Jul 30 – Aug 5, 2025
Vermont Immigrants Are Now Reluctant to Cross the Border; Russian Strongman Finds Refuge — and a New Act — in Vermont; High Drive Distillery Makes Farm-Grown Spirits in Hardwick; 2025 Seven Daysies Winners
From the Publisher: Good Signs
As this year’s Daysies awards nod to the zodiac, publisher Paula Routly reflects on the paper’s horoscope column, Rob Brezsny’s “Free Will Astrology.”
Vermont Immigrants Are Now Reluctant to Cross the Border
Fear and anxiety are spreading among legal residents who previously felt safe leaving the country to visit family, take a vacation or spend the day in Canada.
Abbie Morin Reconciles With Past Selves on ‘Former You’
Burlington indie band Hammydown’s forthcoming record is a reflection on identity and marks a new life direction for its leader.
‘Sorry, Baby’ Has a Buoyant Spirit That Belies Its Dark Subject
In this engaging debut, a survivor of assault isn’t defined by the “bad thing” that happened to her but must still figure out how to live in its aftermath.
On the Beat: Meredith Monk at the Mill; New Release Radar
The famed composer and vocalist performs in Westport, N.Y. Plus, a hip-hop and reggae night at Bent Nails Bistro and new music from HUES and HOLDING NAPOLEON.
Album Review: Nowhere Washington, ‘Say What You Wanna Say’
The Montpelier quintet’s sophomore EP is a steady mix of roots-rock and Americana tunes.
Album Review: Anachronist, ‘Anachronist’
The timeless Montpelier band’s self-titled record continues its long winning streak of earnest, Tom Petty-style songwriting and top-notch musicianship.
Nissa Kauppila’s Tidy Paintings Have a Messy History
The Vermont-born artist combines accomplished traditional Chinese painting techniques with a new, sustainable approach, making art from trash.
Russian Strongman Finds Refuge — and a New Act — in Vermont
Unable to return home, circus performer Yuri Alekhin and his family have joined artistic forces with Woody Keppel’s vaudeville act, the Hokum Bros.
Enormous Art Installation ‘Loop’ Is Headed to Burning Man
The interactive kinetic sonic sculpture is a massive project currently being assembled in South Burlington before it’s packed up to go to the desert.
Ask the Rev: Can I Throw Away My Friend’s Weird Doll?
A friend has been storing a pal’s childhood doll for years — but feels weird about it. Here’s advice for drawing lines when it comes to friendship favors.
Eye on the Scene: Kidding Around at the Maple Roots Festival
Photographer Luke Awtry took in the scene at the fifth annual fest in East Montpelier, where Linda Bassick performed children’s music hits.
Now Playing in Theaters: July 30-August 5
In addition to The Naked Gun, 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.
Gumshoe Investigation Leads to Arrest of Old North End Robber
The robberies represented a mere $600 hit to the market’s bottom line. Far costlier was the sense of foreboding they inspired.
Q&A: The Johnson Transfer Station, aka the Town Dump, Is a Social Hub
In Johnson, visiting the dump is also an excuse to catch up with neighbors. Go behind the scenes of this “Stuck in Vermont” video.
Meet Lyric Theatre’s New Executive Director, Andrew Britt
After working on and off Broadway, in regional theater and in television, the North Carolina native returns to his first love, community theater.
Free Will Astrology (7/30/25)
LEO (Jul. 23-Aug. 22): In ancient China and ancient Greece, the lion was not the king of beasts but the guardian of gates. The threshold…
Green Mountain New Play Festival Debuts in Plainfield
A new playwright retreat includes four plays, selected from more than 600, presented to the public in staged readings at the former Goddard College campus.
Burlington’s King Street Center Seeks Mentors for Boys
Mentors help boys do better in school and stay out of trouble. But for the Queen City nonprofit, recruiting them has been a challenge.
Letters to the Editor (7/30/25)
The Bus Benefits Everyone [Re “Out of Service? Fewer Passengers, Reduced Schedules and Soaring Costs Have Left Green Mountain Transit and Its Riders Searching for…
Classical Series a Respite From War for Ukrainian Musicians
Caspian Music Sunday Concerts in Greensboro is a haven for violinist Solomiya Ivakhiv and oboist Igor Leschishin, whose families are still in Ukraine.
Laundry Day Takeaway’s Abby O’Sullivan Serves Big Easy Flair
The chef and costume designer serves po’boys for pickup in Burlington. She’ll represent Vermont in New Orleans’ Great American Seafood Cook-Off on August 2.
High Drive Distillery Stewards the Land With Farm-Grown Spirits in Hardwick
As former organic dairy farmers, brothers Nick and Taylor Meyer know how to grow grain. Now they’re stone milling, distilling and bottling it on the farm, too.
Essex Junction’s El Gato Cantina Sold to Employee
Tree Bertram sold her Mexican restaurant and food truck biz to Javier Zirko on July 1. He’s adding to the menu and plans a return to the Burlington area.
Burt’s Irish Pub Returns to Stowe’s Mountain Road
After two decades on Luce Hill Road, Janet Martinez has returned her locals’ spot to the thoroughfare where Burt’s poured its first Guinness in 1976.
Magnificent 7: Must See, Must Do, July 30-August 6
Explore our editor’s picks for must-do events in Vermont this week, including the Community Farm & Food Celebration at Atkins Field in Hardwick.
Joe’s Snack Bar in Jericho Is for Sale
Owner Marilyn Kozlowski started working at the 75-year-old summer snack shack when she was a teen, like many of her employees. She’s ready to retire.
News
After a Fatal Crash, ‘Ollie’s Angels’ Promote Sober Driving
Elana Korey was a passenger in a car who lost her life on I-89. Her parents have started a foundation to warn of the perils of driving under the influence.
