervised after-camp activities are available until 5 p.m. Outer Space Art Camp: Jul. 29-Aug. 2. Children create outer-space art using clay, painting, drawing and collage. Pop Star Camp: Jul. 29-Aug. 2. Songwriting and
stage performance for aspiring musical icons! Rise-up Rock Camp: Aug. 12-16. Campers collaborate as a band and sharpen their music skills. Glassmaking Camp: Aug. 19-23. Practice the mesmerizing art of glassmaking! Location: Camp Meade, 961 Rte. 2, Middlesex. Info: Jarret Dury-Agri, 802-828-7121, hello@planetaryartinstitute. org, campmeade.today/ art-and-music-programs.
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! 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, 802-951-8900,
TRAINING: Learn our signature one-therapist treatment, which is a set of rhythmic strokes applied in a beautiful, loving and nourishing way with the intent to open the channels of the body and release stagnant prana. You will learn the benefits of oil massage, marma points and a full body routine. Fri., Aug. 9, 5-7 p.m. (incl. kitchari dinner); Sat. & Sun., Aug. 10 & 11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost:
$495. Location: e Ayurvedic Center of Vermont, 34 Oak Hill Rd., Williston. Info: Allison Morse, 802-872-8898, info@ ayurvedavermont.com, ayurvedavermont.com.
shamanism
APPRENTICESHIP IN SHAMANISM: Rare opportunity to apprentice locally in a shamanic tradition. Five weekends over a year; the first one is Sep. 20-22. Location: St. Albans. Info: Text omas Mock at 369-4331 or email thomas.mock1444@ gmail.com, heartofthehealer.org.
purchase tickets for
= TICKETED CLASS
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
Humane Society of
Stills
AGE/SEX: 13-year-old neutered male
ARRIVAL DATE: June 4, 2024
SUMMARY: is shy-but-sweet guy may need some time to settle into his new surroundings, but once he does, he is affectionate, loving and demure. In search of a low-traffic home to call his own, Stills will surely reward your patience with snuggles once he knows he is safe. Could you have room in your home and your heart for a sensitive soul such as Stills? Visit him at HSCC to see if he could be the one for you!
DOGS/CATS/KIDS: Stills lived with other cats in a previous home and tolerated them well. He has no known history with dogs. He may be most successful with older children, teens and adults.
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?
Senior cats need love, too! While the average lifespan of cats is 12 to 18 years, some cats can live well into their twenties. No matter how long they’re with you, a senior such as Stills is sure to enrich your life, and they’ll be so grateful for your love and kindness.
Sponsored by:
Chittenden County
CLASSIFIEDS
housing
OFFICE/ COMMERCIAL
OFFICE SUITE FOR SUBLEASE
Top-floor office suite at 30 Kimball Ave. in S. Burlington for sublease
Find, fix and feather with Nest Notes — an e-newsletter filled with home design, Vermont real estate tips and DIY decorating inspirations.
Sign up today at sevendaysvt.com/enews. SPONSORED BY
CLASSIFIEDS KEY
appt. appointment
apt. apartment
BA bathroom
BR bedroom
DR dining room
DW dishwasher
HDWD hardwood
HW hot water
LR living room
NS no smoking
OBO or best offer refs. references
sec. dep. security deposit
W/D washer & dryer
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 and similar Vermont statutes which make it illegal to advertise any preference, limitations, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, handicap, presence of minor children in the family or receipt of public assistance, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or a discrimination. The newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate, which is in violation of the law. Our
through Jun. 30, 2025, possibly longer. Avail now. 1,100 sq.ft., incl. 4 offices or 3 offices & a conference room, a kitchenette, & a spacious common area. 2 offices have generous windows, sunlight & mountain views. Wired for networking. $1,600/ mo. + utils. Info, 802825-8483 or modun@ jarvis-modun.com.
HOUSEMATES
GREAT BARRE OPPORTUNITY
Enjoy a separate unit on a beautiful Barre property w/ an independent senior man & his dog. Some help w/ light cleaning & some companionship would be welcome. $650, negotiable. Call 802-863-5625 or visit homesharevermont. org for application. Interview, refs. & background checks req. EHO.
ROOMY SHELBURNE CONDO
Share roomy condo in Shelburne w/ retired educator who enjoys mah-jongg & community activities. She’d love to share an occasional meal or outing! Private BA. $650, all incl. Call 802-863-5625 or visit homesharevermont. org for application. Interview, refs. & background checks req. EHO.
DONATE YOUR CAR TO CHARITY
Running or not! Fast, free pickup. Maximum tax deduction. Support Patriotic Hearts. Your car donation helps veterans!
readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. Any home seeker who feels he or she has encountered discrimination should contact:
HUD Office of Fair Housing 10 Causeway St., Boston, MA 02222-1092 (617) 565-5309 — OR — Vermont Human Rights Commission 14-16 Baldwin St. Montpelier, VT 05633-0633 1-800-416-2010 hrc@vermont.gov
Cleaning: Houses, hotels, offices, commercial, Airbnbs. Organizing: garages, closets. Weekly, biweekly, monthly or single cleaning. Email cleaningperfect8@ gmail.com or call 802-557-4708.
FINANCIAL/LEGAL
DISABILITY BENEFITS
You may qualify for disability benefi ts if you are between 52-63 y/o & under a doctor’s care for a health condition that prevents you from working for a year or more. Call now! 1-877247-6750. (AAN CAN)
FREE AUTO INSURANCE QUOTES
For uninsured & insured drivers. Let us show you how much you can save! Call 855-569-1909. (AAN CAN)
HEALTH/ WELLNESS
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE BY MD
Treating leaky gut, food sensitivities, eczema, acne & more. Dr. Maria Azizian MD, IFM certified, offers personalized functional medicine care. Self-schedule televisit at ilabmd.com or call 508-444-6989.
HOME/GARDEN
AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER? STORM DAMAGE?
You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind its work. Fast, free estimate. Financing avail. Call 1-888-292-8225. Have the zip code of the property ready when calling! (AAN CAN)
BATH & SHOWER UPDATES
In as little as 1 day! Affordable prices. No payments for 18 mos. Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & military discounts avail. Call 1-866-370-2939. (AAN CAN)
PEST CONTROL
Protect your home from pests safely & affordably. Roaches, bedbugs, rodents, termites, spiders & other pests. Locally owned & affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-833-237-1199. (AAN CAN)
print deadline: Mondays at 3:30 p.m. post ads online 24/7 at: sevendaysvt.com/classifieds questions? classifieds@sevendaysvt.com 865-1020 x115
PREVIEW: Monday, August 12: 11am-1pm
Preview: Monday, August 5: 11AM-1PM 4t-hirchakbrothers073124
WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP & RESTORATION
A small amount of water can lead to major damage & mold growth in your home. Our trusted professionals do complete repairs to protect your family & your home’s value! Call 24-7: 1-888-290-2264. Have zip code of service location ready when you call! (AAN CAN)
MOVING/HAULING
DEREKCO EXCAVATING
Excavation, light land clearing/leveling, stonework/retaining walls, sonotubes, drainage/ ditch work, demo, storm cleanup, brush hogging, driveway grading, hauling/light trucking, gravel, stone, mulch & much more! Fully insured. We accept all major credit cards, Venmo & checks. Call 802-310-4090 or email derek@derekco excavating.com.
buy
ELECTRONICS
ACOUSTIC RESEARCH SPEAKERS
AR-3a speakers. Not pristine but appear to be matching, w/ consecutive serial numbers. More photos avail. Make a good offer. Cash only. No shipping/ delivery. As-is. Email monkeysticky@gmail. com.
AUDIO MIXER & MICROPHONE
Like-new Alesia 8 USB mixer & Audio Technica microphone. Asking $75 each or both for $100. Email dogberrytouch stone@gmail.com.
FREE CAT Gray female cat. 7 y/o. Has all shots. Lovable. Good w/ other cats, likes to be held & cuddled. Contact 802-829-0284.
WANT TO BUY
MEN’S WATCHES WANTED
Men’s sport watches wanted. Rolex, Breitling, Omega, Patek Philippe, Here, Daytona, GMT, Submariner & Speedmaster. Paying cash for qualified watches. Call 888-3201052. (AAN CAN)
PORSCHE WANTED
Old & rusty OK! Don’t ship to Germany; keep in Vermont! I’ll buy anything & restore. Parts, panels, engines, cars. Any year, 1950-1998. Contact 802-391-0882.
DRUM LESSONS Snare, drum set & percussion lessons. $35 for 45 min. or $45 for 60 min. Experienced, well-versed & educated teacher. Contact Dave Pacheco, 802-3838048, teachdrums2u@ gmail.com.
Show and tell. View and post up to 6 photos per ad online. Open 24/7/365. Post & browse ads at your convenience.
CALCOKU BY JOSH REYNOLDS
DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK: ★★
SUDOKU BY JOSH REYNOLDS
DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK: ★★★
Fill the grid using the numbers 1-6, only once in each row and column. e 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. ANSWERS ON P.68
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. e same numbers cannot be repeated in a row or column.
WANT MORE PUZZLES?
Try these online news games from Seven Days at sevendaysvt.com/games.
Put your knowledge of Vermont news to the test.
See how fast you can solve this weekly 10-word puzzle.
Legal Notices
STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT
PROBATE DIVISION CHITTENDEN UNIT
DOCKET NO.: 24-PR-03556
In re ESTATE of Elizabeth A. Ruane
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
To the creditors of: Elizabeth A. Ruane, late of Shelburne, Vermont.
We 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 fi rst publication of this notice. e claim must be presented to us at the address listed below with a copy sent to the Court. e claim may be barred forever if it is not presented within the four (4) month period.
Dated: July 23, 2024
Signature of Fiduciary: /s/ Robert J. DiSabato, Jr.
Name of Publication: Seven Days Publication Date: 07/31/2024
Name of Probate Court: State of VermontChittenden Probate Division Address of Probate Court: 175 Main Street Burlington, VT 05401
PUBLIC NOTICE
Pursuant to Executive Order 11988 (Floodplain Management) and Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) implementing regulations at Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 9, FEMA hereby provides fi nal notice of its decision to provide Flood Mitigation Assistance Swift Current Program funding for an action located in a fl oodplain.
PLACE AN AFFORDABLE NOTICE AT: SEVENDAYSVT.COM/LEGAL-NOTICES OR CALL 802-865-1020, EXT. 142.
Funding would be provided through Vermont Emergency Management to the Town of Richmond for the elevation of a residential structure.
e action is located at 65 Esplanade Street, Richmond, Vermont. e Town of Richmond proposes to elevate the residential structure (circa 1880) so the lowest fl oor would be approximately 2.5 feet above Base Flood Elevation i.e., an elevation of 1.13 feet total. To achieve this the subgrade area (basement) would be eliminated, the foundation would be reconstructed consisting of a slab with footing and creating a vented crawlspace. e slab with its footings would be increased based on Vermont building codes and the International Mechanical code to meet minimum space requirements for re-locating utilities on the fi nished fi rst fl oor. All construction equipment and materials will be staged on the driveway of 65 Esplanade Street.
e project is within a mapped special fl ood hazard area (100-year fl oodplain). Construction work associated with the elevation and site restorations would have limited temporary effects and no permanent adverse effects on the natural and benefi cial values served by fl oodplains. e structure is currently in an existing rural residential neighborhood (i.e., low density); this project would not cause any further impacts to the fl oodplain. A map of the area of available upon request.
e project shall incorporate methods and materials that protect against fl ood damage to the greatest extent practical so that structure continues to exist in a fl oodplain since residence already existed in the fl oodplain. Alternatives considered included the No Action and Acquisition and Demolition of the residence. e No Action alternative would leave the residents at risk for future fl ood damage and Acquisition and Demolition is not practicable due to the housing shortage and high housing costs at this time. Grant conditions will also require compliance with all federal, state and local laws, including coordination with the
ANSWERS FROM P.67
local fl oodplain administrator.
Map requests and comments about this project and potential fl oodplain impacts should be submitted within 15 days of the date of this publication to:
Pamela Sparks Federal Emergency Management Agency, Cambridge, MA pamela.sparks@fema.dhs.gov; (346) 314-8506
NOTICE OF FIRST AND SECOND PUBLIC HEARINGS ON PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENTS FOR NOVEMBER 5, 2024 SPECIAL CITY MEETING
Pursuant to the requirements of 17 V.S.A. Sec. 2645, the fi rst public hearing concerning proposed amendments to the Burlington City Charter will be held on ursday, August 15th, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. e meeting will be held in Sharon Bushor Conference Room, 1st Floor, City Hall, Burlington, Vermont and will also be streamed via Zoom.
When: Aug 15, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://zoom.us/j/99302828514
Or Telephone: +1 305 224 1968 US Webinar ID: 993 0282 8514
Pursuant to the requirements of 17 V.S.A. Sec. 2645, the second public hearing concerning proposed amendments to the Burlington City Charter will be held on ursday, August 22nd, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. e meeting will be held in Sharon Bushor Conference Room, 1st Floor, City Hall, Burlington, Vermont and will also be streamed via Zoom.
When: Aug 22, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://zoom.us/j/95785546725
Or Telephone: +1 646 931 3860 US Webinar ID: 957 8554 6725
is charter amendment is proposed to be voted on at the Tuesday, November 5, 2024 Special City Meeting.
“Shall the Charter of the City of Burlington, Acts of 1949, No. 298 as amended, be further amended to 27 amend Article 62, Police Department; Article 63, Chief of Police and Captain; and Article 65, Removal or 28 Suspension, thereto to read as follows:
ARTICLE 62. POLICE DEPARTMENT
183 Board of police commissioners; composition; terms.
e board of police commissioners shall consist of seven (7) legal voters and should represent the diverse nature of said city ’s constituents, including those from historically marginalized communities, to be appointed by the city council with mayor presiding to serve for three (3) years and until their successors are appointed and qualifi ed.
184 Same-powers and duties.
(a) e city council shall make rules and regulations for the government of the entire police force department and shall fi x the qualifi cations of applicants for positions and service on said force department and to the extent permitted by applicable law, the chief of police shall furnish the city council with any information they may require concerning the fi nances of the police department. e chief of police shall be responsible for all expenditures made by the police department and no expenditures shall be made by the department except in conformity with the standards promulgated by the city council.
(b) e board of police commissioners shall have such authority and responsibility relating to the management , auditing, or monitoring of the police department, its services and facilities, as may be delegated from time to time by resolution , ordinances, and orders of the city council. Said board shall notify the mayor, and the chief administrative offi cer, and city council , in writing, of any and all changes, modifi cations or additions to the rules and regulations of the department.
(c) Without limitation to the foregoing, the board of police commissioners and the chief of police may propose rules and regulations for the government of the entire police department in a manner not inconsistent with those established by the city council. Adoption of such proposed rules and regulations requires joint approval by the board of police commissioners and the chief of police. In the event joint approval is not provided by the board of police commissioners and the chief of police, either party may bring forward to the city council the proposed rule or regulation for the city council’s consideration.
(d) e board of police commissioners shall have the authority to receive and review all civilian and internal allegations of misconduct by members of the police department. e mayor’s proposed budget and the city council shall annually appropriate an amount necessary for the adequate support and facilitation of such review. To the greatest extent permitted by law, the chief of police shall provide the board of police commissioners timely updates of any review, investigation, or disposition of alleged misconduct. e board of police commissioners shall have the ability to request additional information from the chief of police and access to those documents or other evidence relied upon by the chief of police in reviewing allegations of misconduct as the city council shall designate by ordinance. For complaints of alleged misconduct that constitute an offense subject to an investigation of the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council pursuant to 20 V.S.A 2401 et seq. or for which the chief of police intends to impose discipline constituting loss of pay, suspension, or termination, the complaint may not be disposed until the board of police commissioners is notifi ed of the proposed disposition.
After receiving notice from the chief of police of the recommended or actual disposition relating to the review of alleged misconduct, the board of police commissioners shall have the authority to:
(i) recommend an alternative disposition to the chief of police within a time established by ordinance; or
(ii) independently investigate any allegation of misconduct by members of the police department upon a 2/3 majority vote. Such investigation or review shall be conducted by an independent investigator hired by the board of police commissioners, and approved by the city attorney’s office, and completed within a time established by ordinance. Upon the conclusion of such an investigation, the board of police commissioners may make a recommendation per subsection (i). The board of police commissioners shall not have the authority to investigate or impose discipline upon the chief of police. Matters regarding the alleged misconduct of the chief of police shall be addressed in conformity with section 190(b) of this Charter and other relevant Vermont statutes.
(e) Upon receiving a recommendation by the board of police commissioners in subsection (d), the chief of police may accept the recommendation subject to the notice and hearing provisions in Article 62, section 190(a) or reject the recommendation. In the event the chief of police rejects the recommendation, the chief of police shall immediately the notify board of police commissioners. Upon receiving notice of the rejection, the board of police commissions may, upon a 2/3 majority vote, request that an independent panel decide the disposition of the matter within a time established by ordinance, subject to the notice and hearing provisions set forth in in Article 62, section 190(a). The disposition of the independent panel shall be final, subject to any applicable right of appeal or grievance process.
This independent panel shall consist of three (3) to five (5) persons appointed per ordinance.
ARTICLE 63. CHIEF OF POLICE AND CAPTAIN
185 Officers of police force department designated.
(a) The direction and control of the entire police force department , except as herein otherwise provided, shall be vested in a police officer who shall be called the chief of police, and such other ranking police officers as the city council shall authorize subject to the ordinances, resolutions, and orders of the city council; and, provided that the mayor shall retain the powers and duties of chief executive officer pursuant to §116. The order of rank and succession within the police department shall be as designated by the city council by regulation.
(b) Except as herein otherwise provided, such officers shall have the powers and duties granted to police officers by Vermont law and assigned to them by regulations adopted under section 184 of this Charter.
ARTICLE 65. REMOVAL OR SUSPENSION
190 Chief of police may remove member for cause; hearing.
(a) Whenever it shall appear to the chief of police that any member of said force police department has become incompetent, inefficient or incapable from any cause, or is or has been negligent or derelict in his or her official duty, or is guilty of any misconduct in his or her private or official life, or whenever any well-grounded complaints or charges to such effect are made in writing to the chief of police by a responsible person against such member, the chief of police may investigate and, after appropriate notice an d hearing, dismiss such member from the force police department , order a reduction in rank, or suspend the member without pay for a specified time period in excess of 14 days. In connection with any possible dismissal, demotion, or suspension for more than 14 days, the chief of police ’s notice to the member shall be given at least 48 hours prior to any hearing and shall include a description of the charges being considered. In connection therewith, the chief of police shall have the power to subpoena documents and witnesses and to administer the oath to such witnesses. Such a subpoena will be subject to enforcement or modification in conformity with the procedures set forth in 3 V.S.A. §§ 809a and 809b . The board of police commissioners , or in the case it has already offered an opinion on discipline pursuant to §184(d)(i), or in the case that the voting number of commissioners falls below four (4) due to declared actual or apparent
conflict(s) of interest, an independent panel comprised as in §184(e) shall hear any appeal filed in a timely manner with respect to such actions of the police chief. The time of filing an appeal and the nature of the appellate process shall be as determined by such board of regulation. Following its consideration of any such appeal, the board may affirm, modify, or vacate the decision made by the police chief.
(b) Whenever it shall appear to the mayor that the chief has become incompetent, inefficient, or incapable from any cause, or has been negligent or derelict in his or her official duty, or is guilty of any misconduct in his or her private or official life, or whenever any well-grounded complaints or charges to such effect are made in writing to the mayor by a responsible person, the mayor may suspend the chief of police from duty pending a hearing thereon by the city council. The city council shall forth with notify the chief of police of the charges preferred by them, or of the complaints or charges presented by such responsible person in writing, and shall thereupon proceed to consider and investigate the same. It shall appoint a time and place for the hearing of such complaints and charges so made, shall give the chief of police reasonable notice of the same, not less than 48 hours, and the city council shall have the power to subpoena documents and witnesses and to administer the oath to such witnesses. Such a subpoena will be subject to enforcement or modification in conformity with the procedures set forth in 3 V.S.A. §§ 809a and 809b.
(c) If, upon hearing, the city council shall find such complaints or charges to be well founded, it may dismiss the chief of police from the force police department , demote him or her in rank, or suspend him or her without pay for a period not to exceed 60 days. The procedures outlined in this section shall control in the event of any conflict with section 129 of this Charter as pertains to the removal of the chief of police
(d) The chief of police may, without notice or hearing for any infraction, violation, or disobedience of any of the rules and regulations of the police department that may seem to the chief of police sufficient, suspend from duty without pay any member of the police force department for a period not to exceed 14 days.
* Material underlined added
** Material struck out deleted
The official copy of the proposed charter amendments will be posted for public viewing by August 5th, 2024. Should any revisions be made to the proposed charter change amendments, they will be posted by October 16th, 2024.
NOTICE OF HEARING
You are hearby notified that a hearing has been scheduled for August 21 at 9:30 am in Horry county family court 1301 2nd Avenue Conway South Carolina 29526.
Docket number: 2023-DR26-1995.
Summons for divorce
(One year continuous separation)
Vivienne Morales, Plaintiff vs. Eric Morales Defendant.
To the Defendant above named you are nearby notified that you have been sued by the Plaintiff for divorce in the court indicated above.
You must respond in writing to the attached complaint for Divorce and serve a copy of your answer (30)days after this summons upon you, or (35) days if you were served by certified mail return receipt requested to the plaintiff address listed below
Vivienne Morales P.O.Box 51242 Myrtle Beach South Carolina.
If you do not answer the complaint within (30) days the court may grant a Divorce and grant the relief requested in the complaint.
BURLINGTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD
TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2024, 5:00 PM REVISED PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
Telephone: US +1 929 205 6099 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799
1. ZP-24-148; 49-55 Chase Street (RL, Ward 1) Chase Street 49, LLC / Missa Aloisi
Proposed subdivision of existing lot into four separate parcels. Development plan includes residential unit expansions to existing structures and construction of one new four-unit apartment building.
2. ZP-21-800; 501 Pine Street (E-LM, Ward 5) Vermont Gas Systems, Inc. / Kurt Schueler
Proposed time extension request to develop a container kitchen/food truck café on existing vacant property.
Plans may be viewed upon request by contacting the Department of Permitting & Inspections between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Participation in the DRB proceeding is a prerequisite to the right to take any subsequent appeal. Please note that ANYTHING submitted to the Zoning office is considered public and cannot be kept confidential. This may not be the final order in which items will be heard. Please view final Agenda, at www.burlingtonvt.gov/dpi/drb/ agendas or the office notice board, one week before the hearing for the order in which items will be heard.
The City of Burlington will not tolerate unlawful harassment or discrimination on the basis of political or religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, disability, HIV positive status, crime victim status or genetic information. The City is also committed to providing proper access to services, facilities, and employment opportunities. For accessibility information or alternative formats, please contact Human Resources Department at (802) 540-2505.
The programs and services of the City of Burlington are accessible to people with disabilities.
Individuals who require special arrangements to participate are encouraged to contact the Zoning Division at least 72 hours in advance so that proper accommodations can be arranged. For information call 865-7188 (TTY users: 865-7142).
ACT 250 NOTICE
MINOR APPLICATION 4C0757-26B 10 V.S.A. §§ 6001 - 6111
Application 4C0757-26B from Vermont Information Processing, Inc., Attn: John Simard, 402 Water Tower Circle, Colchester, VT 05446, and Bottle Cap, LLC, Attn: John Simard, 402 Water Tower Circle, Colchester, VT 05446 was received on July 18, 2024 and deemed complete on July 26, 2024. The project is generally described as the conversion of an existing commercial office building and exterior spaces to a daycare facility for 100 children with 25 teachers and staff, to serve VIP employees (402 Water Tower Circle). The project is located at 336 Water Tower Circle in Colchester, Vermont. The application may be viewed on the Natural Resources Board’s website (http://nrb. vermont.gov) by clicking “Act 250 Database” and entering the project number “4C0757-26B.”
No hearing will be held and a permit will be issued unless, on or before August 19, 2024, a party notifies the District 4 Commission in writing of an issue requiring a hearing, or the Commission sets the matter for a hearing on its own motion. Any person as defined in 10 V.S.A. § 6085(c) (1) may request a hearing. Any hearing request must be in writing, must state the criteria or sub-criteria at issue, why a hearing is required, and what additional evidence will be presented at the hearing. Any hearing request by an adjoining property owner or other person eligible for party status under 10 V.S.A. § 6085(c)(1)(E) must include a petition for party status under the Act 250 Rules. To request party status and a hearing, fill out the Party Status Petition Form on the Board’s website: https://nrb.vermont.gov/documents/
party-status-petition-form, and email it to the District 4 Office at: NRB.Act250Essex@vermont. gov. Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law may not be prepared unless the Commission holds a public hearing.
For more information contact Stephanie H. Monaghan at the address or telephone number below.
Dated this July 26, 2024.
By: Stephanie H. Monaghan
District Coordinator 111 West Street Essex Junction, VT 05452 802-261-1944 stephanie.monaghan@vermont.gov
STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT PROBATE DIVISION CHITTENDEN UNIT DOCKET NO.: 24-PR-00997
In re ESTATE of Norma Edwards
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
To the creditors of: Norma Edwards, late of Essex Junction.
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: 07/26/2024
Signature of Fiduciary: /s/ Cynthia Longwell and Suzanne Hawley
Name of Publication: Seven Days Publication Date: 07/31/2024
Name of Probate Court: State of VermontChittenden Probate Division Address of Probate Court: 175 Main Street , Burlington, VT 05401
TOWN OF RICHMOND
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD AGENDA AUGUST 14TH, 2024, AT 7:00 PM
Location: 3rd floor meeting room Richmond Town Offices, 203 Bridge Street Richmond VT, 05477 Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom. us/j/89057870483
Meeting ID: 890 5787 0483
Call-in: +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) Application materials may be viewed at http:// www.richmondvt.gov/boards-minutes/ developmentreview-board/ before the meeting. Please call Tyler Machia, Zoning Administrator, at 802-434-2430 or email tmachia@richmondvt.gov with any questions.
1. Project Description: Peaceable Kingdom LLC, is seeking to amend their approved Residential Planned Unit Development located on peaceable street. The applicants are seeking to add 3 new lots to this planned unit development. Due to ACT 47 the minimum density for lots served by municipal water and sewer has been increased to 5 units per acre.
Legal Notices
NOTICE OF SELF-STORAGE LIEN SALE
CHIMNEY CORNERS SELF STORAGE
76 GONYEAU ROAD, MILTON VT 05403
Notice is hereby given that the contents of the self-storage units listed below will be sold at public auction by sealed bid. This sale is being held to collect unpaid storage unit occupancy fees, charges, and expenses of the sale. The entire contents of each self-storage unit listed below will be sold, with the proceeds to be distributed to Chimney Corners Self Storage for all accrued occupancy fees (rent charges), late payment fees, sale expenses, and all other expenses in relation to the unit and its sale.
Contents of each unit may be viewed on August 14th, commencing at 10:00am. Sealed bids are to be submitted on the entire contents of each self-storage unit. Bids will be opened one half hour after the last unit has been viewed on August 14th. The highest bidder on the storage unit must remove the entire contents of the unit within 48 hours after notification of their successful bid. Purchase must be made in cash and paid in advance of the removal of the contents of the unit. A $50 cash deposit shall be made and will be refunded if the unit is broom cleaned. Chimney Corners Self Storage reserves the right to accept or reject bids.
The contents of the following tenant’s self-storage units will be included in this sale: Betty Button, Unit 136. Melissa Cross, 628.
BURLINGTON PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
BURLINGTON COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
ZA-24-04: NEIGHBORHOOD CODE PART 2A
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, August 27th, 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=bGZBN zNyV1liL3p5NkhIL2dqUFIzdz09
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: +1 646 931 3860 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-24-04: This amendment augments Neighborhood Code Part 1 by making technical corrections to various standards for Residential Districts, clarifies the relationship between secondary buildings allowed in the residential standards and citywide provisions for secondary structures, streamlines ordinance sections related to Design Review applicability, and addresses standards for Planned Unit Developments and residential development bonuses.
Geographic areas affected: This amendment applies to the following areas of the city:
• ZA-24-04: All current residential zoning districts within the city with additional changes to amend the 250 Starr Farm Road parcel.
List of section headings affected: The proposed amendments modify the following sections of the Burlington Comprehensive Development Ordinance:
PLACE AN AFFORDABLE NOTICE AT: SEVENDAYSVT.COM/LEGAL-NOTICES OR CALL 802-865-1020, EXT. 142.
• ZA-24-04: Amends Sec. 3.3.3(a) Impact Fee
Exceptions and Waivers; Sec. 3.4.2(b) Design Review Applicability; moves Map 4.5.1-1 Design Review Overlay District to Sec. 3.4.2(b) as amended and renumbered Map 3.4.2; amends Sec. 4.3.1(e) Residential Districts established; modifies Map 4.3.1-1 Base Zoning Districts; amends the Residential Corridor District purpose statement in Sec. 4.4.5 (a) 5; modifies Map 4.4.5-1 Residential Zoning Districts; updates Tables 4.4.5-1 and Tables 4.4.5-2; amends Sec. 4.4.5 (d) 1. B. Residential Development Bonuses; creates Sec 4.4.5-2 (d) 2. D. Exceptions to Maximum Building Footprint Limit; creates Section 4.4.5 (d) 4. D. Additional Unit; deletes Sec. 4.5.1 Design Review Overlay District and reserves section; deletes Sec. 5.4.5 Accessory Dwelling Units; amends Table 7.2.1-B Sign Types Permitted by Form/Zoning District in 7.2.1 Sign Types; amends Table 11.1.3-1 Planned Unit Development Project Size Standards and creates Table 11.1.3-2 Planned Unit Development Standards; and amends Article 13 – Definitions.
The full text of the Burlington Comprehensive Development Ordinance is available online at www. burlingtonvt.gov/DPI/CDO. The proposed 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
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
Town of Underhill Development Review Board (DRB) Subdivision Amendment Review Application Monday, August 19, 2024 Hearing @ 6:30 PM at the Underhill Town Hall, 12 Pleasant Valley Road, Underhill, VT
The Underhill Development Review Board will hold a Subdivision Amendment Hearing per the Town of Underhill Unified Land Use & Development Regulations adopted March 1, 2011 and last amended March 3, 2020. The subject property is located at 37 Warner Creek Road, Lot 5A as approved in Docket No. DRB-19-10. Tim Redfield, the applicant and landowner, is proposing to expand the building envelope on the north end of the subject property, adjacent to the common boundary with Lot 4 (WC024), and reduce the width of the vegetative buffer. The hearing will commence at 6:30 PM at the Underhill Town Hall, 12 Pleasant Valley Road, on Monday, August 19, 2024. The hearing will also be accessible via the Go-To-Meeting platform.
Application submittals, including information to access the public meeting via the Go-To-Meeting platform or by telephone, may be obtained on the Town’s website calendar under August 19, 2024 or by contacting the Zoning Administrator. The hearing is open to the public. Pursuant to 24 VSA § 4464(a)(1)(C) and 4471(a), participation in this local proceeding is a prerequisite to the right to make any subsequent appeal. If you cannot attend the hearing, comments may be made in writing, prior to the meeting, and mailed to: Brad Holden, Interim Zoning Administrator, P.O. Box 120 Underhill, VT 05489 or emailed to: bholden@underhillvt.gov
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
Town of Underhill Development Review Board (DRB) Conditional Use Review Application Monday, August 19, 2024 Site Visit at 623 Pleasant Valley Road @ 5:45 PM | Hearing @ 6:30 PM at the Underhill Town Hall, 12 Pleasant Valley Road, Underhill, VT
The Underhill Development Review Board will hold a Conditional Use Review Hearing per the Town of Underhill Unified Land Use & Development Regulations adopted March 1, 2011 and last amended March 3, 2020. The subject property is located at 623 Pleasant Valley Road. The property owner and applicant, Gordon Williamson, is proposing a firewood processing operation where logs will be trucked in, from off-site, stockpiled, and processed into firewood which will then be trucked off site to be sold. The subject property, being +/- 56 acres, is located in three different zoning districts. However, the proposed operation is to be located in the Mount Mansfield Scenic Preservation District. A site visit will take place at 5:45 PM and the hearing will commence at 6:30 PM at the Underhill Town Hall, 12 Pleasant Valley Road, on Monday, August
19, 2024. The hearing will also be accessible via the Go-To-Meeting platform.
Application submittals, including information to access the public meeting via the Go-To-Meeting platform or by telephone, may be obtained on the Town’s website calendar under August 19, 2024 or by contacting the Zoning Administrator. The hearing is open to the public. Pursuant to 24 VSA § 4464(a)(1)(C) and 4471(a), participation in this local proceeding is a prerequisite to the right to make any subsequent appeal. If you cannot attend the hearing, comments may be made in writing, prior to the meeting, and mailed to: Brad Holden, Interim Zoning Administrator, P.O. Box 120 Underhill, VT 05489 or emailed to: bholden@underhillvt.gov
WARD 3 NPA MEETING
The Ward 3 NPA will be meeting in person on Wednesday, July 31, from 6:30 to 8:30pm at the First Unitarian Universalist Society located at 152 Pearl Street and online via Zoom. We’ll be receiving an update from Chief Murad on downtown public safety and will be voting on changes to our bylaws and Steering Committee members. The full agenda and supporting documents may be found at the Ward 3 NPA website at ward3npa.weebly.com.
TOWN OF BOLTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD
PUBLIC HEARING: AUGUST 22, 2024
The Town of Bolton’s Development Review Board will hold a public hearing on August 22, 2024 at 6:30pm.
Place: Virtual or Municipal Conference Room, 3045 Theodore Roosevelt Highway, Bolton, VT 05676. Time: Aug 22, 2024 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
The following applications will be reviewed: 2024-09-DRB; Applicant & Property Owner: John Devine, 4387 Notch Rd., Subdivide a +/-2.11 acre parcel, Proposed Lot #4, from an existing +/-56.07 acre parcel known as Lot #1. Two parcels were previously subdivided from Lot #1; +/-2.02 acres (Lot #2) and +/-2.00 acres (Lot #3). Lot #1 contains an existing single family home with accessory buildings and Lot #4 is being proposed with a single family home, on-site septic and drilled supply well. (Tax Map #1-0044387)
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.
TOWN OF COLCHESTER SELECTBOARD PUBLIC NOTICE CONVEYANCE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY
Pursuant to the Town of Colchester Surplus Property Policy (“Policy”), the Colchester Selectboard hereby warns the residents of Colchester of Surplus Properties for sale identified as the following parcels:
1) Parcel #37-051002 located on Macrae Road
2) Parcel #39-004002 located on Mercier Drive
If any persons seek to make a bid on one of the above properties, the offer must: 1) be in writing within a sealed envelope; 2) be signed by the person making the offer; 3) identify the property by Parcel identification Number; 4) state the offer price; 5) state the intended use of the property; 6) state whether the person making the offer owns real property adjacent to the subject property and the address of that property; and 7) be on the prescribed Town of Colchester Surplus Property Bid Sheet. All bids shall be irrevocable. Bidders whose bids are accepted by the town, shall complete a closing within 60 days of written notice of bid acceptance. The town may reject bids from bidders that aren’t able to close within this time period. The Town may reject bids that the Selectboard does not feel are financially advantageous to the town. Upon notification of bid acceptance, the bidder has 10 working
days to provide the town with a cashier’s check with 10% of the accepted bid price or a bond with 20% of the accepted bid price, as a deposit. Failure to do so will result in a rejection of the bid.
Bids shall be received at the Colchester Town Hall, 781 Blakely Road, Colchester, VT 05446, c/o Renae Marshall, Deputy Town Manager, no later than 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
Pursuant to the Policy, the Town may consider any of the factors on the Bid Sheet when reviewing offers and is not bound to accept the highest bid, or any bid. The Town may, in its discretion, prefer adjoining landowners and Town residents to other bidders. The Town may consider the proposed use of the property in considering an offer, and in such case, may require that the conveyance occur subject to appropriate restrictions.
The Surplus Properties are offered on a “as-is”, “where is” basis, with no warranties or representations whatsoever regarding title to or use of the Surplus Property. Any conveyance shall be by Quitclaim Deed. The purchaser shall pay its own fees and costs, any Vermont property transfer tax, and the Town’s reasonable attorney fees.
For publication on July 31, 2024 (no less than 60 days prior to the bid submission deadline).
BIDS
—
THE TOWN OF BOLTON, VERMONT
The Town of Bolton, Vermont, is soliciting bids from qualified contractors for disaster repairs on Notch Road. This project involves stabilization, repaving, and improvements to stormwater management following recent natural damage. Interested parties must submit proposals by August 1, 2024, 4:00 PM. Proposals can be sent electronically to townadmin@ boltonvt.com or physically to the Bolton Town Office. The project is set to commence on August 8, 2024, and conclude by November 30, 2024. Detailed bid requirements and evaluation criteria are outlined in the full RFP available on the Bolton Town Website: www.boltonvt.com.
For further information or questions, contact Brian Roberge, Town Administrator, at townadmin@ boltonvt.com or 802-434-5075 ext. 224.
STORAGE UNIT CONTENTS SALE
The contents of storage unit 01-03676 located at 28 Adams Drive, Williston VT, will be sold on or about the 11th of July to satisfy the debt of Naomi Shaw. Any person claiming a right to the goods may pay the amount claimed due and reasonable expenses before the sale, in which case the sale may not occur.
Snack on the BITE-CLUB NEWSLETTER for a taste of this week’s flavorful food coverage. It’ll hold you over until Wednesday.
Open positions around the state serving with non-profit orgnizations.
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
vhcb.org/americorps For 11 months of service, you’ll
Service Term: September 9, 2024 through August 8, 2025
GARDENER’S HELPER NEEDED
Weekends, to help owner in perennial gardens.
Pay commensurate with experience.
Call 802-862-7602 or email morton.bostock@gmail.com
Sta Accountant
Lawson’s Finest Liquids is seeking a Sta Accountant who will be responsible for recording and updating financial information for our companies and assisting with accounting functions. This position works collaboratively with the Finance & Administration Team and reports directly to the Accounting Manager.
2h-MortonBostockGARDEN073124.indd 1 7/29/24 11:22 AM
Shipping & Receiving
WowToyz, in Vergennes, is seeking motivated individuals to join our warehouse team full-time, Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:00pm.
• Picking and packing orders
• Unloading trucks and receiving merchandise
• Shipping orders via UPS and over the road
• Ideal candidates are organized, dependable, enjoy physical work and are proactive self-starters. This is an opportunity to be part of a dynamic, growing company with room for advancement.
We recognize people as our most valuable asset. Our competitive salary and benefits package includes 401K with company match, dental insurance, medical insurance, prescription drug coverage, life insurance, paid sick time, paid holidays and paid vacations.
We o er competitive compensation packages commensurate with experience.
Email cover le er and resume to: resumes@wowtoyz.com.
Are you an experienced carpenter in the Addison and Chittenden County areas and looking for a new opportunity to showcase your skills?
Our leading construction company is seeking talented carpenters to join our dynamic team.
With a reputation for excellence and a commitment to quality, we offer a rewarding work environment where your expertise will be valued.
We offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package.
Please send resume and brief cover letter outlining your experience to admin@smithmcclain.com Come build with us!
General Manager
Salary $70-80,000 D.O.E.
We are looking for a visionary leader to manage our dynamic and growing cooperative. As we move into our 52nd year of operations, the co-op is in the process of purchasing a beloved local hardware/grocery store and will be moving to this new location to expand our natural foods grocery business and continue the hardware store operation.
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The Plainfield Co-op General Manager will oversee the daily operations of the organization in order to achieve positive operating results. They will actively supervise and coordinate the efforts of all staff in the execution of their job duties and will oversee all parts of the store (hardware, grocery, and greenhouse). The General Manager will lead the team in providing prompt, welcoming customer service; keeping displays, coolers, and shelves fully stocked; and ensuring the presence of an effective store team. They will provide exemplary leadership and coordination of the co-op staff while offering an engaging customer experience and maintaining a positive, ethical, and productive workplace that contributes to achieving measurable progress towards the Co-op’s holistic mission. Full job description and application details at plainfieldcoop.com
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Revitalizing Waterbury, Inc. (“RW”), located in Waterbury, Vermont, seeks an executive director. RW, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, was founded in 1991 to preserve, promote, and enhance the economic, historic, and social vitality of Waterbury for residents, businesses, and visitors. RW strives to create and maintain a vibrant community that is inviting, safe, economically sound, lively, and livable. As an organization RW commits to help Waterbury be a place that is welcoming and accessible, where people support and encourage each other, where differences are valued & embraced, and all voices are heard.
Revitalizing Waterbury seeks ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR To provide economic development services to the Village and Town of Waterbury
RW is one of Vermont’s 24 designated downtowns and an accredited member of the national Main Street Program. As well as serving as one of Waterbury’s most active nonprofit organizations, RW is an ombudsman for small businesses in and near Waterbury; a mediator between those businesses and town and State governments and agencies.
This is a salaried, full-time position. Salary and benefits commensurate with experience. Send resume/cover letter to: jobs@revitalizingwaterbury.org For a complete job description go to: revitalizingwaterbury.org/ executive-director-job-listing
Vermont Housing & Conser vation Board
Housing Programs Coordinator
The Housing Programs Coordinator is a central role of the VHCB Housing team, providing administrative support to a breadth of housing programs that help ensure adequate housing and a safe place to live for all Vermonters.
VHCB is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we strongly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. This position is open until filled.
To learn more, visit vhcb.org/about-us/jobs. To apply, send a cover letter and resume to: jobs@vhcb.org
Companion
Need Companion for our 30-year-old daughter. She is developmentally delayed. She takes full care of herself, just needs a little companionship and company. Must have driver’s license and car. No smoking.
Tuesday-Friday, 1 day or more. Please call or email with questions.
If you have a passion for working with youth, we have the opportunities for you!
in good hands with...
Work At The Champlain Valley Fair!
Work At The Champlain Valley Fair!
Medical Office Coordinator
2024 Fair runs from Friday August 23rd to Sunday September 1st.
2024 Fair runs from Friday August 23rd to Sunday September 1st.
The Admissions Department is now hiring, Cashiers, Parking Ticket Sellers, and Ticket Scanners.
The Admissions Department is now hiring, Cashiers, Parking Ticket Sellers, and Ticket Scanners.
This is a great chance to get outside the last days of summer and be a part of a great event.
This is a great chance to get outside the last days of summer and be a part of a great event.
Local forward-thinking healthcare practice committed to developing a new model of a medical care community outside of the corporate model, is seeking a part-time multi-tasking, efficient and very organized individual with strong communication skills. Individual will oversee the completion of various administrative tasks and clinical responsibilities to include procedure prep in exam rooms and management of medical equipment and supplies. Must have excellent phone skills, ability to comfortably work with an interactive website, be familiar with scheduling, accounting and be able to create and maintain an organized filing system. The ideal candidate will be administrative and clinical support for a physician for 20 hours/week on site in White River Junction with some flexibility for remote work. Previous experience in a medical office a plus, but not necessary.
Salary range is $35-55/ hour.
Send resumes to: mrudgec@gmail.com Scan the QR code to view job descriptions & apply.
“Seven Days sales rep Michelle Brown is amazing! She’s extremely responsive, and I always feel so taken care of. I can only imagine how many job connections she has facilitated for local companies in the 20 years she has been doing this.”
CAROLYN ZELLER Intervale Center, Burlington
a quote when posting online. Contact Michelle Brown at 865-1020, ext. 121, michelle@sevendaysvt.com
Seasonal Farmer
• $17-$19/hr based on experience
• 40 hrs/week including weekend watering
• 3 positions available August 20 - November 15
Work alongside the farm and farmstand teams to grow high quality organic produce. This is a dynamic position where you will experience all aspects of operating a 14 acre diversified vegetable farm. The ideal candidate is interested in creating a fun, enthusiastic, and dynamic work environment and has a strong work ethic.
Recommended:
• 1-2 seasons of organic farm experience
If you are interested, please send a cover letter, your resume, and at least 2 references to: Colin@commonroots.org
Road Crew Member
The Town of Westford is accepting applications for a full-time Road Crew position with competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package. Operation and knowledge of highway equipment for maintenance and repair of town roads desired. Applicant must have a Vermont CDL Class B license, good driving record, and pass pre-employment physical exam and drug test. For job description and application, visit: westfordvt. us/administration/highwaydepartment. For consideration, please submit resume, references, and employment application to Town of Westford, Attn: Holly Delisle, 1713 VT Route 128, Westford, VT 05494 or townadmin@westfordvt. us. Position open until filled. Equal Opportunity Employer.
Director of Development & Communications
Stowe Land Trust seeks a full-time Director of Development & Communications to help us embark upon a new level of growth and engagement. Reporting to the Executive Director and supervising the Community Engagement Manager, this role will spearhead fundraising initiatives and communications efforts. Responsibilities include designing a Major Gifts Program, expanding donor relationships, and crafting a dynamic 3-Year Communications Strategy. The ideal candidate has 5-10 years of nonprofit fund development experience, exceptional communication skills, and a passion for conservation. Salary ranges from $70k-$80k with comprehensive benefits. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume via our application page: tinyurl.com/bdedyy6k Application review begins August 5. Position is open until filled.
Join us in advancing land conservation and community engagement in the
We are currently seeking skilled Radiology Technologists with a passion for supporting the local healthcare community.
CT Technologists
MRI Technologists
Ultrasonographers
X-Ray Technologists
For more information visit copleyvt.org/careers or contact Kaitlyn Shannon, Recruiter, at 802-888-8144 or kshannon@chsi.org.
Car Wash Attendant
A Car Wash Attendant at Champ Touchless Car Wash is focused on delivering excellent customer service, maintaining a high attention to detail when washing vehicles, and keeping the site clean. This role requires consistent work ethic and adherence to company values, policies, culture, and brand standards.
Minimum Qualifications:
• High School diploma or GED.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays.
• Must pass a pre-employment background check
Pay Starting at $16/hour + tips.
Apply at: walt.gahagan@gmail.com
Environmental Health & Safety Manager
Are you someone who is passionate about creating and maintaining a safe work environment? Zero Gravity Craft Brewery is seeking a full-time Environmental Health and Safety Manager to join our team! The ideal candidate will be responsible for overseeing a comprehensive and integrated Safety, Health, and Environmental Program to ensure and maintain a healthy work environment. For more information and to apply: zerogravitybeer.com/careers
We’re proud to be Community Bankers!
Northfield Savings Bank, founded in 1867, is honored to be one of the largest local banks in Vermont. We are committed to providing a work environment where all individuals feel welcomed and appreciated. You belong at NSB!
Lead the Community Banking team in our Central Region as the Community Banking Officer in our Waitsfield Branch!
For the BUILDERS | MAKERS | DOERS® out there –make your final career move to NSB!
On average, NSB employees have over nine years of service!
When you join the NSB Team, you become part of an energetic and talented group that strives to strengthen the communities we serve every day. We make a difference in the lives of our customers!
Summary & Requirements
Lead by example to inspire, develop, and motivate Community Bankers to build strong customer relationships and enhance the overall customer experience.
Bachelor’s degree and/or three to five years of branch supervisory experience is required.
Why NSB?
We provide a supportive and diverse work environment where employee contributions are recognized and valued. Compensation packages are competitive based on experience. We provide a wellrounded benefits package. Profit-Sharing! Excellent retirement 401(k) & ROTH employer match program. Volunteerism, Community Events, and Employee Engagement!
Apply today!
NSB is actively seeking to create a more diversified workforce because we believe our team is stronger with different perspectives and experiences. We welcome and encourage applications from a wide range of candidates.
Send an NSB Application & Resume in confidence to: careers@NSBVT.com
Stowe region! Stowe Land Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
ATTENTION RECRUITERS:
Marketing Manager
We are seeking a creative and results-driven Marketing Manager to support our marketing efforts and drive brand growth with our outsourced marketing partners. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in digital marketing/visual arts, a critical eye for detail, and a passion for working in a collaborative and team-oriented environment.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, or relevant experience.
• Strong knowledge of digital marketing strategies and tools, including SEO, SEM, social media, email marketing, and content marketing.
• Proficient in marketing so ware and tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Creative Suite).
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Creative thinker with a strategic mindset and a passion for marketing.
ZQuiet is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to HR@zquiet.com
Residential
Direct Support Professional
Why not have a job you love?
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 sign on bonus and so much more. And that’s on top of working at one of the “Best Places to Work in Vermont” for five years running.
JOB HIGHLIGHT – RESIDENTIAL DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL:
Provide supports to an individual in their home and in the community in 24h shifts including asleep overnights in a private, furnished bedroom. You can work two days, receive full benefits and have five days off each week! Other flexible schedules available, starting wage is $21/hr.
Check out our website for other positions and work at an award-winning agency serving Vermonters with intellectual disabilities: ccs-vt.org/current-openings.
Make a career making a difference and apply today!
Send resume to staff@ccs-vt.org
Associate Attorney
SRH Law PLLC, a mission-driven law firm and Certified B Corporation®, seeks an associate attorney with at least 1 year of experience primarily to assist in the firm’s active energy, environmental, and public utilities practice areas, in addition to providing support to the firm’s other practice areas. Our energy and public utilities practice includes advising renewable energy and clean technology developers, public utilities, municipalities and others in the federal and state regulation of energy and public utilities. This includes, among other things, participating in regulatory proceedings before the Public Utility Commission. Our environmental practice includes advising clients in connection with Brownfields redevelopment, Superfund sites, Act 250, state and federal regulation of stormwater and groundwater, state and federal wetlands, water resource and air quality permitting, land conservation and historic preservation.
As a mission-driven firm, SRH Law works with clients who share our commitment to making a difference in their communities and the broader world. We take our inspiration from our clients’ good work and help them excel in their business or mission by resolving their legal issues with creativity and integrity. We strive to create a new model for legal practice that offers the ability to do important work on issues we care deeply about, while still maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This position offers the opportunity to join a skilled team of lawyers and build a meaningful and rewarding legal practice.
Competitive salary depending on experience and excellent benefits -- employer-paid health insurance, excellent work life balance, hybrid work model, 401(k) plan with employer match, family leave, dependent care account, free parking and paid vacation. We are an equal opportunity employer and we seek to increase diversity within our firm.
Interested persons should e-mail
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.
PROJECT MANAGER
PCI Capital Project Consulting is seeking a highly organized, self-motivated individual to join our team as Associate Project Manager. We are an established and well-respected Capital Project Management firm serving a wide range of clients throughout Vermont. In addition to competitive pay and benefits, members of our small team of dedicated professionals enjoy autonomy, flexible hours, and many opportunities to learn and grow. We also offer meaningful and fulfilling work with a front row seat to some of Vermont’s most interesting and exciting capital projects. Proximity to Burlington/Chittenden County is required. For a full job description and list of benefits, please email hannah@pcivt.com
Worksite Wellness Associate
An excellent and flexible opportunity for a passionate, responsible professional. This part-time position (5-10+ hours a week) will promote our worksite wellness and mental health support to our employers in the Rutland County region. Our ideal candidate will have:
• Outstanding presentation skills, both in-person and via video conference
• Strong time management skills and comfort working with a high degree of autonomy
• A willingness to collaborate with our remote, multi-disciplinary team to meet many deliverables and deadlines
• Access and willingness to use a personal vehicle
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Send resumes to: wellbeing@investeap.org
Financial Analyst
Vermont Bond Bank (the “Bond Bank”) is seeking a highly qualified individual to serve as Financial Analyst for the organization. The Financial Analyst is primarily responsible for data analysis, loan closing management, borrower loan repayment administration, and ongoing compliance monitoring. To guide this work, the Bond Bank has recently created a cloud-based Portfolio Management System to manage data and files associated with its portfolio of lending. The Financial Analyst will be the key point of contact for all updating and analysis within the System.
Unique to the Bond Bank is an active engagement with the compliance responsibilities associated with being an issuer of federally tax-exempt bonds.
Learn more at: vtbondbank.org
Packaging Line Operators
Looking for an opportunity to work at one of the Northeast’s most reputable breweries? Now is your chance! Zero Gravity is hiring for FT Packaging Line Operators at our Bartlett Bay & Pine St locations.
No experience necessary, just willingness to learn and work hard! For more information & to apply: zerogravitybeer.com/careers.
We’re proud to be Community Bankers!
Northfield Savings Bank, founded in 1867, is honored to be one of the largest local banks in Vermont. We are committed to providing a work environment where all individuals feel welcomed and appreciated. You belong at NSB!
Join the Commercial Banking team in our Chittenden County Region as a Commercial Banking Administrator!
For the BUILDERS | MAKERS | DOERS® out there –make your final career move to NSB!
On average, NSB employees have over nine years of service!
When you join the NSB Team, you become part of an energetic and talented group that strives to strengthen the communities we serve every day.
Summary & Requirements
Support the lending teams by performing a variety of administrative functions. Build strong customer relationships and support the execution of commercial loans.
High School Diploma, General Education Degree (GED) or equivalent and one to two years’ related experience is required.
Why NSB?
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ON-SITE CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
Preload is seeking a Resident Project Representative in the South Burlington, VT area to join our team starting September 3, 2024 and going through the fall of 2025 (at least) on a large, commercial tank project. Duties include conducting on-site observations to monitor the progress and quality of work with the contract documents; serving as the engineer’s liaison; maintaining adequate records, including a daily logbook and a set of drawings on which authorized changes are noted; reviewing documents; and other duties as assigned. Pay starts in the $70K range, depending on experience.
Qualifications:
• B.S. in Construction Engineering/Management is a plus
• Experience with Procore is a plus
• Ability to read construction plans
• Strong work ethic and organizational skills
For full job description and to apply go to: preload.com/careers/?gh_jid=4409474007#featured-jobsand-benefits
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We provide a supportive and diverse work environment where employee contributions are recognized and valued. Compensation packages are competitive based on experience. We provide a wellrounded benefits package. Profit-Sharing! Excellent retirement 401(k) & ROTH employer match program. Volunteerism, Community Events, and Employee Engagement!
Apply today!
NSB is actively seeking to create a more diversified workforce because we believe our team is stronger with different perspectives and experiences. We welcome and encourage applications from a wide range of candidates.
Send an NSB Application & Resume in confidence to: careers@NSBVT.com
ATTENTION RECRUITERS:
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.
Rental Assistance Specialist: Primarily processes the annual & interim recertification for multifamily and tax credit programs. Assists with other rental assistance programs administered by the BHA, such as tenant and project-based vouchers and grant-funded rental assistance programs.
For more info about these career opportunities: burlingtonhousing.org
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.
Interested in this opportunity?
Send cover letter/resume to: humanresources@burlingtonhousing.org
BHA is an Equal Opportunity Employer
When you work for the State of Vermont, you and your work matter. A career with the State puts you on a rich and rewarding professional path. You’ll find jobs in dozens of fields – not to mention an outstanding total compensation package.
Inspectors educate on and enforce the Vermont asbestos and lead control regulations. Respond to inquiries, inspect worksites, provide compliance assistance to contractors, process contractor license applications, and investigate noncompliance cases. The position includes both desk and fieldwork. For more information, contact Amy Danielson at amy.danielson@vermont.gov. Department: Health. Location: Burlington. Status: Full Time, Limited Service. Job ID #48448. Application Deadline: August 8, 2024.
VT PATHWAYS TO PARTNERSHIP TRANSITION COORDINATOR –SPRINGFIELD
Join the State of Vermont, Vermont Pathways to Partnership as a Transition Coordinator to empower students with disabilities in shaping their futures! Coordinate services, collect data, and provide technical assistance to local schools. Building relationships and manage tasks with precision fieldwork and reliable transportation are required. Passionate about making a difference? Apply now! For more information, contact Taya Tarr at taya.tarr@vermont.gov. Department: Disabilities Aging & Independent Living. Location: Springfield. Status: Full Time, Limited Service. Job ID #50563. Application Deadline: August 5, 2024.
VT PATHWAYS TO PARTNERSHIP TRANSITION COORDINATOR –RUTLAND
Join the State of Vermont, Vermont Pathways to Partnership as a Transition Coordinator to empower students with disabilities in shaping their futures! Coordinate services, collect data, and provide technical assistance to local schools. Building relationships and manage tasks with precision fieldwork and reliable transportation are required. Passionate about making a difference? Apply now! For more information, contact Taya Tarr at taya.tarr@vermont.gov. Department: Disabilities Aging & Independent Living. Location: Rutland. Status: Full Time, Limited Service. Job ID #50553. Application Deadline: August 5, 2024.
VT PATHWAYS TO PARTNERSHIP TRANSITION COORDINATOR –BURLINGTON
Join the State of Vermont, Vermont Pathways to Partnership as a Transition Coordinator to empower students with disabilities in shaping their futures! Coordinate services, collect data, and provide technical assistance to local schools. Building relationships and managing tasks with precision fieldwork and reliable transportation are required. Passionate about making a difference? Apply now! For more information, contact Taya Tarr at taya.tarr@vermont.gov. Department: Disabilities Aging & Independent Living. Location: Burlington. Status: Full Time, Limited Service. Job ID #50552. Application Deadline: August 5, 2024.
State of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Assistive Technology Liaison
Director of Facilities & Operations
Student Financial Services (SFS) Assistant
Instructional Design and Development Specialist
For position details and application process, visit jobs.plattsburgh.edu
SUNY Plattsburgh is an AA/EEO/ADA/VEVRAA committed to excellence through diversity and supporting an inclusive environment for all.
Caretaker
Private family seeking a full-time caretaker for a large, rural property with expansive gardens, grounds and an additional nearby lakefront property. The caretaker will be responsible for the overall maintenance and care of the property, animals (including horses, chickens, dogs and cats), gardens, grounds, and building structures. This position directly supervises seasonal staff and serves as the liaison between the owners and all contractors hired to maintain the property. This is a 12 month, salaried position that includes housing (the Caretaker is required to live on the property) and a health insurance stipend as part of the benefits package.
Required Qualifications:
• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
Audiologist
• A minimum of 3 years of gardening experience.
• A minimum of 1 year of supervisory experience.
• Experience working with horses and other farm animals is preferred.
• Possess basic horticultural knowledge and experience.
• Comfortable operating and maintaining small farm equipment.
• Valid drivers’ license and clean driving record
Application Process: Candidates should send a cover letter, resume, available start date, salary requirements, and three references to Tacy Lincoln at vtacy.lincoln@gmail.com. No phone calls please.
Hearing and communication is vital to connection with family and friends, work and community - and YOU have the ability to shape the lives of those in need. Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) seeks a full-time Audiologist for our ENT & Audiology practice. Work with a team of committed professionals in a mixed specialty practice offering ENT, Audiology, Allergy, Speech-Language Pathology, and Palliative Care to perform diagnostic testing for all ages. Collaborate with ENT providers and Hearing Instrument Specialist, as well as manage hearing aid services, including assessments, fittings, and repairs. Located in Vermont’s beautiful Northeast Kingdom, NVRH offers competitive wages, student loan repayment, generous paid time off, and a comprehensive benefits package. Join us in providing exceptional patient-centered care that really makes a difference! Apply now at www.nvrh.org/careers.
Fire Sprinkler Inspector/Technician
Full or Part time
We’re Hiring!
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We offer competitive wages & a full benefits package for full time employees.
GENERAL MANAGER (AUTO) (Williston, Vermont)
This position is for the overall management of our Auto Auction Responsible for leading, directing and overseeing all activities of the auto auction business.
Looking for a responsible, motivated, self-starter for busy Williston auto auction facility. Position works with the general manager and the office manager completing tasks both inside outdoors. Rate is $17-$20/Hour Email: info@thcauction.com
Thomas Hirchak Company is an at will employer. See more jobs at: THCAuction.com
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Firetech Sprinkler Corp. is a locally-owned company, and we are growing our Service Division. We are looking for a skilled and experienced fire sprinkler technician to join us.
In this role you will:
• Inspect, test and maintain fire sprinkler systems, fire pumps and backflow preventers for customers in commercial, industrial, single and multi-family residential, historic and specialized settings utilizing tablet based inspection software.
• Be well versed in all types and manufacturers of sprinkler equipment to troubleshoot a wide range of issues on site.
• Understand the underlying code and standard requirements and be knowledgeable about the latest sprinkler equipment and devices. Firetech is dedicated to ensuring that all of our technicians are continually educated in the latest codes, installation trends & products.
• Provide amazing customer service that represents Firetech's professionalism
Great benefits package available for full-time employees and opportunity for growth within the company. Benefits include:
• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off, Paid holidays
• Short Term Disability and Life Insurance
• 401(k) with Company match
• Referral Bonus Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
Send resumes to: dwinters@firetechsprinkler.com
Hegeman Ave., Colchester, VT 05446 I 802-655-1800
See job descriptions at PlaceVT.com resumes and links to: jobs@PlaceVt.com
Join the Vermont Symphony Orchestra for this finance position, ideal for applicants looking for part-time, hybrid in-person/remote work with a small Burlington-based team in the non-profit sector. $40/hr plus paid leave.
See full description at our website: vso org/about-us/careers/ vso-business-manager-position/
GO HIRE.
Job Recruiters:
• Post jobs using a form that includes key info about your company and open positions (location, application deadlines, video, images, etc.).
• Accept applications and manage the hiring process via our applicant tracking tool.
• Easily manage your open job listings from your recruiter dashboard.
Job Seekers:
• Search for jobs by keyword, location, category and job type.
• Set up job alert emails using custom search criteria.
• Save jobs to a custom list with your own notes on the positions.
• Apply for jobs directly through the site.
Get a quote when you post online or contact Michelle Brown: 865-1020, ext. 121, michelle@sevendaysvt.com.
PROJECT MANAGER
The Caledonia Food Co-op seeks consulting services to coordinate funding, design, and renovation of a 12,000 sq. ft. store in downtown St. Johnsbury, VT. Consultant may be an individual or a company; person/ people involved must be energetic, knowledgeable self-starter(s). Must have excellent oral & written communication skills, be extremely organized & able to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently. The position will require 20-30 hrs/ week for about one year, starting immediately. Please see full RFP at: caledoniafood.coop
Submissions due Wed., 8/7/24.
Production
Assistant
The primary focus of the Production Assistant is to deliver support to the Sticky Brand sticker production team.
Essential duties/responsibilities:
• Production, Packing & Shipping
• Inspecting products to ensure they meet our quality standards and remove defective items
Position schedule/details:
• Full-time in-person/on-site work position: (40 hours/week)
Sticky Brand is a creative and innovative, team-oriented company dedicated to helping our customers tell their own unique and inspiring stories. We love that we haven’t had to sacrifice our start-up feel, even as we continue to grow. We look for people to join our team who are excited about working with us, have the skills needed to do the job and who bring positive energy to work every day.
Send resumes to: careers@thestickybrand.com thestickybrand.com/pages/careers
Furniture Finisher & Restoration Technician
Full-time, long-term position for skilled or unskilled individual to apply finish to restored antique and contemporary furniture in a small (5 person) workshop. Experience in application of spray finishes (auto body, etc.) is a plus, as is traditional application of hand applied finishes. Additional hands-on work required in the repair and restoration of damaged furniture and wooden heirlooms. Will train candidates in furniture finishing and restoration techniques as needed. Send resumes to: meetinghouserestoration@gmail.com
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We’re proud to be Community Bankers!
Northfield Savings Bank, founded in 1867, is honored to be one of the largest local banks in Vermont. We are committed to providing a work environment where all individuals feel welcomed and appreciated. You belong at NSB!
Join the Commercial Banking team in our Chittenden County Region as a Credit Analyst!
For the BUILDERS | MAKERS | DOERS® out there –make your final career move to NSB!
On average, NSB employees have over nine years of service!
When you join the NSB Team, you become part of an energetic and talented group that strives to strengthen the communities we serve every day.
Summary & Requirements
Protect the bank from loss by determining the creditworthiness of borrowers by completing financial analyses of current and prospective commercial loan customers.
Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or accounting and/or three to five years of related experience is required.
Why NSB?
We provide a supportive and diverse work environment where employee contributions are recognized and valued. Compensation packages are competitive based on experience. We provide a wellrounded benefits package. Profit-Sharing! Excellent retirement 401(k) & ROTH employer match program. Volunteerism, Community Events, and Employee Engagement!
Apply today!
NSB is actively seeking to create a more diversified workforce because we believe our team is stronger with different perspectives and experiences. We welcome and encourage applications from a wide range of candidates.
Send an NSB Application & Resume in confidence to: careers@NSBVT.com
Director of Housekeeping
At Spruce Peak we have something special. As the premier Vermont mountain community, we are surrounded by the natural beauty of the Green Mountains. We are part of Destination by Hyatt, and are slope side at Stowe Resort; gorgeous for year-round adventures, escapes, destination weddings, and more. We take pride in our teamwork, high standards, and diversity. It’s fitting that we are located at the pinnacle of Vermont.
We are looking for an experienced Director of Housekeeping to lead our Housekeeping Department. The Director of Housekeeping is responsible for all duties of the housekeeping operation and cleanliness levels in all areas of the property. Responsibilities include staff training, inter-department communications, and staff scheduling. The Director of Housekeeping will promote an atmosphere that ensures guest, owner and colleague satisfaction. This position requires strong attention to detail, financial management, leadership skills, and the ability to effectively work with department heads, guests, and team members.
Whether you want to settle down at a property that will keep you creatively engaged or if you like the opportuhity for career growth within Hyatt, come join us!
The Perks:
• Very competitive compensation
• Paid Time Off
• Health Benefits - after 30 days!
• Winter: Ski Pass to Stowe Mountain Resort
• Summer: Golf Membership to Stowe Country Club
• Complimentary and discounted stays at Hyatt Hotels worldwide
• Onsite Fitness Membership
• Employee discounts at the Spa & Restaurant Outlets
• 401(k) Matching and much more!
Besides great pay and benefits the work is interesting, challenging and you’ll have opportunities to grow. Stowe is a great place to put down roots; mountain bike in the summer, ski in the winter, world-class breweries and small farms; a great place to play during your time off or to raise an active family.
Apply online: bit.ly/SprucePeakDHK
Proud diversity advocates and E.O.E.
ATTENTION RECRUITERS:
LIBRARY DIRECTOR
Richmond Free Library is seeking an experienced and passionate Library Director who will continue to build strong relationships, create vibrant programs and curate a collection that meets the needs of our diverse community.
Our ideal candidate will have an MLS from an accredited program and 3+ years of relevant library experience. A BA or BS in a related field plus a Vermont Certificate of Public Librarianship and 3+ years of relevant experience is a minimum.
To learn more, click on “We’re Hiring” at richmondfreelibraryvt.org
To apply: Send a cover letter and resume to RichmondVTLibrarySearch@ gmail.com by Aug. 15.
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The results of our recent staff survey state that 100% of our current staff would recommend working at the Stern Center!
Join our dedicated team of instructors!
Literacy Specialist
Special Educator
Structured Literacy Instructor
The Stern Center for Language and Learning is an educationfocused nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding the power of learning. If you’re an educator who wants to explore new ways to make a difference in the lives of individual students each day, these rewarding positions may be your next step.
Flexible schedules based parttime or full-time in Chittenden County, VT. Training in OrtonGillingham and/or Wilson, and/ or having a Special Education certification strongly preferred.
Interested candidates can send a cover letter and resume to hcastillo@sterncenter.org
The Stern Center for Language and Learning is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Why not have a job you love?
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 sign on bonus and so much more.
And that’s on top of working at one of the “Best Places to Work in Vermont” for five years running.
IN-HOME SHARED LIVING PROVIDER:
A perfect solution for housing and employment! Live with an individual to provide residential supports and make a positive impact in their life, and yours. This individual enjoys watching gameshows, relaxing at home and going out to coffee shops. The ideal candidate will be flexible, patient and have the desire to make a difference in someone’s life.
RESIDENTIAL DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL
Provide supports to an individual in their home and in the community in 24h shifts including asleep overnights in a private, furnished bedroom. You can work two days, receive full benefits and have five days off each week! Other flexible schedules available, starting wage is $21/hr.
DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL
Provide direct 1:1 supports to individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism to help them reach their goals and be an active member of their community. This is an excellent position for those starting in the human service field or looking to continue this type of work. Both full and part time positions available, $20-$21 per hour.
Send resume to staff@ccs-vt.org
Check out our website for other positions and work at an award-winning agency serving Vermonters with intellectual disabilities. Make a career making a difference and apply today!
Director of Administration
e Director of Administration is a member of Good Samaritan Haven’s management team who focuses primarily on administrative, nancial, facilities and grant management systems. is position works closely with the Executive Director in the day to day administrative oversight of our organization to ensure that GSH’s internal systems function e ciently and e ectively.
Quali cations:
• Experience working in a non-pro t organization setting
• Demonstrated writing and communications skills
• Strong time-management skills and ability to meet strict deadlines
• Strong organization and data processing skills. Ability to analyze data, identify areas of improvement, and develop action plans.
• Ability to communicate and work well with sta , board members, and volunteers. Must be self-motivated and capable of motivating others.
• Available for occasional evenings (e.g., weeknight board meetings) and weekend work (e.g., housing issues). Flexible scheduling and comp time.
• Interest in and commitment to Good Samaritan Haven’s mission to provide emergency shelter and support services, stability, safety, and hope for people experiencing homelessness.
Education:
Bachelor's degree and professional experience in business management, public administration, budgeting, accounting, nancial management, human relations, nonpro ts preferred.
Position details:
is is a full-time position that we wish to have performed primarily from our facility in Berlin. Bene ts include health, dental and vision insurances, paid-time o , a cell-phone allowance and others. Salary commensurate with experience. Good Samaritan Haven is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. We seek to strengthen our organization by encouraging candidates from various backgrounds and experiences.
Send Resumes to:
local employers are hiring in
See who’s hiring at jobs.sevendaysvt.com
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fun stuff
JEN SORENSEN
HARRY BLISS
RACHEL LINDSAY
MAT BARTON
LEO
(JUL. 23-AUG. 22)
Astrologer Chris Zydel says every sign has superpowers. In honor of your birthday season, I’ll tell you about those she attributes to you Leos. When you are at your best, you are a beacon of “joyful magnetism” who naturally exudes “irrepressible charisma.” You “shine like a thousand suns” and “strut your stuff with unabashed audacity.” All who are lucky enough to be in your sphere benefit from your “radiant spontaneity, bold, dramatic play, and whoo-hoo celebration of your creative genius.” I will add that, of course, you can’t always be a perfect embodiment of all these superpowers. But I suspect you are cruising through a phase when you are the next best thing to perfect.
ARIES (Mar. 21-Apr. 19): One meaning of the word “palette” is a flat board on which painters place a variety of pigments to apply to their canvas. What would be a metaphorical equivalent to a palette in your life? Maybe it’s a diary or journal where you lay out the feelings and ideas you use to craft your fate. Perhaps it’s an inner sanctuary where you retreat to organize your thoughts and meditate on upcoming decisions. Or it could be a group of allies with whom you commune and collaborate to enhance each other’s destinies. However you define your palette, Aries, I believe the time is right to enlarge its size and increase the range of pigments you can choose from.
TAURUS (Apr. 20-May 20): The star that Westerners call Arcturus has a different name for Indigenous Australians: Marpeankurrk. In their part of the world, it begins to rise before dawn in August. For the Boorong people of northwest Victoria, this was once a sign to hunt for the larvae of wood ants, which comprised a staple food for months. I bring this up, Taurus, because heavenly omens are telling me you should be on the lookout for new sources of sustenance and fuel. What’s your metaphorical equivalent of wood ant larvae?
GEMINI (May 21-Jun. 20): Seventy percent of the world’s macadamia nuts have a single ancestor: a particular tree in Queensland, Australia. In 1896, two Hawaiian brothers took seeds from this tree and brought them back to their homestead in Oahu. From that small beginning, Hawaiian macadamia nuts have come to dominate the world’s production. I foresee you soon having resemblances to that original tree, Gemini. What you launch in the coming weeks and months could have tremendous staying power and reach far beyond its original inspiration.
CANCER (Jun. 21-Jul. 22): Ketchup flows at about 0.03 miles per hour. In 35 hours, it could travel about a mile. I think you should move at a similar speed in the coming days. The slower you go, the better you will feel. The more deeply focused you are on each event and the more you allow the rich details to unfold in their own sweet time, the more successful you will be at the art of living. Your words of power will be incremental, gradual and cumulative.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sep. 22): Virgo-born Friedrich August Kekule (1829-1896) transformed organic chemistry with his crucial discovery of the structure of carbon-based compounds. He had studied the problem for years. But his breakthrough realization didn’t arrive until he had a key dream while dozing. There’s not enough room here to describe it at length, but the image that solved the riddle was a snake biting its own tail. I bring this story to your attention, Virgo, because I suspect you could have practical and revelatory dreams yourself in the coming weeks. Daydream visions, too.
Eva Sollberger’s
Pay attention! What might be your equivalent to a snake biting its own tail?
LIBRA (Sep. 23-Oct. 22): Please don’t succumb to numbness or apathy in the coming weeks. It’s crucial that you don’t. You should also take extreme measures to avoid boredom and cynicism. At this particular juncture in your amazing life, you need to feel deeply and care profoundly. You must find ways to be excited about as many things as possible, and you must vividly remember why your magnificent goals are so magnificent. Have you ruminated recently about which influences provide you with the spiritual and emotional riches that sustain you? I encourage you to become even more intimately interwoven with them. It’s time for you to be epic, mythic, even heroic.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Historically, August has brought many outbreaks of empowerment. In August 1920, American women gained the right to vote. In August 1947, India and Pakistan wrested their independence from the British Empire’s long oppression. In August 1789, French revolutionaries issued the Declaration of the Rights of Man, a document that dramatically influenced the development of democracy and liberty in the Western world. In 1994, the United Nations established August 9 as the time to celebrate International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. In 2024, I am officially naming August to be Scorpio Power Spot Month. It will be an excellent time to claim and/or boost your command of the niche that will nurture your authority and confidence for years to come.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): August is Save Our Stereotypes Month for you Sagittarians. I hope you will celebrate by rising up strong and bold to defend our precious natural treasures. Remember that without clichés, platitudes, pigeonholes, conventional wisdom and hackneyed ideas, life would be nearly impossible. JUST KIDDING! Everything I just said was a dirty lie. Here’s the truth: August is Scour Away Stereotypes Month for you Sagittarians. Please be an agent of original thinking and fertile freshness. Wage a brazen crusade
against clichés, platitudes, pigeonholes, conventional wisdom and hackneyed ideas.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You’re never too old or wise or jaded to jump up in the air with glee when offered a free gift. Right? So I hope you won’t be so bent on maintaining your dignity and composure that you remain poker-faced when given the chance to grab the equivalent of a free gift. I confess I am worried you might be unreceptive to the sweet, rich things coming your way. I’m concerned you might be closed to unexpected possibilities. I will ask you, therefore, to pry open your attitude so you will be alert to the looming blessings, even when they are in disguise.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): A friend of a friend told me this story: One summer day, a guy he knew woke up at 5 a.m., meditated for a while and made breakfast. As he gazed out his kitchen window, enjoying his coffee, he became alarmed. In the distance, at the top of a hill, a brush fire was burning. He called emergency services to alert firefighters. A few minutes later, though, he realized he had made an error. The brush fire was in fact the rising sun lighting up the horizon with its fiery rays. Use this as a teaching story in the coming days, Aquarius. Double-check your initial impressions to make sure they are true. Most importantly, be aware that you may initially respond with worry to events that are actually wonderful or interesting.
PISCES
(Feb. 19-Mar. 20): At least a million ships lie at the bottom of the world’s oceans, lakes and rivers. Some crashed because of storms and others due to battles, collisions or human error. A shipwreck hunter named Sean Fisher estimated that those remains hold over $60 billion worth of treasure. Among the most valuable are the old Spanish vessels that sank while carrying gold, silver and other loot plundered from the Americas. If you have the slightest inkling to launch adventures in search of those riches, I predict the coming months will be an excellent tine. Alternately, you are likely to generate good fortune for yourself through any version of diving into the depths in quest of wealth in all of its many forms.
Plainfield suffered catastrophic damage during the July 10 and 11 flood. e Great Brook, which was clogged with trees, washed out roads, bridges and houses and demolished two-thirds of an apartment building that locals call the Heartbreak Hotel. Seven Days’ Eva Sollberger talked to residents about their flood experiences.
Respond to these people online: dating.sevendaysvt.com
WOMEN seeking...
CREATIVE AND KIND OPTIMIST
Looking for someone to have a coffee with and go for a walk, see what could be. I realize this is short and sweet, like me, but I may add more later. mystmaiden, 52, seeking: M, l
SICILIAN MERMAID SEEKS
ADVENTURES
I would say I am fun, earthy and sensual. Kindness and compassion are important to me, as well as dancing to live music, ocean adventures and laughter. I enjoy hiking, kayaking and yoga but can also party like a rock star. Hahaha! Kidding, sort of. Ready to move forward into a new chapter filled with joy and love.
mountainsandoceans, 49 seeking: M, l
SUNNY SIDE UP, NATURE GAL
A seasoned woman who is healing her karmic wounds and evolving. I love to be in the woods, and I love dogs. Looking for someone to play with.
Biking, hiking, dinners, music and movies. I do love to cook! If you are on a spiritual path and place honesty and trust high on your list, we should talk. Evolving 64, seeking: M, l
WOODS-LIVER WANNABE
Work hard, play hard, life is short. I want to meet people, have new experiences and adventures. I appreciate all things small, whether it is a tiny snail in the forest or a kind gesture. redrocks 44 seeking: M
WANT TO RESPOND?
You read Seven Days, these people read Seven Days — you already have at least one thing in common!
All the action is online. Create an account or login to browse hundreds of singles with profiles including photos, habits, desires, views and more. It’s free to place your own profile online.
l See photos of this person online.
W = Women
M = Men
TW = Trans women
TM = Trans men
Q = Genderqueer people
NBP = Nonbinary people
NC = Gender nonconformists
Cp = Couples
Gp = Groups
NEXT CHAPTER, NEW ADVENTURES
Fit, active, outdoorsy and fun sixtysomething woman looking for male partner to share new adventures. Retired and enjoy winter snow sports, hiking, biking, riding horses, gardening and traveling. I’m game to explore new places and experience new adventures. If you are kind and compassionate, active and outdoorsy, fun and friendly, love animals, open and honest, then let’s connect. Vermont1978, 67, seeking: M, l
EXPLORING THE 802 AND BEYOND
I am an attractive, feminine, monogamous woman looking for a companion/LTR. I enjoy road trips, especially throughout beautiful Vermont, discovering wondrous hidden treasures. Member of the 251 Club of Vermont. I would love to have a compatible traveling companion to explore the world with me! I’m retired from a major airline. Come fly with me!
VermontRoadTrip 73, seeking: M, l
CURIOUS, COMPASSIONATE AND ADVENTUROUS
I think I’m pretty delightful. I care deeply about music, art, my home and the environment. I want a partner I can trust who will trust me. I sing — not so well, but don’t try to stop me! I’m curious about new things and never want to stop learning. ProfTripp, 64, seeking: M, l
ROMANTICIZING MY LIFE
New to the area and looking for camping buddies, dinner party cohosts and romantic connections if it feels right. I love reading the local news, jumping in lakes and looking for the weirdest object in an antique store. Always trying to laugh more, dance more. Help me find the best coffee in the NEK? citymouse
25 seeking: M, TM, Q, NC, NBP, l
LIFE IS HERE. NOW.
I’m an active biker, hiker, gardener, musician who has adapted well to retirement (there had to be something positive about COVID!) but is ready to explore life with a companion, maybe a partner, again. Many things are better with a partner, including dining out, travel, bike rides, hikes, laughing, sharing — so I’m putting my toes back in the water! maplesong, 69, seeking: M, l
DRAMA-FREE, NATURE/ANIMAL LOVER
Looking for someone who shares my likes and enthusiasm for things. Big on communication and humor. I love to create, and I follow craft fairs and flea markets to sell. G59VT 64 seeking: M, l
CARMEN SEEKS WALDO
Kind, loyal, funny, loves classic rock and jam bands. Am a single mom so liking kids is a must, but I have the basics taken care of on my own. JennyP42112 41, seeking: M, l
LONELY 420 SEEKER
I am a 70 y/o but 50 at heart. I am looking for a man who is 420 friendly and won’t shy from a game of bingo. Looking for a good friend and eventually more. Affectionate, caring, truthful, no game playing and honest. Like to laugh and walk, and just want similar interests. Angel420, 70 seeking: M
SINGING, SUMMER, AND CONVERSATION
I am real seeking real. If you are seriously seeking a relationship, we might be a fit. Please read on! Warm, thoughtful, intelligent, aware, intuitive, witty, gracious, musical and romantic woman seeks man who wants the fun, delight, challenges, mystery, awe and rewards of a long-term, committed relationship. VermontContent 63 seeking: M, l
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
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
BIODYNAMIC ARTISTIC POLYMATH
Desire meaningful conversation, spiritual companionship, laughter and love. I am family- and community-minded with philanthropic tendencies; broadly studied in history, art, science and religion; well traveled and influenced by world cultures. I lead a conscientious, healthy lifestyle and keep a clean home, body and heart. Retired, actively pursuing my passions and enjoying my grandchildren. Are you similarly inclined? Eruditee, 61 seeking: M, l
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
SMART, SELF-AWARE, KIND SEEKS SAME Smart, self-aware and kind seeking same. AnneShirley, 48, seeking: M
MEN seeking...
FRIENDS FIRST
Easy to laugh and smile. I am looking for someone to enjoy each other’s company and see where it goes. Activity partner. friendsfirst, 59 seeking: W, l
HARRIS FOR PRESIDENT!?
Retired SWM, 69, progressive, prosperous, outdoorsy. Worried about the future of the planet and what’s in the refrigerator. Maleman, 69 seeking: W
LOVE ME SOME VERMONT
I enjoy being in nature, whether that’s trail running, hiking, camping, swimming, snowshoeing or just wandering. I also enjoy eating healthy, living simply, feeling the spirit in everything, and spending time with a woman when there’s an easy and strong connection. With the right person in accompaniment, most things are enjoyable. chinaski, 54, seeking: W
VIP SERVICE FOR YOU
Searching for a frustrated guy who wants to receive intense, no-reciprocation service. Let’s focus completely on your pleasure. Clean, laid-back, private and fun. I’m open to a one-time experiment or giving you regular attention at my place near UVM. Please reach out if you’re curious or want to explore. SecretService 49, seeking: M
HONEST, CARING, RELIABLE, COMPASSIONATE, HUMBLE
I would like a lady who likes to go out dancing, as I love music, going for walks, staying home and enjoying each other’s company. I love TLC and someone who is warm and caring. Work on projects together, go on vacation to Florida, Maine, etc.! I know how to “wash dishes”. WestMil2024, 74 seeking: W
SINGLE GUY LOOKING FOR COUPLE
I’m fit and open-minded. I’ve had the fantasy for a long time to join a couple for experimentation and fun times. If you think we’ll be a good fit, send me a message and we’ll find out! ChaRIZZma 41 seeking: Cp
LOOKING FOR FUN
Easygoing, fit and bearded. Love Vt. in spring, summer and fall. The winters are getting a bit old. Looking for new relationships to explore and have fun. Would love to spend time with a wonderful woman. Love the outdoors and being active. Vegetarian. LuckyGuy 50, seeking: W
EX-FARM BOY IN THE CITY
I’m a 42-y/o man. Looking for a woman 32 to 42 with similar interests. I enjoy old cars, trucks and tractors, and pretty much anything with a motor. I enjoy movies, video games, car shows. I also enjoy yard sales, antiques and antiquing, but not so much anymore. I do enjoy day trips. Willdog81, 42, seeking: W, l
SEASONALLY
I own a 20-acre private nature sanctuary in Gainesville, Fla., north of Paynes Prairie preserve. I live off-grid on 30 acres in Orange county, Vt. Looking for someone to share living space with plenty of room. 382tim, 68, seeking: W, l
FUNNY, RELAXED, RETIRED, KIND GENTLEMAN
Fresh to the market, I’m a little grey and thin on top, rounding in the middle with a great smile. I enjoy classic cars and learning to play the guitar. I’m retired with time to give someone my full attention. Not looking for a maid or a cook, just a nice lady to add to my life. I’m nice. classiccarguy64 64, seeking: W, l
POSITIVE, GENTLE, FUN-LOVING DUDE
I am looking to enjoy life after a long time spent cooped up. I find and celebrate the best in people. I am positive-minded, and will treat you with respect, care and honesty. Looking for femme-bodied people (mostly) to hike, sing, ski, garden, sketch, dance, play and share joy with. GreenMan1 55, seeking: W, Q, NC, NBP, Cp, Gp, l
YOUNG, FIT EXPLORER
Tall nerdy man looking for some fun. I bike, ski, hike, but when I’m not doing that I’m home with my feet up. RyVermont, 27, seeking: W, Cp
JO BUDDY FOR MALE BONDING
Friendly chill guy with a naughty mind looking for a friends-only buddy to share fantasies, compare techniques and maybe watch straight porn. Open-minded, respectful, discreet. I’m athletic, late forties, 420 friendly, can host in BTV. Let’s take it slow and enjoy our favorite hobby with a bro! JOBuddy 48, seeking: M, Cp
I am creative, sensuous and playful and love exploring. I am a Pisces and love all things water. I love farmers markets, photography, finding swimming spots, dancing, yoga, cooking, skiing, art, mushroom hunting. I am looking for a woman who is warm, curious, compassionate, grounded, creative, adventurous and fun, who knows and likes herself and likes to discuss ideas. WhirlingDancer 75, seeking: W, l
LAID-BACK, ADVENTUROUS, NATURE LOVER
I’m a laid-back native Vermonter who lives in and loves the woods. I’m passionate, adventurous and open minded. I enjoy hiking, paddling, camping, mountain biking, swimming and exploring nature. I’m looking for a woman who enjoys similar activities, who is comfortable in her own skin, has the ability to laugh, common sense, loves nature and is interested in friendship first. DiverDude, 58, seeking: W, l
SENSUALIST
I am hoping to find someone for sensual get-togethers. I love laughter, touch, intimacy. Blackriver, 68 seeking: M, W, TM, TW, Cp, Gp, l
TRANS WOMEN seeking...
COMMUNITY-MINDED AND INDEFENSIBLY JOYFUL
I love writing, dancing, making music and meaningful action. My favorite conversations are about people’s passions. I like hiking, biking and paddling, but I spend a lot of time happily indoors being social or creative or productive. I’m interested in people of all genders and am seeking a connection that generates joy every day for us both. Sylph 55 seeking: M, W, TM, TW, Q, NC, NBP, 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
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
EXPLORING THREESOMES AND FOURSOMES
We are an older and wiser couple discovering that our sexuality is amazingly hot! Our interest is another male for threesomes or a couple. We’d like to go slowly, massage you with a happy ending. She’d love to be massaged with a happy ending or a dozen. Would you be interested in exploring sexuality with a hot older couple? DandNformen 67, seeking: M, W, TM, TW, Q, NC, NBP, Cp, Gp, l
IN YOUR COWBABE ERA
Caught you checking out a pair of cowboy boots that I’d like to see on you. I think you’d slay wearing anything in that shop. rowing out this lasso of hope that I’ll see you again. When: Friday, July 26, 2024. Where: Slowpoke Exchange in Barre City. You: Genderqueer. Me: Woman. #916064
NEIGHBOR AT THE FLAMING LIPS
We had several moments, like when Wayne told us to love our neighbors and we caught each other’s eye, but I didn’t work up the courage to talk to you before the first set ended and I didn’t manage to find you again in the crowd during the second. Hopefully you see this and something blossoms like your flowered dress. When: Friday, July 26, 2024. Where: Waterfront Park. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916063
CAMEL’S HUMP TRAIL SUMMER SESSIONS
Midday, you were on your way up with your dog — I was on my way down. I noticed your hat and asked if you were from N.H. You noticed mine and asked if I was from Stowe. Not sure why I replied and continued on so quickly. Maybe we can go for a hike sometime. When: Saturday, July 27, 2024. Where: Camel’s Hump. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916062
DREAMY SUNSET PADDLEBOARDER PAIR
You were two gorgeous shadows, transiting the smoke-reddened sun as it slipped below the Adirondacks. I was playing mandolin with my friends on the water’s edge, but I stopped in the middle of a solo to snap a picture of you. Maybe I can get it to you somehow? I hope it doesn’t hurt too much being so gorgeous. When: Tuesday, July 23, 2024. Where: Oakledge. You: Couple. Me: Man. #916059
If you’ve been spied, go online to contact your admirer!
SMUGGS SWIMMER
You with a German shepherd at the swim spot on Morse. Me with a friend, who dared me to ask you on a date. I wasn’t quite bold enough, though we did have a perfect swim after you left. Next time, you and me? When: Saturday, July 27, 2024. Where: Smuggs swim spot. You: Man. Me: Woman. #916061
DOOR HELD
Held the door for you, then joked about it. I now understand why people make an I Spy instead of approaching the person, because there wasn’t really enough time to do so. You: black spandex shorts, curly hair cascading down from your hair tie. I had one more joke but didn’t feel the timing to make it happen. When: Wednesday, July 24, 2024. Where: Red Hen. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916060
I’LL BE YOUR SIDEPIECE
e Montpelier cutie with flowing locks, a ham and cheese croissant and Americano in her hands. Our eyes met through your cute glasses, and we had a moment. Let’s have more. I’d like to plan a rendezvous filled with fireworks and passion. I believe you’re seeing someone, but I’m happy to be your sidepiece. I appreciate you. When: Friday, July 19, 2024. Where: Bohemian Bakery. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916058
SPIKED COLLAR AT THE CRANE WIVES
Brunette with ponytail, let down during the first few songs. Bopping around and had a pink(?) sweatshirt you later took off and a white tank top, with a spiked collar that was really cool and I wanted to compliment. You were behind me but eventually moved in front. I was rewatching my videos and recognized you when you turned and ducked! Not in the way, but still sweet. When: Friday, July 19, 2024. Where: Higher Ground. You: Genderqueer. Me: Genderqueer. #916057
I recently purchased my first house. After renting forever and being afraid to put nail holes in walls, I’m excited to paint and really make it my own. I wouldn’t have been able to afford the house without help from my parents. ey say I shouldn’t go crazy with color so that it maintains resale value. I’m not into neutrals, but I feel like I owe it to them to take their advice. What do you say?
DOG WASH CUTIES
You were washing a large, questionably styled hair dog along with a very cute curly-haired human assistant. She seems to be your mini-me. Your crinkly eyed laugh when you sprayed yourself with the hose, instead of the dog, caught my eye. Maybe a hike up Mansfield and lunch in Stowe after?
I hope so! When: ursday, July 18, 2024. Where: St. Albans Car Wash. You: Man. Me: Woman. #916056
BEAUTIFUL BLONDE
You are about 56, 5’6”, slender, blue eyes, no toenail polish. I saw no wedding ring. I’m a local philanthropist (friend sent me a chart saying I’m in top 10 percent). I know it’s very unlikely that you are available, but I await your reply. Best, Golden Bachelor When: Friday, July 19, 2024. Where: Shelburne market. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916055
ROZ IN THE PARK
You were leaning up against the post when me and my pup were doing our loop. I wanted to chat more, but sensed you were seeking solitude. If this reaches you before we might cross paths again, let’s cross paths again? When: Tuesday, July 16, 2024. Where: Northfield Falls Ball Fields. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916054
RETRO JORDAN 1S
Me: Tan brunette who asked to take a picture of your amazing olive green canvas double-strap retro Jordan 1s on a Saturday afternoon. You: Handsome, dazzling blue eyes, confident, cool. No idea if you are local or available, but would love to connect if you’re curious! When: Saturday, July 13, 2024. Where: Leunig’s. You: Man. Me: Woman. #916053
GINGER POWER SCREAM
Hello future bestie. You were the super cool redhead driving a red car, and I was the redhead driving the colorful van. We were exiting the Winooski circle when you yelled “sick van” through the window. Your energy was lit. I replied, “ ank you!” en you screamed “GINGER POWERRRR” as you peeled away. I was mesmerized. Please be my friend. When: ursday, July 11, 2024. Where: e Winooski Circle Bridge. You: Woman. Me: Woman. #916051
De Val Spa
,
ROOTS MARKET
Is the girl with brown hair and brown eyes who was working at Roots Market in Middlesex on Saturday single? It’d make someone’s day if the answer is yes. When: Saturday, July 13, 2024. Where: Middlesex. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916052
ENLIGHTEN ME
You: Shrouded in darkness, breathing. Me: Eyes open, gazing into the dark side of blackness. e Moon: A rumored beauty. e Air: Still, silent, 20% oxygen. Want to get a sandwich at the co-op?
When: Friday, July 12, 2024. Where: e forest: not sure it was a person, but I got the clear sense that they like sandwiches. You: Gender nonconformist. Me: Man. #916050
MONTPELIER BROWN GODDESS HOUSEKEEPER
I can’t stop thinking about you since you left. I can’t wait a week, I want you back sooner. is may sound strange but I think I am in love. Please, my beautiful friend, come back. You are wifey material. I am sorry I did not do what you asked. I will make it up to you. I promise I will give you anything. When: Monday, July 8, 2024. Where: My house. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916049
“RED GRAPES” GUY
Me: Wearing green dress. You: Staring at grapes. Wearing black band hoodie with MCR vibe/baggy jeans. Indistinctly long black hair. I asked what you were looking for. You said, “red grapes.” I pointed at red grapes. You said, “those are purple grapes.” When I left, you were still looking intently at the four bags of grapes. You are very attractive. When: Tuesday, July 2, 2024. Where: Shelburne Road Hannaford. You: Man. Me: Woman. #916048
MY BUTTER BELL(A)?
From afar your smile drew me like moth to flame - appropriate for an event about pollinators. Your vibe was warm from the start, but I really melted when I saw you were wearing a “Stick of Butter Dad Hat” (confirmed official product name). I too do butter “all damn day.” Want to meet up to talk soft landings & saturated fats? When: Saturday, June 22, 2024. Where: UVM Horticulture Farm. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916047
You’re asking someone who lives in a little white ranch house with the rooms inside painted every color of the rainbow. I also have two mannequins in my living room, and art covers every available surface. So I bet you can tell where I’m headed with my advice.
GIRL AT WORK MADE MY DAY
You were cashing me out and you said something that made my day and brought flutters to my tummy: “You look really good today.” We’ve never met before, and that’s a shame. Someone as sweet as you deserves everything she wants with a ribbon on it! If you noticed me too, message back. You have my attention, gorgeous girl with the cat eyes! When: Tuesday, July 2, 2024. Where: Champlain FarmsColchester on Roosevelt Ave. You: Woman. Me: Woman. #916045
TO BE A FRIEND
You were wearing a white cardigan, red plaid skirt, and black stockings. You told some very funny jokes, a bit of a comedian. I asked if you wanted to go for a walk sometime. We ate some amazing food together. When: ursday, November 25, 2021. Where: anksgiving. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916044
“IN VERMONT”
I noticed you sitting solo, then the comments you shared (one funny, one not: the barn!) made me want to start a conversation. Had to run with a family member so didn’t get to say hi, but if you happen to have time and space for new conversations, please be in touch! When: Monday, June 24, 2024. Where: e Savoy. You: Man. Me: Woman. #916043
HANNAH AT GUSTER SHOW
I saw you before the show started and saw how you seemed to know everyone. I waited around after the show and we spoke briefly about how we both seemed familiar, but couldn’t figure out where we had crossed paths. I wish I had asked for your contact info. Seemed like we had a spark, even in the rain. Contact me? When: Saturday, June 29, 2024. Where: Guster concert. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916042
GUCCI SNEAKERS GIRL
Your parents may have helped you out, but I’m sure you also worked hard to achieve the goal of homeownership. You deserve to celebrate that fact and decorate the place however you see fit. Besides, you’re the one living in it, not them.
Your house should be your home. e colors and décor you choose should make you feel happy, and that means different paint strokes for different
folks. e walls in my living room used to be a barfy beige, which may have been dandy for the previous owner, but it bummed me out. So I painted them a beautiful blue that makes my eyeballs sing when they see it. e best part about painting a room is that it’s not permanent and is easy to change. If you ever decide to sell your house, you can worry about what to do with the walls then. If the housing market stays like it is, you could sell a house with poop-brown walls, ceilings and floors for top dollar anyway. Since you just moved in, I’m sure you aren’t planning to leave anytime soon. Go for it — paint to your heart’s delight! I bet when your parents see how happy the finished product makes you, they’ll be just as tickled as you are.
Super cute girl with white Gucci sneakers and gorgeous brown eyes. We locked eyes for a while (several times), but we both were with someone. I owe you an apology: you know why. Please reply if you see this, this is my last recourse. When: Friday, June 28, 2024. Where: Red Square. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916041 housing sell
Good luck and God bless,
Female in early 20s. Must like cats, cheese, and crafting (C trifecta). I’m looking for a man (yes, a man, not a boy) with some mass to him. Someone who shares my distrust in big pharma would be an added bonus. #L1781
Looking for a sensitive Republican woman who would like to, at long last, experience fulfillment with an intuitive liberal man. #L1784
I’m a 63-y/o male. Married with no sex life. Bi-curious. Must be clean, safe and discreet. Send me your number and I’ll call and we can talk first. #L1783
59-y/o SW. Humbled, thoughtful. Hoping for a safe, kind, honest relationship with a man. Calm in nature, love for nature. Morning coffees, long walks, talks, sunsets, art, music, dance, friends, family, laughs! Willing to see and resolve suffering. Unconditional love and support find me at home. Phone number, please. #L1782
I’m a GM looking for hookup buddies. Age/race is not important. Interested specifically in Black men to satisfy a fantasy. Fun and likeable. Also enthusiastic. Hope you are out there. #L1779
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SWF seeks a local male companion/friend for outdoor adventures in all seasons. I’m 65, fit, intelligent and I value thoughtful conversations, laughter, challenging myself, the quiet of early mornings and authenticity. Hike, bike, kayak, more. Let’s get outside and see where the trail leads us. #L1780
I’m a male, early 40s, single, straight. However, my life’s journey has led me to the point of becoming curious about exploring subconscious desires. Seeking cute, passable, thin-toaverage 24-45-y/o TF or TF/F couple for safe, respectable, discreet conversation or meet up. #L1776
I’m an 80-y/o woman seeking a man, late sixties and up. I want friendship and companionship. Love the outdoors. Barbecue or grill sometimes in the summer. Wish I could travel to places I have never been. #L1775
I am a GWM seeking a gay couple who would like to add spice into their sex life with a third. I’m in my sixties, 5’7”, 150 lbs. and live in Burlington. Very clean, open and I am a bottom. If interested, send contact info. #L1774
I’m a 67-y/o SWM, 6’, 190 lbs., seeking a mid-60s bi couple for occasional get-together. I am honest and respectful and expect the same. Fairly new to this, so slow at first. No devices, only landline. #L1771
Int net-Free Dating!
I’m a male seeking a woman to pleasure. #L1777
Nice guy, 5’10, 195 pounds. 74 y/o but I look younger and am new to the market. I’m seeking a good woman/partner 55 to 75 y/o to love. Very attentive and affectionate, likes to have fun and travel. 420 friendly. #L1773
I would like to meet someone between 60 and 75 who is 5’6” or under and is a slim nondrinker/smoker. Asian heritage preferable. I’m 5’8” and drink/ smoke free. I’m a good cook. An Asian who doesn’t speak good English is acceptable. #L1770
SWM calling all guys. Seeking gay, bi, trans — I want all. Any age and race. Black men are my favorite. I’m clean, don’t smoke, drink or do drugs. I love sex. Kinky OK. I’m a nudist. Love a partner. Phone number. #L1769
I’m a 76-y/o M, seeking a F. Burlington resident, Luddite, gardener, fisherman. Into Bach, Mozart, Blake, raspberries. Catholic. You: Old, pretty, smart, conversational for dinners, possible friendship. Call. #L1764
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)
SWM (61 y/o), seeking LT companionship, intimacy with SF (50-65 y/o). Would like to meet kind, respectful, creative woman. Outdoorsy interests, both serious and silly, with life experiences to carry insightful conversations. I’m attracted to intellect, kindheartedness, curiosity, compassion and wisdom. #L1767
47-y/o female looking for friendships only. Not willing to travel — I have no car. Interest in womenfolk who don’t drink or drug, vape only. Crafting and creativity a must. No liars or thieves. In search of honest and dependable friends. #L1766
I’m a male 73 y/o seeking a female 68 and up. Active bike riding and kayaking! Seeking similar. Also Catholic and go to church! #L1761
Coming through! Please make way for this fit, gentle, articulate, gracious soul seeking a SWF (55-68) with similar attributes. I revel in words, dogs, gardens, hikes, moonlight and creativity. #L1760
Required confidential info:
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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.
Eco-resiliency Gathering: State of the Climate Check-in
WED., JUL 31
ONLINE
2024 Seven Daysies Party (For advertisers and finalists)
FRI., AUG 2
ECHO LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN, BURLINGTON
Native Plants and Pollinators
SAT., AUG 3
HORSFORD GARDENS & NURSERY, CHARLOTTE
e Radiance w/ Ari and the Birds
SAT., AUG 3
THE UNDERGROUND - LISTENING ROOM, RANDOLPH
e Magnetica Concert
SAT., AUG 3 & 10
MAGNETICA PERFORMANCE SPACE, BURLINGTON
Moira Smiley & the Rhizome Project & Special Guests
SUN., AUG 4
OLD WEST CHURCH, CALAIS
Mandarin Conversation Circle
TUE., AUG 6
SOUTH BURLINGTON LIBRARY
ANNIE
THU.-SUN., AUG 8-11
THE OPERA HOUSE AT ENOSBURG FALLS
Songs of New Orleans with Chip Wilson and Friends
THU., AUG 8
ISHAM BARN THEATRE AT ISHAM FARM, WILLISTON
Fledge Fest 2024
FRI., AUG 9
FLEDGLING FARMSTEAD, TUNBRIDGE
FRI., AUG 9
PRANSKY’S FARM, CABOT
One LoVermont Freedom & Unity Festival
Live in the Gardens Music Series with Justin LaPoint & Gerbers Taco Truck
FRI., AUG 9
SNAPS AND SUNFLOWERS, CAMBRIDGE
Vermont Psychic Expo
SAT., AUG 10
CHAMPLAIN VALLEY EXPOSITION, ESSEX JCT.
Forage & Feast: An Afternoon of Plant Based Cuisine with Chrissy Tracey