

Back to School
Meet Vermont’s All-Star High School Band, MINC
Composed of student musicians from around Vermont, the band is learning the ropes of the music business while laying down some serious jams.
Arts+Culture
Two Programs Highlight Sculpture at Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park
2025 fellow Sarah Peters and sculptor-in-residence Heidi Mortensen present their work amid gardens and monumental artworks by the Beaux-Arts master.
Short Takes on Five New Vermont Books
Here’s the read on new releases from local writers, including an award-winning historical novel and the true story of a failed utopia.
Plasticiens Volants Brings Its Inflatable Puppets to Vermont
The Flynn’s Playing Fields series presents the French street-theater company at nearly a dozen schoolyards, football fields and city parks across the state.
Theater Review: ‘Lobby Hero,’ Dorset Theatre Festival
Watching this razor-sharp production of Kenneth Lonergan’s play is an experience of emotional tension singing through four everyday lives.
Artist Ed Woodham Brings ‘Cow Carnival’ to Cold Hollow Sculpture Park
Inspired by talks with Franklin County farmers, the New York City performance artist will debut a character named CA$H COW at the Cold Hollow Sculpture Park on August 29.
Magnificent 7: Must-See, Must-Do Events in and Around Vermont, Aug. 26-Sep. 2
Explore our editor’s picks for must-do events in Vermont this week, including acclaimed Italian food writer Domenica Marchetti at Phoenix Books in Burlington.
Food+Drink
Tasting Seven Smoking-Hot Barbecue Spots Around Northern Vermont
From brisket and burnt ends to coal-roasted eggplant, new and newly relocated businesses are putting a local stamp on barbecue. Check ’em out, and BYO wet wipes.
Ralston’s Restaurant to Open in St. Albans
The two-story spot from Michael Boomhower, a Franklin County chef with an impressive résumé, will serve New England and French Canadian “reimagined classics.”
Sarky’s Smokehouse & Saloon Opens a Second Spot, in Barre
Erin and Sarkis Hand now smoke more ribs, brisket, chicken and pulled pork to meet demand for barbecue. Their menu includes hand-cut fries, burgers and salads.
Music+Nightlife
Meet Vermont’s All-Star High School Band, MINC
Composed of student musicians from around Vermont, the band is learning the ropes of the music business while laying down some serious jams.
On the Beat: Brattleboro’s Stone Church Sues StubHub
The venue seeks $5 million in damages from the ticket-resale giant. Plus, a local prof launches a radio station, and nonlocals throw a local music festival.
Album Review: Grace Potter, ‘Trespasser’
The Vermont singer-songwriter returns with another road-diary album that blends her multiple musical personalities.
On Screen
Horror Is a Love Language in ‘Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma’
Gillian Anderson and Hannah Einbinder bond over slasher films, sexual trauma and sugar in a thought-provoking, surrealist meta-comedy from Jane Schoenbrun.
Now Playing in Theaters, August 26-September 2
In addition to ‘Tony’ 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: Is It Too Late to Send Out a Thank-You Card?
Months after the loss of her mom, a bereaved daughter feels guilty for not replying to sympathy cards. Here’s advice on etiquette, grief and giving yourself grace.
Free Will Astrology (8/26/26)
Check out Rob Brezsny’s expanded weekly audio horoscopes & daily text message horoscopes: realastrology.com or 1-877-873-4888.
Life Lines
Obituary: Sandra S. Jones, 1935-2026
Decorator and seamstress “left a handprint on the heart of all who knew her”
Obituary: Maxine Florence (Valiquette) Wardle, 1942-2026
Teacher, adventurer and lover of the arts made a lasting difference in the lives of many of her students
Obituary: Joshua Michael Kalven, 1980-2026
Writer, photographer, animator and outdoorsman explored new ways to tell stories, and being physically active was his meditation
Obituary: Eleanor Mood, 1928-2026
Loving mother, doting grandmother and community volunteer was never daunted by the challenges of living in foreign countries
Obituary: Claudette Claire Bissonnette, 1930-2026
Native Vermonter worked at General Electric for more than 35 years
Obituary: Gerald Richard “Jay” Kirby Jr., 1968-2026
Compassionate LNA and LPN lived a life defined by service and marked by care for others
Obituary: Timothy Sean Coleman, 1954-2026
Social worker connected with people from all walks of life and worked tirelessly to build bridges for those in need
Obituary: Phillip M. Bowler Sr., 1938-2026
Polymath wanted to learn “everything about anything,” and his extensive travel around the world defined his retirement years
Obituary: Sally Borden, 1957-2026
Beloved community leader is remembered for her passionate advocacy for child well-being and for her gentle wisdom and kindness
Obituary: Jean Millicent Briggs, 1927-2026
World traveler and passionate golfer scored six holes in one over her lifetime
In Memoriam: Sean “Seany” Hayes
Seany, Happy 40th Birthday, Sweetheart! First of all, I just wanted to say just how much we all MISS YOU! Especially today! You loved birthdays! Seany, you also loved life! You loved your family, especially your children! You were such a generous and kind man! You wanted to help everyone! You will never ever be…
Obituary: Elizabeth Lyman (Dawson) Dubin, 1964-2026
Talented quilter, cook and baker’s greatest joy and “best job ever” was being a mom
Obituary: Peter Harvey, 1943-2026
“Kid at heart” always found his way outside to hike, climb, paddle or play tennis
Obituary: Asunta Noel Borelli, 1976-2026
Mountain biker, chef and mom extraordinaire experienced several lifetimes’ worth of adventure, laughter and fun






