

Cover Story
As Encampments Surge in Burlington, Two Men Address Problems
Burlington has more homeless encampments than ever. The tricky task of managing thorny problems, complaints and safety largely falls to two park rangers.
Obituary: David Michael Boardman, 1934-2025
Throughout his remarkable professional and philanthropic career, his family remained his greatest joy
Obituary: Nancy King Bouffard, 1939-2025
Nurse and educator was known for her spirit of adventure and believed in science, truth and democracy for all
Obituary: Constance Perrotte, 1931-2025
Winooski native was called “Mom” by more people than could be counted, and she reached out unconditionally to anyone in need
Obituary: Ruth V. Nichols, 1933-2025
Ruth V. Nichols, 91, of Colchester, Vt., died on August 16, 2025, at her home. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025,…
Obituary: Sandra Geer Willey, 1935-2025
Being a mother and grandmother and feeding her family’s friends her legendary cookies were among Essex Junction woman’s greatest joys
Obituary: Betty Young, 1953-2025
Jericho resident found her passion in teaching college psychology and loved crafting and Prince
New UVM Program Fosters Connections Between Seniors and Students
Vermont Youth Leaders in Aging, a new program being launched by UVM Larner College of Medicine’s Center on Aging, will place high schoolers in senior communities.
Obituary: Gloria A. Davis, 1931-2025
South Burlington woman returned to her native Vermont after 60 years in Colorado
Obituary: Randy R. Barnes, 1953-2025
Colchester man’s greatest passion was fishing, whether fish were biting or not
Obituary: Jonathan M. Storm, 1947-2025
Philadelphia Inquirer television critic and former Rutland Herald reporter and editor believed the art form of TV deserved serious thought and criticism
Obituary: Jason Crosby, 1976-2025
Veteran, personal trainer and powerlifter was a gentle giant who cared deeply about his family and friends
Obituary: Marc Estrin, 1939-2025
Acclaimed author, editor, activist, musician and puppeteer approached every phase of his life with commitment and dedication
Obituary: Ann Goodenough Dinse, 1924-2025
Biochemistry researcher and early environmentalist dedicated her time to many charitable causes
Feds to Seek Death Penalty in Killing of Border Patrol Agent
Teresa Youngblut, 21, is accused of shooting agent David “Chris” Maland during a traffic stop near Coventry in January. The case exposed the cultlike “Zizians.”
Peter Sarsgaard Kicks Off Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival
In advance of the annual film fest, the actor and part-time Vermonter chatted with Seven Days about Shattered Glass, playing real people and building community.
A Sailboat Cruises Canals From Ohio to Lake Champlain
Dan Stinebring and Lynn Powell sailed from Sandusky, Ohio, to Burlington by traversing canals, locks and lakes during the 740-mile trek.
Free Will Astrology (8/13/25)
LEO (Jul. 23-Aug. 22): In medieval Europe, pilgrims traveling to the shrine of Saint James in Spain often wore scallop shells. These were badges to…
Bianca Stone Wins Fellowship From Academy of American Poets
The Vermont poet laureate will use part of the $50,000 prize for a yearlong project traveling the state reading the work of past poet laureates.
Ask the Rev: My Roommate Wants a Puppy, but I’m Wary
One roommate worries that the other isn’t responsible enough to own a dog and that he’ll end up up caring for it. Here’s advice on setting strong boundaries.
Montréal Used to Be Canada’s ‘Sin City.’ What Happened?
Montréal’s red-light district once beckoned those seeking pleasure and vice. That era has passed, but the city’s tourism industry still leans on its sexy spirit.
What to Watch at Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival
A showcase for the work of debut and sophomore filmmakers from around the world, the festival seems to grow every year. Here are screenings that caught our eye.
Q&A: Cruising With the ‘Northern Star’ Into Canada on Lake Memphremagog
The four-hour international cruise leaves from Newport, Vt., and takes passengers into Canadian waters. Go behind the scenes of this “Stuck in Vermont” video.
Talk It Out: ‘Burlington Does Burlington’
Seven Days music writers dig into the new edition of a local covers compilation and compare it with the original volumes from 1996.
From the Deputy Publisher: The Cleanup Crew
A volunteer group meets every Thursday morning at the top of Burlington’s Church Street to pick up trash. Seven Days deputy publisher Cathy Resmer joined in.
On the Beat: ‘The Lost Factory’ Documentary Rises
In this week’s music news: A documentary fundraising party, a hip-hop night in Morrisville and new music from Burlington singer-songwriter Abbey B.K.
A Town’s Nightmare Unfolds in Multiple Perspectives in Viral Horror Film ‘Weapons’
The latest from director Zach Cregger focuses on people’s futile efforts to erect barriers against dangers to their children and themselves.
Album Review: Rachel Baiman/Viv & Riley, ‘Kissing Other PPL’
The supergroup of Rachel Baiman and Viv & Riley covers songs from artists known for various amounts of folksiness.
Now Playing in Theaters: August 13-19
In addition to Highest 2 Lowest, 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.
Whale of a Tale: A Jim Sardonis Sculpture Retrospective in Randolph
The longtime public sculptor, known for his sculptures of whale tails in South Burlington and Randolph, presents 50 years of projects in stone and bronze.
Shelburne Craft School to Offer Classes for Students With Disabilities
The school will partner with Champlain Community Services to offer a pilot program introducing students to a sampling of crafts starting in September.
Sculpture Project Draws Burlington Into Abenaki Identity Controversy
The city is replacing the sculpture of a Native American in Battery Park. Québec-based Abenakis contend the new artwork is inauthentic.
As U.S.-Canadian Goodwill Dries Up, the Haskell Is an Oasis
The library was built in 1904 on the U.S.-Canadian line to showcase goodwill. As the nations’ relationship sours, tensions there are evident.
Letters to the Editor (8/13/25)
Wrong Guitar In [“Dead-icated,” August 6], the caption on a photo of Zach Nugent states that he is playing Jerry Garcia’s Rosebud. In fact, he…
Theater Review: ‘Satellites,’ Dorset Theatre Festival
Our discomfort with emptiness is the experience that playwright Erin Breznitsky, the performers and the director seem to want to deliver.
Bliss Farm’s Barn Dinners Bring Boston, and a Creative Biz Model, to Chester
Nevin Taylor and Beth Herbert have created a bit of bliss on their small farm. Every Friday and Saturday, June through October, you can join them for dinner.
Grass Cattle Company Flips a Better Burger at the Burlington Farmers Market
Each of farmer Steve Schubart’s grass-fed patties sold at the market not only tastes great but also makes the case for a different way to farm beef.
Vergennes Laundry to Move up the Block in the Little City
Nadia Dole will close her wood-fired bakery after service on August 17. In September, she’ll reopen a block away with “everything exactly the same and more.”
Author and Activist Marc Estrin Dies at 86
Heart failure claimed Burlington’s “modern-day Renaissance man,” a cellist, minister, physician’s assistant, peace activist and cofounder of Fomite Press.
Magnificent 7: Must See, Must Do, August 13-20
Explore our editor’s picks for must-do events in Vermont this week, including lo-fi rock pioneer Lou Barlow at the Plainfield Town Hall Opera House.






