Seven Days, April 2, 2025 by Seven Days

RICH KIDS THESE DAYS

Vermonters giving away inheritances

PAGE 14

Investment Management & Retirement Planning

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COMPILED BY SASHA GOLDSTEIN & MATTHEW ROY

WEEK IN REVIEW

Savin’ Up

About 975 businesses have signed up for a new state-run program that makes it easier for Vermont companies to offer retirement plans for their employees. ose companies collectively employ about 10,000 workers, according to state Treasurer Mike Pieciak. He was the driving force behind the 2023 bill that created the program, Vermont Saves. It’s based on similar programs in other states.

Companies with ﬁve or more workers that don’t already offer a retirement plan are required to sign up. When they do, their employees are automatically enrolled in a Roth IRA, a type of after-tax investment account. Workers can set their own contribution rate, use the default of 5 percent or opt out. e money is automatically withdrawn from their pay and deposited into the account.

Pieciak is trying to get the word out about the program. More than 3,500 companies contacted by the treasurer’s office did not respond by the March 1 deadline. Under the statute establishing Vermont Saves, employers who don’t comply could eventually face fines. But Pieciak said his office is focused on making employers aware of the requirement and helping them enroll.

HONOR GUARD

Vermont State Police Trooper Michelle Archer received a Carnegie Medal for Heroism for jumping into a frigid pond to save a girl in 2023.

ROAD BLOCK

Canadian o cials scrapped plans to construct a section of Autoroute 35 from the U.S. border to SaintArmand, Québec. The road is meant to make it faster to get to Montréal.

EMPTY FEELING

“We’ll now have more ﬁnancially secure individuals who are retiring, and that’s a big beneﬁt to our economy,” he said. Pieciak started looking into Vermont Saves in 2022, before his inauguration as treasurer. e legislature appropriated $750,000 to pay for administrative costs, including a program director.

Pieciak said research shows people are 15 times more likely to save for retirement if their employer offers a savings program. But nearly half of working-age Vermonters don’t have access to an employer-sponsored savings plan.

Julie Garwood, director of the Children’s School in South Burlington, signed her company up. Over the winter, she used newsletters and staff meetings to explain the program to her ﬁve employees. ree — including Garwood, who already has a Roth IRA — opted out; three others enrolled, she said.

She added that her younger employees in particular seemed excited at the opportunity.

“ ey knew they should be saving for retirement but hadn’t taken the step yet,” Garwood said. “It goes right out of your paycheck, so you don’t even have to think about it.”

Read Anne Wallace Allen’s full story at sevendaysvt.com.

A Rutland woman says a local funeral home gave her an empty urn after her mother died. She found out a year later, when the funeral home’s new owners called her about getting the ashes.

CRITTER CROSSING

Wildlife o cials are warning drivers to watch for salamanders and frogs crossing roads. It’s the amphibians’ annual spring migration.

That was Beta Technologies’ ranking in Time magazine’s list of top green tech companies in the U.S.

TOPFIVE

TOWNCRIER

LOCALLY SOURCED NEWS

Neighbors Raise Concerns Over Dogs in Poultney

Large German shepherds belonging to liquor magnate Raj Bhakta were allegedly getting loose and killing neighbors’ chickens in Poultney earlier this year, the Community News Service reported. e neighbors complained to the town, which required Bhakta to take steps to keep the dogs under control.

BUDS HELPING BUDS

An iconic Vermont brewery says it has found an environmentally friendly way to help a local cannabis operation grow bigger, better weed.

e Alchemist in Stowe — home of Heady Topper — has started shipping captured carbon dioxide to Vermont Medicine Man Craft Cannabis in Marshﬁeld.

Cultivator Justin Kuehnel then pipes the troublesome brewing byproduct into his grow room.

“I’m growing bigger buds than I’ve ever grown in my life,” Kuehnel said. “We’re pretty thrilled with it.”

In addition to alcohol, the fermentation process creates copious amounts of the

climate-warming gas when yeast gobbles up sugars. All breweries create CO2, but it turns out the Alchemist’s yeast is particularly gassy.

“We’ve always had a problem, so to speak, with our yeast being so aggressive that it was making messes,” said Shane Rumrill, the brewery’s creative director.

e solution was to install a sophisticated system to capture and reuse the gas, which would normally just be vented into the environment. e brewery uses most of the captured gas to carbonate its beers and to sanitize cans before they’re ﬁlled with Heady Topper, Focal Banger and other popular brews.

But even after reusing the gas, they have extra and sought to put it to a good use.

Kuehnel told Seven Days he was

super stoked to get some free CO2 from his favorite brewery and said it’s doing wonders for his cash crop. Indoor-grown weed loves CO2, especially during the flowering season, Kuehnel said. He’s long had to buy the gas to help him get the best possible bud, but the bottled “beer farts” from his pals at the Alchemist have helped him take his grows to another level.

His grow rooms now smell like Heady Topper, and while he’s not claiming his weed will be IPA-infused, he ﬁgures there’s gotta be some alchemy at work.

“I really believe that the [beer] energy … is being put into the CO2 that we’re using here, and it’s putting positive energy into our plants,” Kuehnel said.

KEVIN MCCALLUM

Justin Kuehnel, founder of Vermont Medicine Man Craft Cannabis in Marshﬁeld, showing Alchemist co-owner John Kimmich how recaptured CO2 from the Stowe brewery is boosting yields

MAKING CHANGE.

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SUBSCRIPTIONS

CUT THE CURSING

The cover teaser “OMFG, BTV” on last week’s print edition is offensive and unnecessary for calling attention to the article referenced on page 15 [“On Message? Democrats on the Burlington City Council Talked Business — and Gossiped — in a Group Text Chain,” March 26]. “FG” doesn’t illuminate the topic or the reader and is part of a decline in language usage.

Seven Days is a precious and laudable publication. I’m a regular donor/ subscriber and have been for many years. Please monitor and screen such usage, which only serves to o end many readers and does nothing to promote your publication or the content within. Thank you.

Janice Clements SHELBURNE

‘JE SOUTIENS LE CANADA’

[Re True 802: “Désolé, Canada,” March 26]: I’m a dual citizen, a Canadian American. Reading your story about Karen Chickering delivering love posters to Canada prompted me to share an idea I shared with folks at a recent Montpelier pop-up rally called Honk If You Love Canada. What if instead of using our credit cards or exchanging U.S. dollars for Canadian dollars at the current rate of $1.43 Canadian for $1 U.S., we bring U.S. cash and o er it at par?

I did this yesterday on a trip up to Auberge le Sunshine, a wonderful bakery in Stanstead, Québec. I paid in U.S. cash, and when they said they couldn’t o er any exchange, I said, “ Je soutiens le Canada.” I stand with Canada. It was much appreciated.

Let’s put our money where our mouths are and let Canadians know we are in this together. When we stand together, there is nothing we cannot accomplish!

Miriam Hansen EAST MONTPELIER

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YOU HAVE AN AI PROBLEM

[“Vermont’s Hangover,” March 19] was really well written and urgently needed. The pervasive alcoholism in this state isn’t taken seriously enough, and the article did a great job of showing both the alarming statistics and the human su ering.

I’m sure I’m just one of many who have praised the piece. That’s not why I’m writing, though.

Don’t use AI-generated images, and especially don’t put them on the cover. Don’t do it. Don’t buy into its fake convenience. Don’t listen to the bogus convoluted semantic debates. Just don’t.

The reality is that AI-generated images devalue the crucial work of graphic designers and visual artists (just as AI similarly threatens the work of writers, filmmakers and musicians). The tech industry has carelessly set a destructive wildfire across culture itself, and publishers that use cheap AI slop are helping the spread.

I doubt Seven Days would ever want pieces “written” by Google Gemini. So don’t use images from Gemini (or any other AI), either.

Ben Peberdy MONTPELIER

Editor’s note: Seven Days is proud to feature — and pay for — work from local artists and photographers whenever possible; this cover story included four such photos. Art director Diane Sullivan had a concept for an arresting cover image, featuring a Vermont-shaped drink spill, that would have been impossible, or at least impracticable, to produce using other methods. Our editors agreed that this was the best solution. In the rare instances when we use AI tools to generate content, we will disclose it to our readers.

CORRECTION

In the March 19 food story headlined “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” the opening date of Maison de Soma was incorrect. The sugar shack opened in July 2023.

‘BALANCING’ ISN’T ENOUGH

Yes, budgets matter [“Mayor Floats Mergers, Cuts to Close Burlington Budget Gap,” March 24, online]. But so do the places that generate life, joy and revenue for our city. Church Street and the waterfront aren’t just icons — they’re our economic engines. And right now, they’re struggling under the weight of public safety issues and addiction crises.

If we want a broader long-term plan to stop cutting and start thriving, we need more than cost saving — we need a bold plan to revitalize. Safe, vibrant public spaces bring people back. Tourism returns. Businesses grow. Energy builds. And a stronger Burlington follows.

Balancing the books is responsible. But building a city that people are excited to return to — that’s economic leadership!

S. Gardner BURLINGTON

SOME BANK

[Re “Primary Care Practice Sues Local Bank After Transfer Fraud,” March 27, online]: I read this article with interest because one of my bank accounts is with a large national bank. I am a very small fish in a huge pond. If the bank notices anything unusual with transactions, it notifies me immediately. I cannot fathom a bank with an “apparent commitment to fraud protection” not catching this fraudulent activity. Talk about not living up to your commitments. The medical practice was trying to use local resources, which is laudable. I hope it is not the loser for trying to do the right thing.

Virginia Small CLARENDON SPRINGS

‘MILTON

NEEDS LEADERS’

[Re Ways and Means: “Side Hustle: Four of Five Milton Selectboard Members Are Also Vermont Lawmakers. Here’s Why Dual Roles Such as Theirs Have Become Commonplace,” February 26]: The prevalence of dual office-holding in Milton isn’t due to a lack of public interest in service. Instead, it reflects a political climate that consolidates power and stifles fresh perspectives through disinformation and personal attacks. In the March 4, 2025, election, with 8,918 registered voters, only 1,877 ballots were cast — and notably, only one seat on the ballot was contested. The high number of blank and write-in votes further underscores the disillusionment many residents feel toward the current leadership.

Milton’s demographics are evolving, and there is an urgent need to bring in new and younger voters who can drive progress. The status quo, reinforced by dual office-holding, has created an environment in which potential candidates are discouraged from stepping forward due to a climate that tolerates intimidation and misinformation. This not only silences diverse voices but also prevents innovative ideas from taking root.

We must recognize that dual officeholding, far from being an administrative efficiency, has become a barrier to the civic engagement necessary for a vibrant democracy. A ballot with just one contested seat should be a wake-up call — Milton needs leaders who will set a higher standard, cultivate respectful and inclusive dialogue, and actively engage all segments of our community, especially the emerging voices of tomorrow.

It’s time for Milton’s leadership to progress alongside its community and embrace change that reflects the needs of a dynamic, forward-thinking electorate.

Lonnie Poland MILTON

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STOP MAKING CENTS

Spend some time with the Money & Retirement Issue

n February, President Donald Trump called for the U.S. Department of the Treasury to stop minting new pennies. The directive was one of a dizzying torrent of executive orders issued by the new administration on everything from immigration to transgender athletes. Like with many of those edicts, it’s unclear whether the president actually has authority to cancel coins — legal scholars think it’s probably up to Congress. But unlike Trump’s divisive attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion or the U.S. Department of Education, RETIRING THE PENNY might be something (the only thing?) most Americans would agree on.

For starters, pennies cost more to make than they’re worth — nearly 4 cents, to be exact. As more transactions occur digitally, cash is increasingly going the way of the half cent, which Congress discontinued in 1857. Bottom line: It’s getting hard to justify the expense. Also, Canada stopped penny in 2012, and we certainly wouldn’t want to look foolish just as we start a bitter, intractable trade war with our closest ally. Right?

To commemorate the apparent end of the penny, we commissioned artist Sean Metcalf to create the cover of our annual Money & Retirement Issue. It depicts a scene at the Lincoln Meadows retirement home, where a handful of elderly pennies are enjoying deserved respite after a life, ahem, well spent.

One day many years from now, old pennies might turn up in the vault at the state’s UNCLAIMED PROPERTY DIVISION and actually be worth something — maybe 3, even 4 cents. The O ce of the State Treasurer returned more than $5 million in forgotten money and goods to Vermonters last year, but millions more went unspoken for (page 28).

Some of that unclaimed cash is from tax returns sent to wrong addresses. One way to avoid that situation: Don’t pay your taxes! Granted, you could get in serious trouble. But there is growing interest in TAX RESISTANCE as a form of protest against the Trump administration as well as the U.S.’s role in the war in Gaza (page 26).

Did you ﬁle early but now wish you hadn’t so you could stick it to the man? Fret not. As Trump and his billionaire

sidekick Elon Musk continue their costcutting campaign across the federal government, there will likely be no shortage of things to protest. Like, for example, the FEDERAL CUTS AND FREEZES THAT THREATEN THE LOCAL FOOD MOVEMENT (page 30).

Amid rapidly rising food prices, increased cost of living and resulting food insecurity for many Vermonters, those cuts come at a terrible time. On the bright side, COMMUNITY-FUNDED MEALS are helping restaurants and food businesses feed those in need (page 32). That generosity gives us reason to smile, as does a proposed pilot PROGRAM TO HELP RECOVERING ADDICTS FIX THEIR TEETH, which can improve their employment outlook (page 15).

With any luck, local food producers and others a ected by federal cuts can recoup some of their lost funding through other means. One possibility: tapping into the cadre of young, progressive VERMONTERS WITH GENERATIONAL WEALTH WHO ARE GIVING IT AWAY (page 14).

Note to those folks: Hi!

NEWS+POLITICS 14

Generous Generation

Young, progressive Vermonters with generational wealth are giving it away Vermont to Lose Millions in Federal Grants

The Other Tooth Fairy

A proposed program would help recovering drug users get their teeth ﬁxed

Primary Care Practice Sues Bank After Transfer Fraud

SunCommon Sues Manager Who Defected to Competitor

Man Accused of Shooting

Palestinian Students

Explores Insanity Defense

FEATURES

26 No Returns Since the war in Gaza and Trump’s reelection, public interest in tax resistance is booming

Treasure Hunt

Cash, jewelry, baseball cards — even lost luggage — wait to be claimed in the State Treasurer’s Ofﬁce

ARTS+CULTURE 38

Heavy Hitters

e VSO Jukebox quartet goes metal with music by Van Halen, Led Zeppelin and Nirvana

Artist Chris Cleary’s New Project Spreads ‘HOPE’ — and No, He Won’t Burn It

En Route

eater review: A Man of No Importance, We the People eatre

Ornithology of the Apocalypse Stéphanie Morissette’s hybrid creatures take off at BCA Center

Oren Hills’ Historic Photos of Central Vermont Tie Past to Present

Federal cuts, funding freezes and uncertainty threaten the momentum of Vermont’s local food movement Pay It

Forward Communityfunded meals help

e Haskell Free Library & Opera House straddles the border between Vermont and Québec. e U.S. government is restricting Canadians’ access to the library — a break from tradition. Seven Days Eva Sollberger saw the new door for Canadians and met Stanstead Mayor Jody Stone and Newport Mayor Rick Ufford-Chase.

Find a new job in the classiﬁeds section on page 74 and online at jobs.sevendaysvt.com.

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REV. DIANE SULLIVAN • IMAGE

APY = annual percentage yield. Essential Money Market accounts are tiered rate accounts. For these accounts, the speciﬁed APY for a tier will apply only to the portion of the account balance within that tier. The APYs, which vary depending on the balance in the account, are shown for each tier as follows: Account balances up to $2,499.99 will earn 5.00% APY; account balances of $2,500.00 - $4,999.99 will earn between 5.00% APY and 4.50% APY; account balances of $5,000.00 - $9,999.99 will earn between 4.50% APY and 3.75% APY; and account balances of $10,000.00 and above will earn between 3.75% APY and .34% APY. APYs effective as of March 24, 2025, and subject to change without notice. Fees may reduce earnings. Minimum balance to open the account is $1,000.00. Limit one Essential Money Market account per

MAGNIFICENT

MUST SEE, MUST DO THIS WEEK COMPILED BY REBECCA DRISCOLL & ANGELA SIMPSON

FRIDAY 4

HELLO, DOLLY

Catamount Arts’ KCP Presents Series closes out another dynamite season with high-voltage tribute concert “Trailblazing Women of Country Music” at St. Johnsbury Academy’s Fuller Hall. Backed by an all-female band, Grammy nominee Rissi Palmer (pictured) and Nashville’s Kristina Train bring down the house with hits by chart-topping pioneers Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton.

SATURDAY 5

Spring in Your Step

Quick, quick, slow, slow! Country-and-western enthusiasts move on down the line to the Mud Boot Shufﬂe at the Grange Hall Cultural Center in Waterbury Center. Blisterin’ juke-joint band Red Hot Juba light up the room with swinging countriﬁed tunes to chassé those winter blues away. No experience? No problem! e evening begins with an intro lesson for beginners or brushups.

SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 60

THROUGH SATURDAY 5

erefore I

Am

SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 58

Public Philosophy Week continues on its path to enlightenment, drawing introspective Vermonters to talks, panels, screenings and readings across the state. e analytical lineup features topics as eclectic as the ethics of having children, the urban beneﬁts of skateboarding, and a (spoiler-free) discussion of memory and identity in the hit TV show “Severance.”

SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 56

SUNDAY 6

All Together Now

Nonproﬁt arts organization Revels North ushers in sunnier days with the annual Spring Sing concert at its Center for the Traditional Arts in Lebanon, N.H. e spirited celebration of tunes and togetherness features traditional New Englandstyle music master Andy Davis alongside vocalists from the org’s spring chorale workshop, plus plenty of audience participation.

SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 62

SUNDAY 6

Well Versed

Vermont poet laureate Bianca Stone, author Chard deNiord and bass clarinetist Toussaint St. Negritude headline Kellogg-Hubbard Library’s PoemCity Book Launch, which includes open mic readings by writers featured in this year’s anthology. e party kicks off the beloved citywide celebration of National Poetry Month that sees more than 300 verses by Vermonters displayed in downtown Montpelier.

SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 62

ONGOING

See and Say

Gabrielle Dietzel and Howard Norman’s “ ree-Dimensional Collages & Incidents on a Train” exhibit at T.W. Wood Gallery in Montpelier features collages by the celebrated local artist paired with poems by the acclaimed author. e two discuss their innovative visual art and storytelling collaboration at a reception and talk on Friday, April 4.

SEE ART LISTING ON PAGE 47

MONDAY 7

Class Act

Northern Stage offers an unmissable Master Class With Caitlin Kinnunen at Barrette Center for the Arts in White River Junction. e Tony Award nominee — and current cast member of the regional nonproﬁt’s production of Waitress teaches aspiring actors how to tap into their truest selves and access the emotional depth necessary for a memorable, showstopping performance.

SEE CALENDAR LISTING ON PAGE 62

65 Candles

I’m two weeks away from a big birthday that I had been looking forward to for a single reason: Medicare.

While my advancing age — 65 — is nothing I feel like celebrating, the promise of health care insurance relief, at the metaphorical 18-mile mark of life’s marathon, had been motivation to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

I helped care for my mom in her final years. Managing her finances, I couldn’t help but notice that she didn’t pay a dime for medical care. Through surgeries, hospitalizations and prescriptions, I don’t think I ever saw a bill — only “explanations of benefits.” It turned out Medicare alone wasn’t covering her expenses. Her former job, as a secretary to the principal at my high school, came with supplemental medical and long-term care insurance.

To the untrained eye, though, it seemed that the ﬂimsy red, white and blue paper card she regularly ﬁshed out of her giant purse unlocked a superpower.

Older and wiser now, I’ve come to learn: It’s not that simple.

In the months leading up to my April birthday, I started getting mailings from Medicare “navigators” — certified helpers who sent dense, multipage missives with charts and graphs that went straight into the recycling bin. Friends who had already been through it referenced the experience of signing up like shaken airline passengers deplaning after a turbulent flight. They were full of warnings about deadlines and penalties and choosing the right additional coverage to “fill the gaps.”

What “gaps”? I didn’t like the sound of that.

sliding scale, covers prescription drugs, but there’s an annual deductible.

Part C is the additional insurance you buy to cover everything A, B and D don’t. First you have to choose between two routes — Medicare Advantage or Medigap — each with its own restrictions, pros and cons. The Medigap plans, from A to N, are yet another bowl of alphabet soup, o ered by private insurance carriers at di erent prices.

M NEY & rETIrEMENT

Following in the footsteps of two elders, I called Sandy Anderson of Medicare Northeast, a licensed independent consultant whose husband once co-owned the storied Burlington music venue Hunt’s. Foolishly, I agreed to meet in her South Burlington o ce on a Tuesday afternoon, the day Seven Days goes to press and I’m normally glued to my computer. She started the lesson by explaining that Medicare is woefully out of date: The original plan does not accurately reﬂect longer lifespans, higher medical costs and pharmaceutical inventions. We’d be going over its four parts — A, B, C, D — as well as a dizzying number of “supplemental” insurance options.

Anderson gave me a handout and was 30 minutes into explaining the details of the ﬁrst column, “A,” aka “hospitalization,” when I started to sweat. I could see she had three more columns to cover and started to worry about being away from the o ce for too long. And, of course, we were talking about hypothetical pints of blood, “durable goods,” home care and hospice for me — not my mom.

“How long is this going to take?” I asked somewhat rudely. “I’m sorry, I thought it would be, like, an hour.”

In my second session with Sandy, at $125 an hour, she got into the real nitty-gritty. While Medicare Part A is free, Part B — which covers physician expenses — has a variable price tag based on your tax return two years prior. Part D, also on a

By the end, my head was spinning. Bottom line: All the Medicare parts I need add up to more than the cost of my current monthly premium! So, it looks like I’m going to stay where I am for now: in a broken health care system. Frankly, not the birthday present I had hoped for, nor an enticement to quit working. But it’s certainly a relevant topic for this week’s Money & Retirement Issue — and proof the two subjects are linked.

Meanwhile, Charlotte author Stephen Kiernan, one month my senior, has been celebrating. As a self-employed writer with kids, he has shelled out so much for health insurance over the years that turning 65 brought measurable ﬁnancial relief. He marked his birthday last month with a “Medicare party.” The way Kiernan, and Anderson, ﬁgured it, he just got a $16,000 raise.

Paula Routly

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SHOOTER’S SANITY IN QUESTION

Generous Generation

Young, progressive Vermonters with generational wealth are giving it away

BY RACHEL HELLMAN • rhellman@sevendaysvt.com

Susanna Penﬁeld knew her family was comfortable when she was growing up in Stra ord — the same rural hometown as singer-songwriter Noah Kahan — but she didn’t think of herself as wealthy. Her mom ran a small business and her childhood had all the trappings of a quintessential Vermont upbringing: a public school education, a rich sense of community and, of course, an appreciation for stick season.

But when Penﬁeld turned 23 in 2021, she found out she had inherited $1 million. An email from the family o ce of her late grandfather, a Boston real estate mogul, revealed that he had left trust funds for his 10 grandchildren.

Penﬁeld had just graduated from Colorado College with a degree in gender studies and was working on development and housing e orts in low-income communities at a national nonproﬁt.

“It was super jarring,” Penﬁeld said. “I was very steeped in understanding systems of privilege, but I was on the side of advocating against them.”

Vermont to Lose Millions in Federal Grants

BY COLIN FLANDERS colin@sevendaysvt.com

Vermont expects to lose nearly $7 million in federal funding as a result of the Trump administration’s move this week to cancel billions of dollars in federal grants awarded to state and local health departments.

e funding, authorized by Congress in COVID-19 relief bills, had been scheduled to run through September 2025. But the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services began notifying local health departments that it would instead be rescinded immediately as President Donald Trump and Elon Musk slash federal spending.

“ e COVID-19 pandemic is over, and HHS will no longer waste billions of taxpayer dollars responding to a non-existent pandemic that Americans moved on from years ago,” the federal agency said in a statement.

Vermont’s Agency of Human Services said it was still assessing the impact of the cuts. But in a written statement, the agency warned that cuts would have real consequences.

M NEY & rETIrEMENT

Penﬁeld decided she would give all the money away. Her mother pleaded with her to reconsider, arguing that Penﬁeld would want the money later in life.

Looking for guidance, Penfield discovered Resource Generation — a national nonprofit with a chapter in Burlington — that helps wealthy young people give away their money to progressive causes. Through mentoring and guided discussion groups, Penfield gained the skills, and the confidence, to make decisions about the money she had inherited.

“I recognized that this money is not who I am. It’s not my identity,” Penﬁeld said. “It’s actually a tool that I can leverage towards the things I care about.”

As baby boomers grow older, retire and die, they’re expected to pass on an

estimated $84 trillion to their children and grandchildren — what’s known as the “great wealth transfer.” But there is a left-leaning contingent of young people who are morally opposed to their sudden surge in status and are refusing to participate in what some of them derisively describe as “wealth hoarding.” Some, like Penfield, are turning to Resource Generation to help them navigate the emotional and logistical challenges of using their newfound wealth to benefit causes they believe in.

“These young people have won the lottery at birth,” said Chuck Collins, the Brattleboro-based author of the book The Wealth Hoarders: How Billionaires Pay Millions to Hide Trillions. He’s also director of the Program on Inequality and the Common Good at the Institute for Policy Studies, a Washington, D.C., think tank. By giving away their money, Collins said, these young people are proclaiming: “‘It’s in all our interests to not live in such a polarized society.’”

For the state Department of Health, the cuts will terminate roughly $7 million in federal grants that have been used to track infectious disease, improve access to vaccines and address health disparities.

e Vermont Department of Mental Health also expects to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars as a result of now-discontinued grants from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

“ ese funds have supported important mental health services, including community-based support, crisis response, and access to care for vulnerable Vermonters,” the agency’s statement read. Among the impacted programs are those that help young people get early treatment for psychosis.

e Trump administration has also started to drastically reduce staff at the U.S. Health and Human Services Department. Some 10,000 workers were expected to be laid off, on top of 10,000 others who have accepted early retirements.

e grant cancellations will likely lead to legal challenges. But if they’re upheld, “there is no doubt that they will negatively impact public health in our state,” the Vermont Agency of Human Services said in its statement. ➆

The Other Tooth Fairy

A proposed pilot program would help recovering drug users get their teeth ﬁxed

BY COLIN FLANDERS • colin@sevendaysvt.com

Jonathan Opra likes to think of himself as an approachable guy, especially now that his heroin addiction is behind him. Yet you wouldn’t always know it from the look on his face. That’s because Opra, 34, tries to avoid smiling to conceal his missing teeth.

Three years sober, the Derby resident said he’s proud of what he’s overcome. But what he’d give to be able to talk to a prospective employer or, God forbid, a woman, without fear of being judged.

“You can see it in their eyes,” he sighed. Opra’s experience is common among former drug users, who sometimes experience painful and embarrassing

Jessica Getty, a recovery coach in Springfield who managed to save up for dentures a few years ago.

A local nonprofit wants to ease the burden of bad teeth by helping people

dental problems even years after they get sober. Unable to afford costly fixes, many simply have bad teeth yanked out, only to find that dentures are equally out of reach.

Missing or damaged teeth can become an albatross for people in recovery, an impediment to employment and a reminder of their destructive pasts. No wonder so many former drug users say they didn’t mind having to wear a mask during the pandemic.

“At least then, no one knew how many of my teeth were gone,” said

in recovery pay for vital dental work. Recovery Partners of Vermont has asked state lawmakers to repurpose $500,000 that was already earmarked for addiction services and put it toward a new oral health fund. The proposal did not make it into the House’s recently approved budget, but it could still resurface in the Senate.

Supporters say it would be an immediate and effective step toward helping former drug users rebuild their lives.

“They can’t talk right. They can’t smile. They have no confidence,” said Joanne Puente, a dental hygienist at the People’s Health and Wellness Clinic in Barre, which offers free, basic dental care for low-income clients. Bad teeth, she said, can ruin a person’s “whole mental outlook.”

Dental problems are not conﬁned to substance users, of course. Many medications — including those legally prescribed to treat depression, high blood pressure and other ailments — can cause dry mouth, which can in turn speed up tooth decay, since there’s not enough saliva to control bacteria in the mouth.

But people who use heroin, cocaine or methamphetamine or who drink at excessive rates can suffer particularly acute dental problems.

One reason is that the addictive nature of those drugs and the chaotic lifestyle they breed can make it harder for people to take care of themselves, including brushing their teeth. The main medications used to treat opioid addiction — methadone and suboxone — also cause dry mouth.

MONEY & RETIREMENT

Primary Care Practice Sues Local Bank After Transfer Fraud

BY COLIN FLANDERS colin@sevendaysvt.com

A Chittenden County primary care practice is suing the Bank of Burlington, claiming the financial institution failed to stop a fraudster from siphoning $270,000 out of its checking account.

The lawsuit, filed in state court last week, says the local lender should have grown suspicious when an account held by Evergreen Family Health Group started making large transfers to newly linked accounts in rapid succession. The practice wants the bank to cover the losses under a fraud protection package it sold to business clients.

Instead, the suit claims, bank executives blamed the theft on Evergreen and said they had no intention of reimbursing the funds.

Attorneys for both parties declined comment.

The Bank of Burlington was established in 2022 and became the only business-to-business lender in Vermont. Evergreen Family Health, which employs nearly two dozen health care providers across three offices in Williston and Essex, decided to use the bank because it wanted to support a local business that also appeared committed to fraud protection, according to the lawsuit.

Evergreen deposited $250,000 into its new account in January 2024 and opted for a plan with the highest level of fraud protection. The practice conducted hundreds of transactions over the next year, according to the suit. Most were deposits, with the rare withdrawal largely confined to monthly transfers to another Evergreen account.

But on January 14, 2025, an unknown person accessed Evergreen’s account using information gleaned from a compromised staff email account. Over the next 24 hours, that person initiated 11 same-day transfers to 11 different accounts, wiping Evergreen’s account clean, the lawsuit says. Two additional transfers were rejected for insufficient funds.

The transfers used the Automated Clearing House, or ACH, a common payment system that electronically sends money between banks.

The lawsuit accuses the bank of negligence for its failure to recognize and prevent the theft as it was happening. Any bank with reasonable security systems could have noticed something suspicious was going on leading up to the fraud, the suit says. ➆

Generous Generation « P.14

Collins has firsthand experience. He’s the great-grandson of Oscar Mayer, who founded the multibillion-dollar food corporation. But Collins considers himself a “class traitor” who denounces his status. He made news in the 1980s when, at age 26, he gave away $500,000 of his inheritance.

Resource Generation didn’t exist back then. It was founded in 1998, specifically for people between the ages of 18 and 35, the time at which young adults generally get access to the trust funds set up in their names. Those accounts have strict rules about when and how the money can be spent. In fact, irrevocable trust funds — which are designed to be legally binding — can only be dissolved by court order.

Resource Generation saw an uptick in interest following the 2016 election of President Donald Trump, according to its website. The New York-based organization ended 2022 with 1,033 members, who pledged to contribute almost $100 million to social justice movements that year, its annual report says.

Aside from providing financial tools, Resource Generation encourages its members to contribute to progressive causes, including its national partners, the Movement for Black Lives and Popular Democracy. The nonprofit counts 24 full-time staff and reported $3.9 million in revenue in 2023, generated primarily through annual membership fees and donations from its members. Resource Generation holds an annual conference called “Making Money Make Change,” where participants explore questions of identity and are encouraged to give “boldly.”

“We hold the liberation of Black and Indigenous people as central to the liberation of all people,” the group’s website says. “We know that attempted genocide and chattel slavery created the initial foundation for massive wealth disparity in the U.S. and that the continued exploitation and criminalization of those communities upholds the racial wealth divide.”

A Vermont chapter of Resource Generation was started in 2014 and now counts about 30 members across the state. The chapter hosts meetings, donor circles, collective actions and workshops and raises funds for its partner organizations, the Root Social Justice Center in Brattleboro and the Vermont Workers’ Center.

Members pay dues and are asked to contribute 5 to 10 percent of their overall giving to the organization each year.

“Wealthy people should be funding their own organizing,” said Addie Herbert of Burlington, who volunteers her time to help lead the local chapter.

Now 33, Herbert found out as a young teen that she’d eventually inherit $2 million from a family member who helped start the Wall Street Journal. She felt confused and conflicted about this unexpected windfall, which bestowed upon her a status that was at odds with her beliefs.

In her twenties, Herbert became an environmental activist. She made headlines in 2016 for spending two weeks living in a tree in Monkton to protest a Vermont Gas pipeline project. She was surrounded by other young activists “talking down the rich.”

“It intimidated me,” Herbert said of her fellow activists’ critiques of the wealthy. “I started wondering: How do I even fit into this work?”

“I just felt outside and isolated, and it made the whole thing worse,” she added.

THESE YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE WON THE LOTTERY AT BIRTH.

Herbert, too, eventually found Resource Generation. She participated twice in what’s known as a “praxis group,” a small gathering of members meant to “build community, talk openly and honestly about wealth and class privilege, and set personal and collective goals around wealth redistribution,” according to the organization’s website.

The work was difficult but a relief to Herbert, who realized that when she was honest about her wealth and commitment to giving it away, she felt less at odds with her identity and more involved in her community. This year, Herbert is planning to redistribute about 16 percent of her inheritance and plans to give most of it away eventually. Last year, she donated a total of nearly $300,000 to several mutual-aid networks and a mix of local and national nonprofits, including

CHUCK COLLINS

Migrant Justice, Popular Democracy, HouseUS and the Trans Asylum Seeker Support Network.

“I am actively wrestling with the question of: How much is enough? What kind of powerful change can happen with the money I move?” Herbert said.

Her emotional and logistical challenges are not unique among wealthy young people, according to Jo Lum, founder of Outstanding Returns, a Brattleboro-based business that coaches people, including Herbert, who want to redistribute their money.

Lum started the company to help clients plan their giving. Quickly, though, Lum learned that there was a greater need to “support them in the emotional work that is necessary in order to feel prepared and capable to make bold choices.”

Lum knows about those difficulties, having inherited money and been a member of Resource Generation before aging out. Lum distributes about $40,000 a year to local organizations and individuals.

Doing so “is the pathway from guilt to action,” Lum said. “Giving money can become really joyful and liberating.”

Lum hosts a series of “class privilege caucuses” — an affinity group for wealthy people to speak openly about their experiences and strategies. Lum knows that in mixed company, discussing wealth can be “a really unsympathetic position.”

And yet Penfield, Herbert and Lum all believe their relationships with others only deepened once they started being more transparent about their wealth.

In fact, several members of Resource Generation signed a letter last year calling on the legislature to raise taxes on wealthy Vermonters. Collins, the Brattleboro author, helped organize the effort. He was disappointed in how many wealthy older Vermonters said they supported the letter but didn’t want to sign it and be outed as well-off.

“These young people were willing to publicly be out there,” Collins said. “I think it does help change the conversation.”

Moving through the shame of having wealth is just the first challenge, though. Many of Lum’s clients lack basic financial literacy, a problem one might not assume for 1 percenters. But young, wealthy people often inherit trust funds managed by family offices and revenuedriven financial advisers who have a vested interest in using that money to make more.

Collins refers to those financial advisers and attorneys as “the wealth defense industry,” which he believes

“has three cardinal rules: Make the pile bigger, minimize taxes and pass as much wealth down the blood generation line as possible.”

Redistributing wealth is a totally different philosophy. Penfield said she found herself embroiled in a legal battle when she asked the family office managing her inheritance to dissolve her trust fund. At first, they refused.

Eventually, though, she was able to unlock her money and started giving, primarily to Vermont-based organizations. “It feels like my responsibility to expand access to what the state has to offer,” she said.

After years of deliberation, Penfield has decided to strike a balance in her giving: “It doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself,” she said. “But I also think there’s a certain level of accumulation where you start to cut yourself off from your community.”

She has ongoing pledges of $5,000 per year to the Vermont Workers’ Center and the Root Social Justice Center. At the national level, she gives $5,000 each year to the Movement for Black Lives and Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples, among other organizations.

Penfield has multiyear commitments to dozens of other Vermont-based organizations, including SUSU CommUNITY Farm in Newfane and Out in the Open, an LGBTQ+ organization in Brattleboro. She reserves a pool of about $15,000 to give directly to mutual aid efforts each year.

Now 28, Penfield has made a career out of what she has learned about managing wealth. She works remotely for Chosen Family Office, a team of financial planners, money coaches and organizers based in Oakland, Calif., that helps wealthy individuals redistribute their money.

So far, she has given away about a third of her inheritance. She’s putting the remainder in community loan funds that pool capital for small businesses in New England.

“The heart of this movement is about returning to community,” Penfield said.

After years of hard conversations, Penfield has finally convinced her family that she’s making the right choice. She’s even persuaded her mother to give away more of her own money. ➆

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

SunCommon Sues Manager Who Defected to Competitor

BY DEREK BROUWER derek@sevendaysvt.com

Vermont residential solar installer SunCommon, a brand trying to regain its footing in the wake of its parent company’s 2024 bankruptcy, claims its upstate New York division is in disarray as key employees defect to a new competitor.

e situation is described by company lawyers in a lawsuit that SunCommon ﬁled against its former general manager, Alexander Grayson, who resigned in December and has taken a job at a nearby solar startup, Hudson Solar Solutions. SunCommon alleges that Grayson broke a one-year noncompete clause in his employment contract. SunCommon also claims he brought customer leads to his new employer, jeopardizing $19 million in potential sales. Grayson denies both claims.

The complaint, filed in Vermont state court, was being transferred to federal court in Burlington. It describes an exodus of SunCommon’s New York employees to Hudson Solar Solutions that extends beyond Grayson.

SunCommon declined to comment on the lawsuit directly. But in an interview, director of sales Mike McCarthy seemed to contradict the idea that the company’s New York operation was in trouble. He said SunCommon has two work crews in the Hudson Valley and recently signed a contract to install a $299,000 rooftop solar array for Central Hudson Gas & Electric, a utility company, in Catskill.

“We are cranking away. We’re up on roofs today,” McCarthy said. “ ere’s just a good vibe right now at SunCommon,” he added.

SunCommon, headquartered in Waterbury, has been a leading residential solar installer in Vermont since its founding in 2012. The Williston commercial solar and electric utility iSun purchased SunCommon in 2021 for $40 million, then declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy last summer. ➆

e Other Tooth Fairy « P.15

In addition, current and former drug users often find themselves craving sugar, perhaps due to the way it triggers dopamine responses in the brain that are similar to those created by drugs. When Heidi Melbostad was director of the Howard Center’s Chittenden Clinic, she said many people would show up for their early morning methadone doses with bottles of sugar-laden Pepsi and Mountain Dew in hand.

The oral damage caused by years of drug use can be difficult to overcome. People in prison find a system plagued by backlogs for all types of dental care. It’s not much easier in the community, especially for those insured under the state-run Medicaid plan.

Vermont’s program has increased payments twice in recent years and now provides better coverage than many other states. Patients can get two free preventive visits and up to $1,500 per year in nonemergency care. That’s enough for some X-rays and a few cavity fillings. But it’s usually nowhere near enough to cover some of the extensive work needed to save decaying teeth.

When Opra, the Derby man, sought out emergency care earlier this year for a throbbing tooth abscess, he said his dentist told him that he’d need to pay upwards of $1,000 to cover what Medicaid wouldn’t. So Opra had the tooth pulled instead — his sixth lost tooth in the past three years.

He suspects it’s only a matter of time before the rest of his teeth go. He wonders whether it would be easier to have them pulled so that he could get dentures — though he couldn’t afford them right now, anyway.

Many insurance plans, including Medicaid, don’t cover the cost of adult dentures, which can reach $3,500 for a full set. Dentists usually require half of that up front so they can take impressions and send them to a lab.

Patients at the Community Health Centers of Burlington can qualify for a discount that pushes the price per arch down to about $1,000, on average, but that’s still too much for many, according to Dr. Elicia Thompson, the nonprofit’s dental director.

Plainfield dentist Robert Ruhl will sometimes create a multiyear treatment plan for Medicaid patients in recovery who need a lot of work done. He will tackle their biggest issue first, he said, and encourage them to use high-fluoride toothpaste to “slow the fire down” until their benefits reset in the new year.

People who lose their teeth can have difficulty chewing, making them more likely to have poor eating habits.

They can find it hard to be understood when they speak. Many suffer from low self-esteem.

Puente, the Barre hygienist, said one of her patients in recovery recently told her that he skipped a parent night at his kid’s school because he was too embarrassed to talk to the teachers.

Fear of judgment is justifiable. Studies have found that people make snap judgments about others based on how their teeth look.

Puente recalled a famous dentistry ad she saw some years ago. It’s a poster that shows three people, one of whom is missing a tooth, and asks: “What’s the first thing you notice?”

Puente said she stared at the ad for a full minute before she realized that the man with the gap in his smile was also missing his eyebrows.

The fate of the proposed oral health program won’t be known until the state budget is approved this spring. If the proposal fails to gain traction in the

Senate, then advocates will need to push it again next year.

Among those who could benefit sooner is Brandon Cranton, a Morgan resident who drank heavily and used opioids and stimulants for many years. At the height of Cranton’s addiction, he said he would spread a tube of the topical numbing medication Orajel across his inﬂamed gums every week. He has since had all of his upper teeth pulled and hopes to eventually have his lower ones removed, too.

Cranton, who is now 39 and nearly two years sober, recently faced a decision. He had been saving money for months through his job as a machinist and finally pulled together enough either to buy a beat-up car or purchase a pair of upper dentures. One would give him the ability to move freely again, a significant step toward regaining his autonomy. The other would allow him to smile for the first time in a decade without feeling ashamed. He’s scheduled for a fitting later this month. ➆

Jonathan Opra

Man Accused of Shooting Palestinian Students Explores Insanity Defense

STORY & PHOTO BY DEREK BROUWER • derek@sevendaysvt.com

Attorneys are exploring an insanity defense for a man accused of shooting three Palestinian American college students in Burlington in November 2023.

Jason Eaton’s public defenders disclosed the prospect in court briefs related to a dispute about data collected from the victims’ cellphones. Eaton faces three counts of attempted murder.

The defense attorneys have previously raised questions about their client’s mental health. They commissioned a psychiatrist to evaluate whether Eaton was mentally fit to stand trial. The evaluator found Eaton to be competent.

Insanity defenses have almost never succeeded at trial in Vermont, and Eaton’s attorneys have not yet decided to go that route, the filings indicate. Under Vermont law, a defendant must give formal notice of an insanity defense to the court and disclose the names of any mental health experts who will support the claim.

Court proceedings so far have offered little insight into Eaton’s state of mind when he allegedly decided to shoot Hisham Awartani, Tahseen Ali Ahmad and Kinnan Abdalhamid as they walked past his apartment on North Prospect Street. The three victims, who were all 20 years old at the time, attend colleges in other states and were visiting Awartani’s family in Burlington over the Thanksgiving holiday. They did not know Eaton.

The shooting occurred shortly after the war in Gaza erupted. The fact that the men were speaking a mix of English and Arabic, and two were wearing Palestinian scarves known as keffiyehs, has fueled suspicion that Eaton targeted them because of their identities.

But with most of the evidence already reviewed, Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George has not found anything to support a hate-crime enhancement. A review of Eaton’s devices has not turned up statements that indicate a strong anti-Palestinian or pro-Israeli view, she said in an interview on Monday. As Seven Days previously reported, Eaton had sent messages on a private account on X that seemed to express some sympathy for the Palestinian cause.

George emphasized that her analysis could change if new facts come to light. Otherwise, the state’s attorney said she doesn’t want to risk a strong case for

attempted murder in pursuit of a weaker case on hate-crime grounds.

The victims, however, maintain that the bare facts of the shooting are enough to support the enhanced charge. Abdalhamid’s mother, Tamara Tamimi, said in an interview on Monday that she’s not surprised Eaton’s attorneys are looking to an insanity “excuse,” but she considers it dishonest.

“I think there was a clear motive there, which was hate,” Tamimi said.

As Eaton’s attorneys “explore” a possible insanity defense, they are seeking access to the victims’ cellphone data, which Burlington police collected in the hours after the shooting with the victims’ consent.

Both George and the victims have strongly opposed that request. The three men, through their own attorney, filed briefs describing the cellphone records as irrelevant to the case. Handing them over would invade the victims’ privacy, according to their attorney, William Clark of the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence.

“In what way could data on the cellphones of the victims be in any way relevant to the suspect’s state of mind?” Clark said in an interview.

Clark said the police sought the men’s phones while they were in the hospital recovering from their injuries. The men later revoked their consent, Clark said.

George reviewed data from one of the men’s phones and concluded that it contained nothing relevant to the prosecution. She doesn’t intend to introduce any of it at trial but wants a judge to rule on Eaton’s request before her office deletes the material.

Eaton’s attorneys, in arguing that they should be allowed to review the data, wrote only that the records “may — or may not — support” an insanity claim.

“The defense cannot know unless and until it is provided with the cell phone data,” public defenders Josh O’Hara and Margaret Jansch wrote.

Jansch declined to comment ahead of a yet-to-be-scheduled hearing on the dispute, calling it “premature.”

George, in court filings, referenced the “current political climate” as a reason why the judge should honor the victims’ privacy concerns.

She elaborated on Monday, referencing President Donald Trump’s administration’s recent immigration enforcement actions against some pro-Palestinian activists on college campuses. Two of the three victims in the Burlington shooting were born in the U.S.; Tahseen Ali Ahmad was born in the West Bank.

Ali Ahmad’s phone is the only one that George’s office has reviewed.

“It was a pretty typical phone for a 20-year-old kid,” George said. ➆

Jason Eaton

FEEDback

LAST CALL

Colin Flanders’ March 19 cover story, “Vermont’s Hangover,” resonated with Seven Days readers, proving its point: While alcohol abuse is rampant in Vermont, it gets much less attention than other public health issues, such as opioid addiction. From the mailbag, here is a sampling of feedback about the piece, which was subtitled “The Green Mountain State has long had a drinking problem. It’s time to talk about it.”

Vermont’s drinking problem, as reporter Colin Flanders noted, has only worsened since the pandemic. We urgently need more treatment resources, including detox centers and licensed drug and alcohol counselors. Community members can help by reaching out to those whom they are concerned about, as many clients begin treatment following a conversation with a friend or family member who expressed care.

We must acknowledge that we are all a ected by this issue. Only when the community fully embraces it will drinking receive the attention it needs. Let’s continue bringing it into the light.

Marc Richter CHARLOTTE

Thank you for your story. I support Rep. Kate Nugent’s bill to tax alcohol to fund some of the health care services made necessary by alcohol use. This would help the situation in two ways. First, people wanting to quit would have easier access services to help them do so safely. Second, if alcohol were more expensive, less would be consumed and fewer people would end up needing these services. It is entirely predictable that the need for addiction counseling, treatment programs and medical care goes up and down with the rates of alcohol use. These services are part of the cost of alcohol use and should be included in the cost of alcohol sold to consumers.

Bert Munger SOUTH BURLINGTON

Thank you, Colin Flanders, for addressing the “pink elephant in the room” that often hides in the shadows of our small but mighty state.

As a medical provider specializing in addiction medicine, I agree with you. The toll on Vermonters who struggle with alcohol-use disorder, and their loved ones, has been upstaged by the opioid crisis for far too long.

I’m currently employed at Sana at Stowe, a relatively new inpatient recovery center o ering detox services and 30-day residential programming. During personal conversations with neighbors, friends and acquaintances, I’m continually surprised by how few are aware of this gem — or that

many private insurance companies reimburse for our services.

Forgive the cliché: Help is available. Correction: High-quality care within a kind, compassionate environment is available. Right here, in Vermont, at the base of Spruce Peak.

Please don’t struggle alone.

Rebecca

Vermont’s Hangover

games. Maybe it’s opioids. Helping people in recovery means losing the stigma and creating affordable housing along with a ordable transportation to get to a job. Terriﬁc resources for those desperate for help include intherooms.com and primetimeisnow.com.

Jackie Weyrauch LINCOLN

Hill

EAST MONTPELIER

I just want to applaud Seven Days and reporter Colin Flanders for highlighting Vermont’s consumption of alcohol. Alcohol takes many more lives across this country than opioids, and we have neglected to illuminate this problem.

While I am only two months on the path of sobriety, I feel the desire to o er and instill hope for others that they can quit alcohol. My journey is not much di erent, drinking o and on since my twenties and then really on for the past 20 years. As described in the article, I looked in the mirror daily, questioned my behavior and knew I had to do something. I didn’t like myself or my reﬂection.

I’ve beneﬁted from medication-assisted therapy, along with self-determination, and don’t get me wrong, I still think of booze every day. But I feel so much better, sleep better, my skin is better, my patience is better, and my compassion for others is better. I am a bit more emotional because I care about myself and the world around me, and booze blunted that more than I wanted.

There is hope, folks. Find a friend, a partner, your primary care provider. Seek the help. You can do it if I did — believe me, you really can. I am no pillar of strength. Seven Days, keep the light on alcohol consumption in Vermont. We need it like we need it on opioids!

Aaron French NORTH MIDDLESEX

While I was very pleased to see your cover story, I was disappointed there was no mention of resources for those a ected by others’ drinking: friends, family, coworkers. Al-Anon Family Groups are one of those resources and have roots in Vermont.

As Colin Flanders reported, the two

founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, grew up in the Green Mountains. Wilson and his wife, Lois, are buried in East Dorset, where the Wilson House is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Lois cofounded Al-Anon in 1951. She and her cofounders realized they, too, needed to apply the same Alcoholics Anonymous principles that helped alcoholics with their recovery solve their personal problems. Alateen, for teenage children in alcoholic homes, began in 1957.

Here is the link to Al-Anon in Vermont: vermontalanonalateen.org.

Al-Anon and Alateen are anonymous, free and o er a source for hope.

Jeanette Voss BENNINGTON

Thank you so much for talking about Vermont’s drinking problem. I was a falling-down drunk. I’ve not had to drink in over 23 years. I’d like to o er some additional insight. I have a mental illness that tells me alcohol will solve my problems. Actually, alcohol was my medicine for a long time. It allowed me to survive trauma — until it didn’t. By age 38, I couldn’t stop. I have a mental obsession coupled with a physical allergy (I cannot metabolize alcohol like a normal person) that lead to a phenomenon of craving. The only treatment was stopping entirely. One is too many. A thousand is never enough. Adding taxes to the adult beverage industry would never have stopped me from drinking. I would buy alcohol and stop buying food. Helping alcoholics requires an alcoholic being desperate to stop. Rehabs make a lot of money o of us, but unless there’s a plan for afterward, the alcoholic will likely return to drinking. Don’t understand? Think about the times you promised yourself that you would not eat another pint of Ben & Jerry’s. Maybe it’s your phone. Maybe it’s gambling. Maybe it’s sex. Maybe it’s video

Alcohol is deeply integrated within Vermont’s culture. From craft breweries to locally distilled liquor, it seems as if alcohol is around every corner and sponsoring every neighborhood event. Fatal car accidents and chronic illness are taking the lives of Vermonters daily, and we deserve better. Alcohol is advertised as a glamorous entity and marketed in a way that promotes the false narrative that drinking will improve any experience. Raising the tax would be almost unnoticeable to those who drink in moderation but would create a reliable system for those struggling with addiction, as seen in the results from raising alcohol taxes in both Illinois and Maryland. Most Vermonters would not be able to tell the di erence in cost if the tax were increased. This policy truly is in the best interest of Vermonters.

Addison Francis BURLINGTON

It is not news that Vermont has a drinking problem. We have had that for a long time. Research shows that education does not work well in reducing consumption. I grew up in Norway, where the drinking may be even heavier than in Vermont. In Norway, there is very little drunken driving because you spend 21 days in jail on your ﬁrst infraction. Drinking and driving is cited in Colin Flanders’ article, but we don’t talk about an e ective way to reduce it. It is time to make drinking and driving really hurt. Do something about it; don’t just talk about it. That is what Norway did, and it works.

Trine Bech SHELBURNE

The recent Seven Days article on problem drinking in Vermont is appreciated. One unfortunate trend in Vermont and nationally is the increase in problem drinking among women. Alcohol is more poorly metabolized in women and can more rapidly lead to liver damage and death. The number of alcohol-related deaths in women here in Vermont seems to have dramatically increased.

Louis Meyers, MD SHELBURNE

January 30, 2025

Brandi Thomas Director of Public Relations

Seventh Generation Brandi.Thomas@seventhgeneration.com

Kwai,

We write to you as the elected leaders of the Odanak and Wôlinak First Nations, who together comprise the Abenaki Nation. The Abenaki are now mainly based in Odanak and Wôlinak (our 2 communities located in the Province of Quebec, Canada). However, we have never ceded our ancestral territory, the Ndakina, which comprised New England, nor have we ceased to utilize the larger territory since our displacement and removal from the United States after the American Revolution. We have long denounced Vermont’s state-recognized ‘tribes’ as self-identified Abenaki, including in the spring of 2022 at the University of Vermont and more recently at the United Nations.

We take note that Seventh Generation is generously funding the creation of an Abenaki school curriculum developed by these very same ‘tribes.’ As Vermont’s own Attorney General’s report made clear back in 2002, as did the Bureau of Indian Affairs in 2005, these Vermont groups lack Abenaki ancestry as well as any historic link to a North American Indian tribe. They are not Indigenous. This is confirmed by peer-reviewed research which was presented at the University of Vermont last spring. This is confirmed by investigations done by vtdigger, Vermont Public and New Hampshire Public Radio, among others.

Vermont’s ‘tribes’ are part of a growing movement of what anthropologist Circe Sturm calls ‘race-shifters’: White people who seek to claim Indigenous ancestry with little or no basis for doing so. As Professor Kim TallBear made clear in a recent presentation at the University of Vermont, race-shifters carry out a final and genocidal act of colonization by erasing and replacing actual Native People with the voices and the bodies of the invader.

We assume that you are aware that your corporation borrows from Haudenosaunee tradition. Per your slogan, “in our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations.” What of the impact of this partnership on our Abenaki communities? In your own statement of advocacy, you claim to “fight for and help protect the rights and tribal sovereignty of the Indigenous communities whose traditions inspired our name and mission.” Supporting bogus Indian tribes does just the opposite. It validates and launders the claims of race-shifters and severely weakens the tribal sovereignty of actual Indigenous communities like ours on whose territory you are operating. Surely you can do better.

We ask that you pause and think about the consequences of your actions, and we ask that you put a stop to such collaboration. If it is your intent to work with those who have preserved the culture and language of the Abenaki across 400 years of colonization, we are those people. We have survived waves of pandemic disease, multiple colonial wars, the vast reduction of homeland, and forced assimilation, and we are the sole guardians of that heritage.

We are also the sole guardians of Abenaki citizenship. Yet the state of Vermont, despite its own knowledge of false claims to Indigenous ancestry, excluded us from participation from the state recognition process of 2010-12. This was in violation of both the U.N. Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the U.S. Constitution’s Commerce Clause which grants authority in Indigenous affairs to the federal government. Vermont’s process also made genealogy optional and permitted the ‘tribes’ to sit on and dominate the recommending Commission on Native American Affairs, the same Commission you are now working with. Vermont’s was a political process that allowed the ‘tribes’ to recommend themselves. It was not an evaluation of ancestry and kinship.

We urge you to halt any plans to distribute this material in development, and we request a timely opportunity to discuss our concerns. It may be your intention to support Indigenous People and tribal sovereignty. Unfortunately, funding the propagation of a pretend Abenaki curriculum which overwrites our real written and oral history makes your company actively complicit with cultural appropriation and fraud as well as the exclusion of the true Indigenous People of Vermont. A public statement admitting your error would begin to undo the damage you have already caused.

You may reach out to us by contacting Daniel Nolett, Director General of the Abenaki Council of Odanak, at dgnolett@caodanak.com or 450-568-2810.

In Peace and Friendship,

Chief Rick O’Bomsawin Abenaki of Odanak

Chief Michel R. Bernard Abenaki of Wôlinak

lifelines

OBITUARIES

David Del Piero

AUGUST 15, 1961MARCH 11, 2025

BURLINGTON, VT.

David Raul Del Piero, age 63, of Burlington, Vt., passed away on March 11, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Dave’s life was deﬁned by love, friendship and generosity towards others.

David was born on August 15, 1961, in Oakland, Calif., to Mary (Mossman) Del Piero and Raul Del Piero. In his early years, the family moved to Cornwall, Vt., where Dave grew up. He graduated from Middlebury Union High School and went on to earn a degree from the University of Vermont. His love for all things mechanical was evident from a young age, starting with automobiles and eventually leading him to take up ﬂying. Before ﬁnishing college, Dave took to the skies in a small Piper Warrior singleengine airplane, an experience that ignited a lifelong passion for aviation.

After graduating, Dave’s enthusiasm for flying flourished as he embarked on a diverse and accomplished career in aviation. He began as a pilot with local commuter Bar Harbor Airlines and flew for major carriers, including Pan Am and Northwest Airlines. He also flew as a captain for Leisure Air, USA 3000, EOS and Qatar Airways. Over the years, Dave served as captain on numerous wide-body charter and private flights, transporting professional sports teams, celebrities and royal families around the world.

When Dave wasn’t crossing the globe, he was hiking, skiing, or boating with friends and family. His love for architecture also led him to design and build beautiful, distinctive homes in Burlington and Waitsﬁeld, including a cabin near Sugarbush, where his family could enjoy skiing and entertaining visitors yearround. He loved the company of his numerous friends and family. Above all, Dave cherished the moments spent with his wife, daughter and beloved canine companion, Rocket.

Dave was known for his

OBITUARIES, VOWS, CELEBRATIONS

warm smile, quick wit, and the joy he found in sharing a freshly poured espresso or beer with nearly anyone he met. He was always cheerful, supportive, and eager to lend a helping hand to friends and neighbors. Dave was a loving husband, a best friend, a loyal companion and a devoted father who treasured every moment with his family.

Dave is survived by his wife, Heather Ferrell, and daughter, Abigail Del Piero, both of Burlington, Vt.; his brother, Paul Del Piero (Debbie) of Austin, Texas; and extended family members from the Curtis, Del Piero, Kenyon and Mossman families, all of whom he cherished deeply. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Christina.

A private burial will be held at the family plot at Woodside Cemetery in Westminster, Mass. A celebration of Dave’s life will be held at the family cabin in Waitsﬁeld, Vt., this summer.

Donations in Dave’s memory may be made to the Makerspace program at Mater Christi School in Burlington, Vt.

Kevin Michael Mangan

JANUARY 21, 1955MARCH 20, 2025

BURLINGTON, VT.

Kevin Michael Mangan, 70, of James Avenue in Burlington, Vt., died on March 20, 2025, at the University of Vermont Medical Center after a cardiac arrest.

He was born on January 21, 1955, in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., the son of Bernard Mangan and Helen (Bauer) Mangan. He is survived by his daughter, Kelly Mangan, and son-in-law, Alisdair Walker; his two grandchildren, Malcolm and Kieran Walker; his brother, Paul Mangan, and sister-in-law, Marianne Mangan; extended family; the Neironi Rossi family; and the many other wonderful people he was blessed to call his friends.

Je rey Jarvis

APRIL 19, 1957-MARCH 18, 2025 SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT.

He was predeceased by his wife, Linda Sue Vaughn, on March 10, 2015, whose ﬁnal voicemail message he never deleted from his phone, even 10 years after her death.

Kevin was a gifted musician who loved to play guitar and sing backup vocals as a part of a Celtic duo, Two for the Brew. He was also a woodworker who made musical instruments and dollhouse furniture.

In the last eight years

Jeffrey Jarvis, 67, of South Burlington, Vt., peacefully passed away at his home on March 18, 2025.

Born on April 19, 1957, in Burlington, Vt., he was the son of Ken and Kathryn Jarvis. Jeff grew up in South Burlington and graduated from South Burlington High School in 1975.

After graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the USS Biddle from 1975 to 1979. During his time in the Navy, he traveled throughout northern Europe, the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean.

of his life, Kevin struggled with a degenerative neurological disease, which robbed him of his ability to walk, stand and breathe without assistance. Despite these hardships, Kevin listened to the music he loved, donated to progressive causes he cared about, learned magic tricks to delight his grandchildren, went on a trip to Montréal to watch an F1 race, and did his level best to make

they welcomed their daughter, Jessica, in 1985. e family grew when Jessica married Evan Lea, and Jeff’s life became richer with the arrival of his beloved grandchildren, Ava and Ryan, who were the center of his world.

After returning home, Jeff started a 35-year career with the U.S. District Court in Burlington. Jeff married Roberta Furlani on September 24, 1983, and together

Beyond his family, Jeff had a true love for ﬁshing, barbecuing and attending concerts. He loved sharing his joy for live music with his grandkids, often bringing them home the best T-shirts from the merch tables at the concerts he attended.

In Jeff’s words, “Special love goes out to my parents and siblings whom I will miss dearly. I will also miss my countless in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.” He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Jeff was predeceased by his infant brother, Michael; his in-laws, Al and Alyce Furlani; and a very special nephew, omas Farrell.

everyone around him laugh and feel seen. Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 11, 10:45 a.m., at Saint Mark’s Catholic Church, 251 North Ave., Burlington, VT. In lieu of ﬂowers — and in honor of Kevin’s deep and abiding sense of justice — memorial contributions may be made to: Doctors Without Borders USA, PO Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030 or donate. doctorswithoutborders.org.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Roberta; daughter, Jessica; sonin-law, Evan Lea; and his beautiful grandchildren, Ava and Ryan Lea. He is also survived by his parents, Ken and Kay Jarvis, of Burlington; his siblings, Joanne (Herbie) Durham, Tim (Kate) Jarvis and Lisa (Steve) Elder; his sisters-in-law, Peg Campagna, Teri (Tom) Furlani, Mary (Jeff) Turnbaugh and Anne (Matt) Campbell, along with their families. In lieu of ﬂowers, the family asks that donations be made to a local food bank or charity of your choice in his name. A private service for family and close friends was held on Tuesday, April 1, 11 a.m., at All Saints Episcopal Church on Spear Street in South Burlington.

For those who know Jeff, it’s clear how important music was to him. Whenever you hear a favorite song, think of Jeff, and let it bring a smile to your face. Please visit awrfh.com to share your memories and condolences.

“And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.” — Friedrich Nietzsche

Ola O’Dell

MARCH 14, 1932-MARCH 20, 2025 BETHEL, VT.

Ola O’Dell of Bethel, Vt., passed away on March 20, 2025, at the Mountain View Center in Rutland.

Ola moved to Bethel in 1992, following a two-year stint in the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone. Ola chose Bethel because she had always wanted to live in a place where it snowed and where she could have a Victorian house.

Ola was the second of six children born to Otis and Maggie O’Dell in Chattanooga, Tenn. Always a free spirit, she had fond memories of playing in the woods, climbing trees and swinging on wild grapevines. After graduating from Chattanooga’s Central High School, Ola earned a degree in elementary education from the University of Tennessee. In 1954 she met and married the late Allan Reniche. While Al attended the University of Illinois on the G.I. Bill, Ola took a teaching job in nearby Mattoon. By this time, they had two children. After Al graduated from law school, they moved to Washington, D.C., where their third child was born. They moved to Naperville, Ill., in 1962, where they had two more children, and Ola taught at the Beebe School. In 1973 the family moved west to California. Despite many years in the Yankee North, Ola never lost her Tennessee accent.

to prove it, Ola was an early advocate of gun control and marched in Washington, D.C., against the Second Gulf War. She loved being a justice of the peace for Bethel and was thrilled to conduct Bethel’s first same-sex wedding. In the wake of Tropical Storm Irene, she mobilized volunteers and challenged local authorities on behalf of flood victims. She even served a second stint with the Peace Corps in Botswana at the age of 74! She loved music (Irish rebel songs and Broadway show tunes), reading (presidential biographies), basset hounds, and gardening. In early 1994 she welcomed David Phair into her home as her foster son and sixth child.

Ola married her second husband, stained-glass artist Finn Antofte, in 1983. They worked together in his San Diego studio until his death in 1985 from pancreatic cancer. Finn’s death was a major turning point in Ola’s life and led to her remarkable decision to join the Peace Corps at age 57 and ultimately move across the country from California to Vermont.

Throughout her life, Ola was never afraid to speak out for what she believed. A proud Democratic voter with the bumper stickers

Evidence of Ola’s impact on Bethel can be found in the flower beds and gardens that she planted throughout the town — sometimes with permission but often without. She even planted flowers in potholes. Shortly after Ola was diagnosed with dementia, her many friends in Bethel threw a party in her honor at Babe’s Bar. Even U.S. Rep. Peter Welch (now U.S. Sen. Welch) came to dance with her.

Ola was preceded in death by siblings Helene, Alfred and Mike, and daughter-in-law Cynthia. She is survived by her sisters, Sherry Price and Virginia Jo Cavin; her children, Cecil (Greg), Kent, Michele (Otis), Kevin (Tammy), Kyle (Marie) and David (Michelle); and her grandchildren, Mary Kame and Maggie Ginoza, Jessica Rausch, and Davontae Phair.

Her family would especially like to thank Ola’s caregivers at the Mountain View Center and BAYADA Hospice, who loved her no matter how feisty she got. No funeral is planned, but a celebration of life will be held at a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ola’s memory to the Bethel Food Shelf, PO Box 211, Bethel VT 05032, or to Everytown for Gun Safety or the ACLU.

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OBITUARIES

Frederick Whiting Bird

MAY 2, 1954-MARCH 12, 2025

BURLINGTON, VT.

Frederick Whiting Bird died peacefully with family at his side on March 12, 2025, in St. Albans, Vt. e cause of death was pneumonia.

Fred was born on May 2, 1954, in Evanston, Ill., the second child of Anne and Charles Bird. After stints in Charlotte, Toronto and two Buffalo suburbs, his family landed happily in East Aurora, N.Y. He lived in western New York until 2021, when he moved to an assisted-living residence down the road from his sister, Lucy, in Burlington, Vt.

Born with Rh incompatibility, for which today’s proactive treatment was not yet developed, Fred got off to a shaky start involving intensive therapy and a complete blood transfusion soon after birth. He more than made up for those early anxious days, becoming a joyful and talented extrovert, a quirky character-actor kind of guy with a remarkable command of words and music across many genres.

regularly and tooling around his residence, sometimes pushing his walker a little too fast. Everything changed quickly in his last few months, when he experienced a number of falls, ER visits, COVID-19, hospitalizations including spinal decompression surgery, surgical rehab and, ultimately, a shortlived move to a skilled nursing facility, relying on a wheelchair. Perhaps most poignantly, he lost the dexterity required to produce his daily lifeblood — pages and pages of creative writing. Nonetheless, he prevailed, clearly motivated to improve, demonstrating a strong commitment to physical and occupational therapy.

As early as elementary school, Fred was growing into what we might now term a “creative” — curious, smart, insightful, and able to translate his observations and understanding of the world into poetry and art and onto the stage. He was equally adept at producing ﬁne, serious writing and theater as he was at making friends, classmates and family laugh, fueled by his prodigious sense of humor. Fred’s happy high school years in East Aurora — as accomplished actor and gifted student chosen by classmates to be one of two graduation speakers — culminated in a gap year and then one semester of college, where the illness that was to challenge the rest of his life ﬁrst presented.

Fred’s life is a both a story of lost potential and of perseverance and lifelong creativity. He was diagnosed with mental illness in the 1970s. Although he did not write a Broadway musical or become the New York Times theater critic, as many had predicted, he made his mark nonetheless. He continued to write and appreciate music virtually every day of his life, organizing his sometimes disordered thinking into meaningful artistic form.

Until August 2024, Fred was writing

Fred is survived by his siblings, Lucy Bird Masters (Jeffrey) of Burlington, Vt., and Stephen Charles Bird of New York City; two nephews; and several cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and a nephew.

Following a private graveside remembrance later this year, Fred’s ashes will be buried in a beautiful Boston cemetery, surrounded by his parents, grandmother, nephew and other relatives.

In the meantime, Lucy is writing about Fred and coordinating several small gatherings in his name. She welcomes your interest in participating and/or sharing memories by mail or phone. Please contact her at poetfredbird@gmail.com or Lucy Bird Masters, PO Box 3073, Burlington, VT 05408-3073.

Please consider a donation in Fred’s name to your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (nami.org) or to the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, 747 ird Ave., New York, NY 10017 (bbrfoundation.org).

And please look openly — with compassion and respect for their full personhood — at the unhoused or adrift among you. ere but for the grace of God, a committed family, and many people and organizations throughout the decades might Fred have gone.

Fred’s family is grateful to all who “got” Fred and to all who have worked in various capacities to understand and support him over the years. A special shout-out to his muse, Joni Mitchell, who had his steadfast allegiance throughout her creative evolution.

Sr. Cecile Bouchard, RSM

AUGUST 26, 1929MARCH 24, 2025 BURLINGTON, VT.

Sister Cecile Bouchard, RSM (Sr. Mary Leo), 95, of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, died at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, Vt., on March 24, 2025. Sr. Cecile was born in Burlington, Vt., on August 26, 1929, the daughter of Jeanne (Simard) and George Leo Bouchard. She attended Nazareth School and was a graduate of Cathedral High School. She received her BS in business from Trinity College in Burlington and an MS in education and administration at Saint Michael’s College in Colchester.

Sr. Cecile entered the Sisters of Mercy on August 15, 1948, and professed her vows on August 19, 1951. She taught and served in parochial school education for several years throughout the state of Vermont: at Cathedral High School and Christ the King School in Burlington, St. Michael’s School in Montpelier, St. Monica’s School in Barre, and Rice High School in South Burlington.

Sister held administrative roles as principal of St. Monica’s School for eight years, principal of Christ the King School for 12 years, and business teacher and

administrative director at Rice High School for 19 years. She also served her community in local leadership roles for many years.

Until her recent illness, Sr. Cecile was active throughout her life. Some of her interests and activities included decorating for special celebrations and holidays, serving as sacristan, sewing projects, dusting and cleaning, organizing gatherings, and outdoor walking. We all beneﬁted from her attention to detail. Many visitors and guests experienced Sr. Cecile’s warm hospitality at Mount Saint Mary and Our Lady of Providence and previously as innkeeper at Camp Marycrest. Her artistic talent emerged as she joined the weekly painting classes offered by the Sisters of Mercy.

She is survived by her brothers Raymond “Leonard” Bouchard (Claire) and Brother Fred Bouchard, S.C.; sister-in-law, Patty

Bouchard; and by her sisters in religion, the Sisters of Mercy. She was predeceased by her parents, Jeanne (Simard) and George Leo Bouchard; brothers Jerome Bouchard, Brother Adrian Bouchard, S.C., and Daniel Bouchard; and sisters, Mariette (Bouchard) Martin and Sister Claire Bouchard, RSM.

We extend our prayers and deepest gratitude to the caring staff at Our Lady of Providence, the University of Vermont hospice team, the staff at the McClure Miller Respite House and her doctors, for their loving care of Sister Cecile.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 5, 2025, 11 a.m., in the Sacred Heart Chapel at Mater Christi School (former Mount St. Mary Convent), 100 Mansﬁeld Ave., Burlington, VT, with visiting hours prior to the funeral mass, from 10 to 10:50 a.m. e burial will take place following the funeral in the Mount Saint Mary Cemetery. In lieu of ﬂowers, contributions may be made to the Sisters of Mercy in support of their ministerial works: Sisters of Mercy, Attn: Sister Laura Della Santa, 356 Mountain View Rd., Colchester, VT 05446.

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

No Returns

Since the war in Gaza and Trump’s reelection, public interest in tax resistance is booming

BY KEN PICARD • ken@sevendaysvt.com

For more than half a century, Joanne Sheehan has refused to give her tax dollars to the U.S. to pay for war. The 76-year-old trainer in nonviolent civil disobedience moved from New York City to Norwich, Conn., in the 1970s, just to make it easier for her to protest the company that builds nuclear submarines for the U.S. Navy.

Sheehan has been arrested many times for her activism. Her ﬁrst arrest was in 1971, when she and fellow tax resisters blockaded the doors of an Internal Revenue Service office to protest the Vietnam War. In 1976, when the IRS came calling after Sheehan refused to pay a 10 percent federal tax on her phone bill, she was already behind bars for a di erent nonviolent action at the Seabrook Station nuclear power plant in New Hampshire. The IRS agent left a business card. Sheehan called the agent when she got out of jail to explain her tax resistance.

“They never did get the money,” Sheehan said with glee. She was never prosecuted.

Sheehan, who cofounded the New England regional o ce of the War Resisters League and runs it out of her Norwich home, is probably what most people think of when they hear the words “tax resister”: a white-haired hippie who has devoted her life to nonviolent activism for lefty causes. But amid recent political strife in the U.S. and globally, including in Vermont, a new generation is dissenting by choosing not to pay taxes.

Lindsey Britt of Brattleboro has been a tax resister for about a decade. For the first few years, the 42-year-old nonprofit administrator refused to pay a portion of her federal income taxes and would send letters to the IRS and Vermont’s congressional delegation explaining her justification. She now resists by reducing her income below a federally taxable level by working part time, growing some of her own food, and bartering with friends and neighbors.

Paying taxes, Britt wrote to the IRS in 2023, supports the government in “killing people, destroying communities, decimating the natural world, and causing a neverending cycle of trauma.”

Except for when the feds withheld a portion of her federal stimulus check during the pandemic, Britt has never faced legal or ﬁnancial consequences for her civil disobedience. These days, most tax resisters don’t get penalized, which

should come as comforting news to the thousands of Americans who have been exploring this form of civil disobedience as a way of protesting President Donald Trump’s e orts to hobble and dismantle the federal bureaucracy.

Tax resistance seems to be having a moment. Since the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023, and especially since Trump’s reelection, interest in the practice has exploded, according to nonproﬁt groups that provide free guidance on how to do it ethically and without lying to the IRS.

“So many people who would have never dreamed of it before are actually giving it serious thought,” said Dan DeWalt, a musician, woodworker and teacher from South Newfane. He counts himself among those considering sti ng the IRS for the ﬁrst time. The 68-year-old political activist has worked on numerous public campaigns to improve government and has always paid his taxes — though maybe not this year.

Following Israel’s invasion of Gaza, which relied heavily on U.S. military aid, Rice said, his Milwaukee nonproﬁt saw an “exponential” growth in tra c to its website. Before the war, the website logged 3,300 unique visitors per month. Since Trump’s reelection last November, the website has averaged 22,000 visitors per month and crashed three times last year. Rice has also received a record number of requests for “War Tax Resistance 101” instructional sessions, which he and a colleague host twice a week.

Prior to the war in Gaza, Rice said, tax resisters were typically white baby boomers. In the past two years, however, most of the new interest has come from people in their twenties and thirties from a variety of backgrounds. Rice gauges the surge, in part, from the nonproﬁt’s social media sites, particularly Instagram, which tends to skew toward a younger demographic. Prior to October 2023, his organization had about 600 Instagram followers. Today, it has more than 24,000.

The National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee usually goes by its acronym, NWTRCC, pronounced “new trick,” though there’s nothing new about this political cause. Tax resistance is as old as the U.S. itself and has included many famous people in its ranks, from Henry David Thoreau to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

M NEY & rETIrEMENT

“Our government has decided to ignore the rule of law,” he said, “so that feels like an invitation for us to do the same.”

No one can say for sure how many Americans refuse to pay their dues to Uncle Sam — nor how much those dues amount to. The IRS doesn’t disclose such information, nor does the Vermont Department of Taxes track that data. But according to Lincoln Rice, coordinator of the National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee, there were at least 10,000 known tax resisters in the 1970s and ’80s. In those years, he said, “The only way to know about tax resistance was to talk to someone who did it.”

Sheehan, the Connecticut activist, was friends with notable war tax resisters Betsy Corner and her husband, Randy Kehler, of Colrain, Mass. After the couple married in 1976, their income was high enough to require them to pay federal taxes. For years, the couple refused and sent letters to the IRS explaining that they would continue paying state and local taxes but were withholding their support of the military-industrial complex. Instead, they would send what they owed to humanitarian causes.

Kehler’s anti-war activism was so inﬂuential that Daniel Ellsberg credited him for his decision to leak the Pentagon Papers.

In 1989, after a long public standoff, the IRS finally seized the couple’s Massachusetts home. Federal seizures of tax resisters’ homes and cars were fairly common from the 1970s through most of the 1990s, Rice said, with the IRS taking about 10,000 properties per year. After a federal policy change in 1997, seizures dwindled dramatically and now total fewer than a hundred

Lindsey Britt and Daniel Sicken sharing tax resistance information in Brattleboro in April 2023

annually. According to Rice, most are aimed at the “über rich” who deliberately misrepresent their income or try to claim frivolous or fraudulent deductions rather than those who are conscientious objectors. With the IRS, it seems, taking an ethical stand is OK. Lying is not.

A common myth about tax resistance is that the IRS immediately pursues resisters. In fact, the process is ponderously slow and mired in paperwork, and it occurs infrequently, if at all. Rice, a high-profile tax resister who’s been involved with NWTRCC since 1999, has never been criminally charged, threatened with prosecution or had his wages garnished. When Rice speaks to young people about tax resistance, their most common question is, “How is it you’re not in jail?”

TAX

Federal Income Tax Withholding.” It explains how to calculate your deductions down to zero. Rice strongly urges anyone interested in becoming a tax resister to visit the NWTRCC website so that they understand their rights and the potential consequences.

RESISTANCE IS AS OLD AS THE U.S. ITSELF.

Make no mistake: Willful refusal to pay your taxes is a crime. According to NWTRCC, the IRS will impose penalties and interest on the amount you owe, which continue to accrue until you pay. The government may also freeze your bank account or other financial assets, garnish your wages, or, in exceedingly rare cases, seize your house or car. But since 1992, the IRS has seized only one house and two cars from tax resisters, both in the 1990s.

Unlike other forms of civil disobedience, in which the police or other authorities may give protesters just one opportunity to walk away before they face legal consequences, tax resisters usually get more leeway.

“You get that first letter from the IRS, and it’s frightening,” said Britt, who belongs to a small group called Taxes for Peace New England, which has about a dozen members. “But you can keep going and see what happens. It’s like being on a train: There are lots of stops where you can choose to get off.”

Another misconception is that tax resistance is an all-or-nothing proposition. As Rice explained, some resisters choose to withhold only a small percentage of their federal taxes and will attach a letter to their tax return explaining their justification. Such letters are becoming less common because most people now file electronically. Still, Rice said, “It’s one of the few times when you send a letter to the federal government that you know someone is going to read.”

The rise of the gig economy has also changed the complexion of tax resistance, since those workers don’t necessarily fill out a W-4 form to report their wages and withholdings to the IRS. Because it’s more complicated to be a tax resister if your employer automatically withholds your federal taxes, NWTRCC offers a free eight-page guide, called “Controlling

The decline in IRS enforcements was a Congressional decision. From 2010 to 2022, it cut the agency’s budget by 24 percent, leading to fewer prosecutions of anyone who didn’t pay their taxes, according to the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center. Since February, the Trump administration has laid off another 6,000 IRS workers, making it even less likely that tax resisters — and tax cheats — will be punished.

Bob Bady of Brattleboro was one of the unlucky ones. A neighbor of Corner and Kehler in Colrain, Mass., and a war tax resister since 1970, he was part of a multiyear resistance campaign against the IRS. Bady’s house was seized shortly after the same thing happened to his neighbors. Bady also worked for 15 years as a registered nurse — until the IRS tried garnishing his wages and he quit.

But the biggest consequence Bady has endured is “not having middle-class economic security,” he said. At age 72, he still does manual labor to pay the bills. “On the other hand, I feel good about what I’ve done all my life.”

Bady still urges his fellow Vermonters to become tax resisters — and be very public about it. While he understands the desire to keep quiet and avoid trouble, “There are consequences to nonviolent civil disobedience. It’s what makes it powerful,” he said. “If it’s safe and non-consequential, it’s pretty meaningless.” ➆

Treasure Hunt

Cash, jewelry, baseball cards — even lost luggage — wait to be claimed in the State Treasurer’s Ofﬁce

BY MARY ANN LICKTEIG • maryann@sevendaysvt.com

Money flowing in faster than it flows out sounds like a good thing. But one division of Vermont state government exists to deplete its bank account — and it can’t get rid of its holdings fast enough. The Unclaimed Property Division of the O ce of the State Treasurer is charged with reuniting Vermonters with their lost or forgotten assets. Those could be bank accounts, uncashed paychecks, life insurance benefits, mutual funds, security deposits, retirement accounts or the contents of safe-deposit boxes. The state is holding more than 1 million properties with a total value of more than $130 million.

Despite publicity events and advertising campaigns that encourage people to search its online database, year after year the division takes in more money than it pays out. Vermont law requires banks, businesses and other entities holding assets to attempt to

notify the owners. After a period with no communication, generally two or three years, the organization is required to turn over the property to the state. That’s for safekeeping, State Treasurer Mike Pieciak explained, because private organizations could go out of business or change hands. Unclaimed property can get lost in the shu e.

Assets worth $18.1 million were turned over to the state last year, while $5.8 million was returned to Vermonters.

People never lose their right to claim their property, but while it’s in state hands, it helps pay for state government, a situation made possible by the fact that the amount Vermonters claim each year is a tiny fraction of the total. The balance continues to grow. Unclaimed funds cover the $1.2 million annual budget of the Unclaimed Property Division, where ﬁve people work. Additional revenue — $9.3 million last year — goes into the general fund.

Contents of safe-deposit boxes go into bankers boxes, which are sealed and stored in a vault the size of a small conference room. They o er a glimpse at what Vermonters hold dear: engraved silver matchboxes, tea sets, coin and gem collections, silver belt buckles, an 1864

IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT DOLLARS AND CENTS.

STATE TREASURER MIKE PIECIAK

2-cent piece, and a simple Seiko watch likely precious only to the family of the woman who wore it.

There are forgotten family records, locks of hair, and sports cards that came in bubble gum packs and cereal boxes: an Orlando Magic center Shaquille O’Neal

card, Bo Jackson as a rookie Los Angeles Raiders running back, Roger Clemens in his second season with the Boston Red Sox and Vermont’s own John LeClair as a Montréal Canadiens rookie left wing.

Also stored securely are military medals, including at least two Purple Hearts; guns (Vermont State Police store all that still operate); and an empty, federal-blue, soft-sided suitcase, perhaps the epitome of lost luggage.

The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators says one in seven Americans has unclaimed property. All states have o ces that manage it. Collectively, they returned $4.5 billion in ﬁscal year 2024.

Vermonters can search the state’s holdings at missingmoney.vermont.gov. (Search again in the summer, Pieciak advises, because lots of property arrives shortly after the May 1 deadline for turning it over.)

Nationwide searches can be conducted at missingmoney.com, a website operated by the National Association of State Treasurers.

Unclaimed property administrators trade ideas for returning property at conferences. Vermont administrators released TV ads featuring beloved retired meteorologist Tom Messner. They set up computers at community events, shopping malls and the Champlain Valley Fair for passersby to search their database. They staged a road tour last fall to ceremoniously return money — a total of $150,000 — to organizations in each of the state’s 14 counties.

Borrowing an idea from Illinois, Vermont Unclaimed Property Division director Al LaPerle and his sta in December launched the MoneyBack Program, in

M NEY & rETIrEMENT

which they cross-checked identity information of people on their list with the state tax department. Once veriﬁed, they mailed checks — more than 5,000 of them — that totaled nearly $1.3 million.

Another pilot program returned forgotten funds to nonproﬁts once the organizations’ addresses were veriﬁ ed by the Secretary of State’s Office. Don and Bernadette Pierson of South Hero received $24,000 last year for the Stefan

Pierson Foundation, which they started in honor of their late son to support young adults with cancer. The money had been sitting in a forgotten PayPal account.

In all, the state has returned 26,000 pieces of property so far this ﬁscal year, nearly double the number returned in the same time period last year.

Like his counterparts across the country, Pieciak savors a good reunion story. Surveying a list of unclaimed property owners early last year, he spotted the name of a southern Vermont man owed $38,000. Pieciak called his own father, a Windham County CPA, and asked if he knew the man. Yes, the elder Pieciak said. He had been doing the man’s taxes for 40 years and veriﬁed his address.

Pieciak called with the good news. One of the man’s adult children lives out of state and “was totally convinced it was a scam,” Pieciak said. Once they verified his identity, Pieciak sent the money.

A week or two later, he got a thankyou note from the children. They hadn’t known about the money, they said, and it would allow their father, who was in his late nineties, to a ord to stay in his home for another year.

“It’s not just about dollars and cents,” Pieciak said. ➆

Learn more at vermonttreasurer.gov and missingmoney.vermont.gov.

food+drink

M NEY & rETIrEMENT

Local Losses

For the past couple of years, cafeteria lunches served to about 83,000 youngsters in every Vermont public school and some private schools have included more local foods, thanks to a federal funding boost of almost $334,000.

Instead of frozen, often precooked commodity beef, students eat fresh-grilled burgers from Boyden Farm in Cambridge and spaghetti sauce made with beef raised by Keith Farm Meats in Elmore. Salad bars boast colorful peppers, carrots and cucumbers grown on farms such as Norwich’s Honey Field Farm and Joe’s Brook Farm in Barnet. Veggie variety has expanded with tangy pickled beets and lime-ginger carrots from Burlington’s Pitchfork Pickle.

“Kids high-ﬁve me when I go to pick up my children after school and say, ‘Great carrots!’” said Joe’s Brook Farm co-owner Mary Skovsted, 44.

Everyone was high-ﬁving when the feds directed another $1.2 million to Vermont for 2025 through the national Local Food for Schools and Childcare program. Almost another half a million was allotted to the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program, which supports food banks and other

FOOD LOVER?

Federal cuts, funding freezes and uncertainty threaten the momentum of Vermont’s local food movement

BY MELISSA PASANEN • pasanen@sevendaysvt.com

community-feeding nonproﬁts. Between 2022 and 2024, Vermont received almost $1.4 million through the two programs, the vast majority of which went to the bottom lines of more than 100 local farms and food producers.

Four regional food hubs across Vermont

Hildreth, 50, said the revenue helped the family-owned beef operation purchase more animals from about 12 small Vermont farms, which it ﬁnishes raising in Cambridge. Boyden added about two cows weekly to the 15 to 17 it processes on average and kept 30 employees busy across the farm and its New Hampshire processing plant.

In early January, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets signed agreements with the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the $1.7 million. Farmers, schools, childcare centers and nonproﬁts started planning.

Jen Hutchinson, 45, school nutrition manager for Barre Uniﬁed Union School District, had used her initial $9,000 award to bring on several new local food vendors, including Boyden. The funding helped Barre’s kitchen teams do more fromscratch cooking, and she was excited to continue down that path.

coordinate orders and deliveries to help schools take full advantage of the funding. Their purchases of locally grown and produced foods shot up more than 70 percent, to $726,704, for the 2023-24 academic year.

Boyden Farm sales director Kevin

“Just smelling fresh-grilled hamburgers really helps our kids connect with the joy of food, which can be hard in the middle of a school day,” Hutchinson said.

Then, on March 7, the state learned that President Donald Trump’s USDA had

Beef cows grazing at Boyden Farm in Cambridge

From top: Honey Field Farm crew members harvesting arugula; spaghetti with local beef

Bolognese sauce served at Johnson Elementary School

Mary Skovsted planting tomatoes at Joe’s Brook Farm in Barnet

SIDEdishes

SERVING UP FOOD NEWS

BY JORDAN BARRY • jbarry@sevendaysvt.com

Tikka House Takes Over for Grazers in Winooski

The restaurant at 24 Main Street in Winooski has gone from burgers to biryani. Grazers’ third location — which moved into TINY THAI’s former spot at the bottom of the rotary in 2021 — closed two months ago, co-owner SAM HANDY confirmed. TIKKA HOUSE, an Indian restaurant owned by two young entrepreneurs, opened there on March 22.

G ONE, 23, and BHA WANA, 21, said their new restaurant will specialize in kati rolls — paratha-wrapped kebabs that are a popular Indian street food — once they find the right bread to complete the dish. Filling options will include chicken tikka, lamb, paneer, potato and chickpea, and mushroom and corn.

The co-owners are Nepali and live in Essex but are originally from Burma, Wana said. She described them as excited to “make dishes we don’t have in Vermont and introduce our kati rolls to the people here.” One said he has previously operated restaurants in Montpelier and New Hampshire, and his aunt drew him to Chittenden County.

“She said this place is very good to do business,” he said.

Tikka House’s menu also includes classic Indian fare such as biryani, a fragrant rice dish; cauliflower Manchurian; chicken 65; dal tadka; lamb korma and goat vindaloo. The restaurant is

currently open every day for lunch and dinner, with dine-in, takeout and online ordering available.

GRAZERS is still operating in Williston and St. Albans, Handy told Seven Days. He said most of the Winooski location’s customers came from Colchester and Milton, and construction from the Main Street Revitalization project caused dine-in sales to drop roughly 50 percent “pretty much right away.”

“We had a really good first three years there,” Handy said. “Winooski is going to be better for it when this project is over, but it was unsustainable for us.” ➆

CONNECT

Clockwise from front: goat curry, chicken korma, chicken biryani and rice at Tikka House

Bha Wana and G One

Pay It Forward

Community-funded meals help restaurants and food businesses feed those in need

BY JORDAN BARRY • jbarry@sevendaysvt.com

During the height of the pandemic, Pingala Café provided 58,000 free meals to food-insecure community members through Vermont Everyone Eats, a food relief and economic development initiative that connected those in need with ready-to-eat restaurant meals.

Everyone Eats ended when federal funding ceased on March 31, 2023. But Pingala co-owners Lisa Bergström and Trevor Sullivan had customers who relied on their free Caesar-ish bowls and Rooster wraps — as many as 100 per day, seven days a week across the vegan café’s two Burlington locations.

“It was pretty black and white for us,” Sullivan said. “The funding was gone, but a lot of these people that were eating the food we were putting out still need to eat. So we just kept feeding them.”

At ﬁrst, the restaurant was footing the bill — to the tune of 600 donated

meals. Margins are tight in the food biz, though, and to make their free-meal program sustainable, Pingala’s owners started a Pay It Forward program. That model — sometimes referred to as “suspended meals” — is one of several ways local restaurants and food businesses are facilitating donations to feed those in need. In a time of rapidly rising food prices, increased cost of living and resulting food insecurity for many Vermonters, direct community action is gaining ground. And businesses are making it easier than ever for those who can a ord it to chip in an extra few dollars — or even just click a button to help.

I HAVE YET TO SEE THE NEED CEASE SINCE COVID.

REN WEINER

Now, Pingala customers can opt to add $10 to their tabs — when ordering

online or in person — to sponsor a future meal for someone else. And they’ve really stepped up, funding 287 meals last year and 125 so far in 2025.

The money goes directly into a separate bank account, Sullivan said, and a corresponding voucher is printed. To receive a free meal, all someone has to do is grab a receipt from the bulletin board and bring it to the register — on the honor system, no questions asked. The vouchers are good for a Caesar-ish wrap or bowl, a Rooster wrap or bowl, or a Berry Bliss smoothie, all valued around the $10 that’s donated.

At 3 Squares Café in Vergennes, customers don’t have to pay to make an impact — they just have to scan a QR code and post a photo.

& rETIrEMENT

“Of anything,” co-owner Scott Collins said. “Their meal, their foot, the wall.”

In February, Collins signed up his restaurant for GiftAMeal, a national for-proﬁt business that operates in 38 states. Collins pays a subscription fee of $70 per month, and GiftAMeal donates 1.2 pounds of groceries to the Vermont Foodbank every time a 3 Squares customer posts.

The free-for-customers process encourages online engagement with the restaurant, Collins said, while simplifying how small, low-margin businesses such as his can give back. 3 Squares team members set a goal of 200 donated meals per month; they hit 194 meals in February and 150 in the ﬁrst three weeks of March.

Collins has committed to two more months of GiftAMeal and plans to continue “as long as it’s working,” he said. Customers can post every time

they come in, and if they share the photo to social media, an extra meal is donated. But if they lose interest, it could hit a point where GiftAMeal gets more money from 3 Squares’ subscription than from donations. In that case, Collins said he’d consider a more hands-on model of adding $1 per check to go to the food bank.

“But it seems more impactful to give people a chance to do it themselves,” he said.

Other food operations have donations baked into their business models.

As it’s grown, Miss Weinerz has settled into an 80-20 split, baker and operator Ren Weiner said, with 20 percent of sales

food+drink

COVID, but it’s harder to say ‘I need help,’ because everyone’s not out of a job,” Weiner said. “So we give without asking.”

Community donations often come in surges when businesses have time to spread the word, both Weiner and Sullivan said — and it’s easy for marketing to get lost in the daily grind of running a small business. But the programs continue, no matter how thoroughly they’re funded.

“It just feels like the right thing to do,” Sullivan said.

Shani Legore, a third-year medical school student originally from Jamaica, has used Pingala’s Pay It Forward program for two years. In the high-stress med school environment, she often finds

donated to mutual aid organizations.

The Burlington microbakery is best known for its sourdough doughnuts. But in 2024, Miss Weinerz donated $18,914.25 worth of breads, applesauce, chicken broth, frozen sweet potato fries and other locally sourced, mostly prepared items to Food Not Cops, the People’s Farmstand, the North End Food Pantry and Old North End Freedge.

On top of that, Miss Weinerz accepts customer “doughnations.” When placing an online order for weekend delivery, shoppers can add to their cart as many of these $5 donations as they want. While it’s not a huge part of the business, which mostly sells wholesale, the added funds support delivery to community members who are homebound or can’t access food shelves due to work schedules or other constraints.

“I have yet to see the need cease since

herself without the bandwidth to make proper meals.

“I’m at school 12-plus hours sometimes,” she said. “It’s so reassuring to be able to run over to Pingala during my quick lunch break and know that, at least I’ll be nourished for the next couple hours.”

The sta knows her order when she calls — a Rooster wrap. The relationship she’s formed with them, and how they’ve created a safe space for people to seek support, she said, “goes way beyond the free meal.”

“I always joke that once I become a doctor, I’m deﬁnitely going to give back,” Legore said. “Literally pay it forward, because someone paid it forward for me.” ➆

and missweinerz.com.

Pingala Café's Rooster Wrap

terminated the two local food-purchasing programs because each “no longer effectuates agency priorities.”

“It was pretty shocking to hear that this wasn’t going to be a priority,” Hutchinson said. “I don’t understand why our kiddos and our local agriculture aren’t a priority.”

The abrupt deletion of an almost $2 million boost to Vermont’s local food system is a prime example of how Washington, D.C.’s cost-saving crusade poses a serious threat to the momentum of Vermont’s vibrant local foods movement. And the future of many federal resources that support Vermont farmers and those working to strengthen local and regional food security feels tenuous at best.

At least a dozen local USDA agricultural service jobs have reportedly been cut, including Natural Resources Conservation Service engineers, who supplied muchneeded technical support. Some environmental grant programs have been effectively ended by nonpayment. The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center, a regional hub that serves farmers and dairy processors from Vermont, experienced a worrisome three-week funding freeze.

As the growing season starts, farmers are reevaluating planting, animal husbandry and staffing plans. Others are sweating over how to squeeze needed infrastructure investments from meager cash reserves. School nutrition managers and nonprofits are scrambling to find replacement funding or ways to stretch tight budgets to keep offering local food.

It all adds up to a stressful time for farmers and others working in the local food system, said Vermont Secretary of Agriculture Anson Tebbetts — and that’s without the looming on-again, off-again shadow of tariffs that could hobble Vermont agriculture.

“There is anxiety. There is disruption,” Tebbetts, 59, said. “Everyone is just trying to navigate it.”

The blows keep coming. On March 25, the national School Nutrition Association confirmed that the USDA’s $5 million in 2025 Patrick Leahy Farm to School grants have been eliminated. That 12-year-old program was renamed in 2023 for the Vermont senator who championed the farm-to-school movement after his state became an early leader. Over the years, it brought home almost

$1.4 million for school gardens, cafeteria veggie taste tests and educator training. Almost as important, it spread Vermont’s local foods gospel nationwide.

It’s not unusual for programs to run their course without renewal after an administration change, Tebbetts said. What’s different this time is that everything seems to be up for review. Even programs with signed agreements, such

Students in the garden at Champlain Elementary School in Burlington

as the USDA local food pair, are being “stopped midstream,” he said.

Last Friday, U.S. Sens. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and 15 Democratic colleagues introduced the Honor Farmer Contracts Act, legislation aimed at releasing withheld funding for all frozen USDA contracts and canceled agreements.

Tebbetts said it’s too early to predict how the new administration will impact Vermont agriculture. “They say they want to be farmer-focused,” he said, choosing his words carefully, “but programs that were discontinued were very farmer-focused, and they were also getting food to places of need.”

One might reasonably ask which kinds of farmers the USDA will prioritize under Trump. A week and a half after cutting $1 billion previously promised to local food programs across the country, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced $10 billion in direct economic assistance to farmers of commodity grains, cotton, legumes and oilseeds.

Advocates for small, sustainable farms, such as the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont, doubt the current USDA is looking out for them.

“It’s not that, like, without the Local Food for Schools program, there will be no food in schools. It’s just Tyson will have 100 percent of the contracts,” NOFA-VT executive director Grace Oedel said, referring to the massive food corporation headquartered in Arkansas. “These meager public benefit programs are a small bulwark against those trends of consolidation.”

THERE IS ANXIETY. THERE IS DISRUPTION. EVERYONE IS JUST TRYING TO NAVIGATE IT.

VERMONT SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE ANSON TEBBETTS

Tebbetts and fellow members of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture are lobbying hard for the USDA to reinstate the local food programs. Boyden Farm’s Hildreth hopes they succeed.

Anticipating the funding jump in 2025, Boyden had planned to double capacity, buy more animals from local farms and staff up. “We were just rocking and rolling,” Hildreth said, adding that the money was a bright spot during a tough time in the beef industry, when cattle prices are record high.

Hildreth admitted that the cancellation surprised him. “It’s small family farms. It’s small business. It’s feeding our kids,” he said. “It checks all the boxes.”

Nour El-Naboulsi, codirector of the People’s Farmstand in Burlington, was also taken aback by the termination of the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program, which funded feeding the underserved through food shelves, pop-up markets and community-supported agriculture shares.

Although 2025 awards had not yet been made, El-Naboulsi, 31, had hoped

to land $10,000 to $15,000, as he had for the past two years, to buy produce such as East African eggplant, Nepali mustard greens and hot peppers from Hyacinthe Ayingeneye of Mama’s Farm in Williston. He and colleagues distributed the food for free last summer to more than 55 largely new American families in two Burlington neighborhoods.

Losing the federal funding was “a big blow,” El-Naboulsi said. He could not risk waiting to see if efforts to reinstate it would succeed. NOFA-VT helped him find funding for this year.

The NOFA-VT team has been working furiously to help fill funding holes, answer an endless stream of worried emails and phone calls from members, and ascertain status of missing grant payments and pending contracts.

Even programs that are not technically terminated have been effectively halted due to payment issues and lack of clear communication. Those include USDA grant and cost-sharing arrangements that help with costly infrastructure projects to improve soil health and water quality.

For example, Oedel of NOFA-VT explained that almost all Vermont farmers with signed contracts for the USDA’s Climate-Smart Farming & Marketing Program would normally be paid through Pasa Sustainable Agriculture, a Pennsylvania nonprofit. But in January, the USDA ceased reimbursing Pasa with no explanation, throwing the program into disarray.

Vegetable distribution by the People’s Farmstand in Burlington

Oedel, 36, fears the writing is on the wall given President Trump’s dismissive stance on climate change. “Newer programs that have things like ‘climate’ in their title are the ones we are bracing for being cut,” she said. Meanwhile, the uncertainty has “a chilling effect on the work,” she said.

Organic dairy farmer and cheesemaker Sebastian von Trapp of von Trapp Farmstead in Waitsfield spent almost three white-knuckle months waiting for a $45,000 reimbursement for the latest phase of work in a multiyear USDA grant, for which he’d previously received prompt payments.

“We just don’t have that extra cash,” said von Trapp, 45. “$45,000 is a big deal for a small business like us.”

The entire contract would run about $200,000 if completed and improve how von Trapp’s herd of 90 cows moves through pastures for optimal grazing, soil health and water management. He said the Vermont NRCS has assured him that payment will go smoothly in the future, and he believes the upgrades are the right thing to do, so he’ll plug away.

“It contributes to good land stewardship, which everyone in our community enjoys,” von Trapp said.

“These grants are absolutely necessary to do proactive projects,” said 44-year-old Barnet sheep farmer Amber Reed, who noted that farming margins are razorthin. In early January, Reed scrambled to complete paperwork for a $22,000 Climate-Smart grant to plant native trees and shrubs for animal shade and better water management on her Maplemont Farm, but she has little hope the funding will come through.

Reed is also a University of Vermont

Extension grazing specialist and consults for almost 150 farms a year. She knows of four farmers who have lost a total of about $200,000 in grants for critical infrastructure to protect land and water, similar to the von Trapp project.

FARMS.

People sometimes ask her, “Why are farmers getting these programs to help their businesses?”

Reed said. She noted that commodity farmers get plenty of subsidies. Vermont farmers not only feed their neighbors, she said, they’re also trying to care for the land.

“One of the reasons people come here from away is it looks like Vermont: There

are farms and animals in fields,” Reed said. “It’s good for the whole economy.”

Like Reed, Ansel Ploog, 39, and her co-farmer at Flywheel Farm in Woodbury were “in a flurry trying to sign things” back in January for about $21,000 worth of ClimateSmart grants. The farmers planned to do flood mitigation, which included planting trees along a stream on their small organic fruit and vegetable operation. To diversify, they also hoped to try cultivating mushrooms in the farm’s woods.

SMALL

In absence of the funding, Ploog said they’ll prioritize mushrooms, since

WEDNESDAY | APRIL16,2025 | 6:00PM-8:00PM

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those will generate income. They’ll do flood mitigation “piecemeal” as they can afford it. “It adds a level of precarity,” she acknowledged.

But what troubles Ploog more deeply than the grant loss is what she believes is a fundamental threat to Vermont’s local food system. A farm is similar to the mushrooms she hopes to grow, she said: “It’s like the fruiting body that you see on the surface, and underneath is this incredible network of workers and customers; publicly funded science and organizations like NOFA-VT; and other farmers, educators and suppliers.”

So many of the connections and nourishment that sustain small farms are under fire, Ploog said. “That’s what really upsets me.” ➆

SPEAKERS

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resources. Session2 exploreshowtoadvocateforyourselfand others,offeringinsightsintoLLSadvocacyeffortsandwaysto helpreducebarrierstotreatment.Leavefeelinginspired, empowered,andreadytonavigateyourjourneywithconfidence. Weencourageyoutoinviteyourcaregiverandfamilymembers. SPEAKERS

Justin Cote and Ansel Ploog innoculating logs with mushroom spores at Flywheel Farm in Woodbury

culture

Heavy Hitters

e VSO Jukebox quartet goes metal with music by Van Halen, Led Zeppelin and Nirvana

BY TRACY BRANNSTROM

Can a string quartet make you headbang? The Vermont Symphony Orchestra’s Jukebox aim to ﬁnd out with their new show, “Heavy Metal Strings.” The hourlong performance will blend the thunderous precision of classical composers such as Felix Mendelssohn with the intensity of rock and metal legends Eddie Van Halen, Nirvana and others.

The series kicks o its six-show run this Friday, April 4, at the Paramount Theatre in Rutland, where the audience will be seated onstage with the quartet to create a more intimate performance. The tour then moves through venues in Brattleboro, White River Junction and Burlington, before drawing to a close at the Bennington Museum.

Roughly half the program consists of popular rock and metal ballads arranged for strings — think Led Zeppelin’s 1971 masterpiece “Stairway to Heaven” and Tool’s 1996 song “Forty Six & 2.” Cellist John Dunlop said the show is about using a string quartet, a form that goes back 250 years or so, to give voice to harmonies and rhythms that modern musicians have played in the past 50 years. “There’s no question that a lot of the great rock and rollers were students of classical music in their youth,” he said.

Translating rock and metal for strings in this year’s show meant “doing a lot of choreography with pedals,” according to composer and VSO artistic adviser Matt LaRocca, who curates and hosts the Jukebox series.

Violinist Brooke Quiggins-Saulnier will run her instrument through several guitar pedals as she plays Eddie Van Halen’s 1976 electric guitar solo “Eruption.” According to LaRocca, “She just shreds on it.” LaRocca had a violin in hand while arranging the piece, which he described as “like a million and a half notes, played in about two minutes of extreme virtuosity.” Any composer would need to think deeply about how strings are designed and played, he said, in order to translate Van Halen’s “über-speciﬁc guitar solo” to violin. “It has to sit perfectly on the players’ ﬁngers.”

Similar considerations inﬂuenced the rest of the program as the quartet, which also includes violinist Joana Genova and

violist Stefanie Taylor, replicates the sounds of percussion and electric guitars. They’ll use their bows to hit the strings sharply with a vertical motion — known as “chopping” — to mimic a snare drum. And they’ll utilize a method called ponticello, essentially playing the bow close to the bridge of the instrument. “You get this great kind of distorted, metallic quality,” Dunlop said.

The cellist, who joined the VSO more than 30 years ago, will be playing Baltimore-based composer Judah Adashi’s “my heart comes undone” — a solo piece that draws on elements from Björk’s song “Unravel,” which itself blends electronic elements with orchestral arrangements. It will be Dunlop’s ﬁrst time performing with a looping pedal. The e ect? According to LaRocca, “this beautiful, ambient dreamscape of a sound.”

Transcribing popular rock and heavy metal is ultimately an interpretation, LaRocca said. “You can’t just try to translate

a piece perfectly and exactly to the quartet. It doesn’t really work like that.”

He pointed to a particular song on the program: “In Bloom,” from Nirvana’s 1991 album, Nevermind. It was arranged by Kyle Saulnier — the spouse of quartet violinist Quiggins-Saulnier. “It starts out nothing like the original piece,” LaRocca said, “but eventually you arrive at a section that’s roaring through with the main melody that [Kurt] Cobain sings. It really takes you on a journey to get there.”

The other half of the program features several heavy, dynamic classical compositions spanning the 19th century to the present, including a movement by the Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich, who spent much of his musical career navigating an increasingly oppressive political climate in the Soviet Union.

“He wrote politically driven, dissent-ful stu ,” LaRocca said. “Some of the heaviesthitting music ever.”

One might expect to hear this kind of music in large arenas and concert halls. Yet a goal of the Jukebox series over the years has been to eliminate the gulf between the ensemble and the audience by performing in smaller, more intimate spaces. That close proximity creates “a back-and-forth that we would otherwise miss in larger venues,” LaRocca said.

He likened the feel of Jukebox to “salon concerts” — intimate, mostly classical musical performances held in private homes, as an alternative to formal concert halls, in 18th- and 19th-century Europe. According to music historians, that cozy form made a resurgence in the 1980s and ’90s, and LaRocca sees it as continuing to gain momentum.

The quartet, now in its ninth year, has played rock songs in past programs, making this year’s show a stronger focus on a familiar genre. The group will also perform a spin-o show for kids and families, called the “Juicebox” series, on Saturday, April 5, at Brattleboro Music Center and Sunday, April 6, at Northern Stage in White River Junction. That program explores emotions using Todd Parr’s children’s book The Feelings Book, while — similar to “Heavy Metal Strings” — featuring a mashup of Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Talking Heads and other, modern musicians.

“On the surface, these genres seem pretty disparate,” LaRocca said. “But the second you start pulling in a little closer and digging a little deeper, they’re really not.”

INFO

Jukebox: “Heavy Metal Strings,” Friday, April 4, 7 p.m., at the Paramount eatre in Rutland; Saturday, April 5, 7 p.m., at Brattleboro Music Center; Sunday, April 6, 2 p.m., at Northern Stage in White River Junction; Friday, April 11, 6 and 8:30 p.m., at ArtsRiot in Burlington; and Saturday, April 12, 2 p.m., at Bennington Museum. $15-35, or pay what you can. vso.org

“Juicebox: A Concert for Kids and Families,” Saturday, April 5, 3 p.m., at Brattleboro Music Center. Free. Sunday, April 6, 11 a.m., at Northern Stage in White River Junction. $5-10. vso.org

SHE JUST SHREDS.

MATT LAROCCA

CLASSICAL MUSIC

VSO Jukebox Quartet

Artist Chris Cleary’s New Project Spreads

‘HOPE’ — and No, He Won’t Burn It

BY KEN PICARD • ken@sevendaysvt.com

The way sculptor Chris Cleary sees it, optimism is a sentiment that’s been in short supply of late. So his newest work aims to spread more of it.

The Jericho Center artist and threetime winner of the Seven Daysies readers’ choice award for best sculptor has been busy on his latest roadside project: “HOPE.” Its four letters stand seven feet tall, 25 feet wide in total and are “larger than life,” he said.

At his On the Rocks studio, Cleary, 48, supports himself as a full-time artist through various projects, including headstones, pet memorials and stone word gardens such as the one he created at Saint Michael’s College in Colchester. But the artist of 24 years is best known for the huge wooden sculptures that he and his wife, Kim, set ablaze each year for solstices and other celebrations.

Inspired by his experience at the Burning Man desert festival in 2009, Cleary builds, then torches, his wooden sculptures — including a leprechaun, a woolly mammoth and, at Burlington’s annual Highlight New Year’s Eve festival, the lake monster Champ — in events that are both performance art and community spectacle.

“My portfolio is basically a pile of ashes and screws,” he said. “But I’ve made a lot of people smile.”

This time, Cleary has other plans for his wooden creation. His “HOPE” sculpture, like his previous projects that read “LOVE,” “JOY” and “BE KIND,” is an effort to illuminate these otherwise dark times. He plans to move the sculpture to a different Vermont location every couple of weeks, erecting it at schools, libraries, museums and other high-traffic areas. Its first stop

Chris Cleary’s “HOPE” sculpture in Jericho Center

is at Taft Corners in Williston, then the Essex Experience.

“I love what Chris does,” said shopping center owner Peter Edelmann, who owns two other sculptures of Cleary’s and plans to install one of his rock gardens at the Essex Resort & Spa, which he also owns. “Bringing hope to Essex is so apropos for today.”

“I haven’t felt this way about a project in a long time,” Cleary said about the oversize letters he builds using narrow strips of wood, known as lath, which turn gray as they age.

Cleary had wanted to have the word on display by the time Vice President JD Vance visited the Mad River Valley for his family ski vacation last month, but he didn’t get it finished in time. No matter. Cleary has since borrowed a couple of vowels from another sign and taken “HOPE” on the road.

While some people may read “HOPE” as a political statement, Cleary said its message is vague enough for people to interpret it however they choose. It could be read as a wish for the future of the nation’s democracy — or a loved one undergoing chemotherapy.

In high school, Cleary said, he dabbled in drugs and needed to check himself into a rehab facility. Given Vermont’s opioid epidemic, he said he would love to post the inspirational word outside a drug treatment center.

“If I saw the word ‘hope’ when I was there, it definitely would have sunk in,” he said.

Because each letter costs $700 to $900 in raw materials, not including labor and transportation, Cleary has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for it. As of press time, he was nearly halfway to his goal of raising $6,000.

“This could be a big thing,” he said. “The project is bigger than politics, bigger than religion, bigger than climate change. It’s a broad message of hope.” ➆

INFO

Learn more at ontherocksvt.com and gofundme.com/f/fund-vermontstraveling-hope-sculpture.

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En Route

ALEX BROWN

The story in A Man of No Importance is small enough to fit one melancholy man, but it’s told in big songs by a big cast. We the People Theatre’s production of the 2002 musical overflows with characters who turn a potentially mawkish tale into a stirring one, flavored with humor and human flaws, all propelled by spirited, wistful music.

Alfie Byrne has an unimportant job as a bus conductor, an unimportant dream as the director of an amateur theatrical group and an unimportant life as an unmarried man living with his sister. Yet all these circumstances are wonderfully important because they provide connections with other people — Alfie is part of a tapestry that needs every stitch, as this musical is gloriously good at proving.

But Alfie searches for invisibility because he can’t acknowledge his attraction to men. It’s 1964 in Dublin, and the moral bedrock is Catholicism and pub displays of masculinity. Alfie has plays and poetry to sustain him — he’s drawn to directing Oscar Wilde for a good deal more than the playwright’s wit, but he can’t admit the implications, even to himself.

The show’s opening number presents Alfie’s typical day, and the staging, music and lyrics cleverly demonstrate that even a humdrum life is filled with the hidden miracle of social ties. Alfie doesn’t see how important he is to those around him, but the umbrellas swirling on a rainy day keep parting to reveal him, and all the people boarding his bus are cheered by his greeting. Director Eric Love puts this solitary figure at the center of all the action, subtly hinting how far outward Alfie actually reaches.

Alfie’s quiet problems transform into soaring music, and the show moves with delightful velocity. Stephen Flaherty’s loping melodies make you yearn to know what happens next. Lyricist Lynn Ahrens is a storytelling powerhouse, building every song as a discovery the singer makes along the way. With clever rhymes and surprises, she resists sentimental generality to land on individual perspective. The musical, with a book by Terrence McNally, is based on a 1994 film of the same name.

If Alfie buries part of himself, he is surrounded by people who love everything he reveals. The St. Imelda Players are an amateur theater group that stages the

1960s costumes remind us that it would be decades before a character like Alfie could see himself in the world.

The ensemble creates a whole city’s buzz and even makes the scene changes glorious ballets of teamwork. They’re amateurs, like the Players they play, but Love’s direction gives their talent the chance to bloom in song and comedy. The 14-person cast is a willing canvas for Love’s attention to ever-changing stage pictures.

Ham Gillett brings a warm voice to Baldy the stage manager; Danae Nafziger Carlson, as Mrs. Patrick, sings a stunning hymn; and Jenn Langhus, with a fine voice, plays Alfie’s sister Lily with pinpoint plaintiveness.

The love of theater that shines in A Man of No Importance is genuine. Yes, some Players are hams eager for the limelight, but these aren’t buffoons who fail to see their limitations. They’re together to collaborate. A hilarious production number presents the group’s horribly bad early versions of props, costumes, posters and choreography. Each interim effort is rejected with the confidence to keep trying: “In a week and a half, it will be art!”

The revitalizing summons in “Love Who You Love” gives Alfie purpose, and the song is elegantly reprised by two other characters facing their own troubles. This production is rollicking fun but places personal searches at its heart. The sweet solution lies in trusting the people all around.

shows Alfie directs in a local church. The endearing performers spring to life when they have a play to put on; their love for the stage is also a love of working together.

Some of the Players ride Alfie’s bus route, where passengers enjoy the conductor’s daily poetry readings. The bus also provides Alfie with casting inspiration. A new customer (the affecting Molly Davis Shimko) has secrets of her own, but Alfie draws her out to play the lead in the next show. And Alfie has his eye on the bus driver, Robbie, to be the leading man. Robbie (Alex Rushton, just roguish enough) will later lead Alfie on an exciting late-night carouse in “Streets of Dublin” that makes the whole audience feel ready to toss back a drink.

Alfie is casting Salome, a questionable choice for a church fellowship hall, but he considers the florid text Wilde’s masterpiece. Inevitable ecclesiastical pushback occurs when a sanctimonious cast member rallies the monsignor against the play’s suggestive subject matter.

Richard Waterhouse plays Alfie as a man who sees the best in others and the worst in himself. He’s riveting, driving right to the character’s earnest struggle. The

Scenic designer Alexander Woodward places a bright gold frame upstage, just in front of the orchestra, with brilliant red curtains and subtle lighting running over its molding. The gold outline borders the life Alfie keeps trying to conceal and sometimes feels like a gate he’s preparing to cross. The motif repeats in a desktop mirror where Alfie takes stock of himself.

Music director Alex Arlotta leads a seven-piece band rich in strings. Choreography by Julie Frew maximizes the company’s abilities. The big production numbers don’t reach extravaganza proportions, but all end with winning tableaux. A long list of backstage creatives hints at the community that We the People has bound together.

Onstage, the St. Imelda Players are infused with a love of theater, the place where you get to be another person. For some, like Alfie, you get to discover the person you are. ➆

INFO

A Man of No Importance, music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, book by Terrence McNally, directed by Eric Love, produced by We the People Theatre. Through April 13: Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m., and Sundays, 3 p.m., at Briggs Opera House in White River Junction. $15-28. wethepeople.com

Alex Rushton driving the bus, Richard Waterhouse in profile as the conductor and bus passengers in A Man of No Importance

on screen

Death of a Unicorn ★★★

Back when I started reviewing ﬁlms, many industry folk seemed to see horror comedies as box o ce poison. The conventional wisdom was that fear and laughter didn’t appeal to the same audiences, so movies such as The Cabin in the Woods and the Fright Night remake (both 2011) didn’t get the push they deserved. Never mind that horror fans adored the wacky Evil Dead series — that was seen as a niche phenomenon.

In 2017, Jordan Peele’s Get Out changed everything by demonstrating that satirical, socially conscious horror could sell a ton of tickets. Last year, Terriﬁer 3 grossed $90 million with a combination of laughs and extreme, unrated gore. The ascendance of horror comedy dovetailed with that of the “meme movie” (Cocaine Bear, M3GAN).

Both those trends bring us Death of a Unicorn. This creature feature from edgy horror distributor A24 asks us to be afraid of a mythical beast more often associated with medieval tapestries, spiritual purity and crystal ﬁgurines than with fear and trembling.

The deal

Widowed attorney Elliot (Paul Rudd) hopes to secure his family’s future by serving as a legal proxy for dying Big Pharma billionaire Odell Leopold (Richard E. Grant). But to seal the deal, Elliot and his sullen teenage daughter, Ridley (Jenna Ortega), must impress the client at a weekend retreat at the Leopold family’s mountain lodge, deep in a nature preserve.

En route, their car collides with, you guessed it, a unicorn. One touch of the creature’s horn gives Ridley a literal case of galaxy brain. She’s horriﬁed when her dad bashes the wounded unicorn’s head in with a tire iron, spattering shimmery mauve blood everywhere.

At the estate, father and daughter discover that the unicorn’s blood has miraculous curative properties, wiping away their allergies and acne. With dollar signs ﬂashing in their eyes, the Leopold family calls in a team of scientists to extract the creature’s essence. Ridley, who’s been googling unicorn lore, warns that exploiting

a magical animal has consequences, but the others dismiss her as a bleeding heart. Too late, the Leopolds and their guests will learn that there are other unicorns out there. Bigger ones. And they’re pissed o .

Will you like it?

Death of a Unicorn has one major thing going for it: the prospect of seeing unicorns attack detestable rich people. While the CGI unicorns are far from awe-inspiring, the actors playing the victims give it their all.

Always wonderfully over the top, Grant basically reprises the self-absorbed patriarch role he played in Saltburn, this time with Téa Leoni as his spacey blond wife. As their smug nepo-baby o spring, who’d rather take drugs than make them, Will Poulter gets some of the best lines. And Anthony Carrigan (three-time Emmy nominee for “Barry”) steals many scenes as the butler who has to put up with these entitled asses.

If you want more from the movie than obvious satirical targets being targeted, however, you’re out of luck. The screenplay by director Alex Scharfman, making his feature debut, hits all the expected tropes without surprising us. Plot points that seem obvious early on are treated as if they were major twists. Long, tiresome scenes

underdrawn characters who are clearly only there to be killed o later.

If we could get invested in the protagonists’ evolving relationship, it would be easier to excuse the movie’s longueurs. But Rudd, so slyly charismatic in the right role, comes across as a superﬁcial yes-man here. Elliot’s excuse for sucking up to the increasingly evil Leopolds (providing for Ridley’s future) is so wafer thin that I kept waiting for his heel turn, yet apparently we’re supposed to find his bad choices understandable. (Does a corporate lawyer have no other options?) On the other end of the scale, Ridley repeats the same “woke teen” talking points over and over. Her moral superiority over the other characters may matter a lot to unicorns — recall that only a “pure maiden” can subdue the beasts — but it doesn’t make her interesting.

Once the unicorns return with a vengeance, the movie transforms from a satire into an action-packed, surprisingly gory monster movie. Some of the kills are creative enough to be fun, but the nighttime action sequences are muddy and chaotic. Aside from one long tracking shot that emphasizes the tireless eagerness of the Leopolds to exploit everything exploitable, the movie has little to distinguish it visually. While the unicorns’ design reﬂects medieval inﬂuence, and one of them has an

amusingly phallic horn, they never seem real or solid enough to be scary.

“Killer unicorns” is a great concept for a horror comedy, but a concept isn’t enough on its own. By the end, my hopes for the movie were as skewered or trampled as much of the cast.

MARGOT HARRISON margot@sevendaysvt.com

IF YOU LIKE THIS, TRY…

KRAMPUS (2015; Max, YouTube Primetime, rentable): Holiday traditions are right up there with unicorns as something that Western culture reveres as wholesome, so there’s a certain subversive kick to this horror comedy about a Christmas demon.

THE CABIN IN THE WOODS (2011; Philo, Prime, rentable): Drew Goddard set the blueprint for the 21st-century horror comedy with this self-aware slasher, which mocked genre tropes while doing interesting world building of its own.

CUCKOO (2024; Disney+, Hulu, rentable): If you’re a fan of humor-tinged horror set in mountain retreats, but you’d prefer something weirder, try Tilman Singer’s stylish movie in which birdsong takes on a new meaning.

showcase

e discovery of a unicorn in the modern world touches off rapacious capitalism in Alex Scharfman’s disappointing satire.

NEW IN THEATERS

EEPHUS: In this comedy drama from Carson Lund, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, an amateur baseball team plays its last game before its field is demolished. Keith William Richards, Bill “Spaceman” Lee and Frederick Wiseman star. (99 min, NR. Catamount)

THE FRIEND: A woman adopts her recently deceased mentor’s Great Dane in this drama adapted from Sigrid Nunez’s novel, starring Bill Murray and Naomi Watts and directed by Scott McGehee and David Siegel. (120 min, R. Majestic, Savoy)

HELL OF A SUMMER: Billy Bryk and Finn Wolfhard directed this self-consciously retro slasher flick set at a summer camp, starring Wolfhard, Fred Hechinger and Abby Quinn. (88 min, R. Essex, Majestic)

A MINECRAFT MOVIE: Jack Black plays an “expert crafter” who gives his assistance to four oddballs trapped in a cubic wonderland in this video game adaptation. With Jason Momoa and Danielle Brooks; Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite) directed. (101 min, PG. Bijou, Capitol, Essex, Majestic, Paramount, Star, Stowe, Welden)

NO OTHER LAND: The winner of the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature chronicles destruction in the occupied West Bank and the alliance of a Palestinian activist and an Israeli journalist. (92 min, NR. Savoy, VTIFF [Thu-Sat only])

CURRENTLY PLAYING

BECOMING LED ZEPPELINHHH1/2 Bernard MacMahon’s documentary tells the story of the rock band through 1970. (121 min, PG-13. Playhouse)

BLACK BAGHHH1/2 Double-dealing threatens the marriage of two secret agents in this espionage thriller starring Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett and directed by Steven Soderbergh. (93 min, R. Capitol, Majestic, Welden; reviewed 3/19)

THE DAY THE EARTH BLEW UP: A LOONEY TUNES

MOVIEHHH1/2 Porky Pig and Daffy Duck battle alien invaders in this animated adventure directed by Peter Browngardt. (91 min, PG. City Cinema)

DEATH OF A UNICORNHH1/2 The discovery that unicorns are real inspires a capitalist to exploit them in this horror comedy from Alex Scharfman, starring Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd. (104 min, R. Bijou, Capitol, Essex, Majestic, Stowe; reviewed 4/2)

DOG MANHHH A half-canine hero pursues a cat supervillain in this animated adaptation of Dav Pilkey’s kids’ books. (89 min, PG. Majestic)

EVERY LITTLE THINGHHH1/2 Sally Aitken’s documentary profiles a wildlife rehabilitator in Hollywood, Calif., who specializes in injured hummingbirds. (93 min, NR. Catamount)

MICKEY 17HHHH In this dark sci-fi comedy from Bong Joon Ho (Parasite), Robert Pattinson plays a clone who dies repeatedly in service to his overlords. With Steven Yeun and Naomi Ackie. (137 min, R. Essex, Majestic; reviewed 3/12)

NOVOCAINEHHH An introvert who can’t feel physical pain (Jack Quaid) sets out to save his crush from kidnappers in this action comedy costarring Amber Midthunder. (110 min, R. Stowe)

THE PENGUIN LESSONSHHH In 1970s Argentina, an English teacher (Steve Coogan) adopts a penguin that transforms his life in this comedydrama from Peter Cattaneo (The Full Monty). (110 min, PG-13. Essex, Savoy)

SIKANDAR: A young man fights corrupt officials for justice in this Hindi action film directed by A.R. Murugadoss and starring Salman Khan. (140 min, NR. Majestic)

SNOW WHITEHH1/2 Marc Webb depicted Disney’s live-action version of its classic “princess movie,” starring Rachel Zegler as the title character and Gal Gadot as the evil queen. (109 min, PG. Bijou, Capitol, City Cinema, Essex, Majestic, Star, Stowe, Welden)

THE WOMAN IN THE YARDHH1/2 A mysteriously appearing figure terrifies a family in this horror film starring Danielle Deadwyler and Okwui Okpokwasili and directed by Jaume Collet-Serra (Carry-On). (88 min, PG-13. Capitol, Essex, Majestic, Welden)

A WORKING MANHHH Jason Statham plays a construction worker dad who pulls out his particular set of skills to fight human traffickers in this action flick from David Ayer (The Beekeeper). (116 min, R. Bijou, City Cinema, Essex, Majestic, Paramount, Star)

OLDER FILMS AND SPECIAL SCREENINGS

AMERICAN GRAFFITI (Welden, Wed 2 only)

THE CHOSEN: LAST SUPPER PART 2 (Essex)

CRAFT AND ROM-COM NIGHT (Savoy, Wed 9 only)

ENCHANTED APRIL (Catamount, Wed 2 only)

SEVEN DAYS IN MAY (Catamount, Wed 9 only)

OPEN THEATERS

(* = 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

*CITY CINEMA: 137 Waterfront Plaza, Newport, 334-2610, citycinemanewport.com

ESSEX CINEMAS & T-REX THEATER: 21 Essex Way, Suite 300, Essex, 879-6543, essexcinemas.com

MAJESTIC 10: 190 Boxwood St., Williston, 878-2010, majestic10.com

MARQUIS THEATER: 65 Main St., Middlebury, 388-4841, middleburymarquis.com. Closed for construction.

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

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

SAVOY THEATER: 26 Main St., Montpelier, 2290598, savoytheater.com

THE SCREENING ROOM @ VTIFF: 60 Lake St., Ste. 1C, Burlington, 660-2600, vtiff.org

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

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

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

We connect you to beneﬁts and services you may be eligible for such as personal care, household help, housing, transportation, mental health services, and legal support.

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I PLAY WITH DARKNESS AND HOPE — I THINK IT IS KIND OF A POETRY.

In an artist talk at BCA Center, Morissette described her style as “childish.” “You bring people closer when you have this aesthetic,” she said. “Because they’re closer to the object, then they can reﬂect on the concept. It’s a way to welcome people in[to] your idea.”

Ornithology of the Apocalypse

Stéphanie Morissette’s hybrid creatures take off at BCA Center

BY ALICE DODGE • adodge@sevendaysvt.com

The New York Times reported last week that, in Ukraine, an inexpensive military drone punched a hole in Chernobyl’s outer steel shell and caused a ﬁre. Engineers aren’t sure how to repair it, given the dangers of working at the site of the 1986 nuclear disaster.

The story is real, but it also suggests the beginning of a sci-ﬁ novel or a radioactive monster movie — or an origin story for the world that Québec artist Stéphanie Morissette has created with “Speculative Future,” her exhibition currently on view at BCA Center in Burlington.

The show presents sculptures of imaginary hybrid bird-drone creatures, all black, featuring propellers in di erent shapes and conﬁgurations. “Bird/Drone” has an X-shaped body and cut paper

feathers curling up from its underside in a reversal of how wings usually work. It stands on delicate metal bird legs with sharp talons. One face of its square, blocky torso is covered in yellow glass eyes.

Nearby, smaller specimens sprout propellers from every direction. One looks like a pom-pom, with feathers and mechanical parts all trying to occupy the same space and no visible head. Another rests on folding legs, its horizontal body spread out like a little four-winged plane, with a single red eye almost covered by paper feathers. Even minimal interventions by the artist, such as adding bird feet, make the drones zoomorphic, recasting existing screw holes or plastic vents as eyes and mouths.

On the walls, Morissette has displayed 36-by-26-inch digital prints of drawings. The ﬁrst of these appears as a page in a giant book, similar in format to John

James Audubon’s Birds of America. A title page identiﬁes these images as belonging to “Birds of Prey.”

Each drawing depicts a di erent kind of drone, often flying over a wrecked, rubble-strewn landscape. Some of these drones have attacked actual birds — eagles, a great blue heron — which lie dead at the base of their landing gear. Many ﬂy in what seem to be swarms or ﬂocks. The images are captioned with collective nouns — “A Descent of Reapers,” “A Banditry of Valkyries,” “A Murder of Drones.”

The drawings reference Audubon’s detailed etchings without resembling them. Instead, they’re cartoony, their inked black outlines filled in with watercolor marker. It’s as though the naturalist’s penchant for encyclopedic avian documentation has manifested itself in that one kid in every fifth-grade class who’s obsessed with drawing fighter jets.

That idea and the research involved in executing it are the foundation of Morissette’s work, more than any single craft or medium. Though she said she doesn’t read much science ﬁction, the exhibition’s loose collection of narrative parts builds a world similar to those of Je VanderMeer’s Annihilation or Margaret Atwood’s Oryx and Crake — landscapes where mutant species have taken o and developed their own spooky, threatening intelligences.

In Morissette’s world, scientists try to perfect a drone-bird, through much trial and error. “There will be many specimens, like impossible birds or impossible drones,” she said at the talk. But after a while, “they escape the lab. They have their own life, and they rule the world, and then, like dinosaurs, at some point there’s an extinction.” Later, astronaut paleontologists ﬁnd remnants of the drone-birds and try to piece together the story, much as the viewer does.

The artist has included a vitrine of “fossils” — ceramic sculptures replicating the drones as they would appear fossilized. The most convincing of these are small shards of clay imprinted with feathers and propellers. Others seem more like halfremembered descriptions of the creatures, made with a similar naïve hand to the drawings.

From another point on the timeline, Morissette presents 3D-printed resin models of bird-drone anatomy. “Future Sentinel Drone” is a cross section made by combining an actual model of a presentday Sentinel drone (available online) with a bone structure based on a manta ray’s. Likewise, “Future Military Blackbird Jet” adds avian bone structures to the model of an aircraft (really called, to Morissette’s delight, Blackbird). Morissette imagined these as educational models, she said, like the plastic skeletons found in biology classrooms.

The artist explained that she also works in virtual reality and installation, where the participants’ movement through space is key. For “Speculative Future,” she said, “I was trying to move in time, going back and forth: Time is not just a horizontal line. Time can be a map with di erent positions, and you can make your own parcours [pathways].”

Futuristic as it is, the work is grounded in current science and warfare. Morissette said she had the wars in Ukraine and Gaza specifically in mind; many of the images of destroyed buildings, rubble and

STÉPHANIE MORISSETTE

“Bird/Drone”

unexploded ordnance in the “Birds of Prey” series are drawn directly from news photos. Those clear allusions create tension between reality and fantasy, serious concerns and dark humor. When people can laugh a little at the gooﬁness of some pieces, Morissette said, the work becomes more accessible — just as artists such as Art Spiegelman have used comics to tackle di cult subjects. She also said it’s important to her to put herself in others’ shoes, whether those of scientists, future archaeologists or the bird-drones themselves. That shift of perspective helps her, as well as viewers, think differently about the issues her work raises.

While many viewers may search for a more direct explanation of what they’re looking at, they should trust Morissette’s impulse not to be didactic. “Speculative Future” presents fragments, suggesting a story while leaving ample room for interpretation and revision — and for other possible futures.

“I play with darkness and hope — I think it is kind of a poetry,” the artist said. “It’s like playing with words, but I’m playing with feathers.” ➆

INFO

“Stéphanie Morissette: Speculative Future,” on view through May 24 at BCA Center in Burlington. burlingtoncityarts.org

From top:

“Future Military Blackbird Jet”; “A Murder of Drones”

EXHIBITION

Oren

Hills’ Historic Photos of Central Vermont Tie Past to Present

BY ALICE DODGE • adodge@sevendaysvt.com

A man with suspenders and patched dungarees squints at the camera, inscrutable. He holds a rope, the tether of an equally enigmatic dapple gray horse, whose bright flank outshines the deep tones of the photograph. One of them may be named “George.”

That’s one of 32 images on view in the exhibition “Oren W. Hills, Photographer” at the Vermont History Museum in Montpelier. Hills was born in the Capital City in 1891, according to the exhibition text, and worked as a professional photographer in many capacities, shooting everything from school yearbooks to crime scenes. In World War I, he served in the U.S. Army as an aerial photographer. When he died in 1975, he left a large trove of his images to the Vermont Historical Society.

As is often the case with such gifts, there isn’t a lot of information to go with them, beyond notes written on the edges of the negatives. Though the historical society did put out a call to anyone who knew the photos’ subjects or locations, director of collections and access Amanda Gustin said, “sometimes trying to ID an old photograph is very needle-in-a-haystack.”

No titles or wall labels accompany the photos on display. They are undated, except for one of a 1907 high school basketball team, but all are from the earliest part of Hills’ career, from around 1911 to the First World War.

Despite that lack of context, the images are beautifully detailed. Because they’re reproduced from original glass-plate negatives — an earlier technology that’s in some ways better than the film that followed it — a viewer can see expressions, textures and nuance more clearly than in a photo from a decade later.

That clarity allows Hills’ subjects to show us who they are, despite the passage of more than a century. A school photo from Cabot

OPENINGS + RECEPTIONS

SIERRA PEMBROKE: Textured art inspired by nature. Espresso Bueno, Barre, April 3-May 9. Free. Info, 479-0896.

ELISE WHITTEMORE AND WILL GEBHARD: “Art on the Barns,” a large-scale outdoor abstract exhibition that explores the connection between art, place and history, inviting visitors to experience contemporary works displayed across this working dairy farm. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, April 4-February 22. Info, 457-2355.

presents rows of children who must’ve been sitting too long — only one of them is smiling. One girl is on the verge of tears, as others cross their arms and glare daggers at the photographer.

Hills’ studio portraits offer glimpses of Montpelier society. “JB Snell” stands casually in front of a pastoral backdrop, hands in his pockets, showing off a splotched white cowhide vest and a luxuriant black fur coat. He’s got a fashionable top hat and a cigar in his teeth; his mustache would be the envy of the 1970s.

Conversely, “Alice Smith” looks extremely out of place in a delicate but ill-fitting lace dress and tight pearl choker. Square-jawed with gray eyes, she resembles anyone you’d run into at today’s Capital City Farmers Market — she just needs to change into a polar fleece.

Other photos document 1910s central Vermont life while provoking questions about it. One image of what appears to be a meeting shows many men, most with extravagant facial hair, surrounding a small table where an important few are writing; one of those figures, smartly clad in a suit and tie, is a woman.

One group portrait shows rows of workers at their jobsite, cut logs in the background. Many have sun hats, and some have aprons; they’re covered in mud, and the first row is mostly barefoot. Unlike with their granitequarrying and sugar-making companions in other photos, it’s hard to know what this company is doing.

The past may be, as L.P. Hartley wrote, a foreign country, but looking at Hills’ pictures makes a viewer deeply aware of small similarities. Displaying the photos in Montpelier, where many were shot, creates a sense of kinship with their subjects. One busy scene shows young and old residents parking horses and wagons outside a clapboard building with a clearly lettered sign: These people are definitely excited to finally have a post office. ➆

INFO

“Oren W. Hills, Photographer,” on view through June at the Vermont History Museum in Montpelier. vermonthistory.org

Clockwise from top: “George”; “JB Snell”; “Alice Smith”; “Cabot School and Children”

GROUP SHOW: Works by 15 local artists on display across the building’s three floors. Reception: Friday, April 4, 4-7 p.m. Hardwick Inn, April 4-May 31. Info, oliveylin1@gmail.com.

‘SHOW 66’: A group exhibition of works by the Front’s 22 artists. Reception: Friday, April 4, 4-8 p.m. The Front, Montpelier, April 4-27. Info, info@thefrontvt. com.

‘OUTSIDE THE BOX ART’: An exhibition of emotional works on pizza boxes made by three anonymous young artists. Reception: Friday, April 4, 4-8 p.m. Woodbelly Pizza, Montpelier, April 4-30. Info, asheacounseling@gmail.com.

NATE ETHIER: “Lanterns,” a solo exhibition of paintings and works on paper featuring geometric

GET YOUR ART SHOW LISTED HERE AND ONLINE! PROMOTING AN ART EXHIBIT? SUBMIT THE INFO AND IMAGES BY THURSDAY AT NOON AT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/POSTEVENT OR ART@SEVENDAYSVT.COM.

abstractions that seem to be lit from within. Reception: Friday, April 4, 4-8 p.m. Hexum Gallery, Montpelier, April 4-May 16. Info, hexumgallery@ gmail.com.

ANNE SARCKA: “Life Reflections — Adventures in Painting.” a retrospective exhibition of the artist’s figurative, landscape and abstract paintings. Reception: Friday, April 4, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Artist remarks at 6 p.m. Vermont Supreme Court Gallery, Montpelier, April 3-June 27. Info, 279-5558.

‘MANCHESTER VOICES’: An exhibition of artwork created by students from Long Trail School. Reception: Friday, April 4, 5-7 p.m. Manchester Community Library, Manchester Center, April 4-May 12. Info, 802-362-2607.

CHRIS PAPA: “Fallin’ Ditch,” an exhibition of sculptures exploring the delicate nature of the human body and psyche. Reception: Friday, April 4, 5-7 p.m. AVA Gallery and Art Center, Lebanon, N.H., April 4-May 10. Info, 603-448-3117.

CYNTHIA ATWOOD AND MARK LORAH: “Visceral Resonance,” a show of fiber sculptures by Atwood and paintings by Lorah; both artists’ work relates to process, shape, texture and color. Reception: Friday, April 4, 5-7 p.m. AVA Gallery and Art Center, Lebanon, N.H., April 4-May 10. Info, 603-448-3117.

HEIDI BRONER: “The Daily,” an exhibition of portraits of ordinary people engaged with daily activities. Reception: Friday, April 4, 5-7 p.m. AVA Gallery and Art Center, Lebanon, N.H., April 4-May 10. Info, 603-448-3117.

‘SHAPE/SHIFT: OBJECTS AND NON-OBJECTIVES’:

An exhibition of non-objective art — a term coined in the 1960s referring to abstract, nonrepresentational forms — by 37 artists from Vermont and New Hampshire. Reception: Friday, April 4, 5-7 p.m. AVA Gallery and Art Center, Lebanon, N.H., through April 26. Info, 603-448-3117.

SHERI HANCOCK: “HOME,” an exhibition of relief prints by the Nova Scotia artist, who managed the print shop for 18 years. Reception: Friday, April 4, 5-7 p.m. Two Rivers Printmaking Studio, White River Junction, through April 30. Info, 295-5901.

GABRIELLE DIETZEL AND HOWARD NORMAN:

“Three-Dimensional Collages & Incidents on a Train,” featuring three-dimensional works by collage artist Dietzel and poems by Norman. Reception: Friday, April 4, 5-7:30 p.m., artist talk at 6 p.m. T.W. Wood Gallery, Montpelier, through May 27. Info, 262-6035.

‘VISUAL VERSE’: A group exhibition exploring the intersection of text and art. Reception: Friday, April 4, 5-7:30 p.m. T.W. Wood Gallery, Montpelier, through May 27. Info, 262-6035.

RYAN MUSSEN AND CHRIS JEFFREY: “Light and Sound,” an immersive colored light installation accompanied by a sound environment created with Tibetan singing bowls, gongs and more. The first hour of each night is a live sound meditation, limited to 15 people; preregister. 54 Main St., Montpelier, Friday, April 4, 5-9 p.m., and Saturday, April 5, 5-9 p.m. Free; meditation session by donation. Info, ryanmussensoundtherapy@gmail.com.

TRES AMIGOS: An exhibition featuring works by Thomas Hacker, Glen Hacker and Emil Gilmutdinov. These three family members present abstract expressionism, scenes of nature and minimalist abstract landscapes. Reception: Friday, April 4, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Vermont State University-Castleton Bank Gallery, Rutland, through May 15. Info, 468-1119.

NATHANIEL HOADLEY: “I don’t want to do this anymore,” a solo show presented by the artist as part of a senior capstone project in the Art and Design program. Reception: Friday, April 4, 6 p.m. McCarthy Art Gallery, Saint Michael’s College, Colchester, through April 4. Info, bcollier@smcvt.edu.

‘IMMORTAL THREADS’: An exhibition of works in fiber by Katrina Sânchez, Susan Maddux, Jai Hart and guest curator Sienna Martz. Reception: Friday, April 4, 6-8 p.m. The Phoenix, Waterbury, April 4-July 4. Info, joseph@thephoenixvt.com.

SUSAN SMEREKA: “Coagulate,” an exhibition of sewn collage and mixed-media works exploring how family dynamics and structures influence who we are. Reception: Friday, April 4, 6-8 p.m. Axel’s Frame Shop & Gallery, Waterbury, through May 10. Info, 244-7801.

ESSEX ART LEAGUE OPEN HOUSE: A one-day exhibition of paintings and drawings in oils, acrylic, pastel, pencil and watercolor by 15 members of the organization in their new second-floor gallery space. Essex Art League, Essex Junction, Saturday, April 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Info, howekit0@gmail.com.

‘FROM STUDIO TO STREETS’: An exhibition about the Vermont Arts Exchange’s 30 years of community engagement projects. Reception: Saturday, April 5, 3-5 p.m. Bennington Museum, through April 27. Info, 447-1571.

‘VIGNETTES OF VEILED LIGHT’: An exhibition, film screening and celebration commemorating the one-year anniversary of the 2024 total solar eclipse. A premiere of “Vignettes of Veiled Light” by local filmmakers Alexandra Rose Morrow and Myles David Jewell takes place at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 5, reception, 4-6 p.m., and screening, 7-9 p.m. Burlington City Hall, April 5-17. Free. Info, bca@burlingtoncityarts. org.

‘EPHEMERAL MEDITATIONS’: An exhibition featuring nature-inspired works by Kurt Budliger, Bruce Hathaway and Allen Aardsma in photography, sculpture and wood carving. Reception: Sunday, April 6, 2-4 p.m. Pierson Library, Shelburne, April 6-June 29. Info, 985-5124.

‘MOMENTS IN TIME: WORKS BY VERMONTERS WITH DEMENTIA”: An exhibition featuring wood carvings, drawings, paintings and quilts by 13 Vermonters, organized by the Vermont chapter of

the Alzheimer’s Association. Reception: Thursday, April 10, 2:30-5 p.m. Vermont Statehouse Cafeteria, Montpelier, through May 1. Info, 279-5558. CLAIRE VAN VLIET: “Sky and Earth,” works in handmade paper and artist’s books made by the influential printmaker and book artist through Janus Press, which she founded in 1955. Reception: Friday, April 11, 4-7 p.m. The Satellite Gallery, Lyndonville, April 2-May 31.

TROUMBLEY: “Fluid,” a solo show presented by the artist as part of a senior capstone project in the Art and Design program. Reception: Friday, April 11, 6 p.m. McCarthy Art Gallery, Saint Michael’s College, Colchester, April 7-11. Info, bcollier@smcvt.edu.

ART EVENTS

ARTIST TALK: ROGER WHITE: “Clocking In: Time and Painting,” a faculty lecture by the visiting assistant professor of studio art, who discusses his series of “Calendar Paintings,” his research into different world calendar systems and what the future means in an age of climate crisis. Franklin Environmental Center at Hillcrest, Middlebury College, Wednesday, April 2, 4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 443-6433.

ESSEX ART LEAGUE MONTHLY MEETING: Artist presentations, art making and camaraderie. Essex Art League, Essex Junction, Thursday, April 3, 9-11 a.m. Free for two meetings, then $25 annually. Info, 318-5220, howekit0@gmail.com.

LIFE DRAWING AND PAINTING: A drop-in event for artists working with the figure from a live model. T.W. Wood Gallery, Montpelier, Thursday, April 3, 7-9 p.m. Free; $10 suggested donation. Info, 262-6035.

NEW ACQUISITION UNVEILING: Curator Phil Robertson introduces viewers to two newly acquired works by Thomas Waterman Wood. T.W. Wood Gallery, Montpelier, Friday, April 4, 6:30 p.m. Info, 262-6035.

SOCIAL SUNDAY: An opportunity for children and caregivers to stop in and complete a 15- to 30-minute activity during the two-hour workshop. Milton Artists’ Guild Art Center & Gallery, Sunday, April 6, 1-3 p.m. Free. Info, 891-2014.

PORTRAIT DRAWING AND PAINTING: A drop-in event where artists can practice skills in any medium. T.W. Wood Gallery, Montpelier, Monday, April 7, 10 a.m.-noon. Free; $10 suggested donation. Info, 262-6035.

WINTER WATERCOLORS WITH PAULINE NOLTE: Weekly workshops for painters of all abilities; no experience necessary. Register via email. Waterbury Public Library, Tuesday, April 8, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Info, judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com. ➆

16t-7disfree-block.indd 2

nightlife

S UNDbites

News and views on the local music + nightlife scene

BY CHRIS FARNSWORTH

Comedy Catharsis: Carmen Lagala Laughs at the Dark

Few things are more deﬂating than cracking a joke that doesn’t get a laugh. It’s not only bad material that can land a comedian in that unenviable situation but also the climate in which the quip is told. Let’s just say today’s scary headlines and potential constitutional crises aren’t exactly an invitation to laugh.

Leaning into the darkness — and ﬁnding the light — can be quite a challenge for a comedian. Just ask Vermont expat CARMEN LAGALA

“You can tell when you’ve lost a room after going too dark,” Lagala, 39, said in a video call from Connecticut, where she had traveled for a weekend show. “Things get real quiet, and people start looking nervously at each other because you brought up Palestine. And, you know, I don’t want to bum people out — I’m there to make them laugh — but I’m honestly not physically able to shy away from the trickier topics.

“I gravitate towards the dark stu because I want to destigmatize it,” she concluded.

Destigmatizing the dark stu is a theme that runs through Lagala’s almost 15-year standup career. For her, laughing through pain isn’t just a method for dealing with trauma — it’s essential to letting people know they’re not alone. In fact, there’s a focus on mental health in the set she’ll perform during a pair of homecoming shows at Vermont Comedy Club in Burlington on Friday and Saturday, April 11 and 12.

Lagala started out performing in the Burlington area after she graduated from the University of Vermont and ran the city’s ﬁrst comedy club, Levity, during its short life in the early 2010s. She moved to New York City in 2014 and made her television debut in 2018 with an appearance on “The Late Show With STEPHEN COLBERT.”

Lagala has earned a reputation as a comic who revels in the uncomfortable. Take her most recent special, “Sweet Batch,” which debuted on YouTube last year. In it, she tells the story of her mother asking if she’s “getting enough D,” in relation to her sex life as a pansexual person.

“If you don’t know what pansexual is, that’s when you live in Brooklyn for 10 years and just want to ﬁt in,” Lagala jokes in the special.

Opening up about her mental health challenges is another way for Lagala to turn something historically taboo into a point of connection.

“I’m on Zoloft now,” she said in the video call. “Which makes it really funny to look back at my old Seven Days interviews — like, I need to redeem myself; I swear I’m not that unhappy. TINA FRIML will have a quote like, ‘Everything is great. Comedy is wonderful,’” Lagala added, referring to her fellow Vermont comedy expat, “and then I show up with ‘I am the darkness!’”

Lagala said she likes doing crowd work when

she gets into the topic of mental health, ri ng on everything from medication to picking at her cuticles. “I was shocked how many people in the audience were like, ‘Me, too!’ when I talked about it,” she told Seven Days. “I’m weird, sure. But so are you. And that’s ﬁne!”

The way Lagala sees it, as soon as someone can laugh at their fear of being stigmatized, it begins to disappear. She compares it to thinking there’s a monster in the room when it’s just a pile of dirty laundry: It’s scary until you turn on a light.

“The overall aim of the set is to get people to just talk about this stu ,” she said. “You don’t have to solve anything for anyone. You just need to let them know that they’re not alone ... And yes, you can, and should, laugh about it all.”

Lagala will have to deal with her own anxieties as she returns to Burlington to perform. While it’s not rare for her to come back — she performed in Barre last December — there’s a good chance of spotting old friends, family members and random acquaintances in the audience.

“It’s always weird to see your childhood dentist pop up at a show,” she quipped. “All I know is, I better sell out some of these hometown shows, or I’ll just quit. That’ll be it. Or maybe burn the whole city to the ground. One of those. Maybe both!”

I think she’s blu ng, but let’s not test her. Pop over to vermontcomedyclub.com to grab some tickets. ➆

Carmen Lagala

On the Beat

Singer-songwriter and ace guitarist SETH YACOVONE drops his new album on Friday, April 4.

SYBlings VOL 1 is the eighth fulllength record from the Morrisville musician and his band — and the ﬁrst since 2018’s Welcome. While Yacovone spent much of those seven years between albums writing songs with bassist ALEX BUDNEY and drummer STEVE HADEKA, compiling 160 tunes to choose from, the band spent just a few days cutting tracks at the Box, ROUGH FRANCIS and IGGY POP drummer URIAN HACKNEY’s Burlington studio. Famed local engineer LANE GIBSON mastered the album as one of the ﬁnal projects at his Charlotte studio.

The new songs show Yacovone’s evolution, both as a songwriter and as a guitarist. “I’ve always liked vintage, classic-sounding recordings,” he said. “Warmth, a touch of realism to the proceedings ... That hasn’t changed, but I’m more willing to add layers and build the songs up a touch in the studio.”

Fans of the band won’t have to wait another seven years for the next album: SYBlings VOL 2 is scheduled for a late 2025 release.

The band recorded 22 songs during the SYBlings sessions, but rather than release a double album, Yacovone decided to split the album into two installments.

“The songs are a unit, with both albums coming from the same space and time — siblings, if you will,” Yacovone said. “Considering the seeming disintegration of the modern attention span, where swallowing 16 new songs at once can be a lot, we thought it would be better to release the albums separately.”

The ﬁrst single, “Sorry Son You’re Wrong Again,” dropped in February, a blast of funk-infused Southern rock with a huge chorus. To celebrate SYBlings VOL 1, the Seth Yacovone Band perform on Friday, April 4, at the Double E Lounge in Essex.

GRACE POTTER has announced the May 30 release of a new album, Medicine, on Hollywood Records. The album’s ﬁrst single, moody blues rocker “Before

the Sky Falls,” dropped with the announcement.

Potter recorded the album way back in 2008 with producer and BOB DYLAN guitarist T BONE BURNETT, but she didn’t release it at the time.

“This record brought me to a new understanding of the diversity of musicality I have within me,” Potter wrote in a press release for the record. “Maybe it was just so far behind its time or so ahead of its time that I needed to step away from it for a while ... I’m so happy to ﬁnally give it the platform I know it deserves.”

Listening In

(Spotify mix of local jams)

1. “IN THE GOLD COIN SALOON” by Jack o’ the Clock

2. “BLEU” by Michael Chorney and Freeway Clyde

3. “RIBAUD 20 (#5)” by Famous Letter Writer

4. “AMBROSIA FIRE” by Page McConnell and Trey Anastasio

5. “LOVE MAKES IT HARD (TO MAKE YOU BLUE)” by Ponyhustle

6. “LOVING TAKES TIME” by conswank, Oddie Strangeluv, ARIEH 7. “COME DOWN” by Jesse Taylor Band

Seth Yacovone Band

music+nightlife

KELTNER (TRAVELING WILBURYS) and guitarist

MARC RIBOT (TOM WAITS), which help distinguish it from Potter’s more rootsrock-leaning material of the same era. For more info, visit gracepotter.com.

The album features contributions from top session musicians such as drummer JIM

Two new singles from Vermont artists are out this week. First up is rapper RIVAN, who dropped the track “I GOT THAT” over the weekend. A frenetic banger blending elements of jungle and breakbeat, it reﬂects rivan’s eclectic approach to hip-hop. Find it on streaming sites and rivanrules.com.

Green Mountain bluegrass outﬁt

are gearing up for the Friday, April 4, release of “Jackson County Line,” which they recorded with producer JER COONS MADAILA) at his Jer&Co. studio in Jericho. Featuring harmonies from ALL NIGHT

BOOGIE BAND vocalist JESS LEONE, the tune is a breezy piece of traditional bluegrass, complete with a keening ﬁddle and chiming mandolin. After the song debuts on streaming sites, Forest Station will celebrate with a pair of shows — opening for the TENDERBELLIES on Saturday, April 19, at the Higher Ground Showcase Lounge in South Burlington and headlining their own show on Saturday, May 17, at ArtsRiot in Burlington. ➆

Eye on the Scene

Last week’s live music highlights from photographer Luke Awtry

PUNK ROCK FLEA MARKET, MERCHANTS HALL, RUTLAND, SATURDAY, MARCH 29: For the fourth year in a row, NICK GRANDCHAMP — guitarist of DEAD STREET DREAMERS and the unofficial mayor of all things hip in Rutland — hosted his Punk Rock Flea Market. At vendor tables, Vermont punk rockers sold everything from shirts and vinyl to instruments and art. Among them was ROUGH FRANCIS guitarist JULIAN HACKNEY and his Young at Heart ginger beer, photographer T.L. COOK, guitarist/vocalist DOMINIQUE DARKO of the grindcore band AUGRAH, and designer JON TESTA with his Mean Folk brand of sassy wearables and stickers. A DJ team of Selector David and Unhappy Hour, aka DAVID ZACHARIS and BOBBY HACKNEY JR., kept the room rocking. I left with a pretty good deal on a broken guitar pedal and an amplifier from Grandchamp’s personal stash — and also a gigantic hug and a sincere “ ank you for coming” from the man himself, two things I consider priceless. It was a good day for punks at the flea market.

CLUB DATES

live music

WED.2

Adirondack Jazz Orchestra (jazz)

at Olive Ridley’s, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 7 p.m. Free.

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

Clive (jam) at Nectar’s, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free.

ﬂipturn, Arcy Drive (indie rock) at Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington, 7:30 p.m. SOLD OUT.

Irish Night with RambleTree (Celtic) at Two Brothers Tavern, Middlebury, 7 p.m. Free.

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

Jazz Sessions (jazz) at the 126, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free.

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

Wet-Aid 5 (beneﬁt) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 6:30 p.m. $10/$15.

THU.3

Abby Jenne and the Bald Eagle Death Spiral (rock) at Charlie-O’s World Famous, Montpelier, 8 p.m. Free.

Brook Jordan (singer-songwriter) at Nectar’s, Burlington, 8:30 p.m. $10.

Cozy (soul, rock) at Bent Nails Bistro, Montpelier, 8 p.m. Free.

Jazz with Alex Stewart and Friends (jazz) at the 126, Burlington, 8:30 p.m. Free.

e Soda Plant Bluegrass Jam (bluegrass) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

Vermont Jazz Trio (jazz) at Hugo’s, Montpelier, 7:30 p.m. Free.

Zach Nugent Dead Set (Grateful Dead tribute) at ArtsRiot, Burlington, 8 p.m. $12.

FRI.4

Ali T and Shy Husky with Nick Granelle (indie pop, rock) at the Underground, Randolph, 7:30 p.m. $14.

Back in Black (AC/DC tribute) at Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington, 8 p.m. $20/$25.

e Buck Hollers (Americana) at Two Heroes Brewery Public House, South Hero, 6:30 p.m. Free.

Bugcatcher, Sheepskin, Blueberry Betty (indie) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 8:30 p.m. $10.

Chedder (funk) at Charlie-O’s World Famous, Montpelier, 8 p.m. Free.

Colin McCaffrey & Friends (jazz) at Hugo’s, Montpelier, 7:30 p.m. Free.

WED.2 // WET-AID 5 [BENEFIT]

at sevendaysvt.com/music. If you’re a talent

All the News That’s Fit to Rock

The University of Vermont’s alternative student newsmag, the Watertower, isn’t your average college rag. Launched in 2007, the student-run weekly paper features a mix of humor, current events and irreverent takes on all sorts of topics, including recent dueling op-eds titled “Dolphins Rule” and, in response, “Dolphins Suck.” With music, horoscopes and underground comic strips as well, the Watertower serves as a window into UVM’s smirking, snarky side. But like every other paper, it needs to pay the bills. Hence WET-AID 5, a fundraiser with a host of musical talent straight from the UVM scene, including COWS ON THE MOON (pictured), SNOWDAY, NEATO, MATT MCGOTTY and plenty more. It takes place on Wednesday, April 2, at Radio Bean and its sister venue, Light Club Lamp Shop, in Burlington.

Dueling Pianos with Joshua Glass & Andriana Chobot (indie, folk, pop) at Shelburne Vineyard, 6 p.m. Free.

Halyard (funk, rock) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 7 p.m. $10.

e Hokum Brothers (Americana) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 8 p.m. $10. Jerborn (acoustic) at 1st Republic Brewing, Essex, 6 p.m. Free.

KRAMBAM (indie rock) at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington, 7 p.m. $10.

Liquid A (covers) at Pickle Barrel Nightclub, Killington, 8 p.m. $10.

Mean Waltons (bluegrass) at Poultney Pub, 6 p.m. Free.

Mike Ricciarelli (acoustic) at Whammy Bar, Calais, 7 p.m. Free.

Molly Grace, Claire Ernst (pop) at Nectar’s, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $15.

Otter Creek, Bull & Prairie (bluegrass) at Monkey House, Winooski, 8 p.m. $10.

Paul Webb (piano) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.

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

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

Red Heron (rock) at Bent Nails Bistro, Montpelier, 9 p.m. Free.

Rockdog (classic rock tribute) at Zenbarn, Waterbury Center, 8 p.m. $10.

Rose Asteroid (rock) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 11:30 p.m. $10/$15.

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

Satan’s Dogs (Phish tribute) at Afterthoughts, Waitsﬁeld, 7 p.m. Free.

Seth Yacovone Band (blues, rock) at the Double E Lounge at Essex Experience, 8 p.m. $12.

Shane McGrath (acoustic) at Gusto’s, Barre, 6 p.m. Free.

She Was Right (covers) at On Tap Bar & Grill, Essex Junction, 5 p.m. Free.

Sibling Reverie (rock) at the Old Post, South Burlington, 8 p.m. Free.

Small Talk (funk) at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington, 9:30 p.m. $10/$15.

Soul Porpoise, the Dave Keller Band (soul, R&B) at ArtsRiot, Burlington, 8:30 p.m. $15/$17.

Strange Synth Night (synth) at Standing Stone Wines, Winooski, 7 p.m. $10.

e Shaelyn Band (blues, funk) at Retro Live, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 7 p.m. $20.

SAT.5

e Beerworth Sisters (folk) at Shelburne Vineyard, 6 p.m. Free. Bywater Call, Rigometrics (soul, rock) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 7 p.m. $18/$23.

Copilot, Jake Swamp & the Pine, Jesse Taylor (rock) at ArtsRiot, Burlington, 7 p.m. $16.95/$21.95.

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

e Dog Catchers (blues, rock) at 14th Star Brewing, St. Albans, 6 p.m. Free.

EDW (jam, rock) at Gusto’s, Barre, 9 p.m. Free.

Erin Cassels-Brown, Good Baby (singer-songwriter) at Monkey House, Winooski, 8 p.m. $10.

Executive Disorder, Model 97 (rock) at Monopole, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 10 p.m. Free.

Jacob Jolliff Band, Papi Biondo (folk, bluegrass) at Zenbarn, Waterbury Center, 7 p.m. $25/$30.

JATOBA, the Romans (bluegrass, rock) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 9:30 p.m. $12/$15.

Live Music Saturdays (live music series) at Dumb Luck Pub & Grill, Hinesburg, 7 p.m. Free.

Los Songoros (Latin) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 8 p.m. $10. Louisa Stancioff, LACES, Silver Tree (indie) at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington, 8 p.m. $15.

Martin Decato (singersongwriter) at the Den at Harry’s Hardware, Cabot, 7 p.m. Free. McMaple (covers) at 1st Republic Brewing, Essex, 6 p.m. Free.

Michael Chorney & Freeway Clyde (jazz) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $10/$15. Paul Webb (piano) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free. Pulsiﬁer, Ryan James and the Cryin’ Shames (rock) at CharlieO’s World Famous, Montpelier, 6:30 p.m. Free.

Shiny New Toyz, Reign Havok, Sabre Hound (metal) at the Depot, St. Albans, 8 p.m. $10. Sophistafunk, Wasted Talent (hip-hop, funk) at Nectar’s, Burlington, 8 p.m. $12. Tournesol (jazz) at Two Heroes Brewery Public House, South Hero, 6:30 p.m. Free.

Unruly Allies at Vermont Cider Lab, Essex, 6-8:30 p.m. Free. VT Bluegrass Pioneers (bluegrass) at Whammy Bar, Calais, 7 p.m. Free.

SUN.6

12/OC, Annie Brobst (country) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 7 p.m. $20/$25. Joe Agnello (acoustic) at Foam Brewers, Burlington, 1 p.m. Free. Sunday Brunch Tunes (singersongwriter) at Hotel Vermont, Burlington, 10 a.m. TURNmusic Presents: Benjamin Kulp (classical) at the Phoenix, Waterbury, 4 p.m. $10-$40.

TUE.8

Bluegrass Jam (bluegrass) at Poultney Pub, 7 p.m. Free. Grateful Tuesdays (Grateful Dead tribute) at Nectar’s, Burlington, 8 p.m. $10.

Honky Tonk Tuesday with Wild Leek River (country) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 9 p.m. $10. Kathleen Edwards (Americana) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 7 p.m. $30/$35. Noah B. Harley, A Box of Stars (singer-songwriter) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 7 p.m. $10.

Sammy B (singer-songwriter) at Lawson’s Finest Liquids, Waitsﬁeld, 5 p.m. Free.

WED.9

Babe Report, Prewn, Greaseface, the Leatherbound Books (indie rock) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 8 p.m. $10/$15.

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

music+nightlife

live music

WED.9 CONTINUED FROM P.51

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

Jazz Sessions (jazz) at the 126, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free. mssv, Swale (indie rock, experimental) at Monkey House, Winooski, 8 p.m. $18/$20. Nershi Hann Trio (folk) at Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington, 6 p.m. $25/$30.

Nick Granelle (singer-songwriter) at Two Heroes Brewery Public House, South Hero, 6 p.m. Free. The Steepwater Band (rock) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 7 p.m. $18/$20.

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

djs

THU.3

DJ Chaston (DJ) at Red Square Blue Room, Burlington, 10 p.m. Free.

DJ JP Black (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington, 8 p.m. Free.

DJ Two Sev (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington, 11 p.m. Free.

Vinyl Night with Ken (DJ) at Poultney Pub, 6 p.m. Free.

FRI.4

Blanchface (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

Dierkes (DJ) at Red Square Blue Room, Burlington, 11 p.m. Free.

DJ CRE8 (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.

DJ Eric LaFountaine (DJ) at Gusto’s, Barre, 9 p.m. Free.

DJ Taka (DJ) at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington, 11 p.m. $10/$15. Mason (DJ) at Red Square Blue Room, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free.

Ron Stoppable (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington, 10 p.m. Free.

Klub Kush with Kate Kush (DJ) at Light Club Lamp Shop, Burlington, 11 p.m. $10.

Matt Payne (DJ) at Red Square Blue Room, Burlington, 10 p.m. Free.

Molly Mood (DJ) at Red Square Blue Room, Burlington, 8 p.m. Free.

Mr Cheng (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free.

SUN.6

Mi Yard Reggae Night with DJ Big Dog (reggae, dancehall) at Nectar’s, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free.

open mics & jams

WED.2

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

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

The Ribbit Review Open Mic & Jam (open mic) at Lily’s Pad, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

THU.3

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

FRI.4

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

SUN.6

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

MON.7

Bluegrass Etc. Jam (bluegrass jam) at Ottauquechee Yacht Club, Woodstock, 6:30 p.m. Free. Open Mic (open mic) at Despacito, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

WED.9

SAT.5

Bass Music Night (DJ) at Bent Nails Bistro, Montpelier, 9 p.m. $5.

CRWD CTRL (DJ) at Foam Brewers, Burlington, 8 p.m. Free.

DJ Ara$ (DJ) at Red Square, Burlington, 10 p.m. Free.

DJ KDT (DJ) at the Lounge at Nectar’s, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free.

THU.3

Challenge Wheel (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free. Comedy Night (comedy) at Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling, Essex, 6:30 p.m. Free. Group Therapy (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 8:30 p.m. Free. Live, Laugh, Lava: A Comedy Showcase (comedy) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

FRI.4

Comedy Open Mic (comedy open mic) at the Den at Harry’s Hardware, Cabot, 8 p.m. Free. Emily Catalano (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 7 & 9 p.m. $25.

SAT.5

Emily Catalano (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 7 & 9 p.m. $25.

SUN.6

Slices and Smiles Comedy Open Mic (comedy open mic) at Zachary’s Pizza, Milton, 5:30 p.m. Free.

TUE.8

Open Mic Comedy with Levi Silverstein (comedy open mic) at the 126, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

WED.9

ALOK (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 7 & 9 p.m. SOLD OUT.

trivia, karaoke, etc.

WED.2

Karaoke Friday Night (karaoke) at Park Place Tavern & Grill, Essex Junction, 8 p.m. Free. Trivia (trivia) at Alfie’s Wild Ride, Stowe, 7 p.m. Free.

Irish Trad Jam (Celtic) at ArtsRiot, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free. Open Mic (open mic) at Monopole, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 10 p.m. Free.

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

comedy

WED.2

DJ Raul (DJ) at Red Square Blue Room, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free. HAVEN (DJ) at MothershipVT, Burlington, 10 p.m. Free.

Chicken Sketch-Atore (comedy) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 7 p.m. $10. Standup Open Mic (comedy open mic) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 8:30 p.m. Free.

Trivia Night (trivia) at Two Heroes Brewery Public House, South Hero, 6 p.m. Free. Trivia Night (trivia) at Dumb Luck Pub and Grill Winooski, 7 p.m. Free.

THU.3

Karaoke Friday Night (karaoke) at Park Place Tavern & Grill, Essex Junction, 8 p.m. Free. Karaoke with Matt Mero (karaoke) at Olive Ridley’s, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 8 p.m. Free. Radio Bean Karaoke (karaoke) at Radio Bean, Burlington, 9 p.m. Free.

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

Canadamericana

When KATHLEEN EDWARDS debuted in 2002 with the album Failer, the term “Americana” as a musical descriptor was still its infancy. But the genre certainly caught up with the Ottawa native by the time she released Voyageur in 2012. That record, whose sound exists at the intersection of country, folk and good ol’fashioned roots rock, earned the singer-songwriter rave reviews and a spot in the top 10 on the Billboard Folk Albums chart. Despite that success, Edwards quit the music business for eight years and opened a coffee shop in Ontario. She returned with 2020’s Total Freedom, an album featuring a recharged Edwards, as well as several hit songs, including “Hard on Everyone.” She’s set to perform on Tuesday, April 8, at the Higher Ground Showcase Lounge in South Burlington.

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

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

FRI.4

First Friday with Emoji Nightmare (drag, DJ) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington, 8 p.m. $10/$20.

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

Karaoke with DJ Big T (karaoke) at McKee’s Original, Winooski, 9 p.m. Free.

SUN.6

Karaoke with DJ Coco Entertainment (karaoke) at Old Soul Design Shop, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 5 p.m. Free.

Sunday Funday (games) at 1st Republic Brewing, Essex, noon. Free.

Venetian Karaoke (karaoke) at Venetian Cocktail & Soda Lounge, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

MON.7

Trivia Monday (trivia) at Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling, Essex, 6 p.m. Free.

Trivia Monday with Top Hat Entertainment (trivia) at McKee’s Original, Winooski, 7 p.m. Free.

Trivia Night (trivia) at Barr Hill, Montpelier, 5:30 p.m. Free.

Trivia with Brain (trivia) at Charlie-O’s World Famous, Montpelier, 8 p.m. Free.

Trivia with Craig Mitchell (trivia) at Monkey House, Winooski, 7 p.m. Free.

TUE.8

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

“New Girl” Trivia (trivia) at Switchback Brewing’s Beer Garden & Tap House, Burlington, 5 p.m. Free.

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

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

Tuesday Trivia (trivia) at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

WED.9

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

Trivia Night (trivia) at Dumb Luck Pub and Grill Winooski, 7 p.m. Free. ➆

TUE.8// KATHLEEN EDWARDS [AMERICANA]

mssv, On and On

(BIG EGO RECORDS, DIGITAL, VINYL)

Experimental rock trio mssv classify their sound as “post-genre.” The bicoastal band — split between Gainesville, Fla., and Los Angeles — is hardly the ﬁrst act to use the term, which can function as a sort of antilabel for music that cuts across genres and cultures. But mssv just might be the ﬁrst band to weaponize the concept.

Mssv’s disdain for genre constraints manifests across the eight tracks of their new album, On and On, like jump scares in a horror ﬁlm. Bassist Mike Watt (MINUTEMEN, the Stooges), drummer Stephen Hodges (Tom Waits, Mavis Staples), and experimental jazz guitarist and songwriter Mike Baggetta work like mad scientists, giving life to a collection of sonic monsters that lull listeners into a false sense of calm before striking. But like the best horror, On and On is about more than gnarly creations. It’s a record that asks a lot of questions — about music, love and the cyclical nature of life. The title track opens the album. The most accessible song on the record, it’s a pretty standard slice of indie

Klovis Gaynor & the Urinal Cakes, SAVE ME 4 THE SPANK BANK

(SELF-RELEASED, DIGITAL)

Don’t be fooled by the cheeky title. Anyone expecting a playful, sexually titillating romp as they listen to Klovis Gaynor & the Urinal Cakes’ debut record, SAVE ME 4 THE SPANK BANK, needs to curb their expectations. Nothing can prepare the world for the depths of depravity to which this New York City experimental quartet sinks. It makes San Francisco’s Folsom Street Fair go, “Whoa.”

rock, with a Pavement-like groove and a ﬁery guitar solo from Baggetta. “Time takes over like it never ends / I want to leave it where it is but still be friends,” Baggetta sings, establishing a theme of inﬁnity that underpins the LP.

Just when one might start to suspect that mssv have made a typical, jagged indie-rock record, they launch into the psychedelic free-jazz freak-out of “Super Dumb.” Watt and Hodges’ near-telepathic relationship is on full display. Watt’s wire-taut bass lines weave around Hodges’ anti-beat as Baggetta opens up his wahwah pedal to unleash a wave of frenzied distortion.

“On Its Face” continues to pull away from any familiar shore, as the band takes a groove like broken glass, full of chiming harmonics and lush cymbal

SPANK BANK is actually a demonic, directionless 48-minute tirade Gaynor vomits up while standing between two mirrors, gazing at himself as he inﬁnitely regresses. The album is truly masturbatory, a self-indulgent wank that serves no purpose other than to shock.

Ostensibly centering queer struggles and sexuality, SAVE ME 4 THE

Partially recorded and produced at Burlington’s Future Fields and Big Lake studios, as well as at Brooklyn’s Secret Beach Studio, the album trudges through shit, bile, cum, spit and blood, all of which burst forth or leak out at one point or another in this overlong, graphic depiction of the artist’s stomach-turning sex life. Nothing is o -limits as Gaynor deﬁles himself and desecrates his listeners’ ears. What is the point of asking “Am I the only horny vers in this town?” on “HORNED UP HAZY BABY”? Boi, it’s

work, and rides. Watt’s insistent, architectural lines are not unlike Roger Waters’ ominous bass line on Pink Floyd’s “Careful With That Axe, Eugene.” Baggetta’s spoken-word lyrics further add to the dreamlike quality.

On and On is mssv’s third record since forming in 2019 and the ﬁrst to so prominently feature Baggetta’s vocals. He wrote the music following a marathon 58show tour in 2023, centering its themes on the “endless journey through the temporal and seemingly ﬂeeting nature of society, personality, music, and life and death on Earth,” as noted in the album’s press release.

True Gen X elder statesmen, mssv made a point to reward listeners who choose vinyl. The limited-edition LP features six additional tracks that aren’t available digitally, improvised instrumental parts that serve as interstitials and weave the entire album into one continuous piece. (There was a real missed opportunity to call it the “Voltron” edition, but hey, no one asked me.)

Both editions of the album succeed in presenting a true fusion of post-punk, rock, jazz, experimental and ambient sounds, welded by a trio of masters into a record of controlled chaos and unconventional beauty.

Ever the road dogs, mssv swing through the Monkey House in Winooski on Wednesday, April 9, for a show with local support from indie rockers Swale. On and On is available at mssv.bandcamp.com and major streaming services.

New York. There are literally thousands of dudes who’ll take it or give it within a ﬁve-mile radius. And why is Gaynor clumsily noting, “Cum inside / Lie out loud / & leave my guts rearranged on the couch” on “KLOVIS YOU ARE THE MOST SPECIAL”? For most of the record, Gaynor chokes out porn- and Grindr-addled sour nothings.

Musically, however, the album occasionally coheres into something accessible. Gaynor’s neoclassical piano explorations compellingly abut the full band’s hardcore eruptions, ﬂitting back and forth within and between tracks. But the instrumentation feels completely divorced from Gaynor’s singing, which transparently rips o Jamie Stewart’s a ecting, breathy lilt circa queer-rock elder statesmen Xiu Xiu’s 2004 album Fabulous Muscles. Ditto Gaynor’s songwriting.

There is nothing inherently wrong with graphic sexuality or tough, traumainformed themes in music. But when

Peaches raps about boners on Impeach My Bush’s “Tent in Your Pants,” she’s having a blast and in total control as clever wordplay tumbles out of her lipsticksmeared mouth. When Tori Amos sings a cappella of her experience being raped in the devastatingly beautiful “Me and a Gun” on Little Earthquakes, the result is meditative and emotionally resonant.

The problem with SAVE ME 4 THE SPANK BANK is not that it’s explicit; it’s that it’s completely artless. And it turns sex — speciﬁcally, gay sex — into something revolting. It lies splayed out on a soiled mattress, devoid of joy and beauty. It’s as if Gaynor sold his soul to the devil for a bottle of poppers, a cheap pleather harness and a douche autographed by Charli XCX.

Save yourself from the spank bank. SAVE ME 4 THE SPANK BANK is available at theurinalcakes666. bandcamp.com and on major streaming services.

JORDAN ADAMS

CHRIS FARNSWORTH

1 NominatE APRIL 9-28 Write in your favorites.

2 designate MAY 27-JUNE 10 Pick the best from top ﬁnalists.

3 CELEBRATE JULY 30

See who won in Seven Days!

Starting Wednesday, April 9, help us celebrate the best in Vermont by nominating your favorite businesses, people and places at sevendaysvt.com/daysies-vote.

Learn about promotion options on the ballot and beyond and get an ofﬁcial campaign kit at sevendaysvt.com/daysies-info.

New! Vermont Community Foundation will award $10,000 to this year’s “Best Nonproﬁt.” Tell your supporters to nominate you!

calendar

APRIL 2-9, 2025

WED.2 activism

DISABLED ACCESS & ADVOCACY OF THE RUTLAND AREA MONTHLY

ZOOM MEETING: Community members gather online to advocate for accessibility and other disability-rights measures. 11:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 779-9021.

business

CHOOSING A RETIREMENT PLAN FOR YOUR BUSINESS: Financial adviser Mary Capparuccini sheds light on the varied retirement plans that employers can offer their staff. Hosted by Women Business Owners Network. 8:30-10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 503-0219.

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

VERMONT

WOMENPRENEURS BIZ

BUZZ ZOOM: A monthly virtual networking meetup provides a space for female business owners to connect. 10-11 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 870-0903‬.

community

FAIR HOUSING MONTH: Inperson and online workshops, neighborhood discussions, virtual panels, and art activities raise awareness about housing discrimination in Vermont and the positive role that inclusive, affordable housing plays in thriving communities. Various locations statewide, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Info, fhp@cvoeo.org.

crafts

FIBER NIGHT: Knitters, crocheters and weavers make progress on projects while chatting in front of the fireplace. KelloggHubbard Library, Montpelier, 5:30-7 p.m. Free. Info, 223-3338.

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

CHAMP MASTERS

TOASTMASTERS CLUB: Those looking to strengthen their speaking and leadership skills gain new tools. Virtual option available. Dealer. com, Burlington, 6-7:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, champmasterstm@gmail.com.

PUBLIC PHILOSOPHY WEEK:

An annual series of talks, discussions, interviews, screenings

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

LIST YOUR UPCOMING EVENT HERE FOR FREE!

All submissions must be received by Thursday at noon for consideration in the following Wednesday’s newspaper. Find our convenient form and guidelines at sevendaysvt.com/postevent

Listings are written by Rebecca Driscoll and Madison Storm; spotlights are written by Angela Simpson 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.

music

THU.3

and readings invites reflection on life’s most meaningful questions. See publicphilosophyweek.org for full schedule. Various Vermont locations. Free. Info, publicphilosophyweek@ gmail.com.

film

See what’s playing at local theaters in the on screen section.

‘ENCHANTED APRIL’: Cinephiles attend a screening of Mike Newell’s period drama centering on four women in the 1920s who rent a secluded villa in Italy. Catamount Arts Center, St. Johnsbury, 6 p.m. Free. Info, 748-2600.

food & drink

COMMUNITY COOKING: Neighbors join up with the nonprofit’s staff and volunteers to make a yummy meal for distribution. Pathways Vermont, Burlington, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 777-8691.

games

CHESS TIME: Neighbors partake in the ancient game of strategy. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 5-6 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

health & fitness

CHAIR YOGA: Waterbury Public Library instructor

Diana Whitney leads at-home participants in gentle stretches supported by seats. 10 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

language

SPANISH

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

FIND MORE LOCAL EVENTS IN THIS ISSUE AND ONLINE: art

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

film

See what’s playing in the On Screen section. music + nightlife

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

= ONLINE EVENT

= GET TICKETS ON SEVENDAYSTICKETS.COM

RAMBLETREE: Come along for the craic! Local musicians Daniel Brown and Reagh Greenleaf Jr. play a dynamic mix of homegrown material, world music and Celtic folk tunes. Two Brothers Tavern, Middlebury, 7-9 p.m. Free. Info, 779-4114.

ST. J BLUEGRASS JAM: Players and fans get together for some old-time picking and fiddling. St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church of St. Johnsbury, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free; donations accepted. Info, 748-2600.

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.

talks

SPRING SPEAKER SERIES:

BRITTON ROGERS: The Yestermorrow executive director discusses design considerations for maintaining a historic home’s character while also incorporating modern renewable-energy systems. Yestermorrow Design/ Build School, Waitsfield, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. Info, 496-5545.

theater

‘PRIMARY TRUST’: Vermont Stage mounts University of Vermont alumna Eboni Booth’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play about new beginnings. Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $34-54 sliding scale. Info, 862-1497.

‘WAITRESS’: A playful score by Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles lends boundless joy to this Broadway smash hit about making big changes. Barrette Center for the Arts, White River Junction, 7:30 p.m. $5-94. Info, 296-7000.

words

FARMERS NIGHT: THE LAUREATES

THREE: Acclaimed New England poets Bianca Stone, Jennifer Militello and Julia Bouwsma share their works to kick off PoemCity 2025. House Chamber, Vermont Statehouse, Montpelier, 7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 262-2626.

WRITERS FOR RECOVERY

WORKSHOP: Local author Gary Miller and documentarian Bess O’Brien lead people with substance-use disorders in pen-to-paper techniques that can help with finding connection and easing emotional pain. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 748-8291.

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP WITH DAVID MILLS: In “Manhattan Slavery and Your Song,” the New York City poet and actor guides wordsmiths through experimental prompts that invite meditation on a little-known history. Manchester Community Library, Manchester Center, 11 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 362-2607.

business

GROW YOUR BUSINESS:

Shelburne BNI hosts a weekly meeting for local professionals to exchange referrals and build meaningful connections. Connect Church, Shelburne, 8:30-10 a.m. Free. Info, 377-3422.

community

FAIR HOUSING MONTH: See WED.2, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

crafts

COMMUNI-TEA CRAFTING: Fiber fanatics work on their projects while enjoying a free cuppa and conversation with fellow crafters. Green Mountain Natural Foods, Newport, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Free. Info, 334-1966.

KNIT FOR YOUR NEIGHBOR: All ages and abilities knit or crochet hats and scarves for the South Burlington Food Shelf. Materials provided. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 2-5 p.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.

KNITTING GROUP: Knitters of all experience levels get together to spin yarns. Latham Library, Thetford, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 785-4361.

WOODWORKING LAB: Visionaries create a project or learn a new skill with the help of mentors and access to tools and equipment in the makerspace. Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center, Middlebury, 5-8 p.m. $7.50. Info, 382-1012.

dance

FACULTY DANCE CONCERT: An evening of movement and creativity features a dynamic mix of new and original works. Mahaney Arts Center, Middlebury College, 7:30-9 p.m. $5-15. Info, 443-2808.

QUAHOG DANCE THEATRE: Community members try out everything from ballet to Pilates in this group dedicated to movement and expression. Catamount Arts Center, St. Johnsbury, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 748-2600. etc.

NIGHT OWL CLUB: Astronomers and space exploration experts discuss the latest in extraterrestrial news with curious attendees. Presented by Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium. 7 p.m. Free. Info, 748-2372.

PUBLIC PHILOSOPHY WEEK: See WED.2.

film

See what’s playing at local theaters in the on screen section.

‘ANIMAL KINGDOM 3D’: Audience members are guided through an exploration of stunning animal worlds, from frozen snowy forests to the darkest depths of the ocean. Dealer.com 3D Theater, ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 11 a.m., 1 & 3 p.m. $3-5 plus regular admission, $16.50-20; admission free for members and kids 2 and under. Info, 864-1848.

‘ANTARCTICA 3D’: Never-beforeseen footage brings audience members to the farthest reaches

of the coldest, driest, windiest continent on Earth. Dealer.com 3D Theater, ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 11:30 a.m., 1:30 & 3:30 p.m. $3-5 plus regular admission, $16.50-20; admission free for members and kids 2 and under. Info, 864-1848.

‘SPACE: THE NEW FRONTIER 3D’: Viewers witness history in the making — from launching rockets without fuel to building the Lunar Gateway — in this 2024 documentary narrated by Chris Pine. Dealer.com 3D Theater, ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 10:30 a.m., 12:30, 2:30 & 4:30 p.m. $3-5 plus regular admission, $16.50-20; admission free for members and kids 2 and under. Info, 864-1848.

‘T. REX: GREATEST OF ALL TYRANTS 3D’: Incredible CGI and revelations in tyrannosaur paleontology help to chronicle a remarkable discovery in the badlands of Hell Creek. Dealer.com 3D Theater, ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, noon, 2 & 4 p.m. $3-5 plus regular admission, $16.50-20; admission free for members and kids 2 and under. Info, 864-1848.

TRAIL RUNNING FILM FESTIVAL: ActiveVT hosts an evening of short screenings that explore many diverse elements of the outdoor recreational activity. Film House, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 6:30 p.m. $20. Info, 523-2330.

games

DUPLICATE BRIDGE GAMES: Snacks and coffee fuel bouts of a classic card game. Burlington Bridge Club, Williston, 12:30-4 p.m. $6. Info, 872-5722.

WEEKLY CHESS FOR FUN: Players of all ability levels face off and learn new strategies. United Community Church, St. Johnsbury, 5:30-9 p.m. Free; donations accepted. Info, lafferty1949@gmail.com.

language

ITALIAN CONVERSATION GROUP: Semi-fluent speakers practice their skills during a conversazione with others. Best for those who can speak at least basic sentences. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, noon-1 p.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.

MANDARIN CONVERSATION

CIRCLE: Volunteers from Vermont Chinese School help students learn or improve their fluency. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 11 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 846-4140.

lgbtq

EMPOWERING SKILLS FOR ALL RELATIONSHIPS: Pride Center of Vermont hosts a virtual support group for LGBTQ+ folks to explore relationship dynamics in a trauma-sensitive safe space. 6:30-8 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 863-0003. POP-UP HAPPY HOUR: Locals connect over drinks at a speakeasy-style bar, hosted by OUT in the 802. Lincolns, Burlington, 5:30-7 p.m. Free. Info, 860-7812.

music

ALEDA BLISS: New songs emerge in real time as the artist and musician immerses the audience in a three-part series, The Growing Season. BALE Community Space, South Royalton, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 498-8438.

THE DISSIPATED EIGHT: Originally a barbershop octet, the acclaimed vocal ensemble blends traditional and contemporary a cappella styles for a unique listening experience. Town Hall Theater, Middlebury, 7:30-9 p.m. $5-15. Info, 382-9222.

UNIVERSITY JAZZ ENSEMBLE: Brian McCarthy directs a bright spring concert featuring works by timeless treasures and modern masters, including Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie and Geoff Keezer. University of Vermont Recital Hall, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 656-3040.

talks

CASHAUNA HILL: The Redress Movement executive director kicks off Fair Housing Month with an illuminating presentation on the history of housing discrimination in the U.S., then shares tools for getting involved at local and state levels. Fletcher Room, Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 6 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 862-2771.

FEDERAL TRANSITION FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES: The Vermont Community Leadership Network hosts a webinar about how actions of the new presidential administration will impact services throughout the state. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 223-6091.

SPRING SPEAKER SERIES: WILL NYE: A sailing instructor

FAMI

recounts epic and action-packed adventures in “Sailing the Everglades Challenge.” Virtual option available. Community Sailing Center, Burlington, 5:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 864-2499.

‘WHAT’S NEXT: FROM STORMWATER BOND TO GREEN & BLUE COMMUNITY

SOLUTIONS’: Ecotourism educator Megan Epler Wood moderates a panel discussion on pertinent public works topics, ranging from infrastructure projects to the role of the Barge Canal. A Q&A follows. Public Works Department, Burlington, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, vtdesign@sover.net.

tech

SCIENCE PUB: Can machines think? Middlebury College mathematics professor Mike Olinick considers the arguments, from the time of Alan Turing to the modern day. The Mountain Top Inn & Resort, Chittenden, 4 p.m. Free; cash bar; optional dinner. Info, mlmolnar3@gmail.com.

theater

‘HARVEY’: The St. Johnsbury Players present Mary Chase’s comedy about a man with an invisible friend who resembles an anthropomorphic rabbit. St. Johnsbury School, -5, 7 p.m. $810. Info, 748-2600.

‘THE OBLIGATION TO LIVE’: Drama devotees take in traveling troupe Bread & Puppet Theater’s latest work, featuring iconic papier-mâché figures and relevant political commentary. Greenwall Auditorium, North Bennington, 7:30 p.m. $20; free for students. Info, breadandpuppet reservations@gmail.com.

‘PRIMARY TRUST’: See WED.2.

LY FU N

Check out these family-friendly events for parents, caregivers and kids of all ages.

Plan ahead at sevendaysvt.com/family-fun

• Post your event at sevendaysvt.com/postevent.

WED.2

burlington

STEAM SPACE: Kiddos in grades K to 5 explore science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics with fun and engaging activities. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.

TODDLER TIME: Librarians bring out books, rhymes and songs specially selected for young ones 12 to 24 months. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.

chittenden county

BABYTIME: Infants and their caregivers gather for a gentle story session with songs, rhymes and lap play. South

STARTS APR. 4 | FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Out of the Vox

Festival de la Voix returns to venues in Montréal’s West Island to celebrate the human voice in all its strength, beauty and variety. In three weeks of concerts, workshops and seminars, all-female quartet Musaïque invites audience members to join in on beloved Canadian and Québécois songs; Indigenous Atikamekw singer-songwriter Ivan BoivinFlamand pours his heart into his own captivating folk tunes; and flutist Carolyn Christie discusses the psychology of performance anxiety among artists of all stripes. From opera singers to storytellers to an a cappella octet, the annual fête amplifies voices across ages and cultures in a glorious gala of sound.

FESTIVAL DE LA VOIX

Friday, April 4, through Sunday, April 27, at various Québec locations. Various prices. Info, 514-758-3641. festivaldelavoix.com

Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.

GAME ON!: Kids take turns collaborating with or competing against friends using Nintendo Switch on the big screen. Caregivers must be present to supervise children below fifth grade. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 5-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.

PLAY TIME: Little ones ages birth to 5 build with blocks and read together. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

PLAYGROUP & STORY TIME: Caregivers and kids through age 5 listen to stories, sing songs and share toys with new friends. Richmond Free Library, 10 a.m.noon. Free. Info, 434-3036.

barre/montpelier

FAMILY CHESS CLUB: Players of all ages and abilities test their skills with instructor Robert and peers. KelloggHubbard Library, 2nd Floor, Children’s Library, Montpelier, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 223-3338.

mad river valley/ waterbury

‘KEEPING ADOLESCENTS SAFE ON THE INTERNET’: Parents, teachers and caregivers attend a talk hosted by Hannah’s House and Prevent Child Abuse Vermont

aimed at protecting kids from technological risks. Waitsfield United Church of Christ & Village Meeting House, 9-11 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 496-9715.

TEEN HANGOUT: Middle and high schoolers make friends at a no-pressure meetup. Waterbury Public Library, 3-6 p.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

TEEN QUEER READS: LGBTQIA+ and allied youths get together each month to read and discuss ideas around gender, sexuality and identity. Waterbury Public Library, 6-7 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 244-7036.

THU.3 burlington

BABY & ME CLASS: Parents and their infants ages birth to 1 explore massage, lullabies and gentle movements while discussing the struggles and joys of parenthood. Greater Burlington YMCA, 9:45-10:45 a.m. $10; free for members. Info, 862-9622.

BABY TIME: Pre-walking little ones experience a story time catered to their infant interests. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.

GROW PRESCHOOL YOGA: Colleen from Grow Prenatal and Family Yoga leads kids ages 2 to 5 in songs, movement

‘SOUTH PACIFIC’: It’s sure to be some enchanted evening when a stellar cast of performers stages the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical about love and racial prejudice during World War II. Monument Arts & Cultural Center, Bennington, 7-9 p.m. $30-40. Info, 318-4444.

‘SWITCH’: Audience members take in themes of death, love and loss with four short plays about the gut-wrenching and absurd ways people grapple with the inevitable. Off Center for the Dramatic Arts, Burlington, 7:30-9 p.m. $10-30 sliding scale. Info, 503-7408.

‘THE VIRTUOUS FALL OF THE GIRLS FROM OUR LADY OF SORROWS’: Middlebury College Theatre gets meta with Gina Femia’s stage play about a Catholic girls’ school where students tackle an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure. Wright Memorial Theatre, Middlebury College, 7:30 p.m. $5-15. Info, 443-6433.

‘WAITRESS’: See WED.2, 2 & 7:30 p.m.

words

ART & WRITING SHARE GROUP FOR JEWS OF ALL STRIPES: Secular, spiritual or religious, all adult Jewish artists, writers and creators are invited to a monthly virtual meetup, presented by Jewish Communities of Vermont. 7-8:30 p.m. Free; preregister for Zoom link. Info, alison@jcvt.org.

DAVID MILLS: The New York City actor and wordsmith pays tribute to Harlem Renaissance writer Langston Hughes in a dramatic interpretation of five decades of his notable work. Manchester Community Library, Manchester

THU.3 » P.58

and other fun activities. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.

chittenden county

MUSIC & MOVEMENT WITH MISS EMMA: Little ones and their caregivers use song and dance to explore the changing seasons and celebrate everyday joys. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.

PRESCHOOL MUSIC WITH LINDA BASSICK: The singer and storyteller extraordinaire guides wee ones ages birth to 5 in indoor music and movement.

Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

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

STORY TIME: Little ones ages birth to 5 learn from songs, crafts and picture books. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

barre/montpelier

‘WE WILL ROCK YOU’: Talented teens give audience members a rockin’ good time with a supersonic stage play featuring Queen’s greatest hits. Spaulding High School, Barre, 7 p.m. $5-10. Info, 476-4811.

POKÉMON CLUB: I choose you, Pikachu! Elementary and teenage fans of the franchise — and beginners, too — trade cards and play games. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 223-3338.

STORY TIME: Kids and their caregivers meet for stories, songs and bubbles. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 223-3338.

stowe/smuggs

WEE ONES PLAYTIME: Caregivers bring kiddos under 4 to a new sensory learning experience each week. Morristown Centennial Library, Morrisville, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 888-3853.

mad river valley/ waterbury

BUSY BEES PLAYGROUP: Blocks, toys, books and songs engage little ones 24 months and younger. Waterbury Public Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

northeast kingdom

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

Ivan Boivin-Flamand

Center, 1-2:30 p.m. Free. Info, 362-2607.

JASMIN BIHLER: An author reads from her book Wisdom of a ousand Full Moons, a wellness guide that weaves together ancient wisdom with contemporary knowledge. e Norwich Bookstore, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 649-1114.

FRI.4

activism

LET’S TALK RACE: BUILDING BRIDGES THROUGH

CONVERSATION: Central Vermont activist network Showing Up for Racial Justice and facilitators

Shalini Suryanarayana and Kathy Johnson host a two-part series designed to expand attendees’ mutual understanding, empathy and communication. Jaquith Public Library, Marshﬁeld, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

community

FAIR HOUSING MONTH: See WED.2.

conferences

CLIF COMMUNITY LITERACY

CONFERENCE: Award-winning Vermont author and educator

Kenneth M. Cadow keynotes a bookish gathering focused on the “Joy of Literacy & Literature.” Lake Morey Resort, Fairlee, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. $65. Info, 244-0944.

crafts

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

PEACEBIRD FOLDING: Community members fashion paper doves and cranes with artists Mona Shiber and JuPong Lin to “honor every life ﬂown too soon” in Palestine. Junction Arts & Media, White River Junction, 5-7 p.m. Free. Info, 295-6688.

dance

BOSTON DANCE THEATRE: In Pinnacle Works, the dance company performs electrifying pieces by international choreographers at the peak of their careers — think Itzik Galili, Marco Goecke and Alessandro Sousa Pereira. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, Stowe Mountain Resort, 7 p.m. $25-55. Info, 760-4634. etc.

NATURAL SELECTIONS

FUNDRAISER: Guests take in an evening of the arts featuring poetry by Angela Patten, short essays by ﬁeld naturalist Bryan Pfeiffer, and music by D. Davis and Ruth Einstein to beneﬁt the center. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 7-9 p.m. $15-30 suggested donation. Info, 229-6206.

PUBLIC PHILOSOPHY WEEK: See WED.2.

See what’s playing at local theaters in the on screen section.

‘ANIMAL KINGDOM 3D’: See THU.3.

‘ANTARCTICA 3D’: See THU.3.

‘NO OTHER LAND’: is Academy Award-winning 2024 documentary ﬁlmed by a Palestinian Israeli collective showcases the destruction of the occupied West Bank’s Masafer Yatta by Israeli soldiers.

e Screening Room @ VTIFF, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 7 p.m. $6-12. Info, 660-2600.

‘SPACE: THE NEW FRONTIER 3D’: See THU.3.

‘T. REX: GREATEST OF ALL TYRANTS 3D’: See THU.3.

food & drink

SPRING PASTA FARMER’S TABLE

DINNER: Foodies celebrate bounty from Slow Food-certiﬁed Trencher’s Farmhouse with a feast of artisan pasta and sauces. Adventure Dinner Clubhouse, Colchester, 6-9 p.m. $85. Info, sas@adventuredinner.com.

SUGAR ON SNOW: Foodies delight in the traditional Vermont delicacy featuring hot maple syrup, crushed ice, a genuine raised doughnut and ... pickles!

Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks, Montpelier, noon-4 p.m. $8.95. Info, 223-2740.

games

DUPLICATE BRIDGE GAMES: See THU.3, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

MAH-JONGG: Tile traders of all experience levels gather for a game. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 1-3 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

health & ﬁtness

GUIDED MEDITATION

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

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION: Community members gather for an informal session combining stimulating discussion, sharing and sitting in silence. Pathways Vermont, Burlington, 1:15-2:15 p.m. Free. Info, 777-8691. PEOPLE WITH ARTHRITIS CAN EXERCISE: Folks get their bodies moving with a low-impact program that keeps joints ﬂexible and muscles strong. Waterbury Public Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 241-4840. language

ENGLISH CONVERSATION

CIRCLE: Locals learning English as a second language gather in the Digital Lab to build vocabulary and make friends. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 11 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 846-4140.

Let There Be No Light

talks

It’s been a year since Vermonters — and 160,000 out-of-staters — came together and looked up to witness the total solar eclipse. To commemorate the day, Burlington hosts “Vignettes of Veiled Light,” a multidisciplinary community celebration at city hall that begins with a reception and exhibit of crowdsourced videos, photos and paintings. e main event includes video vignettes of the big day compiled by local ﬁlmmakers Alexandra Rose Morrow and Myles David Jewell, live music from the likes of Tom Pearo and Bob Wagner, community storytellers, and interactive projections. You’ll be transported back to that once-in-a-lifetime event, beyond a shadow of a doubt.

‘VIGNETTES

OF VEILED LIGHT’

Saturday, April 5, reception and exhibit, 4-6 p.m.; main event, 7-9 p.m., at Burlington City Hall. Free. Info, 865-7166. burlingtoncityarts.org

lgbtq

RPG NIGHT: Members of the LGBTQ community get together weekly for role-playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons and Everway. Rainbow Bridge Community Center, Barre, 5:308:30 p.m. Free. Info, 622-0692.

music

BEAUSOLEIL: Listeners enjoy an evening of Cajun music and soulful vocals as the band is joined by renowned artist Richard ompson. Barre Opera House, 7:30 p.m. $48-68. Info, 603-448-0400.

‘IMPASSIONED IMPROVISATIONS’: As part of Montpelier Art Walk, organist, pianist and visual artist Arthur Zorn bands together with percussionists Jordan Mensah and Samuel Mama Marquaye for a free-ﬂowing concert and art exhibition. Christ Episcopal Church, Montpelier, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 522-7649.

JUKEBOX: e Vermont Symphony Orchestra quartet goes electric for “Heavy Metal Strings,” a thrilling program of Van Halen and Led Zeppelin

hits, plus classical works with a rock edge. Paramount eatre, Rutland, 7 p.m. $15-35. Info, 864-5741.

LANE SERIES: ILYA YAKUSHEV: e gifted pianist curates a compelling classical program that includes George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue paired with projected photography. University of Vermont Recital Hall, Burlington, 7:30-9:30 p.m. $7.50-38.50. Info, 656-4455.

THE OWL STARS: A Vermont duo performs original folk songs blending themes of love, relationships, social justice issues and current events. Vermont Cider Lab, Essex, 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 876-7702.

SEAN ROWE: “He can just crush granite with that voice,” NPR says of this powerful American singer-songwriter, who commands audience attention in the Hayloft. Artistree Community Arts Center, South Pomfret, 7 p.m. $25. Info, 457-3500.

STEVEN OSBORNE: One of Britain’s most treasured pianists dives into diverse classical pieces composed by the likes of Claude Debussy, Robert Schumann and Marion Bauer. Robison Concert

Hall, Mahaney Arts Center, Middlebury College, 7:30-9:30 p.m. $5-25. Info, 443-6433.

‘TRAILBLAZING WOMEN OF COUNTRY MUSIC’: Rissi Palmer, Kristina Train and an all-female band present an empowered program drawing inspiration from Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton. Fuller Hall, St. Johnsbury Academy, 7 p.m. $1554. Info, 748-2600.

VERMONT AFTER DARK: COLD CHOCOLATE: e power duo heats things up with its genre-bending blend of folk, funk and bluegrass. Woodstock Town Hall eater, 7:30 p.m. $20. Info, 457-3981.

québec

FESTIVAL DE LA VOIX: e human voice gets its time in the spotlight at four weekends packed with astounding concerts, workshops and seminars. See festivaldelavoix.com for full schedule. See calendar spotlight. Various Québec locations. Various prices; preregister. Info, 514-758-3641.

CALVIN CUTLER: Go under the golden dome: Education & Enrichment for Everyone hosts the WCAX-TV political reporter as he gives an update on the Vermont legislature. Faith United Methodist Church, South Burlington, 2-3 p.m. $8 cash or check; free for members. Info, 343-5177.

tech

MORNING TECH HELP: Experts answer questions about phones, laptops, e-readers and other devices in one-on-one sessions. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 846-4140.

FOMO?

Find even more local events in this newspaper and online: art

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

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

FAMI LY FU N

FRI.4

chittenden county

HOMESCHOOL SOCIAL: Families meet for a morning of socializing, exploring, and learning about the library’s catalog and resources. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.

LEGO BUILDERS: Mini makers explore and create new worlds with stackable blocks. Recommended for ages 6 and up. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.

MUSIC TIME: Little patrons ages birth to 5 sing and dance with legendary local musician Linda Bassick. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

SPRING ONE ACTS: Thespians of all ages delight in an annual weekend of student-directed works, including The Importance of Being Earnest Hurry Up and Wait! and Game Night (Humans Only, Please). Champlain Valley Union High School, Hinesburg, 7 p.m. $7-10. Info, cvutheatredirector@cvsdvt.org.

TEEN ADVISORY GROUP: Grades 6 through 12 meet to prepare for the first Brownell Library Renaissance Faire and finalize their upcoming Roblox Rivals tournament. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

barre/montpelier

LEGO CLUB: Budding builders create geometric structures with snap-together blocks. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 223-3338.

STORY TIME & PLAYGROUP: Participants ages 5 and under enjoy themed science, art and nature activities. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

‘WE WILL ROCK YOU’: See THU.3. upper valley

LITTLE FARM HANDS: Children ages birth to 4 explore farm life in a way that’s

just their size at this touch-friendly exhibit that sparks curiosity and builds confidence. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free with regular admission, $12-19; admission free for members and kids 2 and under. Info, 457-2355.

OPENING DAY: Visitors usher in the museum’s 43rd season with a farm animal meet-and-greet, engaging programs, playful exhibits and outdoor contemporary art. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $12-19; admission free for members and kids 2 and under. Info, 457-2355.

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

northeast kingdom

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: Youngsters and their caregivers delight in beautiful books, silly songs, creative crafts and unplugged play in the library’s cozy children’s room. Craftsbury Public Library, Craftsbury Common, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 586-9683.

SAT.5

burlington

LEGO TIME: Mini makers ages 4 to 11 design and build original, colorful creations. Fletcher Free Library New North End Branch, Burlington, 11 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 863-3403.

chittenden county

READ AND PLAY: Little ones ages birth to 5 build with blocks and read together. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 1010:45 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

SPRING ONE ACTS: See FRI.4.

barre/montpelier

‘WE WILL ROCK YOU’: See THU.3, 1:30 & 7 p.m.

mad river valley/ waterbury

SATURDAY STORY TIME: Stories and songs help young children develop social and literacy skills. Waterbury Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036. UVM STRING QUARTET: Kiddos gather for a morning of captivating music and

a reading of Playing at the Border: A Story of Yo-Yo Ma by Joanna Ho. Inklings Children’s Books, Waitsfield, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 496-7280.

middlebury area

VINS VISITS WITH FOSTERED BIRDS

OF PREY: Vermont Institute of Natural Science’s traveling raptor program perches at the arts center for a morning of first-hand encounters with live falcons, hawks and owls. Mahaney Arts Center, Middlebury College, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Info, mary.collins@vermont.gov.

upper valley

LITTLE FARM HANDS: See FRI.4.

brattleboro/okemo valley

‘JUICEBOX: A CONCERT FOR KIDS & FAMILIES’: Vermont Symphony Orchestra’s Jukebox string quartet offers an intro to classical music with an interactive program about how feelings and songs go together. Ages 10 and under. Brattleboro Music Center, 3-4 p.m. Free. Info, 864-5741.

SUN.6

burlington

MASKS ON! SUNDAYS: Elderly, disabled and immunocompromised folks get the museum to themselves at a masks-mandatory morning. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 9-10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 864-1848.

chittenden county

SOCIAL SUNDAYS: Families participate in fun and educational art activities with diverse mediums and themes. All supplies and instruction provided. Milton Artists’ Guild Art Center & Gallery, 1-3 p.m. Free. Info, 891-2014.

SPRING ONE ACTS: See FRI.4, 1 p.m.

upper valley

‘JUICEBOX: A CONCERT FOR KIDS & FAMILIES’: See SAT.5. Barrette Center for the Arts, White River Junction, 11 a.m.noon. $5-10.

LITTLE FARM HANDS: See FRI.4.

MON.7

burlington

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: Bookworms ages 2 to 5 enjoy a fun-filled reading time. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.

chittenden county

READ WITH SAMMY: The Therapy Dogs of Vermont emissary listens to kiddos of all ages practice their reading. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

mad river valley/ waterbury

TODDLER TIME: Little tykes ages 5 and under have a blast with songs, stories, rhymes and dancing. Waterbury Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

upper valley

LITTLE FARM HANDS: See FRI.4.

TUE.8

burlington

SING-ALONG WITH LINDA BASSICK: Babies, toddlers and preschoolers sing, dance and wiggle along with Linda. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.

UNICORN APPRECIATION WEEK: OPENING CELEBRATION: Kids and their caregivers don their sparkliest attire and prance on down to the library for a celebration of all things mythical with cupcakes and crafts. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 4-5:30 p.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.

chittenden county

CRAFTYTOWN: Kiddos express their inner artist using mediums such as paint, print, collage and sculpture. Recommended for ages 6 and up. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 3-4 p.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.

PAPER FLOWER GARLANDS: Kiddos in grades 2 and up celebrate spring with a creative activity as part of the After School Art Project series. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

STORY TIME: Youngsters from birth to 5 enjoy a session of reading, rhyming and singing. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

TODDLER TIME: Wiggly wee ones ages 1 and up love this lively, interactive storybook experience featuring songs, rhymes and finger plays. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 9:15-9:45 & 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.

barre/montpelier

STORY TIME: See THU.3.

mad river valley/ waterbury

WATERCOLOR FOR KIDS: Artist Pauline Nolte leads little painters in grades 2 to 4 in exploration and expression. Waterbury Public Library, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 244-7036.

northeast kingdom

LAPSIT STORY TIME: Babies 2 and under learn to love reading, singing and playing with their caregivers. Siblings welcome. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 10:15-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 745-1391.

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: See FRI.4.

WED.9 burlington

STEAM SPACE: See WED.2.

TODDLER TIME: See WED.2.

chittenden county

BABY SOCIAL TIME: See WED.2.

GAME ON!: See WED.2.

HAFTY CRAFTY DAY: Kiddos ages 6 and up partake in a fun-filled hands-on activity using paper petal shapes to make mosaic designs. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 1-2 p.m. Free. Info, 846-4140.

PLAY TIME: See WED.2.

PLAYGROUP & STORY TIME: See WED.2. barre/montpelier

FAMILY CHESS CLUB: See WED.2. HOMESCHOOL BOOK GROUP: Kids ages 10 to 15 who learn at home bond over books. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 1-2 p.m. Free. Info, 223-3338. K

PHONE & TECH SUPPORT:

Perplexed patrons receive aid from library staff on a first-come, first-served basis. Fletcher Free Library New North End Branch, Burlington, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 863-3403.

theater

‘HARVEY’: See THU.3, 7 p.m.

‘A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE’:

We the People Theatre stages

Terrence McNally’s musical drama about a bus conductor and amateur theater director who must confront forces of bigotry in 1960s Dublin. Briggs Opera House, White River Junction, 7:30 p.m. $15-30. Info, 478-0243.

‘PRIMARY TRUST’: See WED.2.

‘SOUTH PACIFIC’: See THU.3.

‘SWITCH’: See THU.3.

‘SYLVIA’: Love meets laughter in this touching A.R. Gurney play, which centers on a middle-aged New York couple and the dog they find in Central Park. Artistree Community Arts Center, South Pomfret, 7 p.m. $30-35. Info, 457-3500.

‘THE VIRTUOUS FALL OF THE GIRLS FROM OUR LADY OF SORROWS’: See THU.3.

‘WAITRESS’: See WED.2.

words

POEMTOWN: Readings from local wordsmiths and open mics punctuate National Poetry Month. See poemtown.org for full schedule.

Various Randolph locations, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 728-5073.

SAT.5

activism

‘HANDS OFF!’ DAY OF ACTION: Locals in towns and cities across Vermont join a nationwide nonviolent protest to make their voices heard about proposed policy changes by the current administration in Washington, D.C. Various locations and times statewide. Visit handsoff2025. com for information. Free.

PRISON LETTER WRITING: Community members compose messages for their incarcerated neighbors while challenging the system of isolation and alienation. Peace & Justice Center, Burlington, 1-3 p.m. Free. Info, 863-2345.

agriculture

SEED STARTING 101: Local gardener Rachel Babin demystifies indoor seed starting while attendees participate in hands-on demonstrations and make compostable pots out of newspapers. Waterbury Public Library, noon-2 p.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

SEED SWAP: Green thumbs gather to prepare for their summer gardens, swap seeds and root through a well-stocked seed library. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 748-8291.

SHEEP SHEARING

DEMONSTRATION: Let’s get

wild and woolly! Philo and Craig Marcotte talk historical tools and modern techniques as they expertly remove the fleece from the farm’s Southdown sheep. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Regular museum admission, $12-19; free for members and kids under 3. Info, 457-2355.

SPRING TREE PRUNING

WORKSHOP: Experienced gardener Ralph Fitz-Gerald instructs folks on the essentials of caring for saplings, including fertilizing, collaring, flowering and harvesting. Horsford Gardens & Nursery, Charlotte, 11 a.m.-noon & 1-2 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 425-2811.

community

FAIR HOUSING MONTH: See WED.2.

OFF-GRID ROUNDTABLE:

Dreaming of a cabin in the woods? Curious and experienced homesteaders swap stories and know-how. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 1-2 p.m. Free. Info, 748-8291.

VERMONT HISTORY DAY: Students share their learning at this annual contest of wits and knowledge. Saint Michael’s College, Colchester, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info, 479-8500.

crafts

VERMONT SPRING MARKET:

The third annual spring market boasts more than 65 crafters and artisans across two days. Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $10; free for kids under 12. Info, 779-9178.

dance

BARNARTS COMMUNITY

CONTRA DANCE: Swap partners and make new friends as folks of all ages and experience levels jive to music by Blind Squirrel. Barnard Town Hall, 6-9 p.m. Free; donations accepted; preregister. Info, 234-1645.

BERLIN CONTRA DANCE: Dancers of all ages and abilities learn at a gathering that encourages joy, laughter and friendship. Bring clean, soft-soled shoes. See website for callers and bands. Capital City Grange, Berlin, 8-11 p.m. $5-20 sliding scale. Info, 225-8921.

MUD BOOT SHUFFLE: Attendees shake off their winter blues with a two-step dance lesson, followed by an evening of swingin’ and shufflin’ to live tunes by Red Hot Juba. Bring clean shoes. Grange Hall Cultural Center, Waterbury Center, 7-9:30 p.m. $20-25. Info, atomicranchdance@gmail.com.

Death Takes a Holiday

APR. 6 | FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Feel like we’re facing end times? The folks at Burlington Beer and the Café HOT. help you whistle in the dark at MURDERFEST, billed as “an afternoon of deathly delights,” hosted by comedian Max Higgins at the brewery’s Lumière Hall. Gallows humorists enjoy a Mad Max costume contest, killer tunes from DJ Craig Mitchell, tattoos by Stranger Still and Privateyez Studio, and a chicken-fried egg finger eating contest (grand prize: $666 in gift cards). Although the Café HOT.’s wildly popular (and Bon Appétit-endorsed) fingers are topped with “murder hot” sauce in the contest, they’re made from battered scrambled eggs — a no-kill bonus for the birds.

MURDERFEST

Sunday, April 6, 3 p.m., at Lumière Hall at Burlington Beer. Free; price of food and drink. Info, 863-2337. Instagram: @burlingtonbeer

TARTAN DAY: Step to it! Green Mountain Performing Arts and Highland Dance Vermont perform traditional Scottish Highland dances and contemporary choreography. Richmond Free Library, 4-5:30 p.m. $10-15; free for kids under 5. Info, highlanddancevermont@ gmail.com. etc.

NORTH POLE SPORTS CARDS & COLLECTIBLES SHOW: Collectors browse a wide array of vintage, rare and common cards, as well as action figures, records, comic books and other unique finds. Arrowhead Senior Citizen Center, Milton, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free; cost of cards and collectibles. Info, 782-4500.

PUBLIC PHILOSOPHY WEEK: See WED.2.

RHINESTONE RODEO BENEFIT

GALA: Philanthropic party people flock to a funky fundraiser combining the aesthetics of the Wild West with contemporary glamour. Proceeds benefit the Current. The Lodge at Spruce Peak, Stowe, 5 p.m. $250. Info, 253-8358.

SISTERHOOD CAMPFIRE: Women and genderqueer folks gather in a safe and inclusive space to build

community through journaling, storytelling, gentle music and stargazing. Leddy Park, Burlington, 7-9 p.m. Free. Info, sisterhoodcampfire@gmail.com.

‘VIGNETTES OF VEILED LIGHT’: Community members commemorate the first anniversary of the awe-inspiring total solar eclipse with a themed art installation, video vignettes, live music and storytelling. See calendar spotlight. Burlington City Hall, 4-6 & 7-9 p.m. Free. Info, 978-302-8615.

fairs & festivals

THROWBACK: A GROWN-UP

BOOK FAIR: SOLD OUT. Literature lovers wax nostalgic at a retro photo booth, sip book-themed drinks and play old-school games at a party hosted by Phoenix Books. Proceeds benefit Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront and Fletcher Free

Library. O.N.E. Community Center, Burlington, 1:30-4:30 & 5-8 p.m. (second session SOLD OUT).

$10; free for kids under 13. Info, 448-3350.

film

See what’s playing at local theaters in the on screen section.

‘ANIMAL KINGDOM 3D’: See THU.3.

ANIMATION SHOW OF SHOWS:

An annual collection of 14 curated animated shorts returns to dazzle viewers with screenings followed by discussions. Loew Auditorium, Hopkins Center for the Arts, Dartmouth College, Hanover N.H., 2 & 7 p.m. $5-12. Info, 603-646-2422.

‘ANTARCTICA 3D’: See THU.3.

‘EYES ON FREEDOM’: Cinephiles attend a screening of an audio

documentary about the lives of civil rights activists and homesteaders Juanita and Wally Nelson. Peace & Justice Center, Burlington, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 863-2345.

‘NO OTHER LAND’: See FRI.4, 3 & 7 p.m.

‘SPACE: THE NEW FRONTIER 3D’: See THU.3.

‘T. REX: GREATEST OF ALL TYRANTS 3D’: See THU.3.

FOMO?

Find even more local events in this newspaper and online: art

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

film

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

music + nightlife

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

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

= ONLINE EVENT

= GET TICKETS ON SEVENDAYSTICKETS.COM

‘VANISH: DISAPPEARING

ICONS OF A RURAL AMERICA’:

In a remarkable story of past and present, Vermont director and photographer Jim Westphalen documents his efforts to capture the beauty of America’s weathered barns and other fading structures. A Q&A follows. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 3-5 p.m. $12-15. Info, 457-2355.

food & drink

CAPITAL CITY WINTER FARMERS

MARKET: Locavores sip cocktails while perusing root veggies, honey, crafts and maple syrup at an off-season showcase of locally grown food. Barr Hill, Montpelier, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 472-8000.

CHICKEN AND BISCUITS DINNER:

A hearty, homestyle supper marks the church’s first community dinner since the pandemic began. Brandon Congregational Church, 5-7 p.m. Donations. Info, 779-7909.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND SILENT AUCTION: Flapjack fans dig in alongside friends and neighbors, bidding on local art and services to benefit the school. Sustainability Academy, Lawrence Barnes School, Burlington, 8:30-11:30 a.m. $4-6; free for kids under 2; $15-20 for families. Info, 864-8480.

SUGAR ON SNOW: See FRI.4.

games

CEMETERY COMMITTEE BINGO: Players vie for cash prizes at this weekly event to support cemetery improvements. St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Vergennes, 5-9 p.m. $5 per 10 games. Info, 877-2367.

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

D&D & TTRPG GROUP: Fans of Dungeons & Dragons and other tabletop role-playing games embark on a new adventure with a rotating cast of game masters. Virtual option available. Waterbury Public Library, 1-5 p.m. Free. Info, judi@ waterburypubliclibrary.com.

LEARN TO PLAY MAH-JONGG: Expert tile trader Pauline Nolte leads players through the Chinese and American versions of the ancient game. Waterbury Public Library, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, judi@ waterburypubliclibrary.com.

health & fitness

STOP THE BLEED: Apply pressure, and don’t panic: This practical training prepares folks for life-threatening emergencies. Peoples Trust, 1 Franklin Park W., St. Albans, 9:30-11 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 524-2444.

lgbtq

CIRQUE US: World-class performers dazzle with aerials and acrobatics in an extravaganza celebrating LGBTQIA+ arts, culture and community. Burke Mountain Hotel & Conference Center, East Burke, 7-9 p.m. $15-25; free for kids under 5. Info, 748-2600.

music

JUKEBOX: See FRI.4. Brattleboro Music Center, 7 p.m. $20.

KEITH MURPHY & THE BAND OF AMBER: When the Newfoundland-born, Vermontbased musician takes the stage with his ensemble, expect traditional English and French ballads with modern inflection. Burnham Hall, Lincoln, 7:30 p.m. $20-30 sliding scale; free for kids on laps. Info, 349-3364.

MICHAEL FEINSTEIN: Supported by the Carnegie Hall Ensemble, the singer and pianist pays a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Tony Bennett — bringing his

iconic songs to life in a symphony of sound. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, Stowe Mountain Resort, 7 p.m. $75-150. Info, 760-4634.

MIKE BLOCK TRIO: Layering American roots music with modern and global influences, the acoustic ensemble delivers a fresh fusion sound. Virtual option available. Next Stage Arts, Putney, 7:30 p.m. $10-25. Info, 387-0102.

SOLARIS VOCAL ENSEMBLE: In “Celtic Light,” the Burlington choir joins forces with bagpiper and tin whistler Tim Cummings to perform rousing Irish melodies. White Meeting House, Waterbury, 7:30-9:30 p.m. $10-40 sliding scale. Info, 238-4752.

VERMONT CONTEMPORARY

CHAMBER COLLECTIVE: Kestrel Coffee Roasters’ handcrafted drinks and pastries enhance an afternoon of exceptional vocal performances featuring the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. Karma Bird House, Burlington, 2-3 p.m. $30. Info, clarcell@vcme. org.

québec

FESTIVAL DE LA VOIX: See FRI.4.

seminars

MEDIA FACTORY ORIENTATION: Curious creatives and multimedia enthusiasts get a tour of the facilities and check out available gear. The Media Factory, Burlington, 1-3 p.m. Free. Info, 651-9692.

sports

BEAR MOUNTAIN MOGUL

CHALLENGE: Amateur racers compete at the ultimate spring slopes party, featuring bump skiers and live music by Liz and the Mogulmen and Jamie’s Junk Show. Killington Resort, 9 a.m. $50 entry, plus lift ticket. Info, 800-734-9435.

theater

‘ELLA FITZGERALD, THE EARLY YEARS’: In a swinging musical biography, the Amanda King Trio shares the First Lady of Song’s origins and inspirations, looking also at her time with the Chick Webb Orchestra. Town Hall Theater, Middlebury, 7:30 p.m. $20-40. Info, 382-9222.

‘HARVEY’: See THU.3, 7 p.m.

‘A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE’: See FRI.4.

‘PRIMARY TRUST’: See WED.2.

‘SOUTH PACIFIC’: See THU.3, 2-4 & 7-9 p.m.

‘SWITCH’: See THU.3.

‘SYLVIA’: See FRI.4.

‘THE VIRTUOUS FALL OF THE GIRLS FROM OUR LADY OF SORROWS’: See THU.3.

‘WAITRESS’: See WED.2, 2 & 7:30 p.m.

words

MAD RIVER STORY SLAM:

Anecdote admirers attend an evening of entertaining tales stemming from real-life relationships. Valley Players Theater, Waitsfield, 7:30 p.m. $10. Info, 583-1674.

USED BOOK SALE: Lit lovers peruse a wide array of like-new books to benefit Ilsley Public Library. Middlebury United Methodist Church, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free; cost of books. Info, 388-4095.

WRITE NOW!: Lit lovers of all experience levels hone their craft in a supportive and critique-free environment. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 223-3338.

SUN.6 community

FAIR HOUSING MONTH: See WED.2.

HUMAN CONNECTION CIRCLE: Neighbors share stories from their lives and forge deep bonds. Pickering Room, Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 3-4:30 p.m. Free; preregister; limited space. Info, humanconnectioncircle@ gmail.com.

crafts

VERMONT SPRING MARKET: See SAT.5.

YARN CRAFTERS GROUP: See WED.2, 1-3 p.m. etc.

MURDERFEST: Burlington Beer and the Café HOT. present “an afternoon of deathly delights” including a chicken-fried egg eating contest, a Mad Max costume contest, live tattoos, music by DJ Craig Mitchell and comedic hosting by Max Higgins. See calendar spotlight. Lumière Hall, Burlington Beer, 3 p.m. Info, 881-9899.

film

See what’s playing at local theaters in the on screen section.

‘ANIMAL KINGDOM 3D’: See THU.3.

‘ANTARCTICA 3D’: See THU.3.

‘SPACE: THE NEW FRONTIER 3D’: See THU.3.

‘T. REX: GREATEST OF ALL TYRANTS 3D’: See THU.3.

food & drink

HOT CHILI FOR COOL CHANGE:

Billed as a “rootin’ tootin’ good time,” this benefit for the Vermont Progressive Party and Barre City Progressive Party Committee heats things up with more than a dozen chilis and a “lava” eating contest. Old Labor Hall, Barre, noon-3 p.m. $10 suggested donation. Info, 363-5418.

MAPLE PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Guests revel in a delectable spread catered by Phoenix House

1835, while also enjoying an upclose look at sugaring operations in action. Georgia Mountain Maples, Milton, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. $720. Info, 933-8400.

SUGAR ON SNOW: See FRI.4. VIRTUAL PASTA COOKING CLASS: Gastronomes learn how to make delicious dishes that blend Italian tradition with fresh New England ingredients. Hosted by Trenchers Farmhouse. 5 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 650-224-5533.

games

DUPLICATE BRIDGE GAMES: See THU.3, 1-4:30 p.m.

health & fitness

KARUNA COMMUNITY

MEDITATION: A YEAR TO LIVE (FULLY): Participants practice keeping joy, generosity and gratitude at the forefront of their minds. Jenna’s House, Johnson, 10-11:15 a.m. Free; donations accepted. Info, mollyzapp@live. com.

MOVE. STRETCH. GIVE.: Otter Creek Yoga founder and director Joanna Colwell leads philanthropic yogis at a fundraiser for Bread Loaf Mountain Zen Community. Virtual option available. Otter Creek Yoga, Middlebury, 1:30-3 p.m. Pay what you can. Info, info@breadloafmountainzen.org.

NEW LEAF SANGHA MINDFULNESS PRACTICE: New and experienced meditators alike practice together in the Plum Village tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. Hot Yoga Burlington, 6-7:45 p.m. Free. Info, newleafsangha@gmail.com.

music

P.M. SUNDAYS: ABIGAYLE KOMPST: Folks gather for a performance by an indie-folk artist who blends melodic richness SUN.6 » P.62

Stock market

with honest and intimate lyrics. Richmond Congregational Church, 4-6 p.m. $20.35-28.09. Info, 557-7589.

DAVID FEURZEIG: The prolific classical pianist continues a statewide series of shows in protest of high-pollution worldwide concert tours. South Church Hall, St. Johnsbury, 3-5 p.m. Donations. Info, 745-9544.

EQUINOX WIND QUINTET: In a premiere performance, the five-piece shows off its stunning range, playing classical music from the likes of August Klughardt and Darius Milhaud. University of Vermont Recital Hall, Burlington, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 881-9153.

GREEN MOUNTAIN YOUTH

SYMPHONY SPRING CONCERT: Listeners gather for an afternoon performance of a selection of music from artists as varied as Johann Sebastian Bach and Bruno Mars. Barre Opera House, 2 p.m. $5-15; free for children under 5. Info, 888-4470.

JOE’S BIG BAND: Listeners groove to lively swing, jazz and funk classics performed by a 17-piece ensemble. First Congregational Church of Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. $20 suggested donation; free for kids under 18. Info, 878-5745.

JUKEBOX: See FRI.4. Barrette Center for the Arts, White River Junction, 2 p.m. $16.50-36.50.

Richmond, 11 a.m. $25 includes a pancake feast. Info, 373-7204.

québec

FESTIVAL DE LA VOIX: See FRI.4.

seminars

STEVENSVILLE CABIN

RESTORATION WORKSHOP & DEMONSTRATION: Miles

Jenness of Vermont Heavy Timber shows off traditional building techniques as he works on one of the state’s last frontier-era log cabins. 312 Shaker Mountain Rd., Huntington, 1-3:30 p.m. Donations; preregister. Info, stevensville.cabin.info@ gmail.com.

sports

ROLLER DERBY 101: Derbycurious? Twin State Derby offers a rollicking intro course for rookie skaters. 18-plus. The Wheel House, Claremont N.H., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 359-7248.

talks

KEVIN GRAFFAGNINO: An author and historian regales listeners with the history of a key figure on the late 18th-century Green Mountain frontier, based on his new book, Ira Allen: A Biography Craftsbury Public Library, Craftsbury Common, 4 p.m. Free. Info, 586-9683.

theater

‘HARVEY’: See THU.3, 2 p.m.

Montpelier, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 223-3338.

dance

WEST AFRICAN DANCE & DRUM CLASS: Participants learn songs, rhythms and movements to the beat of live music. Ages 13 and up. Wilson Hall, McCullough Student Center, Middlebury College, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. Info, 443-6433.

film

See what’s playing at local theaters in the on screen section.

‘ANIMAL KINGDOM 3D’: See THU.3.

‘ANTARCTICA 3D’: See THU.3.

‘SPACE: THE NEW FRONTIER 3D’: See THU.3.

‘T. REX: GREATEST OF ALL TYRANTS 3D’: See THU.3.

games

BURLINGTON ELKS BINGO: Players grab their daubers for a competitive night of card stamping for cash prizes. Burlington Elks Lodge, 6 p.m. Various prices. Info, 802-862-1342.

language

GERMAN LANGUAGE LUNCH: Willkommen! Speakers of all experience levels brush up on conversational skills over bagged lunches. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, noon-1 p.m. Free. Info, 223-3338.

MAMA TRIED: An all-gal, foot-stompin’ string quartet plays bluegrass, country, folk and blues tunes. Deborah Rawson Memorial Library, Jericho, 2 p.m. Free. Info, 899-4962.

SOLARIS VOCAL ENSEMBLE: See SAT.5. College Street Congregational Church, Burlington, 4-6 p.m.

SPRING SING: Audience members join in at a musical jubilee featuring Vermont folk musician Andy Davis and the Spring Chorale workshop singers. Revels North Center for Traditional Arts, Lebanon N.H., 7 p.m. $10-50 sliding scale. Info, 603-558-7894.

VERMONT FIDDLE ORCHESTRA: String and flute players present a fantasia of all things folk, from Scottish jigs to Appalachian reels. Chandler Center for the Arts, Randolph, 4-6 p.m. By donation. Info, info@ vermontfiddleorchestra.org.

WESTFORD MUSIC SERIES: THE TENDERBELLIES: Over years of gigging, this Vermont string band has artfully honed an original sound from rock, jazz, bluegrass and Americana influences. Westford Common Hall, 4 p.m. Free; donations accepted. Info, 734-8177.

outdoors

NORDIC CROSS: Spirited races for all ages mark the last big event of the season. Participants compete uphill, downhill, through slalom gates and over obstacles. Cochran’s Ski Area,

‘A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE’: See FRI.4, 3 p.m.

‘PRIMARY TRUST’: See WED.2, 2 p.m.

‘SOUTH PACIFIC’: See THU.3, 2-4 p.m.

‘SYLVIA’: See FRI.4, 3 p.m.

‘WAITRESS’: See WED.2, 5 p.m. words

POEMCITY BOOK LAUNCH: Literature lovers take in readings by headliners Bianca Stone and Chard deNiord, bass clarinet tunes by Toussaint St. Negritude, and an open mic for wordsmiths featured in this year’s anthology. KelloggHubbard Library, Montpelier, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, events@ bearpondbooks.com.

MON.7 community

FAIR HOUSING MONTH: See WED.2.

crafts

ART LAB DROP IN: FAIRY

HABITATS: Creatives stop by to get librarian assistance with designing a tiny dwelling fit for magical beings, with the option to take it home or add it to the fairy village. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6955.

FUSE BEADS CLUB: Aspiring artisans bring ideas or borrow patterns to make beaded creations. Kellogg-Hubbard Library,

lgbtq

BOARD GAME NIGHT: LGBTQ tabletop fans bring their own favorite games to the party. Rainbow Bridge Community Center, Barre, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 622-0692.

talks

DR. FRANCESCA ROMEO: In “Digital Necropolitics: Sovereign Power and Networked Resistance,” the postdoctoral fellow at the University of Michigan’s Digital Studies Institute introduces eye-opening ideas about the virtual “afterlife.” Williams Hall, University of Vermont, Burlington, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 917-753-2322.

theater

MASTER CLASS WITH CAITLIN KINNUNEN: Aspiring actors gather to learn from the Tony-nominated performer, who currently plays Dawn in Northern Stage’s production of Waitress. Byrne Theater, Barrette Center for the Arts, White River Junction, 6 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 296-7000.

words

SCRIPTWRITERS’ GROUP: Got a story to tell? Talented local writers swap techniques and constructive critiques. Junction Arts & Media, White River Junction, 5:30-7 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 295-6688.

TUE.8

community

CURRENT EVENTS

DISCUSSION GROUP:

Brownell Library holds a virtual roundtable for neighbors to pause and reflect on the news cycle. 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6955.

FAIR HOUSING MONTH: See WED.2.

LAKE CHAMPLAIN MEMORY

CAFÉ: Those living with dementia and their caregivers gather to make friends and have fun. Fletcher Free Library New North End Branch, Burlington, 11 a.m.noon. Free. Info, 863-3403.

THE MOTH STORYSLAM: Local tellers of tales recount true stories in an open-mic format. Burlington Beer, 7 p.m. $15; preregister. Info, susanne@ themoth.org.

conferences

NAVIGATING TRANSITION:

EMPOWERING JOURNEYS

OF CHANGE: Vermont Family Network hosts an annual conference focusing on the intersections of education and health for youths with disabilities, featuring keynote speaker Kate Bove. Davis Center, University of Vermont, Burlington, 9 a.m.-2:45 p.m. $30-75. Info, 876-5315.

crafts

COZY CRAFTING CLUB:

Hobbyists gather to hone their skills and make new friends.

South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 5-6:45 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 846-4140.

dance

QUAHOG DANCE THEATRE: See THU.3.

SWING DANCE PRACTICE

SESSION: All ages and experience levels shake a leg in this friendly, casual environment designed for learning. Bring clean shoes. North Star Community Hall, Burlington, 8-9:30 p.m. $5. Info, 864-8382.

film

See what’s playing at local theaters in the on screen section.

‘ANIMAL KINGDOM 3D’: See THU.3.

‘ANTARCTICA 3D’: See THU.3.

‘SPACE: THE NEW FRONTIER 3D’: See THU.3.

‘T. REX: GREATEST OF ALL

TYRANTS 3D’: See THU.3.

games

DUPLICATE BRIDGE GAMES: See THU.3.

health & fitness

COMMUNITY MEDITATION: All experience levels engage in the ancient Buddhist practice of clearing the mind to achieve a state of calm. First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington, 5:15-6 p.m. Free; donations accepted. Info, 862-5630.

language

FRENCH CONVERSATION GROUP: Francophones and language learners meet pour parler la belle langue. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 5-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.

ITALIAN LANGUAGE LUNCH: Speakers hone their skills in the Romance language over bagged lunches. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, noon-1 p.m. Free. Info, 223-3338.

music

INTERPLAY JAZZ JAM NORTH:

Instrumentalists tune in for a night of melody, bringing six to eight copies of sheet music to pass around. Faith United Methodist Church, South Burlington, 6:30-9 p.m. Free. Info, 578-8830.

TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC SLOW SESSION: New and experienced players gather to collaborate and learn in an informal, welcoming session. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 6-7:45 p.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.

VERMONT’S FREEDOM & UNITY CHORUS: Singers come together for a weekly rehearsal inspiring positive change through the power of music. Chapel of Saint Michael the Archangel, Saint Michael’s College, Colchester, 7-9 p.m. $35 annual dues. Info, vermontsfreedomandunity chorus@gmail.com.

politics

ANNUAL ROBERT VAN DE VELDE LECTURE: OLIVIER KNOX: A senior national correspondent at U.S. News and World Report discusses national politics and the mainstream media. Dana Auditorium, Sunderland Language Center, Middlebury College, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. Info, 443-5320.

seminars

MONEY

CONVERSATIONS: A BUDGETING SIMULATION: The Vermont Jump$tart Coalition hosts Rosamond Gray and Mary Johnson for a practical presentation during Financial Capability Month. Noon-1 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, vtjumpstart@comcast.net.

TENANT SKILLS WORKSHOP: The Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity brings renters up to speed on the fundamentals of tenant rights and responsibilities. Noon-1:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 660-3456.

talks

BETH WHITE: As part of the “Reckless Ideas” series, the Habitat for Aviation founder shares her high-flying career journey and decision to foster the next generation of aviators, builders and innovators. Generator Makerspace, Burlington, 6-8 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 540-0761.

LINCOLN FISHMAN: Agriculturalists gather to

hear from a farmer from Momentum Ag give a talk titled “Soil Health Outcomes in Clover Living Mulch Trials.” 5-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, stephen@ buylocalfood.org.

LISA LEFF: A speaker from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum delivers an illuminating lecture with “The Archive Thief: The Man Who Salvaged French Jewish History in the Wake of the Holocaust.” Memorial Lounge, Waterman Building, University of Vermont, Burlington, 4-5:30 p.m. Free. Info, alan.steinweis@uvm.edu.

tech

AFTERNOON TECH HELP:

Experts answer questions about phones, laptops, e-readers and other devices in one-on-one sessions. South Burlington Public Library & City Hall, 1-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 846-4140.

theater

‘WAITRESS’: See WED.2. words

BURLINGTON LITERATURE GROUP:

Bookworms analyze Thomas Pynchon’s postmodern epic Gravity’s Rainbow over the course of 14 weeks. 6:30-8 p.m. Free. Info, info@nereadersandwriters.com.

CHELSEA STEINAUERSCUDDER: The Vermont author reads from her latest book, Mother, Creature, Kin, and sparks a conversation with listeners. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 5:30-6:45 p.m. Free. Info, onehundredyears@gmail. com.

‘JOHN KERRIGAN’: The author reads from Just Raise Your Left Hand, a collection of short stories that center on a high school in the Mad River Valley.

TUE.8 » P.64

FOMO?

Find even more local events in this newspaper and online: art

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

film

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

music + nightlife

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

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

= ONLINE EVENT

= GET TICKETS ON SEVENDAYSTICKETS.COM

Waterbury Public Library, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

TED LEVIN AND JEANETTE

FOURNIER: An author and an illustrator read from The Promise of Sunrise: Finding Solace in a Broken World a book about the Thetford, Vt., hillside. The Norwich Bookstore, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 649-1114.

WRITING CIRCLE: Words pour out when participants explore creative expression in a low-pressure environment. Virtual option available. Pathways Vermont, Burlington, 4-5:30 p.m. Free. Info, 777-8691.

WRITING FOR FLOOD RECOVERY:

Documentary filmmaker Bess O’Brien leads a creative writing workshop to provide space for locals to process their thoughts, share with others, remember and heal. Peacham Town Library, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. Info, bobrien@ pshift.com.

WED.9

business

QUEEN CITY BUSINESS

NETWORKING INTERNATIONAL GROUP: See WED.2.

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.

FAIR HOUSING MONTH: See WED.2.

crafts

CO-CRAFTING NIGHT: Makers of all ages and abilities fashion homegrown art projects alongside sweet treats and hot cocoa. Red Poppy Cakery, Waterbury, 5:30-7 p.m. $15. Info, 203-4000700.

GREEN MOUNTAIN CHAPTER OF THE EMBROIDERERS’ GUILD OF AMERICA: Anyone with an interest in the needle arts can bring a project to this monthly meeting. Holy Family Parish Hall, Essex Junction, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, gmc.vt.ega@gmail.com.

YARN CRAFTERS GROUP: See WED.2.

etc.

GALLERY SERIES: POETRY & MUSIC: Attendees enjoy stirring tunes played by the Kingdom Mountain Dulcimers and verse read by Vermont author Reeve Lindbergh. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Free. Info, 748-8291.

film

See what’s playing at local theaters in the on screen section.

NXT ROCKUMENTARY FILM SERIES: ‘THE VELVET UNDERGROUND’: Cinephiles attend a screening of Todd Haynes’ 2021 documentary exploring the origins of an influential rock and roll band. Next Stage Arts, Putney, 7 p.m. $8. Info, 387-0102.

food & drink

COMMUNITY COOKING: See WED.2.

health & fitness

CHAIR YOGA: See WED.2.

lgbtq

QUEER WRITERS’ GROUP: LGBTQ authors meet monthly to discuss their work, write from prompts, and give each other advice and feedback. Rainbow Bridge Community Center, Barre, 5:30-7 p.m. Free. Info, 622-0692.

music

FARMERS NIGHT: THE EVANS/ ASBELL/STATS TRIO: A jazz ensemble plays popular tunes from the ’30s through the ’60s in a swingin’ concert program titled “A Day in the Life of Jazz.” House Chamber, Vermont Statehouse,

Montpelier, 7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 262-2626.

seminars

SUSTAINING THE RENT WORKSHOP: The Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity helps tenants financially prepare and access resources to meet their housing needs. 5-6:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 660-3456.

sports

GREEN MOUNTAIN TABLE

TENNIS CLUB: See WED.2.

talks

DAN SLEPIAN: In “Uncovering the Unseen: Investigating Wrongful Convictions,” a veteran producer for NBC’s “Dateline” draws on his two-decade personal and professional journey challenging a deeply flawed justice system. Livak Ballroom, Dudley H. Davis Center, University of Vermont, Burlington, 5 p.m. Free. Info, 656-3166.

JEFF POTASH & AARON

GOLDBERG: In the annual Rabbi Max B. Wall Lecture, two local historians and archivists from Ohavi Zedek synagogue discuss “The Transformation of a Rabbi, A Synagogue and Vermont’s Religious Landscape.” McCarthy Arts Center, Saint Michael’s

College, Colchester, 5 p.m. Free. Info, 654-2079.

theater

‘SYLVIA’: See FRI.4, 1 p.m.

‘TARTUFFE’: Molière’s 1664 satire on religious hypocrisy gets a contemporary update — with modern music, too — courtesy of the college’s theater department. McCarthy Arts Center, Saint Michael’s College, Colchester, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 654-2588.

‘TOO FAT FOR CHINA’: Phoebe

Potts’ hilarious, award-winning solo production takes a comedic look at the complicated process of adoption. Virtual option available. Lost Nation Theater, Montpelier City Hall, 7:30-9 p.m. $15-43. Info, 229-0492.

‘WAITRESS’: See WED.2.

words

FFL BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP:

Readers assemble virtually to discuss Henry Louis Gates Jr.’s

The Black Box: Writing the Race, distilled from the author’s legendary African American studies course at Harvard. 6:30-8 p.m. Free. Info, 863-3403.

JOYCE THOMAS: A Vermont author shares evocative words about nature with readings from her third book of poetry, Some Things in This World. Castleton Free Library, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. Info, 468-5104.

POETRY POTLUCK: Folks who are well versed in meter and rhyme gather to swap dishes and words in a welcoming environment. Whirligig Brewing, St. Johnsbury, 7-9 p.m. Free. Info, acampbell@ catamountarts.org. ➆

FOMO?

Find even more local events in this newspaper and online: art

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

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

music + nightlife

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

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

= ONLINE EVENT

= GET TICKETS ON SEVENDAYSTICKETS.COM

classes

THE FOLLOWING CLASS LISTINGS ARE PAID ADVERTISEMENTS. ANNOUNCE YOUR CLASS HERE FOR AS LITTLE AS $21.25/WEEK (INCLUDES SIX PHOTOS AND UNLIMITED DESCRIPTION ONLINE).

NEWSPAPER DEADLINE: MONDAYS AT 3 P.M. POST CLASS ADS AT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/POSTCLASS. GET HELP AT CLASSES@SEVENDAYSVT.COM.

arts & crafts

TWO-DAY ‘EARTH MEETS

SKY: BIRDS IN CLAY’ CERAMIC WORKSHOP WITH SUSAN RABER BRAY: Join us in creating ceramic bird sculptures using three different hand-building techniques: pinch, coil and slab. Susan will demonstrate each technique, then the fun begins! Each student will receive their own clay with freedom to play — you choose what size, how many you create and what techniques best suit your aesthetic. During the second class, you will paint your creations using different types of glaze. Susan will also demonstrate many ways to apply the glaze and talk about the firing process. e glazed pieces will be left with Susan to be fired. Your finished work will be ready to pick up from Edgewater Gallery the following Sat., May 10. Everyone will walk away with their own unique set of ceramic bird sculptures! Call 802-310-3860 with questions. Susan looks forward to meeting you and sharing her knowledge and love of clay. Sat., Apr. 26 & Sat., May 3, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost: $375. Location: Susan Raber Bray’s Studio, 494 Hisbee Rd., Charlotte. Info: 802-989-7419,

info@edgewatergallery-vt.com, edgewatergallery.com.

DAVIS STUDIO ART CLASSES: Discover your happy place in one of our weekly classes, where joy and community blossom. Art is a powerful way to connect, express and grow — together. We offer afterschool and weekend classes for youths and specialized drawing, painting and fused-glass classes for adults. Enroll today and let your creativity shine! Location: Davis Studio, 916 Shelburne Rd., S. Burlington. Info: 425-2700, davisstudiovt.com.

food & drink

FOCACCIA ART WORKSHOP: In this workshop, you will tackle making focaccia bread dough and creatively decorate it your own way with various herbs and veggies. You’ll go home with your own eight-inch pan of focaccia art and the recipe to make it again on your own at home. Tue. Apr. 8, 6-7:30 p.m. Cost: $65. Location: Red Poppy Cakery, 1 Elm St., Waterbury Village Historic District. Info: 203400-0700, janina@redpoppycakery.net, sevendaystickets.com.

EASTER COOKIE DECORATING CLASS: is class goes through step-by-step how to decorate up to five Easter cookies, learning tips and tricks to make sure you will leave confident, regardless of your skill level. Instruction includes the importance of icing consistency, outlining and flooding cookies, adding layers and dimensions, and utilizing special icing techniques. Sun. Apr. 6, 1-3 p.m. Cost: $70. Location: Red Poppy Cakery, 1 Elm St., Waterbury Village Historic District. Info: 914-610-5275, laurascookiesvt@gmail.com, sevendaystickets.com.

martial arts

AIKIDO: THE POWER OF HARMONY: Cultivate core power, aerobic ﬁtness and resiliency. e dynamic, circular movements emphasize throws, joint locks and the development of internal energy. Join our community and ﬁnd resiliency, power and grace. Inclusive training, gender-neutral dressing room/bathrooms and a safe space for all. Visitors are always welcome to watch a class! Vermont’s only intensive aikido programs. Basic classes 5 days/

week. Membership rates incl. unlimited classes 6 days/week. Contact us for info about membership rates for adults, youths & families. Location: Aikido of Champlain Valley, 257 Pine St., Burlington. Info: Benjamin Pincus, 951-8900, bpincus@ burlingtonaikido.org, burlingtonaikido.org.

INCLUSIVE MARTIAL ARTS: Offering martial arts that will strengthen your body and your mind, we foster a collaborative community for a diverse range of individuals. Our practices include Muay ai, Brazilian jiujitsu, Kali (Filipino martial arts) and Krabi Krabong ( ai combat arts). We offer four weekly classes and themed mini classes, such as improvised weapons, knife defense, Filipino dirty boxing and more. Location: Green Mountain Martial Arts Collaborative. Info: 316-8896, info@greenmountainmartialarts. com, greenmountainmartialarts. com.

music

spirituality

TAIKO TUESDAYS, DJEMBE WEDNESDAYS!: Drum with Stuart Paton! Walk-in classes in Apr. Session begin May 6, Jun. 10 and Sep. 9. Drop-ins welcome. Taiko on Tue.: Kids & Parents Taiko, 4-5:30 p.m.; Adult Intro Taiko, 5:30-7 p.m.; Light Saber Taiko, 7-8:30 p.m. Drums & light sabers provided. Djembe on Wed.: Intermediate Djembe, 5:30-7 p.m.; Beginner Djembe, 7-8:30 p.m. Drums provided. Cost: $92 for 4 weeks; $72 per person for Kids & Parents class. Location: Burlington Taiko, 208 Flynn Ave., Suite 3-G. Info: Stuart Paton, 448-0150, burlingtontaiko.org.

EXTRAORDINARY REALITIES INTRO TO SHAMANISM WORKSHOP: Extraordinary Realities offers an experiential introduction to the essentials of compassionate spirit relationship, communication, healing and divination. e workshop is based on the practice of shamanic journeying, which can lead to a more integrated, empowered, and sustainable life with direct access to divine healing and wisdom.

* Learn how to journey into the compassionate spirit realms. * Meet your power animal and helping spirit teacher.

* Gain spiritual power.

* Experience and learn about spiritual healing.

May 17 & 18, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: $225. Location: Shaman’s Flame, 644 Log Town Rd., East Calais. Info: Peter Clark, 802-249-2922, peterclark13@gmail.com, shamansﬂame.com.

sports & ﬁtness

SPRING TUNE-UP WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN/TRANS/NONBINARY IDENTITIES: is three-week series is for folks who would like a little more time, detailed instruction and hands-on experience. With a 3:1 student-to-instructor ratio, this class is designed to empower participants by helping them understand and care for their bicycles. Wed. Apr. 9, 16 & 23, 6-8 p.m. Cost: $150 for 3 2-hour classes. Location: Old Spokes Home, 331 North Winooski Ave., Burlington. Info: 863-4475, info@oldspokeshome.com, sevendaystickets.com.

FIRST STRIDES VERMONT: Women who are beginning or returning to running and/or walking are invited to join us in this 12-week program based on mentoring, peer support and lifestyle habits. Every Wed., May 7-Jul. 23, 5:45 p.m. Cost: $45 preregistration rate for 12-week program. Location: Williston Village Community Park, 250 Library La. Info: Kasie Enman, 802-238-0820, ﬁrststridesvermont@gmail.com, ﬁrststridesvermont.com.

Ella

housing » APARTMENTS, CONDOS & HOMES

on the road » CARS, TRUCKS, MOTORCYCLES

pro services » CHILDCARE, HEALTH/ WELLNESS, PAINTING

buy this stuff »

APPLIANCES, KID STUFF, ELECTRONICS, FURNITURE music »

INSTRUCTION, CASTING, INSTRUMENTS FOR SALE

jobs »

NO SCAMS, ALL LOCAL, POSTINGS DAILY

AGE/SEX: 3-year-old spayed female

ARRIVAL DATE: February 17, 2025

SUMMARY: Ella is a vibrant, wiggle-ﬁlled bundle of joy who’s always ready to bring adventure to your day! Ella came into our care when her guardian’s lifestyle changed, and now she’s searching for a home in which to share of all her love and energy. is enthusiastic love bug thrives on affection, and she’s always up for long walks, playful romps and, of course, a generous amount of TLC from her favorite humans. Ella’s excitement is contagious — with her wagging tail and happy-go-lucky attitude, she’s sure to make you smile. Visit Ella at HSCC to see if she could be your new best friend!

DOGS/CATS/KIDS: Ella is dog-social. She is seeking a home without feline friends and may be most successful with older children, teens and adults.

Visit the Humane Society of Chittenden County at 142 Kindness Court, South Burlington, Tuesday through Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. or Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. Call 862-0135 or visit hsccvt.org for more info.

DID YOU KNOW?

If you have a high-energy dog at home, try a food puzzle! Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs that alleviates stress and boredom. Using food puzzles and occupiers to feed dogs their regular meals or special treats can keep them busy, engaged and enriched for hours.

GARAGE & ESTATE SALES

RUMMAGE SALE

Rummage sale w/ 2

10TH CAVALRY APARTMENTS

FURNITURE

Buy y & Se

ﬂoors of all-season clothing at Angel Outﬁ tters at the United Church of Hardwick. u., Apr. 3, 10

a.m.-2 p.m.; Fri., Apr. 4, 1-7 p.m.; & Sat. Apr. 5, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

82-IN. WARRINGTON COUCH.

Color: bayou spring

teal. Reversible seat cushions, 2 toss pillows. Precision-cut frame for strength & durability. is sofa is an inviting spot for visiting w/ guests or family movie nights. It’s made with a solid & engineered wood frame & has integrated sinuous springs which help to prevent sagging over time. It features rolled arms & foamﬁ lled cushions to support you while you relax. Plus, the cushions are removable, so they’re easy to vacuum. Originally $1,150. $450/OBO. Located at Casavant Overlook. Info, 802-495-6552 or mylteam@yahoo.com.

HOME & GARDEN

TREES/SHRUBS FOR SCREENING & LANDSCAPING

Apple, fruit, evergreen, hardwood trees, berry plants, rose & lilac bushes. Large ﬁeld-grown & container-grown. All grown outdoors in Eden, Vt. State inspected, 1-year warranty. $20. Call 802-309-4063 or visit arborhilltreefarm@ outlook.com.

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

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

PROPERTY FEATURES

Rent includes: heat, hot water, and trash and snow removal

Not included in rent: electricity

Laundry: on-site

PETS & SUPPLIES

SILVER LABRADOR PUPPIES

Beautiful silver Lab puppies avail. now. Raised in our family home. Dewormed & had 1st vaccination. Come w/ a 1-year health guarantee. $1,000. More info on our Facebook page: sugarhalllabradors, 802-279-9993, sugarhalllabradors@ yahoo.com.

CORGI PUPS

Adorable corgi pups. Friendly, family-raised. Shots, wormed, health

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

guarantee. $675. Call 802-595-5345.

WANT TO BUY

TOP CASH PAID FOR OLD GUITARS

Looking for 1920-1980 Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D’Angelico & Stromberg guitars + Gibson mandolins & banjos. ese brands only! Call for a quote: 1-855-402-7208. (AAN CAN)

MUSIC LESSONS

GUITAR INSTRUCTION

All styles/levels. Emphasis on building strong technique, thorough musicianship, developing personal style. Paul Asbell (Big

Other features: community room Renovated studio and

Parking: one spot per apartment

Joe Burrell, Kilimanjaro, UVM & Middlebury College faculty). Info, 802-233-7731, pasbell@ paulasbell.com.

Convenient location, no service req. $650/ mo. + $250 for utils. No additional pets. Call 802-863-5625 or visit homesharevermont.org for application. Interview, refs. & background checks req. EHO.

SHARE GARDENING PARADISE IN HINESBURG

HOUSEMATES

GREAT MONTPELIER LOCATION

Share cozy, tidy home in Montpelier w/ vibrant middle-aged teacher & her cat.

Retired teacher in her 70s seeks a friendly, fun-loving person to help w/ transportation, light housekeeping & errands. Lovely Cape-style home w/ space to garden, a few miles from the center of Hinesburg. $450/mo. Call 802-863-5625 or visit homeshare

vermont.org for application. Interview, refs. & background checks req. EHO.

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

Complete the following puzzle by using the numbers 1-9 only once in each row, column and 3 x 3 box.

» Show and tell. View and post up to 6 photos per ad online. Open 24/7/365. Post & browse ads at your convenience. Extra! Extra! There’s no limit to ad length online.

WANT MORE PUZZLES?

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

NEW ON FRIDAYS:

Put your knowledge of Vermont news to the test.

CALCOKU BY JOSH

REYNOLDS

DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK: HHH

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

SUDOKU BY JOSH REYNOLDS

DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK: HH

Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each 9-box square contains all of the numbers one to nine. The same numbers cannot be repeated in a row or column.

ANSWERS ON P.70

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

ASIAN RESTAURANT/GROCERY

FSBO $39,000. Well-established restaurant on Main St. in Barre, VT. Everything included upon purchase. Staff willing to train new owners. Plenty of opportunity to expand cuisine options, grocery section, and more! Serious inquiries only. Contact (802) 299-8241.

Need outside noise reduction? New, energyefﬁ cient windows may be the answer! Call for a consultation & free quote today: 1-877-2489944. (AAN CAN)

DEREKCO LLC

DerekCo Carpentry & Excavating has all of your carpentry & excavating needs covered! Visit our website & contact us for a free estimate. Info, 802-310-4090, derek@derekco.com, derekco.com.

STOP OVERPAYING FOR AUTO INSURANCE

A recent survey says that most Americans are overpaying for their car insurance. Let us show you how much you can save. Call now for a no-obligation quote: 1-833-399-1539. (AAN CAN) GET DISABILITY BENEFITS

You may qualify for disability beneﬁ ts if you are between 52-63 years old & under a doctor’s care for a health condition that prevents you from working for a year or more. Call now: 1-877-247-6750. (AAN CAN)

HOME & GARDEN SERVICES

ARBOR HILL TREE FARM

Live trees. Potted & ﬁ eld-grown. 2 to 20 feet. Hardwood,

evergreen, fruit trees, berry plants. Grown in Eden. State inspected. 1-year warranty. Info, 802-309-4063, arborhilltreefarm@ outlook.com.

24-7 LOCKSMITH

We are there when you need us for home & car lockouts. We’ll get you back up & running quickly! Also, key reproductions, lock installs & repairs, vehicle fobs. Call us for your home, commercial & auto locksmith needs: 1-833-237-1233. (AAN CAN)

BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES

Beautiful bath updates in as little as 1 day! Superior quality bath & shower systems at affordable prices. Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call now: 1-833-4232558. (AAN CAN)

PEST CONTROL

Protect your home from pests safely &

affordably. Roaches, bedbugs, rodents, termites, spiders & other pests. Locally owned & affordable. Call for a quote, service or an inspection today: 1-833-237-1199. (AAN CAN)

AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER? STORM DAMAGE?

You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind its work. Fast, free estimate. Financing avail. Call 1-888-292-8225. (AAN CAN)

WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP & RESTORATION

A small amount of water can lead to major damage & mold growth in your home. We do complete repairs to protect your family & your home’s value! For a free estimate, call 24-7: 1-888-290-2264. (AAN CAN)

NEED NEW WINDOWS? Drafty rooms? Chipped or damaged frames?

WARNING POLICY ADOPTION

CHAMPLAIN VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT

e Board of School Directors gives public notice of its intent to adopt local district policies dealing with the following at its meeting scheduled on April 2, 2025:

Employment Security Board Rules implements provisions of recent legislation regarding unemployment insurance; specifically, unemployment benefi t overpayments. e amended rule adds a procedure to apply for waiver of repayment of overpaid unemployment benefi ts where the individual is not at fault for the overpayment, and where ordering repayment would be contrary to equity and good conscience. e amended rule adds definitions for “fault” and “contrary to equity and good conscience” and outlines the application process; notice requirements; determinations on applications; and appellate procedure.

Vehicles BOATS

F9 - Student Alcohol and Other Drug Copies of the above policies may be obtained for public review at the Ofﬁce of the Human Resources Dept. in Shelburne, VT.

PROPOSED STATE RULES

MOONSHOT 23-foot ﬁ berglass trimaran sailboat & trailer. $3,500 ﬁ rm. Call 802-658-0269.

CARS & TRUCKS

GOT AN UNWANTED CAR?

Donate it to Patriotic Hearts. Fast, free pickup in all 50 states. Patriotic Hearts’ programs help veterans ﬁ nd work or start their own business. Call 24-7: 1-855-402-7631. (AAN CAN)

By law, public notice of proposed rules must be given by publication in newspapers of record. e purpose of these notices is to give the public a chance to respond to the proposals. e public notices for administrative rules are now also available online at https://secure.vermont.gov/SOS/rules/ . e law requires an agency to hold a public hearing on a proposed rule, if requested to do so in writing by 25 persons or an association having at least 25 members.

To make special arrangements for individuals with disabilities or special needs please call or write the contact person listed below as soon as possible.

To obtain further information concerning any scheduled hearing(s), obtain copies of proposed rule(s) or submit comments regarding proposed rule(s), please call or write the contact person listed below. You may also submit comments in writing to the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules, State House, Montpelier, Vermont 05602 (802-828-2231).

Rules of the Vermont Employment Security Board. Vermont Proposed Rule: 25P015

AGENCY: Vermont Employment Security Board; Dept. of Labor CONCISE SUMMARY: is amendment to the

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Jared Adler, Staff Attorney, Department of Labor, 5 Green Mountain Dr., PO Box 488, Montpelier VT 05602 Tel: 802-863-7294 E-Mail: jared.adler@vermont.gov URL: https://labor.vermont.gov.

FOR COPIES: Robert Depper, General Counsel, Department of Labor, 5 Green Mountain Dr., PO Box 488, Montpelier VT 05602 Tel: 802-522-8669 E-Mail: robert.depper@vermont.gov.

ACT 250 NOTICE

MINOR APPLICATION

4C0335-7A

10 V.S.A. §§ 6000 – 6111

Application 4C0335-7A from Charlotte Ferry Properties, LLC, 228 Aviation Avenue, South Burlington, VT 05403 was received on March 6, 2025 and deemed complete on March 24, 2025. is permit speciﬁcally authorizes a change to the previously approved Contractor’s Yard to a Boat Yard, including the construction of a 7,560 SF building and supporting surfaces for boat storage and repairs. e existing barn and potable water storage building will be retained. e project is located at 735 Ferry Road in Charlotte, Vermont. e application may be viewed on the Land Use Review Board’s website (https:// act250.vermont.gov/) by clicking “Act 250 Database” and entering the project number “4C0335-7A.”

No hearing will be held and a permit may be issued unless, on or before April 15, 2025, a party notifies the District 4 Commission in writing of an issue requiring a hearing, or the Commission sets the matter for a hearing on its own motion. Any person as defined in 10 V.S.A. § 6085(c)(1) may request a hearing. Any hearing request must be in writing, must state the criteria or sub-criteria at issue, why a hearing is required, and what additional evidence will be presented at the hearing. Any hearing request by an adjoining property owner or other person eligible for party status under 10 V.S.A. § 6085(c)(1) (E) must include a petition for party status under the Act 250 Rules. To request party status and a hearing, fill out the Party Status Petition Form on the Board’s website: https://act250.vermont.gov/ documents/party-status-petition-form, and email it to the District 4 Office at: Act250.Essex@vermont. gov. Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law may not be prepared unless the Commission holds a public hearing.

For more information contact Kaitlin Hayes at the address or telephone number below.

Dated this March 25, 2025.

By: /s/ Kaitlin Hayes Kaitlin Hayes District Coordinator 111 West Street Essex Junction, VT 05452 (802) 622-4084 kaitlin.hayes@vermont.gov

RFP FOR ROOF REPLACEMENT

e Essex Westford School District is seeking bids for the roof replacement at omas Fleming School. A walkthrough will be held on-site Monday, April 21, 2025 at 10:00 AM, at 21 Prosect St., Essex Jct. VT 05452. Bids shall be delivered no later than 2:00 PM on ursday, April 29, 2025.

To read the full RFP, go to (see News section): https:// www.ewsd.org/o/ewsd/page/purchasing-bids

ACT 250 NOTICE

MINOR APPLICATION 4C0310-11 10 V.S.A. §§ 6000 – 6111

Application 4C0310-11 from Kula’aina LLC,

Burlington, VT 05403 was received on March 24, 2025 and deemed complete on March 25, 2025. This permit specifically authorizes the development of a 5,400 SF commercial building for a dental office with associated parking on a 1.88-acre parcel, Lot 4 of the commercial Business Park North, which currently features a gravel parking area. The project is located at 40 Kimball Avenue in South Burlington, Vermont. The application may be viewed on the Land Use Review Board’s website (https://act250.vermont. gov/) by clicking “Act 250 Database” and entering the project number “4C0310-11.”

No hearing will be held and a permit may be issued unless, on or before April 18, 2025, a party notifies the District 4 Commission in writing of an issue requiring a hearing, or the Commission sets the matter for a hearing on its own motion. Any person as defined in 10 V.S.A. § 6085(c)(1) may request a hearing. Any hearing request must be in writing, must state the criteria or sub-criteria at issue, why a hearing is required, and what additional evidence will be presented at the hearing. Any hearing request by an adjoining property owner or other person eligible for party status under 10 V.S.A. § 6085(c)(1) (E) must include a petition for party status under the Act 250 Rules. To request party status and a hearing, fill out the Party Status Petition Form on the Board’s website: https://act250.vermont.gov/ documents/party-status-petition-form, and email it to the District 4 Office at: Act250.Essex@vermont. gov. Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law may not be prepared unless the Commission holds a public hearing.

For more information contact Kaitlin Hayes at the address or telephone number below.

Dated this March 26, 2025.

By: /s/ Kaitlin Hayes

Kaitlin Hayes

District Coordinator 111 West Street Essex Junction, VT 05452 (802) 622-4084 kaitlin.hayes@vermont.gov

STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT

PROBATE DIVISION CHITTENDEN UNIT

DOCKET NO.: 25-PR-01109

In re ESTATE of Pierre Poissant

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

To the creditors of: Pierre Poissant, late of Colchester, Vermont.

I have been appointed to administer this estate. All creditors having claims against the decedent or the estate must present their claims in writing within four (4) months of the date of the first publication of this notice. The claim must be presented to me at the address listed below with a copy sent to the Court. The claim may be barred forever if it is not presented within the four (4) month period.

Dated: March 25, 2025

Signature of Fiduciary: /s/ Michael Brault

Executor/Administrator: Michael Brault c/o John J. Mahoney PO Box 24, Essex Junction, VT 05453 Phone: 802-288-9088

Email: john@normansmithlaw.com

Name of Publication: Seven Days

Publication Date: 04/02/2025

Name of Probate Court: State of VermontChittenden Probate Division

Address of Probate Court: 175 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05401

following proposed amendments to the City of Burlington’s Comprehensive Development Ordinance (CDO). The public hearing will take place during the Planning Commission meeting on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025, with the hearing starting at Time Certain 6:45pm. You may access the hearing/meeting as follows:

The meeting will be held in the Sharon Bushor Conference Room at City Hall (149 Church Street) and online via Zoom

To join virtually from a Computer, please click this URL to join, and enter the Webinar ID if prompted:

Link: https://zoom.us/j/97941883790?pwd=bGZBNz NyV1liL3p5NkhIL2dqUFIzdz09

Passcode: 658929

Webinar ID: 979 4188 3790

Passcode (if needed): 658929

To join virtually by phone, dial this number and enter the Webinar ID when prompted:

Number: +1 312 626 6799 Webinar ID: 979 4188 3790

Pursuant to the requirements of 24 V.S.A. §4444(b):

Statement of purpose:

The purpose of the proposed amendments are as follows:

ZA-25-03: This amendment eliminates the GSI requirements in Table 4.5.6-1: SEID Dimensional Standards & Density, as well as the lot coverage bonus offered in exchange for very substantial provision of GSI practices. The lot coverage bonus remains in place when a site is certified as Gold or Platinum under the SITES system, as administered by Green Business Certification, Inc. (GBCI). Reflecting the elimination of these standards, the amendment also revises the SEID purpose statement to encourage, rather than require, a high degree of permeable surface achieved through GSI practices.

ZA-25-06: This amendment amends parking setback standards in Article 14 that provide needed flexibility to owners and operators of constrained Downtown properties. These limited amendments will improve the feasibility of managing Downtown properties while respecting the Form Code’s and Downtown Plan’s vision of a walkable Downtown.

Geographic areas affected:

This amendment applies to the following areas of the city:

• ZA-25-03: Properties located within the South End Innovation (SEID) Overlay District.

• ZA-24-06: Applicable to properties located within Burlington’s Downtown Form Districts.

List of section headings affected:

The proposed amendments modify the following sections of the Burlington Comprehensive Development Ordinance:

• ZA-25-03: Amends Sec. 4.5.6(a) Purpose; Amends Table 4.5.6-1 SEID Dimensional Standards & Density; Amends Sec. 4.5.6 (c) 1 – Dimensional Standards & Density

• ZA-24-06: Amends Sec. 14.6.7.i Parking and Circulation

The full text of the Burlington Comprehensive Development Ordinance is available online at www.burlingtonvt.gov/DPI/CDO. The proposed amendment can be reviewed in hard copy posted on the first floor of City Hall, 149 Church Street, Burlington or online at https://www.burlingtonvt. gov/DPI/CDO/Amendments

STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT

PROBATE DIVISION CHITTENDEN UNIT

DOCKET NO.: 25-PR-01028

In re ESTATE of Sylvia Levine NOTICE TO CREDITORS

To the creditors of: Sylvia Levine, late of Shelburne, Vermont.

Dated: 03/07/2025

Signature of Fiduciary: /s/ Deborah G. Brow

Executor/Administrator: Deborah G. Brow, c/o GHP Advisors, PC 1233 Shelburne Rd., Suite D8

South Burlington, VT 05403

Phone: 802-863-5033

Email: deb@ghpadvisors.com

Name of Publication: Seven Days Publication Date: 03/26/2025

Name of Probate Court: State of VermontChittenden Probate Division

Address of Probate Court: 175 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05401

NOTICE OF SELF STORAGE LIEN SALE

Exit 16 Self Storage 295 Rathe Rd Colchester Vt 05446

Notice is hereby given that the contents of the storage unit will be sold at auction

Alyssa Grant 10 x 10

Alyssa Grant 10 x 20

Annise Wohland 10 x 10

Brian Silver 5 x 10

Brandon Savard 10 x 20

Ethan Brodowski 10 x 15

Earl Rucker Jr 10 x 15

Felita Martin 5 x 10

Heather Rayta 15 x 30

Auction will take place at Exit 16 Self Storage Saturday April 12th 2025, at 9:00am

Units will be opened for viewing immediately prior to the auction.

Sale shall be by live auction to the highest bidder. Contents of the entire storage unit will be sold as one lot.

All winning bidders will be required to pay a $50.00 deposit which will be refunded once the unit is empty and broom swept clean.

The winning bid must remove all contents from the facility within 72 hours of bid acceptance at no cost to Exit 16 Self Storage.

Exit 16 Self Storage reserves the right to remove any unit from the auction should the current tenant pay the outstanding balance in full prior to the start of the auction.

STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT PROBATE DIVISION CHITTENDEN UNIT

Dated: 03/28/2025

Signature of Fiduciary: /s/ Adam Carsen

Executor/Administrator: Adam Carsen

73 Evergreen Ave., New Rochelle, NY 10801

Phone: 914-879-8459

Email: acarsen@icloud.com

Name of Publication: Seven Days Publication Date: 04/02/2025

Name of Probate Court: State of VermontChittenden Probate Division

Address of Probate Court: 175 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05401

CITY OF ESSEX JUNCTION

DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD PUBLIC HEARING

THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025 6:30 P.M.

This meeting will be held in person at Brownell Library, 6 Lincoln Street in the Kolvoord Room and remotely via Zoom.

The meeting will be live-streamed on Town Meeting TV.

• JOIN ONLINE: Visit www.essexjunction.org/DRB for meeting connection information.

• JOIN BY TELEPHONE: Dial 1(888) 788-0099 (toll free) Meeting ID: 839 2599 0985 Passcode: 940993

PUBLIC HEARING

Final site plan for a three-lot subdivision for one residential lot and two lots for future development; road connection of Taft Street to Meadow Terrace in the R1 district by Center for Technology Essex, owners.

Final site plan review to add three dwelling units to an existing three-story mixed-use building with two dwelling units and commercial space at 34 Park Street in the VC District by Park Street Ventures, LLC, owner.

Site plan review for a pocket park at 1 Main Street in the VC District by the City of Essex Junction, owner.

Variance application for relief from the 6-foot height requirement for a fence to construct a stockade fence 7’–7’.6” at the rear property line at 120 Main Street in the R1 District by Chris Vaughn, owner.

This DRAFT agenda may be amended. Plan documents will be available on www.essexjunction.org/DRB five days prior to the meeting. Any questions re: above please call Michael Giguere or Terry Hass – 802-878-6944 x1604

THE CONTENTS OF STORAGE UNIT 01-02420,

Located at 28 Adams Drive, Williston, VT, 05495 Will be sold on or about the 17th of April 2025 to satisfy the debt of Victoria Music, person claiming a right to the goods may pay the amount claimed due and reasonable expenses before the sale, in which case the sale may not occur.

THE CONTENTS OF STORAGE UNIT 02-00225

ZA-25-03

SETBACKS

Pursuant to 24 V.S.A. §4441 and §4444, notice is hereby given of a public hearing by the Burlington Planning Commission to hear comments on the

The City of Burlington will not tolerate unlawful harassment or discrimination on the basis of political or religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, disability, HIV positive status, crime victim status or genetic information. The City is also committed to providing proper access to services, facilities, and employment opportunities. For accessibility information or alternative formats, please contact the City Planning department or 711 if you are hearing or speech impaired.

DOCKET NO.: 25-PR-00004

In re ESTATE of Marjorie L. Carsen

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

To the creditors of: Marjorie L. Carsen, late of South Burlington, Vermont.

Located at 48 industrial Ave, Williston, VT, 05495 Will be sold on or about the 17th of April 2025 to satisfy the debt of Edward Brown, person claiming a right to the goods may pay the amount claimed due and reasonable expenses before the sale, in which case the sale may not occur.

TOWN OF HUNTINGTON NOTICE OF DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD ZOOM MEETING*

APPLICATIONS UNDER REVIEW FOR April 15, 2025 – 7pm

The Huntington Development Review Board (DRB) will meet via Zoom to conduct the following business, pursuant to the Huntington Land Use Regulations:

Subdivision – Sketch Plan Review

Legal Notices

James Sprague and Sarah Barron seek approval for a three lot subdivision on their property on a 15.7-acre lot. Project is located in both the Neighborhood (1-acre zoning) and Rural Residential (5-acre zoning) Districts on Lerner Road. Tax Map ID# 08-015.200

Conditional Use Review

Peter and Keri Hess seek approval for a Non-Dwelling Structure on their property on a 56.1-acre lot. Project is located in the Woodland (25-acre zoning) on Camels Hump Road. Tax Map ID# 06-034.000

The project information is available on the town website www.huntingtonvt.org. Participation in a hearing is required to appeal a decision of the DRB. Application materials may be viewed the week before the meeting.

-Yves Gonnet, DRB Staff, March 30, 2025

*Zoomhttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/8423885332 2?pwd=b3ZmXwa2pybLDnwpaPpu0tZL3HZPfN.1 Meeting ID: 842 3885 3322 ; Passcode: 172442 / Questions: 802-434-3557. 328992 / Questions: 802-434-3557.

PUBLIC HEARING

WINOOSKI DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD

A public hearing will be held by the Winooski Development Review Board on Thursday, April 17, 2025 beginning at 6:30 p.m. to consider the following:

Planned Unit Development Review – 87 Weaver St.

Applicant has submitted a request to build a priority housing project with 16 dwelling units. This property is located in the City’s Residential C (R-C) Zoning District. Planned Unit Development Review under Section 6.3 of the ULUDR is required for projects with multiple principal structures on a lot in the R-C Zoning District.

This hearing will begin at 6:30pm. Members of the public that are interested in participating in this hearing can do so by attending in person at Winooski City Hall, 27 West Allen Street, Winooski, VT; or electronically by visiting https://us06web.zoom. us/j/82129899225 or by calling (301) 715 8592 and using Webinar ID: 821 2989 9225. Toll charges may apply.

Members of the public interested in participating in the above captioned hearing are requested, but not required to make their intentions known by completing the public comment request form located on the City’s website at https://www.winooskivt.gov/ FormCenter/Human-Resources-6/Public-CommentRequest-Form-61 at least 24 hours in advance to ensure this information is included in the record of the hearing. This will also allow the chair to recognize participants to provide testimony at the appropriate time during the hearing.

The Development Review Board will hold a public hearing on this matter before rendering a decision. Decisions of the Development Review Board can be appealed by “interested persons” (as defined by 24 V.S.A. § 4465) to the Environmental Division of the Vermont Superior Court.

Questions or comments on this matter can be directed to Ravi Venkataraman, AICP, CFM, Director of City Planning by calling 802.655.6410 or visiting Winooski City Hall at 27 West Allen Street during normal business hours. Information related to this matter will also be available on the City’s website at https://www.winooskivt.gov/229/ Development-Review-Board.

NOTICE OF SALE

Notice is given that the following lots shall be sold, to satisfy lien of owner, at public sale by sealed bid, on Friday Apr 25, 2025 at the Access Mini-Storage/ McLure Moving & Storage, Inc. complex on 167 Colchester Road, Route 2A Essex Jct., VT. Start time for the sale shall be 10:00 am.

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

Access Mini-Storage lots (name & unit #) offered for sale for non-payment:

Child, Charles #208 Coax, Rebecca #214

Demko, Theodore #545 Dragon, Paula #335

Guilmette, John #341 Mayhew, Jennifer #442

Merchant, Eugene #539 Mouliert, Jaylyn #030

Pearlman, Veronica #546 Swain, Matthew #439

Sealed bids will be submitted for the entire contents of each self storage unit. All sales are final and must be paid for at the time of sale. All items must be removed from the unit within 3 days of purchase. A deposit will be collected on all units sold. This deposit will be refunded when all items are removed and the unit has been broom cleaned. The owners of Access Mini-Storage, Inc. and McLure Moving & Storage, Inc. reserve the right to reject any and all bids.

NOTICE OF SELF STORAGE LIEN SALE

ROUTE 7 CLIMATE STORAGE

189 NORTHSIDE DR. SHELBURNE, VT. 05482

Notice is hereby given that the contents of the storage unit will be sold at auction

Andrew Cushing 10 x 15

Shareen Thompson 10 x 10

Dillon Smith 5 x 10 climate control

Nicole Dawson 5 x10 climate control

Harrison Colton 5 x 10

Auction will take place: Saturday April 19th 2025, 9:00am at Route 7 Climate Storage

Units will be opened for viewing immediately prior to the auction.

Sale shall be by live auction to the highest bidder. Contents of the entire storage unit will be sold as one lot.

All winning bidders will be required to pay a $50.00 deposit which will be refunded once the unit is empty and broom swept clean.

The winning bid must remove all contents from the facility within 72 hours of bid acceptance at no cost to Route 7 Climate Storage Route 7 Climate Storage reserves the right to remove any unit from the auction should the current tenant pay the outstanding balance in full prior to the start of the auction.

CITY OF BURLINGTON

IN THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-FIVE AN ORDINANCE IN RELATION TO ANIMALS BCO CHAPTER 5, ARTS. I-III AND SEC. 22-13

Ordinance 7.5

Sponsor: Ordinance Committee

Public Hearing Dates:

First reading: 02/12/24

Referred to: Ordinance Committee on 03/11/24

Second reading: 03/24/25

Action: adopted as amended Date: 03/24/25

Signed by Mayor: 03/27/25

Published: 04/02/25

Effective: 04/23/25

It is hereby Ordained by the City Council of the City of Burlington as follows: That Chapter 5, Animals and Fowl, and Chapter 22, Parks, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Burlington be and is hereby amended by amending Article I, In General; II, Dogs; Article III, Enforcement and Impoundment; Section 22-13, Animals Prohibited, Exceptions; to read as follows:

Chapter 5

ANIMALS AND FOWL

Article I. In General

5-1 Pound established Animal shelter provided. There shall be established by the city council a pound for the impounding of all beasts liable to be impounded The poundkeeper or their designee shall designate animal shelters or other facilities for all domestic and exotic animals they determine to be in need pursuant to Section 5-25 below.

5-2 Appointment of poundkeeper; compensation (a) It shall be the duty of the mayor to appoint such a

poundkeeper pursuant to Section 122 of the charter who may also be an enforcement official authorized to enforce this chapter. That person shall facilitate and oversee placement of animals at large or otherwise required to be impounded pursuant to this chapter. poundkeepers as may be required to take care of and keep such pound as may be established. Their compensation shall be the same as provided by the laws of this state for poundkeepers in towns. (b) “Enforcement official” when used in this chapter shall mean any city official designated by the city council to issue municipal tickets. Said designee(s) shall be reported to the Vermont Judicial Bureau per the Bureau’s administrative roles.

5-3 Animal bites.

It shall be the duty of every person bitten, or his or her their parent or guardian, and the attending physicians to report to the an enforcement official, who shall report to the city health officer, within twenty-four (24) hours , if feasible, the name, address and telephone number of the owner or keeper of the animal who which bit the person and the complete circumstances to the extent known.

5-4 Nuisance animals.

(a) No owner, keeper or other person having control shall permit an animal to be a nuisance animal. For the purposes of this section, nuisance animal means any animal or animals whoich:

(1) Molests Attacks or harasses passersby or passing vehicles, or otherwise creates a public safety hazard;

(2) Attacks other animals, including domestic pets, avians, and wildlife, off the owner’s premises;

(3) Damages property other than that of its their owner, damage may include but is not limited to, damage caused by urination or spraying;

(4) Defecates off the premises of the animal’s owner, and the owner, or other individual in control of the animal, fails to remove such deposit immediately;

(5) Dogs at large as defined by Section 5-14 below; (6) Trespasses on the property of another; or (5 7 ) Barks, whines, howls, cries, or makes a noise commonly made by such animals in an excessive and continuous fashion so as to disturb the peace and quiet of any other person.

(b) Any animal determined to be a nuisance animal by an enforcement official shall be impounded if the owner, or owner’s agent, is not present and cannot be located immediately.

5-5 Exotic animals.

(a) Purpose and findings: The purpose of this section is to enhance the public safety of persons who are present on the district known as the Church Street Marketplace (the Marketplace) and in the city’s parks by regulating the presence of “exotic” animals on the Marketplace and in the city’s parks. The council finds that such pets can pose a threat to the public health, safety, and welfare if present on the Marketplace and in city parks. Such pets are unlicensed and are not typically leashed, as is required of domestic dogs.

(b) Definitions: “Exotic pet” means all animals except domestic dogs, domestic cats and the European ferret (Mustela putorious furo).

(c) General prohibition: No person shall have an exotic pet or permit their exotic pet to be on or about the Marketplace or within a city park unless expressly approved by the Marketplace Director or Parks Department respectively or exempted under the terms of this section.

(d) Exemptions: A person may have or permit an exotic pet to be on or about the Marketplace or within a city park when done to transport the pet directly from a pet store in the vicinity of the Marketplace or city park after purchase of such pet or to return such pet to said pet store. The person must retain a receipt for the purchase of such pet and shall display the receipt upon demand from any enforcement official animal control officer, law enforcement officer, or other person duly authorized to enforce animal control ordinances

5-6 Use of non-domesticated animals for public display prohibited.

(a) Purpose. This section is intended to assist in the prevention of the mistreatment of nondomesticated animals used in any public display, to reduce risk of harm to the public from accidents and incidents involving such animals, and to reduce the public health risk associated with diseases and pathogens carried by such animals.

(b) Definitions.

(1) Non-domesticated animals are defined as Felidae (all wild cats and hybrids thereof), Ursidae (all bears),

Proboscideae (all elephants), and Non-human Primates and Prosimians

(2) Public display shall mean the exhibition, presentation or showing of live non-domesticated animals to the general public regardless of whether for profit, on a not for profit basis or without charge.

(c) Prohibition. The public display of live nondomesticated animals within the corporate limits of the city is prohibited.

5-7—5-12 Reserved.

ARTICLE II. DOGS AND

CATS

5-13 Definitions.

The following definitions shall apply to this article: “At-large” shall mean not under the control of the owner, a member of the owner’s immediate family, or the owner’s agent or another individual either by leash, cord, chain or other similar means of physical restraint.

“Cat” shall include both male and female of the feline species.

“Dangerous dog” shall mean a dog that attacks or bites a person or other domestic pet while the dog is off the premises of the owner or keeper. Dangerous dog complaints shall be investigated pursuant to section 5-27(b).

“Dog” shall include both male and female of the canine species. Dog shall also mean any animal whoich is considered to be a wolf-hybrid as defined in 20 V.S.A. § 3541(6).

“Enforcement official” when used herein shall mean any animal control officer, police officer, poundkeeper, urban park ranger or other individual specifically designated by the city council to enforce the provisions of this chapter.

“Owner” shall include any person or persons, firm, association or corporation owning, keeping or harboring a dog or cat.

“Vicious dog” shall mean a dog which attacks or bites a person or other domestic pet while the dog is off the premises of the owner or keeper, and the person or pet attacked or bitten requires medical attention. Vicious dog complaints shall be investigated pursuant to section 5-27(b).

5-14 At-large prohibited.

(a) Prohibition. Except as exempted below, no person shall permit a dog for whom they are the owner owned by him or her agent of the owner, or keeper to be at-large as defined in section 5-13 or to trespass upon the property of another, public or private.

(b) Public Safety. Should an at-large dog be deemed to pose an imminent public safety risk, said animal may be killed by the Police Department or their designee. Such an act shall occur where other reasonable means to control the animal have been unsuccessful or deemed not practicable under the circumstances.

(1) On the premises of the dog’s owner;

(2) On the premises of the person under whose control the dog is under; or

(3) On the premises of another person as long as that person has given permission for the dog to be at-large;

(4) A dog is not at-large if they are in a designated off-leash dog area managed and regulated by the board of parks and recreation commissioners.

5-15 License and rabies vaccination required.

(a) Licensing. Every owner or keeper of a dog or cat more than six (6) months old shall be required to annually register and license the animal, in the manner prescribed by the city, with the city clerk’s office and to do so annually provided that no owner shall be required to register a dog or cat more than once in any calendar year. Pursuant to 20 V.S.A. §3582, if application is made after October 1, the fee for the license shall be one-half the amount otherwise required. The license shall expire on the first day of April next after its issuance. Upon issuance of such license and payment of the license fee as required in section 5-16 of this chapter, each dog owner shall receive a dog license tag.

(b) Rabies vaccination. Proof of a current rabies vaccination, as required by state law, shall be required for the licensing of any animal.

(c) Fixture of tag. The dog license tag issued to any person as provided herein as well as up to date identification that includes the name and contact information for the owner of the dog or cat shall

be securely attached to a collar or harness on such licensed dog or cat and worn at all times or the dog or cat shall have a current microchip (d) Effective Date. The requirements for licensing of cats shall become effective April 1, 2026.

5-16 License fees.

(a) In addition to the license fee and any penalty fee required by state law, the municipal fee for each license required by this article shall be twenty dollars ($20.00) for each neutered/spayed dog and forty dollars ($40.00) for each non-neutered/non-spayed dog recommended by the clerk’s office and approved by the city council, provided that the fee for an intact dog or cat shall be greater than that for a neutered or spayed dog or cat. The fees established under this section shall be reviewed not less than every five years.

(b) The owner or keeper of a neutered/spayed dog that serves as the person’s service animal under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request waiver of the municipal license fee (but not the state fee) by providing to the city clerk’s office adequate responses to the following questions in writing:

• Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?

• What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

5-17 Removal of dog and Cat waste required. The owner, keeper or person in control of any dog or cat shall be responsible for the removal of any defecation deposited by such dog or cat on any public or private property.

5-18—5-23 Reserved.

ARTICLE III. ENFORCEMENT AND IMPOUNDMENT

5-24 Penalties.

An offense of any provision of this chapter by any person shall be deemed a civil ordinance violation and shall be punishable by the following penalties:

(1) First offense. A first offense of any provision of this chapter in any twelve-month period shall be punishable by a fine of no less than one two hundred dollars ($ 1200.00) and no more than one two hundred fifty dollars ($ 1250.00). The waiver fine shall be two one hundred dollars ($ 1200.00).

(2) Second offense. A second offense of any provision of this chapter in any twelve-month period shall be punishable by a fine of no less than one two hundred fifty dollars ($ 1250.00) and no more than three two hundred fifty dollars ($ 2 350.00). The waiver fine shall be two one hundred fifty dollars ($ 2 350.00).

(3) Third and subsequent offenses. A third or subsequent offense of any provision of this chapter in any twelve-month period shall be punishable by a fine of no less than three two hundred fifty dollars ($ 2 350.00) and no more than five hundred dollars ($500.00). The waiver fine shall be three two hundred fifty dollars ($ 2 350.00).

In addition to the penalties provided in this section:

(1) Any person found in violation of this chapter may be subject to a restorative justice process with the Burlington Community Justice Center at the discretion of the animal control committee.

(2) a A ny animal found in violation of this chapter may be impounded as provided in section 5-25 of this chapter.

5-25 Impoundment.

(a) Authority to impound. Dogs Any animal in violation of any provision of this chapter or suspected of being diseased or injured may be taken by the enforcement officerial and impounded in the city animal shelter pound and there confined in a humane manner, except that any animal suspected of being a stray may be impounded. The enforcement officer may, in lieu of boarding and when in the public interest and consistent with the public safety, allow an impounded dog to remain confined in the custody of its owner on the owner’s recognizance that the dog shall remain confined to the owner’s property, follow the terms of impoundment set by the enforcement officer and shall not be in violation of any provision of this chapter. Confinement in lieu of boarding shall continue until such time as the violation or condition authorizing impoundment has been abated.

(b) Impoundment fees. Any dog animal impounded under the provisions of this chapter shall be released

only on payment of a one hundred seventy-five dollar ($ 75100.00) impoundment fee.

(c) Boarding fee. In addition to the impoundment fee charged herein there shall be an additional charge of ten dollars ($10.00) per day actual expenses for board for each day the period that the animal dog is impounded except that if an animal is claimed up to three (3) hours after impoundment, the owner will be responsible for one-half (1/2) day’s boarding fee. If an animal is claimed within two (2) hours of opening business hours on the following business day, the owner will not be charged for that day’s boarding fee (d) City clerk to collect fees before releasing animal dog. It shall be the duty of the city clerk to collect all impound and boarding fees before releasing an animal dog

(e) Unlicensed dogs and cats to be licensed before release. If an impounded dog or cat is unlicensed, in addition to the impoundmenting and boarding fees set forth herein, the dog or cat shall not be released without the payment of the license fee required by section 5-17, except that if the impounded dog or cat has not had its proper vaccinations to be registered a one hundred forty-five dollar ($ 100 45.00) cash deposit shall be posted with the city clerk or their his or her designated agent(s) until proof of registration is presented. A dog or cat released under cash deposit shall be registered within two (2) working days after its release. If the dog or cat is not registered within the time period set forth herein, the cash deposit shall be forfeited and the owner of the animal shall be subject to additional penalties under the provisions of 20 V.S.A. Chapter 193 (f) Disposition of unredeemed dogs animals. If any impounded animal dog with a current and effective license established by proof of a dog license tag ,is not redeemed within (7) days of its impoundment, it the animal shall be sold or given away offered for adoption at the city animal shelter or transferred to a cooperating animal shelter as defined in 20 V.S.A. §3901 If any impounded dog without a current and effective license established by proof of a dog license tag, is not redeemed within (5) days of its impoundment, it shall be sold or given away. Any proceeds from the sale of any impounded dog shall first be allocated to taxes, fees and other charges related to the impoundment. Any balance then remaining shall be paid to the owner if any is found. If proceeds from the sale of the unredeemed dog do not cover the costs associated with the impoundment, the balance of sums owed under this chapter may be collected in a civil action brought under this section. If any unredeemed animal dog is not sold or given away adopted because of disease, temperament or other cause, it shall be euthanized destroyed in a humane way. The impoundment period may be waived by the poundkeeper director of the animal shelter in the case of a severely injured animal whose owner cannot be located or is unwilling to claim the animal.

(g) Interference with impoundment. Any person who interferes with the impounding of an animal dog under provisions of this article or releases, or who attempts to release, an impounded animal dog contrary to this article shall be in violation of this chapter.

(h) Notice of impoundment. Within twenty-four (24) hours of the impoundment of any animal dog under this chapter, the enforcement officialer shall make every reasonable attempt to notify the owner of the impounded animal dog of such impoundment. Such notice shall include either personal contact with the owner or a written notice posted at the dwelling house of the owner.

5-26 Cruelty.

Any person who shall torture, torment or cruelly neglect to provide with necessary sustenance or shelter, or shall cruelly beat or needlessly mutilate or illegally kill any animal, or any person who shall cause any animal to be tortured, tormented, or fight with other animals, or deprived of necessary sustenance or to be cruelly beaten or needlessly mutilated or illegally killed shall be guilty of a misdemeanor offense and shall be punishable by a fine of from one three hundred dollars ($ 1300.00) to five hundred dollars ($500.00).

5-27 Animal control committee.

(a) Animal control committee established. For purposes of this section, an animal control committee is established. The animal control committee will be a subcommittee of the Burlington Police Commission and shall consist of three (3) commission members,

one (1) licensed veterinarian, and (1) certified animal behavior professional to be appointed on an as needed basis by the chair of the Burlington Police Commission. The designated animal control officer shall be the prosecuting officer for any violation brought before the committee.

(b) Vicious Dangerous dogs. Upon written complaint received or initiated by the Burlington Police Department by a city resident that a dog is alleged to be dangerous vicious as defined in section 5-13(e), the animal control committee may hold a hearing on the facts of the complaint and, if the dog is found to be dangerous vicious make such order as necessary to protect the public. Such order may include, but is not limited to, any of the following: confinement in a secure enclosure or other similar restriction, muzzling adoption, or euthanasia destruction in a humane manner. In addition, the animal control committee may revoke the privilege of any owner to keep, harbor or have custody of any animals while in the city and that no new privileges be granted.

(c) Repeated impoundment. In the event that any dog shall be impounded three (3) or more times in a twelve-month period, the animal control committee may, at the request of an enforcement official, or in their discretion, hold a hearing after which they may make such order as is necessary to protect the public. Such order may include, but is not limited to, any of the following: confinement in a secure enclosure or other similar restriction, muzzling adoption, or euthanized destruction in a humane manner In addition, the animal control committee may revoke the privilege of any owner to keep, harbor or have custody of any animals while in the city and that no new privileges be granted.

(d) Penalty for violation of orders. Any person who violates any provision of any order of the animal control committee shall be guilty of a misdemeanor offense and shall be punishable by a fine of from three one hundred dollars ($ 1300.00) to five hundred dollars ($500.00).

5-28 Confinement of animals in vehicles.

(a) A person shall not leave an animal unattended in a standing or parked motor vehicle in a manner that would endanger the health or safety of the animal.

(b) Any humane enforcement officialer law enforcement officer or member of a fire and rescue service may use reasonable force to remove any such animal from a motor vehicle. The officer so removing an animal shall deliver the animal to a humane society, veterinarian or town or municipal pound. If the owner of the animal cannot be found, the officer shall place a written notice in the vehicle, bearing the name of the officer and the department and address where the animal may be claimed. The owner shall be liable for reasonable expenses associated with the removal, delivery, boarding and disposition of the animal and a lien may be placed on the animal for these expenses. The enforcement officerial fire, and/ or rescue personnel may not be held liable for subject to criminal or civil liability for any damage resulting from actions taken under subsection (a) of this section. If the aforementioned enforcement official/ personnel are unavailable, a person who forcibly enters a motor vehicle for actions taken under subsection (a) of this section shall not be subject to criminal or civil liability for damage resulting from the forcible entry if the person: (1) determines the motor vehicle is locked or there is otherwise no reasonable method for the animal to exit the vehicle; (2) reasonably and in good faith believes that forcible entry into the motor vehicle is necessary because the animal is in imminent danger of harm; (3) notifies an enforcement official, or member of a fire and rescue service prior to forcibly entering the vehicle; (4) remains with the animal in a safe location reasonably close to the motor vehicle until an enforcement official, or member of a fire and rescue service arrives; (5) places a notice on the vehicle that the authorities have been notified and specifying the location of the animal; and (6) uses no more force to enter the vehicle and remove the animal than necessary under the circumstances. An enforcement official and/or personnel shall deliver the animal to a humane society, veterinarian or the city animal shelter. If the owner of the animal cannot be found, the enforcement official/personnel shall place a written notice in the vehicle, bearing the name of the official/personnel and address where the animal may be claimed. The owner shall be liable for reasonable expenses associated with the removal, delivery, boarding and disposition of the animal and a lien may be placed on the animal for these expenses.

5-29 Abandonment of injured animal

(a) A person shall not leave the scene of an accident in which such person has reason to believe that they have caused the injury or death of a domestic animal. Such person shall immediately contact an enforcement official, and make a reasonable effort to immediately contact the owner of the animal. If the animal is injured wildlife, the person shall contact an enforcement official or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for assistance.

(b) A violation of this section shall be a civil violation subject to the penalties imposed by Section 5-24. ***

22-13 Animals prohibited; exception. No domestic animals, except dogs and cats , shall be permitted in any park. Dogs shall be leashed or controlled by other similar means of physical restraint at all times, except in off-leash areas designated in the Off-Leash Dog Policy. Cats shall be leashed or confined in a carrier at all times.

* Material stricken out deleted.

** Material underlined added.

NOTICE

CITY OF BURLINGTON

FULL BOARD OF ABATEMENT OF TAXES

The Full Board of Abatement of Taxes of the City of Burlington will meet in Contois Auditorium and via ZOOM: https://zoom.us/j/98691222428 on Monday, April 14, 2025* to hear and act upon the request for abatement of taxes and/or penalties from:

24 Grant Street LLC

Filipp Lagun

24 Grant Street 044-4-060-000

Golden Junk LLC Jeffrey Sonin 310-320 North Winooski Avenue 040-2-140-000

Spectrum Youth & Family Services Inc. Will Towne, COO 84 Pine Street, Unit 4 049-1-125-004

*The City Council Meeting usually begins at 6:00 p.m. The Full Board of Abatement of Taxes Meeting is part of this agenda, no set start time.

STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT PROBATE DIVISION CHITTENDEN UNIT DOCKET NO.: 25-PR-00879

In re ESTATE of Marguerite M. Desany

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

To the creditors of: Marguerite M. Desany, late of Burlington, Vermont

Dated: March 31, 2025

Signature of Fiduciary: /s/ Kathleen C. Fisher

Executor/Administrator: Kathleen C. Fisher 315 Saint Paul Street

Burlington Vermont 05401-5719

Phone: (802) 863-4577

Email: cmicciche@miccichelaw.com

Name of Publication: Seven Days

Publication Date: 04/02/2025

Name of Probate Court: State of VermontChittenden Probate Division Address of Probate Court: 175 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05401

CVSWMD seeks

Hazardous Waste Facility Operator

40hrs/week, $24.38 – 31.68/hr + generous benefits.

Montpelier, Barre & Berlin. Come do good work with a great team.

See CVSWMD.org for details.

Veterinary Receptionist/ Patient Care Coordinator

Qi Veterinary Clinic

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Passionate

• A strong communicator in person, via email and phone

• Loves animals and the people who care for them

This is a full-time position consisting of four 10 hour shifts per week. Pay range is $20$25 and includes the following benefits:

• 40 hrs paid personal/sick time per year

• 80 hrs paid vacation time/year

• 52 hrs paid major Holidays/year

• $2,600 contribution towards healthcare premium per year

• Simple IRA with matching up to 3%

• Staff Lunches 2-3 times/week

Serious applicants must submit a cover letter telling us why you’re the right person for us, a resume and 3 references. One reference must be from a direct supervisor. Send resumes: therese@Qivet.com

ATTENTION RECRUITERS:

POST YOUR JOBS AT: JOBS.SEVENDAYSVT.COM/POST-A-JOB PRINT DEADLINE: NOON ON MONDAYS (INCLUDING HOLIDAYS) FOR RATES & INFO: MICHELLE BROWN, 802-865-1020 X121, MICHELLE@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

Full-Time Drop-Off Center Operators

*Also hiring for: Saturday Only position

CSWD is seeking a highly motivated individual to work full-time at various busy Drop-Off Centers Tuesday - Saturday 7:45am-3:45pm. Must enjoy interacting with the public, have the ability to operate a point-of-sale system (training provided) and be able to keep cool under pressure. Moderate to strenuous physical effort is required as is the ability to work outdoors year-round. Customer service experience a plus. Self-starters and those with a passion for reducing waste, recycling, and composting, are strongly encouraged to apply. $19.68 per hour with an excellent benefit package.

For more information on the position and CSWD, visit cswd.net/about-cswd/job-openings. Submit cover letter & resume to Amy Jewell: ajewell@cswd.net. Position is open until filled!

*A Saturday only position (8 hours per week) is also available.

OG CERTIFIED IN - PERSON INSTRUCTOR

Full-Time

The results of our recent staff survey state that 100% of our current staff would recommend working at the Stern Center!

Do you want to work in a culture where you receive outstanding support from your peers, a predictable schedule with an adequate amount of time for planning and lesson prep, recognition for excellent work in an academically stimulating environment? Join Us! You could be changing lives through the use of evidence-based instruction.

The non-profit Stern Center for Language and Learning is dedicated to learning for all as we recognize that all great minds don’t think alike. We invite you to learn more about us at sterncenter.org Interested candidates please send a cover letter and resume to hcastillo@sterncenter.org . Stern Center for Language and Learning is an equal opportunity employer.

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Are you an experienced Project Foreman/ Lead Carpenter in the Addison & Chittenden County (VT) area and looking for a new opportunity to showcase your skills? Our leading construction company is seeking a talented foreman to join our dynamic team.

With a reputation for excellence and a commitment to quality, we offer a rewarding work environment where your expertise will be valued. We offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package. Please send a resume and brief cover letter outlining your experience to admin@smithmcclain.com Come build with us!

Dean of Academic Affairs

The Community College of Vermont is looking for a visionary leader who is passionate about shaping the future of higher education to join our leadership team as the Dean of Academic Affairs.

The Dean of Academic Affairs is responsible for planning, implementing, managing, and supervising all academic programs and personnel at the College, provides strategic leadership in curriculum and program development and assessment, recruits and develops academic personnel, and monitors the success of academic programs by ensuring they meet the highest standards of excellence.

Application Instructions: In order to be considered, please submit a complete application package which includes a cover letter, resume/CV, employment application and contact information for three professional references at: ccv.edu/about/employment

Compass

Youth

Drop-In Center

Operations Manager

CarShare Vermont is seeking a full-time manager to guide our operations and strategic growth with a focus on mission and long-term financial stability. We offer a creative and collaborative environment, plenty of challenging and fun work, and the opportunity to learn and grow with the organization. Read the full description and apply: carsharevt.org/jobs

Teaching Co-Director

Quarry Hill Preschool

Quarry Hill School seeks a passionate Teaching CoDirector to support our preschool program. This full-time role includes schoolyear teaching and year-round administration. Responsibilities include program development, teacher support, and parent engagement. Join our collaborative team!

Visit: quarryhillschool.org

Supported Housing Youth Coach

Drop-In Center Youth Coach

Young Adult Peer Navigator

Scan QR code to apply.

2v-CarShareVT032625.indd 1 3/20/25 3:45 PM

2v-QuarryHillPreschool032625.indd 1 3/24/25 1:08 PM

Attorney

Sta Accountant

Event Catering

Full Time

Located in Vermont's Mad River Valley, LFI catering partners with local farms and producers to showcase Vermont’s thriving artisanal food and beverage industry. When sourcing beyond our garden, LFI catering supports local farmers who use practices that promote environmental health and social and economic equity.

The LFI catering team’s rustic outdoor kitchen is highlighted by American Flatbread’s trademark clay oven and hardwood grills. For over 35 years - wood has functioned as our primary cooking fuel and in-tandem with responsible sourcing, are the foundational elements of the brand.

Compensation: salary 52k + gratuity ($200- $400/wk), 401 k, PTO, and more. To apply, visit: andrew@americanflatbread.com

Provide accounting and analytical support to various departments within the agency using Excel. Conduct monthly analysis of financial statements. Review of General Ledger (GL), Accounts Payable (AP), and Accounts Receivable (AR) transactions. Perform fixed asset analysis and reconciliation. Prepare annual budget preparations. Allocate monthly payroll expenditures. Create, maintain, run, and distribute various financial reports. Provide Ad hoc analysis and support. Monitor monthly analysis of aged accounts receivables. Oversee monthly management of grants & contracts. Perform cash management & banking functions.

To apply, contact Dan Errico: recruitment@wcmhs.org Washington County Mental Health Services: PO Box 647 Montpelier, VT 05601. Reference job ID: WCMH24.

Firm Overview: Bauer Gravel Farnham, LLP is an established law firm primarily located in Colchester, VT, serving the legal needs of Northern Vermont for over 45 years. Committed to providing quality legal services with professionalism and integrity, our firm has earned a reputation for excellence in various practice areas.

Job Description: Bauer Gravel Farnham, LLP is seeking an experienced Corporate Law attorney who desires to continue the firm’s tradition of providing quality legal services in a professional manner. The ideal candidate must be licensed in Vermont with a desire to work in a professional & collaborative firm setting, where both what we do and how we do it is equally important. The candidate should possess strong writing and oral advocacy skills, and be adept and competent in Business Formation, Asset Purchases, and various Corporate Filings. Bringing a current client base to the firm is not required but would be a plus. Please email cover letter and resume to bgfinfo@vtlawoffices.com, ATTN: Daniel N. Farnham.

We are currently seeking

Senior Designer

Select is looking for a senior designer exceptional creative and inspired thinking of the world’s leading brands.

Join

We’re looking for someone eager to manage and

Oversee VCF’s Tech Platforms & Systems

Lead IT Strategy & Data Initiatives

Manage Vendor Relationships & Cybersecurity

Optimize Data for Impact & Efficiency

Create positive change across Vermont. Visit vermontcf.org/careers to learn more.

Select has immediate full-time opportunities within our screen printing and embroidery departments. The right individual must have the ability to work well in a creative, fast paced environment and manage several tasks simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.

We’re seeking a strategic thinker who they do and thrives in a fast paced, High standards for creative execution, and communication are critical. The will be a problem solver with a high of design trends, a passion for brands to bring ideas to life across a variety

A minimum of ﬁve years creative experience and demonstrated ability to deliver solutions within tight deadlines is required.

Qualifications: Prior experience preferred, but we will train the right candidate.

Competitive salary based on expereience and capabilities. Benefits include 401K, profit sharing, medical and dental plans and an exceptional work environment. Select creates products and platforms built for ongoing consumer engagement.

To learn more check out selectdesign.com/careers

Compensation is based on experience Beneﬁts include medical and dental, sharing, ski and ride discount passes work environment.

ATTENTION RECRUITERS:

NEKCV Career Opportunities

NEKCV, a growing community-driven organization bringing high-speed internet to rural Vermont communities, seeks talented professionals to join our team:

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER ($60K-$70K) Lead our communications strategy and Community Connect program. Bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years’ experience required.

CONSTRUCTION MANAGER (Competitive salary) Oversee broadband infrastructure projects with 5+ years’ construction management experience, preferably in telecommunications.

ADMIN/EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT ($40K-$55K) Support our management team with administrative functions. 2-5 years’ experience required.

PROJECT MANAGER ($92K-$110K) Manage broadband construction projects with 5+ years’ experience in large-scale construction, preferably in telecommunications.

STAFF ACCOUNTANT ($70K-$75K) Maintain financial records and assist with accounting operations. Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years’ accounting experience required.

All positions include comprehensive benefits: 100% employee health insurance, dental, vision, disability insurance, 30 days combined time off, and 3% retirement match. For more information, visit: nekbroadband.org/careers

Apply: Send resume & cover letter to careers@nekbroadband.org

NEKCV is an E.O.E. committed to creating an inclusive workplace.

Production Worker

As the world leader in maple syrup bottling, the production employee position offers a wide range of tasks: production assistance, product handling and inspection, handling of boxes for transportation, and physical and manual work.

Administrative & Training Coordinator

VPQHC is looking for a detail-oriented, organized professional to support programs, training, and communications that enhance healthcare quality across Vermont. If you have experience in coordination and communications and are looking for a role where your work has a real impact, we’d love to hear from you!

What We Offer:

• Supportive team & collaborative environment

• Competitive salary ($58K-$65K) & excellent beneﬁts

• Professional development & growth opportunities

• Mission-driven work with a purpose

• Potential for hybrid ﬂexibility

Admissions Technology Assistant Senior Counselor, Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)

The Program Facilitator

The Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired is looking for someone to run our bi-weekly support groups for our blind and visually impaired clients in Chittenden and Franklin Counties as well as our statewide virtual support group. The Program Facilitator emphasizes independence, skills training, and emotional support to people coping with a visual impairment. This is a part-time position 10-15 hours per week, with a starting pay of 19.00 per hour. Interested applicants must be able to work well in a group setting and have a Bachelor’s Degree in either Psychology, Counseling, or Human Services, or the equivalent. Experience with blindness is preferred. Email resume to dnorris@vabvi.org.

When you work for the State of Vermont, you and your work matter. A career with the State puts you on a rich and rewarding professional path. You’ll find jobs in dozens of fields – not to mention an outstanding total compensation package.

EDUCATION FINANCE DIRECTOR – MONTPELIER

The Vermont Agency of Education (AOE) is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Education Finance Director to lead its Education Finance unit. This is a pivotal leadership position that directly influences the financial health and sustainability of Vermont’s education system. The Director will spearhead high-stakes policy revisions and strategic financial planning, ensuring that Vermont’s education funding mechanisms remain equitable, effective, and fiscally responsible. For more information, contact Karen Abbott at karen.abbott@vermont.gov. Department: Education. Location: Montpelier. Status: Full Time. Job ID #52096. Application Deadline: April 8, 2025.

Graduate Nurse Residency Program

Build your skills – with support.

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SEASONAL POSITIONS

• Flexible Schedules/fulltime and part-time work.

• Starting pay 17.40/hour

• Work in beautiful locations – some positions include housing

• Do meaningful work

• Fun perks like free camping and boat rentals!

• Work with great people and learn new skills.

Learn more and apply at: vtstateparks.com/ employment.html

Front Office Coordinator

We’re looking for a friendly, highly detail-oriented front office coordinator to help manage the daily operations of our busy chiropractic office. The ideal candidate will be the first point of contact for patients, providing exceptional service and support in a fast-paced medical office environment. This role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently. The position is initially designated as part-time, to transition to full-time status by September.

Resume by email only please at vtsportsdoc@gmail.com.

See who’s hiring at jobs.sevendaysvt.com

Burlington Housing Authority (BHA)

Are you interested in a job that helps your community and makes a difference in people’s lives every day? Consider joining Burlington Housing Authority (BHA) in Burlington, VT to continue BHA’s success in promoting innovative solutions that address housing instability challenges facing our diverse population of low-income families and individuals.

We are currently hiring for the following positions:

Housing Retention Services – Site

Based: Responsible for supporting those who have mental health and substance use challenges and/or who have moved from homelessness to Bobbin Mill, Wharf Lane, and other BHA properties. The position works closely with property management and other site-based staff to identify challenges and respond with appropriate direct service and coordination of community services, with a goal of eviction prevention and facilitating a healthy tenancy.

Offender Re-entry Housing

Specialist: Provides support to men and women under the VT Department of Correction supervision from prison back to Chittenden County. The ORHS focuses on high-risk men and women who are being released from jail and graduating transitional housing programs and in need of permanent housing. The ORHS provides intensive retention and eviction prevention services and works collaboratively with the Burlington Probation and Parole Office. Additionally, the ORHS works with various case workers, Re-Entry staff and the Administrative Staff from the VT Department of Corrections and the broad network of COSA staff, as necessary, throughout Chittenden County.

Preventative Maintenance

Coordinator: Administers and implements comprehensive preventative maintenance activities at all BHA properties, ensuring the systematic upkeep of building components. The PMC will establish a maintenance schedule, as well as oversee and coordinate with contractors for key

building systems and areas related to the upkeep of buildings.

Rental Assistance Specialist

II: Processes the annual & interim recertifications for tenant and projectbased vouchers and grant-funded rental assistance programs. The RAS also provides help, when needed, with other rental assistance programs administered by the Burlington Housing Authority.

Resident Manager at South Square:

Attends to various resident requests, assisting with emergency service, and light cleaning duties. The Resident Manager is required to live on property. The Resident Manager is provided with an apartment and along with free utilities in exchange for being on call after BHA business hours and on weekends.

Human Resources

Burlington Housing Authority 65 Main Street Suite 101 Burlington, VT 05401-8408

P: 802-864-0538

F: 802-658-1286

For more info about these career opportunities, our robust benefit package, and to apply, please visit: jobs.appone. com/burlingtonhousingauthority

BHA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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

ATTENTION RECRUITERS:

DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING ASSOCIATE

Copley Hospital, located in Morrisville, VT, is seeking a full-time Development and Marketing Associate to assist with fund raising projects, events, and priorities that support our mission.

The ideal candidate will have experience with fund raising, donor cultivation, and solicitation strategies.

For more information or to apply go to copleyvt.org/careers or contact Kaitlyn Shannon, Recruiter, at 802-888-8144 or kshannon@chsi.org.

4t-Copley030524

Come join our friendly team of busy town officials. The Town of Lincoln is looking for a collaborative, creative, and detail-oriented person to serve as administrative assistant to the selectboard and town administrator working approximately twenty hours per week. This position serves as clerk to the selectboard, assists other town boards and commissions as needed, updates the town website and social media and performs grant administration. The position involves working with staff, elected and appointed town officials, volunteer boards and the public. A detailed job description can be found at lincolnvermont.org

Parish Administrator Part-Time

All Saints is a small parish (~50 regularly attending members) at 1250 Spear St., South Burlington. We are seeking a Parish Administrator to prepare weekly service leaflets or bulletins with help from clergy, manage communications (phone, emails, e-newsletter), and perform other admin duties as needed. We are looking for someone who is friendly and helpful. The preferred candidate will be proficient in MS Office, and be open to learning new applications. For full description and to apply: allsaintsvt05403.org/ pt-parish-administrator

Finance Director

The Town of Northfield is accepting applications for the position of Finance Director.

Staff Accountant

The Staff Accountant is responsible for maintaining financial records, preparing reports, and assisting in the overall accounting operations of the organization. This role involves ensuring compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and supporting month-end and year-end closing processes. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, and capable of working independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

For complete details please visit nekbroadband.org/careers

This is a wonderful opportunity to participate in municipal government and help serve our vibrant community. Schedule may be flexible, and additional hours may be available for the right candidate. Benefits include 11 ½ paid holidays (prorated) and 5 paid sick days annually. Starting rate $26.00/hour.

Please send a letter of interest and resume to the Lincoln Town Administrator, Trish Waugh at townadmin@lincolnvermont.org Position is open until filled. 4t-TownofLincoln040225.indd

The Finance Director coordinates and directs the financial activities of the Town of Northfield. The Finance Director reports to the Town Manager.

The Director of Finance leads a team of two that provides payroll and accounting services, grants management and financial internal controls for Town government and the Water, Sewer, and Electric Departments. This position provides oversight and direction, ensuring that the financial practices of the Town and Utilities are in compliance with State and Federal laws and regulations as well as local policies. Experience with Vermont municipal finance and the ability to work with others is highly desired.

Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting or business administration preferred. Significant experience in a key administrative position in a Municipal government a plus. Experience may be substituted for the degree.

Compensation is commensurate with experience.

To obtain a copy of the job description or more information, please visit northfield-vt.gov or contact the Northfield Town Manager Jeff Schulz at 802-485-9822

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter by email: jschulz@northfield.vt.us, or mail: Finance Director Position, ATTN: Town Manager, 51 South Main Street, Northfield, VT 05663 or in person at the same address. The Town is accepting applications until the position is filled.

The Town of Northfield is an equal opportunity employer.

Line Cook

Positive and motivated, willing to get trained & take responsibility of the stations. Tuesday through Saturday evenings. Chiuhos@asinglepebble.com

Office Manager

Fast paced construction office is looking for someone to oversee data entry, accounts payable, payroll, and Human Resources. This is a full-time position with flexible hours and generous benefits in a dogfriendly office. QuickBooks and QuickBooks Time experience is preferred. Human Resources background is a plus. Willing to train the right person.

Send resumes to chris@ redhousebuilding.com

Equipment Operator Maintenance Technicians (Level I)

The Town of Bolton is hiring Equipment Operator

Maintenance Technicians (Level I) to help maintain and improve our town roads. This full-time position involves a variety of general labor tasks, including snow removal, road construction, and repairs. Technicians operate specialized highway equipment such as seven-yard dump trucks, excavators, and graders. We are building a team committed to the future of Bolton’s roads and infrastructure.

Ideal candidates will have:

• Experience operating heavy machinery and equipment

• Mechanical skills and experience with repairs

• A CDL license

PCA Wanted

Disabled male in South Burlington looking for part-time caregiver.

Duties include help bathing, dressing, laundry/ light housework, meal prep, and possibly driving.

Hours: 20 +/- per week.

Starting wage: 22.00 biweekly via payroll service. Flexible with shift times.

Warehouse Associate/ Delivery Driver

A Bath and Architectural Hardware Showroom in Burlington

We are looking for a dynamic individual to join our team! If you are dependable, enjoy some physical work and like being on the move, we’d love to have you on board!

Why work at Close To Home?

• Great Work Environment: Be part of a supportive and friendly team that values hard work and reliability.

• Competitive Pay & Benefits: We offer great compensation and a generous bonus package.

If you’re missing one or more qualifications but are eager to learn, we encourage you to apply.

This position comes with a competitive benefits package. Interested applicants should email their resume to townadmin@boltonvt.com

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TOWN CLERK

The Town of Ferrisburgh, Vermont is looking for a full-time Town Clerk.

The Town Clerk is responsible for overseeing town functions in the areas of municipal record keeping, issuance of licenses and official documents, and conducting local, state and federal elections. This position includes a variety of highly responsible duties that require considerable judgment, discretion and initiative in the interpretation and application of laws, regulations and procedure records.

The clerk has many responsibilities, including running local elections; recording town meeting proceedings; recording of land records and issuing birth, death, marriage, dog, hunting, and fishing licenses. Must be able to interact with the public in a professional manner. Interaction with the Selectboard is also a requirement.

Work in a beautiful light filled historic building located in the center of Ferrisburgh, with a friendly and knowledgeable staff serving a vibrant community.

Salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience. Benefits include paid time off, insurance and retirement with the Vermont Municipal Retirement System (VMERS). For a complete list of qualifications direct any questions to Pam Cousino, at 802-877-3429 or townclerk@ferrisburghvt.org

To apply, please send cover letter, resume and references to Pam Cousino at townclerk@ferrisburghvt.org or mail to:

Ferrisburgh Town Clerk, 3279 US Route 7, Ferrisburgh, VT 05456

Must be received by April 10, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.

The Town of Ferrisburgh is an E.O.E.

Background check is mandatory.

Please send resume to: zcartist@gmail.com

• Varied & Active Role: Enjoy a mix of warehouse organization and on-the-road deliveries—no two days are the same!

• Job Stability: Work with a company that values long-term employees and provides consistent work.

Check out closetohomevt.com/careers for more information.

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Twincraft is looking for energized, dynamic, and ﬂexible individuals to join our fast-growing family-owned business.

Are you interested in joining a collaborative, team-oriented environment where we all strive daily to make great things happen?

If so, please visit twincraft.com/ twincraft-careers to apply!

ATTENTION RECRUITERS:

SPECIAL EDUCATOR IN - PERSON

The results of our recent staff survey state that 100% of our current staff would recommend working at the Stern Center! We are currently hiring special educators who are ready to make a difference at a new level in their career. If you thrive in an educational setting that shakes up the traditional school model, apply to join our team in the life-changing work of teaching reading. Work with students who need the support of caring educators who believe in them, in a context where social-emotional wellbeing and support is a critical part of the learning journey. Ideal candidates will have a BA/BS in education, 2+ years’ experience in Special Education, enthusiasm for one-toone instruction, and knowledge of assessment and interpretation. Experience with Orton-Gillingham, or similar qualifications a plus. This is a full-time, in-person position in Chittenden County, VT. This position includes the Stern Center’s 6-week summer program through the 2025-2026 school year.

Interested candidates send cover letter/resume to hcastillo@sterncenter.org The Stern Center for Language and Learning is an E.O.E.

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School Engagement Specialist

LRC is hiring a 32-40 hr/wk School Engagement Specialist (SES). SES apply restorative case management practices to help children/youth and their families struggling with school attendance navigate multiple systems of support to address barriers to school engagement. They build relationships with youth and families and utilize established and collaborative connections with school personnel, DCF, and human services providers in the community, to help families to develop and implement plans for improved school attendance. The SES uses methodologies rooted in restorative practices, whereby parents and children feel heard and acknowledged, and their dignity and resilience are upheld.

This position is ideal for someone with an understanding of restorative work in schools, excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills, and those who are interested in a workplace that promotes employee well-being and is known for its inclusive and collaborative work environment. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required and position is anticipated to begin late June.

The hourly pay rate is between $23.31 and $24.52. A generous benefits policy provides $13,000 annually for each employee to pay for the benefits they need, such as: medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance, and retirement. Additional benefits include 27 paid days off and 17 paid holidays, pre-tax dependent care deductions, paid family medical leave, an annual training stipend, and life insurance.

Please submit a cover letter & resume to: info@lrcvt.org

LRC is an equal opportunity employer and invites applications from professionals with lived experience. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Spring into your new career TODAY!

Hiring for 2nd & 3rd Shift Operators in St. Albans, VT $22 – $25 per hour to start

Plus, for a limited time, offering a $5,000 Sign On Bonus to eligible new hires

Benefits from Day 1 include:

• 37.5 hour Work Week with 40 hour pay

• On-site Primary Care for employees & eligible dependents

• Employee Medical, Prescription and Vision coverage – $9/ Per Pay

• Proit Sharing and 401(k) with 100% matching up to 4% and no vesting period

• Family Medical & Prescription Coverage –$18 Per Pay with Vision – $1.50 Per Pay

• Generous Time Off programs (including personal, vacation and company holidays)

Other benefits include:

• Annual Bonus and merit increases (starting at $3,000)

• Education Assistance up to 100% of the cost of tuition, books and lab fees

ATTENTION RECRUITERS:

POST YOUR JOBS AT: SEVENDAYSVT.COM/POSTMYJOB

PRINT DEADLINE: NOON ON MONDAYS (INCLUDING HOLIDAYS) FOR RATES & INFO: MICHELLE BROWN, 802-865-1020 X121, MICHELLE@SEVENDAYSVT.COM

fun stuff

JEN SORENSEN

HARRY BLISS

fun stuff

KRISTEN SHULL

JONNY HAWKINS

ARIES

(MAR. 21-APR. 19)

Have you ever been part of an innovation team? Its goal is not simply to develop as many new ideas and approaches as possible, but rather to generate good, truly useful new ideas and approaches. The most effective teams don’t necessarily move with frantic speed. In fact, there’s value in “productive pausing” — strategic interludes of reflection that allow deeper revelations to arise. It’s crucial to know when to slow down and let hunches and insights ripen. This is excellent advice for you. You’re in a phase when innovation is needed and likely. For best results, infuse your productivity with periodic stillness.

TAURUS (Apr. 20-May 20): Barnacles are crustaceans that form vast colonies on rocks, pilings, whales and boats. They may grow so heavy on a ship that they increase its heft and require as much as a 40 percent increase in fuel consumption. Some sailors refer to them as “crusty foulers.” All of us have our own metaphorical equivalent of crusty foulers: encumbrances and deadweights that drag us down and inhibit our rate of progress. In my astrological opinion, the coming weeks will be a favorable time for you to shed as much of yours as possible. (I’ll be shedding mine in June.)

GEMINI (May 21-Jun. 20): In 1088, the Chinese polymath and statesman Shen Kuo published his book Dream Torrent Essays also translated as Dream Pool Essays. In this masterwork, he wrote about everything that intrigued and fascinated him, including the effects of lightning strikes, the nature of eclipses, how to make swords, building tall pagodas resistant to wind damage and a pearl-like UFO he saw regularly. I think the coming weeks would be an excellent time for you to begin your own version of Dream Torrent Essays, Gemini. You could generate maximum fun and self-knowledge by compiling all the reasons you love being alive on this mysterious planet.

CANCER (Jun. 21-Jul. 22): The mimosa is known as the “sensitive plant.” The moment its leaves are touched, they fold inwards, exposing the sharp spines of its stems. Why do they do that? Botanists say it’s meant to deter herbivore predators from nibbling it. Although you Cancerians sometimes display equally extreme hair-trigger defense mechanisms, I’m happy to say that you will be unlikely to do so in the coming weeks. You are primed to be extra bold and super responsive. Here’s one reason why: You are finely tuning your protective instincts so they work with effective grace — neither too strong nor too weak. That’s an excellent formula to make fun new connections and avoid mediocre new connections.

LEO (Jul. 23-Aug. 22): While sleeping on a recent night, I dreamed of an old friend I had lost touch with for 20 years. It was wonderful. We were remembering mystic breakthroughs we had while younger. When I awoke the next day, I was delighted to find an email from this friend, hoping for us to be back in touch. Hyperrationalists might call this coincidence, but I know it was magical synchronicity — evidence that we humans are connected via the psychic airways. I’m predicting at least three such events for you in the coming weeks, Leo. Treat them with the reverence they deserve. Take them seriously as signs of things you should pay closer attention to.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sep. 22): A star that astronomers call EBLM J0555-57Ab is 670 light years away. Its diameter is the smallest of any known star, just a bit larger than Saturn in our solar

system. But its mass is 250 times greater than Saturn’s. It’s concentrated and potent. I’ll be inclined to compare you to EBLM J0555-57Ab in the coming weeks, Virgo. Like this modestsize powerhouse, you will be stronger and more impactful than you may appear. The quality you offer will be more effective than others’ quantity. Your focused, dynamic efficiency could make you extra influential.

LIBRA (Sep. 23-Oct. 22): Libran jazz pianist and composer Thelonious Monk was an influential musician in part because he didn’t conform to conventions. According to music writer Tarik Moody, Monk’s music features “dissonances and angular melodic twists ... consistent with his unorthodox approach to the piano, which combined a highly percussive attack with abrupt, dramatic use of switched key releases, silences, and hesitations.” Many of Monk’s most innovative improvisations grew out of apparent mistakes. He explored and developed wrong notes to make them into intentional aspects of his compositions. “His genius,” another critic said, “lay in his ability to transform accidents into opportunities.” I’d love to see you capitalize on that approach, Libra. You now have the power to ensure that seeming gaffes and glitches will yield positive and useful results.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Author Richard Wright said people “can starve from a lack of self-realization as much as they can from a lack of bread.” That’s rarely a problem for Scorpios, since you are among the zodiac’s best sleuths when exploring your inner depths. Does any other sign naturally gather more self-realization than you? No! But having said that, I want to alert you to the fact that you are entering a phase when you will benefit from even deeper dives into your mysterious depths. It’s an excellent time to wander into the frontiers of your self-knowledge.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Andean condors hunt for prey while flying through the sky with their 10-foot wingspans. They’ve got a good strategy for conserving their energy: riding on thermal currents with little effort, often soaring for vast distances. I recommend that you channel the Andean condor in the coming weeks, Sagittarius. Always be angling to work

smarter rather than harder. Look for tricks and work-arounds that will enable you to be as efficient and stress-free as possible. Trust that as you align yourself with natural flows, you will cover a lot of ground with minimal strain. Celebrate the freedom that comes from embracing ease.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): While hiking in nature, people often rely on their phones to navigate. And what if their battery dies or there’s poor cell service out in the middle of nowhere? They might use an old-fashioned compass. It won’t reveal which direction to go but will keep the hiker apprised of where true north lies. In that spirit, Capricorn, I invite you to make April the month you get in closer communication with your own inner compass. It’s a favorable and necessary time to become even more highly attuned to your ultimate guide and champion: the voice of the teacher within you.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “It is advisable to look from the tide pool to the stars and then back to the tide pool.” Aquarian author John Steinbeck wrote that. I think it’s useful counsel for you in the coming weeks. What does it imply? Here are a few meditations. 1) Be tuned in to both the small personal world right in front of you and the big picture of the wider world. Balance and coordinate your understandings of them. 2) If you shift your perspective back and forth between the macrocosmic and microcosmic perspectives, you’re far more likely to understand how life really works. 3) You may flourish best by blending the evaluative powers of your objective, rational analysis and your intuitive, nonrational feelings.

PISCES (Feb. 19-Mar. 20): The earliest humans used bones and pebbles to assist in arithmetic calculations. Later, they got help from abacuses and crude mechanical devices. Electronic calculators didn’t arrive until the 1960s. All were efforts to bypass tedious reckonings. All were ingenious attempts to manage necessary details that weren’t much fun. In that spirit, I encourage you to seek time-saving, boredom-preventing innovations in the coming weeks. Now is an excellent time to maximize your spacious ability to do things you love to do.

e Haskell Free Library & Opera House straddles the border between Vermont and Québec. e U.S. government is restricting Canadians’ access to the library — a break from tradition. Seven Days’ Eva Sollberger saw the new door for Canadians and met Stanstead Mayor Jody Stone and Newport Mayor Rick Ufford-Chase.

OLD SCHOOL IS THE WAY

Looking for an honest, loyal woman.

My heart’s too big to share alone. I’m tall, great-looking, ready to have some fun — just an Irish man looking for his lucky charm. I’m a cook, artist, construction worker, plumber, all by trade. It’s been broken one too many times. Love fun and excitement — oh, yeah, and I’m a sex addict.

Mainsouthmiz76 48, seeking: W, l

Respond to these people online: dating.sevendaysvt.com

WOMEN seeking...

GLASS HALF FULL, WILLING TO SHARE

Kind, smart, intuitive, SWW, 63, with a wry sense of humor. Financially independent and resourceful, civicminded, and involved in the community. Health conscious in body, mind and spirit. Work part time at a job I love and am ready for more. More travel, more play and deeper connection. Seeking meaningful relationship with vital, active, emotionally available and intellectually curious man. Is that you? Love2Read, 63, seeking: M, l

WARM, WATER SIGN, WORDS MATTER

I’m a people person and love connecting on a deep level. I would like to find someone to read and talk about books with, to laugh, to sail, to swim, to eat well, to listen to music, to walk and bike and enjoy small adventures, and to find comfort together, despite the current insanity. Connecting, 65, seeking: M, W, l

CREATIVE, GROWTH-ORIENTED NATURE LOVER

I figure I have likely about 20 years left on the planet, and I would love to spend them in an enjoyable partnership with an active, caring and compatible man. I am tall, slim, fit and active. Artist and craftsperson, gardener. Spiritually oriented, vegan nature lover. Not retired, may never be, but enjoy a balanced life. Positive outlook always. dancer9 74, seeking: M

WANT TO RESPOND?

You read Seven Days, these people read Seven Days — you already have at least one thing in common!

All the action is online. Create an account or login to browse hundreds of singles with profiles including photos, habits, desires, views and more. It’s free to place your own profile online.

l See photos of this person online.

W = Women

M = Men

TW = Trans women

TM = Trans men

Q = Genderqueer people

NBP = Nonbinary people

NC = Gender nonconformists

Cp = Couples

Gp = Groups

YOUTHFUL OLD SOUL AWAKENED HEART

Awakening heart welcomes kind, compassionate, culture creating partner with whom to grow chosen family. We nurture ecosystem resilience, nurture/ share medicine, and tend home hearth. Let’s venture into the wild, play music, craft, drink tea, read poetry, cook, paddle, peddle, forest gaze, cuddle by fire, tree climb, dance, practice Spanish or French. Conscious communication, friends first. Grow connection at trust speed. youthfuloldsoul 49 seeking: M, l

EXPLORER

Creative, reflective, edgy, sarcastic, traveler, independent, generous, fair. titanbuff, 77, seeking: M, l

HAPPY, BUSY, FULFILLED

I like myself now, and I like who I am becoming because I’m not finished developing yet. You like yourself too, and you’ve been up to some interesting things recently (me, too), and thinking some new thoughts (me, too) that might make for the start of a good conversation. Spinner 59, seeking: M, l

SUPER CHILL, FRIENDLY LADY

Recentish divorcée after long marriage seeking friendship to start, perhaps morphing into more. Have been out of dating game for 30 years, give or take. Looking to make new connections, maybe drink some coffee or wine or both. Whoreallyknows 50, seeking: W

FUN-LOVING MUSIC NATURE LOVER

Fun, casual, honest music and nature lover. I also enjoy photography, walks, long drives and good food. Looking for a good friend to enjoy life with. What is on your bucket list? Casualinthemountains, 41 seeking: W

NOTHING VENTURED, NOTHING GAINED

My life is full, but I believe that some things are better shared. Moxie123, 78 seeking: M, l

YOUNG SENIOR SEEKING MALE FRIEND

Active introvert seeking man for friendship and/or casual dating. I love walking my dogs, e-biking, walking and bird-watching. aquarius 80, seeking: M, l

GREAT SMILE

I am looking for someone to spend time with. I work a lot and have a successful business, so I am not looking for money or for someone to take care of me. I want a personal connection. I love the outdoors, country lifestyle. I hate the city. Horselady 54 seeking: M

NATURAL, OUTGOING AND WARMHEARTED

I’m ready for life with a man to raise animals, build home, small vegetable garden/orchard. I want a mutually exclusive relationship. I love dining out and live music! I have a big family and love visits. I am not a big traveler or shopper. I prefer home and being established. Ideally you build, fix, have steady income, live congruently. MoveSlow, 50, seeking: M, l

BUBBLY, ADVENTUROUS FOODIE

I love meeting new people and trying new things. On a given Saturday night you can either find me dancing the night away at bars or staying at home in my PJs, reading a thriller. murphjo99 25, seeking: M, l

LONELY LOOKING FOR ?

Looking for someone kind. I know no picture. Life’s a gamble. Self-sufficient woman here, at least I think so sometimes. I enjoy nature and good sex, like I can remember. Physically active. Not perfect. Silly_wabbit 54, seeking: M

LOOKING FOR CONNECTION

I’m considerate, kind, compassionate, curious and always looking for new adventures. I would love to meet someone to share in my enthusiasm. Connect with me if you are not afraid to be real. katya, 58, seeking: M, l

CARING, COMPASSIONATE OPTIMIST

I am an active, energetic person with an optimistic view of life. I enjoy being out in nature and appreciate all seasons. I hope to find someone who’s up for new adventures and enjoys time alone and time together. Good communication, trust and compassion are very important to me, and I hope to find someone who shares these values. KindredSpirit63 63 seeking: M, l

HONEST, LOYAL, INTENSE

Science and tech geek seeks similar. Dark sense of humor, still kind of a goth at heart. If I’m not home on Saturday nights, I’ll be at a bar or movie, not the theater. Shy, quiet and serious at first, looking for my opposite: someone carefree and joyful. But in the end, it all comes down to chemistry, right? labrat 47, seeking: M, l

ACTIVE, CARING AND FUNNY

Active woman who enjoys dancing, hiking, biking. My new partner is passionate about life and wants to spend time building a relationship. DancingQueen, 60 seeking: M, l

ENERGETIC, SARCASTIC AND LAID-BACK!

Not good at this. Let’s just give it a go and see what happens! Looking for a buddy, someone to hang and spend some time with. ForgingNewPaths 38, seeking: M

SEEKING TALL NICE GUY

Nice gal seeks nice guy for fun: conversation, travel, meals. I like fiction, cooking garden-to-table, conversation. I don’t like motorcycles, football, TV. Please be 5’10” or taller, nonsmoker, financially secure, emotionally and physically healthy. swimwstars 68, seeking: M

MEN seeking...

THEY’RE MAKING ME DO THIS

Sven sent someone into town wearing his clothes and walking his dog, just so that I would smile at a stranger. That’s why I am now looking for love. A fool I am, to have walked into such a simple gambit. Now I need allies for my phoenix-like rebirth. Potentially powerful wizard seeking loyal followers, friends for long journey. reginaldgatorade, 26, seeking: W, Q, l

AWESTRUCK IN LOVE WITH LIFE

My life is fulfilling and peaceful — deep in thought, meditation and creativity, and engagement with world issues while being awestruck by the love and kindness around me. blueeyedscorpio, 70, seeking: W

HONEST, LOYAL, CREATIVE, RESPONSIBLE, CARING

I am looking for a partner who enjoys taking rides to nowhere — someone who is adventurous and enjoys all aspects of life. Please, no liars or drama. LuckyGuy9 74, seeking: W, l

GENTLE, OPEN-MINDED GUY

I’m a laid-back engineer looking for a serious connection with a woman around my age who is kind and empathetic. I spend my time making little crafts like cards, slowly building my tiny house, running with friends, contra dancing and enjoying slow weekend mornings. Let’s get together for a walk, drink or coffee! urbanforager 27, seeking: W, l

STUDIOUS, DOG DAD, RUNNER, ROMANTIC (HOPELESS?)

I have a wonderful dog, a blossoming career, and a lot of care and energy I’d like to invest in another person. The apps are tiring. This seemed like a quirky way to approach finding the One. I build my life around social groups, run/hike often and generally try to be outdoors with a book in my hand. EveningRedening 29, seeking: W, l

ATHLETIC ANTI-INTERVENTIONIST

MOUNTAIN RUNNER

Looking for an athletic mate who loves to be physically active and likes to pitch in on creative projects and exploring the far corners of the Northeast’s mountains and woodlands. I have a wicked yet gentle sense of humor about the world, which really needs some changes if we are to survive as a civilization. Wamsutta, 63, seeking: W, l

IMPETUOUS, WHIMSICAL, THOUGHTFUL ROMANTIC

Looking for companionship and passion. Someone to talk with, laugh with, and make out on the sofa with.

I’m a guy who likes to have fun and act goofy. I’m also committed to the liberation and flourishing of all people. I’m affectionate, generous, creative and unrealistic. I’m sometimes annoying, sometimes moody. I give great back rubs. I’m always imperfectly human. lotsalattes, 61, seeking: W, l

WHERE ARE YOU, MY LOVE?

Where are you, my love? I want to hold you close, awake and asleep. I want to lift the care off your shoulders, but never question your dreams, aspirations and decisions. Lie with me in the cradle, our bodies entwined. It is the core need of our human lives — the very thing that all who love truly seek. 8Penny 52, seeking: W

HONEST, TRUSTWORTHY, LOYAL

Single for six years, seeking a fun, compatible woman. Mature, handy and humorous, I crave connection and laughter. Ready for a partner to end this loneliness and explore a deeper bond. Cob802, 42 seeking: W, l

SEARCHING FOR LOVE

I’m a hopeless romantic of a man who likes to have fun. I don’t think that just because you believe in romance, everything has to be all sappy and mushy all the time. I definitely feel that if you’re romantically involved with someone, you should be able to share your thoughts and feelings on an array of topics. Michtheman, 60 seeking: W, l

AM I ALONE?

Are you like me? The apps and bars aren’t for you or me? We’d like to be noticed — not the ones to break the ice. I’m interested in a relationship, not into hookups or older men. Looking for that special someone who would like to spend some time with me. I enjoy the outdoors, cooking, good movies and more. Simpleguy, 48, seeking: M, l

HERE I GO AGAIN

Just moving back to the Burlington area, been away a long time. Looking for a serious partner who I can cook for and then snuggle up on the sofa with. Not into any drama — I’m loyal and kind. Take a chance, I might surprise you. Diesell67, 57, seeking: W, l

INTROVERTED, ORGANIZED, RELIABLE

I care more about living my values than submitting to social norms, and so I find myself living on a homestead, far more self-sufficient than anyone you are likely to encounter in this time and place. I’m looking for company; a woman who appreciates all I have to share but doesn’t necessarily share my interests or skills. nonconformist, 43, seeking: W, l

ADVENTUROUS STALWART

I would describe myself as an introspective, thinking type who desires a grounded and uncomplicated committed partner. I am a thoughtful, well-read and loyal man. I’ve had my share of life’s tragedies, but so far have remained on the side of hope and optimism. I seem to wear my heart on my sleeve, as my demonstrative nature can attest. Gasman, 66, seeking: W, l

I’M YOUR HANDYMAN

Hard to sum myself up. Used to be a jazz musician and taught jazz ensembles, guitar and bass lessons at private schools near Boston. Nowadays, I mainly do my handyman “side gig” since I moved to Vermont. I don’t even know what I’m hoping to find, but my wife died more than a year ago, and it sucks being alone. eccentric, 62, seeking: W, l

NONBINARY PEOPLE seeking...

OUTDOORSY, TALKATIVE, CREATIVE Hi, I am pretty fun. I listen to a lot of music. I hike a lot, backpack and garden in the summers. I’m intersex, so I’m doublegendered totally and prefer men. I like to draw a lot. I’m very creative; think of myself as a drawer of African animalistic settings, Vermont animals and astrology. Hailuithair 30 seeking: M, l

COUPLES seeking...

COUPLE

Married couple looking for discrete third, male, must be clean and respectful. Looking for occasional no-stringsattached man. I am 55 and she is 52. Kinkyman1, 55 seeking: M

ENJOYING LIFE

We are an attractive, fun-loving, professional couple enjoying life together in Vermont (she, 49; he, 51). Looking for couples or the occasional single guy for fun experiences in and out of the bedroom. Onlylivingonce, 51, seeking: M, Cp, Gp

YOU SENT ME TO MORNINGSIDE

You have a beautiful, rose-colored aura. It’s the ﬁrst aura that I’ve ever seen, but it was unmistakable, almost palpable, and far more stimulating than any espresso that I’ve ever had. When: Friday, March 28, 2025. Where: Café Provence, Brandon. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916281

CROSSWALK ENCOUNTER

I was carrying a ball and you were running. I have seen you around, and your smile gets me every time. Damn! When: Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Where: Top of Granite Street, Montpelier. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916280

BARISTA BABE

Can’t tell if you were ﬂirting or just being nice. You were the cute blonde barista who asked me if I liked the “Cha Cha Shufﬂe,” but I was too much of a caffeine-deprived space cadet to think of anything to say. I was the brunette in big sunglasses and a striped scarf. When: Saturday, March 22, 2025. Where: Birchgrove Bakery. You: Woman. Me: Woman. #916279

PATRICK FROM THE Y

We met a couple of weeks ago. I think you’re cute. Would love to get to know you more if you are up for a low-pressure hang! When: Sunday, March 2, 2025. Where: Out and about! You: Man. Me: Woman. #916278

SILVER FOX AT EB STRONG’S!

We were having dinner with friends — near each other, but at separate tables. As I stood up to leave, we held a few moments of intense eye contact. I want to know who you are! Me: Tall, gray blazer, white T-shirt, smile. You: Silvery curly hair, super handsome, smile. When: Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Where: EB Strong’s. You: Man. Me: Woman. #916277

If you’ve been spied, go online to contact your admirer!

WATERBURY CENTER GAS

You were getting gas. I was spying you. You are cute and sexy. When: Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Where: gas station. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916276

SUNBEAM OR SOMETHING

Bus down Shelburne Rd. You were dressed in yellow. Your hair, blonde? Red? Maybe still is, maybe you’ve dyed it black — who knows? No way to know. I sat near front. Long brown hair. Didn’t speak. Figured I’d write a note asking you to contra! Realized I had no paper or pen. Weird sorry. Reimburse the $7 if you choose to reply. When: Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Where: the bus. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916275

COOPERATIVE KINDNESS

anks to all the folks who removed the downed tree on Malletts Bay Ave. It was in a bad spot on a curve, and three or four separate people stopped to help. Didn’t matter who you were; we all pitched in and took care of our community. ank you. When: Sunday, March 16, 2025. Where: Malletts Bay Ave. You: Group. Me: Trans woman. #916274

LAUNDROMAT READING

You were reading Emma in the Night by Wendy Walker. You looked up when I entered, with your gorgeous eyes, and said my dog was beautiful. I thought the same of you. We read beside each other for a while. I was shy. I wouldn’t tire of reading beside you, if you’d like to make it a date? When: Sunday, March 16, 2025. Where: King Street Laundry. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916273

LEDDY PARK TENNIS PLAYER

You are stuck in my mind. is was months ago I saw you playing tennis at Leddy Park in your bikini. Keep it up! When: Friday, October 4, 2024. Where: Leddy Park. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916271

REVEREND Ask

My partner and I have been together for almost seven years, but we have decided to split up. Everything has been amicable — except when it comes to our cat. We got him as a kitten ﬁve years ago, and we both love him very much. We each want custody and can’t come to a decision. Help!

WOODCHUCK EYE CANDY

You were walking on Brooklyn St. in Morrisville around 4:30 p.m. is woodchuck noticed you instantly. You had green LaCrosse rubber boots on with your pants tucked into them and a red plaid jacket on. Glad to see some Vermont women still know how to dress sexy. Keep it up! When: Friday, February 28, 2025. Where: Morrisville. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916272

TACOBOUT LOVE

What’s love got to do with it? I saw you slamming a Gordo Burrito and some margaritas at Chico’s Tacos in Middlesex. It was so impressive! I look for you here every time I come in. e tattoos drew me. When: Friday, March 14, 2025. Where: Chico’s Tacos. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916270

LUNCHTIME READING

You: reading Chris Whitaker novel while enjoying salad at the bar around noon. Me: wearing a reddish knit hat, asking about the book from a few seats to your left while doing my own reading. You said it was “ﬁne” - maybe you could tell me more? When: ursday, March 13, 2025. Where: Farmhouse Tap & Grill. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916269

CAMEL’S HUMP POWDER LOVER

Hi P — I missed my opportunity to ask you out a couple times as we both enjoyed the powder by Monroe trail. I was the guy hiking and hooting. Now it looks like the powder is done for a bit so I don’t know if I’ll get another chance. Beer and a soak soon? Hope you see this! — R When: Monday, February 17, 2025. Where: Camel’s Hump, Monroe trail. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916268

HEALTHY LIVING

You offered to walk me from behind the salad bar to the bread aisle, and I don’t know why I turned you down. Want to meet up for a longer walk? When: Friday, March 7, 2025. Where: Healthy Living, South Burlington. You: Man. Me: Woman. #916267

BEJEWELED BEAUTY

When: ursday, February

You had sparkly cheeks in line at Ulta and high-ﬁved me after I got a great deal. Let’s keep celebrating — me and you against the world! Hit me up, I’d love to take you out. When: ursday, February 20, 2025. Where: Ulta. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916261

When Neil Sedaka sang “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” he really hit the nail on the head. It’s even harder when there’s a pet involved.

Have you and your partner shared cat-related expenses such as food, vet visits and litter? If not, the argument could be made that whoever has been footing the bill has more right to custody. However, that’s treating the cat as property, which — although it may be true in the eyes of the law — feels a little icky. A cat is a sentient being, not a bookcase.

EYES IN THE MONTPELIER STREETS

I was on the corner of State and Main, hat and rose-tinted glasses. We locked eyes and said tentative hellos. You caught my eye walking in your Vermont garb — quilted skirt and leggings, Blundstones, I think. Can we meet for coffee or a beer sometime? When: Friday, March 7, 2025. Where: Montpelier, corner of State and Main. You: Man. Me: Man. #916266

BOHEMIAN BOOK BEAUTY

You were set up reading and coffee-ing with your back to me, and I ended up sitting nearby. I couldn’t help but notice your beautiful presence, posture and ﬂowy pants. Wanted to say hi but let the moment pass. Books and coffee sometime soon? When: Friday, March 7, 2025. Where: Bohemian Bakery, Montpelier. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916265

TALL HOTTIE NORTH AVE.

Saw you twice walking your dog along North Ave. I think I even beeped! (Silver Ford Expedition) You: black puffy coat and New York Yankees hat. en I passed you twice in Hannaford! Me: black boots, long brown jacket, dark curly hair. Single? You’re gorgeous! When: Tuesday, February 25, 2025. Where: North Ave. Hannaford. You: Man. Me: Woman. #916264

CASA GRANDE

Young, handsome, dark-haired man wearing a Snap-on hoodie. You caught my eye downing a football-size burrito and a pitcher of frozen banana margaritas. I would love to drink some margaritas with you sometime. When: Monday, February 24, 2025. Where: Casa Grande. You: Man. Me: Woman. #916263

SB B-DUBS

I was there with my kids; we interacted several times. While leaving, your comments about interactions and seeing us interacting together and us being good/kind people were appreciated. I was slow to react, but they came at a good time; comments made me feel like we’re on the right track. I’m proud of my kids and think they’re good people, too. Hearing someone say so unsolicited was impactful. Saying something positive and considerate can make a difference. I wanted to say thank you and return it When: Tuesday, at Super Bowl Buffalo Wild Wings.

WE BOTH LIKE OLIVES

We connected brieﬂy over a deal on olives. You were friendly and cheerful, and I wish I had slowed down to really interact. We wished each other a good day in the parking lot. When: Saturday, February 8, 2025. Where: Hunger Mountain Co-op. You: Man. Me: Woman. #916258

RUNNING ON THE RAIL TRAIL

You were out running. I was on my snowmobile and stopped to help you grab your adorable pup Maple. Running into you was the most delightful event of my day. Care to run the trails with me sometime? When: Monday, February 3, 2025. Where: St. Albans Rail Trail. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916257

BE(ER) MY VALENTINE AND MORE

Your unique look caught my eye as you heaved heavy kegs and cases about. I noticed your strong physique and wondered if I should ask you out. Your handsome brown eyes were ﬁlled with delight as you performed your job, efﬁcient and sharp. Won’t you be my valentine and bring me back to life to save me from the dark? When: Friday, February 14, 2025. Where: downtown Burlington. You: Man. Me: Woman. #916255

PRICE CHOPPER

You were a nice Black woman, getting dizzy and nauseous in the supermarket. I held your hand and walked you outside to your car. I asked you to wait about ﬁve to 10 minutes before taking off. I asked you if you would like me to get you something from the store. I hope you are doing well. I would like to see you again. When: Friday, February 7, 2025. Where: Price Chopper supermarket, South Burlington. You: Woman. Me: Man. #916254

HUNGER MOUNTAIN CO-OP INTRIGUE

— please don’t change. February 18, 2025. Where: Server You: Woman. Me: Man. #916259

Hi! Me: woman in her forties at the checkout line wearing blue coat and pink hat. You: guy in his ﬁfties by the candy wearing green coat and brown hat. You looked at me like you knew me or wanted to. I was hoping you would come over and say hello — maybe you can start the introduction here. When: Sunday, February 2, 2025. Where: Hunger Mountain Co-op, Montpelier. You: Man. Me: Woman. #916253

anything like him, shared custody could be a viable option.

Cats are territorial creatures, and they can become very stressed by changes in their environment — so much so that serious health issues can result. If either partner is staying in the home in which the cat has spent his life so far, I would say that takes precedence.

Of course, some cats aren’t fazed by change. I know someone who travels frequently, and when she’s gone for more than a week, her cat stays at a friend’s house and does just ﬁne. He’s also taken car rides up and down the Eastern Seaboard with no problem. He’s just an exceptionally chill cat. If your guy is

When living with more than one person, a cat often has a favorite. Does he prefer cuddling or sitting with one of you? Follow one of you around everywhere? It may be hard to admit, but you probably know if he has a preference. And if so, he’s basically made the choice for himself. e two of you know your cat better than anyone, but consulting your veterinarian for an informed yet unbiased opinion could also be helpful. As long as you keep your cat’s best interests as the most important factor, you’ll make the right decision.

Good luck and God bless,

your problem? Send it to asktherev@sevendaysvt.com. De Kitty K fuﬄe,

I’m a vibrant, creative fairy and forester seeking a dance partner for elaborate home-cooked meals, nude figure drawing, line dancing and massage. Proficient swimmer, enthusiastic figure skater. Queer freaks only, come kiss. #L1843

I’m a male, 70, seeking a female, 30-60. Looking for passion together. I will treat you right in every way. #L1842

I’m a 62-y/o female seeking a 58to 66-y/o male for companionship and conversation. Might grow into something more, or not. No pressure. Looking for an honest, kind person. I love walking, hiking, traveling and eating out. No drugs/smoking. #L1839

Happy, healthy, ﬁt, active 69y/o dog who knows many good tricks. Seeking a female eager to possibly learn new tricks. #L1840

Brown-eyed lady seeking tall man, 62 to 71 y/o, for romance, conversation, sensual rendezvous. You’re caring, empathetic and non-MAGA with a sense of community and humor. Ready to spoil the right man. Waiting for you. #L1838

I’m a 20-y/o trans man seeking folks my age or older. Looking for good conversation, FWB. I’m introspective and an old soul. I love meeting people. Buy me lunch and tell me a story. #L1836

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PUBLISH YOUR MESSAGE ON THIS PAGE!

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We’ll publish as many messages as we can in the Love

Busy, independent, healthy, kind, funny, curious, creative 36y/o woman seeking connection, laughter, affection, conversation and reciprocity from like-minded, respectful 30- to 50-y/o man. Loves outdoors, music, art, food, books, animals. Enjoys talks, walks, naps. A balance of adventure and being a homebody. #L1837

I’m a GWM bottom looking for fun with other GM or Bi. Prefer NSA but would consider FWB if chemistry is there. #L1841

I’m a woman, 80 y/o, seeking a man, 70 to 80 y/o. I’m a widow and Burlington resident. I was a gardener and I like to ﬁsh. Interested in dinner, movies, events and nice conversations. #L1835

Bist du mein B.G.G (Big Gentle German)? I am a 40-y/o female, auf der Suche nach meinen Deutschen Traummann. Du solltest respektvoll, bewusst sein, ehrlich sein, liebevoll, geduldig, freundlich, gesund und entspannt sein. Eine zweisprachige Familie zwischen den Vermont und Deutschland gründen. I am direkt, playful, kreativ, honest, healthy and kind. I love to be in the Nature und ein bissel sportlich (aqua ﬁtness, pilates). #L1834

I’m a 75-y/o lady seeking a 70- to 80-y/o old man for companionship and possible relationship in the Essex Junction area. #L1825

Int net-Free Dating!

In quest of a gentle woman (5868). Come sit here beside me, on the lush mossy bank near the river’s edge. We will share our joys and sorrows. Be ﬁt, wholesome, happy and humble. I will wait for you. #L1833

Seventy-y/o divorced male, retired entrepreneur looking for a lady to start a long-term relationship with; must be willing to get to know each other ﬁrst. Good conversation, laughing, warm and open, caring, friendly, and talkative. Please send phone number. #L1832

City girl loves Vermont. Well traveled and will go nearly anywhere. Happy! But looking for love. You are a sincere older gentleman, serious but can laugh at yourself and lovingly at me. Socially conscious, aesthetic, intellectual, despise this administration. Sexy. #L1830

Retired, happy, healthy, ﬁt and active male seeking erotic female friend. Let’s test and explore our sensual pleasures together! #L1824

Describe yourself and who you’re looking for in 40 words below: (OR, ATTACH A SEPARATE PIECE OF PAPER.)

I’m a

AGE + GENDER (OPTIONAL) seeking a

AGE + GENDER (OPTIONAL)

Looking for a femboy or a transgender woman, the more female, the better. I’m straight but comfortable. Can we chat and see if we are a ﬁt? anks. #L1831

I’m a male, 66, seeking woman around same. Hardworking man needs woman to cuddle and caress slowly! I don’t care about size or color — I’ll look at you as you! I want to love and be loved; that takes time, which I have a lot of. Please call. #L1826

I’m a 34-y/o male seeking a mature female, women couple or couples for FWB. Open to exploring. I love the outdoors. I love to laugh. 420 OK but no cigarettes, please. #L1823

September (M) seeks April (F) for baroque music and bicycles, les patinoires de Montréal, Apollo and Dionysus (skip the wine), and every chakra — high and low. Too innocent: ready to explore the dance of passion and vegan restos de Paris. #L1827

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THIS FORM IS FOR LOVE LETTERS ONLY. Messages for the Personals and I-Spy sections must be submitted online at dating.sevendaysvt.com.

Fair Housing Month Keynote with Cashauna Hill

THU., APR. 3

FLETCHER FREE LIBRARY, BURLINGTON

The Shaelyn Band

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RETRO LIVE, PLATTSBURGH, NY

Ali T and Shy Husky w/ Nick Granelle

FRI., APR. 4

THE UNDERGROUND - LISTENING ROOM, RANDOLPH

Vermont Spring Market

SAT., APR. 5

CHAMPLAIN VALLEY EXPOSITION, ESSEX JCT.

TRS Live: e High Breaks Present...

“ e High Break Beats”

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TANK RECORDING STUDIO, BURLINGTON

A Morning with J. S. Bach's Coffee Cantata SAT., APR. 5 KARMA BIRD HOUSE, BURLINGTON

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SAT., APR. 5 GRANGE HALL CULTURAL CENTER, WATERBURY CENTER “Celtic Light” with

Vocal Ensemble

Gardener’s Supply Shelburne

2545 Shelburne Road, Shelburne

REOPENING

THURSDAY, APRIL 10 TH

Our Shelburne garden center is breaking dormancy—we’re reopening for the 2025 season! Stop by for fresh, colorful annuals; essential gardening tools and supplies; and much more.