

Cover Story
Education Secretary Zoie Saunders Doesn’t Seek the Spotlight — but Can’t Escape It
A year into the job, Saunders must strengthen the Agency of Education, while also promoting a reform agenda that’s deeply concerning to many.
Grafton Village Cheese Sold to Vermont Farmstead Cheese
After the Windham Foundation concluded it could not invest as needed to grow its historic cheese brand, a South Woodstock cheesemaker stepped up.
In Memoriam: Roland Vautour, 1929-2024
Family and friends gather to remember longtime Jeffersonville resident who served as U.S. under secretary of agriculture, guiding farms through a credit crisis
In Memoriam: April Moore, 1968-2019
No silence Is louder, Than the Absence Of a voice You used To hear Every day. — Author unknown Happy birthday to my beautiful sister….
Vermont Bar, Chef and Restaurateurs Make Finals of 2025 James Beard Awards
The awards known as the “Oscars of the food world” named several Vermonters as finalists in national and regional categories. Winners will be announced in June.
Border Crossings From Québec Into Vermont Decline
President Donald Trump’s tariffs and his statements about annexing Canada have soured relations. Current exchange rates also make the trips costly for Canadians.
Obituary: Frederick Whiting Bird, 1954-2025
“Quirky character-actor kind of guy” translated the world into poetry, music, theater and art
Obituary: Sr. Cecile Bouchard, RSM, 1929-2025
Parochial school educator and administrator was known for her warm hospitality and attention to detail
Obituary: Jeffrey Jarvis, 1957-2025
South Burlington man shared his love of live music with his grandchildren, often bringing them T-shirts from the concerts he attended
Obituary: Kevin Michael Mangan, 1955-2025
Gifted musician and woodworker played guitar, sang back-up vocals, and crafted musical instruments and dollhouses
Obituary: Ola O’Dell, 1932-2025
Bethel Justice of the Peace was thrilled to conduct the town’s first same-sex wedding
Waking Windows Announces 2025 Lineup
The annual Winooski music and arts festival returns in May, once again featuring tons of indie talent from home and abroad.
Obituary: David Del Piero, 1961-2025
Airline pilot and captain had a diverse and accomplished career in aviation
A Burlington Woman Heads to Canada to Apologize
Karen Chickering recently visited Sutton, Québec, to distribute hand-made posters emphasizing Vermont’s appreciation for its northern neighbor.
From the Publisher: Now Playing in Burlington
After the closure of the Roxy, it’s still possible to go to the movies in Burlington — thanks to the Vermont International Film Foundation’s waterfront lineup.
Mixed-Media Marathon: Arts Fundraisers Go the Distance
Vermont artists are supporting refugees and asylum seekers by participating in monthlong daily creative activities to benefit nonprofits across the state.
TURNmusic and Soprano Mary Bonhag Defy Genre With ‘Penelope’
The chamber music group presents Sarah Kirkland Snider’s contemporary song cycle, based on Homer’s Odyssey from the point of view of Odysseus’ wife.
In Quiet Woodstock, a Police Chief’s Fate to Be Decided After a Lively Hearing
The quasi-judicial hearing about a road-rage showdown last fall stretched into the wee hours of the night and was inconclusive.
Q&A: Tracking Wildlife With Naturalist Sophie Mazowita
On a snowy hillside in Bakersfield, the naturalist sees which wild animals have been making tracks. Go behind the scenes of this “Stuck in Vermont” video.
‘Adolescence’ Rivets Viewers With Its Dissection of a Crime in Context
The power of this UK show lies not in its alarmism but in its realism, its gripping use of the tools of procedural drama to dissect one horrifying act of violence.
Now Playing in Theaters: March 26-April 1
In addition to Black Bag, 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.
Burlington Democrats Talked Shop — and Gossiped — on Group Text
While not illegal, the practice raises red flags for transparency advocates, who say deliberations among elected officials should be accessible to the public.
Soundbites: Lily Seabird Returns With ‘Trash Mountain’
The Burlington singer-songwriter adds some twang to her sound on a record that doubles as a tribute to the Queen City’s artist community.
Free Will Astrology (3/26/25)
ARIES (Mar. 21-Apr. 19): Ancient Rome’s emperor Julius Caesar undertook a radical move to fix the calendar, which had become increasingly inaccurate as the centuries…
On the Beat: Music on the Mountain Returns
The sober music festival at Okemo Mountain is back for year two. Plus, Caitlin Canty’s homecoming and new music from Brunch.
Ask the Rev: Should I Switch From Toilet Paper to Reusable Cloth Wipes?
Married to an environmentalist, one man is reluctant to dump TP for a more eco-friendly method. Get the facts on what it takes to chuck the Charmin.
Eye on the Scene: RAQ With Special Guest Jared Slomoff at Nectar’s
Recording engineer and producer Jared Slomoff joined Burlington jam/prog kings RAQ on their last of a three-night run at Nectar’s.
At Writers for Flood Recovery, Vermonters Process Torrential Change
The nonprofit Writers for Recovery has broadened its scope to serve flood survivors. Bess O’Brien and Gary Miller lead workshops in three affected towns.
Album Review: Marsh Lights, ‘Cover the Water’
The Burlington folk-grass quintet re-forms after seven years apart, with a new name and new album — but the same sweet, sweet harmonies.
Experts: Vermont Legislature’s Ethics Disclosures Are Lacking
The disclosures are meant to bolster faith in government. But the forms — handwritten and sometimes hard to read — are not up to snuff, government watchdogs say.
Album Review: Fimnur, ‘Wintertide’
On his second album, the Burlington ambient artist continues his obsession with frigid Vermont winters, brought to life by banks of icy synths.
Photographer Rania Matar Captures Womanhood Across Cultures
The Lebanese American photographer pictures women whose introspection and quiet confidence often contrasts with their battered settings.
Letters to the Editor (3/26/25)
‘What Makes Vermont Special’ We just want to thank you for writing about country stores [“If We Don’t Have It, You Don’t Need It,” March…
Theater Review: ‘Primary Trust,’ Vermont Stage
Vermont Stage produces the UVM alumna’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama about a desolate man in need of small doses of compassion, starring Delanté Keys.
What’s Cooking at Vermont’s New South-of-the-Border Restaurants
Recent additions to the Mexican dining scene serve a range of dishes from Oaxacan mole to Tex-Mex burritos to Southern Californian-style tacos.
Citizen Cider to Move Pub, Consolidate Operations on Flynn Avenue in Burlington
The cidery will close its current restaurant in April and open the Press House Pub at its production facility near Switchback and Burlington Beer in June.
Kraemer & Kin Announces New North Hero Taproom
Having closed its Alburg tasting room and restaurant in November, the Kraemer family will reopen a smaller taproom near Hero’s Welcome General Store.
Magnificent 7: Must See, Must Do, March 26-April 2
Explore our editor’s picks for must-do events in Vermont this week, including the whimsical “Glasstastic” exhibit at Brattleboro Museum & Art Center.






