is
e price of health care plans in Vermont has doubled in six years. e prognosis for cost containment is grim.
COMPILED BY SASHA GOLDSTEIN
6,250
That’s how many acres of land two conservation organizations permanently protected at the headwaters of the Lamoille and Winooski rivers.
Like the national presidential race, the contest for lieutenant governor of Vermont was too close to call on Tuesday night.
Five hours after the polls closed, Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman, a Progressive/Democrat and an organic vegetable farmer, was in the fight of his political life against Republican John Rodgers, who had most recently served as a senator — a Democratic one — representing Essex and Orleans counties. Rodgers, who grew up on a dairy farm and grows cannabis, had positioned himself as a workingman against state tax hikes.
“Regular Vermonters like me that are out there doing a trade or working as a nurse or a teacher, they’re opening their tax bill and going, ‘I can’t do this anymore,’” he recently told Seven Days
e GOP had sought to make gains in the Vermont legislature, where all 180 seats were up for grabs, in order to break up the supermajority of Democrats that currently overrides gubernatorial vetoes. Gov. Phil Scott ran campaign ads beseeching voters to elect lawmakers who could “work with” him to fight rising taxes and fees, saying he needs more allies in the legislature.
As of late Tuesday, when this print issue of Seven Days went to press, it appeared that Vermonters responded. Republicans were on track to pick up roughly four Senate and 15 House seats, according to early incomplete election results.
“I’m not going to lie to you,” Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Baruth (D-Chittenden-Central) said. “It’s a tough night.”
Gov. Scott handily won reelection, defeating Democrat Esther Charlestin, a South Burlington resident who formerly served on the Middlebury Selectboard and was making her first run for a statewide office.
e GOP had no luck in other statewide races. U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who caucuses with Democrats, easily defeated GOP challenger Gerald Malloy. at means Sanders, who is 83, secured another six-year term. And U.S. Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vt.) trounced Republican/Libertarian Mark Coester and will return to the U.S. House for two more years.
More Democrat incumbent victories: Charity Clark won reelection as attorney general; Mike Pieciak secured another term as state treasurer; Sarah Copeland Hanzas will return as secretary of state; and Doug Hoffer, a Democrat/ Progressive, won another term as auditor.
In Burlington, meantime, voters approved a referendum to strengthen civilian review of allegations of police officer misconduct. e measure would grant more power to the city’s existing police commission, allowing it to convene a new, independent panel to review cases. It requires a city charter change, which, in turn, requires authorization from the Vermont legislature.
You can find more detailed legislative coverage and keep up with developments at sevendaysvt.com.
Several local banks temporarily closed their lobbies to the public after a string of robberies. The suspect, James Plunkett, has since been arrested.
Students from Burlington’s Champlain Elementary School performed songs at a local polling place on Election Day. One way to ease that stress!
Vermont’s prison health care provider, a company called Wellpath, is preparing to file for bankruptcy, Bloomberg reported. Time for a plan B.
The Republican and Democratic clubs on the UVM campus are essentially dormant, the Vermont Cynic reported. Even with such a close presidential race…
MOST POPULAR ITEMS ON SEVENDAYSVT.COM
1. “From the Publisher: GoPro Bro” by Paula Routly. A YouTuber’s viral video put a spotlight on Burlington’s urban problems — and got extensively edited after it was published. Here’s what happened.
2. “ e Campaign for Lieutenant Governor Gets Personal” by Kevin McCallum. Candidates John Rodgers and David Zuckerman have attacked each other’s honesty and integrity.
3. “Fig Cocktail Bar Opens in Mirror Mirror’s New Shelburne Spot” by Jordan Barry. e beauty store and day spa has opened a third location with an upscale cocktail bar.
4. “East West Café Returns in a New Burlington Location” by Jordan Barry. is time, the ai eatery is in the former El Gato Cantina space on Lower Church Street.
5. “Scale Poke Bar Owners Reopen Essex Junction Location” by Melissa Pasanen. Perry and Neil Farr are reprising their eatery, which features Hawaiian-style poke bowls.
Burlington, Vermont. Name another city that is currently voting for a Democratic POTUS, Republican Governor, Independent US Senator, Democratic Congresswoman AND has a killer I VOTED sticker?
A new Burlington art installation will take the idea of a “street tree” and turn it on its side.
Artist Nancy Winship Milliken, Eliot Lathrop and a team of engineers have come up with something they’re tentatively calling the “Lakebones Archway,” which will go up on a Main Street sidewalk sometime in late 2025.
Milliken envisions creating a steel archway that will hold up a tree, preferably a black locust, laterally above the heads of people walking below. A pollinator garden will line either side of the sidewalk along the archway. e ideal tree would be fully intact, and will be placed with its crown facing
east toward the mountains and the roots pointed toward Lake Champlain. Milliken said the sculpture is meant as a tribute to Burlington’s history as a busy timber port.
“In a perfect world, this specimen tree is going to be representational of all of what Vermont is: of the trees and the riparian forests,” Winship said.
e project is part of the city’s Great Streets initiative, which aims to make roadways more appealing for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. Mike and Tawyna Kiernan of Bee the Change will create the pollinator garden.
But the team, which is working with Burlington City Arts, has a big challenge: ey need to find the perfect tree. And it’s not something they can just go cut down. ey want to find a tree that was blown
down, fell naturally or has to be removed for a development project.
While black locust would be ideal because of its resistance to rot, the team is open to a white oak or cedar, as well. e specimen should have a trunk diameter of about two feet and be 30 feet tall. e steel portion of the sculpture cannot be fabricated until the tree is chosen, according to Milliken, so there is a bit of a time crunch.
Colin Storrs, the public art and grants program manager at BCA, said the tree will be treated so it won’t degrade for decades.
“It’s going to grab people’s attention, that’s for sure,” he said.
Got a great tree? Send an email to bca@burlingtoncityarts.org.
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I heartily thank Seven Days for [“The Straw Man: Over 18 Months, Dylan Russell Bought 15 Firearms in Vermont, Exposing the Intense Drugs-for-Guns Trade,” October 16]. It is difficult to grasp the enormity of this piece, and the bloody fraud perpetuated on us by the special interests and their political allies, that has led to the ability of people like Dylan Russell being able to go on these little shopping sprees.
I am a survivor of a random shooting (not in Vermont). I have also lost two friends, both female, to shootings (in Vermont and New Hampshire) and almost lost a third (in Las Vegas). That Russell’s shopping habits raised the eyebrows of only one gun purveyor interviewed in the article angers me beyond the capacity of words to describe it. As usual in America, this is simply a business transaction, about the money and an “Oh, well” shrug about the lives. There is much blame to go around for this. Maybe it’s finally time to put the business, cultural, social and political leadership associated with this culture of guns and drugs on trial for murder. We should also prosecute them for enhancing and maintaining the grinding poverty that forces people like Dylan Russell into heroin to try and escape it.
I know that this will never happen, of course, because these people have bought adequate insurance policies against it. I like to think about it anyway.
Walter Carpenter MONTPELIER
Soft-on-crime prosecutors are responsible for straw purchases for drugs [“The Straw Man,” October 16]. If users such as Dylan Russell had been convicted of drug crimes and the state had reported it to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Russell would not have passed the National Instant Criminal Background Check System check. States are required to report felonies to the FBI, but some do not.
It sounds as if state Sen. Phil Baruth needs to closely read the Constitution. A license is required for privileges, not rights. Gun owners do understand, hating violence of all kinds. Taking away guns will not solve the problem. If gun bans are the answer, please explain why Chicago has the most murders in the country.
John
Seven Days shines an important light on an issue with Joe Sexton’s story on the guns-for-drugs trade [“The Straw Man,” October 16].
Sadly, however, this is not a new story. A 2016 story in The Trace documented the same issues of guns for drugs fueling the opioid addiction crisis in Vermont. The headline: “Criminals Are Heading to Gun-Friendly Vermont to Trade Heroin for Firearms.”
Eight years on, we are no closer to our governor taking or supporting action to address the issues of guns or drug addiction in any meaningful way.
Barbara Felitti HUNTINGTON
It’s almost funny to see state Sen. Phil Baruth’s panties in a bunch regarding his pipe dreams of gun control [“The Straw Man,” October 16]. “You can open-carry an AK-47,” he screeches! Well, Senator, you can also hunt with one using three rounds in a five-round clip; its 7.62mm bullet is roughly the same as a .30-30 Winchester, and, being short, it’s a fine brush hunting rifle. Baruth also says he’d like to “ban the sale of assault rifles,” which are already banned, as an assault rifle has a selector switch for o /safe, semiauto and full auto firing. Hello?
But it’s not about hunting; it’s about our rights listed in the federal Bill of Rights and this state’s Article 16 and our ancestors’ willingness to die — yes, die — for them, and we need no one’s permission to exercise any of them.
I would suggest that Baruth drive down to Lexington, Mass., next April
[Re “UVM to Raise Tuition for Undergraduates Next Year,” October 25, online; “With a $10 Million Budget Deficit, UVM Considers Tuition Hike,” October 22, online]: Your coverage quotes University of Vermont fi nance VP Richard Cate saying that climbing health insurance costs are to blame for the shortfall. Costs will continue to climb indefinitely because inflation is a fixture of our economy. Islamic economists argue that the root cause of inflation is lending money at interest. Be that as it may, the U.S. economy has an inflation rate of 2 to 3 percent annually even in the best of times. But when inflation rates are broken out by economic sector, health care inflation is always double the general rate and never less than 5 to 6 percent. Our health care system is one of the main drivers of inflation.
My suggestion to the UVM trustees is to no longer o er health care insurance to their employees as a benefit. Let
A story in last week’s paper about Democratic gubernatorial candidate Esther Charlestin, “The Longest Shot,” falsely claimed that she was the first Black person nominated for governor of Vermont by a major party. That distinction goes to Sen. Randy Brock (R-Franklin), running on the GOP line in 2012 — a race he lost to Democrat Peter Shumlin.
19 and get a spot to observe near the town common. Then, as the “British” reenactors arrive with the rising sun, the sound of their fifes and drums will send shivers through the crowd as Captain John Parker’s militia assembles on the common, scared yet determined to “Stand your ground! Don’t fire unless fired upon! But if they want a war, let it begin here!”
Then drive to Concord and watch its militias turn the tide on Old North Bridge. It is unforgettable and had nothing to do with “gun control,” as the tyrants wanted our guns and we determined to keep them. Simple, no?
We have plenty of laws, state and federal, to incarcerate drug-dealing gun runners, and had they been behind bars, they could have neither dealt drugs nor bought guns.
Steve Merrill NORTH TROY
The October 23 story about Katherine Quittner’s sound healing instrument, headlined “Behold, the Magnetica!” contained a few errors. Quittner moved to Vermont three years ago because of climate change. Her weekly concerts are ongoing every Saturday. Finally, her dog’s name is spelled Lil’ Spike. Our apologies to Quittner and Spike.
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Licensed to Steal?
A Colchester preschool closed after the owner was evicted — and some parents say they are owed thousands
Burlington Cuts Downtown Speed Limit to 20 MPH
Rent a Cop
Business is booming for Chittenden County’s sheriff amid a spike in nuisance crimes and homelessness
Women Rally Ahead of Election
Sticky Situation
A proposed Burlington ordinance would let people sue over hateful graffiti and stickers. First Amendment lawyers have concerns.
Wild Life
28 Sunset Singles
Older Vermonters search for a second chance at love, using dating apps such as Bumble and even Seven Days personal ads
Laura Waterman’s new memoir recalls a life of extremes
New Fellowship Program Allows Vermonters to Explore Issues in Their Own Communities
Free to Be
Saint Michael’s student Sadie Chamberlain debuts a play about her life with a disability Mark Utter, Vermont Writer and Filmmaker With Autism, Dies
The Media Factory Premieres Crowdsourced VT Home Alone
The Body Is a Cage
Elizabeth Powell’s “Bound in Abstractions” explores the complicated female form
We Are Family: Melora Kennedy at the Front
Double Your Pleasure
Brattleboro indie rockers
THUS LOVE return with a revamped lineup and new album
Find a new job in the classifieds section on page 82 and online at jobs.sevendaysvt.com.
MUST SEE, MUST DO THIS WEEK
COMPILED BY REBECCA DRISCOLL
“Wanderings: Arista Alanis & James Secor”
extraordinary use of color in landscape painting. rough abstract composition and figurative brushwork, Alanis and Secor transform otherwise mundane scenes into
THURSDAY 7-MONDAY 11
exciting, gestural pieces packed with feeling.
FRIDAY 8
Hailed as “our leading new-music foursome” by the New York Times, Grammy-nominated JACK Quartet bring contemporary classical music to Marlboro’s Ragle Hall. e stirring string performance consists of new works from the JACK Studio program — the ensemble’s nonprofit that addresses industry inequities through paid, professional music opportunities for emerging artists.
SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 66
If you build it, they will come ... to the Lego Contest & Exhibit at the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center. Local makers of all ages annually showcase their innovation, ingenuity and flair in colorful 3D constructions. is year’s jaw-dropping victors dominated categories including Best Use of Moving Parts and Most Creative Micro Build.
SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 65
FRIDAY 8
Pots of bubbling, gooey goodness? ’70s vibes? Cocktails? Say no more. e Jasper Hill Fondue Friday Adventure Dinner in Colchester is one of three nostalgic November offerings all about cauldrons of dairy delight. Over glasses of Ellison Estate Vineyard wine, strangers quickly become friends at the candlelit, family-style culinary affair.
SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 66
SUNDAY 10
e Northern Nosh Jewish Food Festival at Ohavi Zedek in Burlington highlights Jewish food and culture through the collective efforts of local organizations and individuals. e annual affair offers homemade kosher favorites such as braided challah, crispy latkes and soul-soothing matzo ball soup, along with vibrant traditional music and a Yiddish dance workshop. Opa!
SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 68
TUESDAY 12
Civic-minded folks can unpack their complicated postelection emotions at Good Talks: Election Reflection, a panel at Middlebury’s Town Hall eater. Middlebury College student Daniza Tazabekova, political science professor Bert Johnson and Sen. Ruth Hardy (D-Addison) guide a stimulating community discussion — without the divisive nonsense.
SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 72
OPENS WEDNESDAY 13
e University of Vermont’s Program in eatre and Dance presents the timely and topical e anksgiving Play at Royall Tyler eatre in Burlington. Native American playwright Larissa FastHorse’s madcap satire follows four teaching artists as they attempt to mount a culturally sensitive school play — somehow incorporating both Turkey Day and Indigenous themes.
SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 73
For as long as Seven Days has offered health insurance to our employees, circa 1997, I’ve signed the monthly check that pays for it. In that time, I’ve seen the per-employee premium increase steadily from roughly a hundred bucks a month to just shy of $1,000. It took two decades for the monthly price to climb to $491. Then, in the past six years, that cost has doubled, to $980 per month. Our rapidly rising numbers track with what Colin Flanders reports in this week’s cover story, about the increasingly unsustainable cost of health care plans in Vermont.
I remember the shocking realization that it was the responsibility of our little company to provide this pricey benefit to our employees. Simply put, people wouldn’t work for us if health insurance wasn’t part of the offer. Of course, we want our coworkers to be well — never to neglect a medical issue for financial reasons. Still, I wondered: How did providing access to and paying for health care become part of our business and an essential recruitment tool? More recently, when I sign that $30,000 check each month, I’m thinking: Where are we going to get the money to pay for this? Medical insurance is now our third-biggest expenditure, after payroll and printing.
can’t pay more — childcare providers, restaurants, local news publishers, regular Vermonters — these annual, double-digit increases are unsustainable.
In “Urgent Scare,” Colin explains how we got here. Problems with Vermont’s health care system have been growing larger, and more tangled, for years, and Colin has covered some of them, including the shortage of first responders in rural areas and wait times to see specialists at the University of Vermont Medical Center. This particular story was prompted by a recent report — ordered by the legislature — that spells out what ails Vermont hospitals and what can be done about it.
FOR THOSE OF US SERVING CUSTOMERS WHO CAN’T PAY MORE, ANNUAL, DOUBLE-DIGIT INCREASES ARE UNSUSTAINABLE.
To be honest, it’s something of a relief to read that other Vermont employers are struggling to manage this out-of-control expense. Every autumn we get the bad news about next year’s rates and debate whether we should tinker with the plans we offer or switch to another insurer, whether we can absorb the increase or need to pass it along our employees. I always assumed bigger Vermont employers were getting a better deal; otherwise, they’d be showing up to complain at Green Mountain Care Board public hearings, right?
In fact, most private companies and public employers just ate these price hikes; offering a good health care plan makes you more competitive. Now, at last, some of them are speaking out. The University of Vermont recently announced a tuition hike and blamed it on the rising cost of employee health care. After years of quietly accepting the increases and passing them on to taxpayers, school districts and other large public entities are sounding the alarm, too. Maybe it’s not a big deal if your company’s sales are growing steadily or you can raise prices without losing business. But for those of us serving customers who
The author, Dr. Bruce Hamory, “spent a year in Vermont meeting with hospital leaders, state officials, health insurers and patients. He reviewed budget documents, data submissions and demographic trends,” Colin writes. Hamory’s diagnosis is dire. His recommendations, transformational — and controversial.
“There is no hospital in Vermont that is not in jeopardy,” Hamory said. I hope you’ll read Colin’s piece to better understand what the state is up against.
In five months, I’ll qualify for Medicare — one of the very few benefits of getting old. Meantime, my goal is to stay out of the hospital. Today, at least, that means taking a walk around the block before it gets dark — and before the vote counting begins to determine our next president — instead of stress-eating leftover Halloween candy.
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BY ALISON NOVAK • alison@sevendaysvt.com
In February, Laura Richards enrolled her 3-month-old daughter at Little Saplings Preschool in Colchester. From the beginning, she had misgivings about the school’s co-owner, Scott Breveleri. His emails were full of typos and grammatical errors, making them hard to understand, and he asked for tuition to be paid through Venmo, which she found strange. But the center was close to her house; she liked the teachers, and she was desperate for childcare. Though the state has invested millions to improve access to early childhood education, demand remains high.
As months went by, Richards became increasingly concerned with how Breveleri operated Little Saplings. He put pressure on Richards and her husband, Ben Cadieux, to prepay tuition, o ering them a 30 percent discount if they did. They ultimately took
him up on the o er, shelling out around $17,000 for care through the end of 2025.
He also regularly blurred the lines between personal life and work, Richards said. For example, he asked for contributions to a GoFundMe after the brother of
THE ISSUES WITH LITTLE SAPLINGS GO BEYOND THE PALE.
CAITLYN KENNEDY
his girlfriend, who co-owned the center with him, died in a car accident. He also emailed families about an organic farm he had just leased, soliciting orders for eggs, chicken and Thanksgiving turkeys.
In late June, Breveleri texted Cadieux asking for a loan of $7,600 to buy a new
STORY & PHOTO BY COURTNEY LAMDIN courtney@sevendaysvt.com
Burlington drivers, beware: ere’s a new speed limit in town.
A recent change has set the top speed at 20 miles per hour within a six-block downtown swath that is roughly bordered by Pearl Street, South Winooski Avenue, Maple Street and Lake Street. at’s down from 25 mph, which is the limit on most other city streets.
New street signs are being installed, and lawn signs with the slogan “20 is Plenty” have popped up in greenbelts across the city.
Officials say slower speeds reduce car crashes, including those involving pedestrians. Injuries caused by collisions are typically less severe when drivers are going slower.
playground set for the center, promising to pay him back the full amount, plus $2,500 interest. The strange and seemingly toogood-to-be-true o er prompted the couple to do some internet sleuthing. They quickly discovered a private Facebook group called “Scammed by Scott Breveleri.” There, they found a cache of allegations dating to 2019 from people who claimed Breveleri had made o with their money.
Alarmed, Richards and Cadieux withdrew their daughter from Little Saplings in September without a plan B. They asked Breveleri to return their prepaid tuition, and he promised to refund them at the end of October. But they’ve yet to see the money, and they’re increasingly worried that it may be gone for good.
“We have a wonderful and vibrant downtown with a lot of pedestrians. And we also live up north, where it’s dark and rainy a bit of the year,” Burlington Public Works director Chapin Spencer said. “Twenty miles an hour through our small downtown allows drivers to see more of downtown, while also getting through downtown in a reasonable fashion.” e speed reduction, which went into effect on October 23, isn’t being paired with more aggressive traffic enforcement, however. For years, Burlington police have been conducting fewer traffic stops, and the department is now too short-staffed to consider upping the patrols.
Instead, Spencer said, the city is adopting new street designs that encourage drivers to go slower, such as adding street trees and “bump-outs,” extended curbs meant to lessen the crossing distance for pedestrians.
So far, Spencer said he’s heard mostly positive feedback from residents, including those who would like to see lower speed limits in their neighborhoods. A handful have asked why the change was a priority given the city’s ongoing challenges with crime, drug use and homelessness. But Spencer says the change is another way to keep people safe.
“Safety is job number one, and this effort is not costing us much money,” he said. “It’s a simple step we can do now.”
Business is booming for Chittenden County’s sheriff amid a spike in nuisance crimes and homelessness
BY DEREK BROUWER • derek@sevendaysvt.com
Nothing appeared amiss on the downtown Burlington street corner where Chittenden County Sheriff Dan Gamelin posted up one morning last week. Office workers trudged up an alley to an eight-story building at Bank and Pine streets. A few teens walked and biked toward the nearby Burlington High School.
During this humdrum commute, Gamelin sat in his unmarked black Chevy Tahoe and watched the block come to life.
where a spike in certain crimes, public drug use and homelessness has unsettled residents and frustrated merchants. The city’s malaise, coupled with a staff shortage at the Burlington Police Department, has driven demand for security services.
So, for the sheriff, business is booming. Gamelin’s department raked in more than $530,000 from security details during the first nine months of 2024 — more than the previous five years combined. His depart-
That was fine by him. One of the businesses inside that tall office building, Goldman Sachs, was paying Gamelin to keep watch for four hours a day, Monday through Friday. Elsewhere in the city, his deputies would monitor other patches of property, chosen by whoever was willing to pay them. Gamelin and his deputies would keep an eye out for trespassers, maintain a visible presence or make arrests — whatever the customer wished.
Over the past year, Gamelin has transformed his department into a security service for hire, signing contracts with private businesses and the City of Burlington to provide security at specific locations. Most of the work is in the Queen City,
ment now patrols grocery stores, vacant buildings, apartments, office complexes and a city parking garage.
The arrangements might seem inefficient in a city where victims of lower-level crimes complain that law enforcement isn’t available to respond. When Seven Days reported last year that off-duty Burlington police officers had taken side gigs providing security for a Riverside Avenue condo complex, elected officials cried foul.
But county sheriffs do not have the same responsibilities as municipal police departments. While they receive some tax dollars to pay the sheriff’s salary and transport
BY HANNAH FEUER hfeuer@sevendaysvt.com
Hundreds of people gathered on the Statehouse lawn in Montpelier on Saturday for the Vermont Women’s Rally. The sign-waving crowd chanted “Not going back!” as people threw their support behind Vice President Kamala Harris in the final days of the presidential election.
The event coincided with women’s marches across the country as abortion and reproductive rights took center stage as a key issue in the campaign. Polls showed Harris consistently leading among young women, while former president Donald Trump led among young men.
It was the first presidential election since Trump-installed U.S. Supreme Court justices helped overturn Roe v. Wade, a decision that led many states to severely limit abortion access. Vermont, meanwhile, took the opposite tack and chose to make abortion a constitutionally protected right.
“It’s women who are going to decide the outcome of this election,” 91-year-old Madeleine Kunin, the first and only woman ever elected governor of Vermont, told the crowd. “The whole question of women’s autonomy, of our ability to control our own bodies, that is what is at stake.”
Organizer Melinda Moulton brought together the same group of volunteers from the Women’s March on Montpelier in 2017. At that rally, held to protest Trump’s inauguration, Vermonters turned out in such large numbers — between 15,000 and 20,000 people — that authorities had to temporarily close exits on Interstate 89.
On Saturday many rally-goers sported pink knitted beanies with cat ears, known as “pussy hats,” and carried signs in support of Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz.
Though not old enough to vote, Essex High School student Fern Brayton, 15, attended the rally with her mom and grandmother. The family came with signs that read “Mind your own uterus,” “I am a nasty woman,” “My body, my choice,” and “If you are against abortion, don’t have one!”
“Especially right now, it’s really important to talk about these issues,” Brayton said. “Our rights and our freedoms are in jeopardy.” ➆
That’s because the center, which was licensed for 30 children, closed suddenly on October 23. Seven Days heard from about a dozen parents who claim Breveleri owes them, collectively, more than $50,000 in tuition and deposits. Some are still looking for a new childcare option.
The Little Saplings families are not the only people to whom 27-year-old Breveleri allegedly owes money. Seven Days spoke to others and reviewed text messages, court records, emails and social media messages that reveal Breveleri ran a variety of different ventures — including a landscaping business, a maple sugaring operation and a youth soccer team — that ended with unhappy customers in Massachusetts and Vermont. At least one complaint — that Breveleri was paid to do a renovation he never completed — made its way to the Vermont Attorney General’s Office in February 2024. And he’s been sued by a Colchester landlord, who pursued an eviction of Breveleri and his former girlfriend in May over $8,850 in past-due rent.
Breveleri did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
The state was tipped off about fraud allegations before Breveleri opened the Colchester preschool in March 2023. After it began operating, that center proceeded to rack up multiple violations of state licensing regulations. Nevertheless, the state gave Breveleri a license to operate a second center, in Morrisville, in January 2024.
Now, some parents are questioning how his facilities got licensed and whether regulators should have done more to protect families who entrusted him with their children and their money.
“I understand the state wanting to work with programs to try to keep them open,” said Caitlin Kennedy, who sent her baby to Breveleri’s center for several months in 2023, “but really, the issues with Little Saplings go beyond the pale.”
Breveleri’s financial troubles date back to at least 2019, when he was living in Hampden County in western Massachusetts. That’s when Allie Pelissier hired Breveleri, who ran a company called Grizzlys Property Maintenance, to install a fence. She says she paid him $2,200 for materials, but the fence was never built. Pelissier sued Breveleri in small claims court and won, court records show, though she said he still hasn’t paid her back in full.
In an October 2019 written statement to the judge in that case, Breveleri said his lack of education was partly to blame for what happened.
“I underestimated running a business as well as running a business and dating a girl with a kid at the time, got my finances and money management into a cluster of a
mess as I have no business school experience just a diploma from Agawam High School,” he wrote.
Pelissier’s experience prompted her to create the “Scammed by Scott Breveleri” Facebook group, which now has 578 members. Multiple people in the group allege that they paid Breveleri to do work in their yards or homes that he never finished. One post is from the mother of a landlord who said he didn’t pay rent. Others are from parents of children on youth sports teams he coached who claim Breveleri stole money from them.
Massachusetts court records show that Breveleri faced at least two other suits in small claims court in 2019.
When Pelissier found out that Breveleri was planning to open a childcare center in Vermont, she said she called the state’s licensing office in the Department for Children and Families to warn them about him. In a statement to Seven Days, the department’s Child Development Division acknowledged that warning but said “there was insufficient information to deny a license at that time.”
Soon after it opened in March 2023, Breveleri’s center began having problems. Over the course of five visits that year, Vermont licensors recorded multiple violations of state regulations: having more children at the center than allowed; not having the appropriate staff-to-child ratio; employing unqualified staff; not requiring children to wash their hands before eating; keeping incomplete records; and having a dog at the center without a documented rabies vaccination.
As the violations mounted, Breveleri lashed out.
“I am so deeply angry with the state and how they have act towards all of us here when our staff pours absolutely everything they have each and every day into your children and everything they do for them,” Breveleri wrote in an August 2023 message to families. “It is disgusting how much they harass us here and demand stuff by the next day from us.”
Kennedy, a medical student, enrolled her 2-month-old at Little Saplings in July 2023 but said she pulled him after nine weeks following a series of events that felt like “a fever dream.” Initially, her concerns centered around the number of days the center closed early, opened late or was shuttered completely with little advance warning — disruptions she said cost her family $2,500 in lost wages and supplemental childcare costs.
She said she was also taken aback by “bizarre” updates to the center’s handbook that Breveleri required parents to sign soon after she enrolled. One of them stated that posting on social media about Little Saplings “in any bashful way” or “to possibly cause any harm or misfortune to the center” would not be tolerated and would result in termination of care and a forfeit of the tuition deposit.
In September 2023, Kennedy arrived early and found her child asleep in a bouncy seat with a bottle propped in his mouth — which led her to pull him from the center immediately. State childcare regulations say that infants are required to sleep in cribs or port-a-cribs and must be held while being bottle-fed.
Kennedy emailed and spoke with state licensors multiple times in August and September to detail her concerns. It took the Child Development Division three months before it documented the violation on its searchable database.
Not long after, in January 2024, Breveleri was given a state license to open another branch of Little Saplings, at a church in Morrisville.
Asked about the decision to allow Breveleri to open a second center, Department for Children and Families communications and operations manager Joshua Marshall wrote in a statement that the Colchester center “had challenges in the first six months of being open” that “appeared to be a combination of misinterpreting our rules and issues with staffing which did result in a serious violation.” But, the statement continued, with support of licensing staff,
the center “made significant progress and came back into substantial compliance by the fall of 2023.”
“[The Child Development Division] did not have concerns about the care the children were receiving in the program when the licensee applied for a second license in the Morrisville program,” Marshall wrote.
A former director of Little Saplings in Colchester, who worked there from September to December 2023, did have concerns. Children’s files were missing state-required documents, the former director said, and Breveleri regularly spoke disparagingly about both parents and state licensors. She asked not to be named to protect her professional reputation.
during an argument. She told police that Breveleri had abused her on other occasions, but she never reported it. The police were unable to contact Breveleri, according to the report, and no further action was taken because the woman was uninjured.
The former girlfriend has since hired a lawyer. Last week, a judge granted her a relief from abuse order against Breveleri, finding he had caused her physical harm and posed a credible threat to her physical safety.
A DCF spokesperson said the agency was aware of the judge’s order, had “taken steps to ensure children are safe” and was “actively monitoring the program.” The spokesperson didn’t provide the specific
There was no consistency in what Breveleri charged families for enrollment fees and tuition, she said, and he regularly failed to return deposits when children left the center. Millie, Breveleri’s emotional support dog, would come to school and poop on the floor in classrooms. Breveleri, she added, would leave wood and nails from construction projects in places where kids could reach them.
He failed to pay her for two weeks of work, the former director said; another former staff member also told Seven Days that she is owed back pay.
“I don’t know how he was able to be licensed,” the former director said. “He doesn’t know what he’s doing.”
It appears the tumult never stopped. On October 9, parents received a message from Breveleri at 2:40 p.m. instructing them to pick up their children early that day. Less than an hour before, the Colchester Police had been summoned to the center by Breveleri’s former girlfriend, the co-owner of Little Saplings. According to a police report, she alleged that Breveleri had pushed her
steps taken.
Two weeks after the police visit, the Colchester center closed for good. At first, Breveleri told families that a “water issue” prompted the closure. But soon after, he emailed parents saying the rent was going up, making it “unprofitable” to run the center. He offered to hire a van that could bring the kids to the Morrisville center while he looked into renting a new space in Williston.
Breveleri’s Colchester landlord, Heidi Blondin, told Seven Days that there were never any water issues in the building; she had evicted him over his failure to pay rent. Meanwhile, parents noticed that in the days after the abrupt closure, Breveleri had listed many items from the center for sale on a “Plattsburgh Area Garage Sale” Facebook page.
The state confirmed it is investigating multiple complaints about the Little Saplings Center in Morrisville, which is still open. The landlord there told Seven Days that Breveleri had been behind on rent — but he paid up last week. ➆
A proposed Burlington ordinance would let people sue over hateful graffiti and stickers. First Amendment lawyers have concerns.
BY COURTNEY LAMDIN • courtney@sevendaysvt.com
Anewly proposed law in Burlington would allow people to sue anyone who violates a city ordinance, whether it’s the ban on urinating in public, littering or letting a dog run loose.
City councilors, though, crafted the change with a specific violation in mind. They want to give people the right to sue for damages anyone who defaces public property with hateful stickers or graffiti. The ordinance would also allow people to submit pictures of suspects to police, who could write the tagger a ticket.
The 11 councilors who attended last week’s meeting gave the ordinance preliminary approval on a unanimous vote; a final vote is scheduled for November 12.
Officials say the ordinance simply expands on a right already provided in the city charter, but the measure is concerning to First Amendment attorneys, who say it would open the door to selective enforcement of the city’s graffiti ordinance. Applying a so-called “hate crime enhancement” to an expressive activity such as stickering raises free-speech questions, the attorneys said.
“It’s very likely that someone will sue over this,” said Harrison Stark, a senior staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont. “That case, I imagine, would raise a number of compelling First Amendment arguments.”
Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak and city councilors have lauded the proposal as a means of deterring people who have plastered city property with transphobic stickers in recent years. The decals, with messages such as “No one was ever born in the wrong body,” make transgender people feel unsafe and unwelcome, officials have said.
The stickers began appearing in 2020 on telephone poles, trash bins and even Seven Days newsstands. People regularly report them on the city-run app SeeClickFix, sometimes accusing the alleged perpetrators by name.
One person often mentioned is New North End resident Bill Oetjen, an activist who has publicly acknowledged posting anti-trans stickers. In 2022, his sticker spree caught the attention of then-state representative Mulvaney-Stanak, who launched a campaign on GoFundMe to purchase decals with pro-trans messages. She put her stickers up, with permission,
in the windows of homes and cafés, she said.
It didn’t slow Oetjen, and in 2023, the city council passed a resolution condemning the stickers and other transphobic activity. The measure asked a council subcommittee to amend the city’s existing graffiti ordinance to stem the “hateful and harmful messages.”
Seven months later, in October 2023, Burlington police ticketed Oetjen after someone took video of him affixing stickers to traffic signs. The fines totaled $1,200. That prompted Oetjen to obtain city records showing that since March
2022, he had been the only person ticketed under the graffiti ordinance — despite widespread tagging in the city.
Oetjen hired Jared Carter, an attorney and adjunct professor at the Cornell First Amendment Clinic in Ithaca, N.Y., who wrote a sternly worded letter accusing city officials of targeting his client. The city agreed in April to dismiss the tickets.
The council subcommittee began working on the ordinance in May and voted on the current proposal in late September before earning approval from the full council last week.
The law would allow residents to file civil lawsuits that seek to address alleged harms in lieu of government enforcement. Such “private rights of action” are becoming increasingly common options. Vermont lawmakers, for instance, passed a bill this year that would allow consumers to sue companies over a data breach. Gov. Phil Scott vetoed the measure because of concerns that it would harm businesses.
As proposed, Burlington’s ordinance would allow people to sue over any act of graffiti, offensive or not. But it also provides what officials have called a “hate crime enhancement,” which would award at least $100 in damages if a person proves the graffiti or stickers targeted their race, religion, gender identity or other protected characteristic.
If a court found in favor of the complainant, the tagger would be required to pay the person’s attorney fees. But if the court deemed the complaint frivolous or without merit, the plaintiff would have to pay the defendant’s court fees.
Mulvaney-Stanak says the proposal is a way to take aim at anti-trans rhetoric and gives the city stronger tools to deal with offensive stickers.
“This feels like a really important step forward to strengthen our options,” she said. “We’re looking at creative legal solutions that stand up to my desire to respect free speech but also to make sure we’re being clear around hate-driven speech.”
First Amendment attorneys see it differently. Carter, Oetjen’s lawyer, likened the ordinance to “censorship by mob rule.” He anticipates his client would be sued, given that the ordinance rewrite was prompted by Oetjen’s stickering.
Laws regulating speech should be enforced equally, but leaving the job to citizens removes those guardrails, Carter said. The ordinance could be used to suppress other views, such as pro-Palestinian statements that Jewish people may find threatening, he said.
The government would be “choosing winners and losers based on the content of speech,” he said. “That’s extremely problematic from a free speech perspective, and I don’t think that’s the society we want.”
Stark, the ACLU staff attorney, agrees. While enhancements for hate crimes are
providers for at least $10,000 in damages plus attorney fees.
“It’s really easy to see the potential for abuse here, for neighbors bringing each other into court over anything that elicits strong reactions,” Stark said of Burlington’s proposal. The risk of being sued would create an unreasonable chill on protected speech, he added.
Oetjen did not respond to a request for comment.
City officials have defended the language of the proposed ordinance. Asked at last week’s council meeting if it would open the city to liability, Assistant City Attorney Erik Ramakrishnan dismissed the notion.
“People can sue anybody for anything all the time,” he told councilors. “I think that what we’re proposing here is legally defensible.”
In a statement, City Attorney Jessica Brown said the First Amendment doesn’t protect hate speech that’s expressed when violating the law — and defacing public property is just that. Taggers would only be liable for damages if they acted maliciously or “for the purpose of intimidating or harassing a person or group,” Brown said.
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HARRISON STARK
generally legal, those for hate speech raise legal issues, he said.
Having private citizens enforce laws is often a way for the government to distance itself from unconstitutional actions, Stark said. He compared the tactic to a 2021 Texas law that bars abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected, known as the Heartbeat Act. Enacted before Roe v. Wade was overturned, the law allows private citizens to sue abortion
Councilor Gene Bergman (P-Ward 2), a former city attorney, said he sees no issue with the private right of action. The prospect of being sued would deter the stickering, he said, and provide a “nonviolent, one-on-one dispute resolution forum and process” for people to resolve their differences.
New North End resident Olivia Taylor supports the proposal. Taylor, who has organized cleanups to remove transphobic stickers, says they’re often placed near schools and playgrounds to intimidate kids who are questioning their gender identity. That type of harassment “feels like a cut-and-dry example of what this [ordinance] is for,” Taylor said.
Even so, assembling a court case would be a tall order, Taylor said, noting that people targeted by stickers may be loath to sue, for fear of future harassment. And it takes effort to get proof of someone stickering. The person who captured Oetjen on video had to hide in the bushes and wait, she said.
Stark, the ACLU lawyer, worries that adopting a “bounty-style” enforcement scheme could encourage vigilantism. If Burlington wants everyone to feel welcome, there are other ways to do it.
“The best antidote to hate speech is more speech,” Stark said. “Authorizing this kind of bounty-style private enforcement ... is just a recipe to further erode the social fabric in ways that really undermine the goal the city is trying to pursue.” ➆
« P.15
prisoners to court hearings, they raise most of their revenue through contracted work — escorting wide loads on the highway, for instance, or patrolling a town part time.
Gamelin’s initiative is both a sign of the times and an innovation, said Lamoille County Sheriff Roger Marcoux Jr., who has earned a reputation as one of the state’s most enterprising sheriffs since he took office in 2001.
“This stuff where you go to local businesses to guard that — to me, that’s new,” Marcoux said.
Gamelin, who was elected in 2022, has a personal incentive to drum up business. State law allows sheriffs to keep up to 5 percent of revenue earned through contract work, at their discretion. With more than $500,000 in security detail revenue so far this year, Gamelin could take home more than $26,000. The sheriff said he hasn’t decided whether he will.
Goldman Sachs, the world’s secondlargest investment bank, contracted with Gamelin in April to station a deputy outside the 100 Bank Street building where it keeps an under-the-radar office. Why?
Gamelin heard someone pointed a gun at a private security guard who stumbled upon a drug deal in a stairwell.
Goldman Sachs wanted an officer posted there for 12 hours a day, Gamelin said, but the sheriff doesn’t have the deputies to do that. Instead, the contract calls for a uniformed deputy to guard the building each day for two hours in the mornings and evenings. Per the contract, which Seven Days obtained through a public records request, the sheriff’s responsibilities include “assisting staff to their vehicles at request” and “move on assailants from the building facade.”
Gamelin, who leads a department with 20 full-time and 10 part-time deputies, mans the post himself when no deputies are available.
Lately, the “assailants” have tended to be homeless people camping in nooks outside the building. Flattened cardboard boxes covered the concrete next to an emergency exit. An empty tent and blanket lay strewn in another alcove.
Gamelin said his patrols have reduced problems at the building. He finds fewer needles outside these days.
“They’re not coming here — at least, they know that in the morning, we get here,” he said.
For years, his department’s only steady security contract was to patrol the railroad property downtown to make sure no one slept inside or under the boxcars. Over the past year, Gamelin has added eight new contracts.
Last winter, Burlington Housing Authority hired his department to conduct
overnight sweeps inside Decker Towers, though those patrols have since ended.
Gamelin also signed security contracts with the Champlain Housing Trust, Ohavi Zedek synagogue and the Chittenden County Superior Court. Green Castle Group, which recently purchased the derelict former YMCA building on College Street, hired the sheriff’s department in August to patrol the grounds.
The sheriff charges $75 per hour for a security detail and $112.50 per hour for work after 5 p.m.
Gamelin’s largest contract, by far, is with an affiliate of Hannaford grocery stores. Chittenden County sheriff’s deputies are stationed at various supermarket locations in Chittenden and Franklin counties to combat theft for a combined 120 hours per week, Gamelin said. Some stand in uniform, while others work in plain clothes with the company’s lossprevention employees, Gamelin said.
Unlike store employees and private security guards, the deputies can pursue suspected thieves into the parking lot.
“Our guys have gotten into some physical fights with some of these people that are stealing,” Gamelin said.
They’ve also made shoplifting arrests — more than 400 apprehensions at the Hannaford locations. They issue citations for any theft over $100, Gamelin said, though the Chittenden County State’s Attorney Office has declined to prosecute many of the cases.
State’s Attorney Sarah George said her office scrutinizes whether charges merit the limited resources of a strapped judicial system.
“If someone is stopped at the door and the theft is avoided and there is no money owed to a large corporation,” George wrote in an email, “that is a successful deterrence of the crime and we will consider those factors when deciding if it’s worth
organization Food Not Cops has distributed free hot lunches every day at 1 p.m. from a brick ledge on the ground floor. The lunch attracts 20 to 40 people daily, many of them poor or homeless. Some attendees have long rap sheets or active trespass notices from surrounding businesses.
Members of Food Not Cops believe the sheriff’s detail has kept some people away.
“As an organization called Food Not Cops, to have a cop sit right there is very tense and uncomfortable,” one organizer, Gwen Gosey, said.
Gosey and other lunch organizers suspect the city hired the sheriff at least in part because some businesspeople have been complaining about Food Not Cops. Frustrated by erratic behavior around Church Street, some businesses have come to see the lunch as a magnet for troublemakers.
adding another retail theft to our backlog of cases.”
Queen City taxpayers are funding Gamelin’s most recent contract. Burlington, which maintains the largest municipal police department in the state, turned to the sheriff’s department this fall to deal with mounting complaints around the Church Street Marketplace.
The city now pays the sheriff’s department $1,500 weekly to guard the cityowned Marketplace parking garage. The garage, used by shoppers and tourists, has become a hot spot for loitering and drug use, prompting officials to shutter two of its interior stairwells.
Since September 2, deputy Tom Oliver — who is also a state representative from Sheldon — has been stationed inside the garage on weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The city’s written contract discourages Oliver from making arrests or using force.
Oliver camped out near the alleyway that connects the garage to Church Street around lunchtime one day last week. He described his assignment as “just trying to keep it happy, safe.” Oliver has encountered some scuffles, drug use, public fornication and angry business owners. He tries to mediate disputes, Oliver said, but hasn’t made any arrests or issued any trespass notices.
“I appreciate you,” a woman told Oliver as she walked to her car, a box of new shoes in hand. “It’s nice to have a presence down here again.”
The woman, Morgan, said she was from Hyde Park but declined to give her last name. She’d come to Burlington to shop.
“I don’t like to be this way, but I’m a little bit intimidated, so I don’t come down nearly as often as I used to,” Morgan said. “Looking around today, I was like, Oh, OK, it feels a little better.”
Others are wary of Oliver’s presence. For more than four years, local mutual-aid
“I think we should really examine what purpose it’s serving and whether it’s best located there,” Burlington Business Association executive director Kelly Devine said.
Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak’s office, in a statement, denied that the city hired the sheriff in response to such complaints. Rather, spokesperson Joe Magee said, the city is combating unrelated “anti-social behavior” in the garage that Burlington police don’t have the resources to address. The city also pays private security firms to patrol the garage at night, Magee noted.
Magee acknowledged, however, that the mayor has talked to Food Not Cops leaders about “finding an alternative location for the distribution that is safer and more sanitary.”
So far, those conversations haven’t gone anywhere. Food Not Cops organizer Sam Bliss said the organization is safely providing an “essential service” with no public funding. “It’s frustrating that when the city wants to engage with us, it’s to put a sheriff next to us — to police us — or to ask us to move,” Bliss said.
As Beth Deering ate lunch at the distribution last Wednesday, she questioned the wisdom of the sheriff’s detail. Deering, who uses a wheelchair, said Oliver does little else but “babysit” her and the other homeless people who use the garage.
“They should be focused on things that only they can do, being a sheriff,” she said, “and let the security be done by the people that can only do security.”
The garage is less rowdy since he started patrolling, Oliver said, but he also admitted that his post has a limited impact.
“It’s displacement,” he said. “They’re going to go somewhere else, and probably get moved along at some point from there.”
That is, if the next property owner can afford it. ➆
• A Winter Getaway at Killington Resort
• an Athletic Brewing Co. Mini-fridge
• Passes to Vermont Brewers Festival
To enter, post a photo* of yourself enjoying the burger love at any official Burger Week location with #7dburgerweek *one photo per restaurant. not on instagram? submit your pics at burgerweekvt.com.
, Stowe
Shelburne Tap House
The Skinny Pancake (Burlington, Montpelier, Quechee, Stowe)
Positive Pie, Montpelier
Switchback Brewing Co., Burlington
Shakedown Street BBQ & Grill at Stowe Cider
, Bristol
Wayside Restaurant & Bakery, Berlin
Worthy Burger, South Royalton
« P.7
them purchase their own private plans or Obamacare. When the reality of their situation sets in, perhaps people will rouse from their complacency and demand Medicare for All. Why should your employment status determine your access to health care?
Gregory Kruszewski SOUTH BURLINGTON
Thank you for your review of the theater performance of An Iliad [“The Fig Tree Committee Brings a Greek Epic to Vermont Prisons,” October 9]. I was able to view the play outside of a prison, at O.N.E. Community Center in Burlington. I wish more of the public could have seen it. An Iliad, as with The Iliad, is about the destruction of the city of Troy, the first documented destruction of a center of civilization. An Iliad goes further and lists the many wars and cities that have been destroyed since then. We can remember (though few of us do) in recent years: Mosul, Iraq (2016-17), and Aleppo, the largest city and UNESCO world heritage site in Syria (2012-2016). These were wisdom centers and trading routes for centuries, both largely destroyed in the past decade. And now Gaza, reduced to rubble before our eyes.
Paul Susi was brilliant as the Poet. I remarked during the discussion after the play that the warrior Agamemnon built up storehouses of swords and shields to destroy the city of Troy. Now “we” are filling storehouses and silos with nuclear weapons. Is it possible we will not use them, considering the current passionate inclination for war? Given the history of war making portrayed in An Iliad, I weep for our future.
Robin Lloyd BURLINGTON
“Moose has seemingly received more media attention than almost any violent crime in Burlington,” your reporter quotes Franklin County prosecutor Diane Wheeler in [“‘Vicious’ Burlington Dog Is Moved, Must Undergo Training,” October 25, online]. “Instead of focusing on a dog who needs services, the media could focus on how to support victims of child abuse, sexual abuse, abuse of vulnerable people, domestic violence and victims of other violent crimes.”
This is embarrassing that it is happening in a city with this level of homelessness and drugs.
Tamar Howson BURLINGTON
[Re “No Phone Zones: To Limit Distractions and Encourage Student Interaction, More Vermont Schools Are Restricting the Use of Digital Devices,” September 4]: I want to thank Alison Novak for writing this article, which I believe should be continuously brought to the public eye. I understand the importance of engaging in the classroom; it not only brings joy to teachers but also helps students retain information and disconnect from the constant presence of technology. Locking phones away may seem excessive and invasive, but perhaps consequences like grading based on
phone usage could be effective. “I think that every student in the school does know they’re addicted to their phone,” student Cashel Higgins said, “but at the same time, they don’t want to change because it’s easier not to.”
As a college student, I have tried to use my phone less in class, but it is definitely easier to use it since professors often don’t say anything. In contrast, during middle and high school, teachers would simply take phones away for the rest of the class or call parents, which I believe was effective. To be honest, as someone with a short attention span who recently deleted social media, I have found that reducing my phone use has made it easier to complete assignments and pay attention in class.
Rosleidy Falcon BURLINGTON
The close-knit community at Saint Michael’s College lifts up students — and changes
When Aidan Finnegan arrived at Saint Michael’s College as a fi rst-year student three years ago, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to study and didn’t have a lot of confi dence in his academic abilities.
One thing he did know: He wanted to play rugby. He’d grown up in the Boston area and had been playing the sport since seventh grade, so he joined Saint Michael’s club rugby team.
A few months in, Finnegan took a tough hit. “I caught a couple knees to the head and ended up with a traumatic brain injury,” he said. He started having seizures — eight to 10 a day — that sometimes required hospitalization. His schoolwork suffered. The injury almost derailed his college career.
What saved him was his professors. They worked closely with him to keep him on track. “They didn’t let me off the hook,” Finnegan explained, “but they encouraged me to know myself and work within my limits.”
With continuing faculty support, Finnegan improved his grades and found a major — political science. He took classes in French and philosophy because the college required it, but he liked those subjects so much he added them as minors. He got involved in student government.
Finnegan suffered a serious setback
among 40 majors, students can benefit from three interdisciplinary institutes focused on global engagement, environmental stewardship, and advancing equity and justice. These “personalized learning environments” foster close relationships with faculty, staff and coaches and encourage undergraduate research, internships, advocacy work and leadership opportunities, according to president Plumb.
last year and was hospitalized again. It was his most vulnerable point, he said.
Yet his Saint Michael’s network was there for him. “I’ve never felt more supported,” he said of that time in his life.
He managed to end his second semester with a 4.0 GPA and made the dean’s list. “That’s something I never thought I would be capable of,” he said. Next year, he sees law school in his future.
Transformative educational experiences such as Finnegan’s are not unusual at the small liberal arts school in Colchester. Founded in 1904 by the Catholic Society of Saint Edmund, Saint Michael’s has always been guided by the principles of education, justice and service. But equally valuable to its
1,100 students are the opportunities to be seen and known by professors and peers — 90 percent of classes have fewer than 30 students — and to give back to that supportive community.
“At Saint Michael’s College, the student experience is our priority,” said Richard Plumb, PhD, who was inaugurated as the 18th president of the college on October 26. “Our vision is to provide students with the skills, professionalism and empathy to navigate the complexities of the modern world.”
Saint Michael’s delivers on that promise in multiple ways. In addition to choosing
“The institutes provide our liberal arts majors with a learning laboratory to apply what they have learned in class to the real world, similar to the chemistry or biology lab,” Plumb said. “For example, a business major can participate in the Leahy Institute for the Environment and work with a local sustainable business partner to develop an energy-efficiency plan for the college.”
Plumb also cites opportunities such as the school’s Fire and Rescue squad, a volunteer program operated primarily by students who respond to calls in Colchester, Winooski and surrounding towns. Saint Michael’s Mobilization of Volunteer Efforts (MOVE) program has connections with more than 25 local nonprofits where students can advocate, intern and volunteer.
Said Plumb: “At Saint Michael’s College, the student learning experience does not end when class ends; it’s the real-world engagement that makes us stand out.”
In keeping with its focus on advancing equity and justice, Saint Michael’s created the Edmundite African American fellowship program, which continues the order’s legacy of supporting African American civil rights. Jolivette Anderson-Douoning was the inaugural fellow, serving from 2021 to 2023 while she finished her doctoral program in American studies at Purdue University.
Anderson-Douoning is not Catholic, but she was familiar with the Edmundite order through its work in New Orleans; she grew up in Shreveport, La., and lived for 10 years in Mississippi, not far from south Louisiana history and culture.
Accepting the fellowship at Saint Michael’s allowed her to move with her teenage daughter from Indiana to Vermont and gave her time and space to finish her dissertation. In it, she used a unique primary source — her grandmother’s handwritten ledger, which she discovered at her parents’ house after
they died — as a window into African American life in Louisiana during the Jim Crow era.
The book shows that “we had our own thoughts about the world,” she said. “But sometimes sharing those thoughts could cause us harm, could bring harm to yourself or your family. So those things stayed quiet and inside of our own communities and our own spaces.”
Bringing attention to those thoughts and actions is part of her life’s work. After earning her PhD, Anderson-Douoning accepted a postdoctoral fellowship at Saint Michael’s. Now professor Anderson-Douoning teaches “The African-American Experience, 1619 to the Present” and a first-year seminar called “Black Voices of Democracy.” She also coteaches a dual-enrollment course at Winooski High School — part of Vermont’s most racially diverse school district — and helps her students develop a nuanced understanding of the history of segregation and “how Black people were actually living inside segregated spaces,” she said.
Anderson-Douoning recently traveled to Montgomery, Ala., where she delivered a talk to lawyers with the Southern Poverty Law Center. She and her daughter combined the trip with a college and civil rights tour, stopping in Selma and Tuskegee. One of her former students, a senior, is writing a thesis on Jim Crow laws in Alabama, so Anderson-Douoning texted with him during her travels, sending photos of historical markers and other information that might be helpful to him.
“That’s the Saint Mike’s spirit,” she said. “When you’re at a small institution like this, you can build those kinds of relationships with your students.”
Saint Michael’s helps its current and former students seek meaningful experiences off campus, too. It’s one of approximately 30 institutions in the U.S. to offer grants through the Freeman Foundation for international internships, and it has a medical school matriculation rate more than double the national average.
It also has a reputation for producing Fulbright fellows. Last year, the U.S. State Department recognized the college as a “Top Producing Institution” for Fulbright awards. In the past two years, the school’s Fulbright scholars have served
in or been selected for Mexico, Spain, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Costa Rica and Kenya.
Patricia Siplon, professor of political science and international relations — and director of Saint Michael’s public health program — leads the effort to help students win Fulbright fellowships. She’s a two-time “Fulbrighter” who went to Tanzania in 2005 and Jordan from 2011 to 2012.
“Both experiences were wonderful and transformative,” she said. “They opened up new connections, gave me new skills and, perhaps most of all, new ways of viewing our world. Now I am dedicated to opening the path to those opportunities to as many students as possible.”
She said even the act of applying is valuable, as it helps students assess their own strengths and aspirations. “Those who win a fellowship often mention learning they had skills and abilities they didn’t know they had,” Siplon said.
All of these experiences add up to a college education that prepares students not just for a job but for a wide variety of careers. For example, Vermont’s Commerce Secretary, Lindsay Kurrle, graduated in 1993.
“Saint Michael’s College set me on a path toward personal and professional success, which I reflect on often,” she wrote in a testimonial. “Choosing a faith-based, liberal arts education in a close-knit community was one of my life’s best decisions. Not only did I earn an accounting degree, but I also made lifelong friendships and acquired tools that have proven invaluable as I navigated life and career.”
Jared Peick ’13 currently works for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration as a biomedical engineer and crew health integrator at the Johnson Space Center.
“As a Biology major, my studies were
amplified by courses like philosophy, communications, and religious studies,” he wrote. “Faculty always encouraged critical thinking, taking action to solve problems, and to search for answers utilizing the interdisciplinary mindset taught in the liberal arts curriculum.”
Peick’s hands-on learning experiences at Saint Michael’s made an impression on him. “I often think about the lessons I learned while managing my senior research study, which sought to understand the health of Vermont streams through the macroinvertebrate communities,” he wrote.
The college’s campus community mattered to Peick, too. “I can’t speak highly enough of the community of people that make up Saint Michael’s. Faculty, staff, and students all seem to share the same appreciation that Saint Michael’s is a special place,” he said.
That same spirit is what drew president Plumb to the school. In his inaugural address on October 26, he shared a story about his arrival as a freshman at Syracuse University, when he had a chance encounter with the associate dean of the College of Engineering.
“He asked if I was a first-year student and what I hoped to achieve in college. I shared my story — that I liked math and science, loved rowing, and wanted to study engineering but had been told I was not smart enough.” At the end of their conversation, Plumb said, the dean “asked me to walk with him to his office … and he transferred me into the engineering program that morning.” Plumb wound up graduating at the top of his class.
He said he came to Saint Michael’s because he was profoundly impacted by the people he met through the interview process. “They reminded me of Dr. Gildersleeve — the man who saw potential in me when others did not. It was his belief in me, his willingness to take a chance, that changed the course of my life.”
At Saint Michael’s, he said, “I feel that same spirit — a belief not only in me but in the limitless potential of this institution and its people. The passion, dedication and shared values I witnessed reaffirmed this is where I belong.”
JULY 19, 1936OCTOBER 24, 2024 CHARLOTTE, VT.
Birgit Wrede Nielsen Deeds left us peacefully, at her home, on ursday, October 24, 2024. Her spirit and love of life will always be with us and inspire us, even as we miss her tremendously. Birgit was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, on
OCTOBER 15, 1994-
OCTOBER 23, 2024
SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT.
July 19, 1936, to Gerda and Tage Nielsen. e young family, including Birgit’s sisters, Hanne and Bodil, moved to the U.S. in 1939. ey settled in New Canaan, Conn. Birgit rode horses and sailed in the summers in Denmark once the war had ended. She attended St. Anne’s School in Charlottesville, Va., and then Wells College in Aurora, N.Y., where she met Cornell student David B. Findlay Jr., also from New Canaan. ey married and began raising a family in New Canaan. Birgit finished earning her college degree at New York University, commuting into New York City when she was pregnant with Hal, their first child. In New Cannan, while raising four children, Birgit had good friends and an active social life; volunteered in local schools, bringing art history to less advantaged students; and made her kids eat liver once a week. In 1971 she met E. Andrew Deeds on the beaches of
It is with profound sadness that we share that Connor M. Fitzgerald passed away unexpectedly on October 23, 2024, in Burlington, Vt. He was born in Las Vegas on October 15, 1994, and joined his adoptive family in Highland Park, Ill., where he attended school and played multiple sports. ere, he became an avid Bears fan and had the opportunity to attend many Bulls games at the United Center, which fueled a lifelong love of basketball. His sister, Sarah, joined the family in 1996, and they relocated back to Vermont in 2004 to be closer to his grandparents and extended family. Connor attended South Burlington schools and graduated from South Burlington High School in 2013. We are grateful that we were able to recently celebrate Connor’s 30th
birthday together with much love and laughter. It reminded us how caring, empathetic, protective, charismatic and loyal Connor was, with a lively sense of humor and a strong opinion on most any topic.
Small Point, Maine, fell in love and moved to Charlotte, Vt., in January 1972. With a combined 10 children at times, the family downhill skied, cross-country skied, ice boated, traveled, played tennis (Andy’s favorite) and roughhoused. Birgit joined the team at Andy’s businesses, Air North and Northern Airways, as the human resources officer when the nest emptied.
Birgit and Andy lived an adventurous life that always included friends of all ages, as well as children’s friends. ey began sailing on Lake Champlain and then took their Palmer Johnson 43, Birgo, to Maine, the Caribbean and Scandinavia, where it stayed for many years and saw many ports. ey loved to play tennis and ski, which took them from the slopes of Sugarbush to Snowbird, Aspen, Sun Valley, Austria and heli-skiing at CMH in Canada. ey also loved taking canoe trips in
Connor is survived by his mother, Elizabeth; his birth mother, K.M.; and his beloved sister, Sarah. He is also survived by two nieces, Ava and Harper, whom he adored and who also adored him. He is survived by many aunts and uncles and cousins: John and wife Donna (cousins Emily, Peter, Tim and Lydia); Julia and husband Bill Crenshaw (cousin Mike Bishop); Mary Jo and husband Gene Risi (cousins Matt, Adam and Kate); Jeffrey and wife Lynda (cousins Matt and Daniel); Andrew and wife Carolyn (cousins Mark, Greg and Maggie); Jane and husband Joseph Parrish (cousins Liam, Sean and
the Adirondacks and Marshall Lake, Ontario, exposing a variety of kids to Indigenous friends, strenuous paddling, portaging through muskeg, bears, hungry mosquitoes and black flies, and laughter around the campfire at the end of a long day. In summer 1976, they paddled away from Marshall Lake with four teenagers, including Hal, on an epic canoe adventure all the way to James Bay. ey flew in Andy’s Grumman Widgeon across the country to Alaska and explored the backcountry there. ey landed a Beechcraft King Air in the Atlantic when a fuel leak forced them down. A Russian trawler picked them up from their inflatable raft, and they were ultimately brought back to the U.S. by the coast guard.
In 1976 Birgit and Andy visited Pine Cay, a small island in the Turks and Caicos, and soon built a house and spent time there, with friends and family, for many years. In the
Molly); and Joseph and wife Bethany (cousins Gretchen and Britta).
Predeceasing Connor are his grandparents, Mary Ellen (Fuller) and John R. Fitzgerald, and infant cousin, Elizabeth A. Fitzgerald.
We wish to express sincere gratitude to the first responders of the Burlington Fire Department and the University of Vermont Emergency Department, who provided heroic efforts during Connor’s medical crisis. We also wish to thank LaVigne Funeral Home and Cremation Services, who provided a dignified and respectful opportunity for us to say goodbye to Connor.
A remembrance service will be scheduled at a later date.
“For he was lost and now is found.”
earlier years, food had to be brought from Florida in coolers, loading up the Widgeon to capacity, and electricity (via generator) was shut off at 10 p.m. every night.
In 1987 Birgit began restoring the Formal Gardens at Shelburne Farms, an endeavor that she devoted much time to for the rest of her years. When there, she enchanted numerous visitors and gardening aficionados.
Birgit was known for her undaunted love of life and her generosity. While she and Andy had many adventures, she loved life on their farm in Charlotte the most, with her dogs, Fjord horses and mini donkeys. Family Christmases and summer gatherings were joyful, and grandchildren were fortunate to share time with their grandparents often.
It is hard to encapsulate a life so full on one page. Everyone she leaves behind will be sure to have all kinds of memories.
A yearning heart, with restless pace rough darkened paths, his steps did stray.
But light has come to guide his way.
en grace descended, soft and kind
A hand to hold and peace of mind e chains of doubt now cast aside
In love’s embrace, he can confide.
is is a tale of hope untold
A story written, with love’s strong hold,
For he was lost and now is found
A sacred peace, on holy ground.
In honor of Connor’s generous spirit, please consider a donation to the South Burlington Food Shelf, PO Box 9147, South Burlington, VT 054079417, southburlingtonfoodshelf.org
Arrangements are in the care of LaVigne Funeral Home and Cremation Services. To send online condolences to his family, please visit vtfuneralhomes.com.
Birgit was predeceased by her parents, her two sisters, her former husband, and her husband and partner in adventure and life, Andy. She is survived by her children, Harald “Hal” Beals Findlay (June Tang), Kimberly “Kim” Wrede Findlay, Lee Wrede Findlay Potter (Nick Potter) and Michael Nielsen Findlay (Emily Findlay). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Marshall, Nick and Cassie Findlay; Duncan, Niels and Amelia Davis; Arthur, Lila and Nina Potter; and William Findlay; and greatgrandchildren, Eva Grace, Ethan and Olivia Findlay; Cordie Wrede Leonard; and Trip Mahoney. She had many close friends — you know who you are, and you were so important to her.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Shelburne Farms in Shelburne, Vt. A celebration of Andy and Birgit’s lives will be held in the spring.
A gathering is planned for spring 2025. Date and time will be announced with a full obituary to follow.
MAY 2, 1940OCTOBER 26, 2024
RICHMOND, VT.
Peter E. omas, 84, of Richmond, Vt., peacefully entered into life with God on Saturday, October 26, 2024, with family at his side. e youngest of Eustace and Lena (Hicks) omas’ 10 children, Peter grew up on the family farm in Shelburne, Vt. He married his wife of 41 years, Elaine (Griffith), on May 4, 1963, in Saint Patrick’s Chapel at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Burlington, Vt., settling in Richmond and welcoming children Pamela, Mary Ann, Kimberly and Kevin. Peter married Juliet Veve on June 30, 2007, at Saint Anne’s Shrine in Isle La Motte, Vt., with her sons, William Veve and Victor Veve, joining Peter’s family.
After serving in the U.S. Navy, Peter worked at IBM and oversaw facilities at Browns River Middle School. He also operated a flooring business, Quality Carpets, for many years. In retirement, he, Juliet and their dog Tipper brought
joy to children with their visits to local schools. His years included many other moments of joy, including trips to Maine, camping and gardening. Most prominent of all was his care and concern for his family, a legacy continuing in those he loved. In passing, Peter joins his parents, Eustace and Lena; siblings Herrick, Leonard, Anthony, Mary Eileen, eresa and Isabelle; first wife, Elaine, and their daughter Mary Ann; and daughter-in-law Maryclare Plunkett. ose remembering Peter include his wife, Juliet; siblings Julia Mae Cameron, Hazel Yencha and Zita Lackenbauer; children Pamela Doran (Richard), Kimberly omas and Kevin omas (Rebecca, with their children, Addison and Colin); stepchildren, William Veve (Rita, with their son, Felix) and Victor Veve (Sarah Stein, with their daughters, Althea and eadora); and extended members of the omas, Griffith and Veve families.
Peter’s family thank those who cared for and ministered to him in his last hours, including Richmond Rescue, the emergency and ICU staff at the University of Vermont Medical Center, and Bishop John McDermott.
A mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Monday, November 4, 2024, 11 a.m., at his longtime parish of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Richmond, with burial following at Holy Rosary Cemetery. Gifts in Peter’s honor may be made to the Knights of Columbus, Rosary Council, PO Box 71, Richmond, VT 05477.
JANUARY 27, 1925OCTOBER 22, 2024 NEEDHAM, MASS.
Nancy McNamara Harris passed away peacefully on October 22, 2024, at her home at North Hill in Needham, Mass., at the age of 99. She was a wonderful, vibrant, smart and beautiful wife, mother and grandmother.
Nancy was born in Burlington, Vt., on January 27, 1925, to Mary Patricia (Magner) and Joseph McNamara. Her devoted husband of 64 years, G.B. Clifton Harris, MD, passed away in 2022. She is survived by her four daughters: M. Patricia Harris, MD, of Asbury, N.J.; Kathryn Harris, MD, and her husband, Tony Medeiros, of Mansfield, Mass.; Amy Harris of Peru, Vt.; and Polly Harris and her husband, Rich Sturim, of Charlotte, Vt. She is also survived by her eight grandchildren: Sarah and Anna Gleicher, Matthew and Ry Medeiros, Carly and Will Helmetag, and Elias and Sam Sturim. She was predeceased by her two sisters, Maureen McNamara and Martha (McNamara) Mahoney, and her brother, James McNamara.
Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier in Newport, R.I., in 1953. She later gave her sketches and the article from that event to the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum in Boston. While working in Boston, she met her husband-to-be, Clif, after she broke her leg. At the time, Clif was a radiologist-intraining at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, and he took her X-rays. eir romance began when Nancy invited Clif to her “cast-off” party.
Nancy and Clif were married in 1957, and they raised their four daughters in Needham. Nancy was involved as a volunteer at St. Bartholomew Church. She also was elected as a town meeting member in Needham. After raising her daughters, Nancy worked as a tour guide for Executours of Boston and as a career counselor at Wider Opportunities for Women.
e family spent winter weekends skiing in New Hampshire and Vermont and summers at Starr Farm Beach on Lake Champlain. ey were members of the Needham Pool and Racquet Club, the Needham Golf Club, and the Lake Mansfield Trout Club in Vermont. In later years, Nancy and Clif spent winters in Sarasota, Fla., and enjoyed traveling with friends.
AUGUST 6, 1953NOVEMBER 2, 2024
BURLINGTON, VT.
Pam passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Elderwood nursing home, from dementia.
Pam was born on August 6, 1953, to Ralph and Leona (Sears) Monahan in Burlington, Vt. She attended Burlington schools. She married Maurice Bascom in 1971.
Pam loved her kitties and bowling. She collected unicorns. Pamela was a stay-athome mom and cared for her dad for 25 years before he passed. She is survived by her husband, Maurice Bascom, of Milton, Vt; son Jay and his wife, Jenn, of Nevada; son Scotty of Burlington; daughter, Wendy, of Newport, Vt.; and sister, Sandy Rotella, and her husband, Tom, of Colchester, Vt. She has several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, Ralph and Leona, and her brothers, Jim, Gary and Bobby.
ere will be no visiting hours, per her wishes. Interment will be on November 12, 2024, noon, at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Burlington.
In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in her name.
Nancy grew up in Burlington, Vt., and graduated from the University of Vermont. She worked in the fashion industry, first in New York City at Bonwit Teller, then in Boston as a buyer at Filene’s. She was a fashion reporter at Women’s Wear Daily and covered the fashion at the wedding of senator John F.
Her family is grateful for the loving care she received at North Hill in Needham and especially the care team at Vista Terrace. Donations in Nancy’s memory may be made to the North Hill Team Member Appreciation Fund, c/o Bert Dane, 865 Central Ave., Apt. F501, Needham, MA 02492.
e family would like to thank her friends and caretakers at Elderwood for all of their care and love, as well as hospice for the wonderful care and support for her and Mo. Special thanks also to Chrystal and Pam.
Sandy would like to thank her special friends for all their support and love during this most difficult time: Cathy and Steve Renaudette, Ralph and Jeannette Leo, and Joyce Pidgeon.
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The Community Health Centers of Burlington recorded 165,000 patient visits last year, 35,000 more than five years ago. One out of every 10 visits now requires translation services, and hundreds of checkups are performed not in a doctor’s o ce but on the streets, in the woods and wherever else backpack-carrying providers can find patients of an increasingly needed homeless outreach program.
CEO Je rey McKee and his sta have never worked harder. Yet the center is quickly going broke, unable to cover growing expenses — starting with the cost of its own workers’ health care.
The Chittenden County provider is projecting a $2 million budget gap largely driven by rising health insurance costs. Next year, it will pay 55 percent more for plans than in 2022.
“We’re losing about $300,000 a month,” McKee said at a meeting with state o cials and local health care leaders last month. “An organization our size cannot sustain that.”
BY COLIN FLANDERS • colin@sevendaysvt.com
Similar conclusions are being reached all across Vermont — in hushed tones at dinner tables, behind closed doors at local businesses and during budget meetings at public schools. On this, there is no debate: Health care has become una ordable and grows more so each year.
e price of health care plans in Vermont has doubled in six years. e prognosis for cost containment is grim.
Rising costs are leading more healthy people to consider ditching insurance entirely, a dicey proposition that could deepen Vermont’s problem by further shrinking the risk pool and leaving it with a larger proportion of people who need costly medical services.
THERE IS NO HOSPITAL IN VERMONT
BRUCE HAMORY
IS NOT IN JEOPARDY.
The monthly cost of a typical plan on the state’s insurance marketplace has doubled over the past six years — from $474 to $948 — and ranks among the country’s most expensive. Individuals qualify for subsidies, but employers do not. They must absorb the hikes or pass the costs on to their workers.
State regulators have responded by targeting the main driver of insurance premium hikes: hospital costs. But e orts to limit hospitals’ budget growth have jeopardized their futures. Nine of the state’s 14 hospitals, all nonprofits, lost money last year, and some have less than half of the minimum recommended cash reserves.
A law passed in 2022 known as Act 167 commissioned a report on Vermont’s health care system and how it can be made more sustainable. Released this fall, the report made a dire prediction: Vermont’s hospital system could need massive new cash injections merely to maintain the status quo.
“There is no hospital in Vermont that is not in jeopardy,” said Dr. Bruce Hamory, a former infectious disease physician who authored the report. Hamory’s recommendation: Push as much care out of the hospitals as possible and regionalize Vermont’s siloed hospital system.
Included in the treatment plan was a bitter pill: Four rural hospitals — Gi ord Medical Center, North Country Hospital, Grace Cottage Hospital and Springfield Hospital — should prepare for the day when they can no longer sustain their inpatient units. Those hospitals must start planning now for new ways to serve the community, Hamory said, perhaps by repurposing their space and sta to other needed services, such as long-term or mental health care.
For Vermont’s largest hospital, Hamory had a different message. The University of Vermont Medical Center is too expensive, he argued, and must find ways to be more efficient.
Hamory has stressed that his recommendations are just that — recommendations, or options for hospitals to consider when bills start piling up, as he expects they will. Rather than a strict road map, the report is meant to be a starting point for future planning, state officials say. But hospital CEOs see it differently. They are waging a campaign to discredit Hamory’s suggestions, which they say would do more harm than good.
Simply putting the idea of closures on the table has hurt their communities, the hospitals contend. Last week, the Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems issued a statement saying frontline health care workers are due an apology.
“They have been disrespected and disrupted by this work and they need to know they are valued,” the statement said.
The uproar over the Hamory report has threatened to drown out a desperately needed conversation about the future of Vermont’s health care system.
That worries Mike Fisher, Vermont’s health care advocate, whose office hears daily from people who are delaying tests and procedures out of fear over the expected cost.
The report, at its most basic level, is a “prognosis,” Fisher said, one defined not
by some consultant but by the economics of rural health care.
“It can’t be, ‘Should we change?’ We have to change,” Fisher said. “There is no path forward in our current approach.”
The reasons for Vermont’s high insurance premiums are complex and intertwined, but much can be traced back to a familiar source: Vermont’s aging population, now one of the country’s oldest. The number of people over age 65 has nearly doubled since 2000, and one in three people will reach that
Throw in growing drug costs, medicalsupply inflation and the challenge of transferring patients into communitybased facilities, and you’re on your way to understanding why Vermont’s hospitals are spending 50 percent more today — $3.6 billion — than five years ago.
“Old and rural is not a good model for cheap anything but especially not for cheap health care,” Stephen Leffler, the president and chief operating officer of the UVM Medical Center, said at a public meeting last month.
Hospitals have raised their prices to cover their growing costs. Because Medicare and Medicaid increase rates for hospitals by limited amounts each year, these hikes fall hardest on commercial insurance companies. Vermont hospitals now have some of the highest prices in the country, according to an independent analysis from researchers at RAND.
What does this mean for Vermonters on private insurance? Again, demographics loom large.
Vermont insurance companies have been losing members as more people reach 65, leave the workforce and transition onto Medicare. The result is that a shrinking number of people are footing the bill for ballooning hospital costs.
The state has been trying to rein in hospital spending for more than a decade through ambitious reforms that seek to change the way Vermonters pay for health care. But there has been little to show for those efforts.
Former governor Peter Shumlin’s yearslong pursuit of a single-payer model imploded in 2014 after he learned how much it would cost and abandoned the effort.
Four years later came the all-payer model, which sought to move Vermont away from a fee-for-service funding system to one that instead encourages preventive care by reimbursing providers a set amount per patient. But OneCare Vermont, the nonprofit that manages the system, never managed to corral enough patients and providers, and a recent analysis by state regulators found that the model may have cost more than it saved.
age by 2040. Fewer babies are born each year, and, barring an influx of immigration, the workforce is projected to shrink in the coming decades.
All this will have major repercussions for the health care system.
Already, Vermont hospitals say they’re treating more older patients, with increasingly complex and costly health-care needs, than ever before. Providing this care has become more challenging amid prolonged workforce shortages; labor costs have skyrocketed as stretched-thin staffs seek pay raises and hospitals fill shifts with expensive temporary workers.
The task of curtailing Vermont’s health care spending has instead fallen on the Green Mountain Care Board, a five-member panel appointed by the governor to regulate hospital budgets and insurance rates.
Vermont has a long-standing goal of keeping annual hospital budget growth to 3.5 percent. But hospitals routinely propose budgets that exceed this target and warn that any cuts will reduce access to health care.
The budget approval process has become a game of chicken, in which
regulators must decide whether to grant the increases hospitals request or bear blame should, say, a birthing center be forced to shut down.
This tension plays out most publicly with the UVM Medical Center, whose $2 billion budget makes up two-thirds of hospital spending in the state. UVM Medical Center officials have repeatedly blasted the care board for trimming their proposals, but their predictions of revenue shortfalls haven’t always come to pass.
When the care board cut the hospital’s requested rate increase from 20 percent to about 15 percent in fiscal year 2023, for instance, the hospital called it a “severe blow” to access. In reality, though, the Burlington hospital saw far more patients than it expected that year, grossing $80 million more than projected.
Faced with an 8 percent budget increase request from the medical center this summer, regulators held their ground. Citing the hospital’s recent overage, they instead ordered it to lower what it charges commercial insurers by 1 percent. It was a shot across the bow, intended to send a clear message: Vermonters cannot a ord more increases.
The hospital responded by announcing plans to delay construction on a new surgical center, blaming the regulators. Then, last month, it formally appealed the care board’s budget decisions, saying that unless the budget order were reversed, patient care would su er.
No matter the ruling, health care costs will soon rise even higher for many.
That’s because earlier this summer, the state’s largest insurer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont, received permission from the care board to raise its premiums by roughly 20 percent next year.
The decision came after the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation, which audits insurance companies to ensure they can meet their obligations, raised the alarm over the insurer’s financial outlook. Blue Cross was hurtling toward insolvency, the state watchdog said, and needed to quickly rebuild its reserves.
State regulators anticipated that many people wouldn’t be able to afford the increases. But they reluctantly approved the request anyway, knowing that a
bankrupt Blue Cross could threaten the entire health care system.
“We’re plugging holes by putting fingers in leaks,” said Owen Foster, the care board chair.
The Family Place was contributing $666 monthly per employee for health insurance when Stephanie Slayton came on as executive director last year.
The Norwich nonprofit — one of 15 parent-child centers that offer a range of family-oriented services in Vermont — increased that contribution to $890 this year and will again increase it to $1,000 next year to prevent rising premiums from eating into employees’ take-home pay.
The growing expenses have forced Slayton to make tough decisions: The Family Place has stopped o ering scholarships or sliding-scale fees for its small, early childhood education program, for instance. But Slayton worries it won’t be enough.
While the $1,000 contribution will cover premiums for cheaper health plans, it won’t fully pay for the more robust plans that most of her employees say they need. The majority have families, and the
planned expansions. Meanwhile, people who live here with insufficient health care coverage may delay care or consider ditching insurance entirely, at the risk of landing in massive medical debt.
“A ordable health care is critical for our demographic problem,” Foster, the care board chair, said.
A pandemic-era expansion of federal subsidies has blunted the impact of rising premiums for those who purchase insurance plans though Vermont’s state marketplace, created as part of the federal A ordable Care Act. Roughly 90 percent of the 30,000 people with such plans now receive some form of tax credits. But businesses, many of which are staring down a third straight year of double-digit increases, have had no relief.
Vermont’s nonprofit sector — which employs roughly 70,000 people and provides vital safety-net services — has been hit particularly hard by premium hikes.
Many nonprofits only began o ering health insurance within the past decade or so to better compete for workers. They rely on funding sources that cannot be easily scaled to keep pace with rising costs.
At another nonprofit parent-child center, in Montpelier, co-executive director Joe Ferrada said roughly half of his 40 employees have told him that they routinely consider delaying their health care because of the cost.
nonprofit cannot a ord to contribute extra toward the more expensive family plans.
During a recent recruitment push, in which employees were o ered bonuses for referring new hires, Slayton said she received a harsh truth.
“All my friends are like me, moms with young children, and I think they’d be great [for the job],” one of her employees told her. “But the benefits are so abysmal, I’d never advise them to come here.”
“I was so sad,” Slayton said, “because I think people genuinely like their work here. But if you’re a single parent, or a young family starting out ... it’s just an untenable situation.”
The average price of health insurance coverage for a Vermont family was $25,588 last year, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. That’s double what it was a decade ago and $1,500 higher than the national average.
Employers who wind up absorbing those increases are attempting to cope with rising health care costs by charging more for their goods and services or cutting expenses. Others have no choice but to pass the price hikes on to their employees, sometimes wiping out annual raises.
The situation has threatened the growth of Vermont’s economy by forcing some businesses to downsize or reassess
“They are choosing not to take care of their health beyond preventative care because they can’t a ord the deductible,” he said.
It’s not just small employers feeling the pinch. The University of Vermont recently announced that it was raising tuition for the first time in five years to help cover the cost of its employees’ health care.
Days later, the trust that manages insurance plans for some 34,000 public school employees and their dependents across the state announced premiums would jump another 12 percent next year. That will drive proposed public school budgets higher, and administrators are again bracing for voters to reject them.
Rising premium costs worry Fisher, the health care advocate, because when health insurance markets are squeezed by high prices, a predictable trend occurs.
“Healthy people leave,” he said. “Sick people? They’ve got to stay” — and pay even more.
Insurance companies recognize the impact of high premiums and say they’ve tried to curb cost growth wherever possible. But that has its own ripple e ects.
Small health care organizations, including independent physicians’ o ces, say private insurances companies don’t pay them enough for the medical services they provide — and they have little leverage to
negotiate higher reimbursement rates. Some can go years without any increases, making it harder to cover their own increasing expenses, including recruiting and retaining employees.
The Community Health Centers of Burlington increased pay for its providers by a combined $1 million last year, “and we’re still far behind the hospital,” McKee said. Several providers have left over the past two years to work for other organizations “where the salaries are substantially higher and the work substantially easier.”
The a ordability gap could widen for Vermont workers over the next few years, even if insurers managed to keep premiums level.
The expanded tax subsidies are set to expire at the end of 2025 barring an extension from Congress, where Republicans and Democrats have long been at odds over health care initiatives. That could raise the cost on individuals by hundreds of dollars overnight and lead more to question whether insurance is worth the investment.
Elizabeth Courtney, a marketing professional from Wolcott, is already considering that question.
Courtney is enrolled in a Blue Cross Blue Shield family plan that also covers her husband and their two children. A subsidy has lowered the cost of their monthly premium by nearly $2,000, Courtney said, but they still have a nearly $13,000 deductible before the plan kicks in.
“My kids get to see the doctor once a
unplanned closures and preserves access to care.
He called for big-picture items that the state has been working on for years: more housing, a stronger emergency medical system, including first responders in rural areas. But his most substantive and controversial recommendations involve hospitals themselves, which he said must prepare now for an unavoidable financial crunch.
He singled out four of the smallest, most rural hospitals — Gi ord Medical Center, North Country Hospital, Grace Cottage and Springfield Hospital — that he said face the direst financial forecasts.
“Every prediction I can make, with every trick I know to pull, says that within three to five years, your bank will call the bill and close you,” Hamory said during a presentation to the care board in August. “You need to be prepared.”
In addition to closing their inpatient units, those hospitals should consider converting their emergency departments into less expensive urgent care centers, Hamory said.
He recommended that Vermont’s other hospitals ditch low-volume procedures and look to jointly employ physicians as a first step toward a more regional approach.
year for free. Everything after that, we pay for out of pocket,” Courtney said.
The only real benefit of the plan is that it provides a safety net in the event of a costly catastrophic medical event, Courtney said. Should the subsidies expire, however, she’d consider opening up a health savings account, into which she could deposit the money she’d otherwise pay toward premiums and use it to pay her family’s medical bills.
“And hope for the best,” she said.
Bruce Hamory spent more than a decade as an executive at Geisinger, a rural Pennsylvania hospital system, where he confronted some of the same headwinds that have battered rural hospitals all across the U.S.
Now a partner and chief medical o cer at the New York City-based consulting firm Oliver Wyman, Hamory spends his
time helping health care systems become more sustainable before they run into trouble.
He spent a year in Vermont meeting with hospital leaders, state o cials, health insurers and patients. He reviewed budget documents, data submissions and demographic trends.
His takeaway: A storm is forming over the Green Mountains.
Vermont hospitals will need $700 million to $2.4 billion in additional revenue over the next five years to break even, according to his analysis. Another $700 million dollars will be required to achieve the margins typically needed to borrow money to fix up aging buildings and equipment.
Vermont faces a choice, Hamory said. It could allow hospitals to go under and hope that the market fills the void. It could cling to the status quo and put yet more pressure on commercial insurers. Or it could change the system in a way that prevents
Finally, Hamory had specific recommendations for the UVM Medical Center. He cited a pair of analyses provided to the care board that suggest the hospital is among the more expensive in the country and has one of the highest administrativeto-clinical costs.
UVM Health Network o cials have said those findings rely on flawed data and that their own internal analyses show they perform well compared to peer hospitals. Hamory said it doesn’t matter.
Vermont’s biggest hospital “is too expensive,” he said.
Hamory believes his recommendations could save Vermont upwards of $400 million over the next five years, if fully implemented. That money could be reinvested in the infrastructure that’s needed to care for more patients in cheaper settings, including at home.
Lawmakers and health care regulators involved in the passage of Act 167 have given Hamory’s work mostly positive reviews. They didn’t agree with all of his recommendations — several were wary, for instance, of the idea that Vermont could a ord to lose North Country Hospital, which serves the most rural part of the state. But they said the report o ered a solid foundation for planning the system’s future.
Hospital leaders disagree.
They accused Hamory of failing to recognize their importance to local communities and said the bulk of his recommendations have no basis in reality. They have also dismissed Hamory’s financial projections as unreliable doomsday thinking.
Some suggest Hamory devised his analysis to reach a foregone conclusion.
“If I were a pessimist, I would think the consultant designed the report exactly to create a burning political platform to change the system, rather than try to work through the existing problems that we have,” said Michael Costa, the recentlyhired CEO and president at Gi ord Medical Center in Randolph. “It feels like a political document more than a policy document.”
Mike Del Trecco, the president and CEO of the hospital association, said the suggestion that Vermont should restrict hospital growth even as facilities are seeing more patients than ever is dangerous and misguided. The only path forward must be an all-out e ort to reverse the demographic trends at the heart of the problem, Del Trecco said, so that the state can keep investing in hospitals.
“We can’t cut our way to prosperity here,” he said.
The fact is, however, that Vermont has been trying to attract more young families for three decades with little success.
Time is running out, according to Hamory. Maintaining the status quo over the coming years would lead to only one outcome, he said: People will go bankrupt — and hospitals will soon follow.
The Vermont Agency of Human Services successfully lobbied lawmakers to amend Act 167 last year so that the agency, rather than the Green Mountain Care Board, would be in charge of vetting Hamory’s recommendations. A transformation of the health care system, legislators reasoned, would require the participation of those beyond the care board’s reach.
That means the job of leading Vermont through this thorny conversation is now the responsibility of Gov. Phil Scott and his administration.
Some lawmakers wonder whether the governor’s up for it.
“The administration has shown very little willingness to take this sort of role in the schools conversation, leaving a lot of that up to the local decision makers,” said Rep. Lori Houghton (D-Essex Junction), chair of the House Health Care Committee. “We cannot go through the same process here with hospitals because of how interconnected they all are.”
“I’m skeptical,” Sen. Ruth Hardy (D-Addison) said. The governor is “pounding Democrats on a ordability right now, and one of the least a ordable systems in our state is our health care system. If he’s not willing to lead on this, then that will be frustrating and telling and will make it harder for us to move forward.”
Amanda Wheeler, a Scott spokesperson, responded that the governor has o ered proposals for making schools more cost-e ective — most of which the legislature has not acted on — and believes similarly in the need for Vermont to “rethink” how it delivers health care.
“We are in the early phases of our policy development process, so next steps on what healthcare policy changes the Governor may put forward in January, if reelected, are still to be determined,” Wheeler wrote in an email.
AHS officials say they’re approaching the work with an open mind. The state’s role will be to “help these communities make the right decision for themselves,” said Brendan Krause, the director of health care reform at AHS.
“I don’t think we’re at a phase yet where we’re talking about mandating,” he said.
The conversation will be unavoidable, however, if the state concludes that Hamory’s projections have merit. After all, it is hard to imagine any of Vermont’s hospitals willingly deciding to shutter their inpatient beds.
A more likely scenario is that hospitals will hold on for as long as they can — then scream for help. “The question for the legis-
advocating for increased reimbursement rates from Medicaid, which covers roughly one-third of its patients, and Blue Cross. But he said he’s received no assurances.
At last month’s meeting with state ocials, he said he would need to sign o on service cuts in the next few months. The programs most at risk are those that lose money, he said, including outreach clinics
lature then,” Hamory said, “as each of these hospitals goes belly up: How much money are they willing to provide?”
The threat of inaction is what most worries Fisher, the health care advocate. “I just hope that the Hamory report doesn’t represent an opportunity for many of us to look back and say, ‘We told you so,’” he said.
The Scott administration says the next phase of the sustainability planning could take a year or more.
In the meantime, businesses are wondering whether they will be able to a ord next year’s premium hikes.
Ironically there’s no better illustration of the breadth and complexity of the problem than what McKee faces at the Community Health Centers of Burlington. He has been
for the homeless, elderly and people who don’t speak English.
“It pains us all to even be thinking about that,” he said, “but if we don’t do that as an organization, we will not survive.”
Sitting across from McKee was Le er, UVM Medical Center’s president, who had already spoken at length about how his hospital needs much more financial support. He listened intently, nodded his head, then told the room he had heard the same warning from McKee two weeks earlier, at a meeting that left him feeling “scared.”
The hospital is already filled with people who could have their needs better met in other settings, Le er said. Every program McKee closes, he warned, “will just make our ER busier.” ➆
Saturday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m.
HIGHER GROUND BALLROOM, SOUTH BURLINGTON
Come see these rising stars wow the crowd with their talents:
• Aiden Sherpa (11) of South Burlington
• Mira Biggs (11) of Underhill
• Jaya Heitkamp (10) of Jericho
• Caroline Clayton (12) of Colchester
• Norah Canavan (12) of Colchester
• Addyson Long (11) of Colchester
• Evan Benoit (16) of Montpelier
• Myla Larmond (11) of South Burlington
• Piper Hall (15) of East Hardwick
• Calise Valiska (11) of Jeffersonville/Cambridge
• Adim Benoit (12) of Montpelier
• Violet Lambert (12) of Monkton
• Eva Lambert (8) of Monkton
• Addison Minor (15) of Westford
• Claire Blais (12) of Colchester
• Emerson Leeuw (11) of Colchester
• Alyce Ayer (11) of Bolton Valley
• Georgia Kunkel (14) of Vergennes
• Robin Hart (13) of Jericho
• Alaia “AJ” Rolfe (11) of Jericho/Richmond
• Eva Terrant (13) of South Burlington
• Stella Forward (10) of Burlington
• Eli Bart (14) of Shelburne
• Jack Blazewicz (13) of Shelburne
• Frank D’Amore (13) of Shelburne
• omas Schramm (14) of Shelburne
• Charlotte Clark (14) of Lincoln
• Lily Ryersbach (15) of Starksboro
Older Vermonters search for a second chance at love, using dating apps such as Bumble and even Seven Days personal ads
BY HANNAH FEUER • hfeuer@sevendaysvt.com
At age 67, Mark Nolan wasn’t sure how to find a partner to share his twilight years. He had been alone since his wife of 30 years died of cancer in 2021, and the dating landscape had changed dramatically since their marriage.
“I was thinking, How do you meet people now?” he said. “You can’t go to Nectar’s or the bars or anything. You’re not 20 years old anymore.”
Nolan, a South Burlington resident and salesman at Vermont Paint, attempted to meet people through his day-to-day activities and would attend his grandkids’ basketball games partly in hopes of finding someone his age. When those e orts didn’t pan out, he signed up for Zoosk, an online dating site popular among seniors.
After a few lackluster dates arranged through the app, he felt a spark with Victoria Beattie, a 71-year-old paraeducator at a preschool in Burlington. An initial meetup for co ee at Burlington Bay spilled into hours of conversation, a stroll down Church Street and dinner that same evening. They found connection over a shared devotion to their families, active lifestyles and an enthusiasm for the music of Elvis Presley. Before long, the couple were meeting for co ee every day. It became their ritual to stop at the Black Cap Co ee & Bakery and walk around downtown Burlington for hours after work.
In January, Nolan hid a ring behind the pillows on Beattie’s living room couch and asked Alexa to play Presley’s “Love Me Tender.” As they waltzed, he revealed the ring, got down on bended knee and proposed.
“I wanted to fall in love with my best friend, and I did,” Nolan said.
For the couple and other Vermont seniors, finding love can be a daunting enterprise — especially for those thrust into singledom after decades of marriage. But if dating is a numbers game, the demographics of the Green Mountain State in many ways o er an unusually favorable playing field. Vermont is the third-oldest U.S. state by median age and boasts roughly 55,000 unmarried residents over age 65, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2021 American Community Survey. One in four Vermonters is 60 or older, and their number is growing.
Avid readers of Seven Days likely have noticed the droves of older adults turning to its personal ads in search of love or
companionship. A recent search of the newspaper’s personals returned no fewer than 115 results for people 65 and older, at least nine of whom identified as LGBTQ. And many people made clear that they are on the hunt for more than a crossword partner.
“Still hot, still horny,” o ered one man, who advertised his age as 74.
Dating at a mature age can o er advantages, experts say. Older adults are free from the pressures of finding a partner with whom to have or raise children, and they often bring a wealth of life experience that can yield greater emotional maturity.
“You don’t have to do this whole awkward introductory phase like you tend to find when dating with younger people,” said Alexandra Freeman, cofounder of Introductions, a national matchmaking service for people of all ages, with a chapter in Vermont. “You can skip that part and get straight to the good aspects of the relationship.”
Once seen as taboo, senior dating is treated with some fascination these days. A prominent example is the buzz surrounding the 2023 series “The Golden Bachelor,” a wildly popular reality dating show that featured 22 women of a certain age vying
for the a ections of a 71-year-old widower, with marriage as the prize. In September, the show was renewed as “The Golden Bachelorette,” this time with a female lead.
But TV may gloss over some of the less glamorous aspects of senior dating. Intimacy may look di erent than before, and there can be stigma surrounding older people and sex. Widowed or divorced people may be reluctant to open up again to a romantic partner. Some seniors don’t want to take on the prospect of ending up as a new lover’s caretaker. Many older adults find it intimidating to navigate online dating platforms for the first time, though one in six Americans who are 50 or older report having used a dating site or app, according to a 2022 study by the Pew Research Center.
David Crane, 79, a retired real estate agent in Je ersonville, steered clear of dating websites after his wife died of breast cancer in 2002. But after some years, he found it challenging to meet people in the course of daily life and felt lonely.
“It’s hard to go to things where all the other couples are married and you’re the only single person,” said Crane, an
avid skier and biker who sports a neatly trimmed white goatee and short, salt-andpepper hair. “But that’s part of getting older and not having a full-time partner.”
In July, he began browsing the Seven Days personal ads, which he thought appeared an ideal place to find single women around his age. A listing by 73-year-old Shyrone Ridley, who noted a passion for travel, caught his eye. Crane sent her a message through the newspaper’s website, asking that their first interaction be a phone call, rather than an email or text, because he was “not very good at poking the little buttons” on his phone.
The two started calling daily. In July, they met for their first face-to-face date, lunch at the Spot on the Dock in Burlington. For their second meetup, over coffee at Speeder & Earl’s, they allowed a Seven Days reporter to sit in.
“I just feel such a comfort with David,” said Ridley, who at the time lived near Baltimore, Md., but visited Vermont often to volunteer for U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). “It’s not dating just to date. I’m looking for a long-term relationship, for companionship. At this point in my life, I have different priorities.”
Indeed, seniors seeking romance may list different priorities than in their younger years, according to Freeman. Many retirees are looking for partners who can dedicate significant time to the budding relationship. Age differences matter less in later years, she said. Empty nesters with fewer familial obligations are generally more willing to travel for love.
“People are not as hung up on some of the requirements that they might have had in the past,” Freeman said. “They say, ‘At this age, I can go anywhere. I’m retired. Distance is no object.’”
While some people may prefer meeting through an old-fashioned printed newspaper ad, Albert Gilberti has opted for a more ostentatious approach: renting billboards across the country. Since last year, the 70-year-old Rutland resident, whose shoulder-length hair is part of what he calls “the old hippie look,” has advertised his potential as a romantic partner through leased billboards in cities from Youngstown, Ohio, to Nashville, Tenn., and beyond.
In Sweetwater, Texas, he pitched himself as a “lonely male” willing to relocate and as a “marriage-minded” person fond of karaoke. A billboard in Philadelphia featured a photo of him wearing a fedora, along with the text, “singer actor lover.”
Divorced in 2015, Gilberti told Seven Days he is looking for someone loyal, sincere and trustworthy. Although he said he has received hundreds of responses, none has been Ms. Right so far. Because of the distances, he prefers to start with a Zoom call and then to “see what happens.”
But Gilberti also craves more in-person connections. He said he might consider advertising on a bus or a bench in Vermont, given the state’s ban on roadside billboards. He has also called the Godnick Adult Center in Rutland to suggest that it host a senior dance.
As a septuagenarian, Gilberti said he’s still looking for intimacy and is not daunted by the prospect of caring for someone in their later years. “No one wants to pass away and have nobody there,” he said.
AT THIS POINT IN MY LIFE, I HAVE DIFFERENT PRIORITIES.
SHYRONE RIDLEY
Other seniors are embracing dating apps primarily marketed toward young adults. Sarah Soule, 64, and Leigh Oliva, 62, met on Bumble. They went back and forth via email before meeting for their first real date at the Starry Night Café in Ferrisburgh in March. The date went so well, Oliva said, that they “were the first ones there and the last to leave.”
On later meetups, the pair enjoyed fishing, hiking and visiting parks. Oliva, a retired salesman at Orvis in Manchester, taught Soule how to fly-fish. Soule joked that she knew their relationship was getting serious when Oliva bought her a pair of waders.
The couple tied the knot in June — each table at the wedding dinner named after a different type of fishing fly — and now split their time between Shelburne and Fort Myers, Fla.
The marriage is Soule’s first. After reaching her sixties without a partner, she said, she had come to terms with being single — and happy.
“If somebody had told me two years ago I was going to be married, I’d be like, ‘Yeah right, you’re on drugs,’” she said. “I had given up, and then I found him, and boom. I’m really lucky.”
In the months since Crane and Ridley first met, their relationship has blossomed. Last week, Ridley moved to Waterbury Center to start a customer service job at Darn Tough Vermont and spend weekends with Crane in Jeffersonville.
For Mark and Victoria Nolan, the South Burlington couple who met on Zoosk, seeking a second love has yielded an unexpected new beginning. The couple got married in July in a no-frills ceremony at Burlington’s Perkins Pier, attended by seven guests.
They described their bond as a steady, quiet love that, Mark acknowledged, might not be what they would have sought at a younger age. One of their favorite pastimes is to sit at the apartment they now share and enjoy a good book, within easy reach of their best friend. ➆
This fundraising event will feature beautifully themed and decorated trees and gifts that will be on display at the
Raffle tickets will be on sale in person and online for a chance to win your favorite tree and all of its accompanying gifts.
On the trail of the native bird that is Vermont’s second-most hunted species
BY MELISSA PASANEN • pasanen@sevendaysvt.com
My inaugural turkey-hunting foray began promisingly on October 27 with a tailgate brunch in the Windsor park and ride o Interstate 91. Hartland hunter Brett Ladeau had cooked a spread of wild turkey dishes using harvests from previous outings, including a 12-pound hen he’d shot the day before.
From a cooler in his truck bed, the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Vermont chapter president served up barbecue-sauced, pulled turkey leg sandwiches and ladled hunks of dark meat with vegetables and broth into mugs decorated with turkey tracks. His bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers stuffed with Creolespiced nuggets of turkey breast would’ve made a solid sports-bar menu item.
“The bacon doesn’t hurt,” Brett, 56, quipped.
The slow-cooked leg and thigh meat in the soup and sandwich was tender and not stringy, as I’d been warned it could be.
Brett’s two daughters, who were tasting with me, agreed that both dishes could have used more seasoning.
“Salt at every step,” Whitney, a line cook, admonished her father teasingly.
The 20-year-old was sitting in the parking lot wrapped in a flu y pink bathrobe over sweatpants. Her sister, Sydney, 22, was dressed in full camo.
Of the four Ladeau kids, Sydney is
US A LITTLE MORE TO NATURE AND TO OUR ROOTS AS HUMAN BEINGS.
SYDNEY LADEAU
the only regular hunter. Under her dad’s tutelage, she shot her first turkey at age 9. Following in his footsteps, she has also competed successfully in turkey calling contests, during which hunters demonstrate their skills mimicking the birds’ vocalizations to draw them closer.
Calling is not unique to turkey hunting, but the extent to which hunters engage in back-and-forth “conversation” with the birds makes it an especially interactive experience, the Ladeaus explained.
Over the years, I’ve tagged along on deer, grouse and squirrel hunts, but turkey hunting sounded intriguingly di erent.
The long-quiet distillery at ARTSRIOT is starting to buzz. In late October, Middlebury-based SPLIT SPIRITS, formerly Appalachian Gap Distillery, opened a small pop-up tasting room attached to the Burlington restaurant and club at 400 Pine Street. ArtsRiot’s own booze will soon flow from the stills behind it.
WILL DRUCKER founded Split Spirits in 2018 in partnership with Appalachian Gap, which Lars Hubbard and Chuck Burkins had started in 2011. He bought their climate-neutral-certified Middlebury distillery in July 2023 and has rebranded it under his own moniker. Split Spirits’ fully merged lineup — which includes whiskeys, gins, an agave spirit, espresso and creemee liqueurs — will still be made in Middlebury but is now available for sampling, tasting flights and bottle sales at ArtsRiot.
The move is part of a broader rebirth of ArtsRiot under the management of KAYLA MARON, MATTHEW WAGNER, CRAIG WILKINSON, RALPH WAGNER and JOE GORFINKLE, who have “full operational and financial control” of the multifaceted business as of October 1, Maron told Seven Days. She added that the group does not currently own the ArtsRiot brand but will have the opportunity to purchase it in the future.
Entrepreneur Alan Newman bought ArtsRiot from its founders in 2020 and built the distillery, but it never opened.
The venue sat empty from the end of 2022 until last spring, operated by an unnamed group of investors.
Maron and Matthew Wagner relaunched the ArtsRiot restaurant in March with a menu of New York-style pizza and globally influenced small plates. They brought back live music and events in May.
“We’re really excited to o er a full-spectrum experience, stimulating all the senses across all the arts — performance, culinary and chemistry,” Maron said, nodding to the planned opening this month of on-site ARTSRIOT
DISTILLERY
The distillery, separate from Split Spirits, will start by providing housemade booze to the restaurant and venue. Eventually, the restaurant will serve cocktails featuring both brands, chef and restaurant manager Wagner said.
“It’s a big e ort,” said Wilkinson, who runs distillery operations. “This is a community space, and it’ll be di erent every time you come in here for a little while.”
Drucker said the group envisions eventually making the collaborative tasting room into “a one-stop shop for craft cocktail needs on Pine Street,” with other Vermont-produced spirits,
cider and beer. For now, Split Spirits’ offerings are available Wednesday through Saturday, and the tasting room is stocked with mixers and Vermont-made provisions curated by LOCAL MAVERICK, a sales and marketing platform for small businesses.
ArtsRiot will host a Riot Reborn Renaissance Party on November 29, which will showcase the new operators’ “intentions for the space,” Maron said. “It’ll be our grand reintroduction.”
Jordan Barry
After less than a year of running DONWOORI KOREAN restaurant in South Burlington, owner SUMMER CAO is relocating the business to her hometown of Winooski. Cao will close her original 2026 Williston Road location at the end of November. Renovations and inspections permitting, the restaurateur hopes to reopen by mid-December and celebrate Donwoori’s first anniversary in its new home at 65 Winooski Falls Way.
The building most recently housed Bamyan Kebab House and stands within a block of a nail salon owned by Cao’s mother, Vicky Le.
“I’ve been eyeing that place from the very beginning,” said Cao, 25, adding that her 21-year-old brother, KHOI CAO, will join her as a business partner.
Cao said Winooski has more foot traffic from residents and a community of restaurants, bars and shops that she found lacking on Williston Road.
The much larger restaurant space will have 40 seats for on-site dining and a bigger kitchen. Cao looks forward to expanding her menu, although Koreanstyle fried chicken “will still be the star of the show,” she said.
Originally from Vietnam, Cao moved to Vermont from Australia to join her mother in 2022. She told Seven Days in January that she saw an opportunity to add Korean food to the local dining scene. “I’m not Korean, obviously,” Cao said, “but I worked at a lot of Korean restaurants.”
Korean staples on Donwoori’s menu include chewy rice cakes called tteokbokki and sweet potato starch noodles called japchae.
Cao originally considered adding
Winooski as a second location but said she decided to “just focus on this new adventure.”
Melissa Pasanen
On Monday, PERRY and NEIL FARR reopened their SCALE poke bar in Essex Junction. The decision to offer Hawaiian-style poke bowls at 137 Pearl Street is a return to that location’s incarnation as a Scale outpost from 2020 to 2022, before the couple opened Onsen Ramen there. The original Scale poke bar has operated in Williston’s Blair Park since 2017.
Onsen Ramen closed permanently in July after struggling with staffing shortages and fluctuating seasonal demand for hot noodle soup, the Farrs said at the time.
Perry Farr told Seven Days by email that she and her husband always intended to build the Scale into a multilocation business. “We are excited to return to that vision in a post-Covid world that is more business friendly,” she wrote.
The two restaurants will be open daily, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the same menu of savory poke offerings and sweet açaí fruit bowls. Farr noted that the Scale has gluten-free, vegan and soy-free options.
Customers can purchase bottles of the Scale’s signature sauces, such as vegan Firecracker and maple chili, at both restaurants. Broader retail distribution is on hold. “Our day-to-day restaurant operations are front and center at the moment,” Farr said.
She added that a previously announced plan to open a seasonal ice cream shop called Judi’s in the same Williston building as the original Scale has been postponed to spring 2025.
Melissa Pasanen
I planned the Upper Valley trip with the goal of eavesdropping on a hunter-turkey chat and tasting wild turkey for the first time. I’d been advised to wear head-to-toe camo to fool the sharp-eyed birds and been cautioned that the native eastern wild turkey, while good eating, is not suited to become a Thanksgiving centerpiece roast.
Spoiler alert: The eating part went better than the hunting part.
The fact that Vermonters can hunt turkeys at all is a conservation success story. By the mid-19th century, the once-plentiful eastern wild turkey had disappeared from Vermont due to deforestation and unregulated hunting. After being reintroduced in the late 1960s, the species rebounded exceptionally well. The statewide population hovers around 45,000, kept in check by controlled hunting.
Vermont’s hunting heritage is still firmly rooted in the deer camp, but the Fish & Wildlife Department reports that turkey ranks second in popularity. In 2023, 24,430 licensed turkey hunters — about 40 percent of the number who hunt deer — harvested 6,972 birds during the short fall archery and shotgun seasons and monthlong spring season. From late October to early November, hunters can shoot one turkey of either sex; in May, after mating season, they can take two bearded turkeys, which are generally male.
The fall season is well timed to land a Thanksgiving bird, but even devotees of wild turkey warn against roasting one whole.
“Everyone’s used to going to the store at Thanksgiving and getting their Butterball,” said Bella Kline, a former chef who now works as a Randolph-based state game warden and happened to be passing through the Windsor park and ride on the morning of October 27.
In a follow-up phone call, Kline emphasized that lean, muscular wild turkey requires a different cooking approach and will not taste like the buxom, grainfed Broad-Breasted Whites on most holiday tables. The dark meat, particularly, “takes a little bit more care,” she advised. (See sevendaysvt.com for Kline’s recommended wild turkey cooking method.)
The legs and thighs of a wild turkey are active: The birds use them to forage for acorns and other nuts, seeds and insects, as well as escape from predators, including hunters. “They can be tough, but if you cook them right, it’s a rich flavor,” Brett said as he packed up the food before we headed into the hills.
While we drove the back roads, scanning for turkeys in open fields, Sydney said she prefers breast meat, especially nuggets, rolled in seasoned flour and fried.
Whether it’s light or dark meat, Sydney said, she likes knowing where it came from and taking responsibility for killing it herself. Growing up hunting, she continued, helped her see the cycle of life and value meat in a society she called “highly disconnected” from its food sources.
“Hunting connects us a little more to nature and to our roots as human beings, to our primal instincts,” she said. “It’s not just a game.”
The father-daughter pair said they love hunting together, but Sydney takes pride in knowing she could do it alone. “It’s not something a lot of women do by themselves,” she said.
Brett grew up deer hunting in Norwich. Unlike his daughter, he didn’t see his first wild turkey until he was 17, after the population had rebounded.
As soon as he tried turkey hunting, he was hooked. “I respect turkeys. I study turkeys. I think like a turkey,” he said. “I’m a little silly about turkey hunting.”
After crisscrossing Windsor, Hartland and Brownsville for more than an hour with only one distant glimpse of a flock, we headed for the wooded hillside where Brett had shot his turkey the day before. He strapped on a backpack of gear, including the tools known as calls used to converse with turkeys. Sydney carefully loaded her shotgun and slung it over her shoulder while I slipped on a roomy, borrowed camo jacket.
Hiking up through the woods, we crunched through leaves, ducked under sap lines and navigated around stone walls. A white deer tail flashed a few hundred feet away, but the turkeys remained elusive.
We sat quietly at the foot of two trees while Brett tested a few calls using a round pot call. He deployed a wooden striker, which looks like a thick chopstick, to agitate the aluminum surface of the call. It emitted a string of purrs, clucks and highpitched yelps that mean something like, “I’m here, and I’m ready to socialize,” Brett told me later.
After a couple of tries with no response, he popped a small, flat semicircular mouth, or diaphragm, call into his mouth and used it to make soft clucks and coos that aim to sound like a contented hen
saying, “I’m relaxed over here. Come see what I’m doing.”
Neither seemed to do the trick there or at a second spot where Brett showed me several examples of what is called “turkey sign”: feathers and scat near dust bowls where the birds roll to dislodge mites.
After he made a round of calls rubbing the lid on the base of a box call, I asked what he was saying.
“Today,” he replied ruefully, “it’s apparently, ‘Don’t come here.’”
hunting spot in Richmond, not far from where Lafreniere lives in Bolton, on the road where he grew up on a dairy farm. The 66-year-old lifelong hunter said his family eats more wild game than supermarket meat.
Lafreniere started turkey hunting in the 1990s and runs the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Chittenden County chapter. His truck license plate used to be “Gobblers.” Like Brett Ladeau, Lafreniere volunteers to take out a lot of newbies.
His advice: “Look like a tree; act like a tree.”
As the sky lightened, the low whoosh of cars from Interstate 89 floated up from below. Lafreniere used his pot call to no avail, despite seeing some dust bowls along with abundant acorns, a prized food.
Back in the truck, we headed down River Road through Duxbury toward Waterbury. As he drove, Lafreniere scanned the landscape until he exclaimed, “There’s turkeys up that hill, baby!” and took a sharp turn onto a dirt road.
Lafreniere uses a phone app called onX to log game and track his route. It also has land ownership details. Technically, hunters in Vermont can hunt on land that is not posted, but Lafreniere prefers to have permission, especially if he’s close to a house. He hoped that the turkeys he’d seen were moving toward a property on which he has permission to hunt.
We scrambled up a steep bank and navigated to a spot with a clear view down on the field where Lafreniere had spotted the birds. He crouched and pulled his camo face mask up, indicating I do the same. “Stay still as you can,” he whispered.
One turkey soon appeared, head down, pecking, followed by another 10. Lafreniere used a pot call to get the attention of the flock, which was about 50 to 60 yards away, moving slowly across the field. One hen clearly heard him, pulling her long neck up and gyrating like a periscope seeking the call’s source, but she didn’t reply.
Before we parted, Brett gave me some breast meat that he’d ground with a little bacon, which became delicious meatballs simmered in my last garden tomatoes.
The trip had convinced me that wild turkey makes good eating, but I still yearned to witness a hunter-turkey conversation.
A few days later, I drove to meet hunter Ron Lafreniere at another park and ride closer to home and much earlier in the day.
It was barely light when we got to a
We watched quietly for a few minutes as the flock drifted further away from the land Lafreniere has permission to hunt and closer to another house.
Reluctantly, we retreated. Lafreniere didn’t want to get more involved with the flock given their proximity to houses. He o ered to take me turkey hunting again in the spring when, he promised, the birds are chattier. ➆
Learn more at vtfishandwildlife.com and on the NWTF-Vermont Facebook page
The Yellow Barn Project and new Cabot outlet boost tourism and industry in
BY SUZANNE PODHAIZER
Newly refurbished, the Yellow Barn in Hardwick is just a few shades more golden than a block of seriously sharp cheddar. Built in 1913 for dairy cattle and then the site of an auto body shop, the barn had stood unused since late 2016. Now it’s returned to its roots as a bright, airy retail outlet for Cabot Creamery.
Steps from the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, the store celebrated its grand opening on September 14. It offers free samples of Cabot products, cheeses from other local producers such as Sweet Rowen Farmstead and Vermont Creamery, and cheese-friendly accompaniments — think Blake Hill jams, Stowe Mercantile crackers and Northwoods Apiaries honey. For serving, customers will find fondue sets, petite serving spoons and elegant slate boards.
Next door, as part of the same redevelopment project, workers are putting the finishing touches on a new squat, contemporary structure. The energy-efficient 25,000-square-foot shell will be divided evenly between the Center for an Agricultural Economy and Jasper Hill Farm.
The Town of Hardwick owns the property and spearheaded this multiyear effort, collectively referred to as the Yellow Barn Project, to bring a boost of tourism and industry to the area. In collaboration with current and future tenants, the town gathered nearly $10 million in state and federal grants, loans, and other funding for construction. Tenants will invest additional millions to outfit their spaces.
For Jasper Hill, the Yellow Barn will streamline order fulfillment and allow the processing of large cheese wheels on-site, “which will alleviate operational strain” at the Cellars in Greensboro, communications director Zoe Brickley said. The space will also give the business’ currently scattered team members the opportunity to work out of the same office.
The Center for an Agricultural Economy
is looking forward to expanded offerings and the elimination of “critical bottlenecks” in workflow, executive director Jon Ramsay said.
Currently, the nonprofit uses a nearby location to house both its offices and its Vermont Food Venture Center, which rents kitchen and storage facilities to farmers and food entrepreneurs. As the 20-year-old nonprofit has grown, that space has gotten cramped, Ramsay said. Spreading out will foster new opportunities.
For instance, nearly all the cold storage shared by the CAE programs will move into the new building, Ramsay noted, giving the Venture Center room to construct a “proper pack line” to streamline food production.
That will benefit CAE’s Just Cut program, which contracts with farms to purchase root vegetables, processes them for ease of cooking, and sells them to schools, hospitals and other institutions. Currently, when schools are in session, Just Cut processes and distributes 2.5 tons of produce weekly, Ramsay said. More efficient packing of the beets, potatoes, carrots and cabbage will save hours and permit increased production.
The farmers and food producers who pay for time at the Venture Center will likewise benefit from the redesign and additional rentable storage space. The massive facility is a “big investment for the local food system of Vermont,” Ramsay said.
The new building will become the hub of CAE’s Farm Connex distribution biz, which aggregates goods from producers as far apart as Scott Farm Orchard in Dummerston and Hall’s Orchard in Isle La Motte, then drops them off at more than 500 “market access points” around Vermont and New Hampshire.
The CAE’s side of the building will also include a meeting room with a teaching kitchen, suitable for workshops, shared meals and “whatever the community dreams up,” Ramsay said.
Meanwhile, the Yellow Barn retail space stocks products made by Vermont Food Venture Center tenants, such as Green Mountain Peanut Butter and Jasper Hill Farm cheeses, alongside Cabot’s ridged potato chips, cheddar blocks, and boxed mac and cheese.
Erica Burke, Cabot’s general manager of retail operations, said it’s important to the farmer cooperative “to celebrate other Vermont cheesemakers and organizations with a shared agricultural heritage. Our goal is to use the store to build consumer awareness, love and loyalty among both tourists and locals.” ➆
Cabot Creamery at the Yellow Barn, 323 Route 15 in Hardwick. Learn more at cabotcreamery.com, jasperhillfarm.com and hardwickagriculture.org.
Laura Waterman’s new memoir recalls a life of extremes
BY JIM SCHLEY • schley@sevendaysvt.com
Laura and Guy Waterman were among the most important chroniclers of the great surge of American zeal for hiking, camping and mountain climbing during the 1960s and ’70s. During their three decades of marriage, the Watermans wrote scores of magazine articles and five books together, all still in print and classics of their field, including Forest and Crag: A History of Hiking, Trail Blazing, and Adventure in the Northeast Mountains (1989) and Wilderness Ethics: Preserving the Spirit of Wildness (1993). They lived in a spartan cabin in East Corinth, feeding themselves with a big garden and earning some money by maple sugaring and growing blueberries.
Writing was also a vital cash crop in their household economy. They worked and wrote collaboratively, sharing bylines and a first-person-plural “we.”
Since Guy’s death by suicide in 2000, Laura has made her own way as a writer. This year, at 84, she published Calling Wild Places Home: A Memoir in Essays, her third book as a soloist. Some of the essays in the collection previously appeared in publications such as Appalachia, the Concord Monitor, Alpinist, Northern Woodlands and Vermont Almanac
In Laura’s previous books, she notes in the preface to this one, “I had not
Even climbers say that climbing has no social value. It is, however, very real. It requires utter concentration, a heightened awareness of where you are both physically and mentally. A great deal of rapid reasoning goes into each move up the rock. is thinking — or processing — is all connected to the physical movement. Without doubt, the risk is an attraction, and this risk is constantly calculated. Climbers, contrary to opinion, are not risk-takers. ey are careful planners. ey have placed themselves in what appears to be — in fact is — a risky situation, but with intelligence, training, and physical skill, they work to keep a safe passage up the rock. Climbing can change lives because the very nature of the risk can call into question what’s not working in your life. You can’t hide from yourself the marriage that’s gone sour or a job that no longer fulfills. In my case I fell in love with climbing and with Guy, and had no wish to defend myself from either. Both had come to feel a lot more real, more meaningful, to me, than my job at one of the best publishers in New York.
looked closely at my relationship with the twenty-first century ... I was still too close to the world we had lived in, a world without central heating, electricity, plumbing, telephones, and road access. [F]or various reasons we had chosen to plant our feet in the nineteenth century.”
Calling Wild Places Home explores
Laura’s continuing encounters with forests and mountains, inevitably different at her age.
A recurring fascination in these essays is the meaning of “the wild.” What are people seeking when they go into the woods? How do human beings place themselves in the natural world without damaging what they love and want to share? How does our experience of nature change when we’re older?
In 1972, Laura and Guy left corporate jobs in New York City — she as junior editor for publisher Atheneum Books, he as a speechwriter for General Electric executives — to build a homestead on 27 acres in East Corinth, which they named “Barra.” They’d been stirred by the writings of another husband-wife authorial duo, Helen and Scott Nearing, who urged their readers to move back to the land and renounce the frivolities of consumer society.
Laura’s changed circumstances and her present life, as well as revisits the past. Its first section reflects on childhood, family life, and the special communion of reading and writing with another person, as in her partnership with Guy; the second remembers the Watermans’ 30-year adventure in no-frills, selfreliant living; and the third describes
The Watermans were determined to whittle down expenses, grow as much of their own food as possible, gratify their shared love of writing, and spend all their free time hiking and climbing the mountains of the Northeast. Guy had already distinguished himself as a mountaineer, one of the first to climb the 46 tallest Adirondack peaks in winter. Laura would climb the 48 tallest New Hampshire peaks seven times; in 1975, she became the first woman to make an untethered ascent of New Hampshire’s daunting Black Dike cli near Franconia. Then, in 2000, Guy took his own life, climbing up to New Hampshire’s Mount Lafayette on a February night and letting himself freeze to death. Having grappled with depression even through their happy marriage, he had informed Laura of the date on which he would end his life a year in advance.
Laura’s 2005 memoir, Losing the Garden: The Story of a Marriage , recounts how the couple spent those final months together — the last sugaring season, the last round of splitting for the woodpile, the last planting and harvesting of a summer garden. In the process of writing Losing the Garden, as she explains in that book, a friend challenged Laura to “pull apart the ‘we,’” and she learned how to write as an “I.”
A Vermont Folklife Summer Institute participant interviewing Boundbrook Farm’s Erik Andrus
BY MARY ANN LICKTEIG • maryann@sevendaysvt.com
Teen mental health, flood resilience and food insecurity are three examples of topics that could be tackled in a new program designed to support Vermonters as they study and address complex issues within their own communities.
Vermont Folklife has teamed up with youth storytelling program Conversations From the Open Road to create the Vermont Community Fellows Program, an initiative allowing Vermonters ages 16 and up to conduct field research and collaborate with the people they meet to explore local solutions to a variety of problems.
“We believe all people have unique knowledge of their own experience,” Vermont Folklife director of education and media Mary Wesley said in a statement announcing the fellowships. “This process channels that knowledge and creates a pathway for creative responses to complex issues.”
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) secured $665,000 in federal funds to launch the program, which will give fellows a stipend, mentorship and training. Fellowships will last 12 to 18 months and will be divided into two cohorts of seven to 10 fellows each. Applications for the first group, which begins working in February, will be accepted until December 15. The application period for the second cohort, which starts work in summer 2026, has not yet been announced.
Participants will learn the methods and ethics of ethnographic research, including interviewing, audio recording, photography and media editing. They will seek out and document diverse viewpoints, examine past and current efforts to address the issues they are studying, and collaborate to create an action plan.
“Our goal,” Vermont Folklife executive
director Kate Haughey said in the statement, “is to foster a multi-generational network of skilled ethnographers and documentarians who will work with others to identify local concerns and explore solutions.”
The Vermont Folklife archive, a collection of photographs, texts and more than 7,000 audio recordings, is expected to be a valuable resource. “Odds are good that Vermonters in the past faced the same or similar challenges as Vermonters today,”
Vermont Folklife associate director and archivist Andy Kolovos said. “The recordings in our archive provide insight into past perspectives on life here — perspectives that can help inform action in the present.”
Federal funds have allowed Vermont Folklife to hire an additional archivist to assist the community fellows.
Vermont Folklife is an education and ethnographic research nonprofit that has studied and collected the diverse cultural experiences of Vermonters since 1984.
Founded by educator Mary Simons in 2013, Conversations From the Open Road takes Vermont high school and college students on road trips where they probe challenging issues and collect stories to produce short documentaries. Staff from both organizations will support the new program.
“The fieldwork and research process we facilitate is a way to explore and uncover attitudes, perceptions and values,” Simons said. “By making sense of these things together, we open the door to dialogue, mutual understanding, and positive change.” ➆
INFO
Learn more at vtfolklife.org/ communityfellows.
Sadie Chamberlain has an active imagination and a way with words. The Northeast Kingdom native has been acting since she was 5 years old. Now a senior at Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, the 22-year-old has performed in two dozen shows and is pursuing a double major in theater and psychology. For her senior capstone project, Chamberlain wrote a fantastical play about her life with cerebral palsy. In A Taste of Freedom, she sings, dances and acts as the Maiden, one of four characters who inhabit a Celtic landscape.
In the latest episode of “Stuck in Vermont,” Seven Days senior multimedia producer Eva Sollberger stopped by the campus to see a rehearsal of the show. A Taste of Freedom runs from Wednesday, November 6, through Saturday, November 9, at the McCarthy Arts Center Theatre at St. Mike’s.
Saint
Why did you pick this story?
I got an email about Chamberlain’s upcoming show from Peter Harrigan, a theater professor at St. Mike’s. I have featured Harrigan in two previous videos. In 2017, I met him during a production of Mill Girls, and last year I got a tour of his
EMOTIONS ARE LIKE A BUFFET: YOU SHOULD TRY EVERYTHING.
SADIE CHAMBERLAIN
incredibly creative. I enjoyed talking to her in the dressing room before watching the rehearsal. She loves classical music, and we bonded over our “nerd” statuses. Even after she described the plot to me, I had many questions — I need to see the full show in November. I only filmed a few scenes, but the play was refreshingly strange, with snappy banter. I loved the fantasy element, and her music choices are excellent.
You had some great footage of Chamberlain on campus and at home.
Chamberlain seems very open about her disability.
Yes. I also got footage of her participating in a panel discussion called “Disability & Freedom: Stories From SMC.” This was an informative talk with three other speakers. Chamberlain spoke eloquently about her experience at St. Mike’s while also plugging her upcoming show. The McCarthy Arts Center, where her show will be held, is notoriously difficult to navigate and has many stairs. Of course, that does not stop Chamberlain: She told a humorous story in which she had to “tuck ’n’ roll” to get onstage at the recital hall. Chamberlain’s show will be held in the theater, which is accessible.
Why is this such a meaningful show?
Chamberlain speaks in the video about how she includes both the positives and the negatives of her life with a disability. As she said, “Emotions are like a bu et: You should try everything.” I love that idea, and I tried to include Chamberlain’s complex thoughts in this video without trimming them down too much.
What were the conversations about disability like?
It is illuminating to meet people such as Chamberlain. She said she has been advocating for herself and teaching people about disability since she was 8 years old. Obviously, it is not her job to do so, but she is often open to questions and advises people to stay politely curious. I had a lot of queries, and we emailed and texted over the weekend.
Any personal takeaways?
Sollberger spoke with Seven Days about filming the episode.
impressive Barbie collection; that video won a few awards and has about 76,000 views online. So when Harrigan told me about Chamberlain’s play, which he is directing, I knew it must be something special.
What was your first impression? Chamberlain is charming, articulate and
I am very grateful to Chamberlain and her family and friends for providing me with video footage of her walking around campus, studying and feeding chickens at her home in Burke. It helped me get to know her better to see her in these contexts outside the theater. It makes the story richer, too.
I was also glad to include photos of Chamberlain from various productions at St. Mike’s and Lyndon Institute, her high school. She has quite an impressive track record for a young theater artist.
My 90-year-old mother has become less mobile in her later years, and I have experienced how complicated it can be to accommodate her needs in various places. Disability activists use the term TAB — temporarily able-bodied. That applies to a lot of us. It’s a helpful perspective when you spend time with someone who navigates spaces di erently. Life is hard enough without ableism and stigmas. Perhaps we can all be more open-minded and gentle with each other and with ourselves. ➆
A Taste of Freedom by Sadie Chamberlain, Wednesday, November 6, through Saturday, November 9, 7 p.m., at McCarthy Arts Center eatre, Saint Michael’s College, in Colchester. Free. Info, smcvt.edu.
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.
BY KEN PICARD • ken@sevendaysvt.com
Mark Utter was born with a form of nonverbal autism and spent the first half of his life unable to share with others the thoughts, ideas and aspirations that swirled constantly in his head. But at age 30, the Colchester man was introduced to a method of computer writing called assisted typing, also known as facilitated communication. He would spend the rest of his life making new friends and “speaking” to anyone who would listen, often composing long, eloquent prose that could take him hours to painstakingly type.
Utter, who shared his inspirational story in an award-winning 2013 film he wrote, I Am in Here: A View of My Daily Life With Good Suggestions for Improvement From My Intelligent Mind , died peacefully on October 28 at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, one year after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He was 59.
Utter’s death was announced last week by Emily Anderson, his longtime friend and assisted typing facilitator, who now works at Green Mountain Self-Advocates, a statewide disability rights organization. As Seven Days reported in a 2012 cover story about Utter, Anderson spent years at his side, gently holding his elbow and helping him type his thoughts. Anderson’s physical contact on his arm “focuses my energy,” Utter explained at the time.
His autobiographical movie was inspired by the 2010 documentary Wretches & Jabberers, about two Vermonters with autism, Larry Bissonnette and Tracy Thresher, who went on a global quest to change public attitudes about people with disabilities. Utter’s own movie would similarly inspire others to rethink their approach to people with neurological differences.
Throughout his childhood, Utter was labeled “mentally retarded” and treated as
though he understood little, if anything, about the world around him. Years later, Utter would astound family members and friends by demonstrating that, in fact, he knew all along what people were saying about him and was capable of deeply creative and complex thoughts. In 2013 he launched a blog called Utterly Mark, to which he contributed regularly for more than a decade. Utter even officiated at Anderson’s 2018 wedding, using facilitated communication to address the ceremony’s attendees.
Utter was “a super-positive person [who] always tried to lighten things up,” Anderson recalled in an interview about her collaborator and friend of more than 15
years. Always greeting people with a big, toothy smile, Utter was deeply intuitive and attuned to other people’s emotions, Anderson said. For example, he could always sense, without being told, when she had undergone an acupuncture treatment and would remark on its positive effects on her.
As news spread of Utter’s death, tributes poured in to Anderson and his surviving family members via email and social media.
“Mark, you taught me to believe in the things I couldn’t see and to trust in what I felt but couldn’t prove,” wrote Monica Hutt, former commissioner of the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and
Independent Living. “I am forever grateful for that and for you.”
“Oh, Mark! You are one of my heroes!”” wrote Douglas Biklen, founder of the Facilitated Communication Institute at New York’s Syracuse University. “You have brought joy to so many others, and with powerful humility and humor. Thanks for being your own person!”
Main Street Landing cofounder Melinda Moulton, whose own grandson Rowan has a similar form of nonverbal autism and was a friend of Utter’s, described him as “a philosophical and joyous man of ideas, thoughts, wisdom and love.”
Utter is survived by numerous friends and family members, including his sister, Sheryl Vuley, and brothers, Duane and Edmund Utter. As Anderson noted, his late mother, Rollande Utter, was so taken by her son’s movie that, before she died, she purchased him a gravestone inscribed with the words, “I Am In Here.”
According to Anderson, Utter approached his impending death with equanimity, receiving visitors in his final days with his signature smile.
In a 2012 interview using facilitated communication, Seven Days asked Utter, “If you could accomplish one thing by the end of your life that would make you feel happy, what would it be?”
“I want to make sure that Emily is celebrated for believing in people who are different,” he replied. “I also hope that the barriers between people melt.” ➆
In lieu of flowers, Utter’s family asks people to consider supporting his legacy through a donation to Champlain Voices, an advocacy group he helped build, which will continue his work. Go to ccs-vt.org/self-advocacy and use the password “Utterlymark” to access it.
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BY KEN PICARD • ken@sevendaysvt.com
In the 1990 movie Home Alone, 8-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation, then is forced to defend their suburban Chicago home from bungling burglars. When the late John Hughes wrote the slapstick family comedy, the filmmaker likely never envisioned Kevin being portrayed by a dog strolling the aisles of Healthy Living market.
But such is the nature of crowdsourced cinema, where creative license is the name of the game.
is week marks the world premiere of Crowdsourced VT Home Alone, the fifth installment of the statewide community film project, produced by the Media Factory in Burlington. Each year since 2020, the South End nonprofit media center has invited amateur filmmakers from around Vermont — families, friend groups, schools and summer camps — to reproduce one scene each from a classic movie. Previously crowdsourced films have included Cast Away, Jurassic Park, Star Wars and Toy Story
When Crowdsourced VT Home Alone hits the big screen on ursday, November 7, at Merrill’s Roxy Cinemas in Burlington, it will be the first time that the filmmakers have seen their re-created movie assembled in its entirety.
“I always get all teared up at the premiere when I see everyone in the audience,” said Gin Ferrara, who coproduced the film with fellow Media Factory staffer Ross Ransom on a shoestring budget of $5,000. “It’s just a very sweet community event [and] kind of awe-inspiring.”
Crowdsourced cinema was conceived 13 years ago by two media centers in Massachusetts: Northampton Open Media and the Brookline Interactive Group. is year, the Media Factory partnered with both groups, along with Community Media Access Collaborative in Fresno, Calif. Each produced their own locally crowdsourced version of Home Alone
irty-five Vermont filmmaker teams produced 43 scenes, with only a few unassigned scenes contributed by the Media Factory’s out-of-state partners. e scenes, each a minute or two long, were randomly assigned to the filmmakers in April and completed by early September.
Aside from following the original movie script, the filmmakers were largely free to envision and shoot their scenes any way they wished, making creative choices about casting, scenery, props and format. Some scenes were filmed as live action while others used animation or puppets.
“ is year there’s a lot of acting. It’s all amateur, so it’s all over the map,” Ferrara said. “But there are some really great scenes with incredible performances.”
One challenge to producing this year’s crowdsourced movie was the sheer physicality of the original Home Alone, Ferrara
noted. As Kevin fends off the Wet Bandits (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern), he uses trip wire, a falling iron, swinging paint cans and a makeshift flamethrower. e Media Factory had to ensure that no one got hurt while performing such stunts.
To mitigate the dangers, it hosted a virtual “practical effects and safe stunts workshop” with Kyle Lowe at the Community Media Access Collaborative. Nevertheless, this was the first year the Media Factory required participants to sign a liability waiver.
Naturally, one goal of community cinema is to introduce newcomers to film and video production. While the crowdsourced movies have yet to produce the next Steven Spielberg, “What I do see is a lot of returning people,” Ferrara said. “I think people get confident and they get excited, and this is their one film project of the year.”
Indeed, Stephanie Soules, with Lake Champlain Access Television, introduced
her then-4-year-old son, T.J., to crowdsourced cinema with Cast Away. e boy has since appeared in Star Wars, Toy Story and Home Alone. is year, he got to play Kevin in the iconic aftershave scene when he clutches his cheeks in an Edvard Munch-like scream.
“As a little kid, I always dreamed of being in a movie,” T.J. said in a video interview produced by Champlain College students. “And I think this is the perfect way to be in one.” ➆
Crowdsourced VT Home Alone premieres
ursday, November 7, 7 p.m., at Merrill’s Roxy Cinemas in Burlington. Sold out. Additional showings: Friday, November 15, 6:30 p.m., at Montpelier Performing Arts Hub. Donations. ursday, November 21, 6:30 p.m., at Manchester Community Library. Free. mediafactory.org
She’d actually begun to experiment with writing alone before Guy’s death. In the essay “The Ascent at Eighty,” she describes how, in the early ’90s, “when my knees were signaling that I needed to back o climbing mountains, I turned to writing short fiction ... a form that can deliver a remarkable emotional punch in a few well-chosen words.” She acknowledges that “this work was preparing me for what was around the next few bends in the trail.”
In 2001, Laura left Barra, as homesteading alone was no longer practical, and moved to a small house near the village of East Corinth, where she spoke with Seven Days on an unusually warm afternoon last month.
The house is a log cabin, sunny and welcoming, with a compact writing alcove where a manual Royal typewriter resides.
I’VE FOUND
HAVE NO SECRETS
LAURA WATERMAN
Laura types her drafts after first composing with pencil and paper; then her friend and Corinth neighbor Sue Foster transfers the texts to a computer.
Laura is the beneficiary of years of physical exertion paired with disciplined habits; she is lithe and lively and laughs frequently. She said she loves being a writer. In her new book’s prologue, she concedes, “Memoir writing is immodest; it can be seen as selfish if not self-indulgent, but it can also be immensely validating.”
Her background in journalistic nonfiction infuses her more recent essays, giving them rigor as well as tenderness. It took her some time, as she attests in her prologue, to realize that even in the most personal writing, she wasn’t just reaching for her own catharsis but writing for an audience: “Everyone who had read our books, which extended to people I had never met and would never meet: people who had heard about Guy’s death — and the shocking manner of it — I was writing for them, too.”
In Calling Wild Places Home, Laura writes probingly about the tumult of living in close proximity to people mired
in depression — specifically, Guy and her father, the trailblazing Emily Dickinson scholar Thomas H. Johnson, who taught at a prestigious prep school in Princeton, N.J. Johnson was so engrossed in Dickinson research that he withdrew from his family. “That had to happen,” Waterman told Seven Days, “but it had severe consequences. He was an alcoholic. My mother ended up an alcoholic herself, though I don’t think she was born one, like my dad.”
In person and on the page, Laura has a zest and buoyancy that must have been instrumental in her thriving among troubled people, in childhood and in her marriage.
When Guy was in one of his dark periods, he couldn’t respond to emotional overtures, even from those closest to him. In her prologue to Calling Wild Places Home, Laura writes:
I see my husband turning away. My question is making him uncomfortable. He stands up and walks across the pine board floor and looks at the window. I am facing his back. I debate pushing it, but experience with topics that turn Guy silent causes me to fall silent, too.
As she wrote about other people, Laura told Seven Days, she found fresh ways of understanding herself. “I’ve found from writing memoir, if you’re completely honest, as honest as you can be — when you dig down, down and down — the reward is so great, because you will have no secrets from yourself,” she said.
In addition to her two memoirs, Laura has published short stories and a novel, the 2019 Arctic thriller Starvation Shore, and she is working on another novel, about opera diva Maria Callas. She often begins her writing day by listening to recordings of Callas arias, fascinated by how the singer’s voice changed as she aged — “the steely edge grown steelier, harsher, a wavery ... sound like old cloth ripping,” as she describes this in Calling Wild Places Home.
“I had, without much conscious thought, constructed for myself an emotional exercise program ... I was moved by this great singer’s fearlessness. She had become my guide.” ➆
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The popularity of true crime has incited a lot of scolding about our collective voyeurism. More productively, it has also inspired stories told from new perspectives — those of the victims or survivors of famous crimes rather than their perpetrators.
Actor Anna Kendrick makes her directorial debut with just such a movie. Woman of the Hour , now streaming on Netfl ix, foregrounds the actual and potential victims of Rodney Alcala, the so-called “Dating Game Killer,” who was convicted of seven murders and died in prison in 2021. He was known for using his photographic hobby to lure victims, and investigators believe he may have killed many more than we know about.
The deal
In 1977 Wyoming, Rodney (Daniel Zovatto) photographs a young woman (Kelley Jakle). He coaxes her into a heartfelt confession and then strangles her. In 1979 California, Rodney picks up a teenage runaway (Autumn Best). In 1971 New York, he attacks a woman after helping her move furniture.
These stories frame the central narrative, which takes place in Los Angeles in 1978. Struggling actor Sheryl (Kendrick) is tired of male casting directors who think her vibe is too “angry.” But she wants exposure, so she reluctantly agrees to her agent’s suggestion that she appear as a bachelorette on the cheesy but popular show “The Dating Game.”
Sheryl’s dating options leave something to be desired, even by reality-show standards. Bachelor No. 1 doesn’t know the di erence between an astronomer and an astrologer. Bachelor No. 2 is a chauvinist boor. Bachelor No. 3 is Rodney.
Will you like it?
A serial killer getting a slot on “The Dating Game” is one of those stranger-than-fiction occurrences that inspire Hollywood to reflect on its own culpability in the true crime ecosystem. Screenwriter Ian McDonald has situated Woman of the Hour in a twilight zone between fact and fiction; while most of the characters are based on real people, their names have been altered. Hollywood illusions wield dangerous power in this story. “The Dating Game” host (Tony Hale) instructs Sheryl to hide her intelligence (“Boys are babies,” he explains) and smile, smile, smile as she
trades double entendres with the bachelors. Rodney evokes the power of the silver screen to entice his victims, name-dropping Roman Polanski (like him, a convicted sexual predator) and suggesting that his photos could be their first step to stardom.
The real Alcala evaded the consequences of his early convictions by using the alias John Berger — coincidentally or not, also the name of the art critic who authored Ways of Seeing and helped shape the theory of the “male gaze.” In a tense scene toward the end of the movie, Rodney challenges Sheryl, accusing her of wanting to be “watched” without letting herself be “seen.”
But we can see that Sheryl’s evasions are a survival strategy. And she needs one, because Rodney, unlike the other bachelors, performs empathy and caring with disturbing skill.
Woman of the Hour is at its best in depicting Rodney’s twisted courtship of Sheryl, on- and o -screen. One of the makeup artists who primps Sheryl for the show says it best: The real question every woman silently asks her date is “Will you hurt me?” Zovatto projects warmth and charisma, then turns on a dime toward menace. Always tightly wired in her roles, Kendrick makes Sheryl a match for this master of illusion. The very personality
As a director, Kendrick handles the nonlinear structure deftly, using match cuts to link the di erent time frames and counterpointing the stifling fakeness of the game-show set with the spacious beauty of desert landscapes.
But some of the film’s fictional elements have a stale, TV-movie feel. An invented member of “The Dating Game” audience named Laura (Nicolette Robinson), who recognizes Rodney as the likely killer of her friend, is used to jack up tension. Laura stands in for the many witnesses whose tips to law enforcement went unheeded, resulting in more victims — a true and shocking aspect of the case. Her character remains a contrivance, however, and the coincidence of her being in the audience demands major suspension of disbelief.
Sheryl’s eventual subversion of the unspoken rules of “The Dating Game” is another fictional embroidery, but this one is fun and cathartic enough to justify itself. In a world where women are expected to smile and go with the flow, Sheryl dares to interrogate the bachelors with scalpel precision.
Kendrick has built a career on playing the sort of woman who gets told she’s “too much” — too savvy, too high-strung, too
hard to satisfy. But in Sheryl’s story, “too much” turns out to be just right.
HARRISON
margot@sevendaysvt.com
“UNBELIEVABLE” (eight episodes, 2019; Netflix): e difficulty of convincing law enforcement to take women’s stories seriously is also the theme of this harrowing, fact-based miniseries about a young woman who is prosecuted for reporting an “unbelievable” sexual assault.
MY FRIEND DAHMER (2017; AMC+, Crackle, Peacock, PLEX, Pluto TV, Prime Video, Sling TV, Tubi, rentable): Like Woman of the Hour, this fest favorite focuses on someone who came dangerously close to a serial killer — in this case, Jeffrey Dahmer’s high school friend, who later based a graphic novel on his experiences.
MAY DECEMBER (2023; Netflix): With this superlatively acted dark comedy about the aftermath of a notorious teacherstudent “romance,” director Todd Haynes centers the victims while also satirizing the entertainment industry that exploits them.
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER: Six siblings known for making trouble take over the local church’s festivities in this comedy from director Dallas Jenkins, starring Lauren Graham and Judy Greer. (99 min, PG. Capitol, Essex, Majestic, Marquis, Star)
ELEVATION: Three people brave postapocalyptic monsters to save a kid in this action thriller from George Nolfi, starring Anthony Mackie and Morena Baccarin. (90 min, R. Majestic)
HERETIC: Missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) try to convert the wrong person (Hugh Grant) in this horror film from directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods. (110 min, R. Essex, Majestic, Paramount, Star, Sunset)
MEANWHILE ON EARTH: A young woman (Megan Northam) receives a mysterious message from her brother, an astronaut lost in space, in this drama from director Jérémy Clapin. (89 min, R. Savoy)
SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE: Cillian Murphy plays a man discovering the dark secrets of the local Magdalen Laundry in this historical drama directed by Tim Mielants and based on Claire Keegan’s novel. (98 min, PG-13. Capitol)
ABSOLUTIONHH1/2 Liam Neeson stars in this crime thriller as an aging gangster trying to right past wrongs. Hans Petter Moland (Cold Pursuit) directed. (112 min, R. Majestic)
THE APPRENTICEHHH Sebastian Stan plays the young Donald Trump in this biopic about his real estate dealings; Maria Bakalova is Ivana. Ali Abbasi (Border) directed. (120 min, R. Roxy)
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICEHHH1/2 A grown-up Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) must save her daughter in this Tim Burton fantasy sequel. (104 min, PG-13. Capitol, Majestic, Sunset; reviewed 9/11)
CONCLAVEHHHH A conspiracy interferes with the selection of a new pope in this thriller starring Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci, directed by Edward Berger. (120 min, PG. Essex, Majestic, Savoy)
EXHIBITING FORGIVENESS: An artist faces a reckoning with his estranged father in this Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize nominee, directed by Titus Kaphar and starring André Holland and John Earl Jelks. (117 min, R. Savoy)
HEREHH The latest from director Robert Zemeckis follows the events on a single plot of land as time passes and different people make it a home. Tom Hanks, Robin Wright and Paul Bettany star. (104 min, PG-13. Capitol, Essex, Majestic)
HITPIG: Berkeley Breathed is among the writers of this animated comedy about a porcine bounty hunter (voice of Jason Sudeikis) pursuing a dancing elephant. (86 min, PG. Bijou, Majestic, Marquis, Paramount, Welden)
LOST ON A MOUNTAIN IN MAINE: This adventure drama from director Andrew Boodhoo Kightlinger is the survival tale of a 12-year-old (Luke David Blumm) who becomes stranded on Mount Katahdin. (98 min, PG. Bijou, Capitol, Roxy)
PIECE BY PIECEHHH Lego animation tells the story of Pharrell Williams, who stars in the musical biopic with director Morgan Neville, Kendrick Lamar and Gwen Stefani. (93 min, PG. Catamount)
SATURDAY NIGHTHHH1/2 Jason Reitman’s comedy-drama chronicles the 90 minutes before the 1975 premiere of “Saturday Night Live.” (109 min, R. Big Picture, Playhouse, Roxy; reviewed 10/16)
SINGHAM AGAIN: Rohit Shetty directed the Hindi action drama. (144 min, NR. Majestic)
SMILE 2HHH1/2 In the sequel to the horror hit, a pop star (Naomi Scott) is stalked by … a cheery expression? With Kyle Gallner and Drew Barrymore. (127 min, R. Essex, Majestic, Marquis, Roxy, Star, Sunset)
THE SUBSTANCEHHHH1/2 Coralie Fargeat (Revenge) wrote and directed this horror drama about a celebrity (Demi Moore) seeking the fountain of youth. (140 min, R. Roxy; reviewed 9/25)
TERRIFIER 3HHH Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton) gets his own holiday movie in the third installment of this cult gore-fest. “Unrated” means don’t bring kids. (125 min, NR. Roxy, Stowe, Sunset)
VENOM: THE LAST DANCEHH Tom Hardy returns as the Marvel Comics character in a complicated relationship with an alien symbiote. (109 min, PG-13. Bijou, Capitol, Essex, Majestic, Paramount, Roxy, Star, Stowe, Sunset, Welden)
WE LIVE IN TIMEHHH1/2 John Crowley (Brooklyn) directed this romance starring Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh. (107 min, R. Essex, Majestic, Roxy, Sunset; reviewed 10/30)
WHITE BIRDHH1/2 A boy learns life lessons from his grandmother’s story of escaping Nazi-occupied France in this family drama. (120 min, PG-13. Big Picture)
THE WILD ROBOTHHHH1/2 A shipwrecked robot becomes caretaker to an orphaned gosling in this animated family adventure. (101 min, PG. Bijou, Capitol, Essex, Majestic, Star, Stowe, Welden)
ANDREA BOCELLI 30: THE CELEBRATION (Essex)
A CHRISTMAS STORY (Sunset)
DRAGON BALL DAIMA (Essex, Sun & Mon only)
EQUINOX ENVIRONMENTAL FILM FESTIVAL (Savoy, Sat only)
JOHN WICK: 10TH ANNIVERSARY (Essex, Wed 6 only)
MISSION MT. MANGART (Catamount, Mon only)
THE POLAR EXPRESS (Sunset)
THE PRINCESS BRIDE (Catamount, Wed 6 only)
PUPPY LOVE (Savoy, Wed 6 only)
RED ONE (Essex, Sun only)
(* = upcoming schedule for theater was not available at press time)
*BIG PICTURE THEATER: 48 Carroll Rd., Waitsfield, 496-8994, bigpicturetheater.info
*BIJOU CINEPLEX 4: 107 Portland St., Morrisville, 888-3293, bijou4.com
CAPITOL SHOWPLACE: 93 State St., Montpelier, 229-0343, fgbtheaters.com
CATAMOUNT ARTS: 115 Eastern Ave., St. Johnsbury, 748-2600, catamountarts.org
*ESSEX CINEMAS & T-REX THEATER: 21 Essex Way, Suite 300, Essex, 879-6543, essexcinemas.com
MAJESTIC 10: 190 Boxwood St., Williston, 878-2010, majestic10.com
MARQUIS THEATER: 65 Main St., Middlebury, 388-4841, middleburymarquis.com
*MERRILL’S ROXY CINEMAS: 222 College St., Burlington, 864-3456, merrilltheatres.net
PARAMOUNT TWIN CINEMA: 241 N. Main St., Barre, 479-9621, fgbtheaters.com
PLAYHOUSE MOVIE THEATRE: 11 S. Main St., Randolph, 728-4012, playhouseflicks.com
SAVOY THEATER: 26 Main St., Montpelier, 2290598, savoytheater.com
STAR THEATRE: 17 Eastern Ave., St. Johnsbury, 748-9511, stjaytheatre.com
*STOWE CINEMA 3PLEX: 454 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 253-4678, stowecinema.com
SUNSET DRIVE-IN: 155 Porters Point Rd., Colchester, 862-1800, sunsetdrivein.com
*WELDEN THEATRE: 104 N. Main St., St. Albans, 527-7888, weldentheatre.com
BY ALICE DODGE • adodge@sevendaysvt.com
Ten days ago, Michelle Obama gave an impassioned speech that ventured into much-contested but rarely spoken-of territory in politics: women’s bodies. Not only women’s rights, but the physical realities of uncertainty and all-too-common ailments.
“Most of us women, we suck up our pain and deal with it alone,” the former first lady said. “We don’t share our experiences with anyone, not with our partners, our friends or even our doctors. Look, a woman’s body is complicated business, y’all.”
With “Bound in Abstractions” at Hexum Gallery in Montpelier, Burlington artist Elizabeth Powell shares a suite of works best described the same way — they are indeed complicated business. Without being coy, explicit or even figurative, they evoke complex and contradictory thoughts about female bodies: how they work, how they’re displayed and how they are supported, figuratively and literally.
Aptly for her subject, Powell’s medium is easily misperceived. According to Hexum gallerist John Zaso, a number of visitors (this one included) are surprised when they realize these aren’t digital images or prints — they’re paintings. The works are small, ranging from 7 by 5 to 16 by 12 inches, and all are gouache on paper. Gouache is very matte, fast-drying, thin but opaque paint, and Powell uses it adeptly; her colors are smooth, velvety and consistent. A viewer can detect the artist’s hand in the delicate edge of a line but only close-up, in person.
Part of the reason these look digital is Powell’s technique of creating dimension with a stepped gradient of evenly shaded lines; instead of a shadow, four or five outlines around a shape — at most an eighth of an inch thick — read from a distance as a curve.
Rules, restrictions and obsessive attention to neatness are traditionally the purview of printmakers, rather than painters; Powell earned her master’s in that medium before the pandemic forced her to shift her practice to something she could do at home. She begins her paintings as full graphite drawings, shading included, before applying gouache.
What comes through most in these works, in technique and imagery, is that concept of restriction. The paintings are symmetrical and pattern-based, with intertwining netlike designs, lacing and pearls, in combination with more tumorous, organic forms. Each image is a balance of elements pressing forward and being held back.
Powell began developing this visual lexicon when she was immobilized by endometriosis, an incredibly painful and unfortunately common condition that occurs when uterine tissue grows outside
the uterus. Similarly, there’s something dangerous in the way bulbous forms sprout and proliferate in these paintings. In an artist’s statement on her website, Powell describes how a quest for utilitarian underwear grew into an obsession with ridiculous lingerie, and specifically
of the balance between structure and decoration: Either the spinal column is ineffective in its role or the ribbons are stronger than one might think.
The body is always present in this work but not always overt. In “Neon Haze,” a series of globular masses make a very vaginal composition; but the painting’s palette, a strange olive-greenish gradation shot through with magenta lines, is its most arresting aspect. Throughout the show, Powell uses near-monochromatic palettes with a single contrasting color. It’s especially effective in works such as the muted blue and vibrant orange “Sacrum,” which visitors shouldn’t miss — it’s the only piece hung outside Hexum’s main gallery space.
Powell carries the same electric energy into “Cardioversion,” a busy mass of pinks and reds edged in bright blue. The repetition of heart-like forms rivals any crushing middle schooler’s notebook, but here the hearts bridge the gap between symbol and biology. The painting throbs.
Pearls are an important element, and strings of them in “Bound in Pearls” and “Opulence” are both luxurious and uncomfortable. It’s unclear if they’re hard like jewelry or soft like cysts; either way, the works remind viewers that pearls are organic and grown to contain something painful.
Powell fits into an established tradition of female artists taking on their own bodies, and viewers may connect her to the likes of Georgia O’Keeffe or Judy Chicago. But this work highlights something else, too — an ambivalence or even distrust of the body as part and parcel of empowerment.
For Powell, structures protect as well as trap. In “Pin Pricks,” for instance, bulbous lavender forms coexist with coral-pink bone-like ones. The bones are thinner in the middle, as though they could snap, but they also may be what’s holding up the forms around them. In some places, they look like a cage; in others, they impale their surroundings.
“the way the fabric forces women’s bodies into geometric shapes, as if they are packaged into a smaller container.”
Lingerie comes to the fore in works such as “Suspended Silk,” which features pink ribbons looped through rings against a fleshy background. There’s a counterpoint here between the relaxed ribbons and a lighter, ghostly pattern of rings linked by rigid lines. The playful delicacy contrasts with an imposing composition. In “Spinal Column,” pink ribbons loop to form vertebrae, which emerge from a field of linked saccharine hearts. The piece offers multiple interpretations
At the show’s reception, Powell said she had always been interested in psychology and especially in Rorschach tests. Her paintings bear that out, with their confrontational symmetry and role as provocative prompts. They don’t ask the viewer to choose between what’s decorative or structural, strong or weak, healthy or disordered, painful or pleasurable. Instead, they reward those who look very closely and see each one as a whole. ➆
“Elizabeth Powell: Bound in Abstractions,” on view through November 15 at Hexum Gallery in Montpelier. An artist talk is November 15, 6:30 p.m. hexumgallery.com
a year learning with the people and places that matter most to you. Vermonters ages 16+ receive funding, skills, and ongoing mentorship to engage in collaborative research projects. Learn more and apply by Dec. 15:
STORY & PHOTOS BY ALICE DODGE • adodge@sevendaysvt.com
e word “basic” gets treated unfairly. Colloquially, it has come to mean boring or mainstream, when once it signified something universal and fundamental. “Human Family,” Melora Kennedy’s retrospective solo show at the Front in Montpelier, guides the viewer back to that version of “basic” in a way that’s extraordinary.
Kennedy presents paintings, assemblages and a few drawings from the past decade or so of her practice. Her canvases are populated with still lifes, landscapes and figures. While none of their subjects is unusual in itself, an innovative concept ties them together: e artist has paired each work’s title with a phrase taken from the United Nations’ 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Kennedy said that concept evolved from her desire to be more politically active through her work, after realizing the November 5 election coincided with her show. She has been painting while listening to composer Max Richter’s 2020 album Voices, which combines melancholy and stirring instrumentals with an international array of voices reading parts of the declaration in multiple languages. e first is Eleanor Roosevelt’s.
at was one of the seeds from which “Human Family” grew. Kennedy was also considering how titles can be integral to yet seemingly unrelated to a work, as Frank O’Hara describes in his poem “Why I Am Not A Painter”: “One day I am thinking of / a color: orange. I write a line / ... My poem / is finished and I haven’t mentioned / orange yet. It’s twelve poems, I call / it ORANGES.”
e different ideas clicked: “It was a freeing moment to realize you could just do whatever you want,” Kennedy said. “ at made me figure it out: how I could be a political artist.”
Kennedy’s politics, like her paintings, are personal. A standout pair of works from 2023, “Water Street: ‘Freedom of Movement and Residence’” and “Backyard Landscape: ‘Human Family,’” are views of Springfield, Ore., where the Montpelier artist recently visited her relatives. eir green vegetation radiates the region’s golden light, which Kennedy said gave her a new appreciation for the place where she grew up. ese works are loose and confident, reflecting a different kind of freedom of movement.
Kennedy included a few playful, almost fauvist landscapes on paper that reflect her sense of humor. Here, trees and plants become characters — a transformation reinforced by their enumerated rights. A winter scene with groups of pink and orange plants becomes “Route 12: e Right to Form and Join Trade Unions,’” while lime green and blue succulents with weird leaves are “Rock Garden: ‘Freedom to Manifest eir Religion or Belief.’”
Nothing is inanimate in Kennedy’s pictures, even — or perhaps especially — in her still lifes. A number of them contain apples, which, Kennedy says in her artist statement, “light up an interior like a human face.”
She has a facility for describing a scene without sweating every detail yet also without taking anything for granted. One light-filled view of a chair, window, flowers and bowl of apples is strikingly clear and honest in its depiction of the bowl’s blue shadow, an earthenware pitcher and the way sunlight reflects off a wooden chair. Its title, “Autumn: ‘Genuine Elections,’” reminds us that politics can be basic, too. ➆
“Human Family” by Melora Kennedy, on view through December 1 at the Front in Montpelier. An artist talk is November 25, 5:30 p.m. thefrontvt.com
‘CELEBRATE THE SMALLS’: Seeking artists who work in small formats for an annual group exhibition. Not juried, maximum six works per artist, no entry fee. Apply online at axelsgallery. com. Axel’s Frame Shop & Gallery, Waterbury, November 6-23. Info, 244-7801.
‘MORE THAT CONNECTS US’: Seeking submissions in all mediums of works presenting the faces and figures of a varied and integrated society for a January exhibition. Send images and contact info via email. e Satellite Gallery, Lyndonville, November 6-December 31. $20 donation. Info, melmelts@yahoo.com.
Clockwise from top: "Water Street: 'Freedom of Movement and Residence'”; “Autumn: ‘Genuine Elections’”; “Rock Garden: ‘Freedom to Manifest eir Religion or Belief’”
LEGO EXHIBIT: e 17th annual exhibition of original Lego creations from community artists of all ages. Awards ceremony: Wednesday, November 6, 5:30 p.m. Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, November 7-11. Free. Info, 257-0124.
‘CELEBRATE!’: An art and craft exhibition and sale with works by more than 75 member artists. Studio
Place Arts, Barre, November 6-December 27. Info, 479-7069.
‘ELEMENTAL’: A group show on the subject of water and our connection to it. Reception: ursday, November 7, 5-7 p.m. Mad River Valley Arts Gallery, Waitsfield, November 7-December 19. Info, 496-6682.
SIGLINDE LANGHOLZ: “Bombyx Mori: Micro Tissue Intersections,” an exhibit by the Mexican artist exploring the silkworm as an activator of
dialogues and processes that encompass insect architecture, physics, biology, philosophy, sound art and new media. Artist talk and reception: Thursday, November 7, 6 p.m. McCarthy Art Gallery, Saint Michael’s College, Colchester, November 7-December 13. Info, 654-2851.
“WOOL AND WATER”: A collaborative project that blends fiber art with scientific information to create visual representations of changing water quality conditions in the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain Basin, featuring data-based works in knitting, weaving and crochet. Reception: Friday, November 8, 4-6 p.m.; artist talk 5 p.m. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, through December 18. Free. Info, 229-6206.
CARRIE CAOUETTE-DE LALLO: “The Sharing,” an exhibition of 15 new paintings focused on gatherings around the Chelsea artist’s kitchen table. Reception: Saturday, November 9, 3-5 p.m. The Tunbridge General Store Gallery, through December 22. Info, clcdelallo@gmail.com.
BEN CHENEY: “New Beginnings, Old Stories,” an exhibition of both functional and fine art exploring memory and change through the lens of amicable divorce. Reception and artist talk: Saturday, November 9, 5-7 p.m. Axel’s Frame Shop & Gallery, Waterbury, through November 23. Info, 244-7801.
HISTORY UNFRAMED TALK: ERIC TOBIN: A discussion with the Lamoille Valley painter known for his landscapes. Bryan Memorial Gallery, Jeffersonville, Wednesday, November 6, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 644-5100.
ESSEX ART LEAGUE MONTHLY MEETING: Artist presentations, art making and camaraderie. Essex Art League, Essex Junction, Thursday, November 7,
9-11 a.m. Free for two meetings, then $25 annually. Info, 318-5220, howekit0@gmail.com.
DATA ART FOR YARN LOVERS: Workshop by Michale Glennon, organizer of the Wool and Water Project on view in the gallery, on creating knitting and crochet projects that represent scientific data. Registration required at northbranchnaturecenter.org. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, Saturday, November 9, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 229-6206.
LANTERN-MAKING WORKSHOP: Drop-in workshop in preparation for Montpelier’s Bridge Illumination Lighting Ceremony and Parade. Lanterns are made from willow and paper to carry in the parade; all ages and abilities welcome, no registration required. T.W. Wood Gallery, Montpelier, Saturday, November 9, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, 262-6035.
MILTON ARTSFEST 2024: Works by 135 Vermont artists, live music, food for purchase, wine tasting from Maquam Winery, raffle and prizes. Milton Artists’ Guild Art Center & Gallery, Saturday, November 9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Info, 891-2014.
LAKE CHAMPLAIN DATA ART HANDS-ON WORKSHOP: A large collaboration project in which participants translate data about the Lake Champlain watershed into art. For all levels, ages 14 and up. Registration required at northbranchnaturecenter.org. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, Saturday, November 9, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Free. Info, 229-6206.
LEGO PRINTMAKING WORKSHOP: An opportunity to design and print letterpress cards and posters with Legos. Advance registration required at brattleboromuseum.org. First Proof Press, Brattleboro, Saturday, November 9, 2 p.m. $75. Info, 257-0124.
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, November 12, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Info, judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.
ARTIST TALK: JESSICA DICKINSON: A discussion about the artist’s experimental studio practice along with recent exhibitions. Her work is primarily situated in painting and encompasses drawing, writing and installations. Johnson Memorial Building, Middlebury College, Wednesday, November 13, 4-6 p.m. Free. Info, boxoffice@ middlebury.edu.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS FOR ARTISTS: A selection of free online and in-person workshops addressing the most urgent needs, challenges and opportunities facing artists in New England, presented by Assets for Artists in partnership with the Vermont Arts Council. Register online at assetsforartists.org. Vermont Arts Council, Montpelier, through January 28. Info, assetsforartists@massmoca.org. ➆
Lu Racine feels like he’s living a secret life sometimes.
“It’s strange, because I think some people think our lives have changed so massively,” Racine told me in a Zoom conversation with him and his bandmate Echo Mars, the two founding members of Brattleboro indie-rock quartet THUS LOVE. “But our personal lives are the same. We all have day jobs; we’re all still broke and do townie shit.”
Mars laughed and added, “People at my job don’t even know I’m an artist. We were just this little queer band from Vermont. But then we take o to tour Europe.”
“I feel like a spy!” Racine said. “It can be weird to reconcile the two modes sometimes, for sure.”
It’s understandable that Mars and
Racine are still coming to grips with the runaway success of the band they formed in 2019. Born out of the small but mighty Brattleboro music scene, THUS LOVE — originally a trio with bassist Nathaniel van Osdol — gained international attention with their 2022 debut on Captured Tracks, Memorial
The band’s blend of new wave-leaning post-punk and glassy indie rock leapt out on tracks such as “Inamorato,” which showcased Mars’ powerful voice; angular, inventive songwriting; and natural ability as a front person — the singer oozes charisma with that perfect blend of vulnerability and sneering, rock-and-roll attitude. The band soon caught the eyes and ears of such publications as Rolling Stone, the Guardian and Stereogum, and
to their breakout success: If it’s not joyful, don’t do it.
“Part of the experience we’re trying to create is making bandship and touring this holistic experience,” Mars explained. “That ties into the concept of All Pleasure We have this platform, and we love doing it, but it’s only sustainable if we actually enjoy doing it.”
With a new motto in tow, the band started writing and recording the new album but soon ran into a hurdle when founding member van Osdol decided to leave the group.
“It just wasn’t working for them anymore,” Mars said. “It sucks, and we really miss Nathaniel, but it’s about the good that comes from the bad.”
After van Osdol’s departure, Mars and Racine reached out to bassist Ally Juleen, a formerly New York City-based musician whom they had met while she was playing with the band Bat House. Juleen had recently moved to Putney, and the band desperately needed a bassist before a run of shows in Brazil. She was in but had one condition: Her former Bat House bandmate, guitarist and keyboardist Shane Blank, needed to join as well.
Brattleboro indie rockers THUS LOVE return with a revamped lineup and new album
BY CHRIS FARNSWORTH farnsworth@sevendaysvt.com
it started popping up at big-time festivals, including the Reading Festival in England.
The tricky thing about dropping a debut as good as Memorial is, of course, following it up. Most bands with the kind of buzz THUS LOVE had generated would duly move to New York City or some other market larger than their tiny corner of southern Vermont. They’d record their sophomore record in a proper studio with an established producer.
THUS LOVE aren’t most bands.
Instead, the group retreated to a barn near Brattleboro that Mars had converted into a studio to lay down the tracks that would become All Pleasure, THUS LOVE’s new LP, which dropped on November 1. The title is taken from an axiom the band members have recently adopted in relation
It was a no-brainer for Mars and Racine, who were excited about the sonic opportunities expanding to a quartet o ered.
“We’d always wanted more guitars and keys and vocals,” Racine said, adding that Blank and Juleen have helped the band progress creatively.
“There’s no better way to have your second record stand out from the fi rst than bringing in new voices,” Mars said. “I feel like we’re opening up the audience’s expectations on this album. Because if you make the same thing, they’ll expect you to keep doing that.”
The band particularly shines on the album’s title track, the first song the newlook lineup recorded together. Gone — or at least shoved to the periphery — is the chorus-drenched, ’80s-loving aesthetic of Memorial, replaced by a harder, grungier sound and a flirtation with glam rock. Juleen’s voice comes in strong, trading lines with Mars’ as they o er up an anthem for the band’s dedication to finding joy in rock and roll once again. “I ain’t high, but I feel good / Like a drug, but I don’t come down,” Mars sings.
and views on the local music + nightlife scene BY
CHRIS FARNSWORTH
We all played the game when we were kids. You know, sitting around, bored out of your young minds, you and your friends start trying gross each other out: Would you rather jump into a vat of snakes or eat live bugs? Would you rather accidentally like a photo of your ex on social media or accidentally send a sext to your mother? Would you rather not be able to lie or believe everything you’re told? The more ridiculous the question, the more you stood to learn about each other — for better or worse.
Comedians MAGGIE MAXWELL and ANDRE MEDRANO have kept that morbid childhood curiosity alive in their comedy show “Would You Rather?” Their adult version of the game puts a panel of comics in the hot seat. The hosts fire o an onslaught of ludicrous situations, and the comics are forced to make a decision, no matter how unpleasant. It’s a way of taking naturally funny people and forcing them into a corner. How does one defend the choice to piss your pants in public once a week,
you can’t really make an ideal pick,” Medrano said. “Sometimes that can frustrate the guests, but that makes for great comedy. We like to say that there are no o ensive questions, just wrong answers. So if anyone has a problem with anything, it’s not on us!”
Despite the show’s NYC origins, both hosts have strong Vermont connections. Medrano attended the University of Vermont and coproduces monthly comedy shows during the winter at Sugarbush Resort in Warren. And Maxwell is newly local; she and her family moved to Burlington in February.
“I have a 1-year old son, so I haven’t got out as much as I’d like to,” Maxwell said. “But I’ve been to a lot of open mics, and I’ve been going to shows at the comedy club, meeting all the local comics who just kill it every week. So this was definitely an easy show to book, now that I’m friends with a lot of the local comics.”
as opposed to privately pooping in them daily? The questions serve as jumpingo points for comics well versed in improv.
Maxwell and Medrano launched the series in New York City in 2017, and the monthly event swiftly became a staple on the Big Apple’s comedy scene — it was even shouted out by the New York Times. They tour the show around six times a year, often playing comedy festivals in cities such as Chicago and San Francisco. But on Friday, November 15, “Would You Rather?” hits Vermont Comedy Club in Burlington.
“It came from a place of two idiots ri ng, but we wanted our idiotic ri ng to be original,” Maxwell explained. “It’s also like speed dating in this very poly sort of way, because you and the audience get to very quickly know the comedians in really intimate and often hilarious ways.”
By posing dilemmas such as “Would you rather break all of your promises or share all of your secrets?” and “Would you rather su er from acute FOMO or definitely find out that … YOLO?,” the cohosts force the comics to work without a safety net. Rather than written jokes, everything is o the cu .
“The cornerstone of the show is that
The lineup for the November 15 show includes locals MAGGIE PHELAN, MADDIE MCLENNON and three Vermont’s Funniest Comedian contest winners: MIKE THOMAS, JARED HALL and LEVI SILVERSTEIN, the last of whom won the 2024 crown on Saturday. So, would you rather spend some of your hard-earned dollars or miss a killer comedy show? I think we know the answer. Check out vermontcomedyclub.com for more details and to grab tickets. ➆
(Spotify mix of local jams)
1. “IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT” by Madaila
2. “STILL GOT WEIGHT” by D. French, Mavstar
3. “SWEET SWEET” by James Kochalka Superstar, Dan Deacon
4. “PEOPLE AGAINST AN EMPIRE” by Hana Zara, Kelly Mulhollan
5. “A” by Michael Chorney and Freeway Clyde
6. “SIDEWINDER” by Moondogs
7. “MBO VALIA AMINAHY” by Mikahely
All Pleasure is a stunning record that doesn’t just avoid the dreaded sophomore slump but expands THUS LOVE’s sound. It evolves the band into a more complex beast than the punky, queer trio that showed up seemingly out of nowhere after the pandemic.
“When you do something enough, you become less fearful of failure,” Mars said. “So I think we’re just braver about it all now.”
on Sunday, November 10. After that, it’s off to Europe to tour with English indie-rock outfit the Vaccines.
“It’s a strange dichotomy for sure, touring Europe and then coming home to our little scene. But it’s easy to be poor in Brattleboro,” Racine said with a laugh. “Easier than in the city, that’s for sure. But we have a solid base here with people we love and artists we respect.”
I FEEL LIKE WE’RE OPENING UP THE AUDIENCE’S EXPECTATIONS ON THIS ALBUM.
To celebrate the release of All Pleasure , THUS LOVE are in the midst of a mini-tour. On November 1, the day the album dropped, they hit the stage for a hometown gig at the Stone Church in Brattleboro, the venue where they got their start and where Racine still works booking shows, among other duties. They pop down to Brooklyn on Friday, November 8, for a gig at Elsewhere Zone One before they head back up Interstate 87 and finish the release shows with a performance at Radio Bean in Burlington
ECHO MARS
With a stellar new LP made on their own terms, THUS LOVE have used their joy as a lighthouse in the storm of sudden success, focusing on the core of what they want their band and sound to be. All Pleasure is a resounding yes to that approach. ➆
THUS LOVE with Robber Robber, Sunday, November 10, 8 p.m., at Radio Bean in Burlington $15/20. radiobean.com
All Pleasure is available on CD and vinyl at thuslove.bandcamp.com and is streaming on major services.
Last week’s live music highlights from photographer Luke Awtry
DEBBIE HARRY AND THE HARRY DEBBIES AT ARTSRIOT IN BURLINGTON, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31:
For a live music lover, no Halloween is complete without a tribute band experience. Tribute bands can vary from earnest authenticity to whimsical satire in the name of pure fun. I arrived at ArtsRiot last Thursday dressed as the Salvador Dalí Llama, clearly hoping for the latter from local Blondie tribute Debbie Harry and the Harry Debbies. The band, composed of members of Dogface and the New Erotics, was a few songs into its set as I approached the stage to get a clearer look through the darkened eyes of my oversize llama head. I saw a mix of Debbie Harrys, Harry Debbies and maybe even a Hairy Debbie Harry. Fronted by twin Debbies, the group nailed the songs, and its intentional and well-executed absurdity was further elevated by the dancing pirates, raccoons, cows and corpses in the crowd, checking all the boxes for a great Halloween show.
WED.6
Al Olender (singer-songwriter) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 8:30 p.m. $15/$20.
Anthony Gomes (blues, rock) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 7 p.m. $28/$33. BBQ and Bluegrass (bluegrass) at Four Quarters Brewing, Winooski, 6:30 p.m. Free.
Bent Nails House Band (jazz, blues) at Bent Nails Bistro, Montpelier, 8 p.m. Free.
Bob Gagnon (singer-songwriter) at Two Heroes Brewery Public House, South Hero, 6 p.m. Free.
Irish Night with RambleTree (Celtic) at Two Brothers Tavern, Middlebury, 7 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.
Wednesday Night Dead (Grateful Dead tribute) at Zenbarn, Waterbury Center, 7 p.m. $10. Willverine (electronic) at the Wallflower Collective, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. Free.
THU.7
DJ Lucas, Pleasant Boys, Real Ricky, 9ine Isle, Lunch, Tyler Serrani (hip-hop) at ArtsRiot, Burlington, 7 p.m. $12/$15.
Fireside Collective, Forest Station (bluegrass) at Nectar’s, Burlington, 8 p.m. $15/$20.
Frankie & the Fuse (rock) at Red Square, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.
Happy Spangler (indie rock) at Bent Nails Bistro, Montpelier, 8 p.m. Free.
Jazz Jam (jazz) at Hugo’s, Montpelier, 7:30 p.m. Free.
Jazz with Alex Stewart & Friends (jazz) at the 126, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free.
John-Robert, Gabe Goodman (folk) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 7 p.m. $15/$18.
Left Eye Jump (R&B, swing) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 6 p.m. Free.
The Old Soul House Band (indie) at Old Soul Design Shop, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 8 p.m. Free.
Otter Creek (bluegrass) at Charlie-O’s World Famous, Montpelier, 8 p.m. Free.
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Kendall Street Company (jam) at Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington, 6:45 p.m. $30/$35.
FRI.8
Adam Ezra Group (Americana) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 7 p.m. $23/$25.
Aquatic Underground, Bo Twiggs, Transplante (drum and bass) at Despacito, Burlington, 8 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.
There’s a popular saying in the Green Mountains about New Jersey: “Don’t Jersey Vermont.” That’s a shot at the Garden State’s less than stellar reputation for, well, everything. Those haters surely never encountered
Asbury Park’s own SONIC BLUME, however. The trio of Jersey boys hit the scene as a high school band with its 2018 EP Beach Karma before signing to Shore Points Records. The group continues to refine its take on ’80s-leaning indie rock on its latest LP, All Your Favorite Songs. Sonic Blume play the Monkey House in Winooski on Saturday, November 9, with locals LACES opening.
Barbie N Bones (covers) at the Old Post, South Burlington, 8 p.m. Free.
Big Yellow Taxi (Joni Mitchell tribute) at the Double E Lounge at Essex Experience, 7 p.m. $15/$20. Covered Up (indie) at Old Soul Design Shop, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 7 p.m. Free.
Dave Mitchell’s Blues Revue (blues) at Red Square, Burlington, 2 p.m. Free.
Devonian Hot Club (jazz) at Hugo’s, Montpelier, 7:30 p.m. Free. Grace Palmer (singer-songwriter) at Hotel Vermont, Burlington, 4 p.m. Free.
GuitFiddle (bluegrass) at Bent Nails Bistro, Montpelier, 9 p.m. Free.
Jaded Ravins (Americana) at Whammy Bar, Calais, 7:30 p.m. Free.
Jesse Royal, DJ Big Dog, Lil Unific, Sed One, I Rymes (reggae) at the Lounge at Nectar’s, Burlington, 8 p.m. $20.
John Lackard Blues Band (blues) at Moogs Place, Morrisville, 8 p.m. Free.
Johnny Mop (covers) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 9 p.m. Free.
Karl Miller & the Instrumentals (acoustic) at ArtsRiot, Burlington, 4 p.m. Free.
Rap Night Burlington (hip-hop) at Drink, Burlington, 9 p.m. $5.
Rustics (folk) at Two Heroes Brewery Public House, South Hero, 7 p.m. Free.
Scab Hag, Throne, Assimilator (metal) at Monopole, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 10 p.m. Free.
Shane McGrath (acoustic) at Gusto’s, Barre, 6 p.m. Free.
Sibling Reverie (covers) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 5 p.m. Free.
Spaisekult, Before the Eyewall, Sea of Bones (metal) at ArtsRiot, Burlington, 8 p.m. $10.
Speak of the Witch, Sabrehound, Bitter Rival, Desert Money Run (metal) at Charlie-O’s World Famous, Montpelier, 9 p.m. Free.
Ted Perry, Rob Morse, Gabe Jarrett (jazz) at Tank Recording Studio, Burlington, 7 p.m. $20.
Tony Grassi (singer-songwriter) at Poultney Pub, 6 p.m. Free.
Typhoid Mary (punk, ska) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 8 p.m. $10.
SAT.9
Aftermath (covers) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 9 p.m. Free.
The Bleeding Hearts Family Band (folk) at the Den at Harry’s Hardware, Cabot, 7 p.m. Free.
bob.: An Interpretation of Dylan (covers) at Lost Nation Brewing, Morrisville, 8 p.m. $25.
Cris Jacobs, Daniel Rodriguez (soul, blues) at Nectar’s, Burlington, 8 p.m. $20.
Dan Parks (covers) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 5 p.m. Free.
David Karl Roberts (singersongwriter) at 1st Republic Brewing, Essex, 6 p.m. Free.
Dipped in Moonlight (rock) at Charlie-O’s World Famous, Montpelier, 9:30 p.m. Free.
Finom, Meg Elsier (indie) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 8:30 p.m. $15/$18.
The Grey Cats (jazz) at Hugo’s, Montpelier, 7:30 p.m. Free.
Hip-Hop Night (hip-hop) at Monopole, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 10 p.m. Free.
Kirkland the Band (rock) at 1st Republic Brewing, Essex, 6 p.m. Free.
Knitting, Artificial Go, rabbitfoot, Remi Russin (indie rock) at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington, 8 p.m. $12/$15.
Moondogs, Clive & the Hive (indie rock) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 9:30 p.m. $10/$15.
Moontricks, Will Evans (folks) at Nectar’s, Burlington, 8 p.m. $18.
Odie Leigh, Charlotte Rose Benjamin (indie) at Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $20/$25.
Peter Day (jazz) at Bleu Northeast Kitchen, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. Free.
Unruly Allies (rock) at Whammy Bar, Calais, 7:30 p.m. Free. The Wormdogs, Tallgrass Getdown (bluegrass) at Zenbarn, Waterbury Center, 8 p.m. $10/$15.
SUN.10
Dana Cooper, Cameron Sutphin (Americana, singer-songwriter) at Stage 33 Live, Bellows Falls, 7 p.m. $20.
Old North End, Miles of Fire, Challenger, Blossom, Outnumbered, Swillbillie (metal) at Nectar’s, Burlington, 1 p.m. $12. Sarah Shook & the Disarmers, Chloe Kimes (country, punk) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 7 p.m. $20/$23. Sunday Brunch Tunes (singersongwriter) at Hotel Vermont, Burlington, 10 a.m.
THUS LOVE, Robber Robber (indie rock) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 8 p.m. $15/$20.
TUE.12
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. Breathwork (jazz fusion) at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington, 9 p.m. $10.
Dexter and the Moonrocks (alt-rock) at Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $0.99.
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.
Juge Greenspun, Nate Gusakov (singer-songwriter) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 7 p.m. $7.
Madigan Linnane (singersongwriter) at Lawson’s Finest Liquids, Waitsfield, 5 p.m. Free. Mal Blum, John-Allison Weiss (singer-songwriter) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 7 p.m. $18/$20.
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.
Mirage (rock) at Gusto’s, Barre, 9 p.m. Free.
Reggae Saturdays (DJ, reggae) at the Double E Lounge at Essex Experience, 9 p.m. $10.
Rushmore (rock) at 14th Star Brewing, St. Albans, 6 p.m. Free.
Sonic Blume, LACES (indie rock) at Monkey House, Winooski, 8:30 p.m. $5.
Tracie and Paul Cassarino (jazz) at Bleu Northeast Kitchen, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. Free.
Meg Bohne & Friends (singersongwriter) at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington, 7 p.m. $5/$10.
WED.13
BBQ and Bluegrass (bluegrass) at Four Quarters Brewing, Winooski, 6:30 p.m. Free.
Brad Barr, La Force (singer-songwriter) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 6 p.m. $25/$30.
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.
The Palmer Squares, Mister Burns, Tobyraps (hip-hop) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 7 p.m. $15/$20.
Troy Millette (singer-songwriter) at Two Heroes Brewery Public House, South Hero, 6 p.m. Free.
Wednesday Night Dead (Grateful Dead tribute) at Zenbarn, Waterbury Center, 7 p.m. $10. Wet-Aid 4 (indie) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 8 p.m. $10/$15.
Willverine (electronic) at the Wallflower Collective, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. Free.
WED.6
DJ CRE8 (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington, 10 p.m. Free.
DJ Mildew (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.
Local Dork (DJ) at Foam Brewers, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.
Wadada Wednesdays: Reggae
Dub Night with Satta Sound (reggae) at ArtsRiot, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.
THU.7
Country & Western Thursdays (country, DJ) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 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.8
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/$15. John’s Jukebox (DJ) at Gusto’s, Barre, 9 p.m. Free.
SAT.9
DJ A-Ra$ (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington, midnight. Free.
DJ Raul (DJ) at Red Square Blue Room, Burlington, 6 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.10
Mi Yard Reggae Night with DJ Big Dog (reggae, dancehall) at Nectar’s, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free.
WED.13
DJ CRE8 (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington, 10 p.m. Free.
DJ Mildew (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.
Local Dork (DJ) at Foam Brewers, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.
WED.6
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.
The Ribbit Review Open Mic & Jam (open mic) at Lily’s Pad, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.
THU.7
Open Mic (open mic) at Whammy Bar, Calais, 7 p.m. Free.
Open Mic (open mic) at Moogs Place, Morrisville, 8 p.m. Free.
Open Stage Night (open mic) at Orlando’s Bar & Lounge, Burlington, 8 p.m. Free.
SUN.10
Olde Time Jam Session (open jam) at the Den at Harry’s Hardware, Cabot, noon. Free.
MON.11
Open Mic (open mic) at Despacito, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.
TUE.12
Open Mic Night (open mic) at Drink, Burlington, 8 p.m. Free.
Venetian Soda Open Mic (open mic) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.
WED.13
Irish Trad Jam (Celtic) at ArtsRiot, Burlington, 7 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.
Writer’s Bloc (poetry open mic) at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.
WED.6
Judge John Hodgman (comedy, live podcast) at Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington, 6:30 p.m. $35/$40.
Post-Election Group Hug (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 6:30 p.m. Free.
Standup Comedy Open Mic (comedy open mic) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 8:30 p.m.
THU.7
Jackie Kashian (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 7 p.m. $25.
Live, Laugh, Lava: A Comedy Showcase (comedy) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.
Strapped-In: A Queer Comedy Showcase (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 9 p.m. $10/$15.
FRI.8
Jackie Kashian (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 7 p.m. $25.
Wit & Wine (comedy) at Shelburne Vineyard, 8 p.m. $10.
SAT.9
Good Clean Fun (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 5 p.m. $5/$10. Jackie Kashian (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 7 & 9 p.m. $25.
TUE.12
The Cafeteria Presents: Hot Lunch Tuesdays (comedy) at ArtsRiot, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.
WED.13
Pass the Potatoes (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.
WED.6
Karaoke Night (karaoke) at Drink, Burlington, 8 p.m. Free. Karaoke with Cam (karaoke) at Monopole, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 9 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.7
Karaoke Night (karaoke) at Zenbarn, Waterbury Center, 7 p.m. Free.
Radio Bean Karaoke (karaoke) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free.
Trivia Night (trivia) at McGillicuddy’s Five Corners, Essex Junction, 6:30 p.m. Free. Trivia Night (trivia) at Nectar’s, Burlington, 6:30 p.m. Free.
Trivia Thursday (trivia) at Spanked Puppy Pub, Colchester, 7 p.m. Free.
FRI.8
Karaoke Friday Night (karaoke) at Park Place Tavern & Grill, Essex Junction, 8 p.m. Free.
SAT.9
It’s Not a Phase, Mom: An Emo Burlesque Show (burlesque) at Einstein’s Tap House, Burlington, 8 p.m. $10/$12.
DEXTER AND THE MOONROCKS are the answer to a very niche question: What happens when a band gets together to play country-and-western music but slowly morphs into a hard-rock act? When they started, the members of the Texas quartet had regular jobs: baseball coach, oil field-worker, fry cook, concrete surface decorator. Fifty million streams and more than 675,000 TikTok followers later, they cast aside the day jobs and hit the road — not bad for a band from a town of only 700 people. In July, they released Western Space Grunge on Severance Records. Dexter and the Moonrocks swing through the Higher Ground Ballroom in South Burlington on Tuesday, November 12.
Shake It Till You Make It: Burlesque Newcomers
Showcase (burlesque) at Off Center for the Dramatic Arts, Burlington, 8 p.m. $20.
SUN.10
Karaoke with DJ Coco Entertainment (karaoke) at Old Soul Design Shop, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 5 p.m. Free.
Sunday Funday (games) at 1st Republic Brewing, Essex, noon. Free.
Venetian Karaoke (karaoke) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.
MON.11
Trivia Monday with Top Hat Entertainment (trivia) at McKee’s Original, Winooski, 7 p.m. Free.
Trivia with Brain (trivia) at Charlie-O’s World Famous, Montpelier, 8 p.m. Free.
Trivia with Craig Mitchell (trivia) at Monkey House, Winooski, 7 p.m. Free.
TUE.12
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 Tuesdays (karaoke) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free.
Karaoke with DJ Party Bear (karaoke) at Charlie-O’s World Famous, Montpelier, 9:30 p.m. Free.
Music Bingo (music bingo) at Stone Corral, Richmond, 7 p.m. Free.
Taproom Trivia (trivia) at 14th Star Brewing, St. Albans, 6:30 p.m. Free.
Trivia Night (trivia) at the Depot, St. Albans, 7 p.m. Free.
Trivia Tuesday (trivia) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 7 p.m. Free.
Tuesday Trivia (trivia) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.
WED.13
Karaoke Night (karaoke) at Drink, Burlington, 8 p.m. Free.
Karaoke with Cam (karaoke) at Monopole, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 9 p.m. Free.
Live Band Karaoke (karaoke) at Bent Nails Bistro, Montpelier, 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. ➆
(AUTUMN RECORDS, CASSETTE, DIGITAL)
Imagine you’re an astronaut voyaging into outer space, and your helmetencased brain is bobbing around like a dashboard ornament because you’ve passed out at lifto . Unconscious and swept up in the ride, you drift in a deep sleep among cosmic dust, floating millions of miles away from planet Earth, its bright elliptical edge burning out and fading to black behind you.
awesome sight of stellar beauty amid light-years of unassailable hostile space. What do you hear?
Then, after the spacecraft reaches cruising altitude, an astronaut friend punches you in the spacesuit-padded shoulder. When you open your eyes, there is only the
(PEOPLE OF ORPHALESE RECORDS, DIGITAL)
Hana Zara’s early recordings revealed an inquisitive songwriter and an unassuming guitarist with a palpable concern for others. She developed those qualities along a lengthy journey to find her identity and her place as an artist. With her latest EP, Bloom Where You Fall, the Burlington expat advances as a vocalist who wields an a ecting sound and conveys her worldly understanding through personal storytelling and poetic illustration. Most of the seven tracks reflect the defining experiences of her recent years, from overcoming personal struggles to meeting and falling in love with her husband, who hails from Mexico City and with whom she’s now settled in
It might sound something like Full Spectrum 3/7, the latest o ering of airy, blissed-out tones from internationally renowned Burlington composer and experimental musician Greg Davis. Stacked with ethereal, featherlight drones, the album, released digitally and on cassette via his label Autumn Records — also the name of his Winooski record store — is the continuation of a series that Davis began in 2008. Cinematic, celestial tones soar and smolder in ethereal cascades of modulated frequencies. Spontaneous sweeps of dazzling sound explode and fade like falling stars. Forged from the milieu of
an artists’ village in Massachusetts. The opener, “Our Work Here Is Not yet Done,” instills a sense of renewal as Zara sings of undergoing a crucial transformation in an anonymous recovery community in South Philadelphia.
In the liner notes, she calls this “an anthem for anyone who has struggled with addiction,” and it moves with a depiction of struggling souls gathering to “give being alive one more shot.” But its chorus — “our work here is not yet done” — speaks to a perseverance implied by the record’s title and echoed throughout.
Zara’s 2018 album, Where Amanda Is King, struck illusory, even cosmic tones. Her new o ering achieves a rich folk resonance thanks to the varied instrumentation provided by Ozark Mountains-based musician Kelly Mulhollan.
Over the course of three years, the
the new-age movement, Full Spectrum 3/7 has everything to do with ambience. Side A features a single track, “Full Spectrum (part 3),” a striking 20-minute composition that evokes the vastness of space. Fifteen minutes in, a waterfall of harpsichords enters the arrangement, and the e ect is that of a velvet veil opening to reveal a new vantage of an astonishing sight. The composition is full of sonic surprises — such as the faint traces of staccato choral voices bookending the track in short bursts — but its many-layered drones crowd the higher end of the register, resulting in a trebly, ringing e ect that lacks depth.
As the shimmering, synthy drones hold an allure and ominousness, it’s hard not to think of David Lynch’s mystical aesthetic, as if the mounting tones are beckoning you to peer behind the curtain of your consciousness.
two artists exchanged music and ideas. Mulhollan’s arrangements, forged with banjo, mountain dulcimer, octave mandolin and more, don’t simply complement Zara; they showcase her abilities as a singer.
Rerecorded after serving as title track to her 2013 sophomore release, “Tatterhood” is revitalized by Mulhollan’s orchestration, and Zara’s younger brother joins her on vocals in a moving tribute to their parents. With the touching acoustic ballad “Anabelle,” Zara o ers comfort and hope to her younger self as part of an ongoing process of discovery and healing.
Prior to meeting her husband, Zara went through what she calls in the liner notes a “tumultuous” breakup. “Little Fires” illuminates the complex emotions — “incessant desires” — she felt in the wake of the separation. “I’m sorry that we stumbled on the darker side of love,” she apologizes.
However, she bears no shame in “Subtle Hand,” a declaration of love and commitment to her husband. They met
The tape’s B-side, “Full Spectrum (part 7),” more definitely embraces the series’ name, evincing a richer spectrum of tones that fill out the musical register more harmoniously. Here, crescendos are epiphanic, gliding across the track without pattern or meter but moving on sheer intuition. Higher tones shimmer like wind chimes over a lush bed of laser beams; syncopated ri s play out in the distance, opening and closing like fuzzy, distorted wormholes.
“Full Spectrum (part 7)” comes to an eerie, satisfying end that smolders as it dissipates, featuring foreboding bowed upright bass that flickers in and out like starshine. The track savors the fade-out and doesn’t dissolve quietly into the evaporating light but finds opportunities to dance in the decay.
Full Spectrum 3/7 is available at gregdavis.bandcamp.com.
XENIA TURNER
after they’d each been “wounded,” and in this warm piece, she seeks his eternal devotion, imploring, “let me spend my days with you.”
On “People Against an Empire,” released in May as a single, Zara shifts her persona to skillfully fuse activism and songwriting. Dismayed by what she saw on a trip to Israel and a visit to its western border, she assumes the viewpoint of a young Palestinian girl living under occupation.
Finally, she lets her imagination drift into the future on “Time Irreverent.” It’s a dystopian and heartrending fantasy in which she takes on the perspective of a former human who’s morphed to become half-machine and immortal. As this lonely being, Zara yearns for genuine interaction but has only memories to cherish, and her words form a striking context to close out the recording: “And our lives were short, but our love was long. So, we sang, and we prayed and played songs.”
Bloom Where You Fall is available on all major streaming platforms.
CASEY RYAN VOCK
Local newspapers such as Seven Days help us speak to and with specific Vermont communities in ways that Meta and Google simply can’t. These publishers provide calendar listings, reviews, articles and a forum for letters to the editor that are key to knowing the distinct characteristics and residents of Vermont’s towns. The writers, editors and administrators are real people who know their readers. That’s why we advertise with Vermont’s incredible local media outlets.
Elise Brunelle
DISABLED ACCESS & ADVOCACY OF THE RUTLAND AREA MONTHLY ZOOM MEETING: Community members gather online to advocate for accessibility and other disability-rights measures. 11:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 779-9021.
AI TOOLS & TIPS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES: Axess Network CEO Andrea Beach teaches entrepreneurs how to get more clients and improve their offerings. Hosted by Women Business Owners Network of Vermont. 8:30-10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 503-0219.
QUEEN CITY BUSINESS
NETWORKING INTERNATIONAL
GROUP: Savvy businesspeople make crucial contacts at a weekly chapter meeting. BCA Center, Burlington, 11:15 a.m.1 p.m. Free. Info, 829-5066. VERMONT
WOMENPRENEURS BIZ
BUZZ ZOOM: A monthly virtual networking meetup provides a space for female business owners to connect. 10-11 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 870-0903.
LIVING WITH LOSS: A GATHERING FOR THE GRIEVING: Participants explore how ritual, connection and community sharing can aid through times of loss. 4-5:15 p.m. $5-25 suggested donation. Info, 825-8141, ritesofpassagevt@gmail.com.
HOLIDAY SUCCULENT WREATH WORKSHOP: Artistic souls craft a stunning centerpiece for the holiday season. Minifactory, Bristol, 1-3 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 951-1397.
YARN CRAFTERS GROUP: A drop-in meetup welcomes knitters, crocheters, spinners, weavers and other fiber artists. BYO snacks and drinks. Must Love Yarn, Shelburne, 5-7 p.m. Free. Info, 448-3780. etc.
CHAMP MASTERS TOASTMASTERS CLUB: Those looking to strengthen their speaking and leadership skills gain new tools. Virtual options available. Dealer. com, Burlington, 6-7:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, champmasterstm@gmail.com.
HEART OF THE SHIRES
LUNCHEON: The Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce celebrates local
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 Rebecca Driscoll 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.
nonprofit and community leaders. Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home, Manchester, noon-2 p.m. $55-500. Info, erika@ swvtchamber.com.
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 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.
‘PUPPY LOVE’: This 2023 grassroots documentary tells the story of a litter of Labradors who suddenly become paralyzed and four women’s efforts to save them. Proceeds benefit For the Love of Dogs Vermont. A Q&A follows. Savoy Theater, Montpelier, 7-9 p.m. $12.50-15. Info, 312-203-9043.
‘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, $16.5020; admission free for members and kids 2 and under. Info, 864-1848.
games
CHESS CLUB: Players of all ages and abilities test their skills with instructor Robert and peers. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 223-3338.
CHESS TIME: Enthusiasts of the ancient strategy game gather to practice and share in an informal setting. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 5-6 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.
CHAIR YOGA: Waterbury Public Library instructor Diana Whitney leads at-home participants in gentle stretches supported by seats. 10 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.
language
ELL CLASSES: ENGLISH FOR BEGINNERS & 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.
SPANISH CONVERSATION: Fluent and beginner speakers brush up on their vocabulario with a discussion led by a Spanish teacher. Presented by Dorothy Alling Memorial Library. 5-6 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, programs@damlvt.org.
FIND MORE LOCAL EVENTS IN THIS ISSUE AND ONLINE: art
Find visual art exhibits and events in the Art section and at sevendaysvt.com/art. film
See what’s playing in the On Screen section. music + nightlife
Find club dates at local venues in the Music + Nightlife section online at sevendaysvt.com/music.
= ONLINE EVENT
= GET TICKETS ON SEVENDAYSTICKETS.COM
doubles matches. Rutland Area Christian School, 7-9 p.m. Free for first two sessions; $30 annual membership. Info, 247-5913.
talks
FALL SPEAKER SERIES: RJ THOMPSON: Vermont Huts Association’s executive director sheds light on the Velomont — a conservation corridor that links mountain ridges to Vermont’s villages. Yestermorrow Design/ Build School, Waitsfield, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. Info, 496-5545.
theater
‘A TASTE OF FREEDOM’: Sadie Chamberlain’s fantastical original play explores the complexities of life with a disability. McCarthy Arts Center, Saint Michael’s College, Colchester, 7-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 654-2588.
‘THREE WOMEN OF SWATOW’: Centaur Theatre stages a darkly comedic drama in which three generations of Chinese Canadian women come together to resolve a bloody situation. Centaur Theatre, Montréal, 8 p.m. $22-68. Info, 514-288-3161.
CONSERVATION MEETING & COMMUNITY DINNER: Civicminded folks gather for a shared meal and discussion about the future of our working lands. Peacham Congregational Church, 5:30-7 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 424-3164.
crafts
KNIT FOR YOUR NEIGHBOR: All ages and abilities knit or crochet hats and scarves for the South Burlington Food Shelf. 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.
WOODWORKING LAB: Visionaries create a project or learn a new skill with the help of mentors and access to tools and equipment in the makerspace. Hannaford Career Center, Middlebury, 5-8 p.m. $7.50. Info, 382-1012.
film
See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section.
‘BLUE WHALES: RETURN OF THE GIANTS 3D’: See WED.6.
CROWDSOURCED VT: ‘HOME ALONE’: Filmmakers from 30 teams premiere their remake of the 1990 holiday slapstick comedy. Merrill’s Roxy Cinemas, Burlington, 7-9:30 p.m. $12. Info, 651-9692.
‘FUNGI: THE WEB OF LIFE 3D’: See WED.6.
HIRSCHFIELD INTERNATIONAL FILM SERIES: ‘EMILIA PÉREZ’: Audience members get an exclusive early peek at the 2024 crime thriller before its release on Netflix later this month. A prescreening reception begins at 6 p.m. Dana Auditorium, Sunderland Language Center, Middlebury College, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 443-3190.
‘OCEANS: OUR BLUE PLANET 3D’: See WED.6.
‘TINY GIANTS 3D’: See WED.6. VERMONT BACKCOUNTRY FORUM: Winter sports fans enjoy a potluck, raffle and showing of local flicks featuring off-trail skiing. Pierce Hall Community Center, Rochester, 6 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, info@ ridgelineoutdoorcollective.org. games
DUPLICATE BRIDGE GAMES: Snacks and coffee fuel bouts of a classic card game. Burlington Bridge Club, Williston, 12:30-4 p.m. $6. Info, 872-5722.
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 accepted. Info, lafferty1949@ gmail.com.
ART YOGA: Artist Sharon Fennimore combines awareness with a child’s sense of play and curiosity. Waterbury Public Library, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, judi@waterburypubliclibrary. com.
E-BIKE & BREW TOUR: Pedal lovers cycle through scenic trails and drink in the views with stops at four local breweries. Lamoille Valley Bike Tours, Johnson, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $85. Info, 730-0161. québec
‘TITANIQUE’: Audiences revel in the campy chaos of this off-Broadway smash hit musical, featuring the songs of Céline Dion. Sylvan Adams Theatre, Segal Centre for Performing Arts, Montréal, 1 & 7:30 p.m. $75-80. Info, 514-739-7944.
sports
GREEN MOUNTAIN TABLE
TENNIS CLUB: Ping-Pong players swing their paddles in singles and
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.
PITCH-A-FRIEND: Folks give short slide presentations about remarkable singles in a one-of-akind dating experience. Einstein’s Tap House, Burlington, 8:30-11:30 p.m. Free. Info, 203-444-7383.
FALL MEDITATION SERIES: Practitioners of all experience levels attend this guided session seeking to cultivate positive inner qualities such as kindness, generosity and compassion. Milarepa Center, Barnet, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free; donations accepted. Info, 633-4136.
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.
POP-UP HAPPY HOUR: Locals connect over drinks at a speakeasy-style bar, hosted by OUT
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.
NANOWRIMO WRITE-IN: Aspiring authors ages 11 to 18 enjoy snacks and a comfortable spot to write alongside each other. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.
STEAM SPACE: Kiddos in grades K to 5 explore science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics with fun and engaging activities. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.
TODDLER TIME: Librarians bring out books, rhymes and songs specially selected for young ones 12 through 24 months. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.
BABY TIME: Parents and caregivers bond with their pre-walking babes during this gentle playtime. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:3011 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.
BABY TIME: Infants and their caregivers enjoy a slow, soothing story featuring songs, rhymes and lap play. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.
PLAYGROUP & STORY TIME: Little ones and their caregivers listen to stories, sing songs and share toys with new friends. Richmond Free Library, 10 a.m.noon. Free. Info, 434-3036.
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.
burlington
BABY & ME CLASS: Parents and their infants ages birth to 1 explore massage, lullabies and gentle movements while discussing the struggles and joys of parenthood. Greater Burlington YMCA, 9:45-10:45 a.m. $10; free for members. Info, 862-9622.
BABY TIME: 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.
Before there was musical theater as we know it today, there was Gilbert and Sullivan — the Victorianera collaborators who churned out comedic operas like hotcakes in the late 19th-century. Youth Opera Company’s fall workshop performance, Gilbert & Sullivan Operettas, pays homage to the influential theatrical partners by weaving in scenes from their most popular works, such as Iolanthe, Patience and e Mikado. Using a clever script by guest stage director Erik Kroncke, talented teen singers take on roles of podcast hosts locked in the eternal artistic debate: What’s more important — music or text?
YOUTH OPERA COMPANY FALL WORKSHOP: ‘GILBERT & SULLIVAN OPERETTAS’
Friday, November 8, 7-8:30 p.m., at Waterbury Congregational Church; Saturday, November 9, 7-8:30 p.m., at Champlain Valley Unitarian Universalist Society in Middlebury; and Sunday, November 10, 2-3:30 p.m., at Faith United Methodist Church in South Burlington. Donations accepted. Info, 388-7432, ocmvermont.org.
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, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.
MUSIC & MOVEMENT WITH MISS EMMA: Little ones and their caregivers use song and dance to explore the changing seasons and celebrate everyday joys. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.
PRESCHOOL MUSIC WITH LINDA
BASSICK: e singer and storyteller extraordinaire guides kids in indoor music and movement. Birth through age 5. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.
PRESCHOOL PLAY TIME: Pre-K patrons play and socialize after music time. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library,
Williston, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.
STORY TIME: Little ones from birth through age 5 learn from songs, crafts and picture books. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.
POKÉMON CLUB: I choose you, Pikachu! Elementary and teenage fans of the franchise — and beginners, too — trade cards and play games. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 223-3338.
STORY TIME: Kids and their caregivers meet for stories, songs and bubbles. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 223-3338.
WEE ONES PLAYTIME: 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.
VISIT WITH VASYA: Kiddos of all ages flock to the beloved therapy dog for a bit of unconditional love. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:15-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.
LEGO BUILDERS: Mini makers explore and create new worlds with stackable blocks. Best for ages 6 and up. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.
LEGO CLUB: Budding builders create geometric structures with snap-together blocks. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 223-3338.
STORY TIME & PLAYGROUP: Participants ages 5 and under enjoy themed science, art and nature activities. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.
mad river valley/
YOUTH OPERA COMPANY FALL
WORKSHOP: ‘GILBERT & SULLIVAN
OPERETTAS’: Talented teens take the stage for a program that spoofs a podcast about the theatrical team behind Iolanthe and e Mikado. See calendar spotlight. Waterbury Congregational Church, 7-8:30 p.m. Donations accepted. Info, 388-7432.
STORY TIME: Preschoolers take part in tales, tunes and playtime. Latham Library, etford, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 785-4361.
brattleboro/okemo valley
LEGO CONTEST & EXHIBIT: See THU.7.
BUSY BEES PLAYGROUP: Blocks, toys, books and songs engage little ones 24 months and younger. Waterbury Public Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.
STORY TIME: Youngsters 5 and under play, sing, hear stories and color. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 10:15-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 745-1391.
LEGO CONTEST & EXHIBIT: Families marvel at a showcase of original creations by imaginative builders. Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Info, 257-0124.
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
FRENCH STORY TIME: Kids of all ages listen and learn to native speaker Romain Feuillette raconte une histoire. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:15-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.
YOUTH OPERA COMPANY FALL WORKSHOP: ‘GILBERT & SULLIVAN
OPERETTAS’: See FRI.8. Champlain Valley Unitarian Universalist Society, Middlebury.
WEEE! DANCE PARTY: Little ones and their caregivers express themselves through movement at this free-wheeling DJ bash. Highland Center for the Arts,
in the 802. Lincolns, Burlington, 5:30-7 p.m. Free. Info, 860-7812.
TILLIE WALDEN: Vermont’s current cartoonist laureate uses her many graphic novels to illustrate the intersection of indie comics and queer identity. Junction Arts & Media, White River Junction, 7-8 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 295-6688.
DAVID CHILDS: The virtuosic pianist performs standards and classics with spontaneous style. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 7-8 p.m. Free. Info, 748-8291.
GRANITE GARDEN: Listeners of all ages sway soulfully to live tunes by the fierce indie-rock band. Main Street Museum, White River Junction, 8-10:30 p.m. $10 suggested donation. Info, 369-5722.
LOCALS NIGHT: Oenophiles enjoy the vineyard’s offerings, small bites and live tunes by local musicians in a cozy, intimate setting. Lincoln Peak Vineyard, New Haven, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 388-7368.
outdoors
E-BIKE & BREW TOUR: See WED.6. québec
‘TITANIQUE’: See WED.6, 7:30 p.m. theater
‘A TASTE OF FREEDOM’: See WED.6.
‘ALMOST, MAINE’: The Pegasus Players stage John Cariani’s romantic comedy exploring nine snapshots of love lost and gained. Mack Hall Auditorium, Norwich University, Northfield, 7:30-10 p.m. $5; free for Norwich students, faculty and staff. Info, 485-2423.
‘LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS’: Middlebury College Musical Theatre presents the beloved comedy starring a foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivorous plant that torments a floral assistant named Seymour. Town Hall Theater, Middlebury, 7:30 p.m. $510. Info, 382-9222.
‘THREE WOMEN OF SWATOW’: See WED.6.
words
ART & WRITING SHARE GROUP FOR JEWS OF ALL STRIPES: Secular, spiritual or religious, all adult Jewish artists, writers and creators are invited to a monthly virtual meetup, presented by Jewish Communities of Vermont. 7-8:30 p.m. Free; preregister for Zoom link. Info, alison@jcvt.org.
NANOWRIMO SESSION: Community members pick up a pen to start — or finally finish — that draft during National Novel Writing Month. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 2-5:30 p.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.
VERMONT VETS TOWN HALL:
Veterans discuss what their service means to them while neighbors listen in a nonpolitical and welcoming roundtable. Preevent dinner offered at 5:30 p.m. Godnick Adult Center, Rutland, 6 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, vermont@vetstownhall.org.
crafts
FIBER ARTS FRIDAY: Knitters, crocheters, weavers and felters chat over passion projects at this weekly meetup. Waterbury Public Library, noon-2 p.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.
etc.
ALPHA FILM SERIES: Community members share a meal, enjoy a brief video and share their perspectives on faith in an informal, friendly environment. St. John Vianney Parish Hall, South Burlington, 6:15-8:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 864-4166.
See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section.
‘BLUE WHALES: RETURN OF THE GIANTS 3D’: See WED.6.
‘FUNGI: THE WEB OF LIFE 3D’: See WED.6.
‘OCEANS: OUR BLUE PLANET 3D’: See WED.6.
‘SURPRISE ME SCREENING’ WITH RYAN MILLER: The Guster band member and composer selects a unique film for curious audience members. The Screening Room @ VTIFF, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 7 p.m. $5-10. Info, 660-2600.
‘TINY GIANTS 3D’: See WED.6. ‘UNDERDOG’: Audiences delight in this 2021 documentary exploring the fascinating tale of Doug Butler — a Vermont dairy farmer who longs to be a dog musher in Alaska. A Q&A follows. Fairlee Town Hall Auditorium, 7-9 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, contact@ fairleearts.org.
JASPER HILL FONDUE FRIDAY
ADVENTURE DINNER: Foodies channel the ’70s retro vibe with an evening of craft cocktails, outof-this-world cheese and platters packed with dippable goodies. Adventure Dinner Clubhouse, Colchester, 6-9 p.m. $75. Info, sas@adventuredinner.com.
PIES & PINTS NIGHT: Pie Empire serves up savory, flaky, meaty treats to pair with beer brewed on-site. Simple Roots Brewing, Burlington, 5 p.m. Cost of pies; preorder. Info, 399-2658.
games
DUPLICATE BRIDGE GAMES: See THU.7, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
health & fitness
GUIDED MEDITATION
ONLINE: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library invites
Burlington’s own Girls Nite Out Productions presents Don Zolidis’ farcical show within a show, The Bold, the Young & the Murdered, at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center. The laugh-out-loud, fast-paced comedy pulls audiences into the zany world of a long-running soap opera’s final days. Pandemonium ensues when the show’s producer commands the eccentric, unraveling cast to complete an episode before sunrise, or he’ll pull the plug on the entire operation. When the director and cast members start dropping like flies, the company must turn its attention toward finding the killer hidden in its ranks — or else.
‘THE BOLD, THE YOUNG & THE MURDERED’ Friday, November 8, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, November 9, 2 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, November 10, 2 p.m., at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center in Burlington. See website for future dates. $25-28. Info, 448-0086, girlsniteoutvt.com.
attendees to relax on their lunch breaks and reconnect with their bodies. Noon-12:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, programs@ damlvt.org.
HEALTHY PEOPLE, HEALTHY PLANET: Osher Collaborative hosts a virtual symposium featuring experts on personal and planetary well-being. 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 415-353-7753.
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 get together weekly for role-playing games
LANE SERIES: HELEN SUNG: The pianist and composer deftly blends classical and jazz traditions for an exhilarating listener experience. University of Vermont Recital Hall, Burlington, 7:30-9:30 p.m. $5-25. Info, 656-4455. MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE CHOIR: Students sing a diverse program featuring works by Claudio Monteverdi, André Thomas and Johannes Brahms. Virtual option available. Robison Concert Hall, Mahaney Arts Center, Middlebury College, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 443-6433.
E-BIKE & BREW TOUR: See WED.6.
MEDIATED LIVES SERIES: THE UNITED STATES VS. TIKTOK: In this interactive Supreme Court simulation from Junction Arts & Media, audience members participate in oral arguments and then decide the outcome of the case. Briggs Opera House, White River Junction, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 295-6688.
NORWICH UNIVERSITY’S SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE & ART LECTURE SERIES: MATT LUTZ: The associate professor of architecture sheds light on the future of sustainable practices in the industry. Virtual option available. Chaplin Hall Gallery, Northfield, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 485-2902.
PHONE & TECH SUPPORT: Perplexed patrons receive one-onone aid from library staff on a first come, first served basis. Fletcher Free Library New North End Branch, Burlington, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 863-3403.
‘A TASTE OF FREEDOM’: See WED.6.
‘ALMOST, MAINE’: See THU.7. ‘THE BOLD, THE YOUNG & THE MURDERED’: Audiences howl at this hilarious stage comedy about a squabbling soap opera cast and its director, who winds up dead. See calendar spotlight. Black Box Theater, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $25-28. Info, 448-0086.
‘LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS’: See THU.7.
such as Dungeons & Dragons and Everway. Rainbow Bridge Community Center, Barre, 5:308:30 p.m. Free. Info, 622-0692.
music
JACK QUARTET: The world-renowned ensemble performs new works developed by the emerging artists of JACK Studio. Ragle Hall, Potash Hill, Marlboro, 7 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 387-0102.
‘MAURITIUS’: MOXIE Productions presents Theresa Rebeck’s surprisingly comedic thriller about greed, ambition and obsession. Grange Hall Cultural Center, Waterbury Center, 7:30 p.m. $20. Info, 2444168.
‘MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG’: Wild Goose Players mount Stephen Sondheim’s groundbreaking musical about friendship, art and resentment, told backward. Next Stage Arts, Putney, 7:30 p.m. $28. Info, 376-4761.
TEN MINUTE PLAYS FUNDRAISER: An evening filled with community, fresh food and local talent benefits Theater in the Woods. Soups, salads and sides are served from
5:30-6:45 p.m. Stone Valley Arts, Poultney, 7 p.m. $25-40. Info, 235-2050.
‘TEN NOVEMBER’: A staged docudrama airs unanswered questions about the tragic 1975 sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald Artistree Community Arts Center, South Pomfret, 7 p.m. $20-25. Info, 457-3500.
‘THREE WOMEN OF SWATOW’: See WED.6.
words
FRIENDS OF THE RUTLAND FREE
LIBRARY BOOK SALE: A broad selection of used, rare and antique books goes on sale to benefit the library. Rutland Free Library, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. By donation. Info, 773-1860.
KENNETH M. CADOW: The Vermont Reads author discusses his novel, Gather — a comingof-age story about finding value in things often overlooked. A Q&A follows. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. Info, 748-8291.
bazaars
ANNUAL BAZAAR: Treasure hunters browse handcrafted items, a white elephant table and edible homemade delights. Proceeds benefit the United Church of Fairfax. Fairfax Community Center, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 849-6313.
ANNUAL CRAFT SHOW: Folks discover unique, handcrafted treasures including jewelry, ceramics and home décor. The Opera House at Enosburg Falls, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free; lunch offered by donation. Info, 933-6171.
CRAFT FAIR & BASKET RAFFLE: Locals enjoy a homemade lunch and the work of 30 artist vendors while they vie for a selection of gift baskets. Fraternal Order of Eagles, Vergennes, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, wrightpat00@gmail. com.
CRAFTFEST CELEBRATION:
Community members browse handmade goods by local artists, take part in a silent auction and enjoy a cozy soup luncheon. First Congregational Church of Essex Junction, 9-3 a.m. Free; donation of unwrapped toys accepted. Info, 878-5745.
FINE ART & ARTISAN CRAFT
SALE & AUCTION: Locavores browse the work of more than 20 North Country artists, featuring stained glass, calligraphy, handmade hats and woolen mittens. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Plattsburgh, N.Y., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, 518-561-6920.
WINTER CLOTHING GIVEAWAY: Community members prepare for colder weather and hunt for gently used outdoor garb. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.
climate crisis
CLIMATE CAFÉ FOR CONCERNED
PARENTS & CAREGIVERS: Participants share their thoughts
and emotions about the threat in a safe, encouraging environment. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 649-2200.
DATA ART FOR YARN LOVERS: Wool and Water Project organizer Michale Glennon teaches hobbyists how to create knitting and crochet projects that represent scientific info. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 1011:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 229-6206.
LAKE CHAMPLAIN DATA ART:
Crafty folks learn how to translate watershed information into felt ball masterpieces. Ages 14 and up. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 229-6206.
LANTERN MAKING WORKSHOP: All ages and abilities create an illuminated masterpiece. T.W. Wood Gallery, Montpelier, 10 a.m.3 p.m. Free. Info, 262-6035.
dance
SATURDAY NIGHT SWING
DANCE: Local Lindy hoppers boogie down to lively music from the jazz, big-band and contemporary eras. Bring clean shoes. North Star Community Hall, Burlington, 8-10:30 p.m. $5. Info, 864-8382.
SWING DANCE: Folks jive and jitterbug the night away to live tunes by Red Hot Juba. Bring clean shoes. North Star Community Hall, Burlington, beginner lesson, 7:30 p.m.; dance, 8-10:30 p.m. $20 suggested donation. Info, 864-8382.
TWIST & SHOUT: A THROWBACK DANCE PARTY: Festive folks don duds from their favorite decade and groove the night away in celebration of Joel Najman’s 40th year hosting the music program “My Place.” Virtual options available. Vermont Public, Colchester, 6:30-10 p.m. $5-15. Info, 540-6882.
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
WORK IN PROGRESS SHOWING: Marble Valley Dance Collective hosts a stirring evening of movement to increase the visibility of dance in the Rutland community. West Rutland Town Hall Theater, 7 p.m. Free. Info, stonevalleydancevt@gmail.com.
etc.
BACK TO BLACK VT: THE GOLDEN HOUR: Party people dress for the theme and boogie down at a carnival-style dance event like no other. Proceeds benefit Age Well Vermont. Hula, Burlington, 8 p.m. $85. Info, 734-0684.
FRIENDS OF THE ART MUSEUM ANNUAL PURCHASE PARTY:
Assistant professor of psychology Mike Dash makes the case for three works of art up for possible acquisition by the school. Atwater Dining Hall, Middlebury College, 5-8 p.m. Free; includes buffet dinner; cash bar. Info, 443-5235.
SISTERHOOD CAMPFIRE: Women and genderqueer folks gather in a safe and inclusive space to build community through journaling, storytelling, gentle music and stargazing. Leddy Park, Burlington, 7-9 p.m. Free. Info, sisterhoodcampfire@gmail.com.
VERMONT STEAMPUNK EXPO: Fans of the style inspired by science fiction and the Victorian era geek out over artisans, authors and performers. Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $5-30; free for kids 6 and under. Info, 778-9178.
See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section.
‘BLUE WHALES: RETURN OF THE GIANTS 3D’: See WED.6.
‘FUNGI: THE WEB OF LIFE 3D’: See WED.6.
‘OCEANS: OUR BLUE PLANET 3D’: See WED.6.
‘THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA’: Lon Chaney stars in the mysterious titular role in this 1925 silent film, which is accompanied by a newly composed live musical score. Film House, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 7-9 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 660-2600.
‘TINY GIANTS 3D’: See WED.6.
WOODSTOCK VERMONT FILM SERIES: ‘A PHOTOGRAPHIC
MEMORY’: This 2024 documentary follows filmmaker Rachel Elizabeth Seed as she connects with her photographer mother through the work she left behind. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 3-5 p.m. $12-15. Info, 457-2355.
food & drink
EMPTY BOWL SOUP LUNCHEON
& ART SHOW: Supporters peruse local artwork and enjoy a soup luncheon that includes a handmade pottery bowl. Proceeds benefit Meals on Wheels. United Church of Northfield, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. $20. Info, 279-4706.
HOW’S THE RIDE
Let us keep the wheels rolling along with your mojo! Call for an appointment today!
games
CEMETERY COMMITTEE BINGO: Players vie for cash prizes at this weekly event to support cemetery improvements. St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Vergennes, 5-9 p.m. $5 per 10 games. Info, 877-2367.
CHESS CLUB: Players of all ages and abilities face off and learn new strategies. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.
D&D & TTRPG GROUP: Players of Dungeons & Dragons and other tabletop role-playing games embark on a new adventure with a rotating cast of game masters. Virtual option available. Waterbury Public Library, 1-5 p.m. Free. Info, judi@ waterburypubliclibrary.com.
LEARN TO PLAY MAH-JONGG: Expert tile trader Pauline Nolte leads players through the Chinese and American versions of the ancient game. Waterbury Public Library, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, judi@ waterburypubliclibrary.com.
holidays
DIY WRAPPING PAPER: Festive folks of all ages and abilities explore fun paint techniques to create bespoke gift wrap. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10 a.m.noon. Free. Info, 878-6956.
HOLIDAY BAZAAR: Merrymakers browse fresh pies, holiday décor, homemade quilts and handcrafted jewelry and take part in a cookie walk. Proceeds benefit the South Burlington Food Shelf. Faith United Methodist Church, South Burlington, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 863-6764.
HOLIDAY MARKET SIP-N-SHOP: Artisans showcase their handmade items as local musicians play soothing acoustic sets. Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling, Essex, 1-6 p.m. Free. Info, 857-5629.
FRENCH CONVERSATION FOR ALL: Native French speaker Romain Feuillette guides an informal discussion group for all ages and abilities. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free; preregister; limited space. Info, 878-4918.
music
THE BURLINGTON CIVIC
SYMPHONY: The orchestra performs an exciting program featuring works by Gioachino Rossini, Jean Sibelius and Ludwig van Beethoven. Elley-Long Music Center, Saint Michael’s College, Colchester, 7 p.m. $5-25. Info, info@bcsovt.org.
THE CELEBRATION SERIES: ‘CHOIR! CHOIR! CHOIR!’: Audience members become performers in a fully interactive, epic Queen singalong. Barre Opera House, 7:30 p.m. $31-35. Info, 476-8188.
DANA COOPER: The folk, Americana, rock and country artist takes audience members on a journey across genres. Roots & Wings Coffeehouse at UUCUV,
Norwich, 4-5 p.m. $20. Info, 6498828.
DÉJÀ-NOUS: The quintet transports audiences around the globe with a smooth fusion of French cabaret, jazz and tango. Shelburne Vineyard, 6-8:30 p.m. Free; reservations recommended. Info, 985-8222.
ELEVA CHAMBER PLAYERS: ‘NEW BEGINNINGS’: Newly appointed concertmaster Reginald Pineda leads the ensemble in a rousing program of works by Antonio Vivaldi, Leoš Janáček and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Waterbury Congregational Church, 3 p.m. $20-25. Info, 244-8354.
LEO KOTTKE: The 12-string guitar virtuoso known for his masterful fingerpicking and sliding dazzles audience members in an intimate setting. Paramount Theatre, Rutland, 7-9 p.m. $45-55. Info, 775-0903.
THE MAGNETICA CONCERT: Audiences experience the healing power of a sound, light and music generator built in Uruguay. The Magnetica Performance Space, Burlington, 6:30-7:30 p.m. $40. Info, events@themagnetica.com.
SIMONE DINNERSTEIN: The lauded pianist plays works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Jean-Philippe Rameau and Keith Jarrett with distinctive style. A reception follows. Chandler Center for the Arts, Randolph, 7-9 p.m. $10-45. Info, 728-9878, ext. 104.
E-BIKE & BREW TOUR: See WED.6. québec
FINE ARTS & CRAFTS HOLIDAY
MARKET: Folks flock to a festive marketplace featuring works from more than 75 diverse and dedicated artisans. Dollard Civic Centre, Montréal, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info, 514-684-7414.
‘TITANIQUE’: See WED.6, 7:30 p.m.
sports
SKI & SKATE SALE: Winter sports enthusiasts find unbeatable deals on new and used equipment, clothing and accessories. Waitsfield Elementary School, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info, wesskiandskate@gmail.com.
theater
‘A TASTE OF FREEDOM’: See WED.6.
‘ALMOST, MAINE’: See THU.7.
‘THE BOLD, THE YOUNG & THE MURDERED’: See FRI.8, 2 & 7:30 p.m.
‘A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD’: Middlebury Acting Company’s staged reading series wraps up its season with Samuel D. Hunter’s intimate exploration of parenthood and financial insecurity. A cast talk-back follows. Town Hall Theater, Middlebury, 4 p.m. $15. Info, 382-9222.
‘LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS’: See THU.7.
‘MAURITIUS’: See FRI.8.
‘MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG’: See FRI.8, 2 & 7:30 p.m.
City Hall, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 371-8937.
VERMONT VETS TOWN HALL: See FRI.8. McCarthy Arts Center, Saint Michael’s College, Colchester, 1 p.m.
VERMONT VETS TOWN HALL: See FRI.8. Catamount Arts Center, St. Johnsbury, 1 p.m.
YARN CRAFTERS GROUP: See WED.6, 1-3 p.m.
‘REMINISCENCE’: Audience members embark on a spirited journey of Middle Eastern, Levantine, and North African music and dance. Lebanon Opera House, N.H., 7 p.m. $39-89. Info, 603-448-0400.
NORTHERN NOSH JEWISH FOOD FESTIVAL: Traditional foods, music performances, kids’ crafts and a Yiddish dance workshop entice all ages. Ohavi Zedek Synagogue, Burlington, 11:15 a.m.-3 p.m. $510; free for kids 4 and under; donation of canned goods accepted. Info, hello@ohavizedek.org.
VERMONT STEAMPUNK EXPO: See SAT.9.
film
See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section.
‘BLUE WHALES: RETURN OF THE GIANTS 3D’: See WED.6.
‘FUNGI: THE WEB OF LIFE 3D’: See WED.6.
‘OCEANS: OUR BLUE PLANET 3D’: See WED.6.
‘SARA’S CIRCUS’: This 2024 documentary follows one woman’s to quest to build her own big top before time runs out. A Q&A follows. Bellows Falls Opera House, 3 p.m. $15. Info, 463-3964, ext. 1120.
The revered late filmmaker Warren Miller’s prolific production company commemorates 75 years of snow-sports entertainment with Warren Miller’s 75, featuring 10 captivating new segments. The screening tour kicks off locally at Lebanon Opera House before making its way through Vermont cities later this month. The edge-of-your-seat original film features crowd-pleasing snowboarders such as Shaun White and 15-yearold prodigy LJ Henriquez, as well as noteworthy female skiers Lexi duPont and Caite Zeliff. From Austria to Alaska, audiences journey through unique winter wonderlands that showcase the raw talent of daredevil athletes who refuse to let extreme elements harsh their mellow.
‘WARREN MILLER’S 75’ Tuesday, November 12, 7 p.m., at Lebanon Opera House in New Hampshire. $25. Info, 603-448-0400, lebanonoperahouse.org. NOV. 12 | FILM
TEN MINUTE PLAYS FUNDRAISER: See FRI.8.
‘TEN NOVEMBER’: See FRI.8, 3 & 7 p.m.
‘THREE WOMEN OF SWATOW’: See WED.6.
words
ANGELA BURKE KUNKEL: The author and illustrator shares her latest book, World More Beautiful followed by a painting exercise inspired by the work of Barbara Cooney. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 10 a.m. Free. Info, nliuzzi@southburlingtonvt. gov.
FRIENDS OF THE RUTLAND FREE LIBRARY BOOK SALE: See FRI.8. THE POETRY EXPERIENCE: Local wordsmith Rajnii Eddins hosts a supportive writing and sharing circle for poets of all ages. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 1-3 p.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.
WRITE NOW!: Lit lovers of all experience levels hone their craft in a supportive and critique-free environment. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 223-3338.
HUMAN CONNECTION CIRCLE: Neighbors share stories from their lives and forge deep bonds. Pickering Room, Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 3-4:30 p.m. Free; preregister; limited space. Info, humanconnectioncircle@ gmail.com.
STUFF IT MARKET EVENT FOOD
DRIVE: Good Samaritans drop off canned goods and boxed nonperishables to benefit Martha’s Community Kitchen. St. Albans
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.
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‘SURPRISE ME SCREENING WITH RYAN MILLER: See FRI.8, 3-5 p.m.
‘TINY GIANTS 3D’: See WED.6.
WOODSTOCK VERMONT FILM
SERIES: ‘A PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY’: See SAT.9.
food & drink
EMPTY BOWL SOUP LUNCHEON & ART SHOW: See SAT.9, noon-3 p.m.
WINOOSKI WINTER FARMERS
MARKET: Locavores peruse a variety of vendors’ delicious produce, fine art and other homemade goods. Winooski Senior Center, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, farmersmarket@downtown winooski.org.
games
DUPLICATE BRIDGE GAMES: See THU.7, 1-4:30 p.m.
health & fitness
KARUNA COMMUNITY
MEDITATION: A YEAR TO LIVE
(FULLY): Participants practice keeping joy, generosity and gratitude at the forefront of their minds. Jenna’s House, Johnson, 10-11:15 a.m. Free; donations accepted. Info, mollyzapp@live.com.
NEW LEAF SANGHA
MINDFULNESS PRACTICE: Newcomers and experienced meditators alike stretch their skills in the Plum Village tradition
of Thich Nhat Hanh. Hot Yoga Burlington, 6:30-8:15 p.m. Free. Info, newleafsangha@gmail.com.
lgbtq
CRAFT CLUB: Creative queer folks work on their knitting, crocheting and sewing projects. Rainbow Bridge Community Center, Barre, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 622-0692.
music
BLUEGRASS BRUNCH: Longtime local legends Brett Hughes, Pat Melvin, Caleb Elder and Beau Stapleton perform upbeat toe-tappers on the deck. Madbush Falls, Waitsfield, noon-2:30 p.m. Free. Info, 496-7575.
CHAMPLAIN TRIO: Listeners are immersed in the world of French impressionism by a program that includes works by Claude Debussy and Gabriel Fauré. Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Burlington, 4-5:30 p.m. $30. Info, 864-0471.
DICK FORMAN TRIBUTE CONCERT: A live performance celebrates the retirement of the school’s director of jazz activities. A reception follows. Robison Concert Hall, Mahaney Arts Center, Middlebury College, 3-5 p.m. Free. Info, 443-6433.
ELEVA CHAMBER PLAYERS: ‘NEW BEGINNINGS’: See SAT.9. Inn at the Round Barn Farm, Waitsfield.
SADIE GUSTAFSON-ZOOK: A lauded folk singer-songwriter takes the
Greensboro, 2-3 p.m. $5 suggested donation; preregister. Info, 533-2000.
brattleboro/okemo valley
LEGO CONTEST & EXHIBIT: See THU.7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
burlington
DAD GUILD: Fathers (and parents of all genders) and their kids ages 5 and under drop in for playtime and connection. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.
SENSORY-FRIENDLY SUNDAY: Folks of all ages with sensory processing differences have the museum to themselves, with adjusted lights and sounds and trusty sensory backpacks. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 9-10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, kvonderlinn@ echovermont.org.
chittenden county
YOUTH OPERA COMPANY: ‘GILBERT & SULLIVAN OPERETTAS’: See FRI.8. Faith United Methodist Church, South Burlington, 2-3:30 p.m.
stage for an evening of breathtaking lyricism, memorable melodies and clever chords. Richmond Congregational Church, 4-6 p.m. $17.50-25. Info, 557-7589.
SAM ROBBINS: An “old soul” singer-songwriter adds an upbeat edge to the storyteller-troubadour persona. Artistree Community Arts Center, South Pomfret, 3 p.m. $20. Info, 457-3500.
SUNDAY SESSIONS: A variety of musicians share their melodies on the patio at Tavern on the Tee. Ralph Myhre Golf Course, Middlebury, 4-7 p.m. Free. Info, 443-5125.
WILLIAM GHEZZI: A classical guitarist performs a dynamic solo program of works by Rodolphe Kreutzer, Georg Philipp Telemann and Johann Sebastian Bach. Church of Christ at Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H., 4-5:30 p.m. Free. Info, 603-643-3150.
WINE & JAZZ SUNDAYS: A rotating cast of talented Vermont artists guides listeners through the eras in two dynamic sets. Shelburne Vineyard, 5 p.m. Free. Info, 985-8222.
FINE ARTS & CRAFTS HOLIDAY
MARKET: See SAT.9.
‘TITANIQUE’: See WED.6, 2 & 7:30 p.m.
DANCE, SING & JUMP AROUND: Movers and shakers of all ages learn line dances and singing games set to joyful live music. Capital City Grange, Berlin, 3-4:30 p.m. $5 suggested donation; free for kids. Info, 223-1509.
GENDER CREATIVE KIDS: Trans and gender-nonconforming kiddos under 13 and their families build community and make new friends at this joyful monthly gathering. Locations vary; contact organizer for info. Various locations statewide, 2-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 865-9677.
mad river valley/ waterbury
MATH MYSTERIES 2: A FAMILY
ESCAPE ROOM: Families follow clues, solve riddles and explore the store to earn a signed copy of Aaron Starmer’s book Math Mysteries 2: The Fall Festival Fiasco. Ideal for ages 8 to 11. Bridgeside Books, Waterbury, 3-5 p.m. $12; free for parents and caregivers. Info, 244-1441.
‘MAGIC ROCKS!’: Illusionist Leon Etienne brings sleight-of-hand tricks and laugh-out-loud comedy to the stage for a family-friendly afternoon of wonder and whimsy. Paramount Theatre, Rutland, 3-5 p.m. $35. Info, 775-0903.
‘THE BOLD, THE YOUNG & THE MURDERED’: See FRI.8, 2 p.m.
‘A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD’: See SAT.9.
‘MAURITIUS’: See FRI.8, 2 p.m.
‘MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG’: See FRI.8, 2 p.m.
‘TEN NOVEMBER’: See FRI.8, 3 p.m.
‘THREE WOMEN OF SWATOW’: See WED.6.
climate crisis
COMMUNITY ACTION
WORKSHOP: LAMOILLE VALLEY
REGION: Concerned locals gather to discuss climate resilience legislation to support our state’s farms. Deep Root Organic Co-op, Johnson, 1-2:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, jessica@nofavt.org.
VERMONT CRAFT BREWERS
CONFERENCE: Beer-industry professionals and enthusiasts share their knowledge and learn in sessions devoted to aspects of technical brewing, business operations and resilience. DoubleTree by Hilton, South Burlington, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. $150-250. Info, admin@ vermontbrewers.com.
brattleboro/okemo valley
LEGO CONTEST & EXHIBIT: See THU.7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
burlington
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: Bookworms ages 2 through 5 enjoy a fun-filled reading time. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.
chittenden county
POKÉMON CLUB: Players trade cards and enjoy activities centered on their favorite strategic game. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.
mad river valley/ waterbury
TODDLER TIME: Little tykes have a blast with songs, stories, rhymes and dancing. Ages 5 and under. Waterbury Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.
upper valley
STORY TIME WITH BETH: A bookseller and librarian extraordinaire reads two picture books on a different theme each week. Norwich Bookstore, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 649-1114.
brattleboro/okemo
COLLAGE COLLECTIVE: Creatives of all experience levels cut, paste and make works of wonder. Virtual options available. Expressive Arts Burlington, 6:30-9 p.m. Free; donations accepted. Info, 343-8172.
FUSE BEADS CLUB: Aspiring artisans bring ideas or borrow patterns to make beaded creations. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 223-3338.
See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section.
‘BLUE WHALES: RETURN OF THE GIANTS 3D’: See WED.6.
‘FUNGI: THE WEB OF LIFE 3D’: See WED.6.
‘MISSION MT. MANGART’: Chris Anthony’s acclaimed 2021 documentary tells the story of the first U.S. military ski troop, developed during World War II. Catamount Arts Center, St. Johnsbury, 7 p.m. By donation. Info, 748-2600.
‘OCEANS: OUR BLUE PLANET 3D’: See WED.6.
‘TINY GIANTS 3D’: See WED.6.
CULINARY MAVERICKS: A MULTICOURSE JAMAICAN FALL HARVEST DINNER: Diners savor delectable dishes that marry traditional Jamaican fare with local autumnal bounty. Cold Hollow Cider
valley
LEGO CONTEST & EXHIBIT: See THU.7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
SING-ALONG WITH LINDA BASSICK: Babies, toddlers and preschoolers sing, dance and wiggle along with Linda. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 1111:30 a.m. Free. Info, 863-3403. chittenden county
STORYTIME: Youngsters enjoy a session of reading, rhyming and singing. Birth through age 5. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918. TEEN BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS: Lit-loving kids in grades 6 to 12 discuss their favorite novels and authors. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 5-6 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.
TODDLER TIME: Wiggly wee ones and their caregivers love this lively, interactive storybook experience featuring songs, rhymes and finger plays. Ages 1 and up. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 9:15-9:45 & 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.
STORY TIME: See THU.7.
WATERCOLOR FOR KIDS: Artist Pauline Nolte leads little painters in
Mill, Waterbury Center, 6-8:30 p.m. $95. Info, 800-327-7537.
language
ENGLISH CONVERSATION CIRCLE: Locals learning English as a second language gather in the Digital Lab to build vocabulary and make friends. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, noon-1 p.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.
LANGUAGE LUNCH: GERMAN: Willkommen! Speakers of all experience levels brush up on conversational skills over bagged lunches. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, noon-1 p.m. Free. Info, 223-3338.
‘TITANIQUE’: See WED.6, 7:30 p.m. talks
NIKOLAUS WACHSMANN: A professor of modern European history at the University of London delivers this year’s Raul Hilberg Memorial Lecture, “Auschwitz: A New History.” University of Vermont Alumni House, Burlington, 7-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 656-3131.
‘PUTIN’S WAR IN UKRAINE: HOW THE WEST IS FAILING KIEV’: Award-winning photojournalist Dmitri Beliakov sheds light on the key events that catalyzed the current Russo-Ukrainian war.
exploration and expression. Grades 2 through 4. Waterbury Public Library, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 244-7036.
NANOWRIMO WRITE-IN: See WED.6. STEAM SPACE: See WED.6.
TODDLER TIME: See WED.6.
BABY TIME: See WED.6.
HAFTY CRAFTY DAY: Kiddos ages 6 and up partake in a fun-filled handson craft. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 1-2 p.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.
PLAYGROUP & STORY TIME: See WED.6.
barre/montpelier
HOMESCHOOL BOOK GROUP: Kids ages 10 to 15 who learn at home bond over books. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 1-2 p.m. Free. Info, 223-3338.
upper valley
PRE-K STORY TIME: Little ones and their caregivers hear a different farmthemed tale every week. Snacks included. Ages 3 through 5. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 9:30-11 a.m. $10-12; preregister. Info, cpeavey@ billingsfarm.org. K
I saw an ad for this job in the “help-wanted” section of Seven Days and thought, Hmmm, I should apply for that. But I didn’t do it right away. In the following issue, the same position was highlighted as the “Job of the Week.” I had the same positive reaction, learned more from the write-up, and decided, Oh, yes, this is the job for me. ree months later, here I am, running the beautiful Barre Opera House with operations manager Katie Gilmartin.
NATHANIEL LEW
Executive Director,
Barre Opera House
Are you searching for a like-minded friend to help tackle chores and tasks? Do you seek a companion to join you in hobbies and activities? Our caregivers, seniors themselves, show up ready to exceed expectations on a schedule that meets your needs.
See how we can help today by visiting shsvermont.com or calling 802-474-2079
Dion Family Student Center, Saint Michael’s College, Colchester, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 654-2588.
CURRENT EVENTS
DISCUSSION GROUP: Brownell Library holds a virtual roundtable for neighbors to pause and reflect on the news cycle. 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6955.
LAKE CHAMPLAIN MEMORY
CAFÉ: Those living with dementia and their caregivers gather to make friends and have fun. Fletcher Free Library New North End Branch, Burlington, 11 a.m.noon. Free. Info, 863-3403.
Burlington, 5-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.
LANGUAGE LUNCH: ITALIAN: Speakers hone their skills in the Romance language over bagged lunches. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, noon-1 p.m. Free. Info, 223-3338.
SOCIAL HOUR: The Alliance Française of the Lake Champlain Region hosts a rendez-vous over Zoom.
5:30-6:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, ellen.sholk@gmail.com.
music
ALAN CHIANG: The accomplished pianist from South Burlington plays rousing works by Ludwig van Beethoven. Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Burlington, noon-1 p.m. Free; donations accepted. Info, 864-0471.
VERMONT READS BOOK
DISCUSSION: Facilitator Rachael Cohen leads a community discussion of Kenneth M. Cadow’s coming-of-age novel, Gather. Deborah Rawson Memorial Library, Jericho, 7-8:30 p.m. Free; nonperishable food donations accepted. Info, 899-4962.
WRITE YOUR NOVEL TUESDAYS: Wordsmiths unite in the pub or parlor to share advice or put their heads down and write. Old Stagecoach Inn, Waterbury, 5-8 p.m. Free. Info, 244-5056.
QUEEN CITY BUSINESS
conferences
VERMONT CRAFT BREWERS
CONFERENCE: See MON.11, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
dance
SWING DANCE PRACTICE
SESSION: All ages and experience levels shake a leg in this friendly, casual environment designed for learning. Bring clean shoes. Champlain Club, Burlington, 7:309 p.m. Free. Info, 864-8382.
film
See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section.
‘BLUE WHALES: RETURN OF THE GIANTS 3D’: See WED.6.
‘FUNGI: THE WEB OF LIFE 3D’: See WED.6.
GOOD TALKS: ELECTION
REFLECTION: Community members participate in an intergenerational conversation with Middlebury College student Daniza Tazabekova, state Sen. Ruth Hardy (D-Addison) and political science professor Bert Johnson. Town Hall Theater, Middlebury, 7 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 382-9222.
‘TITANIQUE’: See WED.6, 7:30 p.m. seminars
TENANT SKILLS
WORKSHOP: The Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity helps new and experienced renters gain a better understanding of their rights. 5-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 660-3456.
NETWORKING INTERNATIONAL GROUP: See WED.6. SMALL TOWNS, BIG IDEAS PITCH EVENT: Tech startups compete for cash prizes in a celebration of the entrepreneurship happening across rural America. Virtual option available. Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H., 5-7 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 436-4100. WEARING MANY HATS: LEADERSHIP IN YOUR EVOLVING ROLE AS A BUSINESS OWNER: The Center for Women & Enterprise coaches food and beverage entrepreneurs on actionable leadership skills to boost their operation. Noon-1 p.m. $0-50 sliding scale; preregister. Info, 391-4874.
CURRENT EVENTS: Neighbors have an informal discussion about what’s in the news. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 878-4918.
‘THREE WOMEN OF SWATOW’: See WED.6.
crafts
GREEN MOUNTAIN CHAPTER OF THE EMBROIDERERS’ GUILD OF AMERICA: Anyone with an
‘JUNO’: Audiences laugh out loud at this 2007 coming-of-age comedy about a teenage girl’s unplanned pregnancy. Film House, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 540-3018.
‘OCEANS: OUR BLUE PLANET 3D’: See WED.6.
‘TINY GIANTS 3D’: See WED.6.
‘WARREN MILLER’S 75’: Snow sports enthusiasts are stoked for the stacked lineup of noteworthy boarders and skiers featured in the latest flick in the long-running series. See calendar spotlight. Lebanon Opera House, N.H., 7 p.m. $25. Info, 603-448-0400.
games
DUPLICATE BRIDGE GAMES: See THU.7.
COMMUNITY MEDITATION: All levels and ages engage in the ancient Buddhist practice of clearing the mind to achieve a state of calm. First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington, 5:15-6 p.m. Free; donations accepted. Info, 862-5630.
language
FRENCH CONVERSATION GROUP: Francophones and language learners meet pour parler la belle langue. Fletcher Free Library,
BURLINGTON LITERATURE GROUP:
DAVID FOSTER WALLACE: New England Readers & Writers leads a seven-week dissection of The Pale King. 6:30-8 p.m. Free. Info, info@nereadersandwriters.com.
LIFE’S SHORT, TALK FAST: AN EVENING CELEBRATING
‘GILMORE GIRLS’: Oy, with the poodles already! Three authors launch their new anthology, Life’s Short, Talk Fast: Fifteen Writers on Why We Can’t Stop Watching Gilmore Girls with themed snacks, trivia, and all-things Lorelai and Rory. Phoenix Books, Essex, 6:30 p.m. $22-28. Info, 872-7111.
THE MOTH STORYSLAM: Local tellers of tales recount true stories in an open-mic format. Film House, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $17.50; preregister. Info, susanne@ themoth.org.
POETRY GROUP: A supportive drop-in group welcomes those who would like to share and listen to verse. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 11 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 846-4140.
FOMO?
Find even more local events in this newspaper and online: art
Find visual art exhibits and events in the Art section and at sevendaysvt.com/art.
film
See what’s playing at theaters in the On Screen section.
music + nightlife
Find club dates at local venues in the Music + Nightlife section online at sevendaysvt.com/ music.
Learn more about highlighted listings in the Magnificent 7 on page 11. = ONLINE EVENT
interest in the needle arts can bring a project to this monthly meeting. Holy Family Parish Hall, Essex Junction, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, gmc.vt.ega@gmail.com.
YARN CRAFTERS GROUP: See WED.6.
film
See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section.
‘BLUE WHALES: RETURN OF THE GIANTS 3D’: See WED.6.
‘FUNGI: THE WEB OF LIFE 3D’: See WED.6.
GREAT ART WEDNESDAY SERIES:
‘VAN GOGH: POETS & LOVERS’: This 2024 documentary examines the iconic artist’s pivotal years in the south of France, where he revolutionized his style. Town Hall Theater, Middlebury, 11 a.m. $15. Info, 382-9222.
‘LOST NATION’: History buffs watch local filmmaker Jay Craven’s Revolutionary War drama about Ethan Allen and Lucy Terry Prince, set in the early upstart Republic of Vermont. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 7 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 748-8291.
‘OCEANS: OUR BLUE PLANET 3D’: See WED.6.
‘TINY GIANTS 3D’: See WED.6.
games
CHESS CLUB: See WED.6.
CHAIR YOGA: See WED.6.
ELL CLASSES: ENGLISH FOR BEGINNERS & INTERMEDIATE STUDENTS: See WED.6.
QUEER WRITERS’ GROUP: LGBTQ authors meet monthly to discuss their work, write from prompts, and give each other advice and feedback. Rainbow Bridge Community Center, Barre, 5:30-7 p.m. Free. Info, 622-0692.
TRANS-FRIENDLY MOVEMENT WORKSHOP: Sean Dorsey leads an all-levels dance class designed to be supportive of transgender, nonbinary and gender-nonconforming bodies. Dance Theatre, Mahaney Arts Center, Middlebury College, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. Info, 443-6433.
E-BIKE & BREW TOUR: See WED.6.
‘TITANIQUE’: See WED.6.
sports
GREEN MOUNTAIN TABLE TENNIS CLUB: See WED.6.
talks
FALL SPEAKER SERIES: DAVE ROBERTS: A VEIC managing consultant reviews the basics of electric vehicles and explains how Vermont is advancing their use. Yestermorrow Design/Build School, Waitsfield, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. Info, 496-5545.
LEAGUE OF WOMEN
VOTERS SPEAKER SERIES: ROD SMOLLA: Vermont Law and Graduate School’s president examines a recent pivotal Supreme Court decision. 7-8:30
p.m. Free; preregister. Info, league@lwvofvt.org.
TARLETON GILLESPIE: A senior researcher addresses the effects of online media platforms on the political climate in this year’s Zeltzerman Lecture. University of Vermont Alumni House, Burlington, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. Info, 656-3186.
‘THE THANKSGIVING PLAY’: Native American playwright Larissa FastHorse’s hit satire follows four well-intentioned teaching artists as they try to create a culturally sensitive play for kids. Royall Tyler Theatre, University of Vermont, Burlington, 7:30-9:15 p.m. $10-25. Info, theatreanddance@uvm.edu.
‘THREE WOMEN OF SWATOW’: See WED.6.
words
LIFE STORIES WE LOVE TO TELL: Prompts from group leader Maryellen Crangle inspire true tales, told either off the cuff or read from prewritten scripts. Presented by Dorothy Alling Memorial Library. 2-3:30 p.m. Free; preregister; limited space. Info, 878-4918.
POETRY POTLUCK: Wordsmiths and readers bring a dish and a poem (their own or others’) to share. Whirligig Brewing, St. Johnsbury, 7-9 p.m. Free. Info, acampbell@catamountarts.org. ➆
He Was Loving and Dedicated Kip, a Lab-Bernese mix, was our first dog. He was a “mistake” at a kennel near Chester, Vt., that bred Bernese mountain dogs and Labs. His father (a Lab) got into the wrong housing unit one night, and the result was Kip. Kip looked me very deep in the eyes the first time I saw him as a puppy. ere was no doubt in my mind that he was to be our first family dog. We loved him, and he loved us in return for 10 years. Pure unconditional love.
— Allan, Nancy and David
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.
PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOP: DATA-DRIVEN MARKETING: In our brief talk, we’ll show you how to transform fuzzy ROI into a clear, data-driven strategy that increases customer acquisition and drives top-line sales. With more than 25 years of experience and 100-plus clients served, J. Scott Marketing knows how to help businesses grow. u., Nov. 14, noon-1:30 p.m.
Cost: $20. Location: Maverick Market at 110, 110 Main St., Suite 1C, Burlington. Info: Local Maverick, info@localmaverickus. com, sevendaystickets.com.
PERINATAL AND PARENT
GROUPS: Please visit ittakesavillagevermont.com or @ittakesavillagevermont on Instagram for upcoming groups and events for pregnant and postpartum sleep education and support, dads of young children, moms on a career pause, adults looking for a self-compassion workshop, and more! We are two clinical psychologists serving women and parents looking for their village. Location: It Takes A Village: Parenting Wellness Consulting and Psychotherapy, 53 Railroad St., Richmond. Info: Aubrey Carpenter, PhD, 448-0336, aubreycarpenter@ ittakesavillagevermont.com, ittakesavillagevermont.com.
Do you want to memorialize your pet in the pages of Seven Days? Visit sevendaysvt.com/petmemorials to submit your remembrance.
All sizes include a photo and your tribute. Short $30, Medium $50, Long $95
Print deadline: ursdays at 5 p.m. Questions? petmemorials@sevendaysvt.com
LEARN FRENCH THIS WINTER CHEZ WINGSPAN! LESSONS & CAMPS: Private lessons for adults, tailored to your needs. Youth tutoring; fun and engaging sessions for kids. Francophone Artsy Winter Break Camps; creative activities and language immersion! Small group classes: Next session starts Jan. 6. Special Francophone Quebec Day Trip: Join us on Dec. 14 for an immersive experience! Don’t miss out — reserve your spot today! See website for details. 1.5-hour classes. Location: Wingspan Studio School, 4A Howard St., Burlington. Info: 233-7676, maggiestandley@gmail.com, wingspanstudioeduc.com.
AIKIDO: THE WATERCOURSE WAY: 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! Membership rates incl. unlimited classes 6 days/week. Contact us for info about membership rates for adults, youths & families. Location: Aikido of Champlain Valley, 257 Pine St., Burlington. Info: Benjamin Pincus, 951-8900, bpincus@ burlingtonaikido.org, burlingtonaikido.org.
DJEMBE WEDNESDAYS!: Learn to drum with Stuart Paton!
Beginner and advanced beginner classes available. Session begins Nov. 13. Drums provided. Every Wed.: beginners, 5:30 p.m.; accelerated, 7 p.m. Cost: $92/4 weeks; 90-min. sessions; $72 for Kids & Parents classes. Location: Burlington Taiko (next to Nomad Café), 208 Flynn Ave., Suite 3-G, Burlington. Info: Stuart Paton, 999-4255, taikoaikokai@gmail. com.
TAIKO TUESDAYS!: Adult classes and Kids & Parents (age 6 and up) classes available. Learn to drum with Burlington Taiko! Session begins Nov. 12. Drums provided. Every Tue: Kids & Parents, 4 p.m.; beginners, 5:30 p.m.; accelerated, 7 p.m. Cost: $92/4 weeks; 90-min. classes; $72 for Kids & Parents classes. Location: Burlington Taiko (next to Nomad Café), 208 Flynn Ave., Suite 3-G, Burlington. Info: Stuart Paton, 999-4255, taikoaikokai@gmail.com.
APPRENTICESHIP IN SHAMANISM: Rare opportunity to apprentice locally in a shamanic tradition. Five weekends over a year. Location: St. Albans. Info: 369-4331.
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
AGE/SEX: 5-month-old males
ARRIVAL DATE: August 6, 2024
SUMMARY : Meet Larry and Curly! These precious pink-nosed piglets came to HSCC when their guardian was no longer able to care for them, and now they’re ready for a fresh start. Larry and Curly are best buds who love hanging out together in their huts and sharing tasty salad. If you have a calm home with room for a pair of silly and snuggly sweethearts, visit HSCC’s adoption center to learn more about Larry and Curly and see if they could be your new best friends!
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.
Guinea pigs are not natural climbers! eir enclosures should provide as much floor space as possible, with solid floors to avoid injuries or problems like foot sores. We recommend using C&C (cubes and coroplast) cages with fleece bedding, as well as some fun tunnels and huts to explore!
Sponsored by:
2015 VW GOLF
SPORTWAGEN
Clean, low miles. ECS
Tuning Stage 1 package & boost gauge. Well maintained, fluid-filmed Nov. 2023. New turbo, FWD, cold A/C, Bluetooth, CD player. Winter rims & snows incl. Text 802-578-7526 or email westwick639@ gmail.com.
3-BR, 1-BA APT. IN MIDDLESEX
2nd story. HDWD. Separate living/dining rooms, renovated full BA, unfinished walk-up attic for storage. Avail. to show. $2,900/mo., 1-year lease. Email info@ campmeade.today or call 802-496-2108.
BURLINGTON 3-BR HOUSE
Avail. Dec. 1. $2,500/ mo. + 1st mo. & sec. dep. 1-year lease. Dead-end street near UVM, hospital, Winooski. 1,655 sq.ft. 1 BA, deck, porch, garage, yard, off-street parking, gas heat. W/D & DW optional. NS, no pets: nonnegotiable. Contact me; tell me a bit about yourself! Applications avail. upon request. Email maggie severance@gmail.com.
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
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
housing ads: $25 (25 words) legals: 52¢/word buy this stuff: free online
1-BR APT. 1-BR, LR, kitchen, 1/2 BA upstairs. Walk-in closet, W/D. Downstairs is full BA (no tub) & a room for office or den. 2 parking spaces, lawn area. Heat, electric, trash removal & snowplowing incl. Central air. Avail. Jan. 1. No pets, NS. Refs., credit check. $1,675/ mo. + sec. dep. Email cawspafford@gmail. com.
LIVE W/ LAKE VIEWS
Enjoy Grand Isle lake views by homesharing w/ gregarious senior gentleman who enjoys sports on TV, puttering in the yard, singing. Seeking housemate who can cook a few times/ week, do handyperson projects, drive him for groceries. $200/ mo. Well-behaved dog considered! Call 802-863-5625 or visit homesharevermont. org for application. Interview, refs., background checks req. EHO.
SHARE BEAUTIFUL BTV
CONDO
Share attractive New North End Burlington condo w/ quiet woman in her 80s. Enjoys vegetarian meals, long walks, reading. Seeking housemate who is active outside the house during the day but will help w/ light cleaning, occasional cooking, light gardening/ snow removal. $150/ mo. Fragrance-free products preferred. Call 802-863-5625 or visit homesharevermont. org for application. Interview, refs., background checks req. EHO.
HOMESHARE W/ TENNIS/POOL
Share townhome in Burlington’s New North End w/ active retired woman who enjoys meditation, swimming, reading & volunteering. Furnished BR, private BA, shared use of modern kitchen. $650/mo. +
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
services: $12 (25 words) fsbos: $45 (2 weeks, 30 words, photo) jobs: michelle@sevendaysvt.com, 865-1020 x121
$100/mo. toward utils. W/D, parking, access to tennis/pool. No pets, NS. Avail. in Dec. Call 802-863-5625 or visit homesharevermont. org for application. Interview, refs., background checks req. EHO.
BURL. SO. END OLD FACTORY SP
1st. floor, 900 sq.ft. Heat & electric incl. $1,000/ mo. Concrete floor, brick walls, shared building entrance & BA, garage door. Light industrial, good for trades, craftspeople, artists. Call 802-355-1996 or email hglaeserco@ gmail.com.
CLEANING SERVICES
Looking to have your office or Airbnb cleaned? Local cleaner w/ 20 years of experience w/ rare openings! Competitive rates & insured. Contact Linda at 802-825-6282 or llr082103@yahoo. com.
PERFECT MASSAGE FOR MEN
Men, I’m Mr. G. It’s all about you relaxing. Very private, 1-on-1 moment. If you feel good, I’m happy. e massage is real; the sessions are amazing! Located in central Vermont just off exit 7. Text now to 802-522-3932 or email motman@ymail.com.
print deadline: Mondays at 3:30 p.m. post ads online 24/7 at: sevendaysvt.com/classifieds questions? classifieds@sevendaysvt.com 865-1020 x115
FSBO $49,000
This business is turn-key, everything included. Owners willing to train. Located on North Main St. in Barre, VT. 14,000 cars pass daily on Route 302. Call Lydia at (802) 279-1870
15 @ 11AM
Don’t miss out on this 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 1,775 sq. ft. home on 1.1 acres. Relax and entertain in style with an in-ground pool, fireplace, several A/C mini splits, and a detached 2-car garage with a loft.
LIVE AUCTION: Friday, Nov. 15 @ 1PM
This two-unit building sitting on 0.26± acres in Essex Junction, VT offers a prime real estate investment opportunity. Each unit has 2 bedrooms and 1 bath. Total square footage is 1,808. Join us for this amazing real estate auction.
ECO-MD
Transform your backyard into a birdwatching paradise for the holidays. Also, now is ideal to identify harmful invasives! Free initial site visit. Email ecomd@together.net or call (802) 535-7826.
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)
LEO’S ROOFING
Slate, shingle & metal repair & replacement. 30 years’ experience. Good refs. & fully insured. Chittenden County. Free estimate: 802-343-6324.
NEED NEW WINDOWS? Drafty rooms? Chipped or damaged frames? Need outside noise reduction? New, energyefficient windows may be the answer! Call for a consultation & free quote today. 1-877248-9944. You will be asked for the zip code of the property when connecting. (AAN CAN)
(1616) FALL FIREARMS ONLINE AUCTION TUES., NOV. 12 @ 11AM PREVIEW: THURS., NOV. 7 FROM 5PM-7PM BY APPT. EMAIL HELPDESK@THCAUCTION.COM
AUCTION CLOSES: Wednesday, Nov. 13 @ 10AM ONLINE AUCTION: (1618) 2013 FREIGHTLINER BOX TRUCK PREVIEW: During Business Hours DON’T MISS OUT ON OUR FALL SPORTING RELATED ONLINE AUCTION AUCTION CLOSES: WEDNESDAY, NOV. 13 @ 10 AM
AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER? STORM DAMAGE?
You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing avail. Call 1-888-292-8225. Have zip code of property ready when calling! (AAN CAN)
Using the enclosed math operations as a guide, ll the grid using the numbers 1 - 6 only once in each row and column.
Show and tell. View and post up to 6 photos per ad online.
Complete the following puzzle by using the numbers 1-9 only once in each row, column and 3 x 3 box.
Open 24/7/365. Post & browse ads at your convenience. Extra! Extra! There’s no limit to ad length online.
Try these online news games from Seven Days at sevendaysvt.com/games.
NEW ON FRIDAYS:
Put your knowledge of Vermont news to the test.
JOSH REYNOLDS
DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK: HHH
Fill the grid using the numbers 1-6, only once in each row and column. The numbers in each heavily outlined “cage” must combine to produce the target number in the top corner, using the mathematical operation indicated. A one-box cage should be filled in with the target number in the top corner. A number can be repeated within a cage as long as it is not the same row or column.
6 5 3 4 6 5 2 3 4 1 5 1 3 4 6 2 2 4 1 6 5 3
REYNOLDS
DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK: HH
Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each 9-box square contains all of the numbers one to nine. The same numbers cannot be repeated in a row or column.
ANSWERS ON P.78 H = MODERATE H H = CHALLENGING H H H = HOO, BOY!
ANSWERS ON P. 78 »
See how fast you can solve this weekly 10-word puzzle.
Board queen foundation. Sealy Stearns Foster Estate Soft 530088 queen mattress. $1,500 firm. Email hopefulvt78@ gmail.com or call 802-495-1954.
SNORKIE PUP
Snorkie pup (Yorkie & mini schnauzer). 1 male. Avail., 9 weeks old. 2 sets of shots, health guarantee. Hypoallergenic. 8-13 lbs. fully grown. Super loving. $850. Call 802-595-5345.
TOP CASH FOR OLD GUITARS
1920-1980 Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D’Angelico & Stromberg + Gibson mandolins & banjos. Call 877-589-0747. (AAN CAN)
BED FOR SALE
Amish-made queen walnut bookcase, no tools needed. Bunkie
HIRING A MUSIC
DIRECTOR
In search of a music director for Daisy and the Wonder Weeds by Jean-Elliot Manning, running Jun. 12-22 at the Grange Hall Cultural Center in Waterbury Center. Paid position! Info, acrossroads.org/ events/daisy-and-thewonder-weeds. Email, info.acrossroads@gmail. com.
(1612) Veterinary Dental Equip.
Auction Closes: Tues., Nov. 19 @ 10AM Preview: Mon., Nov. 11 from 11AM-1PM By Appt. Email: helpdesk@thcauction.com
ARTIST STUDIO AVAIL.
30 by 40 feet w/ 10-foot ceiling. Insulated. Radiant heat, hot/cold running water, large air compressor, Wi-Fi. Ventilated paint room, closet, large sliding door leading to cement
ramp. Plenty of free parking. Avail. Jan. 1. At Shelburne Pond Studios, an artist community. Email kastockman@aol. com.
STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT WASHINGTON UNIT FAMILY DIVISION CASE NO. 23-JV-1025
In re: W.P.
CORRECTED NOTICE OF HEARING
TO: Jesse Shaw you are hereby notifi ed that the State of Vermont has filed a petition to terminate your parental rights to W.P. (D.O.B. 07/28/2023) and that a hearing to consider the petition will be held on January 2, 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Vermont Superior Court, Washington Unit, Family Division, at 255 North Main Street, Barre, Vermont 05641. You are notifi ed to appear in connection with this case. Failure to appear at this hearing may result in the termination of your parental rights. e other parties to this action are the State of Vermont, Department for Children and Families, the child, W.P., and the mother, K.P. e State is represented by the Vermont Attorney General’s Offi ce, 280 State Drive, HC 2 North, Waterbury, Vermont 05671-2080.
Date: 11/1/2024
Kirstin Schoonover: Superior Court Judge
NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF PETITIONS FOR ELECTION OF CONSERVATION DISTRICT SUPERVISOR FOR THE WINOOSKI NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION DISTRICT
To all landowners residing within the boundaries of the Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District (NRCD), notice is hereby given that on October 30, 2024 petitions for the position of supervisor for the conservation district will be available. An election will be held on January 10, 2025 for two supervisors for the district. Petitions must be completed and returned to the local conservation district offi ce by close of business on November 13, 2024. Only persons, fi rms and corporations who
hold title in fee land and residing within such an organized district are eligible to sign a petition or vote.
Conservation districts are local subdivisions of state government established under the Soil Conservation Act of Vermont.
An eligible voter may contact Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District at (802) 7783178 or Info@WinooskiNRCD.org for a petition. For more information, please visit https:// winooskinrcd.org/
Dated: October 25, 2024.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH VT TITLE 9 COMMERCE AND TRADE CHAPTER 098: STORAGE UNITS 3905. ENFORCEMENT OF LIEN, Champlain Valley Self Storage, LLC shall host an auction of the following units on or after 11/16/24:
Location: 78 Lincoln St. Essex Jct., VT
Contents: household goods
Nathan Roberts: #031
Crystal Verrastro: #299
Location: 485 Nokian Tyres Dr. Colchester, VT
Contents: household goods
Paige Mccabe: #2369
Location: 2211 Main St. Colchester, VT
Contents: household goods
Mike ompson: #674
Alyssa Bennett: #534
Djodjo Elumba: #574
Chisoni McGrath: #545
Auction pre-registration is required, email info@ champlainvalleyselfstorage.com to register.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH VT TITLE 9 COMMERCE AND TRADE CHAPTER 098: STORAGE UNITS 3905.
Enforcement of Lien, West Street Rentals LLC shall host a live auction of the following unit on 11/12/24 at 04:30PM.
Location: 170 West St, Essex Jct., VT 05452
Rebecca Miller, unit #15: household goods
Amy Bell, unit #26: household goods
Contents sold as is, and need to be removed within 48 hours at no cost to West Street Rentals LLC. 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. West Street Rentals LLC reserves the right to accept or reject bids.
WARNING POLICY ADOPTION
CHAMPLAIN VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
e Board of School Directors gives public notice of its intent to adopt local district policies dealing with the following at its meeting scheduled on November 19, 2024: G16 - Special Education Copies of the above policies may be obtained for public review at the Offi ce of the Human Resources Dept. in Shelburne, VT.
STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT
FAMILY DIVISION CHITTENDEN UNIT DOCKET NO. 22-JV-872
In re: I.W.
ORDER AND NOTICE OF HEARING
TO: Amber Jackson, mother of I.W., you are hereby notifi ed that the State of Vermont has filed a petition to terminate your residual parental rights to I.W., and that the hearing to consider the termination of all residual parental rights to I.W. will be held on December 31, 2024, at 2:00
Burlington, Vermont. You may appear remotely by contacting the clerk’s office at 802 651-1950. You are notified to appear in connection with this case. Failure to appear at this hearing may result in the termination of all your parental rights to I.W. The State is represented by the Attorney General’s Office, HC 2 North, 280 State Drive, Waterbury, VT 05671-2080.
A copy of this order shall be mailed to Amber Jackson if an address for her is known.
Electronically signed pursuant to V.R.E.F. 9{d)
Kate Gallagher Superior Court Judge 10/29/2024
STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT
CIVIL DIVISION CALEDONIA UNIT
CASE NO. 24-CV-04163
In Re: Abandoned Mobile Home Of Dana Patten
NOTICE OF HEARING
A hearing on The Housing Foundation, Inc.’s Verified Complaint to declare as abandoned the mobile home of Dana Patten located at the Evergreen Manor Mobile Home Park, Lot #32, 236 Evergreen Manor Drive in Hardwick, Vermont and to authorize the sale by auction has been scheduled on November 18, 2024 at 3:30 p.m. You may participate in the hearing either in person at the Vermont Superior Court, Caledonia Unit, Civil Division located at 1126 Main Street, Suite 1 in St. Johnsbury, Vermont or remotely via WEBEX video. The WEBEX Login Information is as follows: App: Cisco Webex Meetings Website: https://vtcourts.webex.com Meeting Number: 2330 032 4881
Password: PJf2yxMmg62
If you do not have a computer or sufficient bandwidth, you may call (802) 636-1108 to appear by phone. (This is not a tollfree number). When prompted enter the meeting ID number listed above, followed by the pound symbol (#). You will be prompted to enter your attendee number (which you do not have). Instead, press pound (#). If you have technical difficulties, call the Court at (802) 748-6600.
Date: October 18, 2024 Civil Division Clerk
VERIFIED COMPLAINT FOR ABANDONMENT
PURSUANT TO 10 V.S.A. § 6249(h) (Auction)
NOW COMES Lamoille Housing Partnership, Inc. (“LHP”), by and through its counsel Nadine L. Scibek, and hereby complains as follows:
1. LHP, a Vermont non-profit corporation with a principal place of business in Morrisville, County of Lamoille, State of Vermont, is the record owner of the Evergreen Manor Mobile Home Park (the “Park”) located in the Town of Hardwick, Vermont. The Park is managed by Alliance Property Management, Inc.
2. Dana Patten (“Dana”) is the record owner of a certain mobile home described as a 1975 Greenbriar mobile home, 14’ x 70’, bearing serial No. 476960 (the “Mobile Home”), located on Lot #32, Evergreen Manor Mobile Home Park, 236 Evergreen Manor Drive in Hardwick, Vermont (the “Lot”). See attached Vermont Mobile Home Uniform Bill of Sale.
3. Patten purchased the Mobile Home on May 12, 2023 from Corey Draper. Patten did not notify LHP when he became the record owner of the Mobile Home, nor did he complete an application to reside in the Park nor sign a lease with LHP. Draper paid the lot rent through May, 2023.
4. Upon learning of the sale from Draper and obtaining contact information for Patten, LHP called Patten and mailed him an application. LHP has never received a completed application back from him after sending him several after the sale. LHP contacted Patten on August 11, 2023 in writing informing him that he must complete an application, be approved by LHP and sign a Lease to reside in the Park. LHP also informed Patten that rent on the Lot was delinquent and all back rent from the date of purchase must be paid. See attached 8/11/23 letter to Patten.
5. LHP did not hear from Patten again until the beginning of January, 2024 when he called to advise that he may have a buyer for the Mobile Home. LHP sent Patten applications. No application was returned.
6. On May 10, 2024 LHP’s Counsel communicated in
writing to Patten via email and 1st Class Mail to his last known addresses. LHP’s Counsel received no response from Patten. See attached.
7. At the end of May, 2024 a potential buyer called LHP and sent the buyer an application. No application was received back. On May 29 & 30, 2024 Patten left LHP voicemails about a potential buyer and the sale of the Mobile Home. Patten advised he would call back and he did not until June 12, 2024 when he left a voicemail and requested a call back. LHP attempted several times to call Patten back, but the phone number he left with no answer and no ability to leave a message. This was the last contact from Patten.
8. On August 1, 2024 Draper (prior owner) called LHP’s Counsel to advise that he was trying to buy back the Mobile Home from Patten. Counsel emailed Draper to relay what he would need to do to buy back the Mobile Home and advised that the outstanding lot rent would need to be paid. There has been no further contact from Draper.
9. The last known legal occupants of the Mobile Home were Harold Patten & Christine Pomer. Harold Patten died in 2021 and Christine Pomer sold the Mobile Home to Draper. Draper did not live in the Mobile Homes. He renovated it and sold it to Patten without LHP’s permission. The Mobile Home has never been occupied by Patten. There is no power or water to the Mobile Home. The Mobile Home has been sitting on LHP’s property for 17 months with no sale or payment.
10. Patten’s last known addresses are P.O. Box 97, Hardwick, VT 05843 and 27 Lower Prospect Street, Hardwick, VT 05843. The P.O Box is still a good address for Patten as that is the address he reports to the Vermont Superior Court for his pending criminal and family court cases. The physical address is no longer valid as that property was foreclosed on ((23-CV-04065) and Patten is no longer living there.
11. The following security interests, mortgages, liens and encumbrances appear of record with respect to the mobile home:
a. Property taxes to the Town of Hardwick were paid in full through June 30, 2024. Town Clerk advised the Mobile Home has been removed from the Grand List for the 2024/2025 tax year. See attached Tax Bill and email from Town Clerk.
12. Uriah Wallace, a duly licensed Vermont auctioneer, is a person disinterested in the Mobile Home and the Park who is able to sell the mobile home at a public auction.
13. Mobile home storage fees continue to accrue at the rate of $384.00 per month. Rent/ storage fees due to the Park as of October, 2024 total $6,320.00. Court costs and attorney’s fees incurred by the Park in this action currently exceed $1,000.00. No security deposit was paid.
14. The Park sent written notice by certified mail to the Town of Hardwick on May 10, 2024 of its intent to commence this abandonment action. See attached.
WHEREFORE, the Park Owner respectfully requests that the Honorable Court enter an order as follows:
1. Declare that the mobile home has been abandoned;
2. Approve the sale of the mobile home at a public auction to be held within 15 days of the date of judgment, pursuant to 10 V.S.A. § 6249(h); and
3. Grant judgment in favor of the Park Owner LHP and against the mobile home for past-due and unpaid rent/storage charges through the date of judgment, together with LHP’s court costs, publication and mailing costs, auctioneer’s costs, winterization costs, lot cleanup charges, attorney’s fees incurred in connection with this matter and any other costs incurred by LHP herein.
DATED AT Burlington, Vermont this 18th day of October, 2024.
LAMOILLE HOUSING PARTNERSHIP, INC.
BY: Nadine L. Scibek Attorney
for LHP
I declare that the above-statement is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that if the above statement is false, I will be subject to the penalty of perjury or other sanctions in the discretion of the Court.
October 18, 2024 By: Shawna Hanley Duly Authorized Agent for LHP
CITY OF BURLINGTON IN THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-FOUR A REGULATION IN RELATION TO RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION 7A; ACCESSIBLE SPACES DESIGNATED.
Sponsor(s): Public Works Commission Action: Approval Date: 10/16/2024
Attestation of Adoption: Phillip Peterson, PE Senior Transportation Planner, Technical Services Published: 11/06/24 Effective: 11/27/24
It is hereby Ordained by the Public Works Commission of the City of Burlington as follows: That Appendix C, Rule and Regulations of the Traffic Commission, 7A Accessible space designated, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Burlington is hereby amended as follows:
7A Accessible spaces designated.
No person shall park any vehicle at any time in the following locations, except automobiles displaying special handicapped license plates issued pursuant to 18 V.S.A. § 1325, or any amendment or renumbering thereof: (1)-(169) As written (170) On the south side of Adams Court beginning three hundred forty-seven (347) feet east of Shelburne Street and extending east for a distance of twenty (20) feet Reserved (171)-(173) As written.
** Material stricken out deleted.
*** Material underlined added.
/ER: BCO Appx.C, Section 7A 10/16/24
CITY OF BURLINGTON IN THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-FOUR A REGULATION IN RELATION TO RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION
3; STOP SIGN LOCATIONS
Sponsor(s): Public Works Commission Action: Approval Date: 10/16/2024
Attestation of Adoption: Phillip Peterson, PE Senior Transportation Planner, Technical Services Published: 11/06/24
Effective: 11/27/24
It is hereby Ordained by the Public Works Commission of the City of Burlington as follows:
That Appendix C, Rule and Regulations of the Traffic Commission, 3 Stop sign locations, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Burlington is hereby amended as follows:
3 Stop signs locations.
(a) The following locations are hereby designated as stop sign locations: (3)-(87) As written (88) Reserved At the intersection of Sears Lane and Pine Street causing traffic on Sears Lane to stop. (89)-(319) As written.
** Material stricken out deleted. *** Material underlined added.
/ER: BCO Appx.C, Section 3 10/16/24
CITY OF BURLINGTON IN THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-FOUR A REGULATION IN RELATION TO RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION 7; NO PARKING AREAS.
Sponsor(s): Public Works Commission Action: Approval Date: 10/16/2024
Attestation of Adoption: Phillip Peterson, PE
Senior Transportation Planner, Technical Services
Published: 11/06/24
Effective: 11/27/24
It is hereby Ordained by the Public Works Commission of the City of Burlington as follows:
That Appendix C, Rule and Regulations of the Traffic Commission, 7 No parking areas., of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Burlington is hereby amended as follows:
7 No parking areas.
No person shall park any vehicle at any time in the following locations: (1)-(290) As written
(291) Reserved On the south side of Gosse Court for twenty (20) feet east and west of the midblock crosswalk at 77 Gosse Court (292) – (309) As written.
(310) Reserved On the north side of Gosse Court, between the driveway to 84 Gosse Court and the driveway to 1364 North Avenue. (311)-(587) As written.
** Material stricken out deleted. *** Material underlined added.
/ER: BCO Appx.C, Section 7 10/16/24
CITY OF BURLINGTON
IN THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-FOUR A REGULATION IN RELATION TO RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION
31 [RESERVED]
Sponsor(s): Public Works Commission Action:
Date: 5/15/2024
Attestation of Adoption: Phillip Peterson, PE Senior Transportation Planner, Technical Services Published: 11/06/24 Effective: 11/27/24
It is hereby Ordained by the Public Works Commission of the City of Burlington as follows: That Appendix C, Rule and Regulations of the Traffic Commission, 31 [Reserved] of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Burlington is hereby amended as follows: 31 [Reserved] Temporary Construction Parking Notwithstanding any other provision of this appendix, the Director of Public Works, or their designee, shall have the authority to temporarily sign spaces during construction projects to accommodate construction. Violation of associated parking signage is subject to towing and enforcement pursuant to Article III of Chapter 20 of the Burlington Code of Ordinances.
** Material stricken out deleted.
*** Material underlined added.
/hm: BCO Appx.C, Section 31 5/15/24
PUBLIC HEARING
WINOOSKI DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD
A public hearing will be held by the Winooski Development Review Board on Thursday, November 21, 2024 beginning at 6:30 p.m. to consider the following:
Conditional Use Review – 163 Franklin Street
Applicant has submitted a request to create an accessory dwelling unit associated with a two-unit dwelling use.
This property is located in the City’s Residential B (R-B) Zoning District. Conditional Use Review under Section 6.7 of the ULUDR is required for establishing an accessory dwelling unit for a two-unit dwelling use.
This hearing will begin at 6:30pm. Members of the public that are interested in participating in this hearing can do so by attending in person at Winooski City Hall, 27 West Allen Street, Winooski,
VT; or electronically by visiting https://us06web. zoom.us/j/82129899225 or by calling (301) 715 8592 and using Webinar ID: 821 2989 9225. Toll charges may apply.
Members of the public interested in participating in the above captioned hearing are requested, but not required to make their intentions known by completing the public comment request form located on the City’s website at https://www. winooskivt.gov/FormCenter/Human-Resources-6/ Public-Comment-Request-Form-61 at least 24 hours in advance to ensure this information is included in the record of the hearing. This will also allow the chair to recognize participants to provide testimony at the appropriate time during the hearing.
The Development Review Board will hold a public hearing on this matter before rendering a decision. Decisions of the Development Review Board can be appealed by “interested persons” (as defined by 24 V.S.A. § 4465) to the Environmental Division of the Vermont Superior Court.
Questions or comments on this matter can be directed to Ravi Venkataraman, AICP, CFM, Director of City Planning by calling 802.655.6410 or visiting Winooski City Hall at 27 West Allen Street during normal business hours. Information related to this matter will also be available on the City’s website at https://www.winooskivt.gov/229/ Development-Review-Board.
Champlain Valley School District (including the towns of Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George, and Williston, Vermont) is required by federal law to locate, identify and evaluate all children with disabilities. The process of locating, identifying and evaluating children with disabilities is known as child find.
Champlain Valley School District schools conduct Kindergarten screening each spring; parents may also call to make an appointment to discuss their concerns at any time. As the school district of residence, CVSD has the responsibility to identify and provide services to any child with special needs who may require special education and related services in order to access and benefit from public education.
If you have, or know of any CVSD resident who has a child with a disability under the age of 21 or a child who attends a private school located in Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George, or Williston, Vermont, we would like to hear from you. Sometimes parents are unaware that special education services are available to their children.
Please contact the School Principal (Charlotte Central School – 802-425-2771, Hinesburg Community School – 802-482-2106, Shelburne Community School – 802-985-3331, Williston Central/Allen Brook Schools – 802-878-2762) or the Director of Student Support Services, Anna Couperthwait at 802-985-1903.
CITY OF ESSEX JUNCTION
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD PUBLIC MEETING NOVEMBER 21, 2024 6:30 P.M.
This meeting will be held in person at Brownell Library, 6 Lincoln Street in the Kolvoord room and remotely. The meeting will be live-streamed on Town Meeting TV
• JOIN ONLINE: Click here to join meeting Visit www.essexjunction.org for meeting connection information.
• JOIN CALLING: Join via conference call (audio only): Dial 1(888) 788-0099 (toll free) Meeting ID: 839 2599 0985 Passcode: 940993
PUBLIC HEARING Variance application to replace an existing 12’6”x18’9” garage with a 12’x18’x18’h garage on the existing footprint 3 feet from the side property line at 37 Jackson Street in the R-2 District, by Hannah and Nicole Hansen, owners.
PUBLIC MEETING Conceptual site plan to construct
PLACE AN AFFORDABLE NOTICE AT: SEVENDAYSVT.COM/LEGAL-NOTICES OR CALL 802-865-1020, EXT. 142.
a triplex with parking at 162 West Street in the R2 District by Franklin South LLC, owner.
PUBLIC HEARING Final site plan to construct a triplex with parking at 162 West Street in the R2 District by Franklin South LLC, owner.
This DRAFT agenda may be amended. Any questions re: above please call Michael Giguere or Terry Hass – 802-878-6950
STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT
PROBATE DIVISION WASHINGTON UNIT
DOCKET NO.: 24-PR-05744
In re ESTATE of Christian A. Petrie
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
To the creditors of: Christian A Petrie, late of Crestline, California
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: October 21, 2024
Signature of Fiduciary: /s/ Kristiana Petrie, Administrator
Kristiana Petrie, Administrator c/o Timothy G Hurlbut, Esq., 375 Lake Road, Suite 2A, St. Albans, VT 05478
Phone: 802-527-7200
Email: tim@vtlaw.us
Name of Publication: Seven Days Publication Date: 11/06/2024
Name of Probate Court: State of VermontWashington Probate Division Address of Probate Court: 65 State Street , Montpelier, VT 05602
TOWN OF WESTFORD DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
BOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Pursuant to 24 V.S.A. Chapter 117 and the Westford Land Use & Development Regulations, the Westford Development Review Board will hold a public hearing at the Westford Public Library (1717 Route 128) & via ZOOM on Monday, November 25th, 2024 at 7:00 PM to review the following application:
Waiver Public Hearing – Walker Property. Applicants: Dale and Mary Ellen Walker (approx. 2 acres) located on Birch Ridge Road in the Rural 10 Zoning District. The applicant is requesting a front yard setback waiver to construct an accessory structure approximately 15 feet from the front property line.
Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/93876724108?pwd=M3Gw3vEv DszWV0dtszvadXOIQMrPBm.1
Meeting ID: 938 7672 4108
Passcode: j99x5C
For more information call the Town Offices at 878-4587 Monday–Thursday 8:30am–4:30pm & Friday 8:30a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Matt Wamsganz, Chairman Dated November 4, 2024
NORTHSTAR SELF STORAGE WILL BE HAVING A PUBLIC AND ONLINE SALE/AUCTION FOR THE FOLLOWING STORAGE UNITS ON NOVEMBER 21, 2024 AT 9:00 AM
Northstar Self Storage will be having a public and online sale/auction on November 21, 2024 at 9am EST at 205 Route 4A West, Castleton, VT 05735 (C140), 615 Route 7, Danby VT 07739 (D36), 681 Rockingham Road, Rockingham, VT 05151 (R49), 1124 Charlestown Road, Springfield, VT 05156 (Units S38, S56, S88), 2517 West Woodstock Road, Woodstock VT 05091 (W5) and online at www. storagetreasures.com at 9:00 am in accordance
with VT Title 9 Commerce and Trade Chapter 098: Storage Units 3905. Enforcement of Lien
Unit # Name
Contents
C140 Christopher Washburn Household Goods
D36 Jessica Terry Household Goods
R49 Allison Rheaume Household Goods
S38 Martha Ouellette Household Goods
S56 Helena Bundy Household Goods
S88 Itzel Baizabal Household Goods
W5 Brian Treffeisen Household Goods
CITY OF BURLINGTON IN THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-FOUR AN ORDINANCE IN RELATION TO COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE ZA-24-04 NEIGHBORHOOD CODE 2A, PART 1:TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS & SECONDARY STRUCTURES
Ordinance 9.5
Sponsor: Office of City Planning, Planning Commission, Ordinance Committee
Public Hearing Dates:
First reading: 9/9/24
Referred to: Ordinance Committee
Rules suspended and placed in all stages of passage:
Second reading: 10/28/24
Action: adopted as amended
Date: 10/28/24
Signed by Mayor: 10/31/24
Published: 11/06/24
Effective: 11/27/24
It is hereby Ordained by the City Council of the City of Burlington as follows: That Appendix A-Burlington Comprehensive Development Ordinance of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Burlington be and hereby is amended by amending Sec. 4.3.1, Base Districts Established; Map 4.3.1-1 Base Zoning Districts; the Residential Corridor District purpose statement in Sec. 4.4.5 (a) 5; Map 4.4.5-1 Residential Zoning Districts; Table 4.4.5-2, Principal & Secondary Structures Massing and Placement Standards in Residential Districts; Sec. 4.4.5 (d) 1. B. Residential Development Bonuses by re-naming and modifying both Sec. 4.4.5 (d) 1. B. (i) and Table 4.4.5-4; Sec. 4.4.5(e), Effective Date; Sec. 5.2.5 (b) 7.,Driveways; Table 7.2.1-B, Sign Types Permitted by Form/Zoning District; and Article 13, Definitions;thereof to read as follows:
Article 4: Zoning Maps and Districts PART 3: ZONING DISTRICTS ESTABLISHED
Sec. 4.3.1 Base Districts Established:The following zoning districts are hereby established as illustrated in Map 4.3.1-1 and further described in Part 4 below: (a) through (d) – As Written. (e) A series of four (4) Residential districts: (see Sec. 4.4.5)
Residential Corridor (RC), where mapped, this district applies to properties with street frontage on North Avenue,Colchester Avenue, St. Paul Street, Pearl Street, and Shelburne Street to a maximum depth of 200 ft; Residential High Intensity (RH); Residential Medium Intensity (RM); and Residential Low Intensity (RL); (f) through (g) – As Written.
*Map 4.3.1-1 Base Zoning Districts & Map 4.4.5-1
Residential Zoning Districts are modified to correct a mapping error where a portion of Starr Farm Park was included in the Residential Low (RL) district as opposed to the original Recreation, Conservation, and Open Space (RCO) district.
Article 4: Zoning Maps and Districts
PART 4: BASE ZONING DISTRICT REGULATIONS
Sec. 4.4.5 Residential Districts(a) Purpose: As Written
The Residential districts as illustrated in Map 4.4.5-1 are further described as follows:
1. The Residential Lower Intensity (Residential Low, RL) – As Written
2. The Residential Medium Intensity (Residential Medium, RM) – As Written
3. The Residential High Intensity (Residential High, RH) – As Written
4. The Residential Corridor (RC) district is intended for residential development that includes a mix of housing types such as duplex, triplex, quadplex, townhouse, and mid-sized, multi-unit and mixed-use buildings along major multi-modal
transportation corridors that are adjacent to low intensity districts. Single-family detached dwellings are limited to buildings originally built for such purpose. New and infill development may be located closer to the street than historic development patterns, with building heights r anging from two to three and a half up to four stories and high lot coverage. Multiple Principal Uses are allowed, and neighborhood-serving commercial uses may be incorporated in existing or new buildings.
(b) Dimensional Standards
The intensity of development, dimensions of building lots, the heights of buildings and their setbacks from property boundary lines, and the limits on lot coverage shall be governed by the following standards:
Table 4.4.5-1 Lot Size, Frontage, Setback, and Lot Coverage Standards in Residential Districts As Written.
Table 4.4.5-2 Principal & Secondary Structures Massing and Placement Standards in Residential Districts
ft.
3. Within RL and RM zones, lots may have up to one (1) Principal and one (1) Secondary structure per lot, except as may otherwise be allowed by Table 4.4.5-3 or Article 11.
4. Required on all building facesElevations . Minimum offset is 5 ft measured perpendicular to the building faceElevation in excess of 50 linear feet
5. Except as otherwise may be permitted in Article 11, PUD, a Secondary Structure shall be placed behind the Principal Structure.
(c) Permitted and Conditional Uses: As Written.
(d) District Specific Regulations:
The following regulations are district-specific exceptions, bonuses, and standards unique to the residential districts. They are in addition to, or may modify, city-wide standards as provided in Article 5 of this ordinance and district standards as provided above.
1. Additional Residential Development Permitted In addition to any applicable development permitted according to Article 11- Planned Unit Development, the following additional development types and intensities shall be allowed within the Residential Districts, subject to the following standards.
A. Reserved
Table 4.4.5-3 Reserved
B. Residential Development Bonuses
The following exceptions to maximum allowable residential standards in Tables 4.4.5-1 and 4.4.5-2 may be approved in any combination subject to the maximum limits set forth in Table 4.4.5-6 at the discretion of the DRB. Any bonuses that are given pursuant to this ordinance now or in the future shall be regarded as an exception to the limits otherwise applicable.
(i) Senior Housing for Older Persons and Individuals with Disabilities Bonus
Residential development in excess of the limits set forth in Tables 4.4.5-1 and 4.4.5-2 may be permitted by the DRB for senior housing provided the following conditions are met:
a) No less than twenty-five (25) per cent of the total number of units shall be reserved for low-moderate income households as defined by state or federal guidelines, including no less than ten (10) percent reserved for low-income households. (Projects taking advantage of this bonus are exempt from the Inclusionary Zoning requirements of Article 9, Part 1.);
b) The proposal shall be subject to the design review provisions of Art. 6;
c) A maximum of an additional 10-feet of building height may be permitted in the RH District; and,
d) Lot coverage and residential densities shall not exceed the following:
Table 4.4.5-4: Senior Housing for Older Persons and Individuals with Disabilities Bonus
(e) Effective Date. The amendments to this Section 4.4.5 that allow for a secondary structure within RL and RM zones,except as may otherwise be allowed by Article 11, are effective November October 1, 2024.
Article 5: Citywide General Regulations PART 2: DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Sec. 5.2.5 Setbacks
Setbacks between structures and property lines where required are intended to provide access to light and air, provide fire separation and access, and maintain the existing neighborhood pattern of structures and open spaces between them and to the street.
(a) As written.
(b) Exceptions to Yard Setback Requirements 1. through 6. – As Written.
7. Driveways
Common or shared driveways and walkways along shared property lines and associated parking
areas, including those to serve residential lots and developments per Sec. 4.4.5 (d) 4.A and Sec. 5.2.2, do not have to meet setback requirements along the shared property line. Other driveway encroachments may be permitted subject to Sec. 4.4.5 (d) 1.A Tables
4.4.5-1 and 4.4.5-2.
8. As Written.
Article 7: Signs PART 2: SIGN TYPES
Sec. 7.2.1 Sign Types
All Signs shall meet the standards set forth in this Article, and the Sign Types described in this Part in Secs. 7.2.2 through 7.2.14 below.
zoning district shall be as defined in Table 7.2.1-B below:
Article 13: Definitions
Sec. 13.1.2 Definitions
For the purpose of this ordinance certain terms and words are herein defined as follows:
Unless defined to the contrary in Section 4303 of the Vermont Planning and Development Act as amended, or defined otherwise in this section, definitions contained in the building code of the City of Burlington, Sections 8-2 and 13-1 of the Code of Ordinances,as amended, incorporating the currently adopted edition of the American Insurance Association’s “National Building Code” and the National Fire Protection Association’s “National Fire Code” shall prevail.
Additional definitions specifically pertaining to Art. 14 planBTV: Downtown Code can be found in Sec. 14.8, and shall take precedence without limitation over any duplicative or conflicting definitions of this Article.
a bay window) if such protrusions do not create habitable area.
Elevation: An exterior wall of a Building.
**** Material stricken out deleted.
** Material underlined added.
Ordinances 2024/ZA-24-04 Neighborhood Code 2A, Part 1—Sec. 4.3.1, Map 4.3.1-1, Sec. 4.4.5(a)5, Map 4.4.5-1, Table 4.4.5-2, Sec.4.4.5(d)1.B. Table 4.4.5-4, Sec. 4.4.5(e), Sec. 5.2.5(b)7, Table 7.2.1-B, Art. 13.10/28/2024 CC PH Version
(a) As written.
(b) The Sign Types permitted in each form or
A CIRCLE OF PARENTS FOR MOTHERS OF COLOR
Please join our parent-led online support group designed to share our questions, concerns & struggles, as well as our resources & successes!
Contribute to our discussion of the unique but shared experience of parenting. We will be meeting weekly on Wed., 10-11 a.m. For more info or to register, please contact Heather at hniquette@ pcavt.org, 802-498-0607, pcavt.org. family-support-programs.
A CIRCLE OF PARENTS FOR SINGLE MOTHERS
Please join our parent-led online support group designed to share our questions, concerns & struggles, as well as our resources & successes! Contribute to our discussion of the unique but shared experience of parenting. We will be meeting weekly on Fri., 10-11 a.m. For more info or to register, please contact Heather at hniquette@pcavt.org, 802-498-0607, pcavt.org/ family-support-programs.
A CIRCLE OF PARENTS W/ LGBTQ+ CHILDREN
Please join our parent-led online support group designed to share our questions, concerns & struggles, as well as our resources & successes! Contribute to our discussion of the unique but shared experience of parenting. We will be meeting weekly on Mon., 10-11 a.m. For more info or to register, please contact Heather at hniquette@pcavt.org, 802-498-0607, pcavt.org/ family-support-programs.
AL-ANON
For families & friends of alcoholics. Phone meetings, electronic meetings (Zoom) & an Al-Anon blog are avail. online at the Al-Anon website. For meeting info, go to vermontalanonalateen.org or call 866-972-5266.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
Do you have a drinking problem? AA meeting sites are now open, & online meetings are also avail. Call our hotline at 802-864-1212 or check for in-person or online meetings at burlingtonaa.org.
AMPUTEE SUPPORT GROUP
VT Active Amputees is a new support group open to all amputees for connection, community & support. The group meets on the 1st Wed. of the mo. in S. Burlington, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Let’s get together & be active: running, pickleball & ultimate Frisbee.
Email vtactiveamputees@gmail.com or call Sue at 802-582-6750 for more info & location.
BABY BUMPS SUPPORT GROUP FOR MOTHERS & PREGNANT WOMEN
Pregnancy can be a wonderful time of your life. But it can also be a time of stress often compounded by hormonal swings. If you are a pregnant woman, or have recently given birth & feel you need some help w/ managing emotional bumps in the road that can come w/ motherhood, please come to this free support group led by an experienced pediatric registered nurse. Held on the 2nd & 4th Tue. of every mo., 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Birthing Center, Northwestern Medical Center, St. Albans. Info: Rhonda Desrochers, Franklin County Home Health Agency, 527-7531.
BETTER BREATHERS CLUB
American Lung Association support group for people w/ breathing issues, their loved ones or caregivers. Meets on the 1st Mon. of every mo., 11 a.m.-noon at the Godnick Center, 1 Deer St., Rutland. For more info, call 802-776-5508.
BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT GROUP
Vermont Center for Independent Living offers virtual monthly meetings, held on the 3rd Wed. of every mo., 1-2:30 p.m. The support group will offer valuable resources & info about brain injury. It will be a place to share experiences in a safe, secure & confidential environment. To join, email Linda Meleady at lindam@vcil.org & ask to be put on the TBI mailing list. Info: 800-639-1522.
BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR DRAGON BOAT TEAM
Looking for a fun way to do something active & health-giving? Want to connect w/ other breast cancer survivors? Come join Dragonheart Vermont. We are a breast cancer survivor & supporter dragon boat team who paddle together in Burlington. Please contact us at info@dragonheartvermont. org for info.
BURLINGTON MEN’S PEER GROUP
Tue. nights, 7-9 p.m. in Burlington. Free of charge, 30 years running. Call Neils 802-877-3742 or email neils@myfairpoint.net.
PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
The Champlain Valley Prostate Cancer Support Group meets online on the 2nd Tue. of the mo.,
Building Footprint: The sum of the area of the largest floor of a Building measured from the exterior Elevations. It does not include uninsulated porches if said areas are not used for human occupancy, nor protrusions in a wall (i.e.
6-7:30 p.m., via Zoom. Whether you are newly diagnosed, dealing w/ a reoccurrence or trying to manage the side effects of treatment, you are welcome here! More info: Andy Hatch, group leader, ahatch63@gmail.com.
CENTRAL VERMONT CELIAC SUPPORT GROUP
Last Thu. of every mo., 7:30 p.m. in Montpelier. Please contact Lisa Masé for location: lisa@ harmonizecookery.com.
CEREBRAL PALSY GUIDANCE
Cerebral Palsy Guidance is a very comprehensive informational website broadly covering the topic of cerebral palsy & associated medical conditions. Its mission is to provide the best possible info to parents of children living w/ the complex condition of cerebral palsy. Visit cerebralpalsyguidance.com/ cerebral-palsy.
THE COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS SUPPORT GROUP
The Compassionate Friends international support group for parents, siblings & families grieving the loss of a child meets every 4th Tue. of the mo., 7-9 p.m., at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 160 Hinesburg Rd, S. Burlington. Call/email Alan at 802-233-0544 alanday88@gmail.com or Claire at 802-448-3569.
DISABILITY PEER SUPPORT GROUP
Our group is a space for mutual support, open to anybody who identifies as disabled, differently abled, or having a disability. Whether your disability is visible, invisible, physical, or cognitive, this group is for you! The group meets every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 1:15-2:15pm at 279 N. Winooski Ave, Burlington, VT and online on Zoom. Email us for the Zoom link and more information: pvcc@pathwaysvermont.org
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT
Steps to End Domestic Violence offers a weekly drop-in support group for female-identified survivors of intimate partner violence, including individuals who are experiencing or have been affected by domestic violence. The support group offers a safe, confidential place for survivors to connect w/ others, to heal & to recover. In support group, participants talk through their experiences & hear stories from others who have experienced abuse in their relationships. Support group is also a resource for those who are unsure of their
next step, even if it involves remaining in their current relationship. Tue., 6:30-8 p.m. Childcare is provided. Info: 658-1996.
FAMILY & FRIENDS OF THOSE EXPERIENCING MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS
This support group is a dedicated meeting for family, friends & community members who are supporting a loved one through a mental health crisis. Mental health crisis might include extreme states, psychosis, depression, anxiety & other types of distress. The group is a confidential space where family & friends can discuss shared experiences & receive support in an environment free of judgment & stigma w/ a trained facilitator. Wed., 7-8:30 p.m. Downtown Burlington. Info: Jess Horner, LICSW, 866-218-8586.
FAMILY RESTORED: SUPPORT GROUP FOR FRIENDS & FAMILIES OF ADDICTS & ALCOHOLICS Tue., 6-7 p.m., the Turning Point Center, 179 S. Winooski Ave., Burlington. For further info, please visit thefamilyrestored.org or contact 207-387-0015.
FCA FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP
Families Coping w/ Addiction (FCA) is an open community peer support group for adults (18+) struggling w/ the drug or alcohol addiction of a loved one. FCA is not 12-step-based but provides a forum for those living the family experience, in which to develop personal coping skills & to draw strength from one another. Our group meets every Wed., 5:30-6:30 p.m., live in person in the conference room at the Turning Point Center of Chittenden County (179 S. Winooski Ave., Burlington), &/or via our parallel Zoom session to accommodate those who cannot attend in person. The Zoom link can be found on the Turning Point Center website (turningpointcentervt.org) using the “Family Support” tab (click on “What We Offer”). Any questions, please send by email to thdaub1@ gmail.com.
FIERCELY FLAT VT
A breast cancer support group for those who’ve had mastectomies. We are a casual online meeting group found on Facebook at Fiercely Flat VT. Info: stacy.m.burnett@gmail.com.
The Town of Georgia is seeking an experienced and dedicated Town Administrator to oversee the daily operations of the town.
Salary range of $70,000 to $90,000 and benefits. Additional information regarding this position can be found on the Town of Georgia website: townofgeorgia.com
Looking for fun, part-time work in community news? The Bridge is hiring a 10-hour/week Editorial Assistant.
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
Please visit: montpelierbridge.org/job-opportunities for more details and to apply.
The City of South Burlington seeks a strategic and visionary Human Resources Director to lead our HR initiatives, champion our workforce, support our leaders, and further our mission of community servant leadership. Come help us make a difference and shape the future! In partnership with city leadership, you will develop/implement policies that promote equity, diversity, inclusion & belonging, oversee recruitment, retention, and professional development programs.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field required, plus a minimum of five years of experience in HR leadership and administration, preferably in a municipal setting. Certification as a Human Resources Professional (SHRM, HRI or similar) preferred.
SALARY RANGE: $100,000 - $110,000 annually
APPLY NOW: Please submit your on-line application, resume and cover letter by November 25th, 2024. governmentjobs.com/careers/southburlington
gbArchitecture is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented Office Coordinator to support administrative, marketing, and billing efforts in order to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of our busy and thriving Burlington based architecture studio. We are open to considering a half time up to a full time position. A competitive salary commensurate with experience is offered, as well as paid time off, a 401k plan, and health insurance.
We are looking for someone who enjoys working both independently and collaboratively, is comfortable navigating evolving needs and priorities, and has excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. An ideal candidate would be adept with or able to easily learn to use Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, and WordPress. Experience with graphic design and related software is a plus, as is an interest in architecture.
Please see our website to learn more about us and what we do: gbarchitecture.com. To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to contact@gbarchitecture.com
Vermont Solid Waste Management District
a qualified candidate to join our team as an Operations Manager! Duties include: safety and permitting compliance, reporting to state solid waste program and other agencies, contract and fleet management, and oversight of daily recycling and household hazardous waste collections operations.
hours/week, $29.38-$37.34 per hour plus excellent benefits For full job description
We are looking for experienced carpenters with knowledge of old and new construction to join the Lewis Creek Builders, DesignBuild team! We are a passionate group of carpenters, designers, and construction management professionals working in a supportive, collaborative environment to manage every aspect of residential building and remodeling projects.
Flexible start date! Great benefits package!
Apply online today: lewiscreekcompany.com/ employment
Or call 802.662.1630
Carpenter/Site Leader Pay Range: $25.00-$35.00/hr
A bus driver is needed to drive for Eden Central School beginning ASAP. Requirements include a class B driver’s license with school bus and passenger endorsement.
It is a part-time position driving 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon. The school district is willing to cover the cost of all applicable licensure training for an applicant they consider to be a suitable candidate. This position may be paired with another part-time position at Eden Central School. Interested applicants may apply through SchoolSpring or by visiting lnsd.org for an application.
Applications can be emailed to Betzi Goodman at bgoodman@ lnsd.org, or sent to the school at P.O. Box 29, Eden, VT 05652.
Wake Robin in Shelburne, VT wants to support you in your career growth while working with older adults! We offer scholarships and loan forgiveness programs as well as great benefits, a pristine working environment, work/life balance, and an opportunity to build strong relationships with staff and residents in a dynamic community setting. We are currently hiring for all shifts. Pay starts at $23.50 and increases with experience!
Apply online at wakerobin.com or call 802-861-1872 to learn more! Wake Robin is an E.O.E.
The Vermont Association of Area Agencies on Aging Training and Education Manager oversees the design, implementation, marketing, and evaluation of core curriculum and enhancement training programs for Area Agencies on Aging. Courses fulfill requirements and align with the strategic goals of our aging services network. Enhancement courses increase skills for staff, partners, and community members. The position works closely with state agencies, and nonprofit organizations to develop and update course content. Hourly rate is $24-$26/hr., 25 hrs./week, depending on experience and skills. This part-time position comes with generous paid leave and holidays with remote work possible. Must live in Vermont. Some travel for in-person meetings is required. Must have a valid driver’s license and be willing to undergo a background check.
To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume and 3 references (w/ contact info.) to Mary Hayden, Executive Director, V4A, maryh@vermont4a.org
Looking to enter the legal world and make a difference? $21.32 per hour, permanent full-time positions in downtown Burlington. The Judicial branch of state government is rapidly expanding. We offer a competitive rate with top-notch health, dental, paid time off and pension. The successful candidate has 2 years’ general office experience, be a team player, good communicator, able to use technology, organized, and seeking a prestigious and professional atmosphere.
E.O.E. For a more detailed description and how to apply, vist: bit.ly/48tkl8A
The Town of Ferrisburgh is seeking a Zoning Administrator. This is a part-time position, up to 32 hours a week. The position of Zoning Administrator is the town’s “Administrative Officer” as described in 24 VSA Chapter 117, responsible for processing permit applications, enforcing the Land Use Regulations, maintaining records, and supporting the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment. This position requires the ability to communicate effectively with applicants, work with office staff, multi-task, and attend two evening meetings per month. Knowledge or experience with land use planning preferred but not required. EOE. Salary range $39,000 - $52,000. Benefits available. A detailed job description is available upon request to the Town offices: 802-877-3429
To apply please e-mail cover letter and resume to TownClerk@FerrisburghVT.org. by November 8 at 4:00 p.m.
Director of Development & Community Engagement
Lead VYCC's multi-faceted fundraising, centered on authentic relationships with individuals, corporations and foundations. Develop strategies to raise visibility and secure philanthropic gifts for the annual fund, planned giving and capital campaigns.
Farm Production Manager
Maintain and improve farm infrastructure and manage vegetable production while working with young adults to address food insecurity. VYCC operates an 11-acre certified organic farm in Richmond.
Community Health Manager
Build on the success of Vermont’s oldest and largest prescription vegetable program: the Health Care Share. Nurture partnerships and manage program logistics.
& apply: www.vycc.org/positions
full-time Vermonters on candidates clients’ and an the ability County OR than a benefit holidays, membership. and to contribute include in their are one of
NOVEMBER 6-13, 2024
Join the Green Mountain Support Services team as a Shared Living Provider for the opportunity to help a person in their 70’s live their best life. The ideal candidate will live in the Lamoille county or surrounding counties. You would be the lead caregiver, with access to respite. You must rent or own a handicapped accessible house or apartment where you and the participant will reside. The individual uses a power wheelchair and uses a Hoyer for transfers. The position requires someone who is comfortable providing full personal care including bathing, food preparation and feeding, and all other daily living activities. Training will be provided for all care and special care procedures. A handicap van for all transportation would be a perk but not a necessity. This individual also has two registered support parrots that must be welcome in the home.
At GMSS we use Person Centered Thinking Practices to help individuals have positive control and choice about the services they receive and the settings in which they live. The SLP will be supported with a tax-free Difficulty of Care stipend, training, and a respite budget. A negotiated Room & Board payment is also paid by the participant. Clean background checks and a home safety inspection are required prior to contracting. A clean driving record, a valid Vermont driver’s license, as well as homeowner or renter’s liability insurance are required. E.O.E.
Annual Compensation $65,000-$75,000.
If interested or for more information, please contact: Call 802-888-7602 ext. 265. Visit gmssvt.org for more Information about Green Mountain Support Services.
Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) seeks 2 full-time Financial Coaches to work with low-tomoderate income Vermonters on budgeting, saving, credit building, and financial literacy. Our ideal candidates will have an interest in personal finance and an understanding of the programs and services available to support positive change in our clients’ lives. If you have experience in coaching, counseling, or teaching and an interest in financial literacy, we’d like to hear from you! Must have the ability to work in-person within one of the identified regions: Addison County OR Franklin/Grand Isle Counties.
When you come to work for CVOEO you’re getting so much more than a paycheck! We offer a great working environment and an excellent benefit package including medical, dental and vision insurance, paid holidays, generous time off, a retirement plan and discounted gym membership.
To apply, visit cvoeo.org/careers for a detailed job description and to submit your resume. CVOEO is interested in candidates who can contribute to our diversity and excellence. Applicants are encouraged to include in their cover letter information about how they will further this goal. We are one of the 2024 Best Places to Work in Vermont! Join us to find out why!
$84,000 - $92,000 w/ Excellent Benefits
Seeking a FT, highly organized engineering professional, with exceptional attention-to-detail. Applies advanced principles, practices, and civil engineering standards to support the maintenance, repair and construction of Town infrastructure. BS in Civil Engineering or related field and four years of exp., including civil engineering and maintaining public infrastructure. VT Professional Engineer (PE) licensure preferred, or Engineer-InTraining (EIT) with the ability to obtain a PE required.
$72,000 - $78,000 w/ Excellent Benefits
Seeking a FT, highly organized self-starter, with exceptional attention-to-detail. Applies basic principles, practices, and civil engineering standards to support the maintenance, repair and construction of Town infrastructure. BS in Civil Engineering or related field. Two years of related experience preferred. Proficient with MS Office, GIS, AutoCAD.
If you’re looking for a positive and rewarding team-oriented environment that offers work/life balance, we want to hear from you! For complete job description & materials required for consideration; resume, cover letter and application, please visit: colchestervt.gov/321/Human-Resources. Open until filled. E.O.E.
Join the Vermont Natural Coatings team in Hardwick, VT to provide customer service, engage in new sales and support existing relationships.
Email, info@ vermontnaturalcoatings. com with resume and cover letter and to request full job description. GOT A CASE OF THE SUNDAY
5v-TownofColchesterPWengineerIII103024.indd 1 10/25/24 11:19 AM
The Town of Jericho (VT) is looking for a full-time Public Works Coordinator. Jericho (pop. ~5,080) is a small rural community in the center of Chittenden County about 30 minutes from Burlington to the west and Mt. Mansfield to the east. The community has 3 small historic village centers surrounded by a quintessential rural landscape and abundant recreational opportunities.
The Public Works Coordinator works under the supervision of the Town Administrator and in coordination with the Highway Department and Town Engineer to manage municipal infrastructure, and coordinate permitting and projects. The work of the Public Works Coordinator involves diverse administrative and technical tasks. Organizational, communication, and technical skills are required. The position requires a high degree of independence, initiative, sound judgment and professionalism. Salary range is commensurate with experience and will be in the range of $50-$65,000 annually.
For a complete job description, visit jerichovt.org, and find the link on our home page. To apply, please email cover letter, resume and 3 references to Linda Blasch, Assistant Town Administrator to: lblasch@jerichovt.gov or mail to: PO Box 39, Jericho, VT 05465. Review of applicants will be ongoing until filled.
The Town of Jericho is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Spruce Peak Arts is recruiting a dynamic, organized, responsible individual to serve as our House Manager. This part time hybrid role is in person for events with remote work for volunteer recruitment and communication. If you have great interpersonal skills and enjoy working with world class artists, please send your resume to Director of Services Gracie Loggins at gloggins@sprucepeakarts.org
Full job description: sprucepeakarts.org/join.
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.
To apply, please go to 'Career Opportunities' at legislature.vermont.gov.
Eden Central School is accepting applications for school bus monitors for immediate placement.
This is a part-time position consisting of 1.75 hours per day during the afternoon bus runs. The schedule is 2:15 - 4:00 pm.
The bus monitors will assist the driver with the supervision, care and safety of students being transported from school at the end of the day. Monitors will return to Eden Central School at the end of the bus run.
Job Requirements:
• Ability to manage students in a safe and appropriate transportation environment using established safety protocols
• Provide students with constructive behavioral and disciplinary direction for safety, order and respect for the rights and belongings of others, as guided by Eden Central School's school bus behavioral expectations
• Capable of addressing emergency situations in a timely manner and with necessary measures that protect the well-being of all students Interested applicants may apply through SchoolSpring or by visiting lnsd.org for an application.
Applications can be emailed to Betzi Goodman at bgoodman@lnsd.org or mailed to the school at P.O. Box 29, Eden, VT 05652
Do you want to work for the company voted “Best Place to Work in Vermont”?
We are seeking a responsible, organized teamplayer with a strong work ethic to join our Property Maintenance team! This position is for someone who enjoys working with their hands, has problem solving skills, attention to detail, ability to multi- task & prioritize while working with deadlines.
Do you have experience in general maintenance, painting/taping, basic plumbing & carpentry, landscaping, and snow removal?
You will have direct contact with our tenants and vendors ~ so patience, the ability to handle any situation with a smile & a calm demeanor are a must.
This position is full-time with an exceptional benefits package and salary commensurate with experience. On-call and overtime are necessary. A valid driver’s license and located within a 30-minute radius to Burlington is required.
Please send letter of introduction, resume & salary history to Human Resources at: Ccobb@vermontrealestate.com
Blodgett Supply has been a provider of quality plumbing fixtures and design solutions since 1848 and is now a division of one of the largest wholesalers in the country with over 500 locations. With a focus on customer satisfaction and a reputation for excellence, our upscale showroom offers a range of high-quality products to homeowners, contractors, and designers. We are looking for a knowledgeable and motivated Salesperson to join our team.
The ideal Salesperson will engage with customers and provide expert advice to help them choose the best products for their projects.
Monday – Friday 8:00am -4:00pm. We are happy to train the right individual, and have full and part time positions available.
Key Responsibilities:
•Provide detailed product information on plumbing fixtures, including faucets, sinks, bathtubs, and related products.
•Identify customer needs and suggest appropriate products based on design, budget, and functionality.
•Build and maintain relationships with customers, including homeowners, designers, and contractors while handling quotes and sales transactions accurately and efficiently.
Would you like a career where making people smile is your top priority? Then come join our team at Champlain Dental Lab! We’re looking for a Part-Time Customer Service Specialist to work in our fast-paced office in Williston, VT.
General Description of Function:
Responsible for assisting and coordinating customer issues with customers as well as with laboratory leadership and other internal departments. Ensure accurate and timely response to customer needs by appropriate team members, answer basic case questions, and schedule services for clients. The Customer Service Specialist will be able to provide guidance to the caller by assisting with customer issues, case follow-up and proactive communication with customers. Will be responsible for shipping and receiving cases as well.
Hours: M-F 8:00 am to 2:30 pm - Some flexibility (paid holidays)
$21.00 - $23.00 per hour based on experience
Send cover letter/resume to mary@champlaindentallab.com. Champlain Dental Laboratory 20 Winter Sport Lane, Suite 155, Williston, VT 05495
Join our team of professionals providing case management for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. In this position you will work with individuals to create and realize goals while supporting them in maintaining a safe and healthy lifestyle.
Compensation package is $49k annually plus a generous on-call stipend, mileage compensation, and $1500 sign on bonus. Position includes comprehensive and affordable health insurance, 20 paid days off plus 12 paid holidays, retirement match, dental plan and so much more. In addition, CCS has been voted as one of the Best Places to Work in Vermont for six years in a row!
Why not have a job you love? Continue your career in human services in a compassionate & fun environment. Join us today and make a career making a difference. Send resume to Karen Ciechanowicz at staff@ccs-vt.org ccs-vt.org
We are looking for an experienced full-time Office Manager to join our team in providing smiles to our customers and their patients. You will lead a Customer Service team supporting Inbound/Outbound Customer call activity and Data Entry. Understand Customer expectations and provide team with leadership, tools and training to assure an outstanding Customer Experience. Hire, train and develop Customer Service Specialists and Data Entry, support escalated calls and provide ongoing coaching. Work closely with assigned Lab Leadership to ensure alignment. Carry out managerial responsibilities in accordance with Company policies and applicable laws.
Hours: M-F 8:00-4:00
Salary: $55,000-$60,000/yr.
Based on experience (3-5 years minimum)
Benefits include:
• Health Ins options
• Employee Wellness Program
• STD & Life Ins Policy with Optional Voluntary Life
• Dental Reimbursement
• FSA/HSA
• 401K Retirement
• PTO & Sick Leave
Send cover letter/resume to mary@champlaindentallab.com
Champlain Dental Laboratory
20 Winter Sport Lane, Suite 155, Williston, VT 05495
Mental Health & Substance Use Counselor
Part-time positions:
Development Coordinator
Mentoring Associate
Nightly Shelter Support
Scan the QR code to view job descriptions & apply.
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.
Join our Communication Office! This full-time position will handle direct public inquiries, manage social media, produce newsletters, and support communications during public health emergencies. We’re looking for a detail-oriented professional with strong customer service, writing, social media, and design skills, who can communicate complex information clearly and empathetically to diverse audiences. The starting hourly rate is $28.16 with the option to telework. For more information, contact AHS. VDHPublicCommunication@vermont.gov. Location: Waterbury. Department: Health. Status: Full Time, Limited Service. Job ID #51338. Application Deadline: November 19, 2024.
The position is a member of the Brattleboro District leadership team and supervises seven staff. The work involves extensive relationship-building with staff, state partners, and community partners. Duties are performed under the supervision of a Public Health Services District Director. This is a unique opportunity to have a broad impact on Vermonters’ health and well-being. Responsibilities include performance management of nursing and non-nursing staff. For more information, contact Chloe Updegraff at Chloe.Updegraff@vermont.gov. Location: Brattleboro. Department: Health. Status: Full Time: Job ID #50720. Application Deadline: Open Until Filled.
The Public Health Nurse Supervisor plans, supervises, organizes, coordinates, and reviews the work of staff performing a full range of professional nursing practices promoting and protecting the health of populations using knowledge from nursing as well as social and public health sciences, including the delivery of clinical, community, field and population-based intervention; licensed care management; data collection and analysis; program planning. For more information, contact Mike Russell at Mike.Russell@vermont.gov. Location: Springfield. Department: Health. Status: Full Time. Job ID #50721. Application Deadline: Open Until Filled.
Learn more at : careers.vermont.gov
IMIO is hiring a Production Technician to increase the output of our novel biologicals that replace synthetic chemicals used in agriculture. On an average day, you’ll grow, harvest, and process microbes; prepare growing media; wash and sterilize glassware; and formulate and package final product. The ideal candidate will be interested in microbial culturing, able to lift 50 lbs and complete other physical tasks, and have flexibility to work occasional limited weekend hours. To apply, email a resume and cover letter to work@imio.co
You’re in good hands with...
“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
Get a quote when posting online. Contact Michelle Brown at 865-1020, ext. 121, michelle@sevendaysvt.com
We’re seeking a full-time marketing assistant to help with content creation, socials, email marketing, digital ad design, and video creation.
Alpine SnowGuards is a 100% employee-owned snow guard manufacturer in Morrisville, VT. Enjoy a comfortable and friendly working environment, competitive wages, excellent health care benefits, paid time off, and the opportunity to financially benefit from the company's growth and strong profit margins.
You can see the full description of the job at alpinesnowguards.com/ careers
We are looking for a self motivated person with a "clean" DMV record and reliable transportation. Takes pride in being on time and willing to work 40+ hrs a week. Position requires driving company vehicles. Must pass pre-employment drug test. Position is mechanical and technical, applicant will be able to, with training, pass the required certifications within 2 years of hire as a condition of employment. All training will be provided including safety training. Competitive wages and benefits o ered. Please submit resume in Person to our o ce at Spa ord and Sons, 11 North Main Street, Jericho, VT. Monday through Friday between 8am and 4pm. Position to start immediately.
Compensation: Health insurance and more. Info@spa ordwaterwells.com
We are a well established and growing general dentistry office in Jericho, Vermont seeking a full-time hygienist who is detail oriented, dependable and an excellent communicator to join our team. You must hold a current Vermont Dental Hygiene license in good standing and be radiology certified.
We offer a compensation package including; competitive pay based on experience, paid time off, 401(K) contribution, professional development assistance and discounted dental care for staff and immediate family members. We maintain a collaborative work environment, treat fantastic patients and place an emphasis on work/life balance.
Job Type: Full-time Pay: From $47.00 per hour
Expected hours: 32 – 38 per week, flexible schedule options
Send resumes to: bettersmilesvt@comcast.net
We presently have two Board of Trustee openings – 1 Attorney Member and 1 Community Member. Preferred candidates have financial or development expertise, but not required. Our main board meets quarterly; subcommittees as needed.
To be eligible for the Attorney Member vacancy, a candidate must be:
• A legal Vermont resident;
• Admitted to practice law in Vermont (and in good standing);
• Appointed by the board of managers of the Vermont Bar Association.
To be eligible for the Community Member vacancy, a candidate must be:
• A legal vermont resident;
• Understand the needs of low-income Vermonters; and
• Represent an underserved community, if possible.
To apply to join the VLA Board of Trustees, please send your resume and a statement of interest (including details regarding meeting the above requirements and your reasons for wanting to join the VLA Board of Trustees) to hiring@vtlegalaid.org by Monday, November 18, 2024.
We encourage applicants from a broad range of backgrounds, and welcome information about how your experience can contribute to serving our diverse client communities. Applicants are encouraged to share in their cover letter how they can further our goals of social justice & individual rights. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to a discrimination-and-harassment-free workplace. Please read our commitment to diversity & inclusion: vtlegalaid.org/about-vla/diversity-inclusion
Join Vermont’s most dynamic independent statewide union. VSEA is a democratic and increasingly activist union, where 20 dedicated union staff work hand in hand with approximately 6,000 members across Vermont to confront and combat workplace and contract injustice. The important and meaningful work is conducted in one of the nation’s most politically progressive states, and the workload is manageable. VSEA’s headquarters is located in beautiful Montpelier, Vermont.
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY INCLUDE:
Administration and enforcement of nine (9) collective bargaining agreements negotiated by VSEA (Non-Management, Corrections, Supervisory, State Colleges, Judiciary, Defender General, Housing Authority, State’s Attorneys office and State Transport Deputies). Position responsible for case assessment, complaint and grievance activity, representation for internal employment investigations. Handles all aspects of work relating to membership services in an assigned field area, including, but not limited to responding to phone calls and e-mail inquiries in a timely manner. Responsible for research, writing, preparation and presentation of grievances filed at Step 1, 2, and 3 of the grievance process, while ensuring that deadlines are met. Prepares cases for review by the VSEA Legal Committee.
Provides professional representation in Loudermill pre-termination hearings.
Negotiates stipulation settlement agreements on behalf of members under the direction of VSEA General Counsel and Director of Field Services.
Assigned to one or more local and/or statewide labor management committees as a staff liaison, providing advocacy and support for member run labor teams.
Responsible for regular worksite visits, and member contact in assigned territory or unit. Works with Chapter members and leadership to build union visibility and strength. Coordinates with other departments under the direction of the
Director of Field Services or Executive Director to assist with internal organizing, recruitment of members and member leader recruitment and development. May assist in internal or external organizing projects upon request of Director of Field Services or Executive Director and in collaboration with the organizing department.
Responsible for timely processing of paperwork and monthly reports, as assigned by Director, including, but not limited to monthly case review reports, timesheets, and expense reimbursements forms.
Participation in professional development opportunities to enhance labor relations expertise and knowledge as offered or required by the Director of Field Services.
Attends meetings on behalf of VSEA as directed by the Director of Field Services or Executive Director.
May be assigned to act as a staff liaison to VSEA Standing Committee(s) or Executive Committee(s).
May be required to attend local Chapter meetings as directed by the Director of Field Services or Executive Director.
Other duties as assigned by the Director of Field Services or Executive Director.
VSEA seeks to interview dynamic candidates with a track record of commitment to the labor movement and preferably two (2) years of experience as a union representative or other relevant experience. Any applicant must have reliable transportation as daily instate travel is expected. Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their resume, salary requirements, and a cover letter detailing their labor or relevant experience to vsea@vsea. org. Exceptional candidates will be scheduled for an interview.
Engaging minds that change the world
Seeking a position with a quality employer? Consider The University of Vermont, a stimulating and diverse workplace. We offer a comprehensive benefit package including tuition remission for on-going, full-time positions. Community Health Worker - Extension - Migrant Health & Education - #S5359PO - The University of Vermont Extension’s Migrant Health Programs is recruiting a Community Health Worker (CHW) to be based out of South Burlington. Candidates must be bilingual in English and Spanish and should possess a strong understanding of the population to be served either because of prior work, relationship in/to the community and/or other life experience. Cultural agility is required. The CHWs will assist in, coordinate, and implement community-based outreach activities, initiatives, and programs that contribute to health equity within designated migrant communities working to improve quality of life at an individual, household and population level by acting as a liaison, cultural broker, educator, advocate, navigator, and interpreter between individuals and community-based organizations to promote health, reduce disparities, and improve service delivery. This position functions with minimal daily supervision while working in collaboration with a statewide migrant health team to fulfil programmatic objectives. Education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in a social sciences or humanities and one year of related experience. Must demonstrate ability to effectively and independently plan, organize, and coordinate access to health and social services. Strong interpersonal and communication skills required with experience and capacity to work with diverse audiences. Proficient computer and multimedia skills essential. Willingness to travel and work a flexible schedule, which at times will include evenings and weekends. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until suitable candidates are found. The University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the institution. Applicants are encouraged to include in their cover letter information about how they will further this goal.
Farm and Forest Business Educator - Extension - Agricultural Business - #S5347PO - UVM Extension Agricultural Business is seeking a new staff member to provide educational outreach to farm and forestry business owners/managers and may be located in any of our Extension offices across the State and is also available for home office eligibility. This position will provide individualized support to farm and forestry businesses with development of business plans, financial documents, and transfer/ succession plans. The Farm & Forest Business Educator will develop a portfolio of projects and work directly with commercial farm & forest business owners to analyze the business situation, evaluate opportunities, and promote managerial best practices. Applicant will have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 3+ years’ experience in outreach education or in a commercial farm or forest business in a management role or equivalent combination of education and experience. This is a grant-funded position and dependent upon continued funding. Current funds cover a 1.0 full-time position and is eligible for full-time benefits.
The University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the institution. Applicants are encouraged to include in their cover letter information about how they will further this goal. Applicants must submit an application, cover letter and resume to be considered for the position.
For further information on these positions and others currently available, or to apply online, please visit www.uvmjobs.com Applicants must apply for positions electronically. Paper resumes are not accepted. Open positions are updated daily. Please call 802-656-3150 or email employment@uvm.edu for technical support with the online application. The
• Community Connect Program Coordinator
• Grants Manager
• Warehouse Material Handler/ Installation Technician (full-time)
• Chief Financial O cer (CFO)
All positions are full-time with benefits. Full job descriptions can be found at nekbroadband.org/careers
We’re a small company of fewer than 20 employees, which means there’s lots of room for growth & learning. We’re committed to creating an inclusive culture where all employees feel welcomed & valued.
To apply, send resume & cover letter to careers@nekbroadband.org
VWW seeks a part-time coordinator (up to 20 hrs/wk) to work with employers, gather data, create resources, and promote strategies to open pathways to employment for women with a history of involvement in the criminal justice system.
If you are inspired by our mission of promoting economic justice by advancing gender equity and supporting women and youth along their career journeys, visit bit.ly/3YzIAyM to learn more and apply.
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4t-NEKBroadband103024.indd 1 10/28/24 11:35 AM
The Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) addresses fundamental issues of economic, social, racial, and environmental justice and works with people to achieve economic independence. Feeding Champlain Valley, a program of CVOEO, believes that access to food is a human right and works to alleviate hunger by feeding people and cultivating opportunities.
Feeding Champlain Valley has an opening for a Culinary Manager. In this position you will oversee kitchen operations, meal production and distribution, and supervise the Food Truck and Meal Production Supervisor. Ensure all food safety standards are being met, provide period reporting, and create and monitor budget and expenses for food, supplies and equipment, and maintain records of invoices for purchases.
Requirements:
An Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts or 3-5 years of professional culinary experience required, supervisory experience preferred. Current ServSafe accreditation (proctor/instructor, dual role preferred); experience including, but not limited to program management, planning and organizing projects; effective verbal and written communication skills (bilingual abilities a plus!). Occasional nights and weekends. Must have a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, a reliable means of transportation and the ability to drive within CVOEO’s service area. When you come to work for CVOEO you’re getting so much more than a paycheck! We offer a great working environment and an excellent benefit package including medical, dental and vision insurance, paid holidays, generous time off, a retirement plan and discounted gym membership. We are one of the 2024 Best Places to Work in Vermont! Join us to find out why!
Apply online: cvoeo.org/careers
CVOEO
Legal Services Vermont is looking to fill a full-time position for a Community Advocate or Support Staff. We are an innovative non-profit law firm that provides civil legal services to a broad spectrum of low-income clients in a high-volume practice. Our advocates represent individual clients, participate in court clinics and staff our helpline to screen new clients and provide legal advice. Working closely with Vermont Legal Aid, we help low-income Vermonters resolve their civil legal issues.
We are seeking a Community Advocate/Support Staff member who will share responsibility for our front office, located in Burlington, as well as work on our statewide legal helpline. Duties include greeting clients and other members of the public, reviewing incoming requests for legal assistance, assessing basic legal issues, answering incoming phone calls and messages, conducting intake screenings for new cases, handling mail and other correspondence and messaging, coordinating with other staff members to support clients, supporting advocates with case activities, and assisting with other daily operations.
We are looking for candidates with strong interpersonal, spoken communication and writing skills, the ability to handle a large workload, a demonstrated commitment to community engagement and public interest work, the ability to work empathetically with low-income and marginalized communities, and a collaborative work style. Qualified candidates should be proficient in Microsoft Office applications and be comfortable with online office management systems, office machines and telephone systems, have the ability to work independently and collaboratively, and be sensitive to the diverse language and cultural needs of our clients.
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and culturally competent staff to serve our increasingly diverse client community. We encourage applicants from a broad range of backgrounds, and welcome information about how your experience can contribute to serving our client communities.
Base starting salary is currently between $42,480 and $48,200 depending on qualifications (scheduled to increase January 1, 2025), with salary credit given for relevant experience, and an excellent benefits package. The position is in-person in our Burlington office.
Application deadline is November 8, 2024. Your application should include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references, sent as a single PDF. Send your application by e-mail to Sam Abel-Palmer at sabel-palmer@legalservicesvt.org with the subject line “LSV Hiring Opportunity.” Please let us know how you heard about this position.
POST YOUR JOBS AT: SEVENDAYSVT.COM/POSTMYJOB
PRINT DEADLINE: NOON ON MONDAYS (INCLUDING HOLIDAYS) FOR RATES & INFO: MICHELLE BROWN, 802-865-1020 X121, MICHELLE@SEVENDAYSVT.COM
Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) in St. Johnsbury is looking for a Central Clinical Educator (CCE) to help us elevate our nursing education. We want to hear from you if you’re passionate about mentoring and supporting healthcare professionals.
What You’ll Do: Manage our mandatory education programs and nursing orientation. Ensure compliance with training requirements. What We’re Looking For: An RN graduate (BSN required/MSN preferred) with at least 3 years of nursing experience. We offer competitive pay and excellent benefits, such as student loan repayment, and generous paid time off. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact in your community, apply today! We can’t wait to welcome you to our team!
Apply now at www.nvrh.org/careers.
NG Advantage is an energy company that is looking for an experienced maintenance professional to join our team. Maintenance technicians support our operations and clients by ensuring that equipment at our Milton, Vermont compression station and our customer sites is operating effectively and efficiently on a 24/7 basis.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Hands-on maintenance of a high-pressure natural gas compression station, off-loading stations, transportation trailers and related equipment
Qualifications:
• 5 years’ experience maintaining heavy industrial equipment showing strong mechanical skills and knowledge
• A proven track record of punctuality and dependability, and the ability to work independently
• Must be able to perform duties without supervision
• Ability to read and comprehend equipment manuals and mechanical drawings, wiring, and control diagrams.
• Must be able to lift up to 75 lbs.
• NG Advantage will provide the appropriate tools and professional training on our equipment.
Full Benefit Package includes:
• Company paid Life, Long Term Disability and Vision insurance
• Medical Insurance and Dental Insurance
• Voluntary Insurance including Supplemental Life, Short Term Disability, Critical Illness and Accident
• 401(k) with match, generous combined time off, holidays and annual bonus program
Apply online: ngadvantage.bamboohr.com/ careers/92?source=aWQ9MzU
IMIO is hiring a Production Manager to lead the growth of our Production Team! IMIO makes novel biologicals that replace synthetic chemicals in agriculture. On an average day, you'll lead the team in biomanufacturing runs of microbial inoculants; develop and update SOPs for processes; propagate, grow, and harvest cultures; and collaborate with the business and science teams to ensure customer demand is met. The ideal candidate has 5+ years of experience with manufacturing and management and can lift 50 lbs and complete other physical tasks. Email resume/cover letter to work@imio.co
Preschool Teacher
Town of Bristol, P.O. Box 249, 1 South Street Bristol, VT 05443
Contact: (802) 453-2410 townadmin@bristolvt.org
2v-OhaviZedekFULLCircle103024.indd 1 10/28/24 1:32 PM
Teacher Finance & Operations Coordinator AV Support
Status: Full-time, salaried (flexible schedule with evening meetings required)
The Town of Bristol, located in Central Vermont’s Addison County, is seeking highly motivated candidates for the Town Administrator position to oversee our vibrant community’s daily operations. Reporting to the Selectboard, this role is pivotal in driving policy implementation, budget management, and departmental oversight to deliver high-quality, cost-effective town services.
We seek an individual with strong business and financial management skills to manage daily operations, supervise Town employees, administer a budget of approximately $3 million, and ensure compliance with municipal, state, and federal regulations. This position also requires economic development, project management, strategic planning, and municipal processes expertise.
The ideal candidate holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, political science, or equivalent professional qualifications or experience (a master’s is preferred but not required) and has 3-5 years of leadership experience in municipal government or similar roles.
Salary is commensurate with experience starting at $72,500. Excellent benefits package.
A detailed job description is available at bristolvt.org
The position is advertised until filled. To apply, please submit a letter of interest, a resume, and three references by November 30, 2024 to townadmin@bristolvt.org or send by mail to:
Bristol Town Administrator Search P.O. Box 249, Bristol, VT 05443
The Town of Bristol is an equal opportunity provider and employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, gender, or familial status.
Come Be Part of An Amazing Team: EAP/Centers for Wellbeing Seeks Counseling Services Coordinator
Our innovative clinical and wellness agency has an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to work with our team as we deliver innovative programs across the state. Come meet Vermonters from all walks of life and make an impact.
Do you flourish when supporting individuals in need, solving complex problems that require both teaming and collaboration? We need a confident, consumer-focused, tech fluent worker to join our dynamic team of counselors, program coordinators, and workforce development partners. This position is part-time and primarily home-based. Bachelor’s degree in psychology, Social Work or related field, and experience with nonprofit work are a plus.
Think you could thrive in working cooperatively with people with high levels of passion and professionalism? We want to talk with you.
Email: hirerecruit@investeap.org for more information, or apply online at: careers.vermont.gov/job/Home-Based-CWBCounseling-Services-Coord-Temporary-VT/1207232300/
Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) is looking for an Operations Manager to join our Housing Advocacy Programs (HAP) team! The HAP Operations Manager is responsible for the effective ongoing operations, monitoring, and evaluation of the Housing Stabilization and Retention Services program, which provides renters (tenants and mobile home residents) and landlords with assessments and referrals to resolve evictions and preserve sustainable tenancies.
Collaboration is a key part of the HAP Operations Manager position, including supervising staff, cultivating and maintaining relationships with partners from myriad organizations and federal and state agencies and actively supporting the mission of HAP and CVOEO in generally promoting inclusive, affordable housing for all.
When you come to work for CVOEO you’re getting so much more than a paycheck! We offer a great working environment and an excellent benefit package including medical, dental and vision insurance, paid holidays, generous time off, a retirement plan and discounted gym membership. We are one of the 2024 Best Places to Work in Vermont! Join us to find out why!
Apply online: cvoeo.org/careers
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.
Offender Re-entry Housing Specialist: Provides support to men and women under the VT Department of Corrections supervision from prison back to Chittenden County. The ORHS focuses on high-risk men and women who are being released from jail and graduating transitional housing programs and in need of permanent housing. The ORHS provides intensive retention and eviction prevention services and works collaboratively with the Burlington Probation and Parole Office. Additionally, the ORHS works with various case workers, Re-Entry staff and the Administrative Staff from the VT Department of Corrections and the broad network of COSA staff as necessary throughout Chittenden County.
Rental Assistance Specialist: Assists in the operation of all rental assistance vouchers, including tenant and project based vouchers and grant funded rental assistance programs. This position works primarily with program participants to perform annual and interim recertification of household information.
Manager
South Square: Attends to various resident requests, assisting with emergency service, and light cleaning duties. The Resident Manager is required to live on property. The Resident Manager is provided with an apartment and along with free utilities in exchange for being on call after BHA business hours and on weekends.
*BHA serves a diverse population of tenants and partners with a variety of community agencies. To most effectively carry out our vision of delivering safe and affordable housing to all, we are committed to cultivating a staff that reflects varied lived experiences, viewpoints, and educational histories. Therefore, we strongly encourage candidates from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals, and women to apply. Multilingualism is a plus!
Find more about these career opportunities: burlingtonhousing.org.
Our robust benefit package includes premium medical insurance with a health reimbursement account, dental, vision, short & 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
Human Resources
Burlington Housing Authority 65 Main Street, Suite 101 Burlington, VT 05401
BHA is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The Northlands Job Corps center operates the most advanced technical training Welding Program in the state. We are seeking a talented Welding Instructor to join our team. The position requires three years of direct welding experience, fi ve years preferred. Must possess, or obtain SMAW, GMAW, FCAW and GTAW within six months of hire. Certified Welding Instructor or Inspector highly preferred. Northlands Job Corps Center in Vergennes is a residential (some non-residential) technical training school for 16-24 year olds from primarily economically challenged backgrounds.
Our campus is one of the most diverse student bodies in Vermont and is a nice mix of both in and out of state students. Our welding graduates enjoy a 100% placement rate with average fi rst year wages slightly above that of fi rst year college graduates. If you are a talented welding professional with a passion for your craft, and an ability/desire to train new students we would like to hear from you. Apply at: bit.ly/JobCorps2024
*If you are curious about just some of the fun and community service our welders do check out the Seven Days Stuck in Vermont feature, Metal Sculptor Kat Clear Creates Public Art by visiting the QR code here
ABOUT THE POSITION:
We are seeking a highly organized and proactive Executive Assistant to support our Executive Director and broader team. The ideal candidate will manage schedules, coordinate meetings, and handle communication while maintaining confidentiality, professionalism, and a high level of organization.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
•Salary range of $22-$33/hour ($46,000$68,000 annually). Benefits include generous paid time off, health care insurance, dental insurance, and retirement. This is a full-time, limited service position funded through December 30, 2025
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
Scheduling and Forecasting: Manage the Executive Director’s calendar by scheduling meetings, appointments, and events. Anticipate future scheduling needs and make adjustments.
Communication: Support internal and external communication strategies. Manage correspondence and respond to inquiries for the Executive Director and the BBF Team.
Website Content Management: Regularly update and maintain website content, including event announcements, resources, and documents.
Meeting Coordination and Documentation: Attend meetings, taking detailed minutes and documenting outcomes.
Travel Arrangements: Plan and coordinate travel itineraries, accommodations, and logistics.
Project Support: Take on special projects and other administrative tasks as assigned.
Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills, with ability to create positive, trusting, professional relationships with diverse colleagues internal and external to the organization.
Action: The ability to work independently and handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Possess excellent organizational and time-management skills.
Policy: Understanding of public systems that serve children and families preferred.
Tools: Experience with, or an ability to quickly adapt to technology that supports collaborative and virtual work including Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, Slack, Zoom, and SurveyMonkey preferred.
TO APPLY:
Please email a cover letter, resume, and three references as one PDF labeled lastname_firstname_Assistant to: kmobbs@ buildingbrightfutures.org
Position is open until filled. To learn more about the position or Building Bright Futures, please visit buildingbrightfutures.org
Job Seekers:
• Post jobs using a form that includes key info about your company and open positions (location, application deadlines, video, images, etc.).
• Accept applications and manage the hiring process via our applicant tracking tool.
• Easily manage your open job listings from your recruiter dashboard.
• Search for jobs by keyword, location, category and job type.
• Set up job alert emails using custom search criteria.
• Save jobs to a custom list with your own notes on the positions.
• Apply for jobs directly through the site.
Get a quote when you post online or contact Michelle Brown: 865-1020, ext. 121, michelle@sevendaysvt.com.
(OCT.23-NOV.21)
In the life cycle of a butterfly, the earliest stages are larva and pupa. As a larva, the future beauty crawls around as a caterpillar, cramming itself with nutritive substance. After it transitions into the pupa state, it’s inert for a while, working on the inside of its cocoon to transform itself into its ultimate form. I don’t want to be too literal about the comparison, but my sense is that your time as a larva will last another two months, whereupon you will begin your pupa phase. When will you emerge as a winged creature? It depends on how earnestly you work as a pupa, but I expect no later than March 2025.
ARIES (Mar. 21-Apr. 19): I rarely recommend acquisitive behavior. But my analysis of the astrological omens tells me you now have cosmic authorization to indulge in a sublime version of voracity. We might also refer to it as a license to practice a spiritually correct variety of greed. Here’s the fine print: You should NOT interpret this as permission to amass materialistic treasures and status symbols. Instead, the things you gather will be rich feelings, encounters with inspiring beauty, epiphanies about your divine purpose and exquisite states of consciousness. You can also ask for and receive colossal supplies of love and affection.
TAURUS (Apr. 20-May 20): The last time I ate a hamburger was in 1994. I doubt I
will ever eat another. Why? The taste is not enjoyable to me, and no matter how well I chew it, my stomach always rebels. There’s an additional problem: For several reasons, cattle farming is a significant factor causing the climate crisis. I would rather not contribute to that decimation. Does my attitude toward hamburgers mean I am a judgmental, closeminded zealot? No, it doesn’t. I don’t proselytize to those who relish burgers, especially if they take other measures to reduce their carbon footprint. In this horoscope, dear Taurus, I am illustrating an approach I hope you will cultivate in the coming weeks. Be extra zealously devoted to your ideals and proclivities without condemning and dismissing those who don’t share them.
GEMINI (May 21-Jun. 20): There are numerous approaches to getting good results from meditation. One is to sit silently and still in a tranquil sanctuary. Another is to lie on the ground under a dark sky and beseech the stars to bestow inspiration. One of my personal favorites is to sing rowdy hymns to birds, insects and trees while hiking vigorously in nature. How many other varieties can you imagine, Gemini? The coming weeks will be a favorable time to develop and expand your meditation skills. Here’s a key consideration: How can you achieve maximum fun while meditating? I recommend you free your mind to experiment with a host of interesting approaches.
CANCER (Jun. 21-Jul. 22): If there was ever an appropriate time for you to indulge in creatively rowdy thoughts and inspirationally unruly behavior, it would be now. Life is giving you license to de-emphasize decorum and formalities — and to emphasize boisterous enthusiasm and plucky adventures. For the sake of your mental health, I believe you need to engage in experimental improvisations that include maverick expressions. What areas of your life need liberation? What feelings need to be released from their constraints? What worn-out old theories and opinions should be abandoned?
LEO (Jul. 23-Aug. 22): Are your talents even slightly underrated and overlooked by others,
Leo? Have your gifts received less than the full appreciation they deserve? Could you be of greater service and inspiration to your fellow humans if only your offerings were better known? If you answered yes to any of those questions, I’m pleased to tell you that the coming months should bring remedies. Life will be conspiring with you to help spread your influence and boost your clout.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sep. 22): I wish it were true that the forces of darkness are lined up in opposition to the forces of light. Life would be so much easier for you. But I’m afraid it’s not that simple and clear. In my view, a more accurate metaphor might be that the energies of smoky gray are squaring off with the energies of dusky beige. Each side has a touch of both wrongness and rightness, a bit of ugliness and beauty. So what is the most honorable role you can play in this showdown? My suggestion is to develop a third side, an alternate way.
LIBRA (Sep. 23-Oct. 22): In the early part of his career, Libran author Mario Puzo wrote short stories and novels but never a screenplay. At age 49, he was asked by director Francis Ford Coppola to cowrite the script for the film The Godfather. It turned out to be a sensational rookie effort. He was ultimately awarded an Academy Award for it and later garnered another Oscar for his screenplay for The Godfather Part II. It was only then that Puzo realized he had found his calling and decided he should study the art of screenwriting. In the first chapter of the first book he bought about the subject, he read with great amusement that the ideal screenplay was the one by Mario Puzo for The Godfather. I bring this story to your attention, Libra, because you are approaching a time with resemblances to Puzo’s situation before Coppola solicited his work. Trust your rookie instincts!
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Brian Wilson, cofounder of the Beach Boys, is one of the most innovative and imaginative songwriters ever. Many of his compositions have become best-selling hit tunes. But he had a rough start in his craft. The first song he ever wrote was “Surfin.’” He submitted it to
fulfill an assignment in his high school music class, but his teacher gave it an F, the lowest possible grade. Fifty-eight years later, Wilson returned to the school for a visit, and the new principal changed his original grade to an A. I foresee a comparable event occurring in your life sometime soon: a vindication, restitution or reparation.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Earlier this year, 79-year-old rock singer Rod Stewart performed his greatest hits during a multicity tour in many countries. “I shall never retire!” he proclaimed. Can you guess what astrological sign he is? Capricorn, of course. Many members of your tribe age very well, displaying stamina and vitality into later life. I bring this to your attention because I think you are close to discovering new secrets and tricks that will serve you well as you ripen. Here are some meditations that might be helpful: 1) What haven’t you been ready to do before but might be soon? 2) What fun things would you love to be doing years from now and how could you seed their future growth?
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Scientists have discovered the fossil remains of more than 700 dinosaur species buried underground. But the experts agree there are many more down there. Previously unknown species are still being unearthed every year. Let’s use these facts as a metaphor for your life in the coming months. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you could learn a host of fresh truths about your history. You may have imagined that your past is finished and finalized, but it’s not. I encourage you to have fun hunting for revelations and investigations that will transform the story of your life.
PISCES (Feb. 19-Mar. 20): You haven’t fully tapped into all of your vast potentials, Pisces. Latent talents and aptitudes within you may still be at least partially dormant. It’s even possible that some of your future powers are so foreign to your self-concept that they will feel like magic when they finally come into full expression. Now here’s the very good news: The coming months will be an excellent time to figure out what you need to do to express a more complete version of yourself.
Sadie Chamberlain, a senior at Saint Michael’s College, wrote a fantastical play about her life with a disability. Chamberlain has cerebral palsy, and in A Taste of Freedom, she sings, dances and acts. Seven Days’ Eva Sollberger saw a rehearsal of the show, which runs November 6 through 9.
BUSYBEEDAIRYMAID
John Deere or Case? Jerseys or Holsteins? Why? Just kidding — I like cows and enjoying the day and want to share that with someone. Am looking for a thoughtful individual who can also laugh at how ridiculous life is and enjoy it together. Short hikes, picnics, theater and work days are my favorites. Really, anything can be fun with the right mindset! Dairymaid28, 28, seeking: M, l
WONDERING64
I live a simple life, closely connected to the Earth and wanting to make a difference in the well-being of humanity, even if in a small way. I enjoy walks in the woods, reading, music, dinner with family and friends, gardening, good food and rural Vermont life, and more. I value honest communication, open-mindedness and care for oneself. Justme63 64, seeking: M, l
WALKS UPRIGHT, LITERATE, BE REAL
Quirk-enabled, big-hearted widow of three-plus years seeking amenable companionship. Bullies, hot dogs, egotists need not apply. Scrabble maven, math wonk, always learning. Have a decent brain; not afraid to use it. Crazy for theater, music and the arts. You? Authenticity, kindness, humor and a lively curiosity are what I find attractive. Friendship, first and foremost. Looking forward to meeting you. allycat 70, seeking: M
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W = Women
M = Men
TW = Trans women
TM = Trans men
Q = Genderqueer people
NBP = Nonbinary people
NC = Gender nonconformists
Cp = Couples
Gp = Groups
KIND SOUL SEEKING AFFECTIONATE RELATIONSHIP
I would love to find someone who has time for a relationship and knows how to have a good time. I like to travel and enjoy being with my friends. Bambee, 54 seeking: M, l
LAID-BACK, FUN WOMAN
Single, fun woman looking for someone to do things with.
Hstwinz 46, seeking: M
KIND WOMAN LOOKING FOR SAME
Hi, I moved to Vermont from New York last year to live near my daughter. I haven’t really met too many people. I’m kind of a homebody, especially in the winter. I’d like to spend it snuggling with someone special. Alone2Long, 61, seeking: W, Cp, l
THE MERRY WIDOW
I’m a curious and fun-loving woman with a craving for deep connection through laughter and shared values, not to mention great food, lively conversation, wordplay and a mean game of pickleball. Nature is my church. I’m competent at all the usual Vermont outdoor activities. If humor and wit are your North Star, let’s talk (and laugh). Naturesoul 66, seeking: M, l
IT’S CUFFING SEASON!
What are the rules of cuffing season? Be mindful of your desire for a relationship. Be clear about what you’re seeking in the long and short term. Define your relationship. Don’t make plans too far in advance. Prepare for the holidays. Set healthy emotional and physical boundaries. Don’t ghost the relationship. Roadtripingdestinations 66, seeking: M, l
ECHO
Companionship for an outdoor enthusiast. Hiking, bicycling, Nordic skiing and snowshoeing are my go-to activities; however, I have an adventurous spirit, open to other outdoor activities. echo65 59, seeking: M, l
PLAYFUL, THOUGHTFUL, OBSERVANT, HYBRID
I love cleverness and discussing ideas. I appreciate humility, wisdom and smilers. I avoid the conventional and am enlivened by those with a childlike love of learning and discovery. I love cooking, eating out, movies, biking, small-venue music, lectures, art, travel, walking my dog, Ping-Pong. I love children, animals, trees, vanishing points, windows. I value authenticity and ethical decisions. Periwinkle 61, seeking: M, l
WEEKDAYS RHODE ISLAND, WEEKENDS VERMONT
I live in Rhode Island and find myself in Vermont on weekends. I lived in Colorado for 19 years, and I love being in the woods. My dog is my shadow and follows me everywhere. We’re outdoors during the day and cooking or reading with tea or a hard cider at night. Commitment to community is important to me. tracyinnewengland 59, seeking: M, l
A FORM OF PSEUDO-ANONYMOUS CONNECTION
All humans are chaos gremlins — it’s about finding the ones who meld with you. lelapin, 37, seeking: M, l
LAID-BACK, EASYGOING GRANDMA
I still have lots of life to give one special man. I enjoy my family and my grandkids. Hoping to find someone to spend some time together, to go to Maine or country towns to shop, or a country fair. The sky is the limit. I don’t need a caretaker — need a warm, loving man looking for the same. Mariond 66, seeking: M, l
PHOTOGRAPHER/MUSICIAN, DOGS, OUTDOORS, CHILL
I am an amateur photographer looking for a guy (26-45) who is also interested in photography. Looking for someone who could go on location with me, hike trails, climb mountains and explore the better points of the state while looking for the perfect shot. And later, cracking a beer to celebrate. I am a musician, animal lover, slim, attractive blonde. Houston123m, 37 seeking: M, l
CURIOUS, ADVENTUROUS, SILLY AND OUTDOORSY!
I love being outside and exploring in nature, especially for off-the-beatenpath swimming holes. (In winter, too!)
I’m a very curious and engaging person and definitely crave that in a partner. Being silly at times, dancing and singing are cool with me. At the same time, self-awareness is key! You get the idea, right? seejrun 58, seeking: M, l
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, 68, 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
MEN seeking...
HELPFUL, INSIGHTFUL, AND ALWAYS CURIOUS.
New to Vermont. Arizonaman8, 44, seeking: W, l
YOUNG IN HEART
Always charming in life and take things day by day. Enjoy espresso coffee in the mornings; always searching for new opportunities. I explore new adventures, and I emit positive vibes to the person who will attract me. I don’t want to be used, but give me a chance to cuddle you. Very educated and happy to share paths, ideas or any other thoughts. Anas1st, 53, seeking: W, l
A FRIEND AND THEN
Hello. Brand-new to Burlington and looking for a cool, outgoing, fun female friend. Professional, cleancut guy, outgoing, sarcastic, pretty intelligent. A friend first would be great and if things progress, even better. Active guy, no drugs, drink very little, like my job, like new experiences. Chance05401 50, seeking: W
BIG HEART SEEKS CONNECTION
Chaotically building a life for myself. Looking to meet new faces; it’s hard in small-town southern Vermont. Very active: I love movement, easygoing, love to talk and walk. Let’s have a good conversation and a fun connection. Must love cat, no mean people. Let’s take a hike and see where the trail goes. IggyStardust15 33, seeking: W
LAID-BACK TRAVELER, FUN, OUTDOORS
Just looking for a connection with someone. Frenchmen15, 59, seeking: W, l
PASSIONATE, LIVELY AND LOVE
LAUGHING
I love hearing stories people tell about their journey and want to learn yours. I crave emotional intimacy, hugs, sharing as many belly laughs as possible. I love the outdoors (but don’t ski). Fabulous (if somewhat immodest) cook and get great joy out of nurturing. I read. I write personal essays. I love dogs, hope to find a rescue soon.
LaughAndBeHappy 71, seeking: W, l
TAKE A CHANCE
Hope to meet someone who can carry a conversation and enjoys traveling. Hopeful, not desperate. Hopeful6559 65, seeking: M, W
NATURE LOVER
I am an active, youngish man, who would like to meet someone for various adventures. I am funny, honest, fit and smart. A nice date would be a hike, enjoying the surroundings, then some good food, maybe look at the stars. Sense of humor and honesty are two important things in a partner. Communication skills and open-mindedness, also. niceguy123 58, seeking: W, l
SEEKING LIFELONG PARTNER
I am a young, energetic 77-y/o male. Taking care of my health is very important to me. I work out some and do not smoke or drink alcohol. My work background is in social services and college teaching. I presently teach history and human rights courses at Champlain College. My wife died of cancer two years ago. Ed609, 77, seeking: W, l
OLD-SCHOOL
Honestly, did not want to try this, yet it seems all roads lead to this path. SeeksCompanion, 54, seeking: W
MEET IN PERSON
Active, athletic, well-rounded, artistic, professional. Enjoy outdoors, hiking, biking, walks and cooking. Would meet over lunch. If all goes well, we’ll go for a dinner date and take it from there. nyu2vt 64 seeking: W, l
EASYGOING, ORGANIZED, KIND, LONELY
Looking for a woman to share good times with, watch TV, fix dinner for, share conversation and friendship. Enjoy going for rides on backcountry roads, looking for wildlife to photograph. Eaglelover 82, seeking: W, l
ADULT COMPANIONSHIP
I’m a simple guy who misses pleasuring a woman and enjoying her company. I’m easy to look at and fun and funny to be around. oneonone, 60 seeking: W
OPINIONATED BUT LOVEABLE
Active, fit, outdoor/indoor type of guy. Making a difference, no matter how small, every day. Play acoustic guitar, enjoy golf as a “hike and a game,” not a religion! Travel is important. Don’t need “things.” Don’t have to be a priority, but don’t want to be an afterthought. What do you think: Give it a go?
Pastabilities18 78, seeking: W, l
SWM, 55, SEEKING FWB RELATIONSHIP
Seeking the right younger or older female for fun and pleasure. Let’s have fun and explore each other. If things go well, I’m open to a LTR. Take a chance? FWBFun802, 58, seeking: W
OLD-SCHOOL, CHIVALROUS, LAID-BACK
I consider myself to be an honest, caring and respectful guy. I’m at the age where I do not let the little things get to me. I enjoy the life I am living and would enjoy having someone to share it with. My dog is a big part of my life, so another dog lover or owner would be great. rk65 59 seeking: W, l
SOFT SOUL STONE BODY
Seeking new friendships with shared intent to flirt. Any intimacy only following chemistry for me, thanks. You: Kind, strong, grown woman — age and body type unimportant because we really are all beautiful. Me: Kind, emotionally and financially secure, athletic AF cis man of fabulous contradictions, educated redneck feminist, weed-smoking competitive athlete, serious and silly in turn. Hardbodysoftsoul 47 seeking: W, l
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
BEWARE! CHILDLESS CAT LADY AHEAD ADHDled, ailurophilic, alliterative, autodidactic acolyte of the resident demigoddesses seeks similar for socialization. Long-term, platonic friendship with humanoids is my goal. Stuff I like: gawking at the night sky; sunsets over Lake Champlain; gardening; films/TV shows about postapocalyptic, dystopian societies; Scrabble; art; music; peoplewatching on Church Street; volunteering; etc. Not looking for a sugar parent, but I am a pauper. Alas. Ailurophile, 65, seeking: M, W, TM, TW, Q, NC, NBP, Gp, l
COUPLES seeking...
LOOKING FOR FUN PEEPS
Fun, open-minded couple seeking playmates. Shoot us a note if interested so we can share details and desires. Jackrabbits, 60, seeking: W, Cp
FUN COUPLE LOOKING FOR EXPLORATION
We are a secure couple who enjoy the outdoors, good wine, great food, playing with each other, exploring our boundaries and trying new things. We are 47 and 50, looking for a fun couple or bi man to play and explore with us. We are easygoing, and we’d love to meet you and see where our mutual adventures take us. vthappycouple 51, seeking: M, Cp, Gp
HARLEY AT JP’S
We kept making eye contact that always froze me. You had a sweet smile and a great singing voice. I ran into an old friend when going to talk to you, then you were gone. I had a dopey “costume” that was really just a white shirt. I’d love to take you out for a drink or coffee sometime. When: ursday, October 31, 2024. Where: JPs. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916164
PAUL IN BTV
You were on Match, and then you weren’t. IT professional with a daughter. I’m in South Burlington and in the “voyeur” stage of Match so don’t have a photo posted and a very limited profile. Anyway, your profile caught my eye. If you found a match, happy for you! If you haven’t, I’d welcome making a connection. When: Tuesday, October 1, 2024. Where: Match. com. You: Man. Me: Woman. #916163
BRUNETTE SOCIAL WORKER AT LAUNDROMAT
Saw you helping a client today with the laundry process. You seemed really nice, calm, patient and cute! I didn’t want to try and talk to you while you were working, but I wanted to talk to you. Maybe you’ll see this and send me a message? Maybe a colleague will see this and point you in my direction? When: Monday, October 28, 2024. Where: Laundromat. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916161
SISTERS AT MONKEY HOUSE
Sat at the bar and was surprised to see you again, A, after Waterworks! Always fun to live through a serendipitous moment. To your sister: Hope you had a good night with your friend. Didn’t intend to Irish exit but you seemed super involved with your friend and didn’t want to bother! When: Saturday, October 26, 2024. Where: Monkey House, Winooski. You: Group. Me: Man. #916160
WILLISTON MASKED SHOPPER
We chatted briefly at checkout. I asked about your Colby Sawyer sweatshirt. I’d love to see the pretty face behind your mask. When: Sunday, October 27, 2024. Where: Williston Hannaford’s. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916162
BANDAID AT THE RESERVOIR
Hi — You were eating dinner at the big table with family. You are hilarious and fun. You had a root beer float. As you were leaving, you gave me a Band-Aid while emptying your pockets. I didn’t get a chance to give you my number. Would love to talk again. When: Wednesday, October 23, 2024. Where: e Reservoir restaurant, Waterbury. You: Woman. Me: Non-binary person. #916159
TWIRLING AT DEAD SET
You: Tall, handsome man with white hair and a red(?) ball cap. Me: Short, dancing woman with sparkly pants. I bumped into you while considering a twirl. You were kind and gracious. Want to twirl with me sometime? When: Friday, October 25, 2024. Where: Higher Ground. You: Man. Me: Woman. #916158
PEANUT BUTTER DOWN!
To the beautiful woman who saw me drop and break a jar of peanut butter in the City Market checkout line — I really hope to see your smile again. I’ll say hi next time. When: ursday, October 24, 2024. Where: City Market. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916156
GOD BLESS THE NERDS
Some of you really know how to treat a person, and that one interaction almost restored my whole faith in humanity. May you have the best surprise of your life soon! When: ursday, October 24, 2024. Where: e hole-in-the-wall. You: Group. Me: Woman. #916154
Even though I am working toward getting thin and have lost a lot of weight, my grandma makes comments to me such as “You are never going to be thin” and “Others your age are so thin.” How do I make her stop?
An early Saturday morning at Costco. I admired your car - you made a joke about going topless with three pedals. You asked about the wine in my cart. Your punny humor was contagious, and I can’t stop thinking I should have invited you to meet up to drink some of that wine with me. Maybe? When: Saturday, October 5, 2024. Where: Costco. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916155
BROOK ROAD
At 4:30 on the Brook Road in Middlesex. You had on a black T-shirt and gray sweatpants, out working in a flower bed next to the road. anks for making my day. Nice to see a beautiful lady playing in the dirt. When: Wednesday, October 23, 2024. Where: Middlesex. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916153
DREAMY COMMUTER GIRL
I hopped on the bus on Shelburne Road, near the motel, heading downtown. I sat up front. en two ladies with pushcarts boarded. So I moved two rows back to afford them room. As I looked to my right, I met your eyes. You had dark hair, a pair of dark-rimmed glasses that accentuated your natural beauty. When: Monday, October 21, 2024. Where: No. 6 bus. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916152
WORKING AT MINIFACTORY
You were studious and stupendous in your glasses and green sweater-vest. You caught my attention so much so that I was ready to abandon my meeting at the next table (facing you, with a beard) to come say hi. I didn’t, though, ‘cause professionalism and whatnot, but would very much appreciate saying hi in real life. When: Monday, October 21, 2024. Where: Minifactory in Bristol. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916151
TAPE B EDM MONTRÉAL AMERICANS DUBSTEP
I found you at the EDM show Tape B on Parc Avenue in Montréal. I felt instant connection with you all — we really should go to Igloofest or DJ Shadow. Also we should start a bass sound system in Burlington and find more underground raves in general. Any of you add me on IG (ey3n3ye), DM me. Let’s go! When: Sunday, October 13, 2024. Where: Avenue du Parc, Montréal, Québec. You: Group. Me: Man. #916145
GORGEOUS DAY AT LITTLE RIVER
You were starting a hike, I was ending a hike with a friend. You said it was a gorgeous day. I said it was beautiful, but should have added that you were as well in your green jacket and tortoiseshell glasses. Let’s see each other again and go on a hike! When: Saturday, October 19, 2024. Where: Little River State Park. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916150
HOLE-IN-THE-WALL
You’re the friend of a mutual friend’s sister. I noticed you across the outdoor patio at a little hole-in-the-wall, and made it a point to talk to you that night. I ended up two-stepping with you in my living room. I spied the love of my life that night. When: Saturday, August 31, 2019. Where: At a hole-in-the-wall. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916149
EYE CONTACT AT LIZ COOPER
You: Blue denim dress, short brown hair. Me: Tall, blond. Prolonged smiley eye contact across the room. On the way out, you came over with a friend, but I was caught in conversation with another girl. Not a player, just poor timing. When: ursday, October 17, 2024. Where: Nectar’s. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916148
IN LINE AT BEST BUY
I was behind you at the Best Buy checkout when you dropped all your stuff. Tall manic pixie dreamgirl with blue hair, you gave me the nicest smile and I wish I would have talked to you. When: Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Where: Best Buy in Williston. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916147
MARIANNE PIANO TALK
You played the public Steinway on level four at DH in Lebanon. If you’d like to continue our chat, please get in touch! When: Wednesday, October 16, 2024. Where: Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Lebanon, NH. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916146
TAKE IT
“Take another little piece of my heart.” e lyrics say, “You know you got it if it makes you feel good.” I need it back now. In pieces is fine. I can put it back together instead of watching it get torn to shreds. Being forced to focus on myself takes away from my true focus: My superhero. When: Monday, October 14, 2024. Where: Outside. You: Group. Me: Woman. #916144
I DIDN’T KNOW CARBUR’S
But I do know American Flatbread. If you don’t want to dance at Rí Rá, then maybe we can enjoy some pizza with the spirits. Something you don’t know about me: I don’t feel comfortable hating or lying. You should really message me; going through my roommate doesn’t help. When: Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Where: Talking with someone else. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916143
KATE, IT’S ME
Hi, it’s been a while, and you probably have forgotten me or are married by now. At any rate, you have a birthday coming up, and I was thinking of you. It sure would be nice to see you again and take a walk down Old Town Road. – C When: Sunday, December 15, 2019. Where: Burlington at UVM, but don’t remember exact date. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916142
ST. ALBANS WALMART TUTU
We both were in line at the St. Albans Walmart, and you asked if a tutu and Barbies were good children’s gifts for your friend’s daughter’s birthday party. I unfortunately didn’t ask if you wanted to bring a date to this big event, because I was free all day. Since I missed this one, let’s grab a drink sometime instead. When: Saturday, October 12, 2024. Where: Walmart. You: Man. Me: Woman. #916141
HATE TO LOVE
Or love to hate? Who will push the boundaries next? After all the tests are passed and the answer is still “sit and wait,” will you then see that it is you with the problem? Everyone else does. When: ursday, October 10, 2024. Where: I don’t, but they see me. You: Man. Me: Woman. #916140
WATERBURY MAN OF MY DREAMS
Around 7 p.m., you were at the Waterbury Shaw’s. About six foot five, wearing a black T-shirt, dark hair and Carhartt overalls. I’d love to sit in your lap and massage your hands while we talk about life. With the season changing, maybe we can drink a warm milky beverage and watch some cozy movies while we kiss. When: Monday, October 7, 2024. Where: Waterbury Shaw’s. You: Man. Me: Woman. #916138 e
I was raised to respect my elders, but I’ve learned that respect is a two-way street. I’m sure you love your grandma, but it sounds like she’s being a real jerk. She should know better than to speak to anyone in such a way, let alone her own granddaughter. Being an adult doesn’t give anyone the right to be rude.
If you’d rather tackle the problem on your own, set clear boundaries with your grandmother. e next time she makes a rude remark to you, don’t get upset. Calmly say something like, “ at comment really hurt my feelings, and I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t say such things to me.”
Do your parents hear the things your grandmother says to you? If not, you need to tell them and let them know how she’s making you feel. I’d hope that one or both of them would inform her that her behavior is absolutely unacceptable.
If your parents do hear your grandmother insulting you and don’t do anything about it, that’s not cool either. In that case, you may want to talk to someone else — like a trusted aunt, uncle, teacher or guidance counselor — about the situation. ere’s no need to feel weird or embarrassed about asking for help.
Doing this may open the door to a conversation with your grandmother about how her words affect you. If that happens, be honest with her and get it all out. However, if she continues to be inconsiderate, keep shutting her down as soon as she starts.
Side note on being thin: It’s not all it’s cracked up to be. I’ve been as skinny as a twig and as thick as a log. Whatever size your body is, it’s always carting around the same brain. Keeping that happy and healthy is really the key to everything in life.
Good luck and God bless,
58-y/o enjoys the simple things: walks with my dogs, candlelit evenings, window shopping. I don’t have to have someone to complete me but would love to share the beauty of life with a man who also is ready to dance like nobody’s watching. #L1808
76-y/o male seeking a female. Widower, Burlington resident, gardener, fisherman and writer wants to meet you for dinner, movies, events and conversation. You: Old, kind, no issues. Possible friendship, LTR. I don’t watch football. #L1807
T-girl? Transgender? CD? Gay? I’m a dom, so looking for subs, thanks. #L1799
I’m a sweet, fit, busy 48-y/o DILF type seeking a 28-68-y/oish woman who wants some more affection in her life. Let’s have a great evening together every month and share good memories and joyful anticipation in between. #L1806
I’m a GWM looking for a bisexual woman for playtime with bi male for a threesome. Good fun, easygoing, hot sex. Call or text. #L1805
SWM, bi, seeking guys for fun. Any race. I’m 6’1”, 175 lbs. Clean, safe and discreet. Love being a bottom. Respond with a phone number. #L1804
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Interested readers will send you letters in the mail. No internet required!
I’m a SWM seeking a Black couple, both bi. I’m clean, a nonsmoker and don’t drink. Would like a weekly meet, on weekends. My place is private. I only date Black men and women. Age no problem. Phone. Serious. #L1802
Handsome SWM, younglooking 60, yearning for a woman’s connection and intimacy. Seeking friendly relations with slim-average 45-60, kind, smart, respectful, humorous, playful. Activities indoors and outdoors — dinners, talks, walks, nature, TV, entertainment, day trips, overnights, spontaneity, hobbies, more. #L1803
Mid-60s, SWM, 6 ft., 175 lbs. Looking for a forever romance but just meeting with new friends can work, too! Extremely romantic and passionate! I stay active as I run, hike, bike; play golf, tennis and pickleball; and work out at the Edge. Full of spontaneity and love dancing, travel. I will love you snuggling in my arms always as I shower you with love and romance! #L1801
I’m a 54-y/o male seeking a 50to 60-y/o female. Looking for an honest person. Sex is less important. I enjoy taking walks, soft rock and movies, in or out. Love to go out to eat. No drugs, no smoking. #L1800
Reply to these messages with real, honest-to-goodness le ers. DETAILS BELOW.
SWM, 69, seeking a SF. I am warm, friendly, clean and respectful, seeking a LTR. Just an ordinary guy looking for same. Phone number, please. #L1798
SWM, 55, seeking Barbie with brains. FWB/NSA relationship and open to a LTR. Seeking any woman, younger or older, for fun play. Please send a picture and contact info. I’m looking for one woman for a special time together. #L1797
Marshmallow enthusiast, wildflower gazer, sort-of seamstress, ex-librarian seeks someone who enjoys literature and going outside. I’m a 37-y/o woman; you’re a person in your 30s or early 40s. I’m nerdy but cool. Are you? #L1794
I’m a male, 65, seeking a female. Respectful, warm, friendly, would like to find a female to share some life with. Dining in as well as out. Likes music. Please send phone number. #L1790
Describe yourself and who you’re looking for in 40 words below: (OR, ATTACH A SEPARATE PIECE OF PAPER.)
I’m a
AGE + GENDER (OPTIONAL) seeking a AGE + GENDER (OPTIONAL)
I’m a SWM looking for a large Black man to engage in sexual copulation with. I am a humanist and very open to exploring the physical limitations of my flesh suit. HIV+ OK. Males only, please. #L1792
I’m a GM, mid-60s, seeking a SM, 70s, passionate. Enjoy many activities: nature walks, camping. Let’s talk, hopefully meet. #L1791
SWF, 55, seeks companionship. Former classical pianist of 13 years, well read, vegetarian, studied in Geneva, Switzerland and Paris. I have a good sense of humor. Music a must: vintage Bowie, folk, Celtic. I’m also a childless cat person! #L1788
I’m a SWF, 62 y/o, in central Vermont, seeking a SM, 57-67 y/o, for possible LT relationship. Hoping to meet someone who also loves balanced ecosystems, great food and drink, honest conversations, and the good chores of each season. #L1789
Required confidential info:
(MORE)
MAIL TO: SEVEN DAYS LOVE LETTERS • PO BOX 1164, BURLINGTON, VT 05402 OPTIONAL WEB FORM: SEVENDAYSVT.COM/LOVELETTERS HELP: 802-865-1020, EXT. 161, LOVELETTERS@SEVENDAYSVT.COM
THIS FORM IS FOR LOVE LETTERS ONLY. Messages for the Personals and I-Spy sections must be submitted online at dating.sevendaysvt.com.
Living with Loss: A Gathering for the Grieving
WED., NOV 6 ONLINE
The One-Night Stand: A Single-Evening Course in Bike-Care Basics by Old Spokes Home
WED., NOV 6
OLD SPOKES HOME, BURLINGTON
Eco-resiliency Gathering: Holding space
WED., NOV 6 ONLINE
Crowdsourced VT Home Alone World
Premiere
THU., NOV 7
MERRILL'S ROXY CINEMAS, BURLINGTON
TURNmusic presents Jordan Sand (bowed bass/voice) + Mikahely
THU., NOV 7
THE PHOENIX, WATERBURY VILLAGE
John Nemeth and the Blue Dreamers
FRI., NOV 8
RETRO LIVE, PLATTSBURGH, NY
Audrey Kiely Quartet
FRI., NOV 8
THE PHOENIX, WATERBURY VILLAGE
Live Recording with Ted Perry, Rob Morse & Gabe Jarrett
FRI., NOV 8
TANK RECORDING STUDIO, BURLINGTON
Mauritius
FRI., NOV 8
GRANGE HALL CULTURAL CENTER, WATERBURY CENTER
Jesse Royal Presented By: Forbin's Finest, One LoVermont and True 802
FRI., NOV 8
THE LOUNGE AT NECTAR'S, BURLINGTON
Vermont Steampunk Expo
SAT., NOV 9
CHAMPLAIN VALLEY EXPOSITION, ESSEX JCT
SAT., NOV 9
RED POPPY CAKERY, WATERBURY VILLAGE
Thanksgiving Cookie Decorating Class
The Magnetica Concert
SAT., NOV 9
MAGNETICA PERFORMANCE SPACE, BURLINGTON
Burlington Civic Symphony Fall Concert
SAT., NOV 9
ELLEY-LONG MUSIC CENTER, COLCHESTER
Dana Cooper
SAT., NOV 9
ROOTS & WINGS COFFEEHOUSE AT UUCUV, NORWICH
bob. An Interpretation of Dylan presented by Higher Elevation
SAT., NOV 9
LOST NATION BREWING, MORRISTOWN
Champlain Trio
SUN., NOV 10
CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ST. PAUL, BURLINGTON
Gilmore Girls Cookie Decorating Class
WED., NOV 13
QUEEN CITY BREWERY, BURLINGTON
Professional Workshop: Data-driven marketing = Sales
THU., NOV 14
MAVERICK MARKET AT 110, BURLINGTON
Jukebox: With A Little Help From Our Friends - Burlington
FRI., NOV 15
ARTS RIOT, BURLINGTON
Pre-order turkeys by nov. 17 th
Pre-order pies & sides by nov. 24 th
Small gathering or large, we’ve got you! Plus, our homemade sides include tons of vegan and gluten-free* options
*not a certified gluten-free facility, may contain traces of gluten
Cut into our Classic Creamy Pumpkin, Rustic Apple, Toasty Pecan, and Vermont Maple Cream. Available in gluten-free* and vegan options!
November 26 th and 27 th
Humanely raised, antibiotic-free turkeys sourced from trusted farms we’ve partnered with for almost 40 years:
•Adam’s Turkey (Westford, VT) $4.59/ lb.
•Mary’s Free Range Organic Turkey (Fresno, CA) $5.49/ lb.
• Misty Knoll Turkey (New Haven, VT) $4.39/ lb.
•Stonewood Turkey (Orwell, VT) $4.19/ lb.
