

Cover Story
Vermont’s Craft Brewers Brace for an Uncertain Future
Amid a slowdown that will linger beyond Dry January, Vermont’s craft beer biz faces new challenges from both in and outside the industry.
Stuck in Vermont: Delia Robinson Has Sculpted Thousands of Whistles in Her 80 Years
Episode 758: Eva Sollberger visited Robinson’s home studio in Montpelier and got a musical tour of her colorful paintings and clay whistles.
News
Burlington Charter Changes Languish in the Statehouse
By the end of the session, only one of five Queen City charter changes is likely to become law. Why can’t the others cross the finish line?
A Prominent Essex, N.Y., Man Tipped Off the FBI About Epstein
Once a powerful figure on Wall Street, Sandy Lewis now lives on a farm in the Adirondacks. In 2020, he passed along info to the feds about Jeffrey Epstein.
From the Publisher: Tough Love
Every week, Seven Days’ Feedback section showcases the varied views of real readers. Publisher Paula Routly explains why she values their words.
Lawmakers Plan to Tackle Education Reform, Health Care
Vermont legislators this session will take on enormous challenges, without a lot of money to spend. Here are the priorities.
Food+Drink
Winter Farmers Markets Offer Veggies, Meats and Community
Vermont’s winter markets serve up a surprising bounty of food and artisan goods, along with vital connections for farmers and shoppers alike.
Seasoned Skillet to Serve Comfort Food in Randolph
Chef and cookbook coauthor Nora Rice will open a casual bistro with a globally influenced dinner menu of homestyle dishes starring Vermont ingredients.
Gondolas Opens Year-Round Burger Joint in Downtown Morrisville
Gondolas Downtown serves smash burgers, beef-tallow fries, breakfast sandwiches, poutine and maple shakes. The nearby snack shack will open seasonally as usual.
Peak Makaya Coffee Co-op Opens Essex Junction Retail Shop
Artist and nonprofit co-op founder Pievy Polyte offers free tastings of coffee and cocoa from his native Haiti in the newly opened store and gallery.
Arts+Culture
Un-Thor-gettable: a Posthumous Show by Matthew Thorsen
A show at S.P.A.C.E. Gallery in Burlington brings together an eclectic selection of works from the late photographer’s oeuvre, from portraits to still lifes.
Farm Porch Politics: An Essay on Pleasantries, Plurality and a Path Forward
Farmer and poet Lucas Farrell reflects on the work of being a good neighbor — to keep finding middle ground at a time when we have fewer chances for connection.
Art Exhibition to Portray Vermonters Lost to Addiction
“Drug Addiction: Real People, Real Stories” seeks to share local stories of loved ones lost to substance-use disorder in an upcoming Brattleboro art show.
Soovin Kim Leads Performances of Rare Beethoven String Trios
The offseason Lake Champlain Chamber Music Festival concerts feature five fun, challenging works from the composer’s early period.
Page 32: Short Takes on Five Vermont Books
Seven Days offers a glimpse of five new books by local authors, including a historical thriller and a feel-good memoir inspired by a dog.
Phoenix Gallery: Landlord Is Trying to Force Us Out
The Waterbury art gallery and music hall’s owners filed a breach-of-contract suit against their landlord, a group led by Radio Vermont co-owner Myers Mermel.
Magnificent 7: Must See, Must Do, January 7-14
Explore our editor’s picks for must-do events in Vermont this week, including standup superstar Tina Friml at Town Hall Theater in Middlebury.
Music+Nightlife
Soundbites: 2026 Predictions for the Vermont Music Scene
Music editor Chris Farnsworth makes some bold predictions for the New Year, plus some resolutions he may — or likely may not — stick to.
On the Beat: Rough Francis Hold Steady; New Music Releases
The Burlington punks decide to keep their name after all. Plus, new music from Freeway Clyde, Jason Baker and David Karl Roberts.
Album Review: The Vermen, ‘Dawn of the Vermen’
On their debut record, the southern Vermont rockers showcase musical chops and an aesthetic vision blending post-punk, psychedelic rock and a dash of grunge.
Eye on the Scene: The Fluffy Bus at Highlight New Year’s Eve
On a frigid New Year’s Eve, photographer Luke Awtry found a hot spot at Burlington’s Highlight festival: the flame-throwing Fluffy Bus.
On Screen
‘Marty Supreme’ Is a Hectic Underdog Saga With Satirical Bite
Timothée Chalamet is winning awards for his performance as a midcentury New Yorker who will beg, borrow and steal to become a table-tennis champion.
Now Playing in Theaters, January 7-13
In addition to ‘Greenland 2: Migration,’ 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: Beverly Ann LaRocque, 1944-2025
Winooski resident will be known for her “one-of-a-kind” personality and her love and devotion to her family
Obituary: Barbara Moquin, 1935-2025
Shelburne resident’s inspiring life was a testament to courage, faith and perseverance
Obituary: Martha Boyce Colyer, 1953-2025
Longtime art teacher had international adventures, a loving marriage and lifelong friendships
Obituary: Daniel F. Casey, 1959-2026
Beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother was fiercely loyal, deeply wise and endlessly thoughtful
Obituary: Phyllis Russell, 1937-2025
Phyllis Russell of Proctor, Vt., passed away on December 31, 2025, after an extended illness. For a complete obituary, please visit aldousfuneralhome.com.
Obituary: Judith Ann (DeSpirito) Cooley, 1944-2025
Skilled calligrapher, champion disco dancer and former Miss Vermont contestant was always there when you needed her the most
Obituary: Holly Sullivan, 1947-2025
Artist, hiker, mountaineer and senior center director exemplified purpose, integrity and living by one’s principles
Obituary: Judy Marie Cruz, 1954-2025
Devout wife and mother and avid reader was a great listener possessing a generous heart
Obituary: Suzanne Chant, 1951-2025
Poet, artist, quilter, reader and avid traveler was loved for her intelligence, generosity and strength
Obituary: Nolan Borch, 2004-2025
Young man’s contagious smile lit up every room he entered
Obituary: Claire Turcotte Fortin, 1936-2025
Talented quilter expressed her love through countless handmade pieces and inspired all with her positivity and strength
Obituary: Eveline R. “Evie” (Boulanger) Corey, 1936-2025
Devoted wife and mother had a gift for making a house a true home and always placed her family before herself
Obituary: Irving Lawrence Pollander, 1929-2025
Exemplary Army veteran was an avid gardener and history buff who restored and ran his own railroad car
Obituary: Robert D. Rachlin, 1936-2025
Attorney, concert pianist and scholar had an extraordinary intellect and lightning-quick wit
Obituary: James Leveillee, 1966-2025
Builder, artist, luge maker and musician was a caring dad and a bright light to everyone who knew him
Obituary: Didier Delmas, 1954-2025
Longtime Burlington photographer and scholar of philosophy is remembered as a gifted chef and generous host
Obituary: Rita Marie Ricord Bortz, 1941-2025
Highly efficient secretary loved quilting, community service, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Obituary: Elaine Mackenzie, 1961-2025
Life of Essex Junction resident was marked by service, compassion and quiet strength
Obituary: Margaret Bojanowski, 1980-2025
Champion of all things equestrian was a tireless educator who brought wisdom, patience and grace to every interaction
Fun Stuff
Free Will Astrology (1/7/26)
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 Get Rid of a Gift?
Says the Rev: The only thing you’re obligated to do when someone gives you a gift is to say thank you. After that, it’s yours to do with as you see fit.






