

Cover Story
Who Won the 2026 Seven Daysies Best-of-Vermont Awards?
Find out what’s great about our state! Thousands of locals chose everything from farmers markets to festivals, brewpubs to bike shops. Meet their worthy winners.
News
Washington Central to Vote on Making It Easier to Close Schools
An August 11 vote on changing the district’s articles of agreement is the latest chapter in an uneasy partnership among five central Vermont towns.
Queen City Public Safety Debate Shifts to Needle Exchanges
Democratic councilors say Burlington’s downtown is not the place for programs that offer free syringes, reigniting debate about the approach to public safety.
A Burlington Artist Captures the Good News in Town
Each week, Paige Hurley creates a one-page piece of art that represents acts of kindness, compassion or whimsy that she or others witness.
From the Publisher: You Picked ’Em
Inspired by the readers’ picks in our Seven Daysies best-of-Vermont contest, publisher Paula Routly headed to St. Albans to experience its winners and finalists.
An Evangelist Has a Plan in Poultney. Can He Pull It Off?
Tommie Zito wants to launch a Christian university on the grounds of Green Mountain College. His history, which includes a bankrupt ministry, suggests he has his work cut out for him.
Arts+Culture
Stuck in Vermont: Attending the 150th Purinton Family Reunion in Salisbury
Episode 773: The descendants of Chase Purinton have gathered every year since 1876, and about 80 people attended the July 18 reunion.
Athletes at the Vermont Ninja Warrior Training Center Aim for the Big Time
The newly relocated and expanded center in Essex hosts classes for all ages and a team whose members have appeared on “American Ninja Warrior.”
Choreographer Hannah Dennison Debuts ‘Forest,’ Her New Site-Specific Work
Vermont viewers will interpret for themselves the dancers’ abstract and partly improvised movements and gestures among the trees in Washington and Bradford.
Mary Lynn Burke’s Paintings Claim Space in Waterbury
The Phoenix gallery presents the artist’s first solo show, which features large, luscious abstract paintings that stem from her time in New Zealand.
Heidi Broner’s Photorealist Paintings Demand Attention
A retrospective at the Vermont Supreme Court Gallery in Montpelier presents paintings from Broner’s “At Work” series and craggy coastal landscapes.
Vermont Comedy Arts to Open New Performance Space
The nonprofit plans to open a 40-seat theater next month at 118 Main Street in Burlington in a basement space formerly owned by the Drink bar on St. Paul Street.
Magnificent 7: Must-See, Must-Do Events in and Around Vermont, August 5-12
Explore our editor’s picks for must-do events in Vermont this week, including the annual Strawberry Jam music festival at Strawberry Hill Farm in Stowe.
Makenna Goodman’s ‘Helen of Nowhere’ Long-Listed for the Booker Prize
The Montpelier author’s second novel is among 13 books nominated for the distinguished British literary award. She celebrated with oysters and rosé on her family’s porch.
Julia Alvarez to Receive Lifetime of Excellence in Fiction Award
The Center for Fiction honor places the Weybridge writer in the ranks of Haruki Murakami, Patrick Chamoiseau, Salman Rushdie and Toni Morrison.
Food+Drink
Sweetwaters Makes a Church Street Comeback in Burlington
Longtime owner David Melincoff and his team reopened the downtown landmark in April after a four-year absence. The menu balances nostalgia with fresh takes.
Vermont Wild Kitchen’s Mystery Dinner Serves a Collaborative Feast
At a free event in Guilford, a multigenerational group of cooks transformed crowdsourced, mostly local ingredients into a meal with a side of connection.
Majestic Chef Micah Tavelli to Leave Burlington for a Big-City Gig
The 2024 James Beard Award semifinalist will be executive chef at Ci Siamo Boston. Dan Schloemer will take his place as chef at the South End neighborhood spot.
Artemus Café and Art Museum to Open on Church Street in Burlington
Owner and artist Michael Chase hopes his dual-purpose biz in the narrow former Cosmic Grind spot will help “bring the hyperlocal back” to the Marketplace.
Music+Nightlife
The Chrisanthemums: Vermont’s Made-Up Music Awards
Inspired by the Seven Daysies, our music editor invented his own honors for the Farnsworthiest music on the Vermont scene.
Album Review: Emma Cook, ‘Of the Morning’
The Burlington songwriter’s latest is a sonically gorgeous collection that reflects a mature artist reckoning with objectification, anxiety and self-doubt.
Album Review: McAsh, ‘FSTVL SZN’
While the EP comprises just three hilarious, punk-infused songs, it solidifies the Windsor group’s status as Vermont’s best — and maybe only — ska band.
Album Review: NasteeLuvzYou, ‘CE II: Man’s Mission’
The latest release from the seminal Burlington rapper and producer — a collection of ’90s-era boom-bap bangers — picks up where his 2025 solo debut left off.
On Screen
Three Dog Days Streaming Options: ‘Widow’s Bay,’ ‘Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed,’ ‘Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die’
Our critic watched an acclaimed horror-comedy series, a frenetic thriller-comedy show and a possible cult sci-fi film in the making.
Now Playing in Theaters, August 5-12
In addition to ‘Backrooms’ 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
Free Will Astrology (8/5/26)
Check out Rob Brezsny’s expanded weekly audio horoscopes & daily text message horoscopes: realastrology.com or 1-877-873-4888.
Ask the Rev: I’ve Never Had an Orgasm While Having Sex With a Partner
Research shows that many women don’t reach climax through penetration alone. Here are tips for taking the pressure off and experimenting together.
Life Lines
Obituary: Jane M. Germain, 1935-2026
Longtime nurse at UVM Medical Center co-owned the Moorings marina on Malletts Bay for 43 years
Obituary: Catherine Ryan McEnrue
Lifelong Burlington resident leaves a legacy of love, family devotion and deep community roots
Obituary: Elaine Parker, 1955-2026
Trademark response of adventurer, artist and bicycle tour leader was “How hard can it be?”
In Memoriam: Elizabeth Metcalfe, 1936-2025
Gathering celebrates accomplished pianist and devoted teacher who received the Walter Cerf Medal for her contribution to Vermont’s music community
Obituary: Mary Siegchrist Hill, 1947-2026
Life of “utterly indomitable” pianist and teacher was shaped by her passion for reading
Obituary: Autumn Lyn Leach, 1973-2026
“Whirling, swirling force” lived to right wrongs and was a tireless advocate for social justice, gender equality and the voiceless
Obituary: William “Bill” Thomas Sharp Sr., 1940-2026
Accomplished professional in the jewelry industry lived a happy life defined by kindness, generosity and an unwavering love for his family
In Memoriam: Lilian Baker Carlisle, 1912-2006
Historian, writer, legislator, mother, grandmother, neighbor, friend. Twenty years gone. Her indomitable spirit and zest for life live on. “Never lose your sense of wonder.”
Obituary: Michelle Marie Paavola, 1971-2026
Devoted wife, mother and physician practiced with compassion and empathy and went through life with a smile
Obituary: Meredith Potter, 1962-2026
Teacher, dancer, organic gardener and Deadhead for more than 44 years found beauty in her lifetime
In Memoriam: Barbara (Jensen) Stearns, 1928-2026
Memorial service celebrates teacher, counselor, therapist and activist






