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

Sorry for missing Monday’s edition! If this reminded you how much you rely on the Brief, be sure to donate to keep the project going, and don’t forget to come to the coffee meet-up every Saturday at 10am. See you Friday for Btown’s news and events edition!

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 News Talk WVMT's Morning Drive with hosts Anthony and Dan, Howard Center CEO Sandy McGuire revealed the stark reality facing Vermont's largest mental health provider. The 160-year-old organization now spends $17 million annually on health insurance (more than double what it cost just six years ago) while Medicaid reimbursements fail to cover actual service costs. McGuire disclosed that the majority of people seeking help at the center's mental health urgent care and through street outreach teams aren't existing clients, indicating vast unmet need across the state. The drug crisis has evolved dramatically, with xylazine (known as "tranq") causing open wounds and severe medical complications when mixed with fentanyl, while crack cocaine is making a resurgence. Despite serving 19,000 Vermonters annually with over 1,000 employees across 60 locations, the Howard Center relies heavily on private donations to fill gaps that Medicaid won't cover. McGuire emphasized that the organization functions as Vermont's safety net, often stepping in when out-of-state providers abandon the market or when state services fall short. With federal funding cuts looming and healthcare affordability in crisis, McGuire urged the community to "meet our neighbors with compassion" while warning that economic pressures are creating a perfect storm for those already struggling with mental health and substance abuse. Listen to the full 20 minute episode by clicking here.

This week's Vermont podcast lineup offers essential listening across policy, health, and community issues. The Morning Drive on WVMT delivered a powerhouse series of interviews, featuring Governor Phil Scott's monthly check-in on state affairs, Howard Center CEO Sandy McGuire discussing the mounting challenges facing Vermont's mental health system, Jared Duval from The Energy Action Network on clean energy initiatives, Vermont Representative Abbey Duke breaking down the Commerce & Economic Development Committee's work, and Susan Sweetser advocating for Wreaths Across America's mission to honor veterans. Vermont Edition tackled critical topics including preventing and healing sports-related brain injuries in one of America's most active states, game wardens explaining how Vermont's deer season has evolved, the school redistricting task force's controversial decision not to create consolidated district maps, and a new podcast from Green Mountain Justice amplifying voices of those experiencing housing insecurity. The Frequency provided essential updates on Medicare enrollment deadlines and the ongoing debate over hemp's legal definition, while Load-In Through The Back welcomed another iconic member of Collective Soul for a candid conversation about the band's enduring success. 802 News with Mark Johnson featured outdoor survival expert Jessie Krebs, who runs O.W.L.S. and shared invaluable advice on preparing for wilderness adventures and handling emergencies when plans go awry.

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

MONSTER BASH VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – Sail Beyond Cancer Vermont needs help preparing for its 2025 Monster Bash fundraiser at the Old Lantern in Charlotte. The organization’ night goal is to raise funds for free sailing experiences on Lake Champlain for cancer patients and survivors, is looking for volunteers to assist with setup and decoration during 2-4 hour shifts from 4-8 PM on October 20th, 21st, and 22nd. They also need event day support on October 24th and 25th for guest check-in and teardown (6:30-11 PM). This is a great opportunity for individuals, families, or groups, just be aware some heavy lifting may be involved. Interested volunteers can sign up online or contact Kelli at [email protected].

COMMUNITY BOX DECORATING – Vermont Community Wash & Learn is hosting a paint-and-pack event to decorate their new Community Box, which will provide supplies for Burlington's unhoused residents. Drop by 72 King Street in Burlington on Saturday, October 18th from 1:30-3:30 PM to help paint a mural (all materials provided). Volunteers are encouraged to bring non-perishable food and hygiene items to stock the box. No signup required, just show up. Learn more at vcwlinc.com.

I beefed up the volunteer page recently so check out this volunteer page for links to find volunteer opportunities all around Burlington.

Someone in the r/burlington subreddit asked the question “Where do you go for a good lunch?“ and it received 142 comments. Here’s what I tallied for total likes:

1. Top of the Block — 148 likes

2. Rogue Rabbit — 78 likes

3. Miss Saigon — 67 likes

4. Poppy Cafe — 49 likes

5. La Di Da Pizza — 47 likes

6. City Market (Onion River Co-op) — 43 likes

7. Henry’s Diner — 37 likes

8. Zabby & Elf’s Stone Soup — 35 likes

9. Yellow Mustard Deli — 35 likes

10. Pioneer Cafe — 32 likes

11. Misery Loves Co. — 31 likes

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!

This Week’s Food & Drink Picks

Updating this week… View the older list of food & drink deals here.

Five ideas to help you ease into early winter around Burlington.

Take a bundled-up walk through Red Rocks Park where the bare trees open up new lake views and the cold air feels clean and sharp. Warm up afterward with a drink at Vivid Coffee on South Winooski and watch the snow flurries roll past the windows. Spend an hour exploring the galleries at Burlington City Arts where the quiet atmosphere makes it a perfect cold-weather stop. Head to the UVM campus for a peaceful stroll past old brick buildings and early-season lights as the semester winds down. Finish with a stroll down Church Street where the early winter chill, street lights, and small crowds make it feel calm and seasonal.

Full list’s always waiting here when you need a plan: 202+ Things to Do. Winter edition coming soon!

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

Winter Lights at Shelburne Museum If you enjoy holiday traditions, here’s one: Winter Lights extravaganza at the Shelburne Museum. Running from November 21 through January 4, the museum transforms its entire campus into a luminous landscape with thousands of color-changing lights. The experience is anchored by the 220-foot steamboat Ticonderoga, which appears to float on a "sea of light," and features the illuminated Beach Woods and the magical carousel. Because this is one of the most popular winter events in the state, tickets are sold for specific timed entry slots and tend to sell out weeks in advance. Whether you are aiming for a standard evening stroll, one of the sensory-friendly nights, or the adults-only "Ice Bar" events, securing your spot now is the best way to guarantee you don't get left out in the dark.

The Good Trade Makers Market For a holiday shopping experience that feels more like a party than a chore, look ahead to The Good Trade Makers Market, returning to Hula on Lakeside Avenue the weekend of December 6th and 7th. This is an incredible event, bringing together nearly 100 of the best makers and small manufacturers from across New England. The setting itself is worth the trip since Hula’s campus right on the waterfront offers stunning winter views of Lake Champlain, and the atmosphere is always festive with music and food. Your entry ticket typically includes a small beverage (cocktail, beer, or non-alcoholic) to sip while you browse distinct, high-quality goods ranging from apothecary items and apparel to home decor.

The Green House Artists December Open House For a more intimate, behind-the-scenes look at Burlington’s creative community, head down to the South End on Friday evening, December 5th, for The Green House Artists' Open House. Located at 180 Flynn Avenue, this collective of studios opens its doors from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, inviting you into the personal workspaces of a diverse group of creators. You can see everything from Nancy Stalnaker's serene watercolors and Holly HauxJeffers' figurative oils and jewelry to Cheryl Summa’s intricate beeswax candles and soaps. The variety is impressive, ranging from Longina Smolinski’s abstract designs and Liz Buchanan's colorful collages to Kimberly Provost’s pastel pet portraits. Unlike the frenetic energy of Art Hop, this December event is a cozy, conversation-friendly opportunity to meet these makers, ask questions about their process, and purchase original, locally-made art directly from the source right before the holiday rush. I went to their last open house and picked up a beautiful watercolor piece, an incredible collage piece, and a cute beeswax candle.

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