Nov 19-25 2025
Vermont’s Bold Investment in Childcare Is Largely Paying Off; Vermont’s Prisons Are Becoming Overcrowded Again; Historian David Blow Receives Lifetime Achievement Award; In Burlington’s Old North End, the Wise Fool Takes a Seat
Cover Story
Vermont’s Bold Investment in Childcare Is Largely Paying Off
Passed in 2023, Act 76 has increased state funding to help create more than 1,700 new childcare slots and enroll more than 4,000 additional kids in the state’s financial-assistance program.
News
Vermont’s Prisons Are Becoming Overcrowded Again
A crackdown on repeat offenders could add even more people to Vermont’s packed prisons.
Vermont’s Outdated Tech Can Leave Lawmakers in the Dark
In a data-driven world, Vermont’s old systems can make it difficult for lawmakers to get the information they want to make informed decisions.
Bruce Springsteen Played Burlington Before Mega Stardom
In 1974, the Boss performed for a crowd of about 1,000 people at Memorial Auditorium. A year later, Springsteen was a star.
From the Publisher: The Personals Touch
The national media can’t seem to get enough of Seven Days’ personal ads. A film crew from NBC’s “Today” show just spent the day at our Burlington office.
Arts+Culture
Book Review: ‘A Mother Always Knows,’ Sarah Strohmeyer; ‘The Board,’ Katy Farber
Two domestic thriller novels by Vermont authors deal with motherhood, feminism, cultish behavior and self-determination in small-town New England.
Historian David Blow Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
The Chittenden County Historical Society honored the Burlington historian with its inaugural Lilian Baker Carlisle Lifetime Achievement Award.
‘The Loop’ Invites Audiences Into the Creative Process
The new series at Middlebury’s Town Hall Theater kicks off this week with an in-progress work by Vermont singer Moira Smiley and dancer Laurel Jenkins.
Cabinet of Curiosity: Steve Budington’s Emergent Paintings
In his solo show, “Rain Cabinet,” Budington deconstructs his paintings, creating abstract, multi-panel reliefs that use elements from landscapes.
Q&A: The North End Food Pantry Feeds Its Burlington Community
During the government shutdown, attendance at food banks increased and neighbors helped out. Go behind the scenes of this “Stuck in Vermont” video.
Magnificent 7: Must See, Must Do, November 19-26
Explore our editor’s picks for must-do events in Vermont this week, including an Evening With Livingston Taylor at Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center in Stowe.
Vermont Theaters Join National Resistance Movement
The “Fall of Freedom” event includes ‘It Can’t Happen Here’ at Flynn Space in Burlington and locally written plays at the Grange Theatre in South Pomfret.
Food+Drink
In Burlington’s Old North End, the Wise Fool Takes a Seat
After eight months of takeout, chef Elliot Sion’s affordable Middle Eastern-diaspora street food can now be enjoyed on-site in the casual neighborhood spot.
Montpelier’s Umamiso Helps Make Miso Soup in Just a Minute
Yoko Tarrant missed a foundational ingredient from her native Japan. She started fermenting and selling miso and soup balls, a shortcut to umami-rich broth.
Ruth, a Kosher Food Truck, Launches in Burlington
Chef Menachem Cone combines his New York City culinary experience and Vermont food truck background with his religious observance to serve a menu for everyone.
Eat Vermont Invests in Bristol’s Farmhouse Chocolates
The media and technology platform’s founder, Senator Rocket, said the deal will test a new strategy to support growth in Vermont’s artisanal food sector.
Music+Nightlife
Country Songwriter Caitlin Canty Comes Home
The Proctor native, who left Vermont more than 20 years ago, returns with a new album and her family in tow.
On the Beat: New Music From Breathwork, Magic User and Omega Jade
New trip-hop jazz, ska-flavored punk and classic hip-hop from a trio of Vermont artists, including an instrumental cover of Massive Attack’s “Teardrop.”
Album Review: Weakened Friends, ‘Feels Like Hell’
The Portland, Maine, indie rockers’ third LP is full of raging post-punk anthems suffused with pain and paranoia and lightened by moments of hope.
Eye on the Scene: Opening Night at Doma Bar in Burlington
Our intrepid photographer attended the opening of Doma Bar in Burlington’s revitalized South End Arts District and discovered a new late-night hangout spot.
On Screen
Tech Bro Arrogance Is the Monster in Guillermo del Toro’s Gloriously Gothic ‘Frankenstein’
The director’s lifelong passion project is a loose adaptation that still captures the atmosphere and spirit of Mary Shelley’s novel — up to a point.
Now Playing in Theaters: November 19-25
In addition to “Wicked for Good,” 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 Love Him. But Should I Tell Him?
A woman wonders if she should profess her love to the man she’s been dating for two years but has known much longer. Says the Rev: Well, duh.
Free Will Astrology (11/19/25)
Check out Rob Brezsny’s expanded weekly audio horoscopes & daily text message horoscopes: realastrology.com or 1-877-873-4888
Life Lines
Obituary: Ellen Bryant Voigt, 1943-2025
Former Vermont poet laureate, MacArthur Fellow and New England Culinary Institute cofounder was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry
Obituary: Wanda Jane Finley Castner, 1936-2025
Schoolteacher and dedicated volunteer loved laughter and hosting family gatherings
Obituary: Jonathan Duncan “JD” Langdon, 1964-2025
Devoted father will be remembered by for his laughter and the love he freely shared
Obituary: Willard R. Beecher, 1948-2025
Mechanic and engineer was part of pit crew for many races, including the Daytona 24-Hour Race
Obituary: Helene Marie (Limoge) McHugh, 1933-2025
Proud Vermonter cherished her Burlington roots and was a devoted parishioner and volunteer
Obituary: Gary R. Martin, 1947-2025
Burlington psychologist for 40 years made a positive difference in his clients’ lives
Obituary: Kenneth M. Wade, 1947-2025
Champlain College humanities professor was an educator, wit and father
