

Cover Story
At Barre’s Thunder Road, Racing Runs in the Family
Multigenerational ties keep the engines running for Taylor Hoar, Justin Prescott and others at one of the most challenging short tracks in North America.
Tim Hayes, Johnson Equestrian, Teacher and Author, Has Died
A native New Yorker who first rode a horse at 47, Hayes gave up a lucrative advertising career to train horses, and humans, with a gentle and sensitive touch.
Obituary: Timothy Barnaby Hayes, 1945-2025
Tim Hayes: The Life and Legacy of a Cowboy from NYC
Stuck in Vermont: Exploring Vasilios Gletsos’ Wunderkammer Biermanufaktur Brewhouse and Beer Cave in Albany
Episode 748: Down a dirt road, Gletsos brews one-of-a-kind artisanal beers using a wood-fired copper kettle, locally foraged ingredients and a beer cave.
Obituary: Judith “Judy” Simpson Olsen, 1947-2025
St. Albans resident believed in being of service to others
Obituary: Deborah Galbraith, 1939-2025
Empathetic nurse loved adventure and worked extensively with Chittenden County refugees during her active retirement
Obituary: Francis Kazak, 1942-2025
Longtime IBM engineer was a voracious reader with a kind word for everyone he met
Three Streaming TV Series Explore the Lives of ‘Messy’ Women
The characters in ‘Too Much,’ ‘Such Brave Girls’ and ‘Dying for Sex’ embrace the chaos of living and dying in outrageous, unapologetic ways.
Now Playing in Theaters: August 20-26
I addition to Weapons, 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.
From the Publisher: Sharing Is Caring
This year Seven Days received $15,000 from a giving circle called 100+ Women Who Care-Chittenden County. Then publisher Paula Routly joined the generous group.
Six Photographers Picture the Future-Present at BigTown Gallery
Images by Jon Brack, Odette England, Emmet Gowin, Cassandra Klos, James Nachtwey and April Surgent touch on the environment, disaster, war and science.
Marching On: New Howard Center Mural Unveiled
Lead artists Julio Desmont and Raphaella Brice collaborated with Howard Center Arts Collective to create the work, on view in downtown Burlington.
Peacham’s Middle Son Tattoo Studio Invites Tattoo Tourism
To facilitate tattooist Caleb Colpitts’ multi-session artworks, recipients will be invited to stay in his new studio’s cabin and explore the Northeast Kingdom.
Page 32: Short Takes on Five Vermont Books
Seven Days gives the read on new five new books by local authors, including an oral history by a Pulitzer Prize nominee and a coming-of-age memoir.
Letters to the Editor (8/20/25)
‘Lucky to Have Seven Days’ I was in Burlington recently to pick up one of my daughters and grabbed the Connections Issue of Seven Days…
Soundbites: Deep Cuts From Covering Vermont’s Grateful Dead Scene
Music editor Chris Farnsworth recounts some of the best stories he heard while reporting on Vermont’s Grateful Dead tribute band scene.
On the Beat: Locals Attempt World’s Largest Square Dance
Bob Wagner, Mike Gordon and others aim to set the record at the Champlain Valley Fair. Plus, Kommuna Lux celebrate Ukraine, and the What Doth Rumble returns.
Album Review: Burial Woods, ‘Endure’
Burlington synth-pop artist Nathan Meunier continues an ongoing exploration of their queer and nonbinary identities on their new EP.
Free Will Astrology (8/20/25)
LEO (Jul. 23-Aug. 22): In traditional Chinese medicine, the heart is the seat of joy. It’s also the sovereign that listens to the wisdom of…
Album Review: Nastee, ‘Current Events’
The VT Union cofounder and local hip-hop scene godfather finally releases his debut solo LP. It’s a ’90s-style master class in craftsmanship.
Ask the Rev: Why Do Some People Light a Match After They Poop?
Some folks insist it gets rid of odor; others think it just makes the bathroom stink like a burnt turd. Here’s the straight poop on dissipating those unwelcome smells.
La Reprise Picks Up the Wine Baton in Burlington’s South End
Owner Ari Sadri is adding his own stamp to the wine bar, shop and market that he previously managed as Dedalus. His goal: turning people on to new things.
Haybarn Restaurant and Lounge Serves Up Surprises on the Former Goddard Campus
Chef Zak Fugazy says the new casual restaurant, which serves both on-site educational programs and the public, is “evolving.”
Hindquarter Chef-Owner Launches Line of Hanksville Grills
Cofounded by Luke Stone and avid home cook Ian Wyatt, the business sells smaller versions of the wood-fired grills the Hindquarter team uses at events.
Filibuster Restaurant & Bar Closes in Montpelier
Filibuster’s final day was August 17. Its owners cited “significant economic damages” from flooding, decreased foot traffic and construction in Montpelier.
Magnificent 7: Must See, Must Do, August 20-27
Explore our editor’s picks for must-do events in Vermont this week, including the Vermont Reggae Fest at Switchback Brewing in Burlington.






