Credit: Rev. Diane Sullivan

Seven Days publishes a lot of theme issues. We have our annual standbys — the Money Issue, Love & Marriage, the Tech Issue. And we typically embrace a few pop-up themes, too, such as our Food Issue this June and the Death Issue in 2023. We once did a Mini Issue about things that are really, really small. But we’ve never attempted anything quite like the Connections Issue.

Most of the time, we take the theme quite literally. But for this one, we invited our writers to riff on every meaning of the word — making, well, connections that might not be so obvious. Among the first stories pitched was a Vermontified version of the Kevin Bacon Game. That one didn’t pan out, but many others did. So in addition to stories about community, relationships and phones — topics that play straight with the theme — you’ll find some surprises.

For example, did you know that Vermont has a long and storied history of mediums and fortune tellers working in the state? There’s still a robust network of practitioners in the Green Mountains serving those who seek psychic connection.

In these divided times, it might be nice to have some idea of what’s gonna happen next — or maybe not, depending. But at least one group, Braver Angels, is working to bring together Vermonters of differing political views. Perhaps they could find some common humanity in a wordless realm like hūmNET, a new app that strives for a kinder, more meditative form of online interaction.

It’s worth remembering that the internet can still be used for good. A modernized website has helped Burlington’s Intervale Center revamp its Vermont Land Link program, which matches aspiring farmers with landowners.

Of course, even in the age of FaceTime, there’s no substitute for actually meeting with friends and neighbors face-to-face. That’s one reason the Odd Fellows have seen a resurgence in Burlington, where the quirky fraternal order has become a community hub. It’s also why, decades after its last ride, the commuters of the ApGap Van rideshare still let the good times roll.

Long before smartphones, pay phones were a crucial part of keeping in touch. But Vermont cell service can be spotty, so a Randolph engineer has created free internet-powered pay phones for Green Mountain dead zones. They might be a hit in a town such as Middletown Springs, which still publishes a phone book.

Few Vermonters have embodied the spirit of connection like Nathan Suter. The Montpelier artist, nonprofit leader, and track-and-field coach died in May and is remembered for handily creating community.

Normally, intros like this one overview every story related to the issue’s theme. But here’s another way the Connections Issue differs: There are simply too many stories to name-drop them all. So consider this a challenge to flip through sections of the paper you might not typically read. Whether you’re into mountain biking, jam bands, food trucks or weird stains, we think you’ll find something to connect with in the pages ahead.

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This article appears in The Connections Issue.

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Dan Bolles is a culture coeditor at Seven Days. He joined the paper in 2007 as its music editor, covering Vermont's robust music, comedy and nightlife scenes for a decade before deciding he was too old to be going to the Monkey House on weeknights to...