

Cover Story
Vermont Has a Drinking Problem. It’s Time to Talk About It.
Vermonters like to hit the bottle, which leads to hundreds of premature deaths annually. As health concerns mount, new efforts aim to curb consumption.
Nomad Coffee Owner and Baker Chris Johnson Dies Unexpectedly
The talented pastry chef was a whiz with croissants and kouign amanns. He’ll be remembered for the humor and generous spirit he shared with the community.
Anthony Tidd to Curate Burlington Discover Jazz Festival
The London-born jazz artist and composer will guide the programming for this year’s festival, which runs from June 4 to 8.
Obituary: Dr. Joanna S. Weinstock, 1947-2025
At the age of 50, physician achieved her long-awaited dream of becoming a doctor
Obituary: Edwin L. Lord, 1954-2025
Devoted father was also a teacher, mentor and a kind ear for the many children he worked with at Howard Center
Obituary: Trudy (Geertruida) van Dijk, 1949-2025
Lifelong explorer was always compassionate and generous, and flowers, dropjes and coffee were her trademarks
Obituary: Daniel Preston Ellis, 1991-2025
“A person with a golden heart is filled with love and likes to see something that he starts completed and well done.”- Harold Klemp
Obituary: Brenda Joyce Balon, 1961-2025
Avid gardener, reader and pickleball enthusiast was active in numerous community groups
Obituary: Philip E. “Skip” Beaulieu, 1938-2025
Private pilot was a natural in the air but was also in his element boating and sailing on Lake Champlain
Obituary: Joan Chittenden Nadeau, 1945-2025
South Burlington woman lived by her “3 C’s” of marriage: commit, communicate, compromise
Obituary: Peter K. Duval, 1965-2025
Avid skier, sailor and strong advocate for the environment believed in being active for change in the world
In Memoriam: Tom Simone, 1943-2022
Friends and loved ones remember accomplished teacher-scholar
Obituary: Bryce A. James, 1981-2025
Former Orwell resident continues to inspire with his spirit of learning, debate and kindness
Obituary: Christopher Belval, 1985-2025
“Old soul” approached life with humor, wit, empathy and an arsenal of relevant film references
Boise State President Tromp Confirmed as UVM’s New Leader
Marlene Tromp, the 28th UVM president, pledged to work collaboratively with union members and the community to guide UVM in a time of upheaval in higher ed.
Obituary: Mary Jane Allen Cain, 1926-2025
Former director of nursing, active volunteer and mother of 10 children had a special gift of stretching a meal to include an unexpected guest
Obituary: Joseph John Kamuda, 1952-2025
Longtime former owner of Kamuda’s Country Market in Pittsford was a dependable staple of the community
Obituary: Paul Joseph Gallerani, 1937-2025
Gifted salesperson had a rare gift of becoming instant friends with almost everybody he met
Ask the Rev: How Can I Help Homeless People?
It’s not always feasible to give cash to all the folks in need, but there are other ways to turn care into action. Here’s advice on donating and volunteering.
Comedian Leslie Jones Comes to the Flynn
The comedian is full of tough love and all about laughing through pain, as she spelled out in her memoir, Leslie F*cking Jones.
Free Will Astrology (3/19/25)
PISCES (Feb. 19-Mar. 20): Coast redwoods are the tallest trees on the planet. If, Goddess forbid, lumber harvesters cut down one of these beauties, it…
DOGE Cuts Will Hobble Defenses Against Housing Discrimination
Programs that help renters, homebuyers and landlords are among those targeted by Elon Musk’s new federal department. That could have an outsize effect on Vermont.
Roberta Mameli Sings ‘The Ghosts of Hamlet’ at the Lane Series
The Italian opera star performs every role in a unique production composed of fragments of 16th-century Hamlet operas and other Baroque music.
On the Beat: Black Music Symposium at Bennington College
In this week’s music news: Bennington’s Black Music Division celebrates 50 years; Epsilon Spires hosts Ben Richter; JB Ledoux launches an experimental label.
Studio Place Arts in Barre Celebrates Its Silver Anniversary
The gallery marks 25 years with “Silver Lining,” a varied, future-focused group show that’s a sparkly departure from the building’s storied past.
Vermont’s Student Robotics Community Comes of Age
For the first time, Vermont will host the FIRST Robotics New England district tournament ahead of the world championships next month.
Espionage Is an Adult Game in Steven Soderbergh’s ‘Black Bag’
Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett star in a self-consciously “adult” film of a type rarely seen these days — an espionage thriller without action heroics.
Now Playing in Theaters: March 19-25
In addition to The Alto Knights, 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.
From the Publisher: Done Drinking
Vermont ranks in the top 10 states for per capita alcohol consumption. Seven Days publisher Paula Routly reflects on going sober.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith See Things Differently in Waterbury Art Show
Married artists Shapleigh and Peggy Smith take different approaches in an exhibition of his focused, nearly abstract landscapes and her whimsical sculptures.
Town of Westford Request for Bids Browns River Covered Bridge Repairs
Full RFP available at the Town Office & online at https://westfordvt.us/careers-rfps/ The Town of Westford is seeking bids from qualified contractors to repair damage to…
Letters to the Editor (3/19/25)
11th Province? Hi, Vermont. Upset Canadian neighbour here. Our best friends just set up a toxic junkyard on their manicured suburban lawn and then demanded…
Canadian Ire Over Trump Hits Vermont’s Distillers
Canada’s provincial liquor agencies, angered by U.S. bluster, have removed American spirits from their liquor store shelves and canceled orders.
Essex Westford School District: Notice of Annual Meeting 2025
ESSEX WESTFORD EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY UNIFIED UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT #51 ANNUAL MEETING 2025 April 8, 2025, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM The legal voters of the…
Album Review: Barbacoa, ‘Hypnotika’
As its title suggests, the latest release from Burlington guitar god Bill Mullins’ surf-rock band is effortlessly cool and mesmerizing.
Film Trilogy Tells Local Stories of Addiction and Recovery
At Cinema for Change, Adam Benay presents The North End Stories, a series of short films about substance use set in Burlington’s North End.
Album Review: The Arty LaVigne Band, ‘Heartland’
Steeped in the folk-rock milieu of Laurel Canyon in the late ’60s, veteran Burlington group the Arty LaVigne Band are at home on their latest EP.
Theater Review: ‘Waitress’, Northern Stage
The characters in this popular diner-set musical with songs by Sara Bareilles may not be deep, but they want the things we love to watch people want.
A Sugar Shack Tour Through Québec’s Laurentian Mountains
North-of-the-border sugar makers have a rich history of offering full meals and boisterous hospitality to visitors. Here’s where to sample some maple madness.
Trillium Hill Farm in Hinesburg Grows Greens Through Winter
With a flock of hoop houses, multigeneration Vermont farmer James Donegan feeds the demand for local, soil-grown, cold-weather salad.
Parsons Dinner House Finds a New Home at Runaway Manor in West Glover
Steve Vazzano and Maria Hill closed their original Barton restaurant after two floods. By late May, they’ll open their new “destination dining” spot in the NEK.
Two Casual South Burlington Restaurants Have Closed
Two exits from Vermont’s restaurant scene: A Williston Road fish-and-chips eatery and a wings restaurant in the Blue Mall on Dorset Street have ended their runs.
Magnificent 7: Must See, Must Do, March 19-26
Explore our editor’s picks for must-do events in Vermont this week, including the incomparable Fran Lebowitz at Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center in Stowe.






