Vermont Public Community Calendar

PALS for Life at UVAC is a FREE 16-week program for individuals affected by breast cancer, running May 5 – August 20. Based on the Physical Activity and Lymphedema (PAL) Study, the program uses research-backed exercise to help reduce the risk of lymphedema while improving strength, health, and quality of life. Participants receive a free UVAC membership during the program, expert-led sessions twice per week, access to land and aquatic fitness classes, and educational seminars on lymphedema and nutrition through Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. A doctor’s referral and PT consultation are required. Learn more at uvacswim.org/fitness/breast-cancer-programs.

The choral singers round out the year with an uplifting performance.

Filippo Ciabatti, director

Phoenix Books of Vermont, USA and Brome Lake Books of Quebec, CAN are honored to present three events with Louise Penny, #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, and award-winning journalist, Mellissa Fung.

These in-person events will take place at the historic Haskell Free Library & Opera House, which is located in both the US and Canada. The Haskell Free Library & Opera House has stood as a powerful symbol of unity and cross-border friendship and is one of the only buildings in the world that quite literally connects two nations.

-- Books will be handed out upon entry to the event.

-- Every attendee must have a ticket with a barcode; there will be no admittance without a ticket. Please bring a printed copy of your ticket or be prepared to show the ticket confirmation on your mobile device upon arrival.

-- Ticket purchases are limited to 2 per person.

WHITE is a thought-provoking comedy by James Ijames being brought to Burlington! The play is being produced by Between the Willows and directed by Delanté Keys. The show will be at Off Center for the Dramatic Arts from 5/6-5/17!

Rejected by the gallery of his dreams, a spurned gay white cis male artist hires a local Black actress to pose as the creator of his paintings. Together, they create the perfect candidate for the "New America" exhibition: the charismatic, unapologetic Balkonaé Townsend.

Phoenix Books of Vermont, USA and Brome Lake Books of Quebec, CAN are honored to present three events with Louise Penny, #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, and award-winning journalist, Mellissa Fung.

These in-person events will take place at the historic Haskell Free Library & Opera House, which is located in both the US and Canada. The Haskell Free Library & Opera House has stood as a powerful symbol of unity and cross-border friendship and is one of the only buildings in the world that quite literally connects two nations.

Books: Your signed copy of The Last Mandarin will be handed out at the time of entry. This exclusive edition includes bonus content: a note from each author, and a bonus chapter set at the of the creation of the tomb of Qin Shi Huang and the terracotta soldiers. Personalized copies will not be available. Phoenix Books will have unsigned books available for sale at the venue.

Crêpe Nights are seasonal monthly gatherings, held regularly throughout late Spring and Summer at Scott Farm. These are times to celebrate the harvest, good simple food, and community in a stunning setting – picnic style. Outdoor and indoor tables and chairs are provided as well as a sprawling grassy hillside ripe for picnic blankets, folding lawn chairs, and bare feet. The seasonally focused menu includes a salad, savory supper crepe (galette), and sweet dessert crêpe.

Each dinner is co-hosted by a different local non-profit who benefits from the evening’s proceeds. This week we support The Root Social Justice Center, a Vermont-based, BIPOC-led racial justice organization that centers Blackness and shifts resources to BIPOC communities for leadership, connection, healing, education, and the arts. Support from Crêpe Night will directly fund their community rooted programs, including BIPOC-centered spaces, work with youth and families, support for asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrant communities, and mutual aid efforts.

Join us for an 8-class series taught by Technology for Tomorrow! Designed to help adult learners build advanced workplace-ready technology skills, BTC's Tier 2 Digital Literacy course is intended for learners who already have basic computer experience and are ready to strengthen their confidence using Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, cloud-based tools, and cross-platform navigation. Each 1.5-hour session provides hands-on, practical instruction using Google Drive, Docs, Gmail, Calendar, Sheets, and Slides, with clear connections to how these skills transfer to Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

VSAC tuition assistance may be available to eligible adult learners and can cover all or part of the program cost. For more information or to inquire about eligibility, contact btcadulted@bsdvt.org.

Discover a new wellness workshop at the Upper Valley Aquatic Center with Lindsay Dean. Taking Action for Whole Health & Well-Being helps you build a personalized plan for navigating life’s changes. Join us Wednesday, May 13 at 6 PM for this free session and a preview of the June series. RSVP: 802-359-7400 or info@BEFit-PT.com.

🚲Best Day Ever follows adaptive mountain bikers Greg Durso and Allie Bianchi as they tackle the daily challenges of disability — and find joy, connection, and belonging in Vermont's mountain biking community. The film documents the completion of the Driving Range, now a fully adaptive trail network in Richmond. Set in the Green Mountains, this is a story of grit, independence, and what’s possible when community and creativity come together.

🌎This award winning documentary is being honored at festivals around the world - and it’s made right here in Vermont. Come see this powerful film in its home state and chat with filmmaker Berne Broudy.

📽️Click here to watch a preview of the film.

🙏This film tour is made possible with support from Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports, Craftsbury Outdoor Center, Concept 2 and VT Marine, a Local Q-Ramp dealer.

🎟️ Click here for tickets.

💰Ticket sales support Vermont Public and VMBA’s funding of adaptive riding in Vermont.

Schedule
6 p.m. - Doors open | Concessions for sale
6:30 p.m. - Screening begins
7:15 p.m. - Discussion
8:00 p.m. - Event ends

Accommodations
Vermont Public is committed to providing access and accommodation for individuals with disabilities at our events. To request accommodations, please email events@vermontpublic.org or call us at 802-655-9451 at least seven days in advance of the event.

Cancellation Policy
Please let us know by emailing events@vermontpublic.org if you are not able to join us so that we may release your tickets to someone else. If tickets are able to be resold, we are happy to offer a refund, minus the processing fees.

Directions and Parking
MHCA Dover Cinema and Arts is located at 4 Mountain Park Plaza, West Dover, VT 05356. There is free parking near the theater.

Other questions? Email us at events@vermontpublic.org.

WONDER! A WOMAN KEEPS A SECRET
by TALENE MONAHON
directed by AILEEN WEN MCGRODDY
adapted from The Wonder: A Woman Keeps a Secret by SUSANNA CENTLIVRE (1714)
MAY 13 - 31, 2026

A family vacation on the high seas goes awry when a famous painting is discovered missing and the culprit is suspected to be one of the passengers aboard the Aqua Royale: Paris to Portugal. Loosely adapted from Susanna Centlivre’s 1714 farce of the same name, Wonder! A Woman Keeps a Secret follows a colorful cast including a pair of jealous lovers, an iceberg-phobic captain, a frustrated musical revue performer, a scheming mother-in-law, and an enterprising toilet maid as they try to make it to Lisbon with a boat-load of secrets. Set sail for a side-splitting, laugh-’til-you cry adventure!

Regular Tickets: $37-$80
Student / Youth (Under 25): $28
Pay-What-You-Can Preview (May. 13): $10+

WHITE is a thought-provoking comedy by James Ijames being brought to Burlington! The play is being produced by Between the Willows and directed by Delanté Keys. The show will be at Off Center for the Dramatic Arts from 5/6-5/17!

Rejected by the gallery of his dreams, a spurned gay white cis male artist hires a local Black actress to pose as the creator of his paintings. Together, they create the perfect candidate for the "New America" exhibition: the charismatic, unapologetic Balkonaé Townsend.

PALS for Life at UVAC is a FREE 16-week program for individuals affected by breast cancer, running May 5 – August 20. Based on the Physical Activity and Lymphedema (PAL) Study, the program uses research-backed exercise to help reduce the risk of lymphedema while improving strength, health, and quality of life. Participants receive a free UVAC membership during the program, expert-led sessions twice per week, access to land and aquatic fitness classes, and educational seminars on lymphedema and nutrition through Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. A doctor’s referral and PT consultation are required. Learn more at uvacswim.org/fitness/breast-cancer-programs.

Spring into Early Music with the Champlain Consort. Celebrate the arrival of spring with an enchanting
program of Medieval and Renaissance music performed on period instruments by the Champlain Consort. Tunes ranging from lovelorn madrigals to lively dances spring to life through the ensemble's recorders, sackbuts, crumhorns, and percussion. The program features music by John Dowland, Thomas Weelkes, and Maddalena Casulana (1544–1590) who is believed to be the first woman composer to have her music published under her own name during her lifetime. This is a free concert. Contributions to Cathedral Arts are always gratefully accepted.

WONDER! A WOMAN KEEPS A SECRET
by TALENE MONAHON
directed by AILEEN WEN MCGRODDY
adapted from The Wonder: A Woman Keeps a Secret by SUSANNA CENTLIVRE (1714)
MAY 13 - 31, 2026

A family vacation on the high seas goes awry when a famous painting is discovered missing and the culprit is suspected to be one of the passengers aboard the Aqua Royale: Paris to Portugal. Loosely adapted from Susanna Centlivre’s 1714 farce of the same name, Wonder! A Woman Keeps a Secret follows a colorful cast including a pair of jealous lovers, an iceberg-phobic captain, a frustrated musical revue performer, a scheming mother-in-law, and an enterprising toilet maid as they try to make it to Lisbon with a boat-load of secrets. Set sail for a side-splitting, laugh-’til-you cry adventure!

Regular Tickets: $37-$80
Student / Youth (Under 25): $28
Pay-What-You-Can Preview (May. 13): $10+

Phoenix Books of Vermont, USA and Brome Lake Books of Quebec, CAN are honored to present three events with Louise Penny, #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, and award-winning journalist, Mellissa Fung.

These in-person events will take place at the historic Haskell Free Library & Opera House, which is located in both the US and Canada. The Haskell Free Library & Opera House has stood as a powerful symbol of unity and cross-border friendship and is one of the only buildings in the world that quite literally connects two nations.

Books: Your signed copy of The Last Mandarin will be handed out at the time of entry. This exclusive edition includes bonus content: a note from each author, and a bonus chapter set at the of the creation of the tomb of Qin Shi Huang and the terracotta soldiers. Personalized copies will not be available. Phoenix Books will have unsigned books available for sale at the venue.

The Mad River Valley community is set to celebrate creativity, collaboration, and young talent at the upcoming Student Art Show, hosted at the Big Red Barn at Lareau Farm & Forest. The exhibition will run from May 14 through May 24, open Thursday through Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

This vibrant showcase features artwork from students across the region, including Crossett Brook Middle School, Fayston Elementary, Green Mountain Valley School, Harwood Union High School, Moretown Elementary, Neck of the Woods, Spring Hill School, Sugarbush Day School, Vermont Farm & Forest School, Waitsfield Elementary, and Warren Elementary.

A highlight of the event is its emphasis on strengthening connections between schools and the broader community. By bringing student artwork into a shared public space, the exhibition reflects the belief that art is both a personal and social experience—one that thrives when shared. The collaboration among so many local schools creates a unique and inspiring environment for visitors of all ages.

The public is warmly invited to attend the Opening Reception on Friday, May 15, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., where guests can meet young artists, view a wide range of creative works, and celebrate the artistic spirit of the Mad River Valley.

Join the Stern Center and Generator for a free screening of the Vermont documentary film Gone Guys, followed by light refreshments and a group discussion led by youth and community educators Shaun Stephens, Stern Center Speech Language Pathologist, and Mason Merriam, Generator Director of Facilities & Operations.

Screening is free, but pre-registration is required: https://app.glueup.com/event/film-screening-gone-guys-179309/

Gone Guys explores a “quiet crisis” in our communities, hidden in plain sight: the increasing disengagement and isolation of boys and young men. Set in rural Vermont, this documentary brings national data to life highlighting the struggles faced by boys and young men and sets the stage for a meaningful conversation.

Vinyl Plotter (Level 1) is a hands-on certification for the makerspace plotter. In this session, you'll design and cut a custom sticker while mastering the essentials of adhesive vinyl: safety, design, loading materials, weeding vinyl and application. Best for ages 10+.

This 85-minute documentary tells the story of two rural New England communal farms. It traces fifty years in the lives of a group of writers, activists, and artists and conveys not only how these “hippies” transformed Vermont and western Massachusetts, but also how rural life and the people they met
changed them. The program will include a discussion and Q&A with filmmaker Charles Light and poet and commune resident, Verandah Porche. The film’s story begins in the summer of 1968, in the middle of a left-wing faction fight, when a group of radical journalists from Liberation News Service (LNS) left New York City for the country. They founded two communes–at Packer Corners in Guilford, VT and in Montague, MA.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door or online through the link below.

Nökings Jazz Trio is Allison Mann - voice & guitar, Denis Thibouthot - guitar, and John LaRouche - chromatic harmonica. Swing, Latin, ballads and more in an intimate and lovely setting.