New Wednesday Editions! Monday and Friday are reserved for news and events. Wednesdays are for everything else worth highlighting.

Sometimes you don’t want to read, you want to listen. So if you enjoy local podcasts about Vermont, you might enjoy this recent episode:

On the latest installment of the BTown Brief's BTown Arts, Kwame "The Vibe" Dankwa sits down with Heloise Williams, and if you don't know that name, allow me to introduce you to one of the most interesting artists Burlington has produced. Williams is the frontwoman of Heloise & The Savoir Faire, an electro-punk act that tore through New York City's downtown club scene in the mid-2000s and built a devoted following before landing a deal with Simian Records, an imprint run by actor Elijah Wood, under the indie label Yep Roc Records. Their 2008 debut Trash, Rats and Microphones pulled press from Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, and Blender. They played South by Southwest. They were on UK television. And Debbie Harry of Blondie literally walked up to Williams at a Knitting Factory show, asked for her autograph, and ended up appearing on the record. That's the kind of career arc we're talking about here.

But the Vermont thread was always there. Williams went to Middlebury College, where she performed in an eleven-piece jazz band. She wrote much of the band's more introspective second album, Diamond Dust, right here in Burlington. That 2013 record leaned into mythology, origin stories, and the patterns of human experience, and in hindsight it makes perfect sense given what Williams has been doing in the years since: quietly helping others navigate their inner lives as a therapist. That dual identity, healer and performer, is part of what makes this conversation so interesting. There's a real depth to how she moves through the world, and Kwame is the perfect person to draw that out, with his silky smooth radio voice to match.

Now she's gearing up for a return to recording, and the excitement builds! In this podcast episode, Kwame flags two tracks as essential entry points: "Odyle," a sharp, funny send-up of New Age culture off the debut with a groove that won't let go, and "Illusions," which captures the theatrical, electro-pop sophistication that earned her fans on two continents. Both are worth queuing up before you listen to the interview. This is a conversation about Burlington, music, mythology, healing, and what it looks like to come back to the thing you love on your own terms. This episode is a perfect 13 minutes long, so don't skip this one. Listen to it by clicking this link. And if you see Kwame DJ’ing at your next favorite event, be sure to let him know how he’s killing it, in all aspects! And thanks Heloise Williams for sitting down to chat!

If you’re up for another listen, make it There's No "A" in Creemee, where hosts Andy Julow and Joanna Grossman sit down with Alex LeClair, CEO of Essex Physical Therapy, for a conversation that lays bare just how broken healthcare pricing is in this state. LeClair, a native Vermonter who came back from Boston in 2022 to help run his mom's clinic, describes a system where a hospital gets $800 for the same PT visit his clinic might see a fraction of, while solo practitioners in rural Vermont scrape by on $65 from the same insurer. He pulls up the public hospital fee schedule, emails his insurance negotiators to ask why the gap is so massive, and walks through exactly what he hears back. The conversation around House Bill 585 and site-neutral billing is especially sharp: LeClair frames PT clinics as the "guinea pigs" for what could become a statewide model for driving down prices, though he's sure that hospitals won't welcome the squeeze.

LeClair is also a young professional living in his parents' basement because even with savings from five years of working in Boston, he can't touch the housing market here. He talks about a friend, a quadriplegic on Medicaid, who called him panicked about whether he'd still be able to afford his catheters after subsidy cuts. He rattles off the numbers with the fluency of someone who lives inside spreadsheets: $900 a month for a health premium, $130,000 a year just to cover his staff's plans, Blue Cross sitting $60 million short of its reserve level. Vermont has the highest premiums in the country, and LeClair isn't reciting statistics. He's talking about his own life. At nearly an hour, this one earns its runtime. Listen to it here.

This week in Vermont podcasting, Vermont Edition digs into the legal battles over police accountability following a U.S. Supreme Court decision with roots in a 2015 Montpelier protest, while earlier in the week the show explored the return of migratory songbirds with fan-favorite "Bird Diva" Bridget Butler, tackled the complexities of Vermont's property tax system with Rep. Kornheiser, checked in on tense labor negotiations as Brattleboro Memorial Hospital nurses head back to the bargaining table, visited Rockingham for its ongoing Town by Town series, and examined what patients can expect as health plans drop coverage for GLP-1 weight loss drugs. Over on The Frequency, the daily news podcast covered a revived push to tax Vermont's wealthiest earners alongside plans for the state's first geothermal neighborhood, reported on efforts to delay a major land-use reform law that has drawn hundreds of protesters to the State House, broke news that an immigrant rights group leader has been charged with smuggling, explored GLP-1 coverage restrictions, revealed that ICE recently chased the wrong man ahead of a South Burlington raid, and checked in with the "Bird Diva" on State House proposals and the surprising economic value of family caregiving. The Morning Drive on WVMT welcomed a steady rotation of guests including State Senator Tom Chittenden, Burlington City Councilor Allie Schachter, State Rep. Gina Galfetti, Vermont Tax Commissioner Bill Shouldice, WCAX reporter Calvin Cutler on Act 181, and Dr. Jesse Moore from the UVM Cancer Center on colorectal cancer awareness. Vermont This Week rounded up the week's biggest stories including the rural land-use protests, a property tax buydown proposal, and plans for a facility for mentally ill offenders. Vermont Talks sat down with Emma of The War Turtles for a full hour, Abstract VT chatted with travel consultant Beth Kruger about curated journeys for women over 50, and Net Zero Energy Vermont spotlighted WindowDressers and their community-driven approach to affordable home insulation with volunteers across northern New England. Load-in Through the Back landed a conversation with synth-pop legend Howard Jones, while United in Green talked football origins, mentorship, and championship mentality with Vermont Green FC cornerback Brandon Marshall in a nearly hour-long episode.

Find all the different podcasts by visiting this page I made of local Vermont podcasts

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Green Mountain Club Volunteer Opportunities May Weekends & Ongoing

If you're passionate about protecting Vermont's trails and love chatting with fellow hikers, the Green Mountain Club is looking for Trailhead Stewards! Volunteers take flexible 4-hour shifts at the Lincoln Gap trailhead or the Mount Mansfield Visitor Center to help orient hikers and protect endangered alpine plants. If you'd rather get your hands dirty, they are also hosting group trail work days on weekends throughout May to help prep the trails for the summer season.

Share the Magic of the Farm: Shelburne Farms Tour Guides

If you love Shelburne Farms, our local community, and learning new things, this one might interest you. Shelburne Farm is currently looking for volunteer tour guides for this season. Whether you're hoping to boost your resume, pick up some new skills, or just want a fun excuse to spend more time out there, it’s a fantastic gig. You'll get to meet awesome people, join a really solid team, and share such a beautiful place and its purpose with visitors from all over the world. You can check out the full position description and apply here: Shelburne Farms Volunteer Tour Guides.

Help Keep Furry Families Together: Aging in Place with Pets

If you love animals and want to make a real difference in our community, check this one out. A local nonprofit called Aging in Place with Pets is looking for compassionate volunteers(which they call "Coaches") for their Tuesday and Thursday program. The organization is led by an occupational therapist and focuses on helping older adults and adults with disabilities maintain the independence to care for their pets. As a Coach, you’d be providing social and emotional support, plus some physical assistance if needed, to help keep these pets healthy, happy, and safely at home with the people who love them. If you have some free time and want to help out, you can learn more and sign up here: Aging in Place with Pets Coaches.

Check out this volunteer page for links to find volunteer opportunities all around Burlington.

Someone in the r/burlington subreddit asked the question “Best burger in the area? Burlington/ winooski?” and it received 33 comments. Rankings are based on the net upvotes of recommending comments. Here’s what I tallied:

Check out the post here for every answer: Link

Check out the previous polls I tallied: ”Best of” Btown Eats Polls Archive

Do you agree? If not, send me your favorite recommendation by replying to this email!

This Week’s Food & Drink Picks

View the full list of food & drink deals here.

Have corrections? Email me at [email protected]

Someone started this spreadsheet for the most up-to-date.

Help grow it! Add your deal here.

Five more to match that almost-spring feeling where everything starts to loosen up a bit:

Start with a walk at Waterfront Park where the ice is gone, the lake looks brighter, and people are slowly making their way back outside. Stop by Vivid Coffee and take it to go, then wander through downtown while the city starts to pick up some energy. Visit the South End and do a casual loop through the Soda Plant and nearby shops that feel more active this time of year. Head to Red Rocks Park for a short walk where the trails are the trails may be muddy but the views of the lake feel clearer without the heavy winter air. Finish with an early evening sit at Foam Brewers where you can grab a drink and watch the longer daylight stretch out over the water.

Full list’s always waiting here when you need a plan: 202+ Things to Do

An Evening of Comedy with Nick Viagas Wednesday, April 1st

Get ready for some laughs at the Light Club Lamp Shop today from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. New York-based comedian Nick Viagas (a finalist in the New York Comedy Festival’s "New York's Funniest" competition) is bringing his stand-up to Burlington. Tickets are just $10 for an evening of top-tier comedy.

Game Night at the Boardroom Thursday, April 2nd

The BTown Brief meetup crew is gathering for a casual hang-out at The Boardroom on Mill Street from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. For just $6, you get access to a massive library of over 650 board games! Grab a table, pick a game, and enjoy snacks and drinks from their in-house cafe. Click the link to RSVP.

The Zebra Club Pre-Marathon Shakeout Run & Recovery Cocktail Hour Wednesday, April 8th

Get ready for the Half Marathon Unplugged at the Lucky You Lounge on College Street from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Join a 5K shakeout run through downtown Burlington, followed by a micro-seminar on recovery science and complimentary alcohol-free recovery cocktails. Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP!

Masked Ball Friday, April 10th

Get ready to dance at The Bellwether School in Williston from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. Treewild is hosting a fun-filled masquerade featuring live music by the French Balfolk trio Malvenn and dance calling by Mary Westley. A family-friendly dance kicks off the evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., followed by a formal dance for teens and adults from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. Tickets range from $25 to $100, and proceeds support children's programming at Bellwether School, Davis Studio, and Treewild.

Baby Animal Day in Grand Isle Saturday, April 11th

The BTown Brief meetup crew is heading to Dreamwalker Farm's 5th Annual Baby Animal Day from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Come interact with chicks, ducklings, lambs, calves, and bunnies! There will also be food trucks, face painting, and fun farm activities. Pre-buy tickets are $8 per adult ($10 at the gate), and kids 12 and under get in free. Click the link to RSVP.

Rock Point Loop Hike Sunday, April 12th

The BTown Brief meetup crew is getting together for a free, casual Sunday stroll around Rock Point Loop from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Meet up at the Leddy Park parking lot for a scenic loop hike along the Burlington bike path. Click the link to RSVP.

Vermont Spring Market Saturday, April 11th & Sunday, April 12th

The 4th Annual Vermont Spring Market is coming to the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. both days. Browse over 60 New England artisans and crafters showcasing handmade wares, jewelry, woodcrafts, maple products, leather goods, and distilled spirits. Tickets are $10 for the weekend, and kids under 12 get in completely free.

Half-Marathon Unplugged Saturday, April 11th

Celebrate the arrival of spring with RunVermont's "no hills, no frills" Half-Marathon Unplugged. Starting with 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. wave times at Airport Park in Colchester, this flat, scenic race takes runners along the Burlington bike path with views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. Registration is $70–$170, and it's free for spectators to come cheer on the runners.

Anniversary Party Saturday, April 11th

Head over to Bar Renée on Main Street in Burlington starting at 6:00 p.m. to celebrate their one-year anniversary! The natural wine shop and bar will be staying open late to celebrate with smash burgers, birthday cake, and plenty of their favorite delicious wines. Entry is free (you just cover the cost of your food and drink).

Spring Home Grow Class with Adam Thigpen Sunday, April 26th

Head to the Lucky You Lounge on College Street from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. to learn the fundamentals of growing cannabis outdoors. Expert Adam Thigpen of Anthos Seeds will cover everything from seed germination to harvest. This class is completely free (limited to 20 participants) and attendees get a 20% discount on seeds after the class. Must be 21+ with a valid ID.

Vermont Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Horror Expo Saturday, April 25th & Sunday, April 26th

Discover a world of fantasy at the 7th Annual Vermont Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Horror Expo at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction! Running from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. both days, this family-friendly event is packed with whimsical workshops, ghost-busting demos, role-playing games, and over 100 vendors and cosplayers. Tickets are $20 for a one-day pass or $30 for two days, and kids under 6 are free. Costumes are highly encouraged.

On this webpage, you’ll find the ultimate digital toolbox for Burlington living. It’s designed a one-stop shop designed to keep you connected to the pulse of the city, with the Daily Feed front and center, so you can come back everyday to the links worth visiting. From there we have Weekly Feed, News/Events, Food, Essential Instagram Roster, Favorite Newsletters. Visit it by clicking here.

The locals on r/burlington had a lot to say this week. From wild traffic updates to highly specific food quests, here’s the ultimate round-up of what the community has been talking about over the last week:

Flashing Lights & Highway Headaches: It was a busy week for local authorities and commuters alike. Word spread quickly about an arsonist at a Winooski gas station, while downtown saw a police incident closing the road near the post office and courthouse. On the highway, drivers were stuck in a massive backup on Exit 13 South and another crash closed 89 North between exits 11 and 12. Adding to the mix, locals spotted multiple police cruisers on the Winooski bridge.

Justice & Immigration: Tensions ran high as news broke that ICE agents detained the wrong people in South Burlington, sparking talks of a reckoning. Meanwhile, drivers reported a DHS checkpoint on I-89 near the border, and a major headline circulated about a Burlington cop being charged for firing at teens.

Neighborhood Nuisances: Residents along Maple and South Winooski woke up to a string of smashed windows and car break-ins.

Parking Wars & BTV: The neighborhood is collectively rolling its eyes at an entitled Subaru with a blaring alarm taking up two unpaid spaces. On the bright side, locals are celebrating because a long-abandoned BMW is finally gone! At the airport, a WCAX reporter is investigating serious deplaning delays at BTV, but the community also rallied to donate and support the local TSA team.

Pathways & Patios: A debate was sparked over the trash and messy conditions at homeless camps along the bike path. Meanwhile, one entrepreneurial resident is gauging interest for a smelly trash bin cleaning service. In more uplifting news, a glorious sign of spring has arrived: an Osprey was spotted on the Beltline nest!

Dining Debates: For special occasions, couples are torn between Bistro de Margot and Hen of the Wood, prompting a wider search for the best upscale fine dining in Burlington. When it comes to casual bites, one user boldly declared that The Monkey House has the best NY style pizza in Chittenden County, and others are swapping reviews on the new Slide in pub.

Cravings & Culture: Someone is desperately seeking late night food after 10 PM now that Three Needs isn't serving Tuesday pizza. Locals are also hunting down the best whole coffee beans in the area and the ultimate comfort takeout for a sinus infection. Plus, some are checking in to see if Citizen Cider has changed its allegedly toxic ways before visiting their new location.

Protests & Pro Wrestling: The community showed out for the No Kings protest downtown, with several threads sharing photos of the event. On the entertainment front, get ready for LIVE pro wrestling featuring WWE legends returning to the O.N.E., or catch some heavy riffs at upcoming local metal shows.

Music, Makers & Meows: Odd Fellows is hosting a packed weekend of live EDM, punk, and indie music, as well as a community plant and seed swap. Generator Makerspace is staying busy with a Technical Fabric Sewing Workshop and their upcoming JumpStart Expo & PitchNight. Finally, for the ultimate cozy evening, you can now play D&D alongside adoptable cats at the Queen City Cat Lounge.

Burlington locals are turning to the hive mind for some incredibly specific needs:

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