September 9 • 2026
Expecting Trouble: Vermonters Are Losing Local Birth Centers; Absent State Action, Vermont Towns Move to Block Data Centers; Eating — and Working It Off — in Granby, Québec; Farewell, Radio Bean; Art Hop Guide
Cover Story
Expecting Trouble: Vermonters Are Losing Local Birth Centers
As hospitals pull back, people are traveling farther for services — and confronting what’s lost when a community lacks maternity care
Magnificent 7: Must-See, Must-Do Events in and Around Vermont, September 9-16
Explore our editor’s picks for must-do events in Vermont this week, including the joyful Pride Vermont Parade & Festival spanning downtown Burlington.
News
Is Any Town Willing to Host a 100-Bed Homeless Shelter?
South Burlington pushed back on a proposal for a shelter on Williston Road. Now the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity is looking elsewhere.
Absent State Action, Vermont Towns Move to Block Data Centers
Even though most agree that enormous data centers won’t be developed in Vermont, some towns aren’t taking any chances.
Warren to Bury a Time Capsule for Residents to Open in 2076
In May, the town opened a capsule that was buried in 1976. The new one is timed for the country’s tricentennial and will try to capture what life is like today.
From the Publisher: People Power
Loyal employees with more than two decades of service work side-by-side with newly minted college grads to produce this weekly newspaper.
Paid Post
From Flying Over Ground Zero to Deploying Overseas
The Vermont Army and Air National Guard are always ready to help in an emergency. Are we ready to help them — and their families?
Arts+Culture
Drivers at Rocky Ridge Raceway Battle for the Checkered Flag
At Vermont’s only speedway built exclusively for go-kart racing, drivers from as young as 4 to their sixties get a taste of life in the fast lane.
WTF: What’s With the Costumed Crow Figurines in Shelburne?
A murder of (model) crows has entertained passersby in Shelburne for decades with clever outfits and configurations that change with the seasons.
Patrick Branstetter Gives Grace Coolidge’s Piano a New Life
The Brattleboro piano tech restored the 100-year-old piano at the Coolidge historic site in Plymouth to its former glory for future audiences to enjoy.
Alvarez’s Award-Winning Book Adapted Into Graphic Novel
In the Time of the Butterflies: The Graphic Novel’ retells the Vermont author’s 1994 novel, drawing on a storytelling format with deep roots in Latino culture.
A Modern Man: Sculptor Hugh Townley at BigTown in Rochester
The 20th-century artist, who taught for decades at Brown University, created carvings attuned to modernism but populated by a unique set of symbols.
Hop Along: Three Art Hop Events Not to Miss
Among the many South End “hoppenings” from September 11 to 13, we recommend a fashion collab, an avant-garde video dance party and a show of Pride quilts.
Food+Drink
Mule Bar in Winooski to Expand Into Former Our House Spot
The former bistro next door will become the bar’s attached dining room, adding seating and new dinner and entertainment offerings with weekend brunch to follow.
Day Trip: Eating — and Working It Off — in Granby, Québec
The lively Québec town known for its zoo also boasts inventive world-class dining and plenty of cycling, thrifting and other between-meals activities.
Gather Round Chef Service Stocks the Fridge for Vermont Families
Ariel Voorhees, an English teacher turned personal chef, has built a biz cooking custom meals in people’s homes. She and her team even do the grocery shopping.
Venetian Soda Lounge in Burlington’s Soda Plant Is for Sale
The South End bar and venue will remain open while owner Justin Bunnell looks for a buyer. He’s also selling his related ginger ale biz, Venetian Beverages.
Stone’s Throw Pizza in Waterbury Cuts Back to Takeout Only
Co-owners Allison and Tyler Stratton said shortages of staff and parking led to their decision to end on-site dining at 13 Stowe Street and focus on takeout.
Music+Nightlife
Soundbites: Farewell, Radio Bean
A stiff insurance bill has brought low the Burlington club that has served as an indie-music hub for over 25 years. What comes next is anyone’s guess.
On the Beat: Big Pond Improv Festival Splashes Down
Get your “Yes, and…” on at Vermont Comedy Club this weekend. Plus, Brewster River Jam Fest finalizes its lineup, and new music from Bow Thayer and Ruminations.
Album Review: Lily Seabird, ‘Lightspheres on Their Way’
The Burlington singer-songwriter turns up her amp on an album that looks for light in the darkness.
On Screen
Lola Petticrew Is ‘Furious’ in Hulu’s Addictive New Noir Series
A serial killer and the troubled cop hunting her have way too much in common in this surprisingly substantial take on the “female rage” trend.
Now Playing in Theaters, September 9-16
In addition to ‘Hadestown: The Musical,’ 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: Should I Tell My Neighbors They’re Too Loud?
A woman’s neighbors argue loudly and often. She wants to tell them to quiet down, but her husband thinks she shouldn’t get involved.
Free Will Astrology 9/9/26
Check out Rob Brezsny’s expanded weekly audio horoscopes & daily text message horoscopes: realastrology.com or 1-877-873-4888.
Life Lines
Obituary: Roger H. Damon Jr., 1929-2026
St. Johnsbury man’s life was defined by his dedication to skiing and his 72-year journey of service with the National Ski Patrol
Obituary: Thomas Andrew Lyons, 1936-2026
U.S. Navy veteran founded a nonprofit that brought indoor plumbing to Vermonters without access to running water
Obituary: David Nicholas Boggs, 1990-2026
Nurse had a sense of justice that would not allow him to look away from someone in need
Obituary: Tommy Banfield, 1937-2026
Longtime IBM employee loved all things outdoors and lived by the motto, “I did it my way”
Obituary: Jacquelyn Sheehan Schultz, 1938-2026
Teacher and librarian brought a sparkle to any room and filled her retirement years with community service and creativity
