

Cover Stories
Vermont International Film Foundation Helps Fill a Cinematic Void in Burlington
After 40 years, thousands of movies and a near-death experience, VTIFF has become the leading force of film in Burlington, stepping up since the Roxy’s closure.
John Waters Headlines the Vermont International Film Festival
Before he presents ‘Female Trouble’ at the fest, the campy cult filmmaker opened up about shock value, unreleasable movies and how to be transgressive.
A Quiz to Guide You Through the Vermont International Film Festival
With 54 feature films, 2025’s fest offers lots of choices: Oscar hopefuls, ripped-from-the-headlines documentaries, outrageous campfests and local productions.
News
Program Pays People to Care for Older Adults at Home
Vermont Comforts of Home is popular in Burlington’s Bhutanese-Nepali community. The program pays caregivers a stipend to provide nursing home-level support.
Pride Center’s Sudden Closure Sparks Questions About What Happened
The LGBTQ advocacy and support organization in Burlington gave little notice that it was financially stressed. Where the center goes from here is unclear.
A 2018 Law Could Improve Vermont’s Ailing Special-Ed System
Special-education experts and administrators largely agree that a 2018 law set sound policy. But its implementation has been uneven, and some worry that bigger reform efforts will get in its way.
Workshop Teaches Dads How to Style Their Daughters’ Locks
Parting, ponytails and French braids were just some of the subjects covered in the class sponsored by local nonprofit Dad Guild.
From the Publisher: Movie Nights
Just before the Vermont International Film Festival kicks off, Seven Days publisher Paula Routly recalls a memorable movie night in Uganda.
Food+Drink
American Flatbread Hits 40 as a Second Generation Steps Up
The Schenks grew the Waitsfield pizza company to national scale, then refocused on the local hearth and heart of the business. Their son now takes the baton.
Castel’s Jerk Joint Brings ‘Bang-On’ Jamaican Food to Vergennes
Castel Edwards serves jerk chicken, oxtail and curry goat at his new takeout spot attached to a bottle redemption center. It’s gaining quite a following.
Whereabouts Adds Pop-Ups and a Speakeasy to Stowe’s Day Haus
The coworking space and social club hosts Two Sons Bakehouse pastries and coffee twice a week next door, with a bar planned soon.
Entrées & Exits: Citizen Cider Press House Pub Opens; Short Notice to Close
The Burlington cidery has relaunched its restaurant in a new location on Flynn Ave., while a small-plates spot in Randolph has announced the end of its run.
Arts+Culture
Stuck in Vermont: Volunteers Meet Weekly to Pick Up Litter in Downtown Burlington
Episode 752: BTV Clean Up Crew have been meeting at the top of Church Street every Thursday at 7:30 a.m. since May.
Susan Smereka Processes Loss with ‘constant continuum’
The artist presents a poignant show on the 10th anniversary of her brother’s suicide, investigating her grief in its different dimensions.
Think Inside the Box: ‘The Parcel Project’ Art Installation at the Flynn
A haptic video installation sends viewers on the immersive journey of a package shipped through the U.S. postal system, complete with rumbles and thumps.
Three Questions for ‘Hamilton’ Alum Renée Elise Goldsberry
Following the release of her debut album and a documentary about her experience in ‘Hamilton,’ the Tony winner gears up for a truth-filled night of song.
Two Vermont Book Fests Highlight National-Caliber Authors
The Green Mountain Book Festival showcases mostly local sci-fi authors, while the Brattleboro Literary Festival keys in on diversity and less mainstream writers.
Theater Review: ‘Next to Normal,’ Lost Nation Theater
Navigating mental illness isn’t a standard reason to sing and dance, but this empathetic musical comedy about a family doing just that yields remarkable moments.
Magnificent 7: Must See, Must Do, October 15-22
Explore our editor’s picks for must-do events in Vermont this week, including magician and comedian Justin Willman at Paramount Theatre in Rutland.
Music+Nightlife
Soundbites: Madaila Celebrate a Decade of ‘The Dance’
The Burlington indie-dance rockers blend all eras of the band for a Halloween celebration of their classic album. It’s far from a simple reunion show.
On the Beat: Bent Nails Bistro Moves; WRUV Turns 70
The Montpelier bar and live music venue decamps for Middlesex, UVM’s student station hits a big milestone, and Vermont Public adds a new folk music show.
Album Reviews: Six New Records From Vermont Artists
The new releases from Vermont artists keep coming! We round up some of Vermont’s latest albums, from pop to hip-hop to experimental music.
On Screen
‘Roofman’ Drags in Its Retelling of an Enticing True Story
Channing Tatum plays a sweet-tempered escaped felon who finds love while lying low in a Toys “R” Us in this comedy-drama from director Derek Cianfrance.
Now Playing in Theaters October 15-21
In addition to ‘Good Fortune,’ 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.
Life Lines
Obituary: Rosaire John Fournier, 1975-2025
Gentle giant will be remembered for his devotion to helping young people
In Memoriam: Stephen M. Milizia, 1955-2024
Stephen M. Milizia, 69, passed away peacefully at home on December 9, 2024. A service for family and friends will be held on Friday, October 24, at 11 a.m. at St. John Vianney Church on Hinesburg Road in South Burlington.
Obituary: W. Landon Dennison Jr., 1936-2025
Renaissance man and U.S. Navy veteran was a dedicated physician who never turned away a patient
Obituary: Sanford “Sandy” Ladd II, 1964-2025
Colchester fire chief had a lifelong commitment to helping others and especially loved fostering and developing young firefighters
Obituary: Marjorie K. Dickstein, 1967-2025
Marjorie K. Dickstein, 58, of Starksboro, passed away on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester. Arrangements are in the care of Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home, 58 Summer Street in Barre.
Obituary: Robert J. Beaulieu, 1940-2025
Real estate professional enjoyed traveling the world and exploring all 50 states
In Memoriam: Thomas Ralph LaPointe
October 12, 1956 Happy birthday, Thomas Ralph LaPointeForever my friend.You are so missed.Love, Bug
Fun Stuff
Free Will Astrology (10/15/25)
Check out Rob Brezsny’s expanded weekly audio horoscopes & daily text message horoscopes: realastrology.com or 1-877-873-4888
Ask the Rev: Is It Rude to Request My Favorite Thanksgiving Dish?
If the potatoes aren’t mashed, one guest’s dreams are dashed. Here’s advice for tactfully making a menu suggestion when someone else is cooking and hosting.






