Seven Days, December 20, 2023 by Seven Days

V ER MON T’S INDE P ENDE NT V O IC E DECEMBER 20-27, 2023 VOL.29 NO.11 SEVENDAYSVT.COM

Guide to Burlington’s New Year’s Eve inside!

POSTWAR STORIES

PAGE 28

A new book from Stephen Kiernan

PRIZED POET

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Remembering Louise Glück

SWEET VERSES

PAGE 42

Meet poet-farmer Lucas Farrell

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WEEK IN REVIEW

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DECEMBER 13-20, 2023 COMPILED BY SASHA GOLDSTEIN & MATTHEW ROY

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LA TE

REFLOODED

SOUTHERN MIGRATION

Bike-share company Bird has pulled its e-bikes from the Burlington area for the winter. We’ll see if they fly back when the snow melts.

SHOOTS, SCORES

Vermont Green FC will play in a prestigious soccer tournament that features teams in the most competitive U.S. leagues. That’s the goal! Route 100 north of Moretown on Monday

Flooding in Barton

WHIRLED TOGETHER

Ben & Jerry’s workers at the Waterbury plant have voted to form a union. Now they need a labor-themed ice cream flavor.

Tino O’Brien and Micheal Sherman moving a dehumidifier out of a basement in Montpelier

That’s the reward for the person who helps solve the murder of Honoree Fleming, who was fatally shot October 5 on a Castleton rail trail.

TOPFIVE

Online Now

A poem by Nadell Fishman

‘Slice of Morning’

‘The Distant Snowy Mountain’

COLUMNS

Three Somali Vermonters tell their stories in Deep North

ARTS+CULTURE 50 Word to the Weird

Hancock’s Whiskey Tit press publishes books no one else will

Page 32

A poem by Mary Elder Jacobsen

11 Magnificent 7 13 From the Publisher 43 Side Dishes 56 Movie Review 62 Soundbites 66 Album Reviews 89 Ask the Reverend

Short takes on five Vermont books

SECTIONS

On a Roll

24 Lifelines 42 Food + Drink 50 Culture 56 On Screen 58 Art 62 Music + Nightlife 68 Calendar 71 Classes 73 Classifieds + Puzzles 85 Fun Stuff 88 Personals

Howard Fisher delivers Meals on Wheels with a side of good cheer

Wall Art

Photographer Carolyn Bates fills a trio of books with images of Burlington murals

At 81 years old, South Burlington resident SUPPORTED BY: Howard Fisher keeps busy as a volunteer for Age Well — he’s one of 800 Vermonters who deliver more than 271,000 Meals on Wheels every year to residents in the northwestern part of the state. Eva Sollberger tagged along recently and asked recipients what healthy aging means to them.

‘What My Skillet Teaches Me About Transformation’

Out of Africa

A short story by Leath Tonino

STUCK IN VERMONT

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Lucas Farrell of Big Picture Farm on writing, confections and beloved animals

FEATURES 28

‘What She Wanted Was to Be Understood’

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Story Time: Southern Vermont Arts Center Highlights Two Children’s Book Illustrators

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LOOKING FORWARD

MAGNIFICENT MUST SEE, MUST DO THIS WEEK COMPI L E D BY EM ILY H AM ILTON

SATURDAY 23

Yule Be in My Heart The Queen City’s spiritual citizens celebrate the winter solstice at the Green Mountain Druid Order’s annual Yuletide Ceremony at the Burlington Earth Clock in Oakledge Park. Attendees bring sticks and evergreen boughs to add to the bonfire and mark the longest night of the year with sunset drumming. SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 70

THURSDAY 21

SATURDAY 23

SONGS OF THE SEASON

All About Eve Vermont musicians and storytellers Patti Casey, Susannah Blachly, Mark Nash and Kathryn Blume celebrate the season of love and connection at Stories for a Winter’s Eve at the Old Meeting House in East Montpelier. Friends and family gather around the fireplace to hear original short stories and songs, with refreshments at intermission.

Legendary singersongwriter Judy Collins brings her “Holidays & Hits” show to Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center at Stowe Mountain Resort. Beloved songs from a 50-year career span Collins’ idealist, activist 1960s through her latest release, Spellbound, which revisits the Colorado wilds and Greenwich Village scene of her youth.

SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 70

TUESDAY 26

The Morning After No one wants to cook the day after Christmas. With that in mind, locals flock to Boxing Day Brunch at Highland Center for the Arts, where crêpes, French toast, bacon, sausages, mimosas and hot cocoa provide post-Christmas fuel and a feast for the senses.

SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 68

SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 70

WEDNESDAY 27

Hometown Heroes Rock and roll is far from dead when Community Breakfast take the stage at Burlington’s Radio Bean. Fresh out of high school and releasing their debut EP, The Landscape Is the Only Thing That Never Changes, these five local teens deliver an adrenaline rush of energy combining classic college-rock grunge with joyful experimentation.

FRIDAY 22

Back to the ’80s Don’t feed them after midnight! A Very Gremlins Christmas, an exceptionally offbeat holiday party at Brattleboro’s Epsilon Spires, centers on a screening of the eponymous 1984 comedy-horror hit. There’s also an ugly-sweater contest, yuletide treats and a live performance by Synthesizer Santa, aka Syntha Claus, aka Jolly Olde Synth Nick.

SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 70

Submit your upcoming events at sevendaysvt.com/postevent.

SEE CLUB LISTING ON PAGE 65

ONGOING

Rookies of the Year Edgewater Gallery on the Green in Middlebury presents Reflections, a juried exhibition of 2D and 3D works by emerging artists from around the country. The intriguingly diverse pieces range in medium from collage and oil paints to wood and Japanese-style raku ceramics. SEE GALLERY LISTING ON SEVENDAYSVT.COM

BROWSE THE FULL CALENDAR, ART SHOWS, AND MUSIC+NIGHTLIFE LISTINGS AT SEVENDAYSVT.COM. SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

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SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

Book Yearning One of the occupational hazards — and a painful irony — of my job at Seven Days is that I don’t have time to read ... books. I spend almost every waking hour working on this newspaper, except the ones I devote to daily exercise and the occasional social gathering. At the end of the day, which usually wraps up in the wee hours, I need to sleep. Sometimes I stay awake a little longer to read in bed — flat on my back, with inadequate lighting — but I can’t do it every night, so I tend to lose my place in a long narrative. A New Yorker story is my limit. Lack of leisure time aside, another problem is that after 28-plus years of editing, my brain is trained to find flaws. Reading critically — very critically, some would say! — is a different experience than reading for pleasure. The last time I got lost in a book was in April, when I was on vacation in Mexico. I devoured half a dozen novels in two weeks. Nonfiction is harder, because it more closely resembles my work. Around the time he started as a consulting editor at Seven Days, veteran journalist Ken Ellingwood published a book called First to Fall: Elijah Lovejoy and the Fight for a Free Press in the Age of Slavery. He gifted me a copy. I tucked into it at the end of last year, over the holiday break we take between Christmas and New Year’s. Eagerly, I learned about the New England abolitionist who bravely and tragically published a newspaper before the Civil War in a pro-slavery part of what is now the Midwest. As much as I enjoyed the book, I found myself taking notes as if I were editing it. The Seven Days Reading Issue, which coincides with the darkest days of the year, is perfectly timed for me, too; after sending it to the printer, we take an aforementioned annual week off, the only time of the year when we aren’t putting together a newspaper. To do it, we pull double duty, assembling two issues at once. Look for our special two-week edition on December 27.

This week’s paper includes a remembrance of Vermont poet Louise Glück, who died in October; a feature about a new book of essays by local Somali writers; a profile of Charlotte author Stephen Kiernan; and a short story by Ferrisburgh essayist and professional wanderer Leath Tonino. I’m not traveling over the break, which should give me time to attack the stack of books on the chair next to my bed. Since April, it’s grown taller. Embarrassingly, it includes some titles by friends: Journalist Joe Sexton gave me a signed copy of The Lost Sons of Omaha almost a year ago. I started reading Upstairs Delicatessen Delicatessen, by New York Times book critic Dwight Garner, but got interrupted. I enjoyed Kiernan’s Universe of Two but haven’t cracked his latest, The Glass Château. Also on the pile: Seven Days associate editor Margot Harrison’s new novel, Only She Came Back; Mr. B, Jennifer Homans’ acclaimed biography of George Balanchine; The Least of Us, by Sam Quinones; and Marty Baron’s new book, Collision of Power: Trump, Bezos, and the Washington Post. All I want for Christmas is a comfortable, well-lit spot on the couch.

Paula Routly If you like reading Seven Days and can afford to help pay for it, become a Super Reader! Look for the “Give Now” button at the top of sevendaysvt.com. Or send a check with your address and contact info to: SEVEN DAYS, C/O SUPER READERS P.O. BOX 1164 BURLINGTON, VT 05402-1164

For more information on making a financial contribution to Seven Days, please contact Gillian English: VOICEMAIL: 802-865-1020, EXT. 115 EMAIL: SUPERREADERS@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

news

MORE INSIDE

GUN GROUP FIRES OPENING SALVO PAGE 16

HOUSING

BIG WIN IN RECORDS CASE PAGE 20

FREE SPEECH DEBATE AT UVM PAGE 22

DARIA BISHOP

Burlington Suspends Rental Permit for Notorious Church Street Building STORY & PHOTO BY COURTNEY LAMDIN courtney@sevendaysvt.com

184 Church Street

From left: Ethan McCoski, Izzy Cline and Sarah Daluisio at the Sara Holbrook Teen Center

Rules of Reengagement

Chronic absenteeism in schools has soared. Getting students back takes teamwork. B Y A L ISON NOVAK • alison@sevendaysvt.com

n spring 2021, administrators at Hunt Middle School in Burlington reached out to staff at the Sara Holbrook Community Center for help. A year into the pandemic, students were still learning remotely half of the days. Around 20 middle schoolers weren’t showing up for in-person or online classes at all. Hunt administrators wondered whether Sara Holbrook had a van and a staff member who could accompany a school employee to try to get those students back to class. Sara Holbrook, a nonprofit that has offered afterschool and summer programs to Burlington youths since 1937, was willing to help. Each weekday morning, Sara Holbrook employee Ethan McCoski and Hunt behavior interventionist Tonya Desjardin would drive around Burlington — breakfast bags and encouraging notes in hand — and knock on students’ doors. At first, hardly 14

SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

any would answer, Desjardin remembered, so they would leave the items on the doorstep. The next day, the notes and food were always gone.

THEY GET THE CHANCE TO JUST BE THEMSELVES AND KNOW THEMSELVES, WHICH IS REALLY HARD IN MIDDLE SCHOOL. MEL ANE E AL E X AND E R

After a few weeks, kids started answering the door and getting in the van. But once the students arrived at Hunt, they had trouble adapting. Many had anxiety or lacked motivation; staff at Sara Holbrook

and Hunt agreed that these students needed a greater level of support. That prompted them to create a more formalized outreach program to help chronically absent students return to school. Several such programs in the state pair school districts and community organizations to address chronic absenteeism — an intractable problem that alreadyburdened school districts often struggle to address on their own. These initiatives aim to build relationships and trust with students and families, rather than blaming or punishing them. Middle schoolers in the Burlington program meet weekly with Sara Holbrook outreach staff, either one-on-one or in small groups, for cooking and science

EDUCATION

RULES OF REENGAGEMENT

» P.16

The Burlington Housing Board of Review took the unprecedented step last week of suspending the rental permit for one of the city’s most notorious apartment buildings after the landlords failed to address more than three dozen code violations at the property. The Handy family, which owns the 17-unit complex at 184 Church Street, is barred from renting out the building until September 5, 2024, the board’s December 12 order says. Existing tenants must be relocated on the Handys’ dime. The board also directed city officials to petition the Vermont Superior Court to appoint a temporary property manager after one of the owners, Joe Handy, testified that he wouldn’t “ever do anything” to repair the building if the city revoked his permit. The Handys narrowly avoided losing their rental permit in September by coming to a tentative agreement with the city that would have created a property management plan, including a timeline for relocating the tenants. Mayoral spokesperson Samantha Sheehan said in an email that the city “worked in good faith” with the Handys on the settlement until late October, when talks broke down. The crackdown, while focused on code violations, also sought to address public safety issues at the property, Mayor Miro Weinberger told Seven Days in September. The building, which Weinberger called “the most problematic in the city,” has racked up nearly 1,000 police calls in the past decade. Five siblings in the Handy family, one of the city’s largest landlords, have owned the building since 2005. Burlington officials began their investigation in June, after a routine inspection turned up 46 deficiencies in the building. Officials documented cracked walls, leaking and clogged sinks, electrical issues, and faulty fire extinguishers. When officials returned in August, the Handys had only replaced the fire extinguishers. Code enforcement director Bill Ward later testified that 184 Church is “one of the most egregious cases of neglect” he’d ever seen, the order says. ➆

Crisis Response

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Vermont lawmakers may have to meet growing problems with a shrinking budget in 2024 BY A NNE WA L L ACE ALLEN , KEVIN MCCALLU M & AL IS O N NO VAK

hen Vermont lawmakers return to the Statehouse next month, they’ll face a growing list of intractable problems — rising crime, more frequent floods and an acute housing shortage — with less cash to tackle them. Federal pandemic dollars have dried up, leading to an anticipated 5.5 percent drop in the state general fund — the first decline in more than a decade. The $2.1 billion in expected revenues would still exceed pre-pandemic levels, so budget drafters shouldn’t be hard up for cash. But lawmakers will have to tighten their belts at a time when the needs of the state are growing. “Producing a balanced budget may be a challenge this year,” deputy fiscal officer Emily Byrne told lawmakers earlier this month.

STATEHOUSE

WHILE THERE IS A LOT TO CELEBRATE,

THERE IS A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF WORK AHEAD.

H O U S E SPEAKER JILL KROWINSKI

Legislative leaders are nevertheless encouraging members to swing away at big issues this session, aware that challenges such as homelessness and opioid addiction are ravaging communities, generating disturbing headlines and rattling voters’ confidence. “While there is a lot to celebrate, there is a tremendous amount of work ahead to make Vermont a healthier and safer state,” House Speaker Jill Krowinski (D-Burlington) told fellow Democrats during their annual presession caucus in early December. Substantial, costly proposals such as universal paid family leave, long sought by Democrats, could be casualties. Krowinski said she plans to keep advocating for the policy, despite a voluntary alternative the governor has launched. But Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Baruth (D/P-Chittenden-Central) said he doesn’t see it going anywhere in the coming year.

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“We just don’t have the votes, the resources or the bandwidth for that,” Baruth said. What will they take up when the session starts in January? Seven Days talked to lawmakers about Vermont’s big issues. Here are seven they are likely to prioritize.

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AFTER THE FLOODS

Lawmakers will be reminded of the summer’s catastrophic flooding every time they walk past the remaining empty storefronts in hard-hit Montpelier. Several proposals for strengthening Vermont’s flood resilience are expected to get attention in January. “What really worries me is the next flood,” said Rep. Marc Mihaly (D-Calais), whose community sustained heavy damage. One area of concern: dams. A brigade of community members in Calais used cinder blocks and tarps to prevent Curtis Pond Dam from failing. At the height of the flooding, the waters nearly topped the almost 100-year-old Wrightsville Dam, which would have inundated the alreadysoaked state capital. Mihaly will propose better dam regulation. Today, a patchwork of entities oversees Vermont’s 1,200 dams. He wants to strengthen the Dam Safety Program within the Department of Environmental Conservation and have it regulate all dams. “They’re good,” Mihaly said of the DEC staffers. “But they don’t have enough engineers.” Mihaly said it’s not clear whether all of Vermont’s dams can handle the heavy rainstorms, such as this week’s, that have become more common. About 10 miles east of Calais is the earthen No. 6 Marshfield dam, which holds back a 400-acre reservoir. Built in 1927, the dam is part of a hydroelectric facility owned by Green Mountain Power. “If they had to open the floodgates or, God forbid, that earthen dam was overtopped, Marshfield village would be underwater in two or three minutes,” Mihaly said. “Plainfield would be underwater in less than an hour; those villages CRISIS RESPONSE

» P.18

Say you saw it in...

sevendaysvt.com SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

news « P.14

Gun Group Sues Over New Waiting-Period Law B Y D E RE K B RO U W E R derek@sevendaysvt.com © DAVE NELSON / DREAMSTIME.COM

Another Vermont gun law, another legal battle. The Vermont Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs is taking aim at a newly enacted gun-safety measure that imposes a 72-hour waiting period on most firearm purchases. The group filed a lawsuit on Monday in federal court in Burlington, contending that the new law, Act 45, violates the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Democrats at the Statehouse voted overwhelmingly to pass the bill in May. Proponents pitched the waiting period, as well as provisions that require safe storage and expand the existing “red flag law,” as ways of reducing the state’s high suicide rate. In June, Gov. Phil Scott, a Republican, allowed the bill to become law without his signature while suggesting it might not pass constitutional muster. The sportsmen’s federation is joined in its lawsuit by gun shops Powderhorn Outdoor Sports Center and Black Dog Shooting Supplies, Vermont GOP chair Paul Dame, and Vermont Women’s Shooting Association founder Marsha Thompson. The waiting period hurts gun shop sales by discouraging “spontaneous purchases,” the 50-page complaint contends. But discouraging “spontaneous purchases” is exactly how waiting periods can save lives, advocates say. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Alyssa Black (D-Essex), pushed for the law after her 23-year-old son bought a gun and fatally shot himself just hours later. Vermont is one of 11 states that impose a gun-purchase waiting period, according to Everytown for Gun Safety. The lawsuit also renews a challenge to the state’s ban on high-capacity magazines. The Vermont Supreme Court has already upheld the 2018 law. The sportsmen’s federation is now challenging it under federal law. “We look forward to defending this lawsuit for Vermont,” a spokesperson for Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark said. ➆

PHOTOS: DARIA BISHOP

Rules of Reengagement

COURTS

SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

projects, snowboarding and mountain biking, and field trips to fishing holes and nature trails. The quality time helps students strengthen their social-emotional skills and build positive relationships with adults. Now in its third year, the program serves around two dozen students annually. Last school year, it led to improved attendance for 92 percent of participants, according to data from Sara Holbrook. Hunt principal Melanee Alexander said she initially was skeptical of a program that sends students off campus for several hours each week. But she’s come to see the many ways it benefits kids. “They get the chance to just be themselves and know themselves, which is really hard in middle school,” Alexander said. They get “to work with a trusted adult, someone outside of the school, which is also really important.” Absenteeism is a national problem that worsened during the pandemic. A recent Stanford University study found that chronic absenteeism in U.S. public schools nearly doubled between the 2018-19 school year and 2021-22. Missing school regularly doesn’t just hurt academic achievement; kids who are absent a lot are more likely to drop out and to get ensnared in the criminal justice system. Children living in poverty are two to three times more likely to be chronically absent, according to national nonprofit Attendance Works. At Hunt, one of two middle schools in the Burlington School District, the rate of chronic absenteeism — defined as missing at least 10 percent of days in a school year — rose from 15 percent during the 2018-19 school year to around 34 percent three years later, district data show. In 2022-23, it decreased slightly, to 29 percent. Desjardin, the Hunt behavior interventionist, said working with Sara Holbrook means there’s another set of eyes on kids who might otherwise go unnoticed. Since the program started, Desjardin said, she’s seen many success stories, from one student who’s learned to better manage their anger to another who not only returned to school but also became passionate about snowboarding. Desjardin, though, worries about the students. The program is only for middle schoolers, meaning that they won’t have the same support once they get to high school. Sara Holbrook’s director of development, Sarah Daluisio, said the center would love to expand the program — which costs around $130,000 annually — but lacks the

Sara Holbrook Teen Center

Izzy Cline

money. The district has declined to chip in so far, Daluisio said, so the nonprofit has applied for several grants. For now, Sara Holbrook is doing what it can with limited resources. Izzy Cline, a recent University of Vermont graduate, starting working at the program two years ago through a senior-year internship. As part of her coursework, she designed assessments to gather student feedback about the program. Now Cline runs it, spending four days a week working with students, both individually and in groups of four to six, during the school day. Sometimes she takes them to the teen center, a large room with hot-air balloons painted on the wall at the Robert Miller

Community and Recreation Center, conveniently located next door to Hunt. There’s Ping-Pong, pool and foosball tables, crafting supplies, and a basketball court. Other times, Cline takes students to discover spots such as Rock Point and the Colchester Causeway. Because students look forward to their time with Cline, the school can use it as a negotiating tool: If kids successfully make it through classes during the first half of the week, for example, they get to spend time with Cline. On Mondays and Fridays, students in the program can also go to Sara Holbrook’s teen center for its afterschool program for middle schoolers, which

THEY DON’T BELIEVE THEY’LL EVER BE A KID WHO EXCELS. THEY DON’T FEEL LIKE THEY’RE SMART. IZ ZY CLIN E

Cline said many of the students lack self-esteem and self-efficacy. “They don’t believe they’ll ever be a kid who excels,” she said. “They don’t feel like they’re smart.” One of her roles is to help them build their confidence. The Burlington program shares similarities with one the Lamoille Restorative Center in Hyde Park has run since the 1990s. The scope of that program has expanded since the pandemic, thanks to an influx of federal COVID-19 relief money,

though that is now dwindling. The center’s executive director, Heather Hobart, said its program is the largest targeting chronic absenteeism in the state. Currently, the nonprofit works with 20 schools in three supervisory unions: Lamoille North, Lamoille South and Orleans Southwest. Each district pitches in around $125,000 annually so the center can hire student engagement specialists — one per supervisory union — who help get chronically absent students back to class. They use different strategies: visiting students’ homes to discuss why they aren’t coming to school, working with school nurses to address health-related absenteeism, and making referrals to mental health and social service agencies. The program served 130 students last school year — half in elementary school and half in middle and high school. Eighty-eight percent of them took concrete steps to attend school more regularly, such as making a reentry plan or joining extracurricular activities. “Many times, it’s a several-months process,” program director Bobby Blanchard-Lewis said, “because some of the kids we’re working with have missed lots and lots of school.” One of the key tenets of the program is to refrain from shaming students and families for missing school and emphasizing that it’s not their responsibility alone to solve the problem. A softer touch makes families less defensive and more willing to be part of the solution, Blanchard-Lewis said. “We want to have an educated citizenry,” she said. “It’s a community-wide benefit when kids go to school.” ➆

DEVELOPMENT

UVM Strikes Deal That Could House More Students on Campus B Y CO U RTN EY L AM D IN • courtney@sevendaysvt.com

After years of stalled talks, the University of Vermont has a tentative new agreement with the City of Burlington to build more student housing if its enrollment continues to grow. A draft memorandum of understanding says UVM will build 1.5 beds for every undergraduate in excess of its fall 2023 enrollment of 11,614. In exchange, the city will modify zoning for three UVM-owned parcels — 280 East Avenue, the Waterman Block on South Prospect Street and Trinity Campus on Colchester Avenue — allowing it to build up to 1,500 new beds, the agreement says. The deal would expire in 2028 and is subject to a council vote, planned for early next year. But it’s no sure thing: Councilors raised numerous concerns with the proposal at a meeting on Monday night. If approved, the agreement would be the first between the city and school in four years. Since then, fall undergrad enrollment has grown by more than 900 students, university data show. Notably, the deal doesn’t change UVM’s long-standing policy to house only firstyear and sophomore students on campus — meaning that while UVM has agreed to build more housing if it enrolls more students, it hasn’t agreed to house those students all four years. Those additional students could eventually seek off-campus housing, which is already in short supply. Councilors cited those concerns in February, when UVM requested a zoning change to build 400 undergrad and 120 graduate beds at Trinity Campus. At the time, UVM officials said they didn’t want to grow enrollment, but the council nonetheless tabled the proposal.

FILE: JAMES BUCK

offers hands-on projects, homework help and a hot meal. Around 35 students attend each session. At 23 years old, Cline thinks her youth helps her connect with the students. She understands things such as phones and social media in a way that some teachers might not. Students praised the program in an anonymous survey last year. “At school, they hear us talk but they don’t understand,” one wrote, “but here, you do.” “It’s a safe place,” wrote another. “I don’t have to worry when I’m with Izzy. I can just be me.”

UVM campus

The proposed agreement says UVM aims to enroll about 3,000 first-year students every fall; this year, that number was 2,896, up from 2,636 in 2019. The agreement also says UVM will provide the city with an enrollment report every year. The city zoning change would allow buildings up to 80 feet tall, compared to the 35-foot height limit in place now. On Monday night, UVM chief financial officer Richard Cate said the new units at Trinity, Waterman and East Avenue would be apartment-style units designed for juniors and seniors. But councilors weren’t assuaged, especially when Cate wouldn’t commit to including that language in the memorandum of understanding. “The goal and target group is juniors and seniors, but it’s not an exact science,” Cate said of filling the rooms. Councilor Tim Doherty (D-East District) urged Cate to add specific language about who would live in the new buildings. Having more students ultimately spill into city neighborhoods would worsen “a situation that really cannot be worsened any more,” Doherty said. “We cannot afford to have a tighter, less elastic housing market at this point,” he added. ➆

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news would be destroyed. And flooding would be pretty bad in Montpelier.” The flooding in the Capital City was bad enough, even though the dams held. Then, much of the recovery work was left to business owners and volunteers who cleared storm debris downtown, Rep. Conor Casey (D-Montpelier) said. He thinks the state needs to provide more cash for cleanup and have better protocols for responding to extreme events. He plans to introduce legislation to that effect. “What was happening on the ground was nothing short of chaos,” Casey said. “The state was fairly absent. There were press conferences, but that’s no good when you have no power in town. Let’s get some systems in place.” Casey also wants to pass a bill that would require landlords to divulge a home’s flood history to prospective tenants. “People need to know what they’re getting into when they move into some of these communities,” he said. A.W.A.

LAYING A FOUNDATION

SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

“We can’t abandon our downtowns,” he said. “We have to think more comprehensively than that. In some cases, that will mean building buildings that are flood-proof.” Four far-ranging studies due to the legislature before the session should inform the housing conversation. Ted Brady, the executive director of the Vermont League of Cities & Towns, said municipalities have been working overtime this year to change their zoning bylaws to comply with Act 47. Now, he said, the focus should move to state regulations. “The legislature passed the buck on state responsibility and put it on the municipalities last year,” Brady said. “I hope those four studies are zeroing in on recommendations for what to change at the state level.”

and families with children — were allowed to stay through the winter. Since July, state social workers have helped about 200 of those people find other housing. But as the state increasingly relies on the motel program for its original purpose — housing people during the coldest months — the number of these motel residents is expected to swell to 1,500 this winter, at a cost of $50 million. The Scott administration is looking to open several new emergency shelters to address the need, but it’s not clear they’ll be ready by April 1. And advocates argue that such spaces are not a long-term solution; they’re calling for additional permanent, affordable housing development. Lawmakers will be under pressure to act, and quickly. K .M.

A. W. A.

MASS EVICTIONS?

The state has a more immediate problem that stems from the housing crisis: rising homelessness. The problem has been all too evident in places such as Burlington, where people have pitched tents in parks and along busy roads. With the pandemic in the rearview, related programs to prevent evictions and shore up housing are disappearing, which will likely worsen matters. Case in point: A scaled-down version of the pandemic-era program that housed homeless people in motels at the state’s expense is still operating but will shut down on April 1. Last session, a large contingent of lawmakers and Gov. Scott sought to end the program, which they said was not sustainable without federal pandemic dollars. But a group of progressive lawmakers balked at the plan and even threatened to hold up the state budget until the pending evictions were halted. In the end, about 760 able-bodied people were kicked to the curb, while about 1,300 people considered more vulnerable — the elderly, disabled folks

JUSTICE DELAYED

Lawmakers say they have a plan to crack down on rising crime by ensuring defendants face the consequences more quickly. A deep court backlog, judicial vacancies and a budget crunch all contribute to long delays between the time when people are charged with crimes and when their cases are resolved, said Rep. Martin LaLonde (D-South Burlington), who chairs the House Judiciary Committee. Some people are released back into the community while their case is pending only to reoffend, LaLonde said. Law enforcement and community leaders have expressed concern that this is a particular problem with shoplifters. One potential remedy could be to consolidate misdemeanor retail theft charges as a felony if the total value of stolen goods exceeds $900. Prosecutors and courts tend to handle felony cases more swiftly, he said. LaLonde also wants to pursue other strategies to clear the backlog, including boosting budgets for courts, prosecutors and public defenders, whose offices have difficulty recruiting staff. And he thinks the state could speed up judicial

appointments if it broadened eligibility for applicants. Today, one superior court judgeship is open, but it took the Scott administration months to fill multiple openings this year. A bill to bulk up diversion programs that keep people out of court in the first place is also likely to move forward. Another measure, which would seal more criminal records for defendants who stay out of trouble, could give them an incentive not to reoffend, LaLonde said. Krowinski, the House speaker, said the suite of bills addressing crime is a high priority this session. But she cautioned: “There is not one policy that’s going to magically solve the challenge that we have, because it’s complex.” K .M.

TOXIC EXPENSE

On the education front, figuring out how to fix the state’s aging school buildings remains a priority. Since 2007, Vermont hasn’t provided construction aid to local districts, which has led to deferred projects and maintenance. A recently completed facilities assessment commissioned by the legislature shows that needed upgrades would cost a jaw-dropping $8.3 billion over 21 years, which translates to roughly $393 million annually. A school construction aid task force, made up of legislators and state officials including Treasurer Mike Pieciak, has met regularly since the summer and is expected to lay out possible financing mechanisms. Complicating matters is Vermont’s mandatory, first-in-the-nation PCB school testing program. In 2021, legislators allocated $4.5 million to test all public and independent schools for PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls — harmful chemical compounds used in building materials before they were outlawed in 1979. In 2022, Vermont lawmakers set aside $32 million to remediate the problems that testing finds. But last legislative session, FILE: SEAN METCALF

A law approved earlier this year known as Act 47 requires cities and towns to revise zoning regulations to make it easier to build housing. This winter, lawmakers will continue to make housing a priority with yet another push to change Act 250, Vermont’s land-use law. Housing remains in critically short supply despite years of state investment and work to encourage development, particularly for low- and middle-income Vermonters. Housing advocates have long said Act 250 needs to be updated to allow more development, but they’ve been unable to reach agreement with environmental groups that want to preserve its protections. Rep. Seth Bongartz (D-Manchester) said he’s been working for months on a wide-ranging housing bill — that includes changes to Act 250 — with Rep. Amy Sheldon (D-Middlebury), chair of the House Committee on Environment and Energy and a longtime ally of environmental advocates. The next round of housing proposals, Bongartz said, will reflect that collaboration. “It’s about making it easier to get housing built in the right places, under the right circumstances,” he said. The right places include areas with water and sewer infrastructure, such as village centers. In the wake of this year’s devastating rainfall, flood risk — which is greater in village centers along rivers — will play a central role in the discussion, too. But that doesn’t mean dropping the push for downtown development, Bongartz said.

Crisis Response « P.15

FILE: SEAN METCALF

they decided that $16 million of it would go to remediating PCBs at Burlington High School, leaving what many believe is inadequate funding for other schools. The House Education Committee voted in the spring to pause the PCB testing program, but the Scott administration and Senate shut down that plan. Rep. Peter Conlon (D-Cornwall), the committee chair, said he plans to seek testimony from state officials early in the session about the estimated cost of the PCB testing and remediation — and how the governor suggests paying for it. A.N.

STILL HOOKED

A record number of people died in Vermont last year from drug overdoses, and 2023 is on track to be comparable — or worse. One potential strategy to save lives is creating overdose prevention sites where people could safely use illicit drugs in a monitored setting. Gov. Scott has opposed this; he vetoed a bill to study the issue. But lawmakers are convinced they need to at least create the framework to allow such sites to open. An expected bill would instruct the

Department of Health to come up with operating guidelines. Sites would be equipped to help people use safely but would not provide drugs, Rep. Theresa Wood (D-Waterbury) told colleagues earlier this month. Sites would also offer medical services, something that is vital due to the increasingly dangerous drug supply. Funding could come from new fees on pharmaceuticals and from Vermont’s opioid settlement fund, which has about $5 million on hand today. More than $8 million was allocated last year toward

addressing the crisis, including by expanding access to treatment.

K .M.

NEW CLIMATE URGENCY

The impacts of climate change hit home for Vermonters over the summer when floods inundated downtowns, wildfire smoke darkened skies and algae blooms choked waterways. Lawmakers plan to push several climate-related bills. They want to require more clean energy use, conserve more natural areas and make big oil companies pay for the damage that fossil fuels have caused. The biggest and most complex of those efforts involves updating the state’s Renewable Energy Standard. A 20-member working group has been grappling for months with the question of how much and what kind of renewable energy the state should require electric utilities to generate or purchase. Vermont is currently on track to get 75 percent of its power from renewable sources by 2032, but many lawmakers and advocates want that increased to 100 percent — and more quickly.

When and how to get there has been a subject of fierce debate within the working group. Advocates are pressing for more aggressive renewable energy requirements, while some utilities resist a rapid transition, citing costs and technical challenges. The group supports a draft bill that would require 100 percent renewable energy by 2030. It has also embraced doubling the amount that must be produced in-state, to 20 percent by 2032. But significant disagreement remains about what kind of energy should be considered renewable. A controversial push to disqualify biomass failed to gain traction but will undoubtedly pick up when lawmakers dig into the issue. Burlington relies on burning wood chips by the ton to generate electricity. Making “Big Oil” pay for climate change-related damage is another key prong of lawmakers’ strategy this session, though how they go about it remains to be seen. Any such move would undoubtedly face a court challenge, so the trick is to figure out how to make the highly profitable corporations pay, Senate President Pro Tem Baruth said. K .M.

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SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

9/20/23 4:16 PM

news

Documents Debate

A judge’s decision to release restraint and seclusion forms could open up more educational records to the public B Y A L ISON NOVAK • alison@sevendaysvt.com ANDREW MULHEARN

Vermont judge has ordered a Rutland-area school district to release documents related to its use of restraint and seclusion of students. If upheld, the ruling could have broad implications for the types of school records that are available for public scrutiny. The Slate Valley Unified School District board voted last week to appeal the December 4 decision handed down by retired Superior Court Judge Mary Miles Teachout, who was specially assigned to the case. The ruling stems from a lawsuit filed by school board member Curtis Hier, who has rankled administrators and fellow board members for months with a deluge of Freedom of Information Act requests, calls for an investigation of the superintendent and adversarial Facebook posts. Hier, a former high school teacher in the district who is representing himself in the suit, said he requested the restraint and seclusion forms in September after parents, former employees and current staffers told him that children had been mistreated. Former special educator Jami Sherwood, for one, told Seven Days that she resigned several years ago from Fair Haven Grade School after witnessing a teacher use her nails to claw a student’s hands off a tricycle. Another time, Sherwood said, a child was secluded in a padded room for hours. Hier’s lawsuit sought the release of what are known as 4500 forms dating back to 2015. The forms refer to State Board of Education Rule 4500, which says restraint — or holding a student to restrict their movement — and seclusion — placing a student in a space from which they are prevented from leaving — should be used only when students pose a danger to themselves or others. Under state law, school districts must document the incidents on forms that include the student’s name, the type of restraint or seclusion employed, the reason for its use, and a description of the “behavioral interventions” tried before resorting to either. Hier initially requested the forms during the summer through several public record requests, but the school district denied them. Judge Teachout’s ruling calls on the district to release all Rule 4500 forms

EDUCATION

SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

from January to April 2021, any from between 2015 and 2021 in which the “Blue Room” or a “calm down space” is mentioned, and any concerning a specific special-education teacher in the district. Student names, ages, gender and other identifying information must be redacted before the documents are released, the order says, as do students’ special-education status and other information regarding behavioral or education support plans. In her ruling, Teachout rejected the school district’s position that the restraint and seclusion forms are student records and therefore exempt from disclosure. “Without access to the only government records documenting compliance with its detailed policy on the use of restraint and seclusion in schools, the public has no access to information collected by the government on whether

Rule 4500 policy is actually being responsibly implemented,” Teachout wrote. Hier said last week that he was “not completely satisfied” with Teachout’s order because he believes that “there is significant public interest in knowing what percentage of students who are restrained and secluded have disabilities,” information that the judge said should be redacted. Hier said he was considering filing his own appeal. In an email last week, Slate Valley superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell wrote that she believed the forms are student records and should not be publicly disclosed. Olsen-Farrell added that she was concerned the judge’s ruling could open the door to requests for student report cards; Title IX investigations; hazing, harassment and bullying investigations; and disciplinary records. “This is deeply concerning as we consider the rights of students,” OlsenFarrell said.

The Vermont Agency of Education has similar concerns. The agency insists the forms are protected by the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, more commonly known as FERPA. “Rule 4500 reports frequently contain sensitive information about student behavior that should never be disclosed for public consumption,” the agency’s general counsel, Emily Simmons, said in a written statement to Seven Days. “In school communities, enough information may be generally known about students, particularly students with the most significant disabilities, that would enable members of that school community to identify a student from one of these reports, even when the student’s personally identifiable information is redacted.” Simmons wrote that the agency is “concerned that this decision will place Vermont school districts in an untenable conflict between federal requirements

RUDOLPH’S FAVORITE STOP

and the court’s interpretation of state law in this case.” Justin Silverman, executive director of the New England First Amendment Coalition, which advocates for government transparency, disagreed. He said the judge’s ruling “does a good job of balancing the public’s interest and transparency with protecting the privacy rights of these students.” He questioned whether it was necessary to redact information about students’ special education, academic or behavioral plans, as the judge specified; his rationale echoes Hier’s. “I think it’s very important for the public to know not only when and how these restraint and seclusion policies are being implemented but if they’re being implemented perhaps disproportionately against those students,” Silverman said. Asked if the ruling could have broader implications for other types of schoolrelated records, Silverman said there’s little state case law addressing that question. “But what this decision does is make very clear that in the case of student records, you can’t have a school claim that certain documents are wholly exempt from the public records law just because they fall into one particular category of exemptions,” Silverman said. The release of restraint and seclusion documents varies from state to state. In Illinois, for example, such forms were the basis of a 2019 ProPublicaChicago Tribune exposé. The reporting convinced Illinois officials to halt the use of isolated time-outs — those in which a supervising adult is not in the time-out room — and, later, pass a law curtailing the use of seclusion in public schools. The state also banned prone, or face-down, restraint — a practice that is legal in Vermont. Seven Days wrote about the issue as part of a cover story in May. Restraint and seclusion had gained fresh attention in Vermont after Brian Dalla Mura, then a special educator in the Harwood Unified Union School District, raised concerns about the practices in his district. Administrators ultimately changed their protocols. In an interview last week, Dalla Mura said the forms, properly redacted, could help reveal whether the educational system is handling students’ mental health and behavioral issues effectively.

He also believes the documents could give lawmakers more insight into when and why the practices are being used. H.409, a bill that would curtail restraint and seclusion, was introduced in the last legislative session and may be taken up again in 2024. Slate Valley school board chair Tim Smith said administrators have assured the board that the district follows state law when it comes to the restraint and seclusion of students. He said he believes Hier’s actions are harming the school district’s reputation and that addressing Hier’s behavior is taking up time school administrators and board members could use to do more substantive work.

[THE RULING] DOES A GOOD JOB OF BALANCING THE PUBLIC’S INTEREST AND TRANSPARENCY WITH

PROTECTING THE PRIVACY RIGHTS OF THESE STUDENTS. J U S TIN S ILVE R MAN

Smith, who was once Hier’s student, said he believes that Hier had some valid concerns about the district but feels his aggressive approach is “completely wrong.” In a Facebook post last month, Hier wrote that Smith “lacks the class, the maturity, the temperament and the objectivity” to be school board chair. Hier, who was elected to the 15-member school board in March, isn’t just interested in the restraint and seclusion records. He’s used public records law to obtain disciplinary letters, emails, texts and phone records of school staff. And he is regularly critical of the district on Facebook. Hier has mounted legal challenges to school policies as far back as 2009. That year, he sued his employer, the Fair Haven School District — which later became part of Slate Valley Unified School District — because he wanted the

school board to stop paying dues to the Vermont School Boards Association for lobbying. The case was dismissed. More recently, in July, he filed a complaint with the Agency of Education against superintendent Olsen-Farrell 8 SO. MAIN STREET, related to her handling of personnel ST. ALBANS issues. The agency declined to pursue it. 524-3769 The school district has attempted to push back. At a July 19 executive RAILCITYMARKETVT.COM committee meeting, according to meeting notes, board members and administrators discussed various ways12v-railcity122023.indd 1 12/11/23 2:59 PM they could respond to Hier’s behavior, including formally requesting his personal texts, phone calls, emails and personnel file. In August, the Slate Valley school board passed several resolutions aimed at Hier, including one that said he violated the board’s code of ethics by using social media to express negative views about the district. Another called for his resignation. In November, Olsen-Farrell filed a request for a no-stalking order against Award-Winning Independent him. Superior Court Judge H. Dickson Bottler of American Whiskey Corbett denied it due to lack of evidence. Hier told Seven Days that OlsenFarrell’s stalking allegation was “a 2023 bridge too far.” Drinks Innovators On November 30, Hier, who now works as an independent college admissions counselor, filed a separate lawsuit, this one against the superintendent, the school board chair and the school district, again acting as his own attorney. He is suing on six counts: abuse of process, malicious prosecution, tortious interference with prospective economic advantage, defamation by implication, Explore whiskies from across civil conspiracy and assault on free the United States! speech. Whiskey flights, bottle sales, and Hier’s suit alleges that the defendants’ actions have caused him special holiday bundles available “economic and reputational damages.” He alleges that Olsen-Farrell’s attempt Hours: to get a no-stalking order was made “with the ulterior motive of humiliatFridays 2-8pm ing Hier and serving notice to Hier that Saturdays 12-6pm he had better stop criticizing her job performance.” 11 Main St, Vergennes, VT He’s had the most luck with his restraint and seclusion lawsuit. But because of the district’s planned appeal, Hier will need the Vermont Supreme lostlanternwhiskey.com Court to rule in his favor before he can see the documents that he sued over. @lostlantern_vt Hier said he will seek legal assistance @lostlanternwhiskey for Supreme Court arguments. ➆

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news

Speech Impediment

Records show UVM professors questioned decision to nix Palestinian writer’s campus appearance STORY & P H O TO S BY R AC H E L H E L L MAN • rhellman@sevendaysvt.com

n October 21, just two weeks after the attacks on Israel by Hamas, the University of Vermont canceled a long-scheduled lecture by a prominent Palestinian poet and journalist, citing vague concerns about safety. Emails obtained by Seven Days through the open records law, as well as subsequent reporting, reveal there were no threats related to the event. They further show that the decision led professors to worry that UVM was stifling speech over contested issues. UVM’s Division of Safety and Compliance abruptly canceled the lecture on a Saturday, saying it could not provide adequate “safety and security.” The records show that organizers asked what those safety issues were. They say their question went unanswered for weeks. The university appears to be struggling to mitigate fears of antisemitism on campus while upholding free speech and academic freedom. UVM was one of the schools mentioned in a New York Times story on Sunday headlined “Campus Crackdowns Have Chilling Effect on ProPalestinian Speech.” “The cancellation sends a message to students that the university is not a safe place for open dialogue about controversial issues,” Jennifer Strickler, chair of the Department of Sociology, one of the cosponsors of the lecture, told Seven Days. The event had been organized more than a year ago by the Will Miller Social Justice Lecture Series, named for the late philosophy professor and activist. It brings speakers to UVM to provide “radical analyses of social, ecological and political concerns,” according to willmiller.org. While the series is not directly affiliated with UVM, the lecture was cosponsored by the sociology and English departments. The series had invited Mohammed El-Kurd, a Palestinian poet and correspondent for the Nation, to speak on October 26 at UVM’s Davis Center about “representation and misrepresentation of Palestinians in the U.S.,” according to an event description. Prior to the lecture, some students and alumni had reached out to event organizers with concerns that El-Kurd had used antisemitic language in the past. The Anti-Defamation League, which tracks antisemitism, describes 22

SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

HIGHER EDUCATION

Protesters on the UVM campus

El-Kurd on its website as displaying a “troubling pattern of rhetoric and slander that ranges far beyond reasoned criticism of Israel.” Attempts to contact El-Kurd were not successful. “The sponsors took the charge very seriously,” said Helen Scott, a professor of English and board member of the Will Miller Lecture Series. “We reviewed his poetry, his public speeches and anything else that had been used as evidence of his antisemitism, and we rejected those charges. All of the sponsors held firm to their sponsorship.” Strickler met in person with four Jewish students who had reached out about the event. As a result, the organizers asked a faculty member to moderate the lecture, and they sought guidance from Michael Schirling, chief safety and compliance officer for the university. College of Arts and Sciences dean William Falls told organizers he was

“getting a lot of feedback and concern from both sides” and noted in a separate message that he was fielding questions about the event from UVM’s provost, Patricia Prelock. “I support your freedom to host Mohammad El-Kurd,” Falls wrote to organizers, but he went on to express “deep concerns about our community, particularly the impact this will have on our students, Jewish, nonJewish, pro-Israel, and pro-Palestine, and I question whether your academic goals can truly be achieved at this moment in time.” On October 20, less than a week before the scheduled lecture, Falls went so far as to assure event organizers that he had heard nothing from higher-ups about canceling it. “At the time, we were seeing other campuses shutting down Palestinian related events,” Scott said. “I thought, What a wonderful opportunity for the University of Vermont to set a different

example and actually stand up for free speech.” But the next day, the university’s Division of Safety and Compliance canceled the lecture via email, which organizers shared with Seven Days: “It is our judgment, based on global, national, and local events, that we cannot adequately provide safety and security for this event as it is currently planned. The university has attempted to work with you to reschedule the event for a later date but you were unable or unwilling to reschedule.” (The decision preceded the shooting of three Palestinian men near the UVM campus on November 26. Authorities say they are investigating whether the shooting, which the men survived, was a hate crime.) In response to the cancellation notice, Strickler penned a letter to the Division of Safety and Compliance, copying UVM president Suresh Garimella, asking what

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OPEN DIALOGUE ABOUT CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES. J EN NIFER STRICKLER

safety concerns existed and arguing that “a college campus is EXACTLY where controversial speakers should be welcome, giving students experience and role modeling in rational, reasoned, respectful discussion.” Strickler said she received no response. “It sent a chilling message to students on campus that Palestinian people speaking for the rights of Palestinians are not welcome,” Strickler said in an interview. Following the cancellation, students marched to the president’s office and house chanting, “Let him speak!” The Champlain Valley Democratic Socialists of America collected more than 1,800 signatures supporting the lecture. Event organizers moved El-Kurd’s lecture online. Seven Days filed a request for emails about the event on October 27. At 4:15 p.m. last Friday, which was also the last day of the exam period for students, the university turned over records, some of which were heavily redacted. While we were waiting: On November 27, more than a month after the lecture, the vice president for legal affairs and general counsel for the university, Trenten Klingerman, spoke to the Faculty Senate for the first time regarding the cancellation, Strickler said. Strickler later emailed additional questions to

Klingerman and shared his answers with Seven Days. In response to her question about whose safety had been at issue, Klingerman replied: “the campus speaker,” though he acknowledged UVM knew of no threats. Asked by Strickler about the effect of the cancellation on campus culture, Klingerman replied: “I don’t want to foster a climate at UVM that is biased against particular viewpoints. I want to foster a climate that is open to all viewpoints.” Strickler believes that the university has violated its own policy about campus speakers, which states that “cancellation of an event should be an option of last resort, and the decision shall rest with the president or the president’s designee.” Scott and Strickler said they are working with students and facilities to hold the university to account. But the episode has left them disturbed and worried about the future of free speech at UVM. “I don’t know what reason they had to believe that anybody would be in danger after the speech,” Strickler said. “The cancellation has a silencing effect on the dialogue that our society so desperately needs right now.” Offered an opportunity to comment on Strickler’s assessment on Tuesday, Adam White, executive director of university communications, did not respond. ➆

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THE CANCELLATION SENDS A MESSAGE TO STUDENTS THAT THE UNIVERSITY IS NOT A SAFE PLACE FOR

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SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

12/19/23 6:50 PM

lifelines

OBITUARIES, VOWS, CELEBRATIONS

OBITUARIES Shirley Kay Wolfe

FEBRUARY 3, 1941-AUGUST 25, 2023 SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT. Shirley Kay Wolfe, 82, a resident of South Burlington, Vt., died on August 25, 2023. She was diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease on June 29 at the University of Vermont Medical Center. On July 11, she was relocated to Bridges by EPOCH assistedliving memory care facility in Nashua, N.H., to be near her daughter and family. She passed away with her daughter by her side. She was born on February 3, 1941, in Chambersburg, Pa., the eldest daughter of Daniel Eugene Wolfe and Mary (Betty) Suffecool Wolfe. Her maternal grandparents, John Calvin and Ivy Suffecool, were very important in her young years, especially her grandmother, Ivy Kate Scott Suffecool. She grew up in the small town of Mercersburg, Pa., and, graduated from James Buchanan Junior-Senior High School in 1959. In 1963, she graduated from Catawba College in Salisbury, N.C., with a BA in English and history. While at Catawba, she was active in drama and received the 1961 Sidney Blackmer Onstage Award. In 1963, she was elected to Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. She received a BS in business administration from Trinity College in Burlington, Vt., in 1983 and an MSA in business administration from Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, Vt., in 1998. In June 1964, she married William C. Knoff. They lived in Massachusetts, Ohio and New York and moved to Vermont in 1975. They had a daughter, Tonya. They later divorced. In January 1983, Shirley married Roy Neuer at the First Unitarian Universalist Society in Burlington, Vt., and enjoyed many lively years of friendship and love with him until his death on December 27, 2021. Shirley taught junior high and high school English in Freehold, N.J.; Springfield, Mass.; and West Toledo, Ohio. She was a substitute teacher and worked in a junior high resource room in Rome, N.Y. After arriving in Vermont, she worked as a substitute teacher in Burlington area schools. Later, she worked at Timberlane Dental Group in several office jobs. From 1985 to 1999, she worked with the Rural Education Center on the Migrant Education Program federal grant in several capacities, ending as assistant director. During that time,

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the Rural Education Center became part of UVM. From 1999 to 2002, she worked as financial manager for the University of Vermont Center for Health & Wellbeing. She retired from UVM in September 2002. Shirley is survived by her daughter, Tonya Oesterle, and her husband, Dwight, and their children, Nathan and his wife, Gracelyn “Gracie” Hannabach, of Westford, Mass., and Jessica of Milford, N.H. She is also survived by her stepson, David Neuer, and his children, Asa, Beck and Emilia of Pittsburgh, Pa.; her sister, Linda Dehart, and her husband, Larry, of Chambersburg, Pa.; her brother, James Wolfe, and his wife, Carol, of Mercersburg, Pa.; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents in 1994 and 1997; her husband, Roy Neuer, in 2021; and her stepdaughter, Diane Neuer, in 1997. Longtime friends included Steve and Mary Silverman, Richard Aiken, Glenn and Annie Moody, Peter Burrage and Susan Hartman, and Frank Gibny and Diane Muhr, all of the Burlington area; as well as Jim and Liv Seemann of Nevada, Lynda Pound of Pennsylvania, and members of the Silver Spokes bike group. Shirley was a member of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington, Vt., and at various times was very active in church activities. Shirley loved the outdoors, sunshine and travel. She always said she was very privileged to be able to visit so many wonderful countries and parts of the U.S. and to meet wonderful people. She biked, walked and hiked. She was especially proud to be part of the Silver Spokes bicycle group of the Burlington area, which bikes in Vermont, New York and Canada. From 2003 onward, Shirley and Roy enjoyed bicycle trips and adventures in the Netherlands, France, Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Denmark, Austria, Slovenia and Italy, as well as in the United States and Canada. She also enjoyed photography, reading and flower gardening and was a “white knuckle” sailor. Most importantly, she was a lifelong learner. A special thanks to McClure 5 at the University of Vermont Medical Center and Bridges assisted living for their care, love and support. A memorial service will be held in spring 2024 in Burlington. Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made to COTS (cotsonline. org) and the food bank.

Carol W. Echo MAY 22, 1939DECEMBER 10, 2023 WILLISTON, VT.

Carol W. Echo, 84, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at the McClure Miller Respite House, with her family by her side. Carol was born on May 22, 1939, the first daughter of Raoul and Lucille West. She attended Johnson primary and high schools and upon graduation moved to Burlington, Vt., to attend Champlain College, where she earned her associate’s degree in secretarial sciences. While at Champlain, she met her husband, Curtis, and was immediately smitten by his good looks and charisma. Curt and Carol were married on February 7, 1959, and in the following nine years had four cherished children, Curtis III, Candace, Caren and Christopher. Carol’s primary focus was her husband and her children, along with her parents, siblings and in-laws. Later in life, she considered herself blessed to have nine grandchildren and enjoyed every moment she spent with them. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her

immediately found Carol to be a kind and nurturing soul. She enjoyed life’s simple pleasures: family, friends, days at the beach, a good game of golf and making her delicious meat pies at Christmas, a tradition now passed to her son Christopher. Carol is survived by her husband, Curtis Echo Jr., and her children, Curtis Echo III (Lisa), Candace McCarthy (Peter), Caren Foard (Herb) and Christopher Echo (Heidi). She is also survived by her nine grandchildren, Kate, Mallory and Curtis Echo IV, Samuel and Caroline McCarthy, Alex Foard, Hannah, and Chloe and Molly Echo; two step-grandchildren, Angela Kiser and Laura

Mercadante; her siblings, Dean West (Aggie), Robert West (Monica), Julie Godfrey (Mark), Jackie Bailey (Art) and Laurie McLean (Barney); and two sisters-in-law, Gail Spencer (Malcolm) and Susan Howard (Tom). She also leaves several special nieces and nephews. Carol was predeceased by her parents, Raoul and Lucille West; her in-laws, Curtis and Thelma Echo; her daughterin-law Lisa Holden Echo; and her sister-in-law Donna West. Carol’s family would like to express our gratitude and thanks to Dr. Julian Sprague, Dr. Sarah Gillett, Dr. Jesse Moore, Dr. Naomi Hodde and all the University of Vermont Medical Center oncology department caregivers and support staff, who were incredibly kind to her. Carol was devoted to St. Jude. Donations in her honor of can be made at stjude.org. A remembrance service will take place on Saturday, January 6, 2024, 10 a.m., at St. John Vianney Church, 160 Hinesburg Rd., South Burlington, VT. Arrangements are under the care of Corbin & Palmer Funeral Home.

IN MEMORIAM

Stephen Andrew Ham-Ellis

Peter Vlahos

We think of our beautiful son, brother and uncle every day with love. We miss you. The Family

Missing you.

JUNE 10, 1987DECEMBER 27, 2013

JULY 3, 1942DECEMBER 24, 2004

“Love is love and not fade away.” —Buddy Holly

Love, Maury

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Want to memorialize a loved one?

Bob Olsen

DECEMBER 31, 1950DECEMBER 6, 2023 WATERBURY CENTER, VT. It was no surprise to Bob that his heart would do him in. He faced his final days surrounded by his family: his wife, Deb; his children, Emily, Josh and his wife, Autumn, and Geoff and his wife, Natalie, and their children, Frank, Hattie and Delilah; his sister, Kathy, and her daughter, Morgan; and his brother, Eric. We were by his side, sharing photos, his recent sketches and memories of our adventures together. As a man mindful of life’s transient nature, he considered these past 30 years as “bonus years.” His focus was on time spent raising his children, enjoying his three grandkids, skiing on- and offpiste, fishing (but not always catching), and building a much-loved business in the

outdoor industry. Bob and Deb enjoyed many trips with families and friends during their 36 years together. It was just like Bob to call and write to his closest friends to say goodbye, as if this final adventure were just that — an adventure. He will be missed in his favorite places in the woods, on the slopes and in the rivers. If there is thigh-deep powder or a stream teeming

with fish in the great beyond, we will never know because if you knew Bob, you’d know he isn’t sharing. The family will hold private celebrations in the places Bob loved. In lieu of condolences, the next time you’re out in the woods, please remember Bob in his element, whooping down the hidden glades or pulling in the ever-elusive fish.

made six trips to her family home in Scotland, realizing her dream of exploring her family heritage. While on vacation in Vermont, Lynnie met her future husband, Chuck Clapham. They married in Stowe in 1984 and made their homes in Montréal and Richford, eventually settling in Richford full time after her retirement from Canadian Pacific. Retirement and inactivity were not in Lynnie’s character. Shortly after her retirement from the railroad, she became the executive

assistant at Twincraft Skincare. For 17 years, Lynnie brought her organizational skills and travel expertise to Twincraft as an invaluable part of the team. After her second retirement, Lynnie enjoyed gardening, exploring antique shops, watching old movies and sharpening her skills as a Words With Friends player. On any given day, she would have between five and 10 games going with her friends, winning handily far more often than not. Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Chuck Clapham, and the many people that started out as coworkers and went on to become beloved family. Should you wish to make a memorial donation of any kind, please consider one that would help children in need. And when you have a moment, make a pot of tea and have a shortbread cookie, or go out with your friends, enjoy an order of cashew chicken and plan your next adventure. And send love to Lynnie.

Lynn Burnie Clapham OCTOBER 3, 1945DECEMBER 6, 2023 RICHFORD, VT.

Lynn Burnie Clapham, 78, of East Richford Slide Road, Richford, passed away on December 6, 2023, at the Franklin County Rehab Center in St. Albans, Vt. Lynnie was born in Montréal on October 3, 1945, to James and Jessie Burnie, both of whom had emigrated from Scotland at the beginning of World War II. After graduating from school, Lynnie went to work at Canadian Pacific Railroad in Montréal, where she was employed for more than 30 years. Working for CP was the beginning of her great love of travel. Her first adventure was by train across Canada, four days and nights with her “nose pressed against the glass, I didn’t want to miss anything.” Over the years, Lynnie traveled to the Caribbean, all over Europe and to many places in the United States. She also

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David Wilcox WINOOSKI

‘COMPLETE DESTRUCTION OF HAMAS’

[Re “Rep. Balint Reverses Course, Calls for Cease-Fire in Gaza,” November 16, online]: In her well-meaning commentary, U.S. Rep. Becca Balint correctly concludes that Hamas “can’t remain in power in Gaza.” And then she proposes a cease-fire, which would make the goal of removing Hamas absolutely impossible to achieve. We must believe Hamas, whose charter states that their ultimate objective is the total annihilation of 9 million Israelis. And we must remember their promise that, if given the opportunity, they will repeat October 7 many times. A cease-fire will enable them to regroup, rearrange their human shields and effectively resume their murderous campaign. Loss of innocent lives is a horrible by-product of war. Hiroshima, Nagasaki,

COURTESY OF THE INSTITUTE FOR MIDDLE EAST UNDERSTANDING

place, but it was quiet, clean and drug-free, and the price was unbeatable. I eventually found a better-paying job and got a new apartment with my partner this past summer. I’m very grateful for my time at 234-6 Main; it enabled me to stay in Vermont and get on my feet financially. Too bad other people trying to get on their feet won’t have the same opportunity. Instead of the large-scale construction of public housing that’s needed to ameliorate the housing crisis, Mayor Miro Weinberger and co. are pushing redevelopment schemes that just make the rich richer. You’d think that the people who’ll be displaced by this latest redevelopment scheme would be important enough for Seven Days to interview or at least mention, but no. If ever proof were needed that workingclass renters don’t exist in the eyes of the Burlington establishment, here you go.

Dresden and Berlin suffered hundreds of thousands of civilian casualties. Historians agree that the result of those catastrophes was that our German and Japanese enemies no longer remained in power and millions of lives were saved. Tragically, but practically, the complete destruction of Hamas, not cut short by a cease-fire, is the only choice both for Israel and, ultimately, for the long-term well-being of the residents of Gaza. Robert Alper EAST DORSET

ISRAELI WAR CRIMES

I recently read the article covering the protests organized by Jewish Voices for Peace-Vermont, pressuring U.S. Rep. Becca Balint to call for a cease-fire in Gaza [“Protesters Disrupt Balint Fundraiser to Demand Cease-Fire in Gaza,” November 9, online]. I would like to say that, when discussing this issue, I think it is absolutely critical, as United Nations SecretaryGeneral António Guterres has stated, to recognize that the attack of October 7 by Hamas “did not happen within a vacuum.” For 75 years, Amnesty International has determined that Israel has committed the crime of apartheid under international law, in addition to massive seizures of land and property, unlawful killings, infliction of serious injuries, forcible transfers, arbitrary restrictions on freedom of movement, and denial of nationality. We must acknowledge that Israel is a powerful colonial state that has been displacing and killing thousands of Palestinians for over 75 years. In addition, experts have concluded that Israel shows clear genocidal intent coinciding with its current actions. The attack of Hamas on Israeli civilians was horrific, but we must recognize that Hamas is a resistance group and would not exist if the Palestinian people were not

From left: Tahseen Ali Ahmad, Kinnan Abdalhamid and Hisham Awartani

being oppressed. This resistance, whether it be violent or peaceful, will not stop until its people are no longer subjected to violent apartheid and oppression. We all want both Israeli and Palestinian lives to be spared. In order for this to happen, and for a path toward reconciliation to be found, Israel must be tried for its crimes of apartheid and crimes against humanity. Eleanor Reilly

WARREN

everything and leaving almost a foot of mud. I told them that, since it was declared a federal disaster, they should get some federal relief. They found out about lowinterest loans offered, but their business was paid for and they aren’t interested in taking on debt even at a low-interest rate. They didn’t have insurance because it was too costly in a flood zone. So, they have closed permanently. Sadly, another small business serving the community for many years is gone. Mark Richardson

WHEELOCK

LOANS DON’T HELP EVERYBODY

[“State Announces $15 Million in Low-Interest Flood Recovery Funds,” November 28, online] was an interesting article about low-interest loans for businesses struck by the July flooding. While admirable, it doesn’t cut it for some small businesses. A friend of mine and his wife ran a farmstand and a food trailer next to a river in Barton. The floods rose to four feet high in the greenhouses, farmstand and food trailer, destroying pretty much

HATE CRIME?

[Re “Three People Shot Near UVM Campus in Burlington, Police Say,” November 25, online; “Three Victims in Burlington Shooting Were of Palestinian Descent,” November 26, online]: While trying to process and understand the heinous act of violence recently committed against the three Palestinian students while they were in Burlington, I find

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BURLINGTON

REALITY CHECK?

It’s unfortunate that the Burlington City Council did not pass a resolution condemning violence against Palestinian students [“Calls for Gaza Cease-Fire Derail Burlington Council’s Attempt to Condemn Shootings,” December 12, online].

Israelis, who are fighting to survive as a country, and to Palestinians. In arguing for the text condemning Israel, Councilor Gene Bergman said the city has a “long history of being part of a global movement for peace and justice.” It was also said that “passing the cease-fire resolution would take a stand against oppression.” Has Burlington called for a cease-fire by Russia in Ukraine? Taken a stand against oppression in China, where over a million Uyghur Muslims have been detained in camps since 2017? In the many other countries where violence and oppression occur?

FILE: COURTNEY LAMDIN

myself trying to understand what the perpetrator of that act was thinking and seeing at the time. I am not, nor do I think anyone else is, able to do so. That said, it seems that there is no end to opinions that seem to contradict my dilemma. Those opinions are readily voiced and written by loving family members, professional counselors, state and national officials, and basically anyone who feels that they have the knowledge and ability to determine whether the act should be categorized as a hate crime. As much as I empathize with all of these folks, I would hope and plead that they realize that understanding the motivation for such a violent act may well be beyond their ability, regardless of the amount of professional or other credentials they claim to have. Judging and defining this violent act, as in many other similar situations, only tends to polarize the divides within our country and throughout the world. I feel that defining such acts would be better approached if we could agree that they were gray areas that we should all seek to understand better, rather than to immediately categorize. This may well be a frustrating goal, but I think it’s one worth pursuing. Bob Furrer

SHELBURNE

MULVANEY-STANAK FOR MAYOR

[Re “Joan Shannon Wins Democratic Nomination in Burlington Mayor’s Race,” December 10, online; “Emma Mulvaney-Stanak Is the Prog’s Pick for Burlington Mayor,” December 4, online]: Now that the two front-runners for mayor of Burlington have been made clear, I would like to announce my support for Emma Mulvaney-Stanak. She is the best-qualified candidate to bring our city together and will best represent the entire city of Burlington.

A speaker addressing the Burlington City Council

Rather than focusing on the tragedy in Burlington at the meeting, many speakers said “Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians.” The fact is that the genocide is being conducted by Hamas. They use innocent Gazans as human shields and set up military operations in hospitals. They are terrorists, and what they do is murderous both to

The article says, “Andy Simon, who is Jewish, said people shouldn’t equate anti-Zionism with antisemitism.” If he’s correct, why does Israel, which comprises 0.1 percent of the area in the Middle East, receive this much negative attention? Things are far from perfect in Israel and in any other country in the world. Please join me in praying for peace and for the

recovery of the three innocent young men who were brutally shot in Vermont. Vivien Brown ST. ALBANS

COUNCIL COUNSEL

[Re “Calls for Gaza Cease-Fire Derail Burlington Council’s Attempt to Condemn Shootings,” December 12, online]: I could not attend Monday’s city council meeting because I was taking care of my sick kid, but if I could have, this is what I would have shared: Mother Teresa said, “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” Buddhist teacher Rev. angel Kyodo williams echoed this truth when she said: “Whether we like it or not, our liberation is bound together.” Mother Teresa’s and Rev. angel’s words could not be more poignant at this moment, whether we are in Israel, Palestine or here in city hall in Burlington, Vt. It is essential that we disagree with each other. And as we disagree with passion, anger and sorrow, we need to remember that our liberation is bound together and we belong to each other. We cannot build bridges by villainizing the “other.” It is likely that if we stood in the shoes of the “other” and had the same conditioning, identity, life experiences, disposition and, yes, even the same curated social media, we might be arguing on the other side of this resolution. Whatever was included in this resolution could have been seen as divisive, but that doesn’t mean that we have to divide. I’ll close by quoting Nigerian philosopher Bayo Akomolafe: “How do we process this grief? How do we pray, do we act, do we think, in ways that do not reproduce the conditions that nourish the dominant tendencies that have produced this war?” That is my two minutes. Lindsay Foreman

BURLINGTON

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Stephen Kiernan

Fragile Figures

In The Glass Château, Stephen Kiernan crafts a tale of national and personal renewal in postwar France B Y K E N PI CA RD • ken@sevendaysvt.com

lass is ubiquitous in our lives — in our homes, cars and electronic devices — though it’s usually something we look through rather than gaze at in its own right. As a building material it can last for centuries, allowing in sunlight while repelling the elements, then shatter instantly if struck with enough force by the tiniest projectile. Stained glass can dazzle the imagination, telling a familiar story in a new and illuminating way. In January 2021, as the world was in the grip of a terrifying pandemic and the U.S. seemed on the verge of a second civil war, Stephen Kiernan began writing a novel about stained glass and how a nation, fractured by an existential crisis, begins to repair itself. Having found no compelling story of national healing and rebirth in 28

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American history, the 63-year-old Charlotte author looked instead to post-World War II France for inspiration. It was there that Kiernan set his fifth novel, The Glass Château, about Asher, a Jewish boot maker turned assassin for the French Resistance. The story begins in June 1945, after the war has claimed Asher’s family, home, profession and reason for living. He sets off across the devastated French countryside in search of safe haven and solace from his grief and guilt. He eventually finds refuge and purpose in a centuries-old atelier, where master glassmakers and glassblowers have been commissioned by the Catholic church to restore the once-great stained glass windows of a bombed-out cathedral. At its heart, The Glass Château is a story about healing wounded souls. Every

character in Kiernan’s novel is profoundly damaged by war — physically, emotionally, psychologically. Yet their long and slow recoveries require that they set aside their profound differences and surrender their individuality to a greater cause. As a metaphor, Kiernan explained, “Stained glass worked because the men are all hard and fragile, because humans are hard and fragile. And it takes a lot of people to make a big stained glass window.” Writing a novel may seem like just the opposite — a mostly solo endeavor. But for Kiernan, this book was a communal effort that tapped the knowledge and expertise of Burlington’s many skilled glassmakers. The finished product reflects the rigorous research skills that

Kiernan honed during his years as a journalist, nonfiction author and health care advocate. By now, Kiernan is himself a familiar character in Vermont. A 1982 Middlebury College graduate who briefly left Vermont to work in other cities — New York; Baltimore; Atlanta; Albany, N.Y.; and Iowa City — he returned in 1990 to become the business editor, and then an editorial writer, at the Burlington Free Press. Then, after years of penning editorials about health care reform — “By now, I’ve written about a million words on the subject,” he said — Kiernan left the newspaper in 2005 to write the critically acclaimed nonfiction book Last Rights:

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STAINED GLASS WORKED BECAUSE THE MEN ARE ALL HARD AND FRAGILE,

Rescuing the End of Life novel. (See the excerpt on From the Medical System. page 28.) The book examines the Chagall wasn’t the only pitfalls of Western medireason Kiernan made his cine’s approach to dying and main character Jewish. For a the lessons he learned from World War II renewal story, his own parents’ final days. he wanted someone who would have experienced Kiernan has since published four other novels, including a crisis of faith and who his most successful to date, struggled to leave his battlefield deeds behind. The Baker’s Secret, in 2017. Though he left jourWhile working on this nalism 18 years ago, the and earlier novels, Kiernan discipline of the profession interviewed combat veternever left him, and it’s made ans from five different wars. Kiernan a productive author. He described meeting one The Glass Château took him who had just returned from just 29 months to complete, his third deployment to Iraq. from typing its first sentence “He was a little tense, you STE PHEN KIE RN AN to the book’s release in June. might say,” Kiernan recalled. When Kiernan sat down for As the pair slowly walked a midmorning interview at Village Wine down Burlington’s Church Street, Kierand Coffee in Shelburne, he’d been awake nan noticed his companion scanning the since before dawn working on another rooftops and asked him why. novel. Just weeks earlier, he had deliv“‘Just looking for snipers,’” Kiernan ered to his editor the first draft of still remembered the vet replying. “He still another book. had the war in him.” Why stained glass? As Kiernan admitWhile writing the first draft of The ted, he’d never previously tried his hand Glass Château, Kiernan was invited to at glassmaking or even taken an art two artist-in-residency programs in history class. But about six years ago, France. During one six-week trip, he he saw a retrospective on artist Marc visited Reims Cathedral, in northeastern Chagall’s works in Montréal that featured France, whose construction began in the his stained glass windows. 13th century. “It blew my mind,” Kiernan said. “For a thousand years, it’s where the The Russian and French modernist was French crowned their kings, until they born Moishe Shagal and raised Jewish cut off their heads,” he said. in what’s now Belarus. Initially, Kiernan Kiernan described his first expericonsidered making Chagall a character ence of entering the sanctuary, which in the book. Ultimately, he used one of is longer than a football field, with a Chagall’s early sketches, of a man perched on a rooftop, as the basis of a story in the FRAGILE FIGURES » P.30

BECAUSE HUMANS ARE HARD AND FRAGILE.

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Fragile Figures « P.29 250-foot-high ceiling and towering stained glass windows. As he explored the interior, Kiernan noticed placards along one wall that chronicle the cathedral’s long history. At the end of World War II, Reims Cathedral was the first place where French officials sat down with their German counterparts to embark on rapprochement. At the time, all the church windows were destroyed and boarded up. As Kiernan explained, the German delegation asked the French to find their finest stained glass makers, take down the boards and “bring the light of God back in. And the German people will pay for it.” The first windows installed were made by Chagall. At that moment, Kiernan realized that The Glass Château was no longer a fairy tale but a parable of individual and national healing. Today, he noted, Germany and France are essential trading partners who share a common currency and umbrella government, the European Union. “And it all started with a stained glass window,” he said. But to write extensively about stained glass, Kiernan needed to learn how it’s made. So, like any good reporter, he turned to the nearest experts — in this case, the glass artisans in Burlington’s South End. Among them was 75-year-old Larry Ribbecke, a self-taught artisan who, for 40 years, has been crafting and restoring many of the stained glass windows found in homes and houses of worship throughout Vermont and New York’s North Country. Ribbecke’s Pine Street studio glows with the colored light cast by dozens of stained glass windows. On the wall above a light table are intricately detailed mosaics featuring traditional Christian icons. One piece, titled “The Visitation,” portrays the Virgin Mary, pregnant with Jesus, standing with Saint Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist. Other windows reflect Ribbecke’s fascination with science and nature, including an octopus, an anatomically correct heart and Ribbecke’s interpretation of Albert Einstein’s theory of gravitational waves. Ask him a simple question, such as whether glass is a solid or liquid — technically, it’s neither — and Ribbecke might expound on everything from medieval glass-cutting methods to the molecular structure of silica, a primary component of glass. When Kiernan first entered his studio, Ribbecke recalled, “It didn’t seem like he knew enough to write a book about it. But it also seemed like he was willing to learn.” 30

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Stephen Kiernan learning to blow glass at AO Glass in Burlington

In all, Kiernan spent hours with Ribbecke, watching and learning how stained glass is made. Of Kiernan’s description of glassmaking in the novel, his teacher said, “My goal is for you to not fuck up.” Kiernan didn’t, Ribbecke concluded. As a fictional work, the novel takes a few minor liberties with the history of French glassmaking of that era — notably, Kiernan’s depiction of stained glass artists blowing their own glass. Nevertheless, Kiernan captured “the spirit of the undertaking,” Ribbecke added. “He got the cooperation despite disparate personalities. And I think he got Asher as close to Marc Chagall as you could get.”

EXCERPT FROM THE GLASS CHÂTEAU: “Marie, I think I may be in love with you.” She drew back. “I advise you to use that word carefully.” “Why? If I tell my heart’s truth, the risk is to me alone.” “You underestimate the danger. I do not know one person who has today what she loved yesterday.” “The past is not the future.” “Yes, it is.” Marie sipped her wine. “Now tell me a story.” Asher stood. She wanted to change the subject. Did not want to talk about love. He reached toward the cat, but it darted away, an orange blur. Suddenly he knew exactly the story for her to hear. “It’s one of my first memories. Remembered as if in dim light, when I was four or at most five years old. It was a sweltering day, the house stifling, everyone complaining. My grandfather took a bowl of carrots onto the roof to eat in the shade. Normally he was as serious as a funeral, dressed all in black, and strict as a judge about rules and religion. I was frightened of him, though I believe I loved him too, as a child does. We heard his shoes overhead. He was having fun up there, I could hear him calling out to anyone passing by. I went outside and peered up at him from the walk. He waved and hallooed as if I were half a mile off. I can still see the old man’s immense beard, pure white against his traditional garb.” Asher was surprised at how amused he felt, what lightness there was in telling this memory. “When he came back down, there were bits of orange in his beard. It was funny to me, sidesplitting really. Tiny bits of carrot in the white. Of course, I tried to hide it, holding both hands over my mouth. But I was afraid to say anything. It might be considered criticism when I only meant to be helpful, so I held back behind the door. But my grandmother also had noticed. She went right over, stood in his way, and picked those bits out without comment. Every one of them. Then she took the bowl and brushed him along on his way.” What Asher did not say was that this was the love he wanted for his life, where affection was as ordinary as the air. He had no idea how his grandparents accomplished it. The chemistry Asher felt with Marie was powerful, propelled by desire and the wish to heal. And here she was, listening to every word. Yet it was nothing like picking carrots from his beard.

To learn about glassblowing, Kiernan went across the street to AO Glass, where cofounder Rich Arentzen and artisan Rob Beckham told him to put down his notebook and try it himself. “He was very diligent and curious. You could tell he had a journalistic background,” Arentzen recalled. So how did he do? “He was a strong beginner,” Arentzen said diplomatically, “with an open attitude and a self-deprecating sense of humor.” “I was so spectacularly shitty at it,” Kiernan confessed. “The artisans at AO Glass were just shaking their heads.” Nevertheless, after multiple visits, his skills improved slightly. And when Beckham taught him how to make a glass flower — 50 of them, actually — Kiernan went home and wrote a glass flower into the story. Then, when the book came out, Kiernan held his launch party in front of the furnaces at AO Glass. They set out 50 seats — and 220 people showed up. Kiernan was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support. As he put it, “It changes how you feel about a community and your place in it.” Outside Vermont, The Glass Château has generated similar enthusiasm. Throughout the summer, Kiernan drove 7,000 miles to readings in more than 40 cities. The last, at a synagogue in Boca Raton, Fla., drew nearly 500 attendees. At each event, Kiernan gave away a glass flower that he’d made, a symbol of life’s beauty and fragility. The flowers held personal significance, too. In the early months of writing The Glass Château, Kiernan was suddenly confronted with his own fragility when he experienced a neardeadly health emergency. For a time, his blood pressure spiked dangerously high, and Kiernan, an avid cyclist and swimmer, could barely climb a flight of stairs without gasping for air. Hospitalized and incapacitated for weeks, Kiernan said he emerged from the crisis “a changed man.” That, too, made it into the novel. Kiernan turned his own mortality into a character named Euclid, who, with his companion, Pascal, continually harass Asher and threaten, half-seriously, to take his life. Like death itself, Euclid gets the book’s final word. “As long as the man keeps telling stories,” Euclid says about Asher, “I say we do not kill him.” The Grim Reaper might say the same about Kiernan. ➆

INFO The Glass Château by Stephen P. Kiernan, William Morrow, 384 pages. $24.43.

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‘What She Wanted

Was to Be Understood’ Louise Glück, April 22, 1943-October 13, 2023 BY C H E L S E A E D GAR • chelsea@sevendaysvt.com

SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

COURTESY OF KATHERINE WOLKOFF/STEVEN BARCLAY AGENCY

rom a young age, Louise Glück aspired to be a great poet — but not in the sense of becoming a household name during her lifetime, which she viewed, with characteristic asperity, as a form of failure. “When I’m told I have a large readership, I think, Oh great, I’m going to turn out to be Longfellow,” she said in a 2009 interview. “Someone easy to understand, easy to like, the kind of diluted experience available to many.” Glück’s ambitions were longitudinal: She wanted to write for the ages. Glück, who lived and wrote for many years in central Vermont, pursued this calling single-mindedly, often at a profound psychic cost. Over six decades, she wrote more than a dozen books of poetry, prose and criticism and, as it happened, won almost every major honor available to a poet on this earth, including the Pulitzer Prize, a National Book Award and, in 2020, the Nobel Prize in Literature. She died of cancer in Cambridge, Mass., on October 13, at the age of 80. Glück frequently used her own life as source material, rendering autobiographical facts with dispassionate precision. Her poems are at once accessible and remote, marked by plain diction, jarring directness and a vague sense of foreboding. The words “austere,” “bleak” and “oracular” have all cropped up in reviews of her work over the years, but she could also be wickedly funny. “I had a dream: my mother fell out of a tree. / After she fell, the tree died: / it had outlived its function,” she wrote in “Fugue,” a poem from her 2006 book Averno. Greek mythology often figures prominently in Glück’s work, but she was mainly interested in bringing the gods down to earth. “Persephone is having sex in hell,” reads another verse from the same book. She didn’t find transcendence in high places; for Glück, the sublime was something that filtered in through the cracks of everyday existence. Even then, it was usually suspect. “Only a poet susceptible to authentic rapture makes an art out of hunting down its counterfeit,” Dan Chiasson wrote in a 2012 New Yorker review of her collected works.

Glück served as Vermont’s poet laureate from 1994 to 1998 and as United States poet laureate from 2003 to 2004, duties she fulfilled with no great enthusiasm. “She didn’t like the demands of having a mass of people to relate to,” said Chiasson, a poet and a professor at Wellesley College, who met Glück in Cambridge in the late ’90s. “Whether it was a poem or a dinner, she wanted it to be intimate, one-on-one, and she had that relationship with perhaps dozens at any given moment, over the years hundreds. We all felt singled out.” On and off the page, Glück was uncompromising in her sensibilities. She was so

religious in her preference for emotionally intense dialogue with just one person at a time that many of her closest confidants never met each other. She didn’t drive, due to epilepsy, and often mentored younger poets in exchange for help with errands. Chiasson used to bring

LIFE 2023

STORIES “Life Stories” is a series profiling Vermonters who have recently died. Know of someone we should write about? Email us at lifestories@ sevendaysvt.com.

Glück meat from her favorite gourmet butcher in Boston in return for feedback on his poems. This arrangement came to a sudden end, he said, when he failed to check the weight of a game hen, as Glück had instructed him, and arrived at her door with an obese bird. For most of the past two decades, Glück divided her time between Cambridge and Berkeley, Calif., while teaching poetry at Yale and Stanford universities, but she never lost her deep sense of connection to Vermont. “The place was always a solace, no matter how difficult my life was at a particular period, or how flourishing,” she

French at Wellesley. As children, Glück and her younger sister, Tereze, sought their mother’s approval — which, in Glück’s eyes, was rarely bestowed. As a teenager, Glück became severely anorexic. Her rejection of food, as she wrote in an essay, “Education of the Poet,” was both an assertion of independence from her mother and a primal scream for her attention: “Like most people hungry for praise and ashamed of that, of any hunger, I alternated between contempt for the world that judged me and lacerating self-hatred.” Too frail to attend college, Glück spent seven years in psychoanalysis while taking poetry workshops at Sarah Lawrence College and Columbia

COURTESY OF HENRI COLE

told the Nation in 2022. “I felt that it took care of me in some way, was seeing to me.” After she won the Nobel, she used some of her $1 million prize money to buy a house in Montpelier across the street from one of her closest friends, novelist Kathryn Davis. When Glück learned she had cancer, in early October, she and Davis thought they would have at least a year in which to process her dying together. As it turned out, they had less than two weeks. Glück died at her home in Cambridge one day before Davis had planned to visit her. “Louise was not the kind of person who ever stayed somewhere she didn’t want to be,” Davis said. “I think she knew that whatever was going on, if she hung

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Louise Glück (left) receiving the Nobel Prize in the backyard of her home in Cambridge, Mass.

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around, was not going to be great. She really did just leave the room.” Glück was born in New York City in 1943 and grew up on Long Island. Her father, a Hungarian Jewish immigrant son with unfulfilled literary ambitions, cofounded the company that invented the X-Acto knife, a metaphor so on the nose that Glück herself would have rejected it. Her mother, a homemaker, had studied

University, where she studied with Léonie Adams and Stanley Kunitz. She published her debut collection, Firstborn, in 1968, at the age of 25. Her early work bears little resemblance to what she produced soon afterward, mostly because it sounds more like Sylvia Plath or Anne Sexton than Louise Glück (“O innocence, your bathinet / Is clogged with gossip”), but she was already zeroing in on her big themes — family, desire and its humiliations, the alienation of the body from the mind. Following a brief marriage to Charles Hertz Jr. and a demoralizing bout of writer’s block, Glück accepted an invitation to teach at Goddard College in Plainfield, in 1971. Around this time, Davis, then a student at Goddard, met Glück for the first time at a poetry colloquium. LIFE STORIES

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“Very early on in our conversation, I was telling Louise how miserable I was in my first marriage, how I thought I would just leave and move to the Hebrides Islands, where I thought I’d like to live for some reason. I felt comfortable telling her all of this,” Davis said. “Anything generalized did not interest her. But the particulars of you, your life — she was very interested. And she really listened.” To Glück’s surprise, she loved teaching at Goddard, and poems began coming to her again. “I feel better, feel closer to myself, than I have in years,” she wrote in a letter to her parents in fall 1971. Her notebooks from this period, housed at Yale’s Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, document the familiar anxieties that roiled beneath this newfound happiness. Between winter 1972 and spring 1973, she existed in comorbid states of self-doubt (“It is so hard for me to work up some belief in what I do”); obsessive guilt (“General worry pertaining to weight and poetry, a terror of misplaced abundance”); general malaise (“I do not enjoy writing”); and an almost Calvinist sense of predestination (“[Mark] Strand said, ‘No one is great anymore; you and I, if we’re lucky, will be of the thousands.’ I stubbornly reject that judgment”). “When you first start out as a young poet, you think you’re going to set the world on fire,” said Glück’s longtime friend and fellow Vermont poet Ellen Bryant Voigt, who met Glück soon after she arrived at Goddard. “But she knew it. She felt called to it.” In 1972, Glück met Keith Monley, a carpenter who was working on Voigt’s house in Cabot. “The first complete sentence I can remember Louise addressing to me was ‘My, what wonderful genes you must have,’” Monley recalled. Less than a year later, they had a son, Noah. When Noah was a toddler, Glück and Monley broke up. (Noah, now a sommelier in San Francisco, declined to be interviewed; Monley, who lives in South Hero, reconnected with him and Glück in the mid-’90s and remained a close friend of Glück’s until her death.) In 1977, Glück married John Dranow, who founded the summer writing program at Goddard. Over the next two decades, she published the works that would establish her reputation as a major American poet: Descending Figure (1980), The Triumph of Achilles (1985), Ararat (1990) and The Wild Iris (1992). By the early ’90s, Glück’s relationship with Dranow was unraveling. Her 1996 book Meadowlands refracts the end of their marriage through The Odyssey — the 34

SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

COURTESY OF HENRI COLE

Life Stories « P.33

Glück in her garden in Cambridge, Mass.

husband cast as a philandering Odysseus, the wife a bitter, though surely not blameless, Penelope. The poems in Meadowlands are often ruthlessly funny, featuring a husband and wife who lob little grenades back and forth. “I said you could snuggle,” she writes in “Anniversary,” in the voice of the husband. “That doesn’t mean / your cold feet all over my dick.” Another couple, the Lights, appear throughout the book as a foil to Glück’s faltering union. “I wish we went on walks

WHEN YOU FIRST START OUT AS A YOUNG POET, YOU THINK YOU’RE GOING TO SET THE WORLD ON FIRE.

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/ like Steven and Kathy; then / we’d be happy,” Glück writes in “Meadowlands I.” “You can even see it / in the dog.” In real life, Steven and Kathy Light lived next door to Glück and Dranow in the village center of Plainfield. Their houses were close enough that the Lights could hear opera music wafting from Glück’s open windows in the summer, and Glück could hear the Lights practicing in the evenings with their klezmer band. Steven would often see Glück standing motionless in her yard, staring into the distance. “I always thought, She looks really involved in something. She must be thinking about her poems,” he said. Occasionally, he would see her drying the salad greens she grew in her garden by whipping them around violently in a mesh bag attached to a string.

By all accounts, Glück was a brilliant cook, having sublimated her need to control food through anorexia into mastery of another art. The recipes she invented, still beloved by many of her friends, were usually quite labor intensive. Around Christmas, according to Voigt, Glück was fond of making a mousse that involved roasting large quantities of chestnuts, then peeling them until her hands were raw. Along with Voigt and her husband, Fran, Glück and Dranow founded the New England Culinary Institute in 1980, which operated in downtown Montpelier for 40 years before closing in 2020, due to longstanding financial troubles. When Glück and Dranow divorced, their business relationship also imploded, and Dranow left the school’s board of directors in 1998. He died in 2019. After Glück moved to Cambridge, in 1998, she entered the most prolific period of her career, publishing four books in a little more than a decade. She also continued to teach — at Williams College, Stanford and Yale. If she was a maternal figure to her students, she played the role as her own mother had: disabused of sentimentality, with an uncanny ability to cut to the quick. “You would give your heart up, and it would be weighed,” said Noah Warren, who studied with her at Yale and Stanford. “Her voice was so inevitable, and her judgments were so hard to ignore. The seriousness of that attention — to feel read with such scarifying intensity — is so rare.” The force of Glück’s appraisal, Warren said, was “the defining experience of my education.” To sustain her interest was to feel chosen. For all her insistence upon being in control in virtually every other part of her life, Glück relished being a passenger. In March 2022, she and one of her friends, the poet Henri Cole, took a road trip from

San Francisco to Claremont, Calif. She brought along a picnic and a few opera CDs, to which she sang along without inhibition. “I was so surprised to see that part of her,” Cole said. “It was this totally relaxed, girlish side.” This may have been a small but genuine regression. In “Children Coming Home From School,” from her 1990 book Ararat, Glück inhabits the perspective of a girl longing for an irretrievable state of dependence, which manifests as jealousy of her younger sister in her stroller: “I walked very slowly, to appear to need nothing. / That’s why my sister envied me — she didn’t know you could lie with your face, your body / ...She wanted freedom. Whereas I continued, in pathetic ways, / to covet the stroller. Meaning / all my life.” Glück often found herself incapable of writing. Her silences sometimes lasted months and even years, agonizing periods in which she feared she would never write again. As Glück said in a 2014 interview with Poets & Writers, “When I’m not writing, all the old work becomes a reprimand: Look what you could do once, you pathetic slug.” When Glück was writing, she tended to work feverishly. “The silences were her listening for a new voice, a new pattern,” Cole said. “When it comes, you want to record as much of it as you can before it ceases.” The poems in The Wild Iris, which won the 1993 Pulitzer Prize, emerged in a spasm of fluency over just a few weeks, following two years in which Glück wrote little and read nothing but garden catalogs. Partly out of superstition, partly out of her reflexive distrust of mainstream popularity, Glück had a habit of turning against her most acclaimed and anthologized works. She craved validation, but she was often skeptical of it when it came. “It made me really nervous to praise her,” Chiasson said. “What she wanted was accurate analysis. What she wanted was to be understood.” When Glück found out she had cancer, according to Davis, she absorbed the news with surprising equanimity. “I’ve had a good life,” she told several friends in an email. In her Nobel Prize lecture, which she delivered five months before she died, Glück talked about a particular verse in William Shakespeare’s Cymbeline that she had loved as a young girl, “understanding probably not a word but hearing the tone, the cadences, the ringing imperatives, thrilling to a very timid, fearful child: ‘And renownèd be thy grave,’” she said. “I hoped so.” In the spring, Glück will be buried in Montpelier’s Green Mount Cemetery, in Davis’ family plot. A bench inscribed with the verse from Cymbeline — “Quiet consummation have; / And renownèd be thy grave” — will honor her memory. ➆

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Out of Africa Three Somali Vermonters tell their stories in Deep North B Y M ARY A NN L I CKTE IG • maryann@sevendaysvt.com

ohammed Abdulaziz hadn’t heard his mother’s most traumatic stories about fleeing Somalia until she began recounting them in a series of interviews for a book. Then in his mid-twenties, he served as her translator. “I was definitely shocked,” he said in an interview last week. His mother, Fardusa A. Abdo, was among hundreds of thousands of people who streamed out of Somalia after rebels overthrew autocratic president Mohammed Siad Barre in January 1991, sparking a civil war. Abdo was 16 years old when her family fled their hometown. Safety in the desert lasted a few weeks; then attackers arrived before dawn, firing into the air, shooting at people and kidnapping girls. Everyone scattered. Abdo ran with her mother and younger brother. Her aunt, she learned later, was captured and raped. The trio returned to their home city, found it destroyed and joined hundreds of others in walking to Mogadishu, where Abdo’s grandparents lived. But the capital city wasn’t safe, either. Armed men entered her grandparents’ portside home. “My cousin Mohamed tried to stop them,” Abdo says in the book. “They shot and killed him.” Abdo’s is the second of three accounts in Deep North: Stories of Somali Resettlement in Vermont, published in September by Onion River Press with support from Vermont Humanities. Authors Abdo, Shadir Mohamed and Abdihamid A. Muhumed speak simply and candidly as they recount their happy earlier lives in Somalia, the brutal violence they witnessed, the years of hardship and uncertainty as they awaited resettlement, and their confusing early days in Vermont. Mohamed hadn’t even heard of the state until he was en route. When someone told him he was going to Vermont, he thought they were mistaken and replied, “I am going to America.” The Deep North project sprouted from North, Sandgate author Brad Kessler’s 2021 novel about a Somali refugee who finds herself in a Vermont monastery while trying to get to Canada. In the course of developing his Somali character, Sahro Abdi Muse, Kessler consulted Abdirashid Hussein and Laurie Stavrand, who worked at the Colchester office of the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants. 36

SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

FROM FARDUSA A. ABDO’S ACCOUNT I have good memories of my childhood in Bardera, the warm embrace of the small city, the dusty streets, the red roofs, the palm trees along the river. It was a time I’ve never forgotten, the feeling of safety and family, the fruit trees, my aunts and uncles. Us kids were young and full of energy, and I was, to be honest, a bit of a troublemaker. My girlfriends and I would swim in the river, even though there were alligators and females weren’t supposed to. If my parents were coming back, we’d rush into the house and pretend we hadn’t been swimming. I’m not sure we fooled anyone. The war changed everything. How much my parents knew beforehand, or anyone knew, I don’t recall. Only that one day we kept hearing terrible things on the radio. People were trying to kill the President. Then it was suddenly not safe

Stavrand read Kessler’s manuscript and told him that Sahro lacked believability. “She’s somebody who would appear in fiction but not in reality,” he recalled her saying. Then she introduced him to Abdo. His novel had already sold, Kessler said. But after getting to know Abdo, he asked the publisher to hold off for a year so he could rework his Somali character.

anywhere. We listened to the Panasonic National. Everyone was afraid. In the afternoon we started to hear shooting and explosions around town. We heard that gangs of men were going around Bardera targeting young people, killing the boys and taking the girls captive. Any girl older than 12 was taken and raped. The sun went down and night came. We didn’t sleep. We stayed in our house. The gunfire got louder. Around three in the morning, before sunrise, we decided to escape. We took whatever we could and left the house. Who were the people attacking us? The gangs, the militias, the soldiers. We didn’t know them. They were Somalis but from some other place. It’s hard to put together now. I was so young and have been through so much since. My father didn’t own his truck so we had to go on foot, along with everyone else — neighbors, friends, people we didn’t know. We walked into the bush. For ten hours we just walked.

Abdo had shown him that faith and “fierce attachment” to family and community were the strengths that had sustained her — and, Kessler realized, the strengths that would have sustained Sahro. The arc of the character didn’t change, Kessler said, “but the essence of who this person was on the page was made real, and flesh was put on the bones.”

With those conversations, the storytelling project that became Deep North had begun. In 2019, Kessler, Hussein and Stavrand set out to record Somali Vermonters’ stories, hoping to preserve them and to raise other Americans’ awareness and increase their understanding of the people living in refugee camps today.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DONA ANN MCADAMS

Her family was reunited in an apartment in Sana’a, a strange and beautiful city in the eyes of young Abdo, who thought Yemen must be the richest country in the world. She married there, had seven children and stayed for 23 years. In 2006, her Somali husband, who has a bullet lodged in his back from the early days of the war, lost his job as a bus driver. He slipped over the border into Saudi Arabia to find work,

THE BOOK PEELS OFF THE LABEL “REFUGEE” TO REVEAL THE RICH AND VARIED LIVES OF THREE VERMONTERS. FROM SHADIR MOHAMED’S ACCOUNT When Siad Barre was overthrown by the rebels on January 26, 1991, I was 19 years old. Honestly, it is not easy to talk about what happened at that time when our world turned upside down. We’d been living peacefully in our village. I’d been going to school, learning the Koran. I played a lot of soccer. I worked on the farm. Everyone welcomed the news about the rebellion at first. Nothing happened in our village right away. The capital was far away. The president went into hiding. The rebels ran after him. Soon the situation got worse. People started killing and looting. It began in the capital. Then Siad Barre and his army fled Mogadishu, south toward Kenya. On their way they passed through the Juba valley and gave weapons and vehicles to his supporters in the Darood clan. That’s when things got bad for the Somali Bantu and for our village. Unlike

Kessler conducted hours of interviews over three and a half years, then condensed and edited them into the 71-page book. His wife, photographer Dona Ann McAdams, made black-and-white portraits of each storyteller, and Abdulaziz, Abdo’s son who had translated for her, designed the cover. The book peels off the label “refugee” to reveal the rich and varied lives of three Vermonters. Hussein selected them to represent the diversity of Vermont’s Somali community, Kessler said. Mohamed is a Somali Bantu who grew up along the lower Juba River in southern Somalia, where his family had farmed for five or six generations. They owned land and houses. “I never seen

other Somalis, we weren’t given guns or vehicles. We had nothing to fight with. We were sitting ducks on our farms. When the fighting spread to our region, the militias came with their new weapons and killed people. They raped women. They looted homes and stores. No one was safe. One day that February we were working on the farm in Bandar Salama. I normally would be working with my brother Mahdi but he was sick that morning and stayed at home. So Abdulkadir came out instead to work with me that day. It was a Thursday. We were quitting work early because it was the start of the weekend, which begins Thursday nights in Muslim countries. It must have been around two or three in the afternoon. It’s too hard to remember now. I can’t tell you the specifics. Only that we were attacked on our way leaving the farm. We were both unarmed. They shot Abdulkadir. They killed him right in front of me.

hunger before the civil war,” he told Seven Days. Muhumed was a camel herder whose prosperous family owned 100 camels, a sign of prestige. “There were many names for people like us,” he says in the book. “But the name I like best is qoraax joog, which means something like ‘people who stay outdoors in beauty.’” Abdo grew up in Bardera, a small city in southern Somalia. Her dad drove a truck, delivering produce. Because she was a girl, she didn’t get a formal education, and she had to cook and clean. But she enjoyed sneaking into movies with friends, swimming in the

river and listening to music on the Panasonic National radio her dad gave her. Abdo, who is now 48 and a custodian at the University of Vermont, said she told her story to share knowledge, to help people get to know each other and to give hope to those enduring hardship. She endured years of challenges to reach the Winooski apartment where she curled up on a decoratively stitched Arabian couch to talk about the book in early December. After her cousin was killed in Mogadishu, she and her family ran to the port there, along with thousands of others, and got separated in the chaos. Abdo, her mother and her younger brother crowded onto a Yemen-bound livestock boat that stank of manure and urine. Many passengers on the level below them suffocated and died.

leaving Abdo alone for the next 13 years to care for their children, including a daughter with a learning disability and a son who relies on a wheelchair. For years, Abdo didn’t know if her husband was dead or alive. She was “mom and dad and moneymaker.” Sambusas became her lifeline. She made 500 of the savory pastries for a nearby restaurant seven days a week while also working in a school cafeteria. In spring 2011, when the family’s relocation to the United States appeared imminent, war broke out in Yemen. Abdo and her children waited three more years. They arrived in Burlington in November 2014. Abdo’s husband, who had been caught in Saudi Arabia and deported to Somalia, arrived five years later and saw his youngest child, then about 13, for the first time. “If you see my story, you’ll be strong,” Abdo said, “and you’ll know that this challenge one day’s going to end.” Inspiring others was not among Mohamed’s list of reasons for sharing his story, though it could be. The Somali Bantu farmer was 19 years old when gunmen shot and killed his brother in front of him. On their way home from working on a family farm, the brothers were unarmed. Another brother and Mohamed’s stepmother were also killed. Mohamed was forced to move from refugee camp to refugee camp in Kenya until he landed in Kakuma, whose name means “nowhere” in Swahili. In Marafa, his second camp, he married Amina, a 17-year-old girl from his village. OUT OF AFRICA SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

» P.38 37

COURTESY OF DONA ANN MCADAMS

Out of Africa « P.37 ARE YOU NANCY? Abdihamid A. Muhumed is searching for the Vermont woman who helped him out three or four years ago at John F. Kennedy International Airport when he missed his flight to Burlington. On his way home from visiting Africa, he had flown 15 hours and had no money. Another Vermonter saw him sitting at the gate. Sensing his distress, she asked if he was OK and bought him something to eat. Her name was Nancy, her husband had passed away shortly before, and that’s all he knows about her. He lost the phone number she gave him. In a conversation about his life, Muhumed focused on his love for Vermonters and repeatedly returned to the story of Nancy. “I will never forget Nancy’s name in my life,” he said. M . A. L .

Two of their children died of malaria, and two others contracted it but survived. They were a family of six, the youngest just 8 weeks old, when they flew from Nairobi to Burlington with a single bag in December 2004. The couple had five other children in Vermont. Now 52 and a supervisor at Williston’s Environmental Hazards Management, Mohamed said he must

YOU GET RELIEF

IF YOU TELL YOUR STORY TO OTHER PEOPLE. A B DI HA M I D A. M UHUMED

tell his story because his children, their children and his great-great-great-grandchildren need to know where the family comes from. He wants Americans to understand Somalia — the good, stable life it once offered — and Somalis, who came to the U.S. only to find peace. He also hopes to educate readers about Islam, which he believes is misunderstood in this country due to Al-Qaeda founder and terrorist Osama bin Laden, who was Muslim. But, Mohamed said, bin Laden did not adhere to Islamic teaching, which condemns killing for no reason. “The faith I believe and the faith Osama bin Laden and his 38

SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

group believe is different, totally different,” he said. Muhumed, the 58-year-old former camel herder, said he loves people of all faiths. He had not met Jewish people before coming to Vermont, and they gave him winter clothes shortly after his 2009 arrival. “I always tell them, ‘You’re my brothers, my sisters,’” he said, speaking through a translator. An animated conversationalist, Muhumed exuded joy as he spoke in Somali, tossing in occasional English words to express his affection and gratitude for Vermonters: “I say, Vermont people I love!” Accustomed to walking in his previous life, Muhumed does the same here, making large circles from his home in Burlington’s Old North End to the Shelburne Road rotary, greeting people he meets. “When you smile, they smile at you,” he said. Walking lifts the sadness he carries. When war erupted, gunmen stole his family’s cows, sheep, goats and camels. Other attackers killed his father and brother in front of him. When one of his brothers refused to leave their cousin, who had been shot in the leg, both were killed. As Muhumed fled, an attacker cut him with a knife, leaving a long, jagged scar on the side of his neck. His brother carried five bullets in his body. When their group approached Kenya, fighting broke out in the

FROM ABDIHAMID A. MUHUMED’S ACCOUNT I’m especially interested in the elephants. I look them up on the computer to see how they are doing. Before the war, thousands of elephants lived in Somalia. But when the war came most of them fled south across the border to Kenya — just like us. They knew it was too dangerous to stay on their own grounds and migrated to Kenya. Somali elephants are different than the Kenyan elephants in how they look and act. But most were able to survive in Kenya in ways they couldn’t across the border. If you go to Kenya today, you can see the Somali elephants. Scientists have been tracking them with radios over the years. They are very smart animals. They want to return to their homeland but can still sense the danger across the border. They can hear things hundreds of miles away. They can smell the war. The guns, the ammunition. They know when and where men are armed and where it isn’t safe to go. They can feel the bad things, the places where their parents or brothers or sisters were killed. Yes, thousands of elephants once lived in Somalia but none has been there in over 20 years. Recently I heard this: A few years ago one of the Somali elephants the scientists were tracking in Kenya left his grazing grounds along the Kenyan coast and headed north to Somalia. The elephant was an older male, around 30 years old. He walked 137 miles in 18 days. He traveled at night and hid in the forest during the day from poachers. He made it all the way to Somalia. No one expected it. No one had ever seen that before. Because of his age, the scientists thought he’d recalled the old route back home, the old migration path that had been disrupted by war. He was the first recorded elephant to return to Somalia in 20 years. But he didn’t stay. He must have known the country was still not safe. In less than 24 hours, he headed back to Kenya.

border town where they planned to camp for the night. They chose instead to sleep in the bush near the lions, which they viewed as the more manageable threat. “That’s why I love here, because there’s law and order,” Muhumed said. Vermonters take care of each other, he added. His chapter of Deep North is a message to Vermont, explaining why Somalis are here

and thanking Vermonters for their kindness, he said. As he put it, “You get relief if you tell your story to other people.” ➆

INFO Deep North: Stories of Somali Resettlement in Vermont by Shadir Mohamed, Fardusa A. Abdo and Abdihamid A. Muhumed, edited by Brad Kessler, Onion River Press, 71 pages. $14.

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SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

11/27/23 11:42 AM

The Distant Snowy Mountain T A short story BY LEATH TONIN O

SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

The boy and the girl are sad to leave the snowy mountain behind — they don’t want it to be distant now that it has been close — but during the long walk home they talk about the great fun and wonder of their experience, and that helps them feel better. They walk and talk, and walk and talk, and walk and walk and talk and talk, and then their feet hurt and there’s no part of the trip they haven’t remembered. Slowly, they go quiet. On the last night of the trip to the distant snowy mountain — a trip they agree has been incredible, rich with beauty and adventure and secrets — the boy has trouble sleeping; he rolls onto his hip. The girl also has trouble sleeping; she rolls onto her hip. Looking through the darkness, into each other’s eyes, they share an idea without speaking any words. Then the boy

says it aloud: I think we should go camping in the wildlands once every month, from today until the end of forever. The girl nods: Yes, once every four weeks, you and me and the wildlands, from today until the end of forever. That’s exactly what they do. The calendar becomes a map, each month another trip into the secrets of the wildlands. In December, it’s the secrets of ice. In May, it’s the secrets of flowers. In August, it’s the secrets of thunderstorms. In October, it’s the secrets of golden leaves that fly like golden birds. They explore canyons in the desert where lizards scamper over orange cliffs. They explore beaches by the ocean where dolphins leap from curling purple waves. They explore rainforests where bears sniff and paw at mossy logs. They explore wetlands where frogs croak

SARAH CRONIN

he boy and the girl meet at the edge of the playground, away from the swings and slides, away from the shouting and giggling and screeching of their classmates. They meet where the grass is tall and green and the sky is big and blue and there are secrets everywhere — secret houses, secret patterns, secret songs and secret singers. He is 6 years old. She is 6 years old plus 2 months. Exploring together, they become best friends. When the boy and the girl get older, they hold hands. And when they get older than holding hands, they kiss. And when they get older than kissing, they decide to spend the rest of their life together. The boy asks: But what will we do with the rest of our life together? The girl points to a distant snowy mountain and replies: We’ll do the same thing we’ve always done — explore the secrets. They start their new life together by walking to the bottom of the distant snowy mountain, paying attention to secrets along the way — bugs and fish, trees and boulders, chipmunks, waterfalls, secrets within secrets. The trip takes them an entire week and they carry backpacks the entire time. The backpacks are filled with warm clothes and nourishing food and a book of poems that they read each evening in their tent by the fluttery glow of a candle. Finally, they reach the bottom of the snowy mountain. The top is still far above them; there’s nothing to do besides put one foot in front of the other and climb. Setting a steady pace, they climb for hours and hours, up into the cold, windy secrets of a place few people visit. Everything sparkles at the summit, the boy and the girl included. And the world — the world seems to extend in all directions to infinity. Then the moment to head down arrives. Excited to explore more beauty, more adventure, more secrets, they wedge the backpacks under their butts and use them as sleds. Down the side of the mountain they ride, faster and faster, down, down, down, tears streaming across their faces. They’re at the bottom of the mountain before they know it, tumbling in the snow. Laughing, the boy says: I’ve never laughed so hard! The girl is laughing so hard she can only dance and jump and shake.

and creak from hiding spots in the cloudreflecting puddles. On the girl’s birthday, they return to the distant snowy mountain, their favorite secret place, the place at the center of their many beloved places. Again, they stand on the sparkly summit. Again, the world extends in all directions to infinity. Again, the sledding makes them cry and laugh. The boy says: We get older, but this never gets old! Dancing and jumping and shaking, the girl replies: We should visit again next month! That’s exactly what they do. Months become years and years become decades — the boy becomes a man and the girl becomes a woman — and yet they return repeatedly to the same distant snowy mountain to camp and explore. They travel

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to different wildlands — rowdy rivers and narrow caves and vast prairies and even giant public parks in giant sprawling cities — but something in the heart they share, the heart that beats inside their life together, can’t stop desiring the secrets of their favorite secret place. The man and the woman have a child, then a second, then a third, and as a family they explore their favorite secret place. The children go to school and tell stories of the wildlands, but none of their classmates on the playground, at the swings and slides, can believe the stories are true. Of course, the stories are true — and the calendar pages keep flipping, the seasons keep cycling. The three children become adults and have children of their own;

clothes and food and a book of poems and a candle. In the tent that night, after watching the neighborhood lights go out, after watching shooting stars and fireflies, after losing track of which is which, JUST A COUPLE the grandpa boy has trouble sleeping; OLD GUYS he rolls onto his hip. The grandma girl also has trouble sleeping; she rolls onto Snack on the BITE-CLUB NEWSLETTER TUESDAYS > 7:00 P.M. for a taste of this week’s flavorful her hip. Looking through the darkness, food coverage. It’ll hold you over into each other’s eyes, they share an idea until Wednesday. without speaking any words. Then the SUBSCRIBE AT grandpa boy says it aloud: I think we sevendaysvt.com/enews should go camping in the wildlands once every month, from today until the end of forever. The grandma girl nods: Yes, 12/5/23 16T-BiteClubfiller.indd 1 12/21/2016t-vcamWEEKLY23.indd 6:07 PM 16t-vcam-weekly.indd 1 1 11/2/20 9:24 3:07 AM PM once every four weeks, you and me and the wildlands, from today until the end of forever.

THE BOY SAYS IT ALOUD: I THINK WE SHOULD GO CAMPING IN THE WILDLANDS ONCE EVERY MONTH,

FROM TODAY UNTIL THE END OF FOREVER. now the camping involves numerous tents, enough to fit three whole generations. The man and the woman are grandpa and grandma — wrinkly-faced, leaning on canes — though they still feel like a little boy and a little girl in the heart they share. By the time the grandpa boy has reached the age of 85 and the grandma girl has reached the age of 85 plus 2 months, it’s clear that the distant snowy mountain is too long a walk for their tired bodies. Sitting on the back deck, sipping a refreshing lemonade, the grandpa boy asks: But what will we do with the rest of our life together? The grandma girl points past the mowed yard, to the empty field beyond where the grass is tall and green and the sky is big and blue: We’ll do the same thing we’ve always done — explore the secrets. He smiles. She grins. Leaning on their canes, whistling a silly tune, they go indoors to load their backpacks with

12/14/23 3:05 PM

Having made this vow, they both grow tired and fall asleep. And in the dream that comes, the dream they share, the distant snowy mountain is moving closer, moving closer, moving closer. And suddenly, effortlessly, easily, they are standing on the sparkly summit, the world of secrets within secrets extending in all directions to infinity. And then the backpacks are under their butts and they are racing down, faster and faster — down, down, down, faster than ever before, tears streaming across their faces. ➆

INFO Vermont native Leath Tonino is the author of two books of essays, The Animal One Thousand Miles Long: Seven Lengths of Vermont and Other Adventures (2018) and The West Will Swallow You (2019), and a contributor to numerous publications.

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food+drink

The Poetry of Caramel Lucas Farrell of Big Picture Farm on writing, confections and beloved animals B Y J O R D AN BAR RY • jbarry@sevendaysvt.com

ucas Farrell’s work takes two main forms: written and caramel. He oscillates between those mediums, following the rhythms of the year on Big Picture Farm in Townshend, which he owns and operates with his wife, artist Louisa Conrad. Poetry and caramels aren’t so different, suggested Farrell, 42, in an email. “They share a process of boiling down their material (milk or language) in an attempt to distill, sculpt or otherwise express the fundamental components of life — in small but sweet and wondrous form!” And, in Farrell’s case, both involve goats.

Big Picture Farm’s caramels are certainly wondrous. Made from the milk of Conrad and Farrell’s free-range 50-goat herd, the creamy, gooey treats come in flavors such as sea salt-vanilla, chai, maple cream, raspberry-rhubarb, cocoa-latte and cider-honey. The couple sell more than a million per year of the delicate, decadent, individually wrapped pieces. Farrell won the inaugural Sundog Poetry Book Award in 2020 for the blue-collar sun. While that collection takes inspiration from his life on Big Picture Farm, as Seven Days reviewer

Benjamin Aleshire wrote in 2021, “the book has concerns besides ruminations on ruminants.” Over the past couple of years, however, Farrell has been writing more and more about the animals in both poetry and prose. He and Conrad are entering their 13th year on the farm; some of the goats and guard dogs they started out with have passed away. Big Picture “I have these Farm caramels pieces I think of as elegies, or meditations, on these animals that we’ve lived

with that have become so interwoven in the fabric of our lives,” Farrell said in a recent phone interview. The elegies are still finding their form as a collection, he said. But seeing his essays come together with photographs from Conrad’s growing archive “illustrates how important these creatures are, at least to us.” Early December is the farm’s busiest time of year, when the couple fill holiday orders to ship around the country. Farrell took a break from wrapping caramels to speak with Seven Days about those beloved animals, when he writes and how the spheres of his life overlap. Y RR BA AN JORD

I THINK OF OUR CARAMEL AS ART.

COURTESY OF LOUISA CONRAD

I THINK OF THE FARM AS ART. L UC AS FAR R E L L

Lucas Farrell with Big Picture Farm goats

What does December look like on the farm? This time of year, I’m just trying to get through the list each day. We’re down at the shop — which is a mile and a half down the road from the farm — wrapping caramels using this Willy Wonka machine that we have and helping fill orders. It’s been seven-day-a-week caramel production for many weeks now, and that’s always how it is. It’s very cyclical. We’re all hands on deck there, and then things shift. In the spring, when kidding happens, it hits 100 percent in the other direction. The animals are transitioning a bit before us into chill winter mode. There’s a buck in with the herd right now, so I’m observing, keeping an eye on who’s been bred. We always stop milking right before Christmas and take a few months off as the goats are pregnant. When in that cycle do you find time to write? Most of my writing happens in the winter, THE POETRY OF CARAMEL

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The Archives in Winooski

The Archives Arcade Bar Closes Winooski Location The ARCHIVES arcade bar has shuttered its Winooski location after about two years in business, leaving only its Burlington location on College Street. Sunday was the last day of service at the bar at 45 Main Street, where customers could sip craft beers and cocktails alongside games of pinball and Donkey Kong. The Archives opened its Winooski location in July 2021, having postponed its originally scheduled March 2020 opening due to COVID-19. The second location was a “pre-pandemic plan that … proved to be unsustainable,” operations and beverage director SEAN MCKENZIE told Seven Days on Monday. He said staffing shortages and the difficulty of bouncing back from pandemic conditions contributed to the closure, which was announced in a Facebook post. “I have a lot of mixed emotions,” McKenzie said. “We’re happy that we had the opportunity to be there [in Winooski], even though it was somewhat short-lived.”

Given Winooski’s smaller population, McKenzie said the owners never expected the Archives’ second location to garner the same traffic as Burlington’s. On the northeast side of Winooski’s traffic circle, the space had previously housed Oak45, Mister Sister, Drafts N Crafts, and Eden Boutique Taproom & Cheese Bar. A local favorite, the Archives won three Daysies awards this year: best bar, best bartender and best place to drink alone. The Winooski location featured arcade games not offered at the Burlington location, such as the rail shooter game Time Crisis 3. Touched by the outpouring of community support on the Archives’ final weekend, McKenzie expressed optimism that Winooski regulars would transfer their allegiance to the flagship location in Burlington.

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COURTESY OF LOUISA CONRAD

The Poetry of Caramel « P.42 January through March. I have more periods of time where I can really hash things out and work on longer pieces. Then, in the spring, summer and fall, I do a lot of what I call “glimpses” — a little journaling, jottings that pile up. How does that schedule influence your poetry? I think of the farm as art. I think of our caramel as art. They’re things that we’re actively making, along with my writing or Louisa’s photographs or drawings. They bleed into one another and inform one another. Structurally, logistically, there are different spheres of our farm. We have the animals — the grazing, the milking, the barn. That’s a sphere. Then there’s the sphere of shipping, order fulfillment, customer service and packaging. Louisa and I are wandering in between spheres all the time. We have a small team, four employees. They’re also wandering between spheres at different times of year. The art of that is just that it’s our life. All that variety must tickle your brain in a cool way. When you get a chance to sit and write, where do you do it? A lot of it is bedside. [Laughing] I was actually just thinking about this, because I’m writing about Josie — a Maremma, a livestock guard dog. She was 10 when she passed this summer. She and Elvis, who’s 12, they’re out with their goats all the time, right? Twenty-four-seven, they’re outside, and they bark. They bark all night to keep the coyotes away. That’s their job. Josie especially, because she was the smaller of the two but had a louder bark. When we first got them as puppies 10 years ago, that obviously was disruptive to our sleep. Very quickly, it became this comfort. There was this profound silence when she passed that has really disrupted the way we sleep and the way we were able to dream. I fix a lot of problems on our farm. Most of them are easy to fix, but some are harder. I don’t know if you can relate, but like back in school, if you’re working on a puzzle, you can work on it at night when you’re sleeping, in dream mode. Removed from the distraction and flow of everyday life, you can focus. Josie allowed us to dream in that way. That’s a long way of saying that most of my writing happens at night. 44

SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

Lucas Farrell with Josie and Elvis

FIELDS WE HAVE KNOWN BY LU CAS FAR R E L L

for louisa summer, 2023 Last night, under moonlight, into the cricket-swell, after

goldenrod & millet, tethering its vastness to the moment

putting our daughters finally to bed, incandescent facts,

now stretched to twenty-some-odd years in the making.

miracles we couldn’t with all our faculties

Tonight we arrive at the edge of it,

imagine, or believe might exist, now here

blend of pine & oak in mist

& touchable, asleep & dreaming, so little yet

lifting up amid fireflies

vast, determined to journey, hearts

blinking through branches at the stars, their pulsing

thrumming intensely, we walk from our driveway

clarity beheld newly: Time’s sensational candor,

across the road into the field

how it reseeds in its wake

beyond the pond, smudge of silver against darkness

that which goes away, infinitely,

& step further into the field before that one

agriculturally, makes of loss a field

& again through the one before that one, through

to walk through, its color astatic, moving

all of the fields we have known.

proximally between black

I still see you there weaving the late-season

& every new shade of green.

harvest in your hands, the switchgrass & sorghum, Lucas Farrell is the author of the blue-collar sun (Green Writers Press, 2020) and The Many Woods of Grief: Poems (University of Massachusetts Press, 2011), as well as co-owner of Big Picture Farm in Townshend.

Your published work takes a variety of forms. How do you describe all the ways you put pen to paper? One of the big things I do, in terms of writing, is grant writing — the writing of keeping our business going. In the early days, I was writing a business plan to convince the bank to lend to us. I love all the different forms of writing. The content, audience and subject matter dictate the form. I never really know what it’s going to come out as. Sometimes I’m writing prose, and that ends up wanting to be a poem, or vice versa. It’s freeing. And it can also be a little unhinging. The notion of writing poetry — particularly starting to write poetry — seems terrifying. I think it’s less terrifying when you’re younger. I think everything is a little less terrifying when you’re younger. How did you get started? I was in an academic setting [at Middlebury College, then the University of Montana’s graduate program in poetry], surrounded by amazing thinkers, writers and professors, people working in that direction. There’s a lot of luxury there to explore whatever subject strikes your fancy the most. Language has always had a big impact on me. It helps and informs my understanding of my experience in the world. When you’re reading a poem, it kind of stops you in your tracks and helps you — helps me — reprocess my own experience. It changes the synapses of my thinking. And sometimes it’s just playful, this sort of delight and joy in reading as an escape from work. I find delight and joy in your caramels as a break from work. [Laughing.] I often stash them in my coat pockets and find them later, like little gifts to myself. That happens to me, too. Do you snack on them a lot? I do a lot of tasting in the mornings, generally. It’s sort of a daily taste while I’m wrapping. There’s always this one piece at the end of a run that stays in the wrapping machine, unwrapped. So when I go to clean, there’s one little piece there. I get to taste that one. ➆ This interview was edited and condensed for clarity and length.

INFO Learn more at bigpicturefarm.com.

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SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

1/18/21 5:12 PM

food+drink

DRE AMS T

IME

Slice of Morning

ITLA NA V

ILHA UK |

B Y M A RY EL D ER JA C O B S EN

What My Skillet Teaches Me About Transformation B Y N AD EL L FI SHM AN

My senses come alive in the coupling of minced garlic and bubbling oil, become one in a fragrance that embraces me, awakens my salivary glands.

Adaptability is its creed. Call it a frying pan if you must, my skillet is versatile. It instructs just below the boiling point; nothing sticks to it.

If all you have is a skillet, you have what it takes to unlock desire. You have the Sean Connery of cookware.

It sings as the sun sets on cherry tomatoes kissing a scintillation of olive oil. It scorches rice, orzo, couscous and pastas of all sizes and shapes.

You may think you need more and maybe you do, but light up the stove top, chop up the onions, chop all your forlorn leftovers,

It invites a downpour of white wine to reduce, the heavy cream to thicken. There’s mixing and mingling in the evening’s heat.

the shriveled vegetables holed up in back of your fridge, add it to that golden bowl, the chalice of hot imaginings. Come to the lip of all that quells your hungers.

“What My Skillet Teaches Me About Transformation” will appear in the forthcoming reprinting of Roads Taken: Contemporary Vermont Poetry, Third Edition, edited by Sydney Lea and Chard deNiord (Green Writers Press). Nadell Fishman lives and writes in central Vermont. The most recent of her three poetry collections is Traveling, Traveling (2022, Finishing Line Press).

SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

“Slice of Morning” by Mary Elder Jacobsen first appeared online in ONE ART: a journal of poetry. Mary Elder Jacobsen’s poetry has appeared widely in literary journals, poetry anthologies and elsewhere. Her debut poetry collection, Stonechat, was selected by Samantha Kolber for publication with Rootstock Publishing and is forthcoming in April 2024. Jacobsen lives in North Calais.

Each evening my skillet proposes something new to toss, and simmer in its flat bottom boat with maximum sizzle.

I’m waking to a sky dark as chocolate ganache swirled by the great baker, her sparkly spatula, her flourish of icing, between bright coconutfluff layers of snow days she’s stacked up one by one, yesterday then today, and soon I remember the slice of cake sent home after last night’s party and I’m up like the sun, first to rise out of bed down the dim-lit stairwell followed by the dog, star of our world. How is it he can beg shamelessly for more? His bowl is full. We are not unalike after all. Let me slice this last piece of sweet cake in half and leave the rest. Let me keep wanting more.

A VERMONT-MADE REVELRY OF ART & IDEAS

NEW YEAR’S EVE BURLINGTON, VERMONT HIGHLIGHTBTV.COM

PROGRAM GUIDE 2023

BURLINGTON · WATERBURY CENTER · STOWE

Celebrate the New Year at Leunig’s — or one of her sister locations!

Leunig’s Petit Bijou Corner of Church St. & College St. Burlington, VT 05401 802-399-2336

Leunig’s Bistro & Café 115 Church Street Burlington, VT 05401 802-863-3759

E L ECT R A’S RESTAURANT

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Le Marché Cafe 5597 Shelburne Road Shelburne, Vermont 05482 802-448-3038 12/8/23 2:56 PM

FIREWO RKS brought to you by

P: KYLE TANSLEY

P:LUKE AWTRY

Buttons: $15 Kids 5 and Under Are Free Your button is your ticket to every Highlight event! Please note: every venue, both indoor or out, has a capacity. We strongly recommend getting in line early for your favorite events. We appreciate your understanding!

HOW TO PURCHASE A HIGHLIGHT BUTTON 1 Visit one of our Burlington-area ticket sales partners and purchase in-person. You can purchase your buttons at the BCA Center, BCA Studios, ECHO Center, Foam Brewers, and Phoenix Books in Burlington.

2 Visit highlightbtv.com or scan the QR code

to purchase online. Once you purchase online, your buttons will be reserved and available for pickup at our box offices on New Year’s Eve, or at the BCA Center in advance. There is a box office at each Highlight location.

3 Purchase a button at any of our venues on December 31. Please note that Highlight is on track to sell out! Purchasing day-of can be both time-consuming and may not guarantee you a ticket. Highlight is on a Sunday, so all meters and City garages are free! Visit parkburlington.com to learn about the many downtown parking locations.

Open the Door to 2024! Highlight is all about toasting the brilliant spectrum of artists who call Burlington and Vermont home. Designed to bring all communities together through a unique experience, Highlight celebrates the wonderful multitudes we collectively contain. To present so many events in one sensational day and night, we need to spread out a bit. But we don’t wander too far, and have programmed the goings-on so that for the price of one button, you can experience as much specular art, music, food, and neighborly bonhomie as possible. Revelers are encouraged to download the app and consult highlightbtv.com for the complete and most up-to-date schedule.

Without further ado, here’s the general rundown of how— and where—Highlight unfolds…

ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN $200 Since 2019, VSECU has been a proud sponsor of the Bright Ideas Project that inspires Highlight. This year, we’re going a step further by giving away $2,000 in prize money to empower New Year‘s resolutions. Participants could win $200 to put toward their 2024 goals. HOW CAN YOU ENTER? • Stop by the VSECU table in the ECHO Science Center. • Warm up with a build-your-own hot chocolate. • Enter a New Years’ resolution in the drawing. We look forward to seeing you there!

TAYLOR SWIFT ERAS TOUR DANCE PARTY

SPIRITUAL SOUNDING: WOODLAND ECHOES

BIG GAY NEW YEAR

BCA CENTER

ECHO CENTER

Once we sweep up all the glitter, BCA proudly welcomes Spiritual Sounding: Woodland Echoes at 6:30 pm. Co-presented by Scrag Mountain Music, this ambient musical performance features Scrag Mountain’s Evan Premo joined by storyteller/ Native flutist Michael Laughing Fox Charette, a member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

Starting at 6 pm and running through midnight, Big Gay New Year is a night of Queer joy, art, and allyship. Visual art and performances curated by Lydia Kern and Corrine Yonce come together with a musical lineup tailored by Abbie Morin of Hammydown, featuring Caroline Rose, Lutalo, and more, bringing you a celebration like no other. This countdown is for the Queers and the people who love them!

Because the New Year must be welcomed in style, BCA teaching artists will assist youth and families in crafting elegant headbands and party hats in a Make and Take art activity at the BCA Center from 1-4 pm.

After that, our consciousnesses will be properly attuned for the folks behind Futurama Luminart (see page 10) to treat our senses to a cosmic synergy of art, music, and fashion from 9:30 pm until 12:30 am.

CONTOIS AUDITORIUM

Next door at Contois Auditorium in City Hall, the circus comes to town with three shows from beloved troupers Circus Smirkus, at 12, 2, and 4 pm. Things stay on the silly side when WABAAM!, a contemporary circus cabaret, performs from 6:30-7:30 pm before making room on the dancefloor for DJ Love Doctor. The good doctor will DJ **THE ENTIRE** Taylor Swift Eras Tour setlist— on vinyl to boot—as this dance party invites you to shake it off from 9 pm right on through the midnight hour.

At ECHO, the Front Porch Follies are back for their fourth year at Highlight, acting out posts from Vermont’s favorite community forum with improvised sketch comedy, songs, and guest appearances in two performances, at 1:30 and 3:30 pm.

FOAM BREWERS

Down Lake Street at Foam Brewers, family-friendly Daytime Disco features a top-shelf lineup of local DJs curated by DJ Svpply to help you get your NYE groove on from 2-6 pm. Glitch meets matrix when the folks at Burlington Electronic Department take over from 9 pm-12:30 am, presenting a full evening’s program of electronic acts, DJs, and bands that want nothing more than to short-circuit your mind.

SCAN FOR MOST UP-TO-DATE SCHEDULE

The visually stunning UU welcomes an aurally stunning performance by Skylark. The renowned quartet performs Darkness & Light, a pairing of chamber music and poetry that explores the seasonal shift toward brighter days. Catch them at 6 pm. We reset the stage to welcome indie-folk darling Henry Jamison from 8:30-10 pm. Jamison performs his signature brand of poignant, well-read songs in trio form, accompanied by incredible projections from Vanish Works.

GREASEFACE

Throughout the afternoon and evening, behold the interactive glowing orbs of Specter, designed by Burlington artist Pete Edwards. You’ll find these enigmatic beacons at the BCA Center as well. Feel free to talk to them and share your resolutions. (Everything confided is just between you and the orbs.)

SKINNY PANCAKE

The weirdness endures at Skinny Pancake, with art-rockers Greaseface laying down an oil slick of psychedelic punk-folk at 9:30 pm, followed by rabble rousing bluegrass rockers Wild Leek River, who take the stage at 10:30 pm.

HENRY JAMISON

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH

Unitarian Universalist hosts the promising young voices of the Opera Company of Middlebury’s Youth Opera Company. The teen singers enchant us with a performance of From Spain with Love, an original story of love lost and found, from 3:30-4:30 pm.

GOOD CLEAN FUN

VERMONT COMEDY CLUB

For family-friendly laughs, look no further than Good Clean Fun, a Whose Line Is It Anyway-style improv show running at the Vermont Comedy Club at 11 am and 1, 3, and 5 pm.

THE SUITCASE JUNKET

GREG FREEMAN

WATERFRONT PARK

THE NTH POWER

THE FLUFFY BUS

The Waterfront is brimming with activity all day long, beginning with RunVermont’s NYE Run/Walk to Highlight, at which runners and walkers are invited to take part in a 1-mile, 5k, or 5-mile fun run. All of the runs start at 2 pm and are free to everyone. No registration required.

Northstar Fireworks lights up the sky at 8 pm with an elegant display titled Wish Upon a Star. Following the final crackles and fizzles, Cirque de Fuego sparks their heat-seeking fire show, which culminates in the ritualistic burning of an effigy representing our beloved lake monster, Champ.

Our lakeside musical offerings take root at 2 pm with DJ Umami performing on the Burning Man-borne “artcar” qua stage, The Fluffy Bus.

Highlight’s outdoor musical offerings close with a soulful menu of rhythm, blues, and funk via The Nth Power, who formed in New Orleans for an impromptu Jazz Fest set 10 years ago and have been marching on ever since. Catch them from 8:30 to 10 pm.

The Tenderbellies get going on the main stage at 2:30 pm, stringing up their Vermonty blend of Americana, bluegrass, new grass, jazz, and rock before handing things over to Mal Maiz, who cast a psychy spin on modern and traditional Central and South American rhythms, at 4 pm. At 5 pm, DJ Rice Pilaf delivers the next course upon the Fluffy Bus, and at 5:30 pm, indie rocker Greg Freeman weaves lyrical webs of wit driven by gritty guitar and gravelly twang. New England’s preeminent one-man band, The Suitcase Junket, unpacks his evocative set of sounds and visions at 7 pm, performing the parts of five musicians simultaneously.

While you’re at the Waterfront, be sure to wander through the Illuminated Sculpture Garden, which we’ll light up at 2 pm and keep going until the end. Artists Clay Mohrman and Phoebe Lo created this transformative experience of glowing, ethereal artworks, which contain stories in light, reflecting the distinct stages of time. Like winter in Vermont, Highlight is no stranger to sudden surprises, so be sure to check highlightbtv.com and download the BCA Events App to make sure you have the most up-to-date info. We are so thrilled to be celebrating with you. Happy New Year!

VSECU empowers possibilities for Vermonters all year round, and through the Bright Ideas Project, they’ve been helping “Highlight” our community’s creative brilliance on New Year’s Eve since 2019. The Bright Ideas Project, an annual community-driven crowdsourcing effort, is the source of many of Highlight’s unique happenings. Each summer, Highlight asks Vermont visionaries from every corner of the state to start dreaming up one-of-a-kind New Year’s Eve events. Once all of the brilliant submissions are

gathered, a selection panel chooses the best and brightest ideas to receive over $40,000 of funding, in addition to production and marketing support, to bring them to life at Highlight. There’s no better way to celebrate the New Year than by counting down the experiences and ideas that make our community a hub of incredible creativity! This year, in addition to their support of the Bright Ideas Project, VSECU is helping Highlight revelers empower possibilities in 2024 by giving away $2,000 in prize money to support their New Year’s resolutions. Stop by VSECU’s table at ECHO, warm up with a decadent, build-your-own hot chocolate, and enter your resolution in the drawing. If your resolution is chosen, you could win $200 to put toward achieving your 2024 goals!

AN INTERVIEW WITH

Trinidadi Twagirumukiza and Morgan Wickstrom OF FUTURAMA LUMINART

How did you hear about Highlight and the Bright Ideas Project?

glimpse of what we are capable of as human beings. We created AI, and we are allowing AI to create as well, driving us to infinite creativity.

We have both worked with BCA in the past and are familiar with your projects supporting artists in the community, so we were on board right when we heard of this event.

Tell us about your experience as artists in Burlington.

What can audiences expect from Futurama Luminart? You can expect to be swept off your feet! You will be dancing on your knees saying “Please, please, give us more!” We are collaborating with dancers and artists, but the amazing thing about this, it’s not about artists coming together; it’s about the community coming together and experiencing art. You can expect something different, you can expect to have fun, and you can expect to make new friends in the process.

Where did the idea come from? How long have you been working on it? The idea was always inside of us, and given the opportunity through Highlight, we were able to illuminate and realize this vision. As prisoners of the present, we must enjoy and control this moment, rather than seek anything outside of it. We are exploring the idea of the future through what we have to express ourselves in the present moment. We are incorporating music, movement, and visual work for a full sensory experience.

How are you using AI in your artwork? We are projecting AI visuals to represent the creativity of the future that is to come. AI is another form of expression; it is a

It has been quite a beautiful journey meeting other artists, talking to the community, and getting some feedback. It has been a very warm welcome and has given us a lot to reflect on. When you move into a place that is very welcoming, accepting, and open, that allows an artist’s true creativity and mastery to come. This is when your wheels start moving and you start bringing more to the table, in a different way.

Are there other Highlight performances or events that you’re hoping to check out? We hope we have time to explore all the amazing things going on around town. The Spiritual Sounding taking place at the BCA center at 6:30 sounds like a beautiful offering.

What are your New Year’s resolutions? “I want everyone to start having fun, and to stop lying to themselves that they have all these resolutions, and just start taking action. Instead of saying ‘we should do this,’ just do it. No more ‘should,’ foot on the gas!”—Trinidad “I want to keep finding happiness in the small trivial things and savor the journey. Calling in more presence, gratitude, creativity, and self-expression for 2024.”—Morgan

Tito’s Handmade Vodka has been helping the City of Burlington ring in the New Year on a spirited note since 2018, the very first year of Highlight. Even after all the toasting to 2024 is done, Tito’s Handmade Vodka will continue their stalwart support of causes in communities across Vermont. In addition to supporting Highlight, Tito’s Handmade Vodka has awarded Burlington City Arts with a $40,000 gift to expand the BCA Community Fund, creating additional grant opportunities for artists and arts organizations in our community.

“As a company, we’ve always been passionate about uplifting artists to help them accomplish their dreams,” says Lindsey Bates, Director of Philanthropy Operations for Tito’s Handmade Vodka. “That’s why we’re excited to support Burlington City Arts in their expanded program to elevate local artists, and we look forward to seeing their continued impact in the years to come.” Look for special Tito’s Handmade Vodka cocktails at all Highlight location bars, and join us in raising a glass to their continued commitment to spreading love and goodness!

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F I N D E V E N T S A N D M O R E AT S E V E N D AY S T I C K E T S . C O M

Season’s Greetings

PRESENTING SPONSORS

SUPPORTING SPONSOR

COMMUNITY SPONSORS

MEDIA SPONSORS

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

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JORDAN BARRY

SERVING UP FOOD NEWS

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11/10/22 2:10 PM

gift certificate Matt Birong (left) and Scott Collins

New Owners for 3 Squares Café in Vergennes Vergennes breakfast and lunch spot 3 SQUARES CAFÉ is about to have its 17th birthday. In January, it will also have new owners for the first time in its history. REP. MATT BIRONG (D-Vergennes) and his wife, DANELLE, will sell the brick-andmortar part of the biz to SCOTT COLLINS and JODY HAYES. The Birongs will remain partners in 3 Squares’ food trailer-based events business, which operates during the legislative offseason. “I always told myself that I’d sell when the belly fire was eroded,” Birong told Seven Days. “COVID eroded the belly fire.” The new owners plan no major changes for the popular spot on Vergennes’ main drag, and the staff will remain, Birong and Collins said. Birong had been quietly shopping the restaurant to potential buyers for a year and a half. He’s known Collins for more than 20 years, since Collins interned for him at Burlington’s Waiting Room as a New England Culinary Institute student. Collins and Hayes were looking to start something of their own, Birong said, with 3 Squares’ model in mind. While catering a wedding with Collins, Birong gave his longtime friend the full pitch.

A gift everyone will love — a great night out this holiday season! For every $100, receive an additional $20

“I said, ‘Instead of doing a copy, why not buy the original?’” Birong said. “I knew the conversation was coming,” Collins added. “We thought about it for real, and there’s no way it doesn’t make sense. We see ourselves as stewards of this brand, because it’s such a big part of the community.” He and Hayes have owned a food cart in Portland, Ore., but this will be the Bolton couple’s first restaurant. Since moving back to Vermont in 2016, Collins has worked at Stowe’s EDSON HILL and Waterbury Center’s ZENBARN. A year and a half ago, he stepped away from his job as director of food and beverage at BOLTON VALLEY RESORT to work in financial advising “and clear my head,” he said. Collins and Birong will run the 3 Squares events operation together out of the restaurant, but it’s now a distinct business. “I’ll have two clearly defined seasonal jobs,” the legislator said with a laugh. Jordan Barry

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

Offer ends Christmas Eve.

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SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

11/13/23 11:58 AM

LUCY ABAIR • JAN & HARRIS ABBOTT • SHAUN ABSHERE • LAURA ADAMS • ANNE ADLER • CURT ALBEE • SARAH ALBERT • TISH ALDOM • ANNE ALESHIRE • JOAN ALESHIRE • MARJORIE ALLARD • DANA ALLEN • MEL ALLEN • BREN ALVAREZ • DENNIS & OLGA AMARAL • GAYLEE AMEND • JANET ANCEL • HEIDI ANDERSON • JORDAN ANDERSON • KRISTIN ANDERSON • LOUISE ANDREWS • ROSS ANDREWS • MARSHA KINCHELOE & PETER ANTHONY • PETER ANTHONY • BRIAN APPLEBERRY • JENNIFER ARBUCKLE • ARGOSY FOUNDATION • KEN ARKIND • CHRISTINE ARMSTRONG • MARGARET ARMSTRONG • CELIA ASBELL • PETER & MICHELE ASCH • BEKI AUCLAIR • JEREMY AUDET • BETH AUSTIN • TANIA AZAR • LORNE BABB • ELYSSA BACK • SUSAN BAKER • ROBERT BALEWICZ • THERESA BALLOU • IRIS BANKS • NANCY BANKS • ALISA BARBA • DAVID BARDAGLIO • MARIA & FREDERICK BARRETT • SUSAN BARTLETT • CAROLYN BATES • ALAN BAUMAN • PENNIE BEACH • JOE BEAIRD • CATHERINE BEAL • DOROTHY BEANE • ALISON BECHDEL • SCOTT VAN BECK • JERI BELISLE • KANDACE BENEDINI • NANCY BERGER • MEG BERLIN • ZAIL BERRY • STEPHEN BERTRAND • JANET BIEHL • PAUL BILLETTE • POLLY BIRDSALL • JANE BISHOP • THOMAS BISSON • ANNE BLACKMER • JUDITH BLACKMER • LINDA BLAIR • VALERIE WILKINS & DEAN BLOCH • BARB BLOKLAND • THOMAS & BARBARA BLOOM • LESLI BLOUNT • RICK BLOUNT • DAVID BLUMGART • ELIZABETH BLUTO • BRIAN BOARDMAN • JOHN & ELLEN BODIN • CATHERINE BODNAR • MATTHEW BODWELL • DAVID BOEDY • JOCELYN BOLICK • ARIEL BOLLES • BOB BOLYARD • PAULA BONHOMME • PETER BOOTH • RONALD BOSLEY • NAOMI BOSSOM • DENNIS BOUCHER • JEANNE BOUCHER • BROOKE BOUSQUET • DEB BOUTON • JOAN BOWKER • BARBARA BOYDEN • ELOISE BOYLE • MIRIAM BOYLE • KATIE BOYNTON • KATHERINE BRANDEIS • PAM BRANGAN • JAMES BRANNEN • WENDY BRAUER • CHRISTOPHER BRAY • KATHARINE HIKEL & WALTER BRECK • JO BREGNARD • LISA BRIDGE • STEPHEN BRODEUR • EDIE BRODSKY • PHILIP BRONZ • TIM BROOKES • ALEX BROWN • DESMOND BROWN • FLIP BROWN • GREG BROWN • LORI BROWN • PHILIP BROWN • SANDY BROWN • SHERRIE BROWN • JESSICA BRUMSTED • ELISE BRUNELLE • LORI BRYANT • CLAIRE BUCKLEY • JIM BUCKLEY • TOM BUCKLEY • TAYLOR BUCKNER • CATHERINE BUNI • RENEE BURGER • MIRIAM BURNS • LIZABETH BURRELL • ROBERT BURROWS • LYNN BURSELL • CHRISTINE BURT • ELIZABETH BUSHUEFF • TESHA BUSS • ELLEN BUTLER • EDWARD BUTZIRUS • JEFF BUZAS • JOHN BYRNE • HANA CADIEUX • KATE CADREACT • ALDEN CADWELL • GEORGE L. 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THA

SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

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SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

culture

Word to the Weird

Hancock’s Whiskey Tit press publishes books no one else will BY H ANNAH F E UE R • hfeuer@sevendaysvt.com

hiskey Tit may sound more like the name of a dive bar than a serious publishing company — but don’t mistake the risqué label for a lack of literary gravitas. Based on owner Miette Gillette’s pig and goat farm iin n Hancock, the one-woman publishing company gives a home to books that mainstream publishers have rejected not for poor quality but because, as Gillette put it, they’re “just a little too weird.” Take Charlotte and the Chickenman by Aina Hunter, about a futuristic society in which a group of animal rights activists proposes consuming white people as the most ethical form of eating. Or Postal Child by Granville author Joey Truman, about a boy who grows up in an abusive environment in Brooklyn and finds solace in befriending pigeons. Books that don’t “fit neatly on a bookshelf somewhere around the stacks in Barnes & Noble” still deserve to be out in the world, Gillette said. “There’s an appetite for something that’s just a little bit different.” Gillette, who is in her forties, founded Whiskey Tit in 2014 as a passion project. She was helping her friend Jon Frankel write query letters for his book GAHA: Babes of the Abyss, about a corrupt Los Angeles real estate tycoon in the year 2540. Publishers and agents roundly rejected the novel — which also involves “a pair of incestuous teenage lesbian Martian princesses” — for being, well, too bizarre. Disappointed by the lack of interest, Gillette decided to publish the book herself using personal funds. She did the same for another friend, posthumously publishing Vergennes author James Strahs’ zany travelogue Queer and Alone after the book had gone out of print. What started as a “vanity project” for her friends’ work has become a powerhouse small publisher that has put out about 50 books since its inception. With the help of freelancers, Gillette reads submissions, edits manuscripts, weighs in on cover art, and does publicity and marketing. She sells the unconventional content through conventional channels: independent bookstores, Barnes & Noble and — even though Gillette doesn’t 50

SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

Mind, Body, Harmony

love Jeff Bezos — Amazon. Whiskey Tit gave Frankel’s GAHA: Babes of the Abyss, increases the discoverability of its books which pictures a teenage girl in a leotard through Asterism, an online distribution with the outline of her nipple poking School of OOM YUNG DOE� site for small presses, and Ingram Content through. THE GRANDMASTER IRON KIM� Style Group, which maintains a catalog of books “A bookstore is never going to have a sold around the world. book with a nipple on the cover. It just “To give these books the best shot, I doesn’t happen,” Gillette said. But the Release Stress need to be in as many places as possible,” writer wanted the explicit cover — and Build Self Confidence Gillette said. “Finding ways into specific Gillette was “not going to compromise audiences based on where people already the integrity of what the author wants.” Increase Energy are is definitely something that I’ve learned For Richmond author KT Mather, that Overall Health along the way.” autonomy was a large part of why she She acknowledges that she looks out for chose Whiskey Tit for her debut novel, 8 Complete Martial Arts her authors as if they were her children. Rage Is a Wolf, about a girl who drops out In fact, that’s part of the story behind her of school to write a book about climate Taught As One ™ press’ unusual name. Gillette had a ritual of change. The structure of the narrative is drinking a glass of whiskey while writing, nontraditional: It’s a book within a book Bagwa • Kung Fu • Ai Ki Do • Tai Chi but when she started the press, she was that turns into a screenplay. also breastfeeding a newborn and limiting In 2017, Mather sent the manuscript to 18 Chinese Weapons Snack on the her intake. She landed on agents. Across the board, BITE-CLUB NEWSLETTER Kom Do (Samurai Sword) the name Whiskey Tit as she recalled, they told her for a taste of this week’s both a joke about “trying to write something more Kong Su (Tae Kwon Doe) • Udo (Jiu Jitsu) flavorful food coverage. not to drink as a writer” “normal” that would make and a metaphor for the it easier for a marketing It’ll hold you over parental role she takes on department to find her until Wednesday. as a publisher. readers. Mather attempted SUBSCRIBE AT Gillette greeted me to make the book more sevendaysvt.com/enews with a choice of coffee, palatable but quickly realtea, water or whiskey ized that she didn’t want Ethan Allen Plaza | 1127 North Ave. #25 at her friend’s house in to walk anything back. Burlington | 802-309-6114 | Inst.Wade@gmail.com Granville, three miles Then a local connection MIET TE GILLET TE down a dirt road with no introduced her to Gillette. cell reception, where she Whiskey Tit allowed8V-BiteClubfiller.indd 1 12/21/208v-oomyungdoeVT110123.indd 6:12 PM 1 10/30/23 1:15 PM works once a week. (I took the tea.) Mather to maintain her artistic vision. Before starting Whiskey Tit, Gillette Gillette “can take chances that the worked for two years in online produc- bigger publishers won’t or can’t,” Mather tion at a children’s publisher and for three said. Check out these programs and events! years in marketing at a large, mainstream Truman, the Granville author, also publisher in New York City that she appreciates how much freedom Gillette declined to name. There, she said, focus gives writers. He’s written books such as groups often drove decisions about books’ Sequestered, a journal he kept while stuck endings or which art to put on the cover. in a one-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn Everything was “very informed by during the first days of COVID-19; and unlimited market forces,” Gillette said. Writers Cooking Cockroach: A Guide to Modern SLED DOGS LIVE | DEC. 27 would “see all of the art and the craft and Poverty, a memoir-cookbook about how to the time and the sweat just being brushed eat while growing up poor. Recipes include under the rug for the sake of a number on “black beans in water” and “theoretical a spreadsheet.” steaks.” That’s because larger publishers need “It’s not so much that I would get to justify the investment they’re making censored if I went to some other publisher. in publicity and marketing, Gillette said. It’s just that I don’t think they’d get it,” REINDEER LIVE | DEC. 30 Whiskey Tit, by contrast, has low overhead Truman said. He compared Gillette to a costs with only one full-time staffer. She “punk-rock philosopher” for her willingalso keeps costs down by using a mix of a ness to defy convention. print-on-demand model — in which book While Gillette refuses to compromise copies are not printed until the publisher artistry in the name of profit, she still wants receives an order — and printing in small to sell books, she said. She believes readbatches. That allows her the freedom to ers are hungry for content that challenges BACK OF HOUSE make choices based on the author’s artistic literary norms — as niche as those audiBuy any membership + ANIMAL TOURS vision, not commercial viability. ences might be. ECHO will give a She shares not only decision-making “They might not be books that appeal membership power but also financial gains: Gillette to everybody,” Gillette said, “but no book SCAN ME to a family in need. splits profits 50-50 with authors, a dramati- should appeal to everybody. That’s dangercally higher share than a typical publishing ous.” ➆ company gives its writers. Sometimes Gillette’s decisions fly in the INFO DAILY LIVE ANIMALS face of marketability — like the cover she Learn more at whiskeytit.com. & DEMOS

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culture

Short Takes on Five Vermont Books Seven Days writers can’t possibly read, much less review, all the books that arrive in a steady stream by post, email and, in one memorable case, a bouquet of pheasants. So this monthly feature is our way of introducing you to a handful of books by Vermont authors. To do that, we contextualize each book just a little and quote a single representative sentence from, yes, page 32. ➆

Marrying Mongolia

The Watermelon Story

It’s This

Sas Carey, International Polar Institute Press, 304 pages. $30.

Written by Georgiana de Rham and illustrated by Carolyn Dreyer, Onion River Press, 32 pages. $12.99.

Laura Foley, Fernwood Press, 100 pages. $17.

“I like a book where the author doesn’t choose a complicated word where a simple one will do.” Sas Carey rejected much about her father’s mercurial personality, especially his hair-trigger temper. But his taste in books, summed up by the quote above, seems to have influenced Carey’s own literary style. “I am a plain writer,” she says in her Hemingwayesque memoir Marrying Mongolia. “I just want to document things.” Indeed, the Middlebury author, documentary filmmaker, surgical nurse, spiritual healer and grandmother has packaged her fascinating life experiences into easily digestible bites. They range from her first transcontinental journey as an infant riding in a laundry basket from Washington State to Connecticut in her father’s decrepit Model A Ford to a trek into the mountains of northern Mongolia on a reindeer. Her book is less a narrative with a single destination than a bundle of postcards sent from far-flung locales. Why “marrying” Mongolia? Unlike Carey’s husbands and partners, the remote and rugged east Asian country seems to be the life companion that will stay with her forever, embedded in her soul.

We are going to be the most talked about watermelons of the year. Children’s stories often conjure imaginary worlds in which inanimate objects feel, think and speak as if they were human. In her picture book The Watermelon Story, Georgiana de Rham reveals the firsthand perspective of a crop of watermelons on a Champlain Valley farm. The book begins in deep winter with the farmers’ excitement as they plant seeds in “cocoons of nutritious soil.” As days lengthen and warm, the melon seedlings start “itching to get outside into the ground.” De Rham ably demonstrates the knowledge she has gained working on several Vermont farms, though the text is a little dense for a picture book format. Carolyn Dreyer’s colorful, animated illustrations help carry the tale, depicting the varied community that tends, prepares and eats the delicately striped fruits with curlicue vines. After almost a year, a final pair of watermelon lasts until the woodstove once again warms the house. “We survived for months,” one marvels, “to offer a taste of summer in depths of midwinter.”

KEN PICARD

SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

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that quiet Maine morning / the full tide of grandmotherhood / lapping at my shore. A peaceful winter landscape, the view from a mountaintop and a late-night Scrabble game are some of the scenes that Laura Foley conjures in her poetry to give the illusion of simplicity. But, like the works of Robert Frost and Mary Oliver, the casually observational poems in Foley’s latest collection, It’s This, subtly suggest deeper conflict. The natural world is merely a lens through which the Pomfret poet explores themes of her own life, including divorce from her husband, exploration of her sexuality and celebration of grandmotherhood. While the short verses in It’s This can be startlingly intimate, Foley’s rhetoric isn’t entirely internal. She often addresses the reader, inviting them to pay attention to the world and be grateful for it. And she gets the point across with brevity; the poems in the collection rarely exceed a page. This book is the ideal companion during a moment of reflection — maybe by a cozy fire with a warm beverage. GILLIAN ENGLISH

A Tether to This World: Stories & Poems About Recovery

Of Time and Chance: A Love Story of the ’60s

Edited by Erika Nichols-Frazer, Main Street Rag, 195 pages. $17.95.

Ruth Porter, Bar Nothing Books, 175 pages. $14.99.

Gertrie yelps, her face suddenly contorted in panic as she springs to her feet. Waitsfield resident Erika Nichols-Frazer is the author of Feed Me: A Story of Food, Love and Mental Illness, a memoir about the role of food in helping her recover from anorexia and bipolar disorder. Now, she’s telling other people’s stories of recovery as the editor of A Tether to This World, an anthology of poems and short stories that highlights the diversity of experiences among people with mental illness. The works vary greatly in style and content. The all-lowercase poem “when i tell people” discusses the social stigma of disclosing a diagnosis. The listicle “11 Times I Should Have Known Something Was Wrong” describes a series of dark memories. The short story “The Beast Files” is a dialogue between two people on a Tinder date who discuss not wanting to have kids for fear of passing on their mental illness. While the authors differ widely in their approaches, each work will leave readers with heightened empathy. HANNAH FEUER

“What was that hippie woman doin here?” In 2005, Ruth Porter and her husband, Bill, founded Bar Nothing Books to publish her novel The Simple Life. When I wrote about the then 66-year-old author, selfpublishing was still a novelty. Today, it’s mainstream — and Ruth Porter is still putting out novels of life in rural Vermont, now with the help of her son. (Bill Porter died in 2022.) Of Time and Chance takes place in summer 1967. Elsewhere, it’s the “summer of love,” but on a farm in West Severance, Vt., 17-year-old Andy is quietly doing his chores and preparing to go fight in Vietnam with his buddies. Enter Cynthia, the “hippie woman” of our quote, who comes to the farm for fresh milk and ends up teaching Andy a lot about life, love and making his own choices. It’s a Green Mountain classic, this romance of farm boy and freespirited flatlander. Porter fleshes it out with the mature perspective of Andy’s grandmother, who supports him in his own small but significant rebellion. MARGOT HARRISON

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EVA SOLLBERGER

culture Howard Fisher out on a delivery for Meals on Wheels

Episode 704: Meals on Wheels

Burlington’s Old North End to fill them up. Howard loves a bargain; at $1.50 a cup, he says, this is the cheapest coffee in Chittenden County. And it’s good, too! I wish I had gotten the store owner on camera when she rang him up. She said Howard is the highlight of her day. I bet he hears that a lot.

On a Roll

Howard Fisher delivers Meals on Wheels with a side of good cheer

oward Fisher was a pilot in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, but these days he volunteers — on the ground. The 81-year-old South Burlington resident spends Tuesday mornings dropping off Meals on Wheels — he’s one of more than 800 Age Well volunteers who handdeliver upwards of 271,000 meals every year to older adults in northwestern Vermont. Fisher has worked with food and the community for decades. After moving to Vermont in 1977 with his wife, he spent 30 years as the program director at the New England Culinary Institute. Since retiring, he has volunteered with numerous local organizations, such as Vermont Foodbank’s Community Kitchen Academy, Vermont Works for Women, the American Red Cross and Vermont Legal Aid. For the past three years, he’s been delivering meals with Age Well, a nonprofit that advocates for Vermont’s senior citizens. Our state’s population is aging rapidly. According to Age Strong VT, an initiative of the Vermont Department of Health, one in three Vermonters will be over the age of 60 by 2030. Seven Days senior multimedia

producer Eva Sollberger joined Fisher on a snowy morning as he delivered meals to residents and had a few friendly visits. She asked people along the delivery route what healthy aging meant to them. Sollberger spoke with Seven Days about filming the episode. How did you get to know Howard? I met Howard in 2009 through his son, Michael Fisher, a talented filmmaker. Michael was the cinematographer on the 500th “Stuck in Vermont,” and he is responsible for the cinematic look of that musical episode. Both of the Fishers have accompanied me on many video adventures over the years and have been incredibly helpful. Howard has often driven me to shoots around the state and helped me lug camera gear around once we arrive. I usually “pay” him with a cup of coffee or lunch. I always marvel at Howard’s capacity to remain cheerful — no matter the situation — and his eagerness to be of assistance. One of the ways he helps others is through the American Red Cross. He’s

been donating blood since high school and has given close to 80 gallons — he’ll hit that amazing milestone in April. And, of course, Howard was the one who suggested I feature Meals on Wheels. He wanted to inspire other people to volunteer. Howard shared some great old photos with you for this episode. That was my first time seeing those photos from the 1960s. I knew Howard was a pilot in the war, but seeing images of that time in his life was something else. Howard took me for a spin in a single-engine plane for my birthday years ago. It was memorable because I had just recovered from surgery and was feeling a bit fragile. I had every confidence that Howard would keep us safe, and he even let me hold the steering wheel for a spell.

GOOD FOOD IS ESSENTIAL TO HEALTHY AGING —

AND SO IS CONNECTION AND COMMUNITY.

How does Howard fuel up for a long day of Age Well deliveries? Howard and I both love coffee. He is an early riser, so I met him at his home at 8 a.m. He had two travel mugs ready, and we stopped at JR’s Corner Store in

You met some great people along his route. Age Well is adamant about respecting its clients’ privacy. Tracey Shamberger, director of business development and communications, helped us get in touch with people ahead of time to see if they would speak on camera about the program. Everyone had great things to say about Howard and the meals he delivers. Did you get to try the Meals on Wheels food? One recipient did not want her meal, so I went home with it. I didn’t have high expectations for a reheated omelette, but it was actually quite good. It was filled with cheese and went well with the side of vegetables and rice. It is a smaller serving size than I am used to but would have been just right for my 89-year-old mother, who has a smaller appetite. Why is this program important? My mother has lived with me for the past seven years. She is far less mobile than she once was, and I do all the grocery shopping. She helps with meal preparation but doesn’t always have the energy to cook. I feel very fortunate that I am able to take care of her and bring home healthy fruits and vegetables. It is reassuring to know that if I were not here, she would have resources like Meals on Wheels available to her. We also value our time together and enjoy shared meals with friends like Howard. Good food is essential to healthy aging — and so is connection and community. ➆

INFO If you are a Vermonter over the age of 60, call the state’s Senior HelpLine at 800-642-5119 for information and resources.

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 Thursday 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.

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on screen

Bradley Cooper plays Leonard Bernstein in a biopic with surprising complexity and heft.

Maestro ★★★★★

ome viewers may be tempted to dismiss Bradley Cooper’s Maestro as a vanity project. It puts a giant spotlight on the actor-directorcowriter as he plays composer-conductor Leonard Bernstein, himself a larger-thanlife celebrity. The film is already nominated for four Golden Globes and a slew of other awards, and it has that grandiose title. But don’t be deceived. Maestro is a surprisingly subtle relationship drama even as it captures the over-the-top ebullience of the great conductor. See it at Merrill’s Roxy Cinemas and on Netflix as of press time.

REVIEW

In 1943, Bernstein gets his big break — a chance to helm the New York Philharmonic after the scheduled conductor calls in sick. At 25, he becomes famous overnight. Well connected in the worlds of classical music and musical theater, the young prodigy is in a clandestine relationship with his clarinetist roommate (Matt Bomer). But fidelity is not his strong suit. When he meets young stage actor Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan) at a party, he’s smitten. Poised yet whimsical and impulsive, Felicia has a cosmopolitan background. Bernstein sees her as a “composite” like himself, someone who refuses to stay within conventional boundaries. They marry in 1951 and have three children as Bernstein becomes a fixture of the American musical world and a global celebrity. Meanwhile, he continues to have affairs with men. Felicia knows and accepts all — until the 1970s, when her husband’s indiscretions cause gossip that reaches his children. For the first time, their partnership falters.

Will you like it?

Perhaps “biopic” is a misleading term for Maestro. Far from an attempted overview of Bernstein’s life or even his career, it’s more like a highlight reel of pivotal moments in the composer’s relationship with his wife, giving the two of them equal weight as protagonists. (Mulligan appears first in the credits.) Watching it, we learn 56

SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

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The deal

a fair bit about Bernstein, as well. But viewers who aren’t already familiar with the facts may want to read up, because the script rarely spoon-feeds them to us. The film underlines Bernstein’s capacity for transformation by practicing a similar shape-shifting in its own visual and dramatic style — or styles. Cinematographer Matthew Libatique shoots the couple’s 1940s courtship in black and white; the crisp, witty dialogue of this section evokes films of that era. Bits of cinematic magical realism give the film a giddy, screwball feel, as when Bernstein seems to step from his apartment directly onto the stage of the Philharmonic, or when he and Felicia become part of a number in On the Town. For the 1960s and ’70s sections, Cooper and Libatique switch to color and a more modern, naturalistic style. That shift has a parallel in the couple’s relationship as circumstances pull them down to earth. Felicia struggles to sustain her unconditional support of her husband, her frustration culminating in an agonizing argument that takes place against the bizarre background of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. According to Smithsonian magazine, Cooper’s cowriter, Josh Singer, drew on 1,800 letters that Bernstein’s estate donated to the Library of Congress in 2010. The resulting screenplay is startlingly intimate, even as it streamlines the ups and downs of the pair’s relationship.

The year they were married, Montealegre wrote to Bernstein, “I am willing to accept you as you are, without being a martyr or sacrificing myself on the L.B. altar.” In the film, she makes a similar declaration to Bernstein’s sister (Sarah Silverman), insisting that she can tolerate the wandering attentions of her husband without losing respect for herself. But the promises of youth aren’t so easy to keep in middle age. Maestro portrays the marriage as a complex give-and-take; no one is villain or victim. Bernstein is an extroverted genius who loves people, but the surplus energy that makes him charming at parties and magnetic on the podium can also make him insufferable. Felicia is bold and generous, but she harbors a bourgeois dread of scandal. When she eventually reaches her limit, we can’t blame her, yet we understand why she tried. Cooper really goes for it in his performance, which features a six-minute continuous take of him conducting Gustav Mahler. But really going for it feels very Bernstein. Despite the prosthetic nose, after the first few minutes, his version felt to me like a full-fledged character rather than an impersonation. Mulligan’s restraint is a fine complement, and she makes us care about Felicia, including the sharp edges on her delicate soul. When Felicia loses patience with Bernstein, her cruelty leaves us breathless. The film buoys us aloft with selections from Bernstein’s oeuvre on the soundtrack,

but this is no simple tribute to a great artist. Even in its elegiac final scenes, Maestro portrays him as all too human. It made me want to learn more about Bernstein, to explore the rich depths that the movie has to glide over — and isn’t that ultimately what a biopic should do? MARGO T HARRI S O N margot@sevendaysvt.com

IF YOU LIKE THIS, TRY... TÁR (2022; Prime Video, rentable):

Bernstein had many real-life protégés, but one of his most famous students is pure fiction: the egotistical conductor played by Cate Blanchett in Todd Field’s deep dive into the classical music world. LEONARD BERNSTEIN — A GENIUS DIVIDED (2018; Apple TV+, Medici.tv):

Thomas von Steinaecker’s documentary explores different facets of the conductor through interviews with his family and friends. Not yet streaming is Bernstein’s Wall (2021), which highlights Bernstein’s activism. WEST SIDE STORY (2021; Disney+, fubo,

rentable): Steven Spielberg was a producer of Maestro. If you haven’t seen his version of perhaps the most famous Bernstein-scored musical, what are you waiting for?

COURTESY OF LORENZO SISTI

Point your kids’ compass toward FUN next summer. THE HOLDOVERSHHH1/2 Paul Giamatti plays a prep school teacher forced to spend the holidays with his least favorite student in the comedy-drama from Alexander Payne. (133 min, R. Big Picture, Capitol [ends Sat]; reviewed 11/22) THE HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKESHH1/2 This prequel to the blockbuster dystopian series explores the youth of villain-to-be Coriolanus Snow (Tom Blyth). (157 min, PG-13. Capitol [ends Sat], Essex [ends Sun], Majestic) Penelope Cruz in Ferrari

NEW IN THEATERS RELEASING 12/22 ANYONE BUT YOU: A fancy wedding gives two exes (Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell) an incentive to fake-date in this rom-com from Will Gluck (Easy A). (103 min, R. Essex, Majestic) AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM: The DC superhero (Jason Momoa) fends off threats while planning his wedding in the latest Justice League installment from director James Wan. With Ben Affleck and Patrick Wilson. (124 min, PG-13. Bijou, Essex, Majestic, Paramount, Star, Welden) THE IRON CLAW: Sean Durkin (Martha Marcy May Marlene) directed this biopic about professional wrestlers the Von Erich brothers, starring Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White and Harris Dickinson. (130 min, R. Essex, Majestic, Roxy) MIGRATION: A duck family meets many mishaps on its first-ever trip south in this animated family comedy directed by Benjamin Renner and Guylo Homsy, with the voices of Isabela Merced and Elizabeth Banks. (92 min, PG. Bijou, Capitol, Essex, Majestic, Marquis, Star, Welden) POOR THINGS: In this adaptation of Alasdair Gray’s novel, Emma Stone plays a clumsily resurrected Victorian woman who embarks on an odyssey of self-discovery. With Mark Ruffalo and Willem Dafoe. Yorgos Lanthimos directed. (141 min, R. Roxy) RELEASING 12/25 (CHECK SEVENDAYSVT.COM FOR COMPLETE THEATER BOOKINGS)

MAESTROHHHH1/2 Bradley Cooper plays Leonard Bernstein in this biopic, which he also directed, that focuses on the conductor’s relationship with his wife (Carey Mulligan). (129 min, R. Roxy; reviewed 12/20) NAPOLEONHHH Joaquin Phoenix plays France’s emperor and Vanessa Kirby is his beloved Josephine in this historical epic from Ridley Scott. (158 min, R. Majestic [ends Sat], Stowe) SALTBURNHHH Emerald Fennell directed this dark comedy/thriller about an Oxford University student (Barry Keoghan) spending the summer with his wealthier friend’s family. (127 min, R. Roxy [ends Sun]; reviewed 11/29) TROLLS BAND TOGETHERHH1/2 The third installment in the animated musical family series reunites Justin Timberlake’s character with his boy band brethren. (92 min, PG. Majestic, Paramount)

WONKAHHH1/2 Timothée Chalamet plays the young Willy Wonka in this musical fantasy, directed by Paul King (Paddington). (116 min, PG. Big Picture, Bijou, Capitol, Essex, Majestic, Marquis, Paramount, Playhouse, Roxy, Star, Stowe, Welden)

DUNKI: Four friends from Punjab dream of traveling to England in this Hindi comedy-drama starring Shah Rukh Khan. (160 min, NR. Majestic) GODZILLA MINUS ONEHHHH This new Godzilla film from Japan, directed by Takashi Yamazaki, goes back to the monster’s origins in the aftermath of the atomic bomb. (125 min, PG-13. Essex [ends Sun], Majestic [ends Sat], Savoy)

10 A.M.-2 P.M. BURLINGTON HILTON FREE ADMISSION! REGISTER AT: CAMPFINDERVT.COM

HOME ALONE (Capitol and Paramount, Sun only) WAITRESS: THE MUSICAL (Essex, Wed 20)

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

DREAM SCENARIOHHH1/2 Nicolas Cage plays a man who finds himself suddenly appearing in other people’s dreams in this horror-tinged comedy. (102 min, R. Stowe)

Sat., February 10, 2024

ELF (Savoy, Sat only)

THE COLOR PURPLE: A young woman (Fantasia Barrino) struggles to free herself from an oppressive life in this new adaptation of Alice Walker’s novel, also starring Taraji P. Henson. Blitz Bazawule (Black Is King) directed. (140 min, PG-13. Capitol, Essex, Majestic, Roxy)

THE BOY AND THE HERONHHHH1/2 Renowned animator Hayao Miyazaki brings us a fantasy with autobiographical elements about a boy seeking his mom in the otherworld. (124 min, PG-13. Essex [ends Sun], Majestic, Roxy, Savoy)

SAVE THE DATE!

OLDER FILMS AND SPECIAL SCREENINGS

OPEN THEATERS

CURRENTLY PLAYING

PRESENTS:

WISHHH1/2 A young girl (voice of Ariana DeBose) calls on the power of a star to save her kingdom in this Disney animation. (95 min, PG. Capitol [ends Sat], Majestic, Star [ends Sun])

THE BOYS IN THE BOAT: Director George Clooney follows the University of Washington rowing team on their unlikely path to Olympic gold during the Great Depression. With Joel Edgerton and Callum Turner. (124 min, PG-13. Capitol, Essex [starts Sun], Majestic [starts Sun], Star)

FERRARI: Adam Driver plays the auto maker as he and his drivers set out to win the 1,000-mile Mille Miglia in 1957. With Shailene Woodley; Michael Mann (Collateral) directed. (130 min, R. Capitol, Essex [starts Sun], Majestic [starts Sun], Roxy [starts Sun])

Let Kids VT lead the way!

Some theaters are closed all or part of December 24. Catamount Arts’ theater is currently closed until further notice. (* = upcoming schedule for theater was not available at press time)

BIJOU CINEPLEX 4: 107 Portland St., Morrisville, 888-3293, bijou4.com CAPITOL SHOWPLACE: 93 State St., Montpelier, 229-0343, fgbtheaters.com *CATAMOUNT ARTS: 115 Eastern Ave., St. Johnsbury, 748-2600, catamountarts.org ESSEX CINEMAS & T-REX THEATER: 21 Essex Way, Suite 300, Essex, 879-6543, essexcinemas.com MAJESTIC 10: 190 Boxwood St., Williston, 878-2010, majestic10.com MARQUIS THEATER: 65 Main St., Middlebury, 388-4841, middleburymarquis.com MERRILL’S ROXY CINEMAS: 222 College St., Burlington, 864-3456, merrilltheatres.net PARAMOUNT TWIN CINEMA: 241 N. Main St., Barre, 479-9621, fgbtheaters.com PLAYHOUSE MOVIE THEATRE: 11 S. Main St., Randolph, 728-4012, playhouseflicks.com SAVOY THEATER: 26 Main St., Montpelier, 229-0598, savoytheater.com STAR THEATRE: 17 Eastern Ave., St. Johnsbury, 748-9511, stjaytheatre.com *STOWE CINEMA 3PLEX: 454 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 253-4678, stowecinema.com *WELDEN THEATRE: 104 N. Main St., St. Albans, 527-7888, weldentheatre.com

SCIENCE

OUTDOORS ARTS GYMNASTICS

EDUCATION ANIMALS SPORTS

The Fair is a great opportunity to: Discover dozens of great regional summer camps and schools. Connect with representatives and get your questions answered. Get all your research and planning done in one day and have fun, too.

Do you run a camp or class? Contact Kaitlin Montgomery about exhibiting: kaitlin@kidsvt.com or 802-985-5482, ext. 142

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art

Wall Art

Photographer Carolyn Bates fills a trio of books with images of Burlington murals B Y A M Y L I L LY • lilly@sevendaysvt.com

SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

“I have a long list of artists; it was arbitrary,” Bates said about her organizing principle. Volume 1, she added, ends where it does because she wanted it to be ready in time for muralist Frank Gonzales’ 100th birthday in September. The book includes video stills of Gonzales’ 1977 mural on the former Adams School and photos of the annual puppet parade he organized in honor of Burlington-born education reformer John Dewey. Volume 1 is more immersive experience than chronological record. The King Street Laundry mural by Elizabeth Antoinette Emmett, who has two different entries in the volume, is undated. (She created it in 2022.) The 1988 Edmunds Middle School sea-life mural made by Bob Wyland and students is, remarkably, still there, though in need of restoration. Among the bygone murals Bates documents are several panels from Burlington City Arts’ temporary mural project in 2019, in which 25 artists painted works to hang on the fence enclosing the CityPlace Burlington construction site, aka “the Pit.” (The murals are now in BCA storage.) Kate Long Hodges, who painted the Perkins Pier mural in 2004 and restored it in 2020, began her Vermont mural career painting on trees. She would hang from a climbing harness and use biodegradable ink to create towering illustrations on beech, maple and birch trees. When she met Bates, Hodges said during a phone call, she was working on a mural for Edelweiss Mountain Deli in Stowe. The photographer wanted to see her in action, so she went to the yurt Hodges uses as a studio at the Cornwall apple orchard where she grew up. Bates was truly interested in artists’ personal stories, Hodges recalled, and was “quirky and fun — she’d take a picture of my yurt floor.” With Street Murals, she continued, Bates “wanted to honor this history of Burlington and all the interesting

COURTESY OF VICTORIA COLOTTA

urlington residents pass murals daily: the yellow snakeskin-like design on the façade of Old Gold on Cherry Street; the windwhipped sailing scene on the Lyman Building at Perkins Pier; the Buddha face on Burlington Electric Department’s storage building on Pine Street. These are only a few of the public artworks visible on walls all over town. Burlington photographer Carolyn Bates began shooting the murals for fun in 2018. Bates, 79, is primarily known as an architectural photographer whose work has landed in Yankee, Fine Homebuilding, Old House Journal and other publications. For that work, she often visits buildings multiple times, her accordion 4x5 camera in hand, to capture the best light and dramatic shadows. But murals are flat, so usually her iPhone 14 Pro sufficed. Through sharing her mural photos on social media, Bates learned about more street art around town. Eventually, she collected enough images to fill three books. Volume 1 of Street Murals of Burlington: Past and Present is a brightly hued compendium of the city’s surprisingly rich array of public paintings. (The second volume just came out; the third will appear in early spring.) The books not only capture city murals but also provide information about the artists, including who funded their projects, other art they make and biographical details. Bates interviewed some artists for her books; others wrote about themselves or each other. Professional writers also contributed and, in some cases, Bates reprinted Seven Days articles about the artists. “My goal is to have a great record of the artists during this time frame” of 2018 to the present, Bates said during a phone call. Twenty-nine artists are covered in Volume 1. Some appear in all three volumes.

Top: Jamie Bedard mural at Lakeside Pharmacy; bottom: detail of Tara Ariel Goreau mural at Turning Point Center

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Carolyn Bates with Aaron Grossman mural at 412 Pine Street

artists and their lives. It didn’t stop with Bakery & Café on North Champlain Street, her taking a quick picture of the mural.” she helped remove it. Bates is from Wichita, Kan. At Skidmore When Emmett’s mural at the former College in upstate New York, she majored Advance Music Center on South Chamin biology and art, then worked at a bank plain was tagged repeatedly by “Oman,” in Chicago briefly before becoming a ski Bates recalled, “we spent four and a half bum in Aspen, Colo. — an hours with a water jet and experience she recomgot it off. Then we all went mends to everyone. After back the next day and a couple of years, she helped [Emmett] repair “drove east to escape a the mural.” The artwork bad boyfriend and ran has since been covered out of money in Vermont, with a protective coating. [where] friends I had A re B u r l i n g t o n ’s there welcomed me.” murals truly special? That was in 1971; Hodges, who lives part within two years Bates of the year in Tucson, CAROLY N B ATE S had opened her own said the Arizona city has photography business. “I did anything. [I “really incredible, sophisticated murals was] often a photojournalist, always a free- — realism, huge faces, [almost] like the lancer,” she said. In 1985, she took a class at Mission District of San Francisco. BurlingHarvard University whose purpose was to ton is a little different. [There are] these “help you figure out what your new busi- very personalized murals, about the land, ness should be,” she recalled. Hers turned gardens, insects. It’s … down-to-earth out to be architectural photography. and community oriented. The murals of Bates continues to work freelance jobs, Burlington are not just painted by the big including a recent one for Investors Corpo- artists; they’re by real people.” ration of Vermont. In 2019, ICV renoStreet Murals of Burlington celebrates vated One Burlington Square, the urban those people, documenting an art form that renewal-era office building with a black is often short lived and seemingly anonyglass curtain wall at the corner of Pine and mous yet vital to the feel of Vermont’s College streets. Its reflective surfaces drew biggest city. ➆ Bates to return every day for a month to get the perfect shots. INFO Meanwhile, she has become something Street Murals of Burlington: Past and Present, of a custodian of the murals she knows Volume 1 by Carolyn Bates, 168 pages; Volume so well. In 2021, when tagging appeared 2, 226 pages; Volume 3, forthcoming. Selfon Tony Shull’s 2017 mural on Nunyuns published. $45.

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SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

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art DEC. 20-27 Story Time: Southern Vermont Arts Center Highlights Two Children’s Book Illustrators BY PAMELA POLSTON • ppolston@sevendaysvt.com

Children’s book illustrators belong to a special cadre of artists: Their pictures make stories come alive, giving shape to lifelong memories. But little listeners and readers might not realize those magical images are works of art, or think about the people who created them, until years later.

Detail of artwork by Salley Mavor

CALL TO ARTISTS ARTIST DEVELOPMENT GRANTS: The Vermont Arts Council invites artists at any stage of their careers to apply for a grant of up to $2,000 to fund activities that enhance mastery of skills or improve the viability of their business. Details and application at vermontartscouncil.org. Deadline: January 30. Online. Info, dgustin@vermontartscouncil.org. ‘UP AND DOWN, IN AND OUT: EMBROIDERY AND ITS KIN’: We are seeking outstanding needle-based, original work, hand or machine stitched, on surfaces such as linen, canvas and other fabrics for an upcoming exhibition. Two- and threedimensional works and installations are welcome. Email submissions to: submissions.studioplacearts@gmail. com. Deadline: January 27. Studio Place Arts, Barre. $10 nonmembers. Info, 479-7069.

In concurrent exhibitions, the Southern Vermont Arts Center in Manchester showcases two beloved children’s artists: Ashley Bryan and Salley Mavor. “Ashley Bryan: The Spirit of Joy” presents some of his paintings and a cavalcade of toys, puppets and other objects borrowed from his studio in Maine. The late writer, illustrator and humanitarian was born in New York City in 1923 and first began to draw and make books in kindergarten, he explains in a video on the Ashley Bryan Center website. He died last year at 98. Bryan centered most of his stories on African American experiences, using the evocative cadences of folktales, Black spirituals and poetry. The video makes clear that he promoted children’s agency in unloosing their imaginations. Bryan wrote for adult audiences, too: His memoir Infinite Hope: A Black Artist’s Journey From World War II to Peace chronicles his time serving in the segregated U.S. Army. But Bryan is best known for his extensive, decades-long work for and with children and for helping populate the genre with other Black artists and writers. “The Wee Worlds of Salley Mavor” presents an altogether different approach to art and storytelling. The Falmouth, Mass.-based artist creates sculptural characters and scenes using needle and thread. Some of her hand-stitched creations are photographed for illustrations in children’s books, as well as in stop-motion animation and jigsaw puzzles. Mavor’s stunning needlework is richly designed, filled with whimsical figures and botanica. She even embroiders her signature. “I am interested in universal, playful narratives that address social and cultural issues,” Mavor writes on her website. “My objective is to transcend the fiber medium by and of itself and make art that is valued for its message and emotional resonance as well as its workmanship.”

OPENINGS + RECEPTIONS ART AT THE AIRPORT: Paintings of Haiti by Pievy Polyte and landscape paintings by Louise Arnold, Skyway. Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport, South Burlington, through March 31. Info, 865-7166. JEREMY SHAW: “Phase Shifting Index,” an immersive, large-scale sevenchannel video installation by the Vancouver-born, Berlin-based artist. Presented with the Montréal Museum of Contemporary Art. Fonderie Darling, Montréal, through February 25. Info, 514-847-6226.

ART EVENTS ‘DANCE, PAINT, WRITE!’: A meditative flow of movement, painting and writing while listening to an inspirational soundtrack. Accessible to all adults and teens, regardless of mobility, and open to all skill levels. In person or via Zoom. Expressive Arts Burlington, Tuesdays, 6:30-9 p.m., through January 2, and Wednesday, December

GET YOUR ART SHOW LISTED HERE AND ONLINE!

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

SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

20, 9:30 a.m.-noon. $25 per session. Info, 343-8172. OPEN STUDIO: A guided meditation, an hour of art making in any modality or genre, and a share-and-witness process. No experience required. Many materials available. Expressive Arts Burlington, Thursday, December 21, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Donation. Info, 343-8172. BTV WINTER MARKET: A Europeanstyle outdoor market featuring a rotating group of 20 local artists, makers and food vendors. Burlington City Hall Park, Friday, December 22, 2-6 p.m., and Saturday, December 23, noon-6 p.m. Info, 865-7166. ➆

Say you saw it in...

IMAGES COURTESY OF SOUTHERN VERMONT ARTS CENTER

EXHIBITION

Painting by Ashley Bryan

Mavor’s exhibition at Southern Vermont Arts Center displays more than 75 of her bas-relief works and tiny figures — on the wall, in shadow boxes and a dollhouse — and scenes from her latest book, My Bed: Enchanting Ways to Fall Asleep Around the World. Both exhibitions surely inspire visitors of all ages not to nap but to play — and read. ➆

INFO

“Ashley Bryan: The Spirit of Joy” and “The Wee Worlds of Salley Mavor” are on view through January 7 at the Southern Vermont Arts Center in Manchester. svac.org

But wait, there’s more!

109

additional art listings

are on view at sevendaysvt.com/art. Find all the calls to artists, ongoing art shows and future events online.

sevendaysvt.com

VISUAL ART IN SEVEN DAYS:

ART LISTINGS ARE WRITTEN BY PAMELA POLSTON. LISTINGS ARE RESTRICTED TO ART SHOWS IN TRULY PUBLIC PLACES.

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SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

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FILE: LUKE AWTRY

music+nightlife

S UNDbites News and views on the local music + nightlife scene B Y CHRI S FARNS W O RT H

Crisis Records: Expat Ryan Power Returns With World of Wonder

RYAN POWER first popped up in the Burlington music scene as a relatively straightforward singer-songwriter, opting for folk and breezy jazz with his 2005 album, Loventropy. He wasted little time in pushing further and further from shore, incorporating jazz, experimental, progressive rock and even shades of yacht rock in his ensuing releases — including what I consider to be one of the finest records ever recorded by a Vermont musician, 2013’s effortlessly artistic Identity Picks. Power left Vermont and his Shelburne recording studio, Stu Stu Studio, in 2016. He relocated to Queens, N.Y., and released They Sell Doomsday in 2017, which dipped into chamber pop and strangely danceable space funk, as on “Empty the Jewels.” He released Mind the Neighbors in 2020, a subdued record that found Power and his acoustic guitar surrounded by muted horns and strings. It was an apt soundtrack for the grief and anxiety of the pandemic, which left Power stuck in his apartment, a songwriter very much feeling a looming midlife crisis.

SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

Ryan Power

lost in a world of wonder,” he sings. “I’m More than three years later, Power convinced it is still benign.” is finally reemerging with a new record, “It’s funny,” Power said. “But I feel World of Wonder. He’s also set to play his like all my records have been crisis first solo live performance since 2019, records.” a homecoming of sorts at Burlington’s There’s something Light Club Lamp Shop a little different about on Thursday, December 28. We video chatted his latest, however. Whereas Power relied about the show, his on pain and sadness as forthcoming record and his muses in the past, trying to age gracefully middle age is forcing as a songwriter. “In a lot of ways, it him to reconsider how, what and why he feels does feel like I’m sort the things he does. of in the middle of a “I don’t feel feelings soft relaunch,” Power in the same way that I admitted from his NYC Ryan Power’s World of Wonder used to,” he explained apartment, framed by with a laugh. “There’s guitars hanging from the walls. “Or maybe just a clean slate, been so much grief and loss of selfesteem in my life the last few years. I’ve where I’m getting my bearings. I went had to work really hard on being easier through some proper midlife crisis stuff, on myself and accessing other emotions relationships ending, bad self-esteem, when I write.” guilt and aging … I had to get more Therapy and reading the work of introspective.” Buddhist writer and podcaster TARA World of Wonder doesn’t drop until January, but the mercurial songwriter BRACH helped him transition to a place of and producer kicked off Ryan Power 2.0 acceptance and self-forgiveness, Power with an advance single, the title track. A said. It also helped him approach his Technicolor blast of breezy jazz pop and writing process with a fresh outlook. tittering electronic beats, the song is a Gone are the bare-bones production and snapshot of Power looking at a flawed, icy austerity of Mind the Neighbors as he traumatized world and nonetheless ushers back the synths and beats, layering stopping to marvel at the universe. “I get songs with one sonic surprise after

another. While Power strove to make his last record stay in a single lane, on World of Wonder he wanted to return to one of his calling cards as an artist: unpredictability. “I need my songs to stimulate my neural pathways,” he said. “I’ve been writing songs for a long time, so it’s a little challenging to find new ways to surprise myself, and I’m very wary of repeating myself, so I try to find a balance where I do new things but I also don’t beat myself up over it.” He laughed, as if the concept of going easy on himself was inherently ludicrous, before gesturing around himself to his home studio. “I love writing music. It’s self-therapy and meditation to me and one of the only things I do in this world that brings me happiness and peace,” he said before stopping and sighing. “But that doesn’t always mean I want to be on a stage and deal with ego bullshit.” Though lately he has collaborated with bands such as FIEVEL IS GLAUQUE and BLANCHE BLANCHE BLANCHE, Power hasn’t released music or toured under his own name in years. The pandemic certainly played a big part in that, but it also reflects the nature of an artist who has very little interest in the business side of music. He much prefers to stay ensconced in a recording studio, creating his brand of sonic alchemy. “I always struggle with the whole selfpromotion thing,” said Power, who spent some time shopping the record to various labels before signing with Feeding Tube Records, a process he says he’s in no hurry to repeat. “In the end, I just want to be creating music, not worried about how I’ll make a living or what label fits my music best or where I can tour.” Though he admits to having some nerves, Power is largely excited to head back to Burlington this month to play live. It was originally intended as a simple visit to see old friends, but those friends quickly asked why he wasn’t playing a show. “I thought to myself, Uh, I don’t really know why not. Guess I will!” Power recounted. “I have such warm feelings about being in Burlington.” And sharing a bill with his old friend and former NNA Tapes labelmate WREN KITZ and Burlington psych rockers the DEAD SHAKERS is an added bonus. Power mixed Kitz’s forthcoming album, which he said sounds “beautiful.” Burlington is a hot spot of creative, original musicians who go their own way, but there are few songwriters out there like Power. World of Wonder lands on January 19. Check out feedingtuberecords.com for more information.

GOT MUSIC NEWS? MUSIC@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

On the Beat

Ripton-based singer-songwriter SARAH

KING is gearing up to release her first

full-length LP, When It All Goes Down, in 2024. Made with the help of a Creation Grant from the Vermont Arts Council, King recorded the album with producer DAVID BARON (NOAH KAHAN, the LUMINEERS) in Nashville. The 2021 New England Music Awards Songwriter of the Year, King toured hard in 2023, logging 20,000 miles and winning the Great River Folk Festival singersongwriter competition in Wisconsin. Along with the new album announcement came an advance single, a song called “The Longest Night.” It fittingly debuts on December 20, the day before the winter solstice, aka the actual longest night of the year. Head over to sarahkingsings. com to check it out. Also releasing new music are Burlington jazz/hip-hop combo JUICEBOX. The band, which features area jazz stalwarts pianist SAM ATALLAH and drummer JULIAN LATHROP as well as rappers ZESTY and RIVAN, among others, is gearing up to drop its debut LP in the New Year, titled Ollies in the Hallway. After releasing the single “Bad Karma” in November, Juicebox followed up with the explosive “I’m Just a Boy.” A pulsing, head-nodinducing jam with big horns and Zesty and rivan trading verses, the track is a promising early look at one of the most exciting bands of the New Year. Check it out at juiceboxvt.bandcamp.com.

Canadian composer and Burlington resident PHILIP DAVID STERN has a new release ready-made for the holidays. Humbug, the Scrooge Musical comes out on Friday, December 22, and features some of Broadway’s biggest talents, including NOAH J. RICKETTS (Frozen), Tony Award nominee ROBERT CUCCIOLI (Jekyll & Hyde) and TAMAR GREENE (Hamilton) voicing CHARLES DICKENS’ famous characters from A Christmas Carol. The score, recorded with a 16-piece orchestra at Sarah the Power Station in New King York City, blends choral, musical theater, jazz and classical influences to bring the quintessential Christmas tale to life. It’s Stern’s first release since his 2021 album Stone Crossed and will come out on his own independent label, NYSO Records. Check out philipdavidstern. com for more details and to preorder the record. Every year, it feels like there’s a debate over what is and isn’t a Christmas film. I’m done debating Die Hard’s merits as a holiday film and will note that thus far this year, the only holiday film I’ve watched is Batman Returns (the best). But there’s still time, as Scrooge famously shouted while running around in his underwear. One of my absolutely favorite Christmas-themed films of all time, the 1984 classic JOE DANTE horror comedy Gremlins, is getting some much-deserved love from the folks down at Brattleboro’s Epsilon Spires. They’ll screen the film on Friday, December 22, complete with an ugly holiday sweater contest, an opening

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Nectar’s Trivia Night FRI 12.22

Nico Suave & the Mothership

Listening In

Houses of the Holy Night. Led Zeppelin, etc.

(Spotify mix of local jams)

SAT 12.23

Jason Corbiere's Blue Xmas

1. “HAUNTED” by Rough Francis

SAT 12.30

2. “MASTER DEBATER” by Msd3k

Harmonies For Courage: Benefit for Veterans

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SUN 12.31

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NYE Tribute to the

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FRI 12.22

sevendaysvt. com/playlist

herodose SAT 12.23

DJ Dakota SAT 12.30

set from SYNTHESIZER SANTA (it’s exactly what it sounds like), and seasonal treats such as mulled cider and eggnog. Sounds like a perfect Christmas tradition to me. One word of warning to younger parents who maybe don’t remember Gremlins that well: In the ’80s, a PG rating was very different than it is today. So while Gremlins is rated PG, there are a few things that might spook the kids. Like a gremlin in a blender or PHOEBE CATES’ dad ruining Christmas by, uh, dying in the chimney one year. I don’t know, the ’80s were wild. Anyway, go to epsilonspires.org to get the lowdown on what should absolutely become a holiday tradition. ➆

Emo Night NYEE w/ Malachi SUN 12.31

DJ Svpply's NYE Bash

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music+nightlife

CLUB DATES

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.

live music

TUE.26

Big Easy Tuesdays with Back Porch Revival (jazz) at the 126, Burlington, 8 p.m. Free.

WED.20

Bent Nails House Band (rock) at Bent Nails Bistro, Montpelier, 8 p.m. Free.

Bluegrass Jam (bluegrass) at Taps Tavern, Poultney, 7 p.m. Free. Dobbs’ Dead (Grateful Dead tribute) at Nectar’s, Burlington, 9 p.m. $10/$20.

Bluegrass & BBQ (bluegrass) at Four Quarters Brewing, Winooski, 6:30 p.m. Free.

Honky Tonk Tuesday with Wild Leek River (country) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 9 p.m. $10.

Jazz Jam Sessions with Randal Pierce (jazz) at the 126, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free.

Madigan Linnane (singersongwriter) at Lawson’s Finest Liquids, Waitsfield, 5 p.m. Free.

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

WED.27

Live Jazz (jazz) at Leunig’s Bistro & Café, Burlington, 6:30 p.m. Free.

Bent Nails House Band (rock) at Bent Nails Bistro, Montpelier, 8 p.m. Free.

Mike Chapman (acoustic) at Two Heroes Brewery Public House, South Hero, 5 p.m. Free.

Bluegrass & BBQ (bluegrass) at Four Quarters Brewing, Winooski, 6:30 p.m. Free.

Singer-Songwriter Series with Emmy McDonnell, Ben Dexter, Birdfeeders (singer-songwriter) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 8:30 p.m. Free.

Community Breakfast (alt-rock) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 7 p.m. $5/$10. EVNGwear (jazz) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 8:30 p.m. $5/$10.

Wednesday Night Dead (Grateful Dead covers) at Zenbarn, Waterbury Center, 7 p.m. $5.

Jazz Jam Sessions with Randal Pierce (jazz) at the 126, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free.

Willverine (electronic) at the Wallflower Collective, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. Free.

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

THU.21

Bella and the Notables (jazz) at Foam Brewers, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free. Brett Hughes (country) at the Filling Station, White River Junction, 6 p.m. Free. Good Gravy (bluegrass) at Bent Nails Bistro, Montpelier, 9 p.m. Free. Jason Corbiere’s Blue Christmas (holiday music) at the Depot, St. Albans, 9 p.m. Free. Jazz with Alex Stewart and Friends (jazz) at the 126, Burlington, 8:30 p.m. Jenni Johnson and the Jazz Junketeers (R&B) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 6 p.m. Free. Josh Panda (singer-songwriter) at Hotel Vermont, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free. A Very Hairy Swalemess (holiday show) at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington, 8:30 p.m. $10. Wormdogs (bluegrass) at Zenbarn, Waterbury Center, 8 p.m. $10. The Zelig Collective (jazz) at Hugo’s, Montpelier, 7:30 p.m. Free.

FRI.22

Bleeding Hearts Family Band (folk) at Whammy Bar, Calais, 7 p.m. Free. Bob Gagnon (jazz) at Stone’s Throw, Richmond, 6 p.m. Free. Breanna Elaine (singersongwriter) at Stone’s Throw, Waterbury, 7 p.m. Free. Dale and Darcy Band (folk) at Two Heroes Brewery Public House, South Hero, 5 p.m. Free.

Jerborn and Flock (acoustic) at 14th Star Brewing, St. Albans, 6 p.m. Free. Live Jazz (jazz) at Leunig’s Bistro & Café, Burlington, 6:30 p.m. Free.

THU.21 // BELLA AND THE NOTABLES [JAZZ]

Jazz Plans In a local jazz scene that often bats above average,

Starkweather, Beatson, Hill & Pitman (covers) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 5 p.m. Free. BELLA AND THE NOTABLES are no exception. A

collection of some of the area’s busiest jazz musicians, the band includes vocalist Isabella Sances, pianist Sam Atallah, bassist Greg Rothwell and drummer Andrew Bedard. Behind Sances’ powerful pipes, Bella and the Notables deliver an elastic brand of jazz, incorporating scat, blues and swing to make a heady brew of music perfect for a late night at the club. They play Foam Brewers on the Burlington waterfront on Thursday, December 21. Dave Mitchell’s Blues Revue (blues) at Red Square, Burlington, 2 p.m. Free.

Nico Suave & the Mothership: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin (tribute) at Nectar’s, Burlington, 8 p.m. $12.

SAT.23

George Nostrand (acoustic) at Taps Tavern, Poultney, 6 p.m. Free.

Nowhere Washington (rock) at Bent Nails Bistro, Montpelier, 9 p.m. Free.

Boom Box (rock) at Gusto’s, Barre, 9 p.m. Free.

Jake Whitesell (jazz) at Bleu Northeast Kitchen, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

Phil Abair Band (covers) at the Old Post, South Burlington, 8 p.m. Free.

Josh West, Satyrdagg (rock) at Monopole, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 10 p.m. Free.

Rap Night Burlington (hip-hop) at Drink, Burlington, 9 p.m. $5.

Kirkland the Band (rock) at 1st Republic Brewing, Essex, 6 p.m. Free. Lloyd Tyler Band (covers) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 9 p.m. Free.

90 Proof (rock) at 14th Star Brewing, St. Albans, 6 p.m. Free.

Chad Hollister (Americana) at Whammy Bar, Calais, 7 p.m. Free. Chris & Erica (covers) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 5 p.m. Free.

Red Hot Juba (jazz, swing) at Hugo’s, Montpelier, 7:30 p.m. Free.

Clayton Daniels (acoustic) at the Den at Harry’s Hardware, Cabot, 7 p.m. Free.

Ricky Powell (singer-songwriter) at Bent Nails Bistro, Montpelier, 8 p.m. Free.

Drunk Off Diesel, Geeked Out (metal) at Monopole, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 10 p.m. Free.

Timothy James (acoustic) at Gusto’s, Barre, 6 p.m. Free.

Duncan MacLeod (jazz) at Bleu Northeast Kitchen, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

Matt Hagen (singer-songwriter) at Hotel Vermont, Burlington, 4 p.m. Free.

Uncle Jimmy (Americana) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 5 p.m. Free.

The Naturals (folk) at Two Heroes Brewery Public House, South Hero, 5 p.m. Free.

The Wormdogs (bluegrass) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 8:30 p.m. $10.

Jason Corbiere’s Blue Christmas Bash (holiday music) at Nectar’s, Burlington, 8 p.m. $10.

Joe Adler & Samara Lark’s Hair Down Holiday Show (holiday music) at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington, 7 p.m. $7/$10. Left Eye Jump (blues) at Red Square, Burlington, 2 p.m. Free. Mike Bjella, Rob Morse, Parker Shper (jazz) at Hugo’s, Montpelier, 7:30 p.m. Free. Nighthawk (covers) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 9 p.m. Free. The Path, Slob Drop, Jonee Earthquake, Slow Pony (punk) at Monkey House, Winooski, 8 p.m. $10/$15. rivan, Two Sev, Will Kepper, Eva Rawlings, Tyler Serrani, Conswank, FABO (hip-hop, R&B) at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington, 8:30 p.m. $10/$15.

SUN.24

Wednesday Night Dead (Grateful Dead covers) at Zenbarn, Waterbury Center, 7 p.m. $5. Willverine (electronic) at the Wallflower Collective, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. Free.

djs WED.20

Local Dork (DJ) at Foam Brewers, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.

THU.21

DJ Chaston (DJ) at Red Square Blue Room, Burlington, 10 p.m. Free. Vinyl Night with Ken (DJ) at Taps Tavern, Poultney, 6 p.m. Free.

FRI.22

DJ Craig Mitchell (DJ) at Red Square Blue Room, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free. DJ Kata (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington, 10 p.m. Free. DJ LaFountaine (DJ) at Gusto’s, Barre, 9 p.m. Free. DJ Taka (DJ) at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington, 11 p.m. $10/$15. No Fun Intended (DJ) at Monkey House, Winooski, 9 p.m. Free.

Sunday Brunch Tunes (singersongwriter) at Hotel Vermont, Burlington, 10 a.m. Free. SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

DJS

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music+nightlife

REVIEW this Fimnur, Snowbound (SELF-RELEASED, DIGITAL)

It was a vibrantly green, beautiful summer day when I moved back to Vermont as an adult, with flowers in bloom and long, sunlit days ahead. My father, a Massachusetts native, had sent me north with a list of tactics for surviving the oncoming brutal Vermont winter: Take up skiing, get a vitamin D light, don’t drink clear liquor (don’t ask me; the Irish are weird about booze), watch comedies in January. It was extensive, and I’ve adhered to some of it, to be fair. It took me a few years to figure out my real go-to move for enduring winter: Embrace it. Dive into the bleakness, the short days, the long nights and the cold. Once I stopped trying to cheer up

Danny & the Parts, Dancing on the Radio (SELF-RELEASED, DIGITAL)

SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

the lyrics, even knowing damn well I was wearing headphones. Things clear up nicely for “Lies,” featuring some wry, punchy songwriting and a stripped-down arrangement that centers LeFrancois’ delivery. The song ramps up into a gorgeous, soaring instrumental run before settling into a sparse reprise, and it all flows perfectly. You will recall I mentioned a certain proclivity for curveballs. The big surprise this time around is “Silence,” an ethereal instrumental track. Beautifully performed and smartly written, it makes the absolute most of its desolate minimalism. I would very much like to see this performed live, ideally in a packed honky-tonk environment. There would be heckling at first, sure, but I think the song could silence a room full of boisterous drunks into something resembling religious awe. Or, hell, maybe it would just start a riot. Either way, I want to be there. Appropriately, the title track is the standout single. “Dancing on the Radio” is low-key but catchy, with a clean, strong arrangement and some clever production touches. No question, this is one of the finest songs of LeFrancois’ career so far:

Things take a sinister turn on “The Mountain Pass,” as an interminably drawn-out minor key tone drones ominously in the background and Fimnur sprinkles notes like flakes falling from the sky. The tune flows seamlessly into “Snowfall,” a ponderous, almost sleepy affair. Indeed, Snowbound could double as an ambient channel on Spotify and provide a good soundtrack for sleep, were one so inclined. But the record isn’t simply a collection of relaxing sounds, it’s an artistic interpretation of Vermont’s famously hostile hibernal season. As “Frozen Dreams” chills us like a door opened in winter, it becomes clear what Fimnur is attempting to do sonically. A purposefully mysterious figure, Fimnur usually makes very different music under another moniker, but he has asked us to keep his musical day job under wraps. Before anyone gets too conspiracy-minded, Fimnur is not a famous Vermont musician making

an under-the-radar ambient record, as Phish’s Page McConnell did in 2021 with his all-synth Maybe We’re the Visitors. Whoever else he may be, Fimnur is a musician who clearly understands winter in Vermont. Take “Warm Hearth,” for example, a brief interlude that brings the listener in from the cold. The tone of the synths grows warmer, more comforting, as if drawing us toward a glowing fire. The record’s trajectory isn’t necessarily toward spring and renewal, however. After the penultimate track, “Avalanche,” the album concludes with “Into Open Arms,” an almost funereal dirge, suggesting that the winter traveler at the center of Snowbound might not make it out of the darkest season. Like my father told me, a real winter is not for the faint of heart. Snowbound is streaming at fimnur. bandcamp.com.

CHRIS FARNSWORTH

FILE: LUKE AWTRY

Danny & the Parts are an aptly named crew. The band’s rotating cast of supporting musicians revolves around the singing and songwriting of guitarist Danny LeFrancois, a busy player on the Burlington music scene for years now. The group exists squarely in the Americana zone, but some (welcome) curveballs are always in the mix. From their frankly unremarkable bar band beginnings, Danny & the Parts have evolved into an increasingly tasteful, professional unit. With their latest EP, Dancing on the Radio, LeFrancois and his team have delivered their tightest project yet. It’s also a return to folk-country form after the rock-influenced experimentation of their 2022 project Making Believe. Opener “Firefight” is a breezy little number, slow and atmospheric. It’s also a bit underwhelming, with LeFrancois’ quiet vocals almost disappearing into the mix on the second verse. I found myself leaning forward, straining to make out

and just let the darkness surround me, I found peace with it. Perhaps that’s what the debut album from Vermont artist Fimnur is all about. Snowbound is a nine-track record of dark, ambient music and hushed synths that create a world of frozen beauty — think tree branches encased in ice and swirling eddies of snow in the wind. A concept record of sorts, it seems to follow a winter traveler though the snowy mountains near their home. “Under Starry Skies” opens the record with tentative blips and a halting synth pad, like the tendrils of winter creeping in to smother the last of the green. The song seems to be building toward something, but it’s a winter mirage, giving the impression of momentum when all is static.

Danny LeFrancois

simple and straightforward but delivering an effortless emotional depth. The project winds down with “Lonely Broken Heart,” an intimately recorded acoustic joint that sounds like a campfire jam, hours after midnight but long before the dawn. Not a knockout song, but a great touch to bring everything to a fitting close. Dancing on the Radio does everything an EP should: It demonstrates growth, leaves the listener wanting more and makes a strong argument for booking these guys at your local watering hole.

Beer drinkers love Americana, bro. That said, the genre has become an increasingly crowded lane in these Green Mountains. Danny & the Parts still have some growing to do before they can compete with, say, the showstopping musicality of Cricket Blue or the muscular authenticity of Maple Run Band. Yet given how often they’re gigging and woodshedding new material, that growth seems inevitable from here. Dancing on the Radio is available on all major streaming platforms.

JUSTIN BOLAND

djs

Venetian Soda Open Mic (open mic) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

FRI.22

WED.27

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SAT.23

Blanchface (DJ) at Manhattan Pizza & Pub, Burlington, 10 p.m. Free. DJ A-Ra$ (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington, midnight. Free. DJ Raul (DJ) at Red Square Blue Room, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free. Hi Fi (DJ) at Bent Nails Bistro, Montpelier, 8 p.m. Free. Matt Payne (DJ) at Red Square Blue Room, Burlington, 10 p.m. Free.

WED.27

Local Dork (DJ) at Foam Brewers, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free. The Mid Week Hump with DJs Fattie B and Craig Mitchell (DJ) at Monkey House, Winooski, 7 p.m. Free.

open mics & jams WED.20

Irish Sessions (Celtic, open mic) at St. John’s Club, Burlington, 6:30 p.m. Free. Lit Club (poetry open mic) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 6:30 p.m. Free. Open Mic (open mic) at Monopole, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 10 p.m. Free. Open Mic with Danny Lang (open mic) at Taps Tavern, Poultney, 7 p.m. Free.

TUE.26

Open Mic (open mic) at 1st Republic Brewing, Essex, 6 p.m. Free.

Open Mic (open mic) at Monopole, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 10 p.m. Free.

to join forces with some of the 802 hip-hop scene’s biggest up-and-comers. Rapper RIVAN (pictured) and pop-R&B singer EVA RAWLINGS check back in from New York City and Boston, respectively. They team up with a slate of locals: indie singer-songwriter and producer WILL KEEPER, rapper

Open Mic with Danny Lang (open mic) at Taps Tavern, Poultney, 7 p.m. Free.

TYLER SERRANI, former 99 Neighbor CONSWANK and DJ TWO SEV

comedy

gets in on the party. This final hip-hop showcase for

WED.20

Miss Sassy: Ho-Ho-Holiday Spectacular (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 6:30 p.m. $15. Standup Comedy Open Mic (comedy open mic) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 8:30 p.m.

for one packed night of music. Brooklyn rapper FABO also 2023 goes down on Saturday, December 23, at the Light Club Lamp Shop in Burlington. COURTESY OF OLIVIA JANE

Molly Mood (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington, 10 p.m. Free.

Irish Sessions (Celtic, open mic) at St. John’s Club, Burlington, 6:30 p.m. Free.

Homecoming This weekend, two Burlington expats return

SAT.23 // RIVAN, TWO SEV, WILL KEEPER, EVA RAWLINGS, TYLER SERRANI, CONSWANK, FABO [HIP-HOP, R&B]

THU.21

Beth Stelling (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 7 p.m. $30. Comedy Wolf with Kendall Farrell, Nico D’Elisa, Levi Silverstein, Max Higgins (comedy) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 7 p.m. $5/$10. Live Standup Comedy (comedy) at Bent Nails Bistro, Montpelier, 7:30 p.m. Free. What’s in the Box? (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 8:45 p.m. $5.

FRI.22

Beth Stelling (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 7 & 9 p.m. $30.

SAT.23

Beth Stelling (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 7 & 9 p.m. $30.

TUE.26

Free Stuff! (comedy) at Lincolns, Burlington, 9:30 p.m. Free.

WED.27

Standup Comedy Open Mic (comedy open mic) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 8:30 p.m. Whale Tales: An Evening of Comedic Storytelling (comedy) at Club Metronome, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

trivia, karaoke, etc. WED.20

4Qs Trivia Night (trivia) at Four Quarters Brewing, Winooski, 6 p.m. Free.

Trivia Night (trivia) at Stone Corral, Richmond, 7 p.m. Free. Venetian Trivia Night (trivia) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.

THU.21

Karaoke Night (karaoke) at Zenbarn, Waterbury Center, 7 p.m. Free. Trivia (trivia) at Highland Lodge, Greensboro, 7 p.m. Free. Trivia Night (trivia) at 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.22

Karaoke (karaoke) at McKee’s Pub & Grill, Winooski, 9 p.m. Free.

TUE.26

WED.27

Karaoke Tuesdays (karaoke) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free.

Trivia Night (trivia) at Stone Corral, Richmond, 7 p.m. Free.

Karaoke with Motorcade (karaoke) at Manhattan Pizza & Pub, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free.

Venetian Trivia Night (trivia) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free. ➆

Karaoke with DJ Party Bear (karaoke) at Charlie-O’s World Famous, Montpelier, 9:30 p.m. Free. Taproom Trivia (trivia) at 14th Star Brewing, St. Albans, 6:30 p.m. Free.

➆

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.

HOW’S THE RIDE FEELIN’?

Let us keep the wheels rolling along with your mojo! Call for an appointment today!

4Qs Trivia Night (trivia) at Four Quarters Brewing, Winooski, 6 p.m. Free.

SPECIAL GUEST:

NICK

DAVE “THE TRUTH” GRIPPO

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calendar D E C E M B E R

WED.20 business

QUEEN CITY BUSINESS NETWORKING INTERNATIONAL GROUP: Savvy businesspeople make crucial contacts at a weekly chapter meeting. Burlington City Arts, 11:15 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 829-5066.

crafts

YARN CRAFTERS GROUP: A drop-in meetup welcomes knitters, crocheters, spinners, weavers and beyond. BYO snacks and drinks. Must Love Yarn, Shelburne, 5-7 p.m. Free. Info, 448-3780.

dance

WESTIE WEDNESDAYS DANCE: Swing dancers lift and spin at a weekly social dance. North Star Community Hall, Burlington, 8-9 p.m. $5 suggested donation. Info, 802westiecollective@gmail. com.

film

See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section. ‘FLORENCIA EN EL AMAZONAS’: Filmed live at the Metropolitan Opera, this Gabriel García Márquezinspired work follows the story of a Brazilian soprano. Town Hall Theater, Middlebury, 11 a.m. $12-26. Info, 382-9222. ‘GREAT WHITE SHARK 3D’: Viewers learn the true story behind one of our most iconic — and misunderstood — predators. Northfield Savings Bank 3D Theater: A National Geographic Experience, ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 11:30 a.m., 1:30 & 3:30 p.m. $3-5 plus regular admission,

$14.50-18; admission free for members and kids 2 and under. Info, 864-1848. ‘JOURNEY TO SPACE 3D’: Sparkling graphics and vibrant interviews take viewers on a journey alongside NASA astronauts as they prepare for stranger-than-science-fiction space travel. Northfield Savings Bank 3D Theater: A National Geographic Experience, ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, noon, 2 & 4 p.m. $3-5 plus regular admission, $14.50-18; admission free for members and kids 2 and under. Info, 864-1848. ‘OCEANS: OUR BLUE PLANET 3D’: Scientists dive into the planet’s least-explored habitat, from its sunny shallows to its alien depths. Northfield Savings Bank 3D Theater: A National Geographic Experience, ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 11 a.m., 1 & 3 p.m. $3-5 plus regular admission, $14.50-18; admission free for members and kids 2 and under. Info, 864-1848. ‘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, 10:30 a.m., 12:30, 2:30 & 4:30 p.m. $3-5 plus regular admission, $14.50-18; admission free for members and kids 2 and under. Info, 864-1848.

food & drink

WHAT’S THAT WINE WEDNESDAYS: Aspiring sommeliers blind-taste four wines from Vermont and beyond. Shelburne Vineyard, noon-6 p.m. $15. Info, 985-8222.

LIST YOUR UPCOMING EVENT HERE FOR FREE! All submissions must be received by Thursday at noon for consideration in the following Wednesday’s newspaper. Find our convenient form and guidelines at sevendaysvt.com/postevent. Listings and spotlights are written by Emily Hamilton. Seven Days edits for space and style. Depending on cost and other factors, classes and workshops may be listed in either the calendar or the classes section. Class organizers may be asked to purchase a class listing. Learn more about highlighted listings in the Magnificent 7 on page 11.

2 0 - 2 7 ,

SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

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.

film

Center, Stowe Mountain Resort, 7 p.m. $55-75. Info, 760-4634.

‘GREAT WHITE SHARK 3D’: See WED.20.

PUZZLE SWAP: Participants bring completed puzzles in a ziplock bag with an image of the puzzle and swap for a new one. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 2:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.

SPANISH CONVERSATION: Fluent and beginner speakers brush up on their español with a discussion led by a Spanish teacher. Presented by Dorothy Alling Memorial Library. 5-6 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, programs@damlvt.org.

health & fitness

MNFF SELECTS: ‘IMMEDIATE FAMILY’: A new documentary shines the spotlight on the session musicians who shaped the sounds of 1970s stars such as James Taylor and Carole King. Town Hall Theater, Middlebury, 7 p.m. $14-16. Info, 382-9222.

SANTA’S LUAU: A TROPICAL HOLIDAY POP-UP: Adventure Dinner serves up island-inspired food and drink, from crab rangoon buns and ube crème brûlée to tahini mai tais and five-spice mulled wine. Peg & Ter’s, Shelburne, 5-9 p.m. Prices vary. Info, 248-224-7539.

montréal

‘OCEANS: OUR BLUE PLANET 3D’: See WED.20.

2 0 2 3

games

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.

holidays

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: Northern Stage brings Charles Dickens’ classic story of redemption and community to life in an original adaptation. Byrne Theater, Barrette Center for the Arts, White River Junction, 7:30 p.m. $19-69. Info, 296-7000. A FOREST OF LIGHTS: The VINS forest canopy walkways and surrounding woodlands transform into a twinkling winter wonderland open for strolling. Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Quechee, 5-7 p.m. $7-12; free for kids 3 and under. Info, 359-5000. INTERNATIONAL BOUTIQUE: Goods from Mexico, India, Nepal and beyond make for unique holiday gifts. Waitsfield Masonic Lodge, noon-6 p.m. Free. Info, 793-2205.

language

BEGINNER IRISH LANGUAGE CLASS: Celtic-curious students learn to speak an Ghaeilge in a supportive group. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, noon-1 p.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.

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

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

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

= ONLINE EVENT

GRAND MARCHÉ DE NOËL: Shoppers traverse the Quartier des Spectacles in search of oneof-a-kind gifts. Grand Marché de Noël, Montréal, 1-9 p.m. Free. Info, 514-550-7646.

outdoors

TREE ID & LANDSCAPE HISTORY WALK: OAKLEDGE PARK: Naturalist Gene O. Desideraggio leads hikers through the interesting social and ecological history of one of the Queen City’s forested areas. Oakledge Park, Burlington, 10 a.m.-noon. Free; preregister; limited space. Info, info@citymarket.coop.

sports

GREEN MOUNTAIN TABLE TENNIS CLUB: Ping-Pong players swing their paddles in singles and doubles matches. Rutland Area Christian School, 7-9 p.m. Free for first two sessions; $30 annual membership. Info, 247-5913.

theater

EMERGENCY POLITICAL THEATER PLANNING MEETING: Bread and Puppet Theater hosts an all-ages confab for those interested in activism through art. No experience necessary. Bread and Puppet Theater, Glover, 5-6 p.m. Free. Info, 526-6646.

THU.21 business

HIRING2DAYVT VIRTUAL JOB FAIR: Job seekers get a chance to meet with employers from around the state, thanks to the Vermont Department of Labor. 11 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 828-4000.

crafts

KNIT FOR YOUR NEIGHBOR: All ages and abilities are invited to knit or crochet hats and scarves for the South Burlington Food Shelf. All materials are provided. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 2-5 p.m. Free. Info, 846-4140. KNITTING GROUP: Knitters of all experience levels get together to spin yarns. Latham Library, Thetford, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 785-4361.

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

‘JOURNEY TO SPACE 3D’: See WED.20.

WINTER LIGHTS: Buildings and gardens glow in multicolored illuminations for the holiday season. Shelburne Museum, 5-8 p.m. $10-15; free for kids under 3; preregister. Info, 985-3346.

montréal

‘TINY GIANTS 3D’: See WED.20.

GRAND MARCHÉ DE NOËL: See WED.20.

food & drink

words

ARE YOU THIRSTY, NEIGHBOR?: A special discount cocktail menu sparks conversations and connections over cribbage and cards. Wild Hart Distillery and Tasting Room, Shelburne, 3-8 p.m. Free. Info, info@wildhartdistillery.com. FREE WINE TASTING: Themed wine tastings take oenophiles on an adventure through a region, grape variety, style of wine or producer’s offerings. Dedalus Wine Shop, Market & Wine Bar, Burlington, 4-7 p.m. Free. Info, 865-2368.

games

CHESS FOR ALL: All skill levels are welcome at this weekly game session. Cobleigh Public Library, Lyndonville, 6:30-9 p.m. Free. Info, 626-5475. DUPLICATE BRIDGE: A lively group plays a classic, tricky game with an extra wrinkle. Waterbury Public Library, 12:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 244-7223.

health & fitness

LONG-FORM SUN 73: Beginners and experienced practitioners learn how tai chi can help with arthritis, mental clarity and range of motion. Congregational Church of Middlebury, 3:30-5 p.m. Free; donations accepted. Info, elizabetharms56@gmail.com.

holidays

‘AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS’: The Nativity story is told from the perspective of the common people in this annual Barn Opera tradition. Salisbury Congregational Church, 5:30 & 7:30 p.m. $10. Info, welch@ barnopera.com. ‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: See WED.20, 2 & 7:30 p.m. A FOREST OF LIGHTS: See WED.20. HOLIDAY LIGHT PARADE: Decked-out cars drive around town spreading holiday cheer. Bombardier Park West, Milton, 6:30-8 p.m. Free; preregister to participate. Info, 893-4922. INTERNATIONAL BOUTIQUE: See WED.20. JUDY COLLINS: The acclaimed folk singer croons Christmas songs and other classics from more than 50 years of music. Spruce Peak Performing Arts

INQUISITIVE READERS BOOK CLUB: Bookworms dig into a new horizon-expanding tome each month. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 6-7 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, henningsmh@ yahoo.com.

FRI.22 crafts

LEARN HOW TO KNIT: Novices of all ages pick up a new skill. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 5-6 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6955.

film

health & fitness

GUIDED MEDITATION ONLINE: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library invites attendees to relax on their lunch breaks and reconnect with their bodies. Noon-12:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, programs@ damlvt.org.

holidays

‘AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS’: See THU.21. Williston Federated Church. ‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: See WED.20. HOLIDAY SIP & SHOP: Local artists and makers display their offerings for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Stowe Street Café, Waterbury, 5-7 p.m. Free. Info, 882-8229. INTERNATIONAL BOUTIQUE: See WED.20, noon-6 p.m. THE KAT AND BRETT HOLIDAY SHOW: Kat Wright and Brett Hughes present their annual extravaganza of honky-tonk holiday cheer. See calendar spotlight. Town Hall Theater, Middlebury, 7 p.m. $25-35. Info, 382-9222. FRI.22

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LIST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE AT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/POSTEVENT

SAT.23

FAMILY FUN

burlington

LEGO TIME AT THE NNE BRANCH: Kids ages 4 through 11 build blocky creations at the library’s new location. Fletcher Free Library New North End Branch, Burlington, 11 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 863-3403.

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.

chittenden county

LEGO FUN: Budding architects and engineers use their imaginations and the classic blocks to build creations to display in the library. Children under 9 must bring a caregiver. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 878-6956.

WED.20

burlington

ART EXPLORERS: Kids dig into art history and creative expression in this homeschooler-friendly program with an educator from Davis Studio. Ages 5 through 14. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 1-2 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 540-2546. STEAM SPACE: Kids explore science, technology, engineering, art and math activities. Ages 5 through 11. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 863-3403. TODDLER TIME: Librarians bring out books, rhymes and songs specially selected for young ones 12 through 24 months. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.

chittenden county

BABYTIME: Caregivers and infants from birth through age 1 gather in the Wiggle Room to explore board books and toys. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 846-4140. GAME ON: Kids and teens get together to play video games such as Mario Kart and Overcooked on the library’s Nintendo Switches. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 846-4140. PLAY TIME: Little ones build with blocks and read together. Ages 1 through 4. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 1010:45 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956. TEEN NIGHT: ‘HARRY POTTER’ MOVIE NIGHT: Fantasy fans ages 12 and up break out the popcorn for a flick in this fun franchise. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 5 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918. TINKER TIME: SOLSTICE LANTERNS: Wintry stories, treats and crafts culminate in a lantern parade down the road to Five Corners. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

mad river valley/ waterbury

TEEN ART CLUB: Crafty young’uns ages 12 through 18 create together. Waterbury Public Library, 6-7:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 244-7036. TEEN HANGOUT: Middle and high schoolers make friends at a no-pressure meetup. Waterbury Public Library, 3-6 p.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

northeast kingdom

TWEEN BOOK CLUB: Book lovers ages 10 through 14 share their favorite recent reads at this monthly meeting. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, 745-1391.

TEEN THROWBACK MATINEE: Film buffs ages 13 and up share popcorn over a classic 2000s comedy. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2-3:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

TUE.26

chittenden county

TODDLERTIME: Miss Alexa delights infants and toddlers ages 1 to 3 and their adult caregivers with interactive stories, songs, rhymes and more. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 9:15-9:45 & 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.

DEC. 21 | FAMILY FUN Good for the Solstice The wintry woods transform into a magical party venue for one night only at Winter’s Warmth, a solstice party for families thrown by Audubon Vermont. Guests of all ages mark the longest night of the year by learning about traditional crafts, food and activities around the yule fire. Kids make candles, stud oranges with cloves, cook up a mid-hibernation snack tree for the local creatures, roast s’mores, learn about solstice practices from around the world and set intentions for the New Year. Dress warmly; flashlights or headlamps recommended.

WINTER’S WARMTH Thursday, December 21, 4-5:30 p.m., at Green Mountain Audubon Center in Huntington. Pay what you can; preregister. Info, 434-3068, vt.audubon.org.

THU.21

burlington

GROW PRESCHOOL YOGA: Emily from Grow Prenatal and Family Yoga leads little ones in songs, movement and other fun activities. Ages 2 through 5. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 863-3403.

chittenden county

PRESCHOOL MUSIC WITH LINDA BASSICK: The singer and storyteller extraordinaire leads little ones in indoor music and movement. Birth through age 5. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

4-5:30 p.m. Pay what you can; preregister. Info, 434-3068.

stowe/smuggs

WEE ONES PLAY TIME: Caregivers bring kiddos 3 and younger to a new sensory learning experience each week. Morristown Centennial Library, Morrisville, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 888-3853.

mad river valley/ waterbury

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: Games, activities, stories and songs engage 3through 5-year-olds. Waterbury Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

northeast kingdom

PRESCHOOL PLAYTIME: Pre-K patrons play and socialize after music time. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

STORY TIME: Kids 5 and under play, sing, hear stories and color. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 10:15-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 745-1391.

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.

FRI.22

WINTER’S WARMTH: Families celebrate the solstice with traditional crafts, food and activities around the yule fire. Dress warmly. See calendar spotlight. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington,

chittenden county

LEGO BUILDERS: Each week, children ages 8 and older build, explore, create and participate in challenges. Children ages 6 to 8 are welcome with an adult. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.

WED.27

burlington

SLED DOGS LIVE: October Siberians brings its impressive team of huskies for a meet and greet on the terrace. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 10:30, 11:30 a.m., 1 & 2 p.m. Regular admission, $14.50-18; free for members and kids 2 and under. Info, 864-1848.

chittenden county

SWITCH: Patrons of all experience levels play on the library’s new Nintendo video game console. Grades 3 through 8. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

BABYTIME: See WED.20.

COMICS CLUB: Graphic novel and manga fans in third through fifth grades meet to discuss current reads and do fun activities together. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

barre/montpelier

CRAFTYTOWN!: From painting and printmaking to collage and sculpture, creative kids explore different projects and mediums. Ages 8 and up, or ages 6 and up with an adult helper. ADA accessible. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 1-2 p.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.

middlebury area

PLAY TIME: See WED.20.

STORY TIME & PLAYGROUP: Participants ages 7 and under hear stories, sing songs and eat tasty treats. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

LAST MINUTE FALALA: Hot chocolate and jolly carolers sustain shoppers on Main Street. Downtown Bristol, 5-8 p.m. Free. Info, director@bristolcore.org.

upper valley

mad river valley/ waterbury

LEGO CHALLENGE CLUB: Kids engage in a fun-filled hour of building, then leave their creations on display in the library all month long. Ages 9 through 11. Waterbury Public Library, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 244-7036.

STORY TIME: Preschoolers take part in tales, tunes and playtime. Latham Library, Thetford, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 785-4361.

northeast kingdom

TEEN NIGHT: ‘HARRY POTTER’ MOVIE NIGHT: See WED.20.

SING-ALONG WITH “MUSIC MAN” ED MORGAN: Kids of all ages join in original and traditional songs. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 745-1391.

rutland/killington

‘MR. POPPER’S PENGUINS’: Wintry crafts and refreshments punctuate a screening of the 2011 film adaptation of a beloved children’s book. Castleton Free Library, 3-5 p.m. Free. Info, 468-5574. K

SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

calendar FRI.22

« P.68

crafts

DEC. 22 | HOLIDAYS

NICK CASSARINO’S CHRISTMAS VACATION HOLIDAY REVIEW: 7 P.M. SHOW SOLD OUT. The hometown jazzman and his special guest, Dave “the Truth” Grippo, rock around the Christmas tree. Shelburne Vineyard, 7 & 9:30 p.m. $20. Info, 985-8222.

YARN CRAFTERS GROUP: See WED.20.

dance

WESTIE WEDNESDAYS DANCE: See WED.20.

film

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

SANTA ON THE MARKETPLACE: Kids get in the holiday spirit by saying hello to Santa. Homeport, Burlington, 3-6 p.m. Free. Info, jgarrett@burlingtonvt.gov.

‘GREAT WHITE SHARK 3D’: See WED.20.

SANTA’S LUAU: A TROPICAL HOLIDAY POP-UP: See THU.21.

‘JOURNEY TO SPACE 3D’: See WED.20.

A VERY ‘GREMLINS’ CHRISTMAS: An ugly-sweater contest and live music by Synthesizer Santa supplement a screening of this 1984 comedy-horror hit. Epsilon Spires, Brattleboro, 7:30-10 p.m. $5-15 suggested donation. Info, info@epsilonspires.org.

‘OCEANS: OUR BLUE PLANET 3D’: See WED.20.

WESTFORD MUSIC SERIES: FAIRFAX WESTFORD BAND: Local instrumentalists of all ages delight audiences with holiday favorites. Westford Common Hall, 7-8 p.m. Free; donations accepted. Info, 879-4028.

health & fitness

‘TINY GIANTS 3D’: See WED.20.

food & drink

WHAT’S THAT WINE WEDNESDAYS: See WED.20.

CHAIR YOGA: See WED.20.

holidays

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: See WED.20, 2 & 7:30 p.m.

WINTER LIGHTS: See THU.21.

Kat Wright and Brett Hughes

lgbtq

RPG NIGHT: Members of the LGBTQ community gather weekly to play games such as Dungeons & Dragons and Everway. Rainbow Bridge Community Center, Barre, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 622-0692.

montréal

GRAND MARCHÉ DE NOËL: See WED.20.

SAT.23 film

food & drink

CAPITAL CITY WINTER FARMERS MARKET: Root veggies, honey, maple syrup and more change hands at an off-season celebration of locally grown food. Caledonia Spirits, Montpelier, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, manager@ montpelierfarmersmarket.com.

games

CHESS CLUB: Players of all ages and abilities face off and learn new strategies. ADA accessible. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.

health & fitness

rejuvenate the body. Wise Pines, Woodstock, 10-11 a.m. Free; donations accepted. Info, 432-3126.

holidays

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: See WED.20, 2 & 7:30 p.m. A FOREST OF LIGHTS: See WED.20. SANTA’S LUAU: A TROPICAL HOLIDAY POP-UP: See THU.21. STORIES FOR A WINTER’S EVE: Vermont musicians and storytellers Patti Casey, Susannah Blachly, Mark Nash and Kathryn Blume celebrate the season of love and connection. The Old Meeting House, East Montpelier, 3-5 & 7-9 p.m. $10-18. Info, 229-9593. WINTER LIGHTS: See THU.21, 5-8 p.m. YULETIDE CEREMONY: The Green Mountain Druid Order celebrates the solstice at sunset with a bonfire and drum playing. Burlington Earth Clock, Oakledge Park, 3:30 p.m. Free. Info, gmdodreamland@ gmail.com.

montréal

GRAND MARCHÉ DE NOËL: See WED.20, 1-9 p.m.

music

REMEMBER BAKER: A blend of folk and bluegrass nods to Vermont’s Yankee past. Shelburne Vineyard, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 985-8222.

words

THE POETRY EXPERIENCE: Rajnii Eddins hosts a local writing and sharing circle. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.

COMMUNITY YOGA CLASS: An all-levels session offers a weekly opportunity to relax the mind and

SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

Just the Two of Us The Kat & Brett Holiday Show, a beloved local tradition, closes out its landmark 10th annual run just three days before Christmas at Middlebury’s Town Hall Theater. Kat Wright and Brett Hughes, two of the Green Mountain State’s hardest-working singer-songwriters, present a delightfully nondenominational revue, complete with seasonal classics and many of Hughes’ original songs. Joined by a backup band of Tyler Bolles and Will Seeders, Wright and Hughes invite everyone in attendance into their snowy, sentimental world.

Center for the Arts, Greensboro, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $20. Info, 533-2000.

holidays

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: See WED.20, 2 & 7:30 p.m. A FOREST OF LIGHTS: See WED.20, 5-7 p.m. WINTER LIGHTS: See THU.21, 5-8 p.m.

language

KAT & BRETT HOLIDAY SHOW

PAUSE-CAFÉ FRENCH CONVERSATION: Francophones and French-language learners meet pour parler la belle langue. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 5-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 343-5493.

Friday, December 22, 7 p.m., at Town Hall Theater in Middlebury. $25-35; cash bar. Info, 382-9222, townhalltheater.org.

montréal

SUN.24 crafts

YARN CRAFTERS GROUP: See WED.20, 1-3 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.

holidays

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: See WED.20, noon & 5 p.m.

montréal

GRAND MARCHÉ DE NOËL: See WED.20, 1-7 p.m.

TUE.26 film

See what’s playing at local theaters in the On Screen section. ‘GREAT WHITE SHARK 3D’: See WED.20. ‘JOURNEY TO SPACE 3D’: See WED.20. ‘OCEANS: OUR BLUE PLANET 3D’: See WED.20. ‘TINY GIANTS 3D’: See WED.20. WARREN MILLER’S ‘ALL TIME’: Ski fans celebrate the birth of places such as Sun Valley and Aspen through snowy footage. Stratton Mountain School, South Londonberry, 5:30-9 p.m. $6-15. Info, 917-816-5773.

food & drink

BOXING DAY BRUNCH: Crêpes, bacon, mimosas and hot cocoa provide post-Christmas fuel and a feast for the senses. Highland

A FOREST OF LIGHTS: See WED.20, 5-7 p.m. WINTER LIGHTS: See THU.21, T5-8 p.m.

language

BEGINNER IRISH LANGUAGE CLASS: See WED.20. ELL CLASSES: ENGLISH FOR BEGINNERS & INTERMEDIATE STUDENTS: See WED.20.

montréal

GRAND MARCHÉ DE NOËL: See WED.20, 1-9 p.m.

sports

GREEN MOUNTAIN TABLE TENNIS CLUB: See WED.20. ➆

GRAND MARCHÉ DE NOËL: See WED.20, 1-9 p.m.

words

POETRY GROUP: A supportive drop-in group welcomes those who would like to share and listen to poetry. ADA accessible. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 11 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 846-4140.

WED.27 business

QUEEN CITY BUSINESS NETWORKING INTERNATIONAL GROUP: See WED.20.

community

CURRENT EVENTS: Neighbors have an informal discussion about what’s in the news. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 878-4918.

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

classes THE FOLLOWING CLASS LISTINGS ARE PAID ADVERTISEMENTS. ANNOUNCE YOUR CLASS FOR AS LITTLE AS $16.75/WEEK (INCLUDES SIX PHOTOS AND UNLIMITED DESCRIPTION ONLINE). SUBMIT YOUR CLASS AD AT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/POSTCLASS.

astrology YOUR ASTROLOGICAL MOON: Mother, Moods and Mystery: In this three-part series, explore your natal moon to gain deeper understanding of your emotional needs, including your emotional development, triggers, instincts and more. The ancient wisdom tradition of astrology offers fresh insights into your patterns, helping you develop self-acceptance and practical tools for better well-being. Wed., Jan. 10, 17 & 24, 5:30-7 p.m. Cost: $60 for all 3 classes. Location: The Wellness Collective, 875 Roosevelt Hwy., Ste. 120, Colchester. Info: Hidden Path Astrology, Jennie Date, 802578-3735, hiddenpathastrology@ gmail.com, hiddenpathastrology. com.

culinary FOCACCIA ART WORKSHOP: In this workshop, you will tackle making focaccia bread dough and decorating it your own way with various herbs, veggies and cheeses. You’ll go home with an eight-inch-square pan of focaccia art and the recipe to make it again on your own at home. Tue., Jan. 23, 6 p.m. Cost: $45. Location: Red Poppy Cakery, 1 Elm St., Waterbury Village. Info: 203400-0700, sevendaystickets.com. THE BASICS OF CAKE DECORATING: Learn the basics of filling, crumb-coating, getting nice smooth edges and some rosette piping. You’ll take home great new techniques plus a six-inch cake that serves 12. You can select your flavor! Gluten-free, vegan or both are available. Please disclose allergies when registering. Thu., Jan. 18, 6 p.m. Cost: $85. Location: Red Poppy Cakery, 1 Elm St., Waterbury Village Historic District. Info: 203400-0700, sevendaystickets.com.

jewelry JEWELRY AND ENAMELING CLASSES: I teach small workshops and private lessons for adults in my well-equipped personal studio. This winter, I’m offering a variety of classes using silver. Students will learn techniques such as soldering and riveting. I’m also offering kiln-fired enamel classes. Class size is one to four students; no experience necessary. Weekends Jan.-Mar. 1- to 12-hour classes Location: Jolynn’s Workshop , Charlotte. Info: Jolynn Santiago,

330-599-9418, jolynnsantiago@ gmail.com, jolynnsantiago.com

language ADULT LIVE SPANISH E-CLASSES: Join us for adult Spanish classes this winter, using Zoom online video conferencing. Our 18th year. Learn from a native speaker via small group classes or individual instruction. You’ll always be participating and speaking. Beginning to advanced. Note: Classes fill up fast. See our website or contact us for details. Group classes begin week of Jan. 8; private instruction any time. Location: Spanish in Waterbury Center. Info: 802-585-1025, spanishparavos@gmail.com, spanishwaterburycenter.com. ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE WINTER SESSION: Join us for online or in-person adult French classes this winter. Our 7-week session starts on Jan. 8 and offers classes for participants at all levels. Please go to our website to read all about our offerings or contact Micheline. 7-week class begins Jan. 8. Online or at Alliance Française, 43 King St., Burlington. Info: Micheline, education@aflcr.org, aflcr.org.

martial arts AIKIDO: THE POWER OF HARMONY: Cultivate core power, aerobic fitness and resiliency. The dynamic, circular movements emphasize throws, joint locks and the development of internal energy. Introductory classes for adults and youths. Ask about our intensive training program and scholarships. Inclusive training and a safe space for all. Visitors welcome! Beginners’ classes 4 days/week. Membership rates incl. unlimited classes. Contact us for info about membership rates for adults, youths & families. Location: Aikido of Champlain Valley, 257 Pine St., Burlington. Info: Benjamin Pincus, 802-951-8900, bpincus@burlingtonaikido.org, burlingtonaikido.org.

massage ABDOMINAL MASSAGE INTENSIVE: Build your abdominal bodywork tool set in addressing the root of common symptoms, taught from a Chinese medicine perspective. You will learn to formulate your sessions to meet each client’s

unique needs. Engage with students in this hands-on intensive and enjoy online access to recorded presentations and videotaped techniques. Jan. 25 & 26, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $360/2day training w/ online materials. Location: The Wellness Collective, 875 Roosevelt Hwy., Ste. 120, Colchester. Info: Core Connections Abdominal Centered Therapy, Caitlin Perry, 802-399-2082, coreconnections vt@gmail.com.

music MUSIC TOGETHER FAMILY MUSIC: A research-based and fun program built on the concept that all children are musical. Emily Mott — a musician and experienced music instructor — helps you become a musical family, with songs, rhythmic chants, movement and instrument play. These activities are informal, nonperformance-oriented musical experiences — developmentally appropriate for children and easy for parents and caregivers. Every Wed., 10 a.m., starting Jan. 17 (10 weeks). Cost: $220/family; additional siblings under 8 mo. free. Location: Murmurations Aerial Studio, 208 Flynn Ave., Burlington. Info: Emily Mott, 617-872-4432, emilyarwenmott@ gmail.com, songiverstudio.com.

Happy holidays from all of us at Vermont Tire!

TAIKO & DJEMBE CLASSES: Taiko, Tue. & Thu., Djembe, Wed. Starting Jan. 3, Feb. 6. Dropins welcome. Kids & Parents Taiko, Tue. & Thu., 4-5:30 p.m. Adult Intro Taiko, 5:30-7 p.m. Accelerated Taiko, 7-8:30 p.m. Drums provided. 4-week classes. World Drumming, Wed. Kids & Parents, 4-5:30 p.m. Adult Djembe, 5:30-7 p.m. Conga Beginners, 7-8:30 p.m. Drums provided. Location: Taiko Studio, 208 Flynn Ave., Burlington. Info: Stuart, 802-999-4255, classes@ burlingtontaiko.org.

performing arts BURLESQUE FESTIVAL CLASSES: The Vermont Burlesque Festival offers “teaser” classes from local Vermont businesses as well as fun introduction classes and expert classes taught by some of the best burlesque performers in the business. Offerings include classes about yoga and flexibility, shimmying, feather fans, twerking it, floor work and boa lessons. Jan. 20. Location: Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain, Burlington. Info: sevendaystickets.com.

Try our new Value tire!

well-being PAIN MANAGEMENT CLASS: Living with chronic pain can mean much more than “toughing it out.” An experienced psychologist is offering a class to teach pain management skills and help you get back to living a more rewarding life. Tue., Jan. 9, 16, 23 & 30, 5:30-7 p.m. Cost: $200/4 sessions. 595 Dorset St., Ste. 2, Burlington. Info: Judith Vanderryn, PhD, 802-651-8999, ext. 4.

CLASS PHOTOS + MORE INFO ONLINE SEVENDAYSVT.COM/CLASSES

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SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

Fur-ever

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All sizes include a photo and your tribute. Short $30, Medium $50, Long $95

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Print deadline: Thursdays at 5 p.m. Questions? petmemorials@sevendaysvt.com

Trinity Basiliere

Daisy 2010-2023

2009-2022

She Loved Her Belly Rubs!

One Year Without You When the human you saved first found you, you were all skin and bones, a ball of nerves, fur and limbs. Your given name didn’t fit — you were too holy for that place, and so you were called Trinity. You taught us to be brave enough to stand up for those littler than us and to make time to stop and chew the air. Our sweet night watchman doing slow laps around the yard to keep the bad guys out. Our noble steed. We miss you always and picture you running wild and pain-free through fields somewhere. –With love, Your Moms

Our Daisy came to us via rescue with huge love and after some trauma. She hiked, camped, walked, loved. Everyone loved her; such a “sweet” dog, they’d say. She blessed us with 11 wonderful years. Thank you, Daisy, for giving us so much. — All our love, Mom & Dad Kriss

Share the story of your special friend. Please visit sevendaysvt.com/ petmemorials or scan the QR code below.

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SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

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COURTESY OF KELLY SCHULZE/MOUNTAIN DOG PHOTOGRAPHY

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Humane

Katy AGE/SEX: 6-year-old spayed female ARRIVAL DATE: November 3, 2023 SUMMARY: Katy came to HSCC after her previous owner sadly passed away. This beauty is a queen, and she knows it! She’s an independent lady whom we think could thrive as an indoor/outdoor cat. Katy has an affectionate side, but she enjoys affection on her own terms. She would like to find humans who can respect her boundaries and let her take the lead — as is her royal prerogative! If you have an appreciation for fiercely independent felines, let Katy claim her rightful place as the queen of your heart. Visit her at HSCC today!

Society of Chittenden County

FOSTER FOR HSCC!

Some animals can only thrive in a home environment. HSCC’s foster families provide a vital service for our pets in offering temporary, loving homes to animals in need. If you’re interested in becoming a foster for HSCC, visit hsccvt.org/ foster-care to learn more and apply! Sponsored by:

DOGS/CATS/KIDS: Katy has no known history with other cats or dogs. Due to her independent nature, we think Katy would do best in a home without young children. 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.

NEW STUFF ONLINE EVERY DAY! PLACE YOUR ADS 24-7 AT SEVENDAYSVT.COM. SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

CLASSIFIEDS housing

HOUSEMATES S. BURLINGTON - RESPITE Stay w/ independent senior in her home 1 week to 1 weekend/mo. May incl. some holidays. Must pass background check. Contact Tina, 802-503-9610. WATERBURY AWAITS! Share spacious home in Waterbury Center w/ senior woman who enjoys reading, puzzles & family. Seeking some evening companionship, meal prep 4 times/week & an overnight presence. $300/mo., all incl. Call 802-863-5625 or visit homesharevermont. org for application. Interview, refs. & background checks req. EHO.

WINTER/SPRING IN THE MRV Share Waitsfield home for the winter & spring seasons w/ an active 60-year-old woman. Spacious BR, private BA. Help w/ shoveling appreciated. $650/mo., all incl. Call 802-863-5625 or visit homesharevermont. org for application. Interview, refs. & background checks req. EHO.

OFFICE/ COMMERCIAL OFFICE/RETAIL SPACE AT MAIN STREET LANDING on Burlington’s waterfront. Beautiful, healthy, affordable spaces for your business. Visit mainstreetlanding.com & click on space avail. Melinda, 864-7999. 1,364-SQ.FT. RETAIL SPACE Camp Meade in Middlesex, near exit 9 of I-89. 3 connected rooms w/ ADA restroom. Electric incl., Rinnai propane heat by tenant. Community, creation, collaboration. Email

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

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

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

housing ads: $25 (25 words) legals: 52¢/word buy this stuff: free online

info@campmeade.today or call 802-496-2108.

services

AUTO DONATE YOUR CAR TO CHARITY Running or not! Fast, free pickup. Maximum tax deduction. Support Patriotic Hearts. Your car donation helps veterans! 1-866-5599123. (AAN CAN)

EDUCATION ONLINE PHARMACY TECHNICIAN TRAINING For new students only. Financial aid avail. for those who qualify. All courses are online. Call 844-963-4157 & press 1. (AAN CAN)

FINANCIAL/LEGAL

services: $12 (25 words) fsbos: $45 (2 weeks, 30 words, photo) jobs: michelle@sevendaysvt.com, 865-1020 x121

FREE AUTO INSURANCE QUOTES For uninsured & insured drivers. Let us show you how much you can save! Call 855-569-1909. (AAN CAN) SAVE YOUR HOME Are you behind paying your mortgage? Denied a loan modification? Threatened w/ foreclosure? Call the Homeowner’s Relief Line now for help: 855-7213269. (AAN CAN)

HEALTH/ WELLNESS CASH FOR CANCER PATIENTS Diagnosed w/ lung cancer? You may qualify for a substantial cash award, even w/ smoking history. Call 1-888-3760595. (AAN CAN) HAIRH HAIR SERVICE Braiding, crochet, natural/Afro twist braiding & much more. Contact us at 802-4889148 or kenichia1922@ gmail.com.

$10K+ IN DEBT? Be debt-free in 24-48 mos. Pay a fraction of your debt. Call National Debt Relief at 844-9773935. (AAN CAN) APPEAL FOR SOCIAL SECURITY Denied Social Security disability? Appeal! If you’re 50+, filed SSD & were denied, our attorneys can help. Win or pay nothing. Strong recent work history needed. Call 1-877-311-1416 to contact Steppacher Law Offices LLC. Principal office: 224 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18503. (AAN CAN) FIND LOWEST PRICES ON HEALTH INSURANCE Get the best rates from top companies. Call now! 866-429-3995. (AAN CAN)

PROFESSIONAL THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE THERAPY Steamed towels/hot packs. 30 years’ experience. Gift certificates avail. Plainfield, Vt. Contact Peter Scott at 802-522-3053 or pscottmbs@gmail.com. PSYCHIC COUNSELING Psychic counseling, channeling w/ Bernice Kelman, Underhill. 40+ years’ experience. Also energy healing, chakra balancing, Reiki, rebirthing, other lives, classes & more. Info, 802-899-3542, kelman.b@juno.com. REMOTE REIKI & ORACLE $50 remote Reiki healing & intuitive oracle sessions done by Reiki master Erica. Receive link to private YouTube audio of session. Contact bella_imelda@ yahoo.com to book.

HOME/GARDEN BATH & SHOWER UPDATES In as little as 1 day! Affordable prices. No payments for 18 mo. Lifetime warranty &

professional installs. Senior & military discounts avail. Call 1-866-370-2939. (AAN CAN)

agency to get your home repaired & your life back to normal ASAP! Call 833-664-1530 (AAN CAN)

estatesalesand consignments.com.

BEAUTIFY YOUR HOME Get energy-efficient windows. They will increase your home’s value & decrease your energy bills. Replace all or a few! Call 844-3352217 now to get your free, no-obligation quote. (AAN CAN)

PET

BCI WALK-IN TUBS Now on sale! Be 1 of the 1st 50 callers & save $1,500. Call 844-5140123 for a free in-home consultation. (AAN CAN)

DISCOVER OXYGEN THERAPY Try Inogen portable oxygen concentrators. Free information kit. Call 866-859-0894. (AAN CAN) NEVER CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS AGAIN! Affordable, professionally installed gutter guards protect your gutters & home from debris & leaves forever. For a free quote, call 844-947-1470. (AAN CAN) WATER DAMAGE REPAIR SERVICES If you have water damage to your home & need cleanup services, call us! We’ll get in & work w/ your insurance

NEW PET GROOMER Dirty Paws Pet Spa is opening at 4050 Williston Rd. Grooming all breeds of dogs & cats. W/ decades of experience, we will make your pet look & feel wonderful. Call 802-264 7076.

buy this stuff

GARAGE/ESTATE SALES ONLINE ESTATE SALE Northfield online estate sale, ends Jan. 4. Antiques, collectibles, Asian antiques, rugs, furniture & more! Info,

Foreclosure Auction: 990± SF Mobile Home in Brattleboro, VT

Happy Holidays!

MISCELLANEOUS

DISH TV $64.99 $64.99 for 190 channels + $14.95 high-speed internet. Free installation, Smart HD DVR incl., free voice remote. Some restrictions apply. 1-866-566-1815. (AAN CAN) DIRECTV SATELLITE TV Service starting at $74.99/mo.! Free install. 160+ channels avail. Call now to get the most sports & entertainment on TV. 877-310-2472. (AAN CAN) MALE ENHANCEMENT PILLS Bundled network of Viagra, Cialis & Levitra alternative products for a 50-pills-for-$99 promotion. Call 888531-1192. (AAN CAN)

PETS GSP PUPPIES German shorthaired pointer puppies born Sep. 28. 1st shots, wormed, health certifi cates, ready to go. Come meet the gundogsvt. com crew. $1,300 each. Contact Rodger at 802-745-8599.

WANT TO BUY 1 CRESCENT DRIVE, BRATTLEBORO, VT

Live Auction: Monday, Jan. 15 @ 12PM

Robbi Handy Holmes • 802-951-2128 robbihandyholmes@vtregroup.com

Client focused Making it happen for you!

OPEN HOUSE:

TOP CASH FOR OLD GUITARS 1920-1980 Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D’A ngelico & Stromberg + Gibson mandolins & banjos. Call 877-589-0747. (AAN CAN)

Thurs., Dec. 28 from 11AM-1PM

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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

print deadline: Mondays at 3:30 p.m. post ads online 24/7 at: sevendaysvt.com/classifieds questions? classifieds@sevendaysvt.com 865-1020 x115

Snack on the BITE-CLUB NEWSLETTER for a taste of this week’s flavorful food coverage. It’ll hold you over until Wednesday. SUBSCRIBE AT

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(1532) Woodworking Machinery & Household

music

INSTRUCTION Online Auction Closes: Thurs, Dec. 28 @ 10AM PREVIEW:

Wed., Dec. 27 from 11AM-1PM OVER 1000 LOTS!

GUITAR INSTRUCTION Berklee graduate w/ 30 years’ teaching experience offers lessons in guitar, music theory, music technology, ear training. Individualized, step-by-step approach. All ages, styles, levels. Rick Belford, 864-7195, rickbelford.com.

THCAuction.com  800-634-SOLD

SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023 16T-BiteClubfiller.indd 1

1 12/21/208v-hirchakbrothers122023 6:07 PM

12/15/23 10:49 AM

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Calcoku SEVENDAYSVT.COM/CLASSIFIEDS »

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

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CALCOKU

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

2÷

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

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Show and tell. Sudoku View and post up to

SUDOKU

BY JOSH REYNOLDS

Difficulty: Hard

No. 821

BY JOSH REYNOLDS

DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK: ★★

DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK: ★★★

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

Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each 9-box square contains all of 2 9 1 3 4 7 5 the numbers one to nine. The same numbers cannot be repeated 1 6 2 4 7 in5a row8or column.

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SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

Legal Notices STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT ENVIRONMENTAL DIVISION DOCKET NO. 23-ENV -00140 IN RE. HILLVIEW HEIGHTS LLC PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION APPROVAL Notice of Appeal Now Come Neighbors Bradley Holt and Jason Pelletier of 1931 Hillview Road and David Kauck of 2212 Hillview Road (“Appellants”), by and through their counsel, MSK Attorneys, and hereby appeals, pursuant to 24 V.S.A. §4471 and 10 V.S.A. Ch. 220 to the Vermont Superior Court, Environmental Division, the Town of Richmond’s Development Review Board’s November 15, 2023 decision issuing final subdivision approval to Hillview Heights LLC for a 7-lot subdivision of property located at 2427 Hillview Heights Road. A copy of the DRB’s decision is attached hereto. Appellants have a right to appeal pursuant to 10 V.S.A chapter 220 as the applicants are interested persons. Appellants are neighbors to the proposed subdivision and reside in the immediate vicinity of the subdivision. They can see the proposed development and will impacted by traffic, and run-off impacts from the proposed development. Appellants participated n the Richmond proceedings. To All Interested Persons: In order to participate in this appeal, you must enter an appearance in the

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

Vermont Environmental Court within twenty-one (21) days of receiving this Notice of Appeal. Notices of Appearance should be mailed to Jennifer Teske, Court Office Manager, Vermont Superior Court—Environmental Division, 32 Cherry Street, Suite 303, Burlington, VT 05401. DATED at Burlington, Vermont this 7th day of December, 2023 Respectfully submitted, MSK ATTORNEYS By: /s/ Alexander LaRosa Alexander LaRosa, ERN 5814 275 College Street, P.O. Box 4485 Burlington, VT 05406-4485 Phone: 802-861-7000 (x119) Fax: 802-861-7007 Email: ajlarosa@mskvt.com Attorneys for Appellants NORTHSTAR SELF STORAGE WILL BE HAVING A PUBLIC AND ONLINE SALE/AUCTION FOR THE FOLLOWING STORAGE UNITS ON JANUARY 4, 2024, AT 9:00 AM Northstar Self Storage will be having a public and online sale/auction on January 4, 2024 at 9am EST at 205 VT-4A West, Castleton VT 05735 (2-3, 3-10, 3-32, 3-40) 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 # 1 2-3 2 3-10 3 3-32 4 3-40

Name Contents Mark Lahue Household Goods James Burch Household Goods Beverly Burch Household Goods Allen Lake Household Goods

PUBLIC HEARING WINOOSKI DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD A public hearing will be held by the Winooski Development Review Board on Thursday, January 18, 2024 beginning at 6:30 p.m. to consider the following: Planned Unit Development – Final Plan Review: 205 West Allen Street Applicant has submitted an updated zoning permit application to develop a Planned Unit

Development (PUD) at 205 West Allen Street to create two new dwelling units for a total of three units on the property. PUDs are permitted in the Residential C Zoning District and require approval from the Development Review Board before a zoning permit can be issued. A PUD is considered a major subdivision. The standards for PUDs are outlined in Section 6.3 of the City’s Unified Land Use and Development Regulations. The Development Review Board will hold a public hearing on this request 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. 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/87296864953 or by calling (301) 715 8592 and using Webinar ID: 872 9686 4953. Toll charges may apply. Members of the public interested in participating 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-RequestForm61 at least 24 hours in advance to ensure this information is included in the record of the hearing. Failure to provide information in advance will not prohibit your participation at the meeting. Questions or comments can be directed to Eric Vorwald, AICP, City of Winooski Planning & Zoning Manager by emailing evorwald@winooskivt.gov. Information related to this application will also be available on the City’s website by visiting https:// www.winooskivt.gov/AgendaCenter and navigating to the Development Review Board section. SUPERIOR COURT CIVIL DIVISION CHITTENDEN UNIT DOCKET NO: 23-CV-04767 In Re: Abandoned Mobile Home of Bill Rublee, Jr.

PUZZLE ANSWERS FROM P.75 4 5

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4 7 5 8 6 1 6 1-2 91- 3 5 9 4 7 1 2 4 7 5 8 5+ 2÷ 3 8 1 2 9 92 ÷ 1 6 3 4 8 2 6x9 6 5 7 5 3 1 2 Difficulty - Medium 6 3 8 4 7 1-

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

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SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

Notice of Auction Sale Please take notice that the Auction Sale of the Abandoned Mobile Home of Bill Rublee, Jr. shall take place on December 27, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at the location of the Mobile Home, 38 Wile Street in Sunset Lake Mobile Home Park, Hinesburg, Vermont. The Mobile Home shall be conveyed to the highest bidder, in “AS IS” condition. Other terms to be announced at sale. Inquiries to Plaintiff’s counsel. Dated this 20th day of December, 2023. Steven J. Kantor, Esq. Doremus Kantor & Zullo 346 Shelburne Road, Suite 603 P.O. Box 445 Burlington, VT 05402-0445 (802) 863-9603 skantor@dkzlegal.com Attorney for Plaintiff Sunset Lake Cooperative AUCTION – MOBILE HOME Sale Date and Location: Wednesday, 12/27/23 at 11:00 a.m. – Birchwood Manor Mobile Home Park, Lot #121, 48 Mansfield Road in Milton, Vermont. For more info. call (802) 860-9536. 1990 Skyline, Jay mobile home, Min. bid $9,524.01 Must be moved 5 days after sale. Auctioneer: Uriah Wallace – Lic. #057-0002460 PUBLIC HEARING COLCHESTER DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD Pursuant to Title 24 VSA, Chapter 117, the Development Review Board will hold a public hearing on January 10, 2024 at 7:00pm to hear the following requests under the Development Regulations. Meeting is open to the public and will be held at 781 Blakely Road. a) FP-24-02 RIVERSIDE BLUFFS LLC: Final Plat application for a major Planned Unit Development to subdivide and convert 3 lots into 11 lots. Lot #1 to be 25.2 acres and left undeveloped as an open-space lot for passive recreation, Lot #2 to be 11.5 acres developed with the existing single family dwelling unit, Lot #3 to be 9.2 acres developed with a new single family dwelling unit, Lot #4 to be 1.4 acres developed with a new single family dwelling unit, Lot #5 to be 1.2 acres developed with a new single family dwelling unit, Lot #6 to be 1.3 acres developed with a new single family dwelling unit, Lot #7 to be 1.3 acres developed with a new single family dwelling unit, Lot #8 to be 2.5 acres developed with a new single family dwelling unit, Lot #9 to be 2.4 acres developed with a new single family dwelling unit, Lot #10 to be 2.8 acres developed with a new single family dwelling unit, and Lot #11 to be 2.8 acres developed with a new single family dwelling unit. All structures to be served by individual on-site wastewater systems and drilled wells, and private driveways. Subject property is located at 1094 Camp Kiniya Road, Account #16-051000-0000000. b) PP-24-04 J.M. ROWLEY CORPORATION: Preliminary Plat Application to re-develop a lot presently occupied by three multi-family dwelling units and a childcare facility. Proposal is to 1) remove the 23 dwelling units in the existing three multi-family dwelling units, and 2) construct 12 dwelling units in 6 duplexes fronting on Grandview Road, retain the existing childcare facility, and construct supporting infrastructure including new water lines, sewer lines, stormwater infrastructure and road improvements. Proposed dwelling units to be located on footprint lots and served by municipal water and a community in-ground wastewater system. Subject property is located at 5877 Roosevelt Highway, Account #14-026000-0000000. December 20, 2023 ACT 250 NOTICE MINOR APPLICATION 300033-16A 10 V.S.A. §§ 6001 – 6111 Application 300033-16A from Champlain Water District, Attn: Nathan Pion, 403 Queen City Park Road, South Burlington, VT 05403 was received

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charges), late payment fees, sale expenses, and all other expenses in relation to the unit and its sale.

The Town of Colchester is a Community Rating Service (CRS) Community, which gives our residents a discount on flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. Learn more about flood insurance by calling the NFIP help center at 1-800-427-4661 or by visiting: floodsmart.gov.

Contents of each unit may be viewed on January 3rd 2024, commencing at 10:00 am. Sealed bids are to be submitted on the entire contents of each self storage unit. Bids will be opened one half hour after the last unit has been viewed on January 3rd. The highest bidder on the storage unit must remove the entire contents of the unit within 48 hours after notification of their successful bid. Purchase must be made in cash and paid in advance of the removal of the contents of the unit. A $50 cash deposit shall be made and will be refunded if the unit is broom cleaned. Chimney Corners Self Storage reserves the right to accept or reject bids. The contents of the following tenant’s self-storage units will be included in this sale: Tara Lavallee, Unit 613. Kevin Hampsey, Unit 907.

Local Assistance Staff from the Planning & Zoning office will assist residents with flood mapping services, flood impact reduction, as well as the building regulations required to comply with federal flood standards. For more information or if you have questions, call 802-264-5606 or email pzinfo@colchestervt.gov.

STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT PROBATE DIVISION CHITTENDEN UNIT DOCKET NO.:23-PR-03988

In re Estate of Thomas Trainer NOTICE TO CREDITORS

VT-Alert is used by the state and local responders to notify the public of emergency situations such as floods via text, email or phone. For more information visit: vem.vermont.gov/vtalert.

on December 11, 2023, and deemed complete on December 14, 2023. The project is generally described as construction of a new 1 million gallon prestressed concrete filtered water storage tank and associated yard piping, communication building and tower; demolition of an existing 1 million gallon glass-fused-tosteel bolted water storage tank; and modifications to the access drive, parking, grading, and drainage. The project is located at 403 Queen City Park Road in South Burlington, Vermont.This application can be viewed online by visiting the Act 250 Database: (https://anrweb.vt.gov/ANR/Act250/Details. aspx?Num=300033-16A). No hearing will be held, and a permit will be issued unless, on or before January 8, 2024, a party notifies the District 4 Commission in writing of an issue requiring a hearing, or the Commission sets the matter for a hearing on its own motion. Any person as defined in 10 V.S.A. § 6085(c) (1) may request a hearing. Any hearing request must be in writing, must state the criteria or subcriteria at issue, why a hearing is required, and what additional evidence will be presented at the hearing. Any hearing request by an adjoining property owner or other person eligible for party status under 10 V.S.A. § 6085(c)(1)(E) must include a petition for party status under the Act 250 Rules. To request party status and a hearing, fill out the Party Status Petition Form on the Board’s website: https://nrb.vermont.gov/documents/

To the creditors of: Thomas Trainer, late of South Burlington, Vermont Aileen C. Trainer has been appointed a personal representative of the above-named estate. All creditors having claims against the estate must present their claims in writing within four (4) months of the date of publication of this notice. The claim must be presented to the undersigned, attorney for the personal representative, at the address listed below with a copy filed with the Register of the Probate Court. The claim will be forever barred if it is not presented as described above within the four (4) month period.

party-status-petition-form, and email it to the District 4 Office at: NRB.Act250Essex@vermont. gov. Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law may not be prepared unless the Commission holds a public hearing. For more information contact Stephanie H. Monaghan at the address or telephone number below.

Dated: December 18, 2023 Signature of Fiduciary: /s/ Thomas A Little

Dated this December 18, 2023. By: Stephanie H. Monaghan District Coordinator 111 West Street Essex Junction, VT 05452 802-261-1944 stephanie.monaghan@vermont.gov

Thomas A Little, Esq. Attorney for Personal Representative Aileen C Trainer Address: Little & Cicchetti, P.C. PO Box 907, Burlington, VT 05402-0907 Telephone: 802-862-6511 Name of Publication: Seven Days First Publication Date: 12/20/2023 Second Publication Date: 12/27/2023

NOTICE OF SELF-STORAGE LIEN SALE Chimney Corners Self Storage 76 Gonyeau Road, Milton VT 05403 Notice is hereby given that the contents of the self-storage units listed below will be sold at public auction by sealed bid. This sale is being held to collect unpaid storage unit occupancy fees, charges, and expenses of the sale. The entire contents of each self-storage unit listed below will be sold, with the proceeds to be distributed to Chimney Corners Self Storage for all accruedoccupancy fees (rent

Name of Probate Court: State of Vermont Chittenden Probate Division Address of Probate Court: PO Box 511, 175 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05402 TOWN OF SWANTON Request for Proposals (RFP) for Grant Writing Services Overview The Town of Swanton is accepting proposals for

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grant writing services for the proposed multigenerational community center project. Scope of Work The contracted work is to include grant research and proposals/applications for grants relevant to building and operating a multi-generational community center and also possible future projects. The Town of Swanton is seeking a grant writer or firm with a proven track record in: • Creating complex proposals from diverse funding sources. • Skills in demographic data collection and analysis. • An entrepreneurial approach to funding development. Previous experience should include: • Working in the philanthropic arena of rural areas. • Previous personal and/or professional experiences in communities with less than 10,000 people. Fee Schedule The fee schedule should be all-inclusive and presented on an hourly basis. Applications must provide a detailed price breakdown including fees. The cost will be based on the projected hours of work provided. The contractor will invoice and be paid per application. Award The Town of Swanton plans to award the contract by January 30, 2024. The executive committee will then mutually discuss and refine the scope of work with the selected applicant and shall negotiate final conditions, compensation and performance schedule. RFP Questions and Responses All questions pertaining to the proposal must be submitted in writing via email to: Brian Savage-Town Administrator at townadmin@ swantonvermont.org Application Requirements To apply submit the following: 1) Examples of grant sources from which the applicant has successfully obtained funding (provide specific examples of grant programs, government programs agencies, or foundations, amounts and purpose grant(s). 2) An excerpt from a successful grant written by the applicant that is representative of his/her writing style. The excerpt should not exceed 2 pages and should not contain any confidential or proprietary information. 3) Schedule of proposed fees. 4) A minimum of three (3) professional references from clients for whom the applicant has successfully performed similar work. 5) Proposals must be received by 4:00 pm on January 15, 2024, in one PDF file to Brian Savage, Town Administrator, Town of Swanton at townadmin@swantonvermont.org. 6) Total proposal should not be no longer than 8 standard letter-sized pages. Proposals not meeting the criteria outlined in the RFP will not be considered. The Town of Swanton reserves the right to reject any or all proposals

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SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

78 DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

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

JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM/POST-A-JOB NOON ON MONDAYS (INCLUDING HOLIDAYS) MICHELLE BROWN, 802-865-1020 X121, MICHELLE@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

YOUR TRUSTED LOCAL SOURCE. JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM Digital & Technical Coordinator

Are you looking for an innovative, dynamic, and collaborative place to work?

Join us at Lake Champlain Waldorf School to deliver a holistic and developmental approach to education.

Open Positions: • First Grade Teacher • Fourth Grade Teacher

Property Manager Rutland Housing Authority is seeking an experienced Property Manager. The ideal candidate will be a proven leader with affordable housing and Low Income Housing Tax Credit experience, possess excellent management and record keeping skills. Computer skills and prior supervisory experience are required. The RHA offers a competitive salary, defined pension, generous vacation, holiday, sick pay, health, dental, life, short & long term disability along with the chance to be part of a team creating future housing opportunities in our community. Please submit a letter of interest and resume, in confidence, to: Kirsten Hathaway, Director of Finance and Human Resources Rutland Housing Authority, 5 Tremont Street, Rutland, VT 05701.

www.lakechamplainwaldorfschool.org

Or email khathaway@rhavt.org.

Northeast Wilderness Trust (NEWT) is looking for a Digital & Technical Coordinator to support all digital communications products, as well as analytics tracking and reporting in its Communications Program. Based in Montpelier, VT, the Coordinator will work closely with the Communications Director and Fundraising Team. Visit newildernesstrust.org/about/employment to learn more.

Join the Copley Lab Team At Copley Laboratory, all team members play a critical role; each opinion matters; and there is opportunity for advancement. We welcome all qualified applicants—those with many years of experience and those who are just starting their careers. We’re currently seeking:

Laboratory Supervisor

2v-LakeChamplainWaldorfSchool1220&122723 12/18/23 1 9:40 AM

Medical Lab Scientist—Night Shift

Assistant Director KidSafe Collaborative is seeking a full-time Assistant Director to work closely with the Executive Director to oversee and implement office operations and to support the implementation of program activities such as child protection and family support teams and systems improvement initiatives. Please visit kidsafevt.org for a full job description and application information.

Director of Purchasing & Facilities Burlington Electric Department, the City of Burlington’s 100% renewably powered electric utility, is hiring for a Director of Purchasing and Facilities. This position is responsible for the purchasing and inventory, stockroom, buildings and grounds, shipping, receiving, mail processing and fleet management operations of the Burlington Electric Department (“BED”). This position oversees BED’s Purchasing and Inventory software systems and associated business processes. Our ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field. Additional experience may be substituted for a degree requirement on a two-forone year basis. Seven (7) years of purchasing/inventory, strategic sourcing, or supply chain management experience is required, preferably in an electric utility. This position has an annual salary $72,267.93 - $118,473.05 and comes with a generous benefits package. Learn more about the role and our benefits package and apply: bit.ly/BEDdirectorPurchasingFacil. We are an equal opportunity employer and we encourage applicants who can contribute to our growing diversity.

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For more info, visit copleyvt.org/careers or call J.T. Vize at 802-888-8329

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Fire Unit Chief Saint Michael’s College’s Fire and Rescue is inviting applications for the Fire Unit Chief position. The Fire Chief provides guidance and support to active student members, fostering their leadership development within the department, while ensuring a high standard of fire protection for the campus and the surrounding community. A critical aspect of this role is to lead all aspects of fire unit training, overseeing the ongoing professional development of department personnel, and including the development and maintenance of comprehensive fire and rescue pre-planning protocols for the campus, along with coordinating drills and simulations to ensure preparedness for emergency situations. For job description, benefits & to apply online, visit: bit.ly/SMCFCh.

General Assembly Capitol Police Employment Counsel Seasonal Positions The Legislative support offices are currently hiring. The nonpartisan offices are an interesting, challenging, and exciting place to work.

NEW JOBS POSTED DAILY! JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM

79 DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

Real Estate/Marketing Professional S.D. Ireland Properties is looking for a real estate/marketing professional to join our team. The successful candidate must have knowledge of all aspects of real estate from lead generations to closings. Proven experience managing our digital marketing partnerships, working with our customers on custom selections as well as the ability to work collaboratively with cross functional teams, including architects, vendors and other real estate professionals is required. The ability to contribute design ideas, marketing strategies for new homes and knowledge of real estate development process is a plus. This is a full time, “in house” salary-based position. S.D. Ireland is family owned and operated with a reputation for excellence, innovation, and hard work. Our “can do – will do” attitude is a hallmark of our company philosophy. We offer competitive wages, great benefits, including health, dental, vision, short & long-term disability, paid time off, and 401(k) plan. To apply online please visit our website at sdireland.com or simply reply to this ad. S.D. Ireland is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

You will be part of a highly professional and collegial team that is proud of, and enthusiastic about, the mission of the state legislature.

Explore opportunities like:

Assistant/Associate Professor of Marketing champlain.edu/careers Scan code for more information.

OPERATIONS & HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER Join our Team to nurture our shared economic prosperity, ecological health, and social connectivity for the well-being of all who live in VT. Responsible for HR, organizational development, operations, and special projects management.

To apply, please go to 'Career Opportunities' at legislature.vermont.gov.

MULTIPLE POSITIONS OPEN! Are you our next Guest Services Representative? Buyer? Produce Associate?

FT salary between $70-75k, great benefits, casual but professional hybrid work environment, and an organizational culture where people feel valued, are energized, and can support forward-thinking solutions to our economic, social and climate challenges.

Scan to see all open positions!

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

VSJF is an E.O.E. committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and a strong sense of belonging in the workplace. Full job description: vsjf.org/about-vsjf-vermont/job-openings.

STAFF CURATED BENEFITS

Send cover letter & resume to jobs@vsjf.org by noon 1/8/24.

Apply online at healthylivingmarket.com/careers

Vermont Superintendents 4t-HealthyLiving020922 1 Association The Vermont Superintendents Association (VSA) Board of Trustees is seeking highly qualified and experienced candidates to apply for the position of VSA Executive Director. Candidates should have proven leadership and administrative skills, along with a management style that is collaborative, supportive of staff and responsive to the needs of VSA members. For more information and application instructions please visit vtvsa.org or contact jwconsultvt@gmail.com.

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CITY ACCOUNTANT

WHY NOT HAVE A JOB YOU LOVE?

Enjoy your job and be a part of one of the Best Places to Work in Vermont! Great jobs in management and direct support serving Vermonters with intellectual disabilities. Visit ccs-vt.org/current-openings and apply today.

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12/4/23 11:15 AM

General tasks will include reconciliation of bank statements and other accounts, preparing for the annual audit, managing fixed assets, posting and analyzing transactions, processing payments, and regular tax and utility billing, among others. Please see the job description at stalbansvt.com/jobs for a complete list. The ideal candidate will be a curious, analytical, collaborative professional with a growth mindset and excellent customer service skills. Professional accounting education or experience is required. The City of St. Albans offers a robust benefits package and a hiring range of $50,000 - $75,000 dependent on qualifications and experience. Cover letter/resume should be emailed to Sarah Macy, Director of Finance and Administration at s.macy@stalbansvt.com.

12/18/23 3:08 PM

YOUR JOBS AT JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM FOR FAST RESULTS, OR ATTENTION RECRUITERS: POST CONTACT MICHELLE BROWN: MICHELLE@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

80 DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

Rhino’s hiring is hot right now! Get on board in time for their busy season.

Join our team and make a positive difference in someone's life!

"Pathways came into my life and didn't stop until they found me housing, and have helped since; I have had more success with Pathways than any other organization."

Check out our website for all job listings, which include:

Production 1st shift at $17.00/hr

Pathways Vermont's mission: to end homelessness In Vermont and provide Innovative mental health alternatives. At the core of all Pathways services and operations is a values-based philosophy that includes:

Production 3rd shift at $17.00/hr + $1.50 shift differential

• • • • •

Maintenance Technician II $29.50 - $33.50/hr (DOE) +$6.00 shift differential

Individual Choice and Self-Determination Trauma Informed Harm Reduction

WE’RE HIRING! Administrative Asst.

Current Open Positions Include: Service Coordinator roles in Chittenden, Franklin, Windham and Windsor Counties.

Investment Desk Assoc.

Scan to Explore These Positions and More!

Compliance Asst. ONEDAYINJULY.COM/CAREERS

Peer Support

Community Integration Respect, Warmth, and Compassion

Sanitation 2nd Shift at $17.00/hr + $1.00 shift differential If you share these values, truly want to make a difference in your community and be a part of the solution, come Join the Pathways family! We have multiple programs, where your personal skill· set will be valued!

Earn some “Dough” at Rhino Foods!

Hiring bonuses up to $3000 for quaUfylng positions!

rhinofoods.com/about-rhino-foods/jobs-and-careers

Program Specialist

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Check out these openings and others on our career page:

*Rhino Foods runs sex offender checks on all employees

12/11/232v-OneDayinJuly121323 2:54 PM 1

The Department of Education at UVM is currently hiring a full time Program Specialist. The candidate will support multiple Education programs with student tracking, recruitment, and communication, as well as administrative reporting. This is an 11-month (August-June), full time, in-person position beginning in January of 2024.

OHAVIZEDEK.ORG ABOUT US > JOBS

Finance &

Operations Full Circle Coordinator Preschool Director Preschool Teacher

Qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree and one to three years’ related experience. Proficiency with office software, strong organizational skills, and excellent written communications required. Experience with education administration preferred. Responsibilities include reporting, knowledge and adherence to policies, and student communications and tracking from recruitment to graduation. Vermont Studio Center in Johnson is seeking to fill two positions.

Program Coordinator Part time and on-site. Permanent and non-exempt. The VSC program coordinator provides support to general organization, program operations, and maintenance of VSC shops, studio spaces, and equipment. Working directly with the program directors, hosting select evening events, aiding with residents and staff using VSC equipment and studio spaces, maintaining/supervising VSC shop spaces and materials on weekends and during program director vacation hours. The starting salary is $25/hour.

Sous Chef - Full time, 40 hours. Vermont Studio Center Sous Chef provides nourishing meals for up to 40 artists-in-residence, staff and guests at our campus in Johnson, VT. The Sous Chef will work closely with the Head Chef to develop daily menus and assist with general kitchen operations. The Sous Chef will be the second in command to the Head Chef. This position will be responsible for preparing well– balanced, innovative meals while maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment. To apply: Please send a resumé and cover letter to Melanie Clark, jobs@vermonstudiocenter.org, 802-635-2727. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For full job descriptions: vermontstudiocenter.org/jobs-at-vsc.

Preschool AV Support Teacher Thrift Store Sales Staff

To apply, please include a cover-letter that addresses a) your experience b) your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and c) how your skillset can contribute to our team. Apply to: uvmjobs.com/postings/69049. Open until filled, a review of applications will begin immediately.

12/11/23 12:29 PM

For full details and to apply go to: bit.ly/OhaviJobs.

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

NEW JOBS POSTED DAILY! JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM

Full Time

Multiple Positions Mosaic is hiring a full time Office Operations Manager and a part time Development Associate. Please visit mosaic-vt.org/about for more information.

Counter Position Full or Part time counter position at Richmond Home Supply. Experience with building materials and general hardware, knowledge of household repairs for the do-ityourself customer helpful. Some lifting and standing. Compensation based on experience. Apply in Person: 99 Railroad St. Richmond, VT 05477

The Maintenance Technician will be based at Northgate Apartments a residential family community in Burlington, VT with 336 units. The Technician will be responsible for the completion of work orders, preventative maintenance, unit turnovers, janitorial, and grounds keeping. The work hours are 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.

• Oversees Aquatic Maintenance Department • Assists with operational management of all aquatics facilities • Develops and coordinates daily, weekly, and seasonal reporting • Strong emphasis on safety

The successful candidate will have basic knowledge of plumbing, electrical, appliance repair, carpentry, and HVAC. We are looking for someone with excellent communication skills who has a strong customer service philosophy. This position includes participation in the emergency on-call service rotation and snow removal. A valid Driver’s License with access to a vehicle is required. Pay range is $22-24 per hour, DOE.

• $49,000 - $54,000

Apply online: maloneyproperties.com/careers.

annually

• 401 k

with employer match after one year

• Over 4 weeks vacation acquired in the ﬁrst year

Maloney Properties is an E.O.E. bit.ly/MaloneyMaintTech

• Resort access for you and your family

Experienced Residential Carpenter Silver Maple Construction is seeking a fulltime, benefits-eligible Carpenter focused on high-level customer service & the execution of exceptional quality work.Here at Silver Maple, we want everyone to feel valued and do the work that inspires you while maintaining a work-life balance better than many others in this field.

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans • Paid Parental Leave

DIRECTOR

• 15 days Paid Time Off

• 7 Paid Holidays • 401k Retirement Plan + Com5v-SmugglersNotch121323 1 pany Match

Send applications to: contactmcrr@gmail.com. Application deadline JANUARY 19th.

12/19/23 11:36 AM

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• Commuter + Mileage Reimbursement • Life, Disability And Accident Insurance & MORE!

To learn more, please visit silvermapleconstruction.com, email hr@silvermapleconstruction.com, or call our office at (802) 989-7677.

This is an exciting opportunity for the right person to have a lasting impact on the City of Montpelier and its people and to have a meaningful role in shaping the future of the emerging fields of climate resilience and disaster management.

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Year-Round

Maintenance Technician

• Competitive Weekly Pay (based on experience)

In the wake of devastating floods of July, the residents of Montpelier VT formed Montpelier Commission for Recovery and Resilience to ensure that the city and surrounding region are prepared to withstand the future climate-related challenges that are sure to come our way. The commission now seeks a Director to execute projects and facilitate education and outreach about the work of the commission while maintaining a focus on equity and environmental justice.

81 DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

Environmental Studies & Science Teaching Fellow The Department of Environmental Studies and Science at Saint Michael’s College invites applications for a two-year position as a Teaching Fellow in the Patrick ’61 and Marcelle Leahy Center for the Environment starting Fall 2024. The position is not tenure-track, but there is a possibility of conversion to tenure-track at the end of the term. The department is seeking a broadly trained teacher-scholar with experience in Environmental Sustainability and Climate Adaptation. Candidates should be prepared to teach Environmental Policy, with the potential to develop and teach courses in such areas as Sustainable Development, Environmental Planning, Spatial Analysis, Environmental Justice, or Human Geography. The candidate should be prepared to demonstrate the potential to use inclusive, experiential, and other high impact teaching practices related to the core areas of interdisciplinary work the Center stewards for our campus. For job description, benefits & to apply online, visit: bit.ly/SMCESSTF.

Accounting & Human Resources Manager Summary: We are an organic, non-GMO leader in the seed, farming and food community who cares deeply about the need to grow nutrient rich, healthy food for the world and each other. We are seeking an Accounting and Human Resources Manager to join our leadership team and collaborate with staff and partners to help us succeed. This role has responsibility for accounting, business and financial analysis, and identifying opportunities to improve financial management, as well as basic HR functions. Desired traits/skills: • Accounting degree and 5 years of accounting experience • Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control principles including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles • Ability to analyze financial data and prepare financial reports, statements and projections To apply: Email resume, cover letter, and references to jobs@ highmowingseeds.com. Please put the job title in the subject line. No phone calls, please. High Mowing Organic Seeds believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success as a company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. E.O.E.

YOUR JOBS AT JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM FOR FAST RESULTS, OR ATTENTION RECRUITERS: POST CONTACT MICHELLE BROWN: MICHELLE@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

82 DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

WHERE YOU AND YOUR WORK MATTER...

Operating Room Registered Nurse (RN) NORTHEASTERN VERMONT REGIONAL HOSPITAL (NVRH): Fun, fabulous, well-oiled, OR team seeks RN who’s organized, a great communicator, has excellent attention to detail - and can tell a joke or two! NVRH offers competitive wages, loan repayment, generous paid time off, career advancement and an exceptional benefits package. But, we also offer a thriving, fast-paced environment with co-workers who bring the fun, while providing exceptional care of our patients. Apply now and experience the rewards of being in a supportive and thriving environment at NVRH.

NVRH.ORG/CAREERS.

P U B L I C H E A LT H N U T R I T I O N I S T – B U R L I N G T O N

Looking for a bright, energetic, reliable person to work in the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Expertise in nutrition for women, infants, and children, and comfort using Motivational Interviewing in a culturally competent way are a plus. We are committed to building and maintaining a multicultural and diverse workforce which reflects the populations we are dedicated to serving. For more information, contact Alexandra Duquette at Alexandra.Duquette@vermont.gov. Department: Health. Location: Burlington. Status: Full Time. Job ID #48445. Application Deadline: December 25, 2023.

P U B L I C H E A LT H N U T R I T I O N I S T I I I – S U P E R V I S O R – B A R R E

The Vermont Department of Health has an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and experienced Nutritionist who wants to make a difference in the health of communities in Washington County. This position will oversee local implementation of the supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) as well as supervise the WIC team. We are seeking a well-organized and energetic Nutritionist with great communication skills to complete our public health team. For more information, contact Joan Marie Misek at JoanMarie.Misek@ vermont.gov. Department: Health. Location: Barre. Status: Full Time. Job ID #48651. Application Deadline: January 16, 2024.

Learn more at: careers.vermont.gov

The State of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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12/15/23 11:59 AM

JOB TRAINING. WELL DONE. Join the Community Kitchen Academy!

WE’RE HIRING! • Program Clinicians • Residential Counselors & Mental Health Workers • Clinical & Therapeutic Case Managers • Teachers and Special Educators • Classroom Counselors & One to One Staff • Family Engagement Specialists • Administrative NFI VT is a private, nonprofit, specialized service agency within the Vermont statewide mental health system. We are a healing organization, grounded in trauma-informed care. We are hiring for Full-Time, Part-Time and Relief positions. Regular positions of 30+ hours per week are eligible for our generous benefits package, which includes competitive salary and tuition reimbursement. Please apply online at: nfivermont. org/careers. NFI VT is an E.O.E. and, as such, prohibits discrimination against any employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, ethnic background, disability, or other non-work-related personal trait or characteristic to the extent protected by law.

Community Kitchen Academy (CKA) is a 9-week job training program featuring: Hands on learning, national ServSafe certification, job placement support and meaningful connections to community. Plus... the tuition is FREE and weekly stipends are provided for income eligible students!

THE GRIND GOT YOU DOWN?

At CKA you’ll learn from professional chefs in modern commercial kitchens and graduate with the skills and knowledge to build a career in food service, food systems and other related fields. Throughout the 9-week course, you’ll develop and apply new skills by preparing food that would otherwise be wasted. The food you cook is then distributed through food shelves and meal sites throughout the community. CKA is a program of the Vermont Foodbank, operated in partnership with Capstone Community Action in Barre and Feeding Chittenden in Burlington. Next session starts January 22nd in Burlington. APPLY ONLINE: vtfoodbank.org/cka.

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12/18/23 1:48 PM

Make a difference through sustainable agriculture, trail building, water quality, forest health, and carpentry projects. Paid positions starting in March and May include: Day Crew Leader

Food & Farm Crew Leader

Co-lead a crew where Members get to work

Co-lead a crew – up to 8 Members – in vegetable production and harvest, raising chickens, and cooking in the commercial kitchen. Location: Richmond.

in their own community. Locations: Burlington, Rutland, Vergennes, Woodstock. Projects include trail and water quality work.

Find these & 17 more opportunities at vycc.org

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Perk up!

Trusted, local employers are hiring in Seven Days newspaper and online. Browse 100+ new job postings each week.

Follow @SevenDaysJobs on Twitter for the latest job opportunities

See who’s hiring at jobs.sevendaysvt.com 4v-CoffeCampaign.indd 1 12/18/23 9:39 AM

8/20/21 3:13 PM

NEW JOBS POSTED DAILY! JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM

83 DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

Join our PUBLIC SAFETY

PUBLIC DISPATCH SAFETY TEAM

Project and Outreach Coordinator

Full-time opportunities available. Starting pay of $20 an hour.

The Patrick & Marcelle Leahy Center for the Environment at Saint Michael’s College invites applications for the position of Project and Outreach Coordinator. The Project and Outreach Coordinator position is the core of our leadership team in the Center for the Environment (C4E) and serves as the hub for our short-term and long-range program development and implementation. This role serves as the administrative coordinator and workflow manager supporting implementation, promotion, collaboration, and program development relating to environmental strategies, projects, and goals of the C4E – particularly as they interface with the student experience and success on campus. The Project and Outreach Coordinator works with the director for the Center to establish systems and practices related to compliance with college, state, and/or federal policies and practices. This includes supporting the management of financial resources, compliance reporting, and compliance review when necessary.

CERT OPEN POSITIONS: POSITIONS:  Public Safety Officer To learn more about the positions or apply online. www.smcvt.edu/jobs

For job description, benefits & to apply online, visit: bit.ly/SMCPOC.

We’re Hiring!

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Seven Days is seeking an

Art Editor!

We offer competitive wages & a full benefits package for full time employees. No auction experience necessary.

OPEN POSITIONS: Auto Auction Yard Crew (WILLISTON, VT)

Full time - Monday – Friday 8:00 to 5:00 + 2 Saturdays a month. Tasks include; filling out forms when customers bring in cars for auction, jump starting cars, driving auto/manual cars, taking pictures, assigning lot numbers, uploading vehicles to online auction platform, and more. Email eric@thcauction.com

Auction Site Tech (MORRISVILLE, VT)

We’re seeking an energetic & motivated individual to join our auction team. Techs work an average of 40 hours per week. Email: info@thcauction.com

Thomas Hirchak Company is an at will employer. See more jobs at:

THCAuction.com

12/18/23 6:13 PM

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN – SKILLED WILLISTON CENTRAL/ALLEN BROOK SCHOOL Immediate opening for a skilled technician with mechanical, plumbing & heating, construction and electrical knowledge. This position will include day to day building needs for Williston Central & Allen Brook School. Full time, full year - 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Preference will be given for certified/licensed HVAC, Electrical or AC Technician.

Responsibilities may include • Planning weekly and long-term visual art coverage • Writing or assigning visual art content • Editing other visual art writers • Compiling/editing user-submitted art listings in a timely manner • Communicating and coordinating with other editors

For further information contact Ron Larivee, rlarivee@cvsdvt.org.

The ideal candidate:

GROUNDSKEEPER/MAINTENANCE – C.V.U.H.S.

•Enjoys seeing and thinking about art and talking with artists •Has baseline knowledge of Vermont’s art communities •Can write creatively and critically for a general reader •Has access to a car and can visit art venues around the state •Is organized and detail-oriented •Can meet weekly deadlines without fail

Assist in caring for the school grounds, while maintaining a high standard of safety. Mowing, weed whacking, maintaining sports fields, and winter snow removal. Other duties as assigned. Full-time, day shift opening. Experience is helpful but for the right candidate, training will be provided. Shift hours: Monday-Friday 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Hourly rate commensurate with experience and full benefits included. Benefits: Medical, Dental, a retirement package, paid vacation, weekends off and most holidays paid. For further information contact Tom Mongeon, tmongeon@cvsdvt.org.

DISTRICT HVAC TECHNICIAN This position performs skilled mechanical maintenance, including inspections, repair, installation of equipment i.e. heating, ventilation, A/C and refrigeration systems, and perform preventative maintenance for the Champlain Valley School District. For further information contact Chris Giard, cgiard@cvsdvt.org.

Please apply online to cvsdvt.org/jobs CVSD is an equal opportunity employer. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), immigrants, women, and LGBTQ+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

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What is that, exactly? The art editor independently manages the visual art content in print and online.

10/29/19 12:12 PM

Traveling to art venues is a must, but other duties can be handled remotely. This may be a part- or full-time position, depending on how your qualifications fit our needs. Please specify your availability in your application. Think you and this career move are the perfect fit? Then email a résumé, cover letter and three writing samples (links to published works are fine) to arteditorjob@sevendaysvt.com by January 12. Seven Days is an E.O.E. No phone calls or drop-ins, please.

YOUR JOBS AT JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM FOR FAST RESULTS, OR ATTENTION RECRUITERS: POST CONTACT MICHELLE BROWN: MICHELLE@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

84 DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

Vermont Poverty Law Fellowship

(802) 862-7662

DELIVERY DRIVERS WANTED We are currently accepting applications for both part time and full time positions. We have several different shifts available.

The Vermont Bar Foundation and the Vermont Access to Justice Coalition are pleased to announce the availability of a full time, two-year Vermont Poverty Law Fellowship (VPLF) beginning in August 2024. The VPLF program is looking for outstanding graduating law students and other new lawyers to help expand the reach of Vermont’s existing legal services providers. Funding for salary and benefits will be provided by the Vermont Bar Foundation.

Feel free to stop in to our office at 54 Echo Place, Suite #1, Williston, VT 05495 and fill out an application.

The 2024 Fellowship will focus on the need for temporary and permanent housing for the soaring population of people experiencing homelessness in Vermont. The Fellow will represent people experiencing homelessness in emergency housing assistance appeals and address related legal issues that prevent them from meeting their basic needs and obtaining permanent housing. Vermont has one of the highest rates of substance use in the country, and people with substance use disorder disproportionately fill the ranks of people experiencing homelessness. The Fellow will work on strategies for addressing the housing needs for this growing population. Finally, the Fellow will use what they learn from individual representation of people experiencing homelessness to advocate for systemic change, consistent with our mission to advance the law to eliminate the injustice of poverty.

You can also apply online via our website at shipvds.com or email Ian Pomerville directly at ian@shipvds.com.

Engaging minds that change the world

Seeking a position with a quality employer? Consider The University of Vermont, a stimulating and diverse workplace. We offer a comprehensive benefit package including tuition remission for on-going, full-time positions. Business Manager - VT EPSCoR - #S4820PO - The Business Manager will perform financial operations related to the Vermont Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (VT EPSCoR), a program designed to fulfill the National Science Foundation’s mandate to promote scientific progress nationwide. Implement and coordinate business processes related to managing multiple budgets and federal reporting. Lead work with Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) department and federal agencies for reporting and fiscal compliance with the regulations for federal awards. Manage budget functions with UVM departments and colleges, partner baccalaureate institutional financial offices and organizations as needed for financial reporting and fiscal administration of the VT EPSCoR portfolio of grants. Work with project investigators on long-term projects (pre- and post-award), manage multiple and complex accounts, subcontract planning and management, and budget preparation of grant proposals. Provide financial expertise and recommendations to leadership for strategic planning purposes. Work with administrative staff for reporting, budget support, compliance, analysis and annual meeting preparation. Cross train with department staff on budget functions as assigned. Provide pre- and post-budget support to other units as needed and assigned.

Fellows will work with the Vermont Bar Foundation and the Vermont Bar Association to publicize Fellowship activities, contribute to the public awareness of legal services in Vermont, and participate in the Vermont Bar Association’s continuing legal education activities. Applicants must have excellent written and oral skills. Experience in public interest law, civil rights law, or legal services is required. Applicants must be recent law school graduates or graduating law students and should be licensed to practice law in Vermont or committed to obtaining licensure before the fellowship begins. Applicants must have a personal vehicle and some in-state travel will be required. Salary will be $62,800 with additional salary credit given for relevant prior work experience. Compensation also includes four weeks paid vacation, and excellent fringe benefits. The position will be in-person, with the option of working remotely up to 3 days per week. The deadline to apply is December 26, 2023 by 12pm EST. Visit our website at vtlegalaid.org/vermont-poverty-law-fellow for complete application instructions. We are an equal opportunity employer. Please see our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: vtlegalaid.org/commitment-diversity-inclusion. VLA invites all applicants to include in their cover letter a statement about how their unique background and/or experiences might contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and inclusive perspective of our staff and our legal services practice. Please contact us if you require accommodation with respect to the application or interview process. 10v-VTLegalAid120623.indd 1

12/4/23 12:43 PM

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

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Sustainability Metrics Project Coordinator - Food Systems Research Center - #S4641PO - The UVM Food Systems Research Center seeks a coordinator for a large project called “Measuring Sustainability of Food Systems.” The coordinator will support five project teams, each looking at a different food system in northern New England, by planning and reporting, assisting with communication and stakeholder engagement, and facilitating collaboration. 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. Finalists for this position are subject to a criminal background check. Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until suitable candidates are found. 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.

SEVENDAYSVT.COM/POSTMYJOB NOON ON MONDAYS (INCLUDING HOLIDAYS) MICHELLE BROWN, 802-865-1020 X121, MICHELLE@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

The University of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

6/29/21 2:49 PM 6t-Graystone122023 1

12/18/23 1:07 PM

Sev Issu Due Siz Cos

CALCOKU & SUDOKU (P.75) CROSSWORD (P.75)

fun stuff HARRY BLISS

“It’s empty!” JEN SORENSEN

SEVEN DAYS DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

fun stuff KRISTEN SHULL

JULIANNA BRAZILL

Making it is not :( Keep this newspaper free for all. Join the Seven Days Super Readers at sevendaysvt.com/super-readers or call us at 802-864-5684.

86SR-Comics-filler071520.indd SEVEN DAYS 1DECEMBER 20-27, 2023

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Have a deep, dark fear of your own? Submit it to cartoonist Fran Krause at deep-dark-fears.tumblr.com, and you may see your neurosis illustrated in these pages.

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY BY ROB BREZSNY REAL DECEMBER 21-27

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21)

In my fairy tale about your year ahead, I see you searching for treasure. It’s not a wild and wandering exploration but a diligent, disciplined quest. You are well organized about it, carefully gathering research and asking incisive questions. You ruminate on the possibilities with both your logical and intuitive faculties. You meditate on how you might make adjustments in yourself so as to become fully available for the riches you seek. Your gradual, incremental approach gives you strength. You draw inspiration from your sheer persistence and relentless inquiry. And it all pays off by the second half of 2024.

ARIES (Mar. 21-Apr. 19): Aries educator Booker T. Washington advised us, “Do the common thing in an uncommon way.” That’s a useful motto for you in the coming months. If you carry out ordinary activities with flair, you will generate good fortune and attract excellent help. As you attend to details with conscientious enthusiasm, you will access your finest inner resources and exert constructive influences on the world around you. Be thorough and unique, persistent and imaginative, attentive and innovative. Adore your chores in 2024! TAURUS (Apr. 20-May 20): Taurus

philosopher John Stuart Mill (1806-1873)

was among the smartest people who ever lived. As is often the case with geniuses, he believed in the supreme value of liberty for all. He was a feminist long before that word existed. Like another genius, architect Frank Lloyd Wright, he thought that “individuality realized is the supreme attainment of the human soul, the master-master’s work of art. Individuality is sacred.” I nominate Mill to be a role model for you in 2024, Taurus. This could be a time when you reach unprecedented new heights and depths of unique self-expression and liberation. PS: Here’s a quote from Mill: “Eccentricity has always abounded where strength of character has abounded; and the amount of eccentricity in a society has been proportional to the amount of genius, mental vigor, and moral courage which it contained.”

GEMINI (May 21-Jun. 20): Emotionally

and spiritually, you will ripen at a robust rate in 2024. Your intelligence will mature into wisdom in surprising and gratifying ways. Harvesting rich lessons from long-smoldering confusions and long-simmering mysteries will be your specialty. PS: Some of you Geminis joke around and say you never want to grow up. But I hope you minimize that attitude in the coming months.

CANCER (Jun. 21-Jul. 22): Indigenous

people study the intelligence of animals and incorporate it into their own lives. If you’re game to do that in 2024, I suggest you choose elephants as a source of teaching and inspiration. Have fun studying and meditating on their ways! Here are a few facts to get you started. Problem solving is one of their strengths. They are experts at learning how to get what they need and passing that knowledge on to their offspring. They seldom suffer from sickness, but if they do, they often self-medicate with plants in their environment. Elder females are the knowledge keepers, retaining inner maps of where food, drink and other resources are located.

LEO (Jul. 23-Aug. 22): Writer Janet Champ

speaks about the joy of locating “the big wow, the big yesyesyes.” It happens when you find something or someone you regard as “better, greater, cuter, wiser, more wonderful than anything you have ever known.” I’ll be lavish

and predict you will encounter a big wow and yesyesyes like this in 2024. Will you know what to do with it? Will you be able to keep it? Those possibilities are less certain, but I have high hopes for you. For best results, cultivate a vivid vision of how the big wow and big yesyesyes will benefit others as well as you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sep. 22): In 1916, most

women in the world could not vote. Many men considered women to be inferior — lacking in courage and initiative. It was the Dark Ages! That summer, two sisters named Augusta and Adeline Van Buren rebelled against the stereotypes by riding their motorcycles across America. Roads were poor, rains were frequent, and police arrested them frequently for wearing men’s clothes. Male-dominated media derided them, with one newspaper criticizing their escape from “their proper roles as housewives.” I nominate them to be your role models in 2024, no matter what gender you are. It will be a favorable time to transcend conventional wisdom, override decaying traditions and be a cheerful rebel.

LIBRA (Sep. 23-Oct. 22): For hundreds of years, European nations stole land and resources from Indigenous people all over the world. Among the thefts were art, ritual objects, cultural treasures and human skeletons. Museums in the West are still full of such plunder. But in recent years, some museums have begun to return the loot. Germany sent back hundreds of artifacts to Nigerian museums. France restored many objects to the African country of Benin. Let’s apply this scenario as a useful metaphor for you in 2024, Libra. Is there a part of your past that was hijacked? Your memories appropriated or denied? Your rightful belongings poached or your authentic feelings infringed upon? It’s time for corrections and healing. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): I suggest

we choose the brilliant Scorpio physicist and chemist Marie Curie (1867-1934) as your role model in 2024. She is the only person to win a Nobel Prize in two different fields. She managed to pursue a rigorous scientific career while raising two children and having a fulfilling marriage. Being of service to humanity was a central life goal. She grew up in poverty

and sometimes suffered from depression but worked hard to become the genius she aspired to be. May the spirit of Marie Curie inspire you, dear Scorpio, as you make dramatic progress in expressing your unique soul’s code.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “All the

things I really like to do are either illegal, immoral, or fattening,” Capricorn author Alexander Woollcott (1887-1943) quipped. Since he was never arrested, I conclude he didn’t get to enjoy some of the activities he relished. Was he immoral? Not exactly, though he could be caustic. Offering his opinion about a famous pianist, he said, “There is absolutely nothing wrong with Oscar Levant that a miracle couldn’t fix.” The good news for you, Capricorn, is that 2024 will be mostly free of the problems Woollcott experienced. You will be offered an abundance of perfectly legal and moral enjoyments. They may sometimes be fattening, but so what?

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Author Augusten Burroughs is a devoted urban dweller. He says, “When I get a craving for nature, I turn on TV’s Discovery Channel and watch bear-attack survivors recount their horror.” Martial arts master Morihei Ueshiba had a different perspective. “Mountains, rivers, plants, and trees should be your teachers,” he advised. “Study how water flows in a valley stream, smoothly and freely between the rocks.” I recommend Ueshiba’s approach to you in 2024, Aquarius — not Burroughs’. Here are my predictions: 1) You will have no dangerous encounters with nature. 2) You will learn more than ever from the wild world. 3) To the degree that you wander in the outdoors, your spiritual life will thrive. PISCES (Feb. 19-Mar. 20): A study done at Union College in New York found that being fraternity members raised students’ future income by 36 percent but lowered their grade point average by 0.25 points. Would you make a similar trade-off, Pisces? Would you pursue a path that made you more successful in one way but less successful in another? I suspect you will encounter unusual decisions like this in 2024. My job is not to advise you what to do but to make you alert for the provocative riddles.

CHECK OUT ROB BREZSNY’S EXPANDED WEEKLY AUDIO HOROSCOPES & DAILY TEXT MESSAGE HOROSCOPES: REALASTROLOGY.COM OR 1-877-873-4888.