

Cover Story
Acts of the Apostles
In a community hard-hit by opioids, one pastor is knocking on motel room doors to invite people to worship. The message: We’re all broken people.
Map: Where Did Eva Sollberger Get “Stuck in Vermont” Exactly?
Scan this handy map to see all the places and people the series has documented since 2007.
Obituary: Edward John Surdek, 1936-2024
IBM engineer embraced life’s adventures, and family and friends were at the center of his life
Cannabis Retailer Sues State Over Advertising Rules
Vermont requires cannabis companies to get approval for advertisements before they run, among other onerous — and unconstitutional — rules, the suit says.
Obituary: Rebecca Beneš, 1990-2024
Veterinarian will be remembered for her love of gardens and passion for animals
Obituary: Sylvia Levine, 1923-2024
Forward-thinking centenarian was fiercely independent and embraced the changing times
Obituary: Dr. John Peter Tampas, 1929-2024
Physician’s extraordinary professional life was balanced by a deep commitment to his family, his faith, and his love of the arts and medicine
Obituary: John Kirk Westinghouse, 1943-2024
Entrepreneur and public servant was a Renaissance man who cofounded a community in East Charleston, Vt.
Obituary: Brian Thomas Sweet, 1941-2024
Sixty-year forester often said there was never a bad day in the woods
Obituary: Joseph P. “Joe” Kittel, 1930-2024
Vermont Technical College professor of electrical engineering enjoyed volunteering with his local church
Obituary: Raymond LeBlanc, 1940-2024
Air Force vet and State Farm agent touched many lives with his generosity
Obituary: Jayne Dobrin, 1945-2024
Great planner, loved travel, volunteering, and her family and friends
Williston Selectboard Approves Alcohol Sales at Majestic 10
If the state agrees, patrons could be sipping beer and wine at the movies before the end of the year. Nachos, cheese platters and reclining seats may follow.
Obituary: Brian A. Alexander, 1951-2024
Former Shelburne Museum director found joy in mentoring the next generation of museum leaders
Obituary: Philip A. Ades, MD, 1951-2024
Prominent cardiologist and pioneer in the field of cardiac rehabilitation was also a dedicated teacher, devoted husband and loving father
Government Seeks New Owner for Montpelier’s Federal Building
The centrally located federal building, which housed the Capital City’s post office, closed after flooding in July 2023 caused severe damage downtown.
From the Publisher: Leap of Faith
In Barre, a city of churches, Joe Sexton found an unexplored angle on Vermont’s addiction problem: the potential healing power of religion.
Free Will Astrology (12/4/24)
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In his song “Voodoo Child,” Sagittarian musician Jimi Hendrix brags, “Well, I stand up next to a mountain / And I…
Water Bond Could Cost Burlington $225 Million
A plan to replace failing equipment would double residents’ water bills in 10 years. City councilors worry the amount is too much for residents to shoulder.
Letters to the Editor (12/4/24)
Psych Out Over the years, I’ve had a few letters published in Seven Days. The following, in response to [“Advocates Push to Keep Berlin Psychiatric…
Soundbites: Emma Cook Makes Music on Her Own Terms
The Burlington singer-songwriter and educator balances making a living and making the art of her dreams on her forthcoming LP.
‘Elemental’ Makes Waves at Mad River Valley Arts
In a group exhibition, artists from Vermont and across the country offer wide-ranging takes on a watery theme, spanning paint to video installation.
Vermont Comedy Festival Returns With More Than 60 Comedians
“SNL” veteran Tim Meadows headlines the third annual event, the state’s largest showcase of regional and national standup acts.
Arista Alanis Brings Ocean Views to Johnson Art Show
The longtime staff artist at Vermont Studio Center presents a solo show of vibrant, expressionistic abstract paintings and quiet Mediterranean monoprints.
On the Beat: R.I.P. Andrew Douglas Paley
The Vermont resident and record producer dies at 73. Plus, Christian Arihi reps Vermont piano students, and Lily’s Pad celebrates one year of open mics.
‘A Real Pain’ and Animated ‘Memoir of a Snail’ Tackle Grief
Two acclaimed films, one from actor Jesse Eisenberg and the other from Oscar-winning animator Adam Elliot, portray sad, aimless young people.
Now Playing in Theaters: December 4-10
In addition to Anora, here’s what is playing in Northern and Central Vermont movie theaters this week. Listings include new movies, vintage films and a directory of open theaters.
Q&A: Montpelier Lights Up Seven Downtown Bridges
Hundreds of people met at the Langdon Street bridge for a parade to celebrate a historic illumination. Go behind the scenes of this “Stuck in Vermont” video.
Yule Be Glad You Caught These Vermont Holiday Shows
From star-studded local showcases to offbeat concerts and plays, there’s plenty of holiday fare in Vermont this season that doesn’t suck.
Middlebury College Carillonneur Plays Anthems High Above Campus
Using the unique instrument, George Matthew is playing the national anthems of all 70 countries with students at Middlebury College this year to help them feel at home.
Ask the Rev: My Mom and My Boyfriend Are Getting Too Friendly
A woman is uncomfortable with her boyfriend and her mom texting and hanging out. Here’s how to — delicately! — dig into that distrust and clear the air.
Vermonters Couldn’t Wager on Mike Tyson-Jake Paul Fight
The former heavyweight champion’s match with Jake Paul was seen as an entertainment spectacle, not a sanctioned boxing match, state officials said.
Album Reviews: Six New Releases From Vermont Artists
A roundup of Vermont-made albums that nearly slipped through the cracks, including new releases from the Mountain Says No, and penguin and D. French.
East Middlebury’s Waybury Inn Stretches Its Culinary Wings
Chef Antonio Petri grew up next to the inn made famous by the “Newhart” show. As one of its new owners, he wants locals to feel as welcome as overnight guests.
One Dish: Under New Ownership, Henry’s Diner Hash Still Sizzles
Just shy of its centennial, the downtown Burlington landmark has sold. Proprietor Patricio Ortiz pledges to stay true to the eatery’s classic American roots.
The Cup & Leaf Specialty Coffee Shop Opens in Essex
The cozy new café off Susie Wilson Road is currently in its soft opening. Its menu features Intelligentsia Coffee, tea lattes and housemade chocolate ganache.
Local Food Truck Owners to Open Johnson General Store
Johnson lost its only supermarket in the July 2023 floods. The couple behind Hangry Mike’s hope to help fill that gap with a new general store and deli.
Magnificent 7: Must See, Must Do, December 4-11
Explore our editor’s picks for must-do events in Vermont this week, including the Good Trade Makers Market at Hula in Burlington.






