Nov 26 – Dec 2 2025
Sunny News From Bill McKibben: The Solar Age Finally Dawned; Task Force, Scott Admin at Odds Over Education Reform Proposals; Doma Bar Brings “Your Coolest Friend’s Living Room” to Burlington; 2025 Seven Days Gift Guide
Cover Story
Sunny News From Bill McKibben: The Solar Age Finally Dawned
The Ripton writer, educator and environmentalist has spent decades warning us about an impending climate apocalypse. Now he offers a ray of hope in dark times.
News
Task Force, Scott Admin at Odds Over Education Reform Proposals
Gov. Phil Scott and Education Secretary Zoie Saunders are already pushing back on the task force’s plan to overhaul education, saying it doesn’t meet the requirements of Act 73.
Synthetic Turf Proposed for CVU Leads to Environmental Concerns
Supporters say the benefits of a privately funded, $5.5 million athletic field far outweigh any contamination risks.
Stop Signs Cause Commotion at One-Lane Burlington Bridge
For years, motorists would follow yield signs as they approached the span on Queen City Park Road. But extra traffic there prompted city officials to install stop signs.
From the Publisher: Gift From Above
As our annual Gift Guide hits the streets, publisher Paula Routly recognizes Angela Simpson, the secret Santa behind it and so much else at Seven Days.
Food+Drink
Doma Bar Brings ‘Your Coolest Friend’s Living Room’ to Burlington
The cocktails-and-vinyl spot looks similar to its predecessor, Paradiso Hi-Fi. But it’s more relaxed, with salty snacks and a very sparkly disco ball.
Travis Van Alstyne’s Short Film Honors Farmer Romaine Tenney
With hand-drawn animation and pitch-perfect narration, the South Burlington filmmaker draws a poignant portrait of the Ascutney man who faced a stark choice.
Donwoori Korean to Move but Stay in Winooski
Sibling co-owners will move the restaurant from Winooski Falls Way into the larger former home of Mandarin on Main Street, where it will serve more dishes.
Bent Nails Roadhouse to Open in Middlesex
After moving from Montpelier, the restaurant will shift focus to its comfort-food menu with a side of entertainment, rather than the other way around.
Our House Bistro in Winooski for Sale; Appears Closed
The longtime destination for creative macaroni and cheese and other “twisted comfort food” is listed for sale and seems to have closed while awaiting a buyer.
Arts+Culture
Stuck in Vermont: Exploring Law Island With Teage O’Connor
Episode 755: As Lake Champlain’s waters receded during the drought this past summer, Law Island became accessible by foot.
Seven Vermont Holiday Concerts Not to Miss
’Tis the season for holiday spectaculars. Here are seven offerings that take audiences across the traditional folk and classical spheres.
Curator Phong Bui Honors Art Historian Meyer Schapiro in Brattleboro
One of today’s most influential curators has assembled a show of 20th-century heavy hitters as well as lesser-known, but equally important, modern artists.
New Podcast Offers Insider Takes on Vermont Politics and Culture
In “There’s No ‘A’ in Creemee,” two veteran politicos discuss legislative affairs, state and national elections, and yes, Vermont’s tasty frozen treat.
Magnificent 7: Must See, Must Do, November 26-December 3
Explore our editor’s picks for must-do events in Vermont this week, including A Forest of Lights at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science in Quechee.
Music+Nightlife
Soundbites: Funny Business at the Mill in Westport, N.Y.
Taylor and Catherine Ross Haskins’ art gallery, speakeasy and performing arts venue takes a turn for the hilarious as it branches out into comedy.
On the Beat: Vermont Musicians Release Protest Songs
An all-star collection of local musicians covers a Woody Guthrie classic, and James Kochalka frogs out on fascism. Plus, Robber Robber return.
Album Review: Leddy Moss, ‘Growing Pains’
The Burlington indie-pop band’s promising debut LP is full of twangy laments, observational songwriting and echo-laden guitar.
On Screen
Women Behaving Badly Command the Screen in ‘Hedda’ and ‘After the Hunt’
Two new streaming films offer twisted psychological games, barbed dinner-party conversations, bravura female performances and costume design to die for.
Now Playing in Theaters (11/26/25)
In addition to ‘Eternity,’ 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.
Life Lines
Obituary: Antonio “Gino” Todisco, 1934-2025
Longtime owner of South Burlington’s Airport Grocery built a community cornerstone
Obituary: Nancy Bohne, 1939-2025
Longtime educator was known for sense of humor, eternal optimism and unyielding devotion to her family
Obituary: Yola Carlough, 1945-2025
Pioneer in corporate social responsibility was a passionate pianist, chef and traveler and a vicious Scrabble competitor
Obituary: Brian Jones, 1953-2025
Skilled woodworker, traveler and yoga enthusiast was known for his stories, spirit and living life to the fullest
Obituary: Robert Stirewalt, 1963-2025
Public relations and health communications professional led an active lifestyle that included creating homemade obstacle courses in the basement
Fun Stuff
Ask the Rev: My Husband Has Road Rage
Know a hothead behind the wheel? No vehicular peeve is worth losing your temper and risking your safety. Here’s how to hit the brakes on aggressive driving.
Free Will Astrology (11/26/25)
Check out Rob Brezsny’s expanded weekly audio horoscopes & daily text message horoscopes: realastrology.com or 1-877-873-4888
