

News
From the Publisher: Critic’s Choices
A visual arts writer aims to help readers understand what they’re looking at. Seven Days is lucky to have award-winning journalist Alice Dodge doing just that.
Arts+Culture
Actors With Down Syndrome Present a New Version of ‘Hamlet’
In Peruvian company Teatro La Plaza’s ‘Hamlet,’ coming to the Hopkins Center, eight actors use Shakespeare’s famous play to tell their own stories.
Culturally Relevant: The Return of ‘Real Vermonters Don’t Milk Goats’
The Return of ‘Real Vermonters Don’t Milk Goats’ What does a 1983 humor book have to say about Vermont now? We explore this, plus a Vermonter’s HBO doc and the end of ‘Vermont Almanac.’
Local Film ‘Every Day: Big and Small’ Gives ‘Helpers’ the Spotlight
The latest documentary by Barnet filmmaker Bess O’Brien is her love letter to Vermont and the people who forge connections, build resilience and bring joy.
Vermont Author M.T. Anderson on His New Book, ‘Stealing Saint Nick’
The National Book Award winner explores the strange history of how Saint Nicholas became Santa Claus, getting his bones stolen along the way.
Seven Questions for Middlebury College Museum of Art’s New Director
Deborah Barkun, who will oversee the opening of the college’s Marna O. Davis Museum in 2029, talks about museums, liberal arts and the power of both.
Fail Better: Ace Lehner Brings Queer Failure to the Barbershop
At the University of Vermont art professor’s BCA Center pop-up exhibition, participants get queer coifs and engage in positive acts of failing to conform.
Magnificent 7: Must-See, Must-Do Events in and Around Vermont, September 23-30
Explore our editor’s picks for must-do events in Vermont this week, including two appearances by Canadian folk rocker Lynne Hanson.
Food+Drink
First Bite: The Bidwell Extends an All-Day Waterbury Welcome
Seasoned pros Tiffany Caldwell and Rachael Brown craft and serve an unfussy but carefully considered breakfast-through-dinner menu — plus wine and ice cream.
Vermont Giant Pumpkin Growers Check Their Work at the Annual Weigh-Off
A 1,730.5-pound pumpkin was the largest at Sam Mazza’s on Saturday. But growers also brought a state-record sunflower and the heaviest tomatoes in the world.
Tandem Closes After 11.5 Years on Bristol’s Main Street
The multipurpose kitchen and event space from the founders of Savouré soda and Nomadic Chef Catering was a community gathering place and small-biz incubator.
Music+Nightlife
Ann Dávila Cardinal Presses Play on a Punk-Rock Murder Mystery
The Vermont writer’s latest novel, ‘Hear the Dead,’ is a supernatural mystery set in the New York City punk-rock scene of the early 1980s.
On the Beat: The Show Must Go On
In Vermont music news: DJ Taka lands at Standing Stone Wines; Plattsburgh welcomes saxophonist Vanessa Collier; Moira Smiley collabs with the Rasa String Quartet.
Album Review: Goodnight Nobody, ‘s/t’
The new Burlington trio mixes up a ferocious blend of post-punk ingredients on its promising debut record, which is remarkably fully formed.
On Screen
Zach Cregger’s Fresh Take on ‘Resident Evil’ Is More About Fun Than Fear
In the eighth movie based on the Capcom video game franchise, the ‘Weapons’ director tells the story of a hapless Gen Z courier just trying to survive.
Now Playing in Theaters, September 23-30
In addition to ‘Primetime’ 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: Am I Obligated to Throw a Shower for My BFF’s Second Baby?
Dear Reverend, My best friend has a 2-year-old child and just announced that she’s expecting a second baby. I’m not really into babies or parties, but as her BFF, I threw her a big baby shower the first time around. Does that mean I have to do it all over again? Crib Note (woman, 27)…
Free Will Astrology 9/23/26
Check out Rob Brezsny’s expanded weekly audio horoscopes & daily text message horoscopes: realastrology.com or 1-877-873-4888.
Life Lines
Obituary: Bentley A. Merrick, DDS, 1931-2026
Dentist made friends of all ages throughout his life, and spending time with his family was the most important thing to him
In Memoriam: Joel Dubé, 1952-2026
Friends and family celebrate the life and work of a passionate photographer.
Obituary: Janice Marie Riordan, 1956-2026
Fitness professional, dedicated volunteer and lifelong Red Sox fan made people feel supported, remembered and loved
Obituary: Dennis LaTulippe, 1956-2026
Longtime Burlington Free Press printer passed his love of baseball to his sons and enjoyed creating stained-glass pieces in his retirement
Obituary: Paul Edward Wamsganz, 1947-2026
Drafting and construction professional treasured time at his hunting camp and on a lake and always had a list of what needed to be accomplished each day
Obituary: David R. Martin, 1944-2026
Teacher, children’s book author and musician fought injustice and made art with any objects he found
Obituary: Bradley Charles Keith, 1966-2026
Machinist, nurse, Vermont National Guard member and skilled carpenter had an independent spirit and took pride in a job well done
Obituary: Kirk Laughlin Bosworth, 1932-2026
U.S. Navy veteran and 35-year English teacher in Essex loved outdoor activities and skied regularly until age 89
Obituary: Basha Miles, 1943-2026
Artist, poet and scholar’s truest passion and life’s work was with Deaf/Blind children and their families and teachers
Obituary: William Earl Butterfield, 1936-2026
Longtime IBM engineer and Knight of Columbus loved music and believed family was the most important thing in the world
In Memoriam: Sara Packard
A memorial gathering celebrating the life and spirit of Sara Packard will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, 10 a.m., at the First Unitarian Universalist Society in Burlington, Vt. A reception will immediately follow the service.
Obituary: David Wimett, 1959-2026
Proud Vermonter was an unfailingly fair car salesman whose customers came to his Leicester dealership to be treated as friends
Obituary: Louis Wilson, 1933-2026
Army National Guard veteran spent 46 years building the family furniture business into a company known throughout New England
Obituary: Patricia A. (Sweet) Camper, 1937-2026
Former nurse’s assistant delighted in offering home-cooked meals to family and guests and appreciated the beauty of God’s creation
Obituary: Judith Beatrice Bailey, 1940-2026
Senior master sergeant and 25-year member of the U.S. Air National Guard loved singing, bowling and her church






