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:

This Week's Deep Dive: There's No "A" in Creemee

On the Vermont politics and culture podcast There's No "A" in Creemee, hosts Andy Julow and Joanna Grossman talk with economist Amanda Janoo about what it would mean to measure Vermont's success by community health rather than GDP. Janoo grew up attending South Strafford's town meetings and later worked as a UN industrial policy expert; an arc that left her convinced the economy is simply how we provide for one another, not some untouchable force beyond democratic control.

She describes Wales, where officials created a Future Generations Commissioner with veto power over projects that don't serve long-term wellbeing goals. When a proposed highway couldn't justify itself under that framework, the government froze all new road construction and redirected the money to public transit. Janoo sees a similar opportunity in Vermont's current fiscal crunch: a tax surcharge on incomes over $500,000, she argues, could fund free primary care statewide and return doctors to rural communities, saving an estimated $250 million by investing upstream rather than constantly reacting to crises.

Towards the end, the interview grows more urgent as Janoo doesn't mince words about the federal government, calling the current trajectory "straight up fascism" and warning that threatened funding cuts are designed to exploit state vulnerabilities and force compliance. Vermont's best defense, she says, is building local self-sufficiency in food, energy, and digital networks, and remembering that town meeting democracy was always meant to be a check on concentrated power. It's 42 minutes long and functions less as economic theory and more like a survival guide for small states with big values.

This week's Vermont podcast highlights cover everything from practical winter tips to big-picture policy conversations. Vermont Edition offers a timely guide to finding the perfect gift at local holiday markets and explores how to maximize EV performance during a Northeastern winter, with local mechanics weighing in on battery life. The Frequency reports on property taxes expected to rise 12 percent next year and the governor's order requiring state employees to return to offices. Over on The Morning Drive on WVMT, guests include VSAC's Scott Giles discussing opportunity programs, State Rep. Marc Mihaly previewing the upcoming legislative session, former Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger talking housing with the Let's Build Homes coalition, and Make-A-Wish's Emily Malley on the Season of Wishes. Abstract VT features singer-songwriter Madigan Linnane discussing her upcoming EP on hope and social change, while The Octagon welcomes Stowe Elementary Principal Maura Wieler for a conversation on her career in education. Load-In Through the Back spotlights soulful songwriting and artistic reinvention, Vermont Edition checks in with Grace Cottage Hospital CEO Olivia Sweetnam on the Townshend hospital's ambitious plans despite operating in the red, and Vermont This Week reviews UVM basketball, Vermont Olympians, and sports betting.

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

Host an Exchange Student This Summer

PH International, a nonprofit based in Waitsfield, is seeking local families to host international exchange students during summer 2026. Two groups are visiting: students from East Asia and the Pacific Islands in May, and students from sub-Saharan Africa in July.

Time commitment: At least one week preferred, though shorter stays may still help. Weekday programming runs 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with PH staff, so hosting is mainly evenings and weekends.

Host families would welcome at least two students (ages 15–18) of the same gender, providing breakfast, dinner on weekdays, and weekend meals while visitors participate in family activities. Hosts unable to accommodate two students can host an adult chaperone instead. All hosts must pass a background check and brief interview.

Interested? Email [email protected] or visit sites.google.com/view/host-families-portal-ya-eap/home for details.

Found this one on Front Porch Forum. Check out this volunteer page for links to find volunteer opportunities all around Burlington.

Someone in the r/burlington subreddit asked the question “Best place near Burlington for wings that are not $$$$$$” and it received 75 comments. Here’s what I tallied:

Top Wing Recommendations

Check out the post here for every answer: Reddit Post

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

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

I always wanted merch that felt like high-quality streetwear capturing that local IYKYK (if you know, you know) vibes. Gear you actually want to wear for the design, not just a logo slapped on a generic tee to support the newsletter. Merch dropping soon, likely by next week. Reply to this email and tell me what you think of my designs. Every piece hints at a part of Burlington’s story, see if you get the ‘inside joke’ in each one: T-Shirts Page

This Week’s Food & Drink Picks

View the full list of food & drink deals here.

Five more to help you make the most of the new snow:

Take a walk through Oakledge's lower trails right after a snowfall, where the trees bend under the weight of the snow and the shoreline feels completely transformed from its summer self. From there, bring a thermos of something warm to Overlook Park in South Burlington and watch the snow-covered Adirondacks stretch across the lake from one of the best high viewpoints in the area. When you're ready for some activity, head to Starr Farm Park in the New North End, where the open fields turn into perfect spots for first-of-the-season sledding or snow play. As evening approaches, visit University Green on the UVM campus at dusk when the snow reflects the campus lights and the paths feel almost storybook-like. And for something a bit more dramatic, walk the Lone Rock Point access trail in fresh powder for a short but striking winter cliffside view that takes on a whole new character with the snow crunching beneath your feet.

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

Let’s look a little further out and see what events are worth keeping on your radar:

Highlight NYE Lineup: The countdown is on for Burlington's massive New Year's Eve celebration, featuring over 12 hours of music, comedy, circus arts, and fireworks. Highlights include the cozy Waterfront Fest with a bonfire and live music from The Barr Brothers, "Story & Song" featuring The Moth StorySLAM, and the fiery tradition of burning the Champ sculpture. All-access tickets are available now for $18 at HighlightBTV.org before the price increases on December 31. Highlight starts midday on Tuesday, December 31, 2025 and ends at 12:30 am on January 1, 2026. Venues are located in Burlington’s downtown and waterfront areas.

Ski Movie Premiere: Get hyped for winter with the premiere of TELE COLO's new telemark film, "worthless milk," at J Skis x Ski the East HQ this Friday, December 5, from 6:30–10 PM. This free event (donations encouraged) features a massive raffle, a store pop-up, and a screening of the award-winning short "French Fries in my Harmonica".

Green House Holiday Open House: Join The Green House Artists at 180 Flynn Avenue (next to Burlington Beer Co.) for festive open studios this Friday, Dec. 5 (5-9 PM) and Saturday, Dec. 6 (11 AM-4 PM). The event features the Fire Exit Gallery Exhibit, refreshments, and special guest artist Suzanne Stimik showcasing her latest work. The Green House is home to an eclectic collective of artists, from Holly Hauxjeffers' custom jewelry and oil paintings to Cheryl Summa's intricate beeswax candles. Visitors can explore a wide variety of mediums, including vibrant collages by Liz Buchanan, nature-inspired watercolors by Nancy Stalnaker, and unique pet portraits by Kimberly Provost, plus even more.

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