Vermont's cities and towns will see a few newcomers taking office this week after Town Meeting Day. Here's to small-town democracy. It's also gun-control advocates' turn to rally at the Statehouse on Wednesday, and the week ends with St. Patrick's Day on Sunday. (Here's a reminder that you shouldn't drink green beer and you REALLY shouldn't drink Irish car bombs on Sunday.)

Andy Bromage is off this week, so send your submissions for next week's political calendar to me instead.

Monday, March 11

7 p.m.: The Burlington City Council meets for the first time since Town Meeting Day. See the agenda here.

Tuesday, March 12

9:10 a.m.: Grab Gov. Peter Shumlin's ear at a legislative open door at the Statehouse Ceremonial Office.

Wednesday, March 13

9 a.m.: Early Childhood Day at the Legislature brings together lawmakers, childcare providers and parents to address the state of Vermont's youth. Includes a keynote by Harvard scholar Lisbeth B. Schor. Click here for registration.

10 a.m.: Gun-control supporters hold a "Day of Action" rally at the Statehouse in Montpelier "in support of common sense gun legislation," culminating in a press conference in the Cedar Creek Room at 10:30 a.m. More info here.

1 p.m.: Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger holds a press conference on an unspecified topic. (One hopes Tim Gunn spotted the mayor on this week's Seven Days cover and has offered him a judge spot on Project Runway.)

Thursday, March 14

5:30 p.m.: University of Vermont professor Harvey Amani Whitfield reexamines Vermont's history with slavery at the Bailey/Howe Library.

7 p.m.: Seven Days cofounder, coeditor and publisher Paula Routly talks about starting and running a growing media company at Champlain College's Perry Hall. The event is part of the school's BYOBiz Speaking From Experience lecture series.

7 p.m.: Vermont Commons publisher Rob Williams, profiled in last week's Seven Days, moderates a forum about sustainability in food, fuel and money at the Big Picture Theater & Café in Waitsfield.

Friday, March 15

9:30 a.m.: Shumlin makes an appearance on the Mark Johnson Show on WDEV radio.

Saturday, March 16

10 a.m.: Shumlin speaks at VSAC's College Pathways event at the St. Michael's College Ross Sports Center in Colchester. Stay in school, kids.

Sunday, March 17

11 a.m.: The S.D. Ireland concrete mixer trucks hit the streets of Burlington for the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade.

1 p.m.: After the parade, the Vermont Democratic Party celebrates St. Patrick's Day with traditional Irish music and step dancing at Halvorson's Upstreet Café. Suggested contributions start at $25 per person.