

Cover Story
Love, Dad: A Father’s Story
Frank Cioffi honored his daughter’s memory by adopting Frankie, her autistic son. At Riverflow Community, he’s planning a future for the child and others like him.
News
As Political Discourse Craters, ‘The Vermont Way’ Largely Persists
This final installment in our “Ways & Means” series considers whether the Vermont legislature’s tradition of civility and compromise can endure.
Art Bikes Bring a Splash of Color to the Streets of Brandon
Using a grant, a local nonprofit created nine bicycles that will be displayed downtown this summer. Organizers want to spread the concept around the state.
Here’s What It’s Really Like to Attend a Small High School
Several teens told Seven Days about the strong sense of place they felt, the close-knit relationships they’ve made and the ways they’ve had to get creative to achieve their goals.
From the Publisher: Presidential Performance
Publisher Paula Routly recalls a pivotal experience at the Kennedy Center and what it’s been like to witness the place under the thumb of President Donald Trump.
Arts+Culture
Theater Review: ‘Shakespeare in Love,’ Vermont Repertory Theatre
Shakespeare struggles to write ‘Romeo and Juliet’ as his own romance stirs his imagination in this lush, vigorous production.
Q&A: Lucy and Steve Boyajian Share Their Memories of Burlington
Siblings who grew up by the Burlington-Winooski Bridge, slated for replacement, reminisce about area history. Go behind the scenes of this “Stuck in Vermont” video.
Calais Author Rowan Jacobsen Shines a Light on the Sun
With ‘In Defense of Sunlight,’ the award-winning science journalist argues that sunlight can improve health — even though we’ve been warned it can kill us.
A New Wing at SVAC Gives a Home to the Lyman Orton Collection
The steel-clad addition to the art center’s main building houses two different visions of Vermont: Lyman Orton’s collection and a show by Dona Ann McAdams.
Painter John Stomberg Considers ‘World Repair’ at AVA Gallery
The retiring director of Dartmouth College’s Hood Museum presents a solo show exploring Jewish philosophy, Japanese repair techniques and Pink Floyd.
Magnificent 7: Must See, Must Do Events in and Around Vermont (June 17-24)
Explore our editor’s picks for must-do events in Vermont this week, including the annual Founders Celebration Dog Party at Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury.
Food+Drink
Red Hen Baking’s New Café Fills a Niche in Montpelier
Owners Randy George and Eliza Cain never intended to open a second location of their popular Middlesex café. Capital City residents are glad they did.
Rookie’s Sparkling Vermont Maple Lemonade Is a Can-Do Move
Jenny and Dave Rooke have sold root beer on draft for 21 years. Now, with a summery, Vermonty concoction in cans, the Burlington soda biz is on a new adventure.
Entrées & Exits: Langdon Street Tavern Closes; Sweetwaters and the Archives Team Up
In Vermont restaurant news, a Montpelier watering hole ends its run while a Burlington restaurant and bar join forces to offer convenient eats.
Music+Nightlife
Soundbites: Remembering Late Burlington Rocker Matthew Stephen Perry
Burlington toasted the musician’s life and legacy with an ear-splitting, tear-jerking, potato-chucking send-off featuring his former bands and Queen City favorites.
On the Beat: Make Music Day Returns
In this week’s music news: An international festival is back with new local management. Plus, Higher Ground hosts a throwback tribute to Nectar’s.
Album Review: Jesse Taylor Band, ‘feel everything’
The Burlington indie-rock singer-songwriter drops her first full-length album, an utterly confessional portrait of being emotionally open.
On Screen
Steven Spielberg’s Sci-Fi Thriller ‘Disclosure Day’ Needs a Dose of Wonder
While this story of alien contact recalls the director’s classics, it substitutes clunky staging and exposition for their beauty and propulsiveness.
Now Playing in Theaters, June 17-24
In addition to Obsession, 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.
Fun Stuff
Ask the Rev: I’m an Early Riser. My Husband Isn’t.
Everyone’s internal clock is different. Here’s advice for navigating circadian rhythms and getting the worm while your partner still gets some Zs.
Free Will Astrology (6/17/26)
Check out Rob Brezsny’s expanded weekly audio horoscopes & daily text message horoscopes: realastrology.com or 1-877-873-4888.
Life Lines
Obituary: Lavenia Medeiros, 1950-2026
Woman with a lifelong passion for reading and learning served for years as a school crossing guard, looking out for children with a bright smile and caring presence
Obituary: Gary Eley, 1944-2026
Minister, CFA and “man in motion” was a problem solver who went out of his way to help people in need
In Memoriam: Donna Marie Paquette, 1955-2026
Community gathers to remember the love and inspiration shared by “the Dance Walker”
Obituary: Anthony Piers “Tony” Washburn, 1935-2026
Music was a lifelong passion for man who was a teacher and mentor to many young people
In Memoriam: Marshall “Mac” Cummings, 1976-2025
Family and friend reminisce on the legacy of their “beloved hippie”
Obituary: Allie Langdon Duda, 1987-2026
“Bold and beautiful light” saw the world most clearly through photography
Obituary: John Patrick O’Neil, 1948-2026
Family was Jeffersonville man’s entire world, and he loved Vermont deeply
Obituary: Dale Alan Bushey, 1959-2026
Williston man spent years working at his family farm and passed on his love of gardening to his grandsons
Obituary: William “Bill” H. Letters, 1956-2026
“Tried-and-true Vermonter” put everyone ahead of himself and was a gift to those who knew him
Obituary: Ralph C. Dodge, 1935-2026
Longtime educator and advocate for the teaching profession filled his life with learning and adventure
Obituary: Louis Provost, 1937-2026
Life of proud veteran, dedicated educator and passionate mentor was a testament to the power of love and community
Obituary: Rebecca Thomas, 1940-2026
Devoted mother, community leader and dealer of early American antiques worked for many years at the Shelburne Museum
Obituary: John Charles Heaslip, 1962-2026
Devoted family man, volunteer EMT and jack-of-all-trades was most at peace boating on Lake Champlain
Obituary: Ronald Sarquiz, 1961-2026
Psychotherapist and spiritual seeker approached life with passion and found solace being close to nature
Obituary: Margaret Harrington Tamulonis, 1943-2026
Actress and activist was shaped by a love of literature, curiosity about the world and the belief that one person could make a difference
Obituary: Dieter Gump, 1933-2026
Accomplished research physician and professor was a lifelong learner with a curious mind and a great sense of humor
Obituary: Nancy Edna (Chase) Fitch, 1941-2026
Architect of a “secret” garden in Burlington’s New North End brought joy to the community
Obituary: Quincy Sinclair McDougal, 1992-2026
Green Beret and quiet leader “found his tribe” among his fellow service members
Obituary: Lee E. Kelley, 1934-2026
Former police officer and counselor always emphasized education to his children and greeted everyone with a smile
Obituary: Marjorie Suanne Sugar, 1942-2026
Elementary school teacher, special educator and librarian dedicated herself to education and service
In Memoriam: Buddy Manning, 1970-2026
Celebration of life for Buddy Manning will be held on June 28. The service will begin promptly at 2 p.m. at the Old Lantern in Charlotte. Come gather and pay tribute to Buddy.






