Attend a sporting event at BHS, participate in your monthly NPA, get to City Hall for one of many weekly govt. meetings, support a local non-profit, polish your business skills - in Burlington, winter doesn't translate to hybernating!

*****

LOCAL GOVT/NEIGHBORHOOD AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

CHANNEL 17 and NPAS PARTNER ON ELECTION FORUMS

Channel 17/Town Meeting TV in partnership with the Burlington Neighborhood Planning Assemblies, brings neighborhood-centered and interactive election forums to your TV.  These forums will be carried live from location to Channel 17 via web streaming.  Phone calls and e-mails will be accepted from viewers.  Audience members may also participate by attending their neighborhood forum and asking questions.

The schedule for the live TV portion of the Candidate Forums and City Budget Presentations follows the regular Neighborhood Planning Assembly schedule as listed below.  All forums will include city council candidates and school board candidates, school budget and city ballot presentations.  All candidates on the ballot, as well as write in candidates are invited to participate.

WARD 6: Thursday, Feb 4, 7pm, Greek Orthodox Church, 600 S. Willard St.

WARD 1: Wednesday, Feb 10, 7pm, UVM Memorial Lounge, Waterman Bldg.

WARDS 2/3: Thursday, Feb 11, 6:30 pm, McClure Multi Gen Ctr. , 241 North Winooski Ave.

WARDS 4/7: Tuesday, Feb 16, 6:30 pm, Robert Miller Community Ctr. 130 Gosse Ct.

WARD 5: Wednesday, Feb 17,  7pm,  Dept. of Public Works 645 Pine Street

The live call-in number for the NPA forums is 802-497-4339.  In addition you can email your questions or comments to channel17@....  Questions will be passed to the forum moderator in a written form.  All forums will be recorded and streamed live on Comcast and Burlington Telecom Cable Channel 17.  Forums will repeat 8 times in February and be available for viewing online at www.channel17.org

for more information on this new neighborhood format:
http://www.cctv.org/files/FAQ_New_Election_Format_20100127-1.pdf

For more info on NPAs: 865-7172, http://www.cedoburlington.org/neighborhoods/npa/npas1.htm

BE A PART OF NEIGHBORHOOD NIGHT OF SUCCESS

Burlington will celebrate people and businesses that make this a great place to live, work, and/or play at the 10^th Annual Neighborhood Night of Success, March 25, 5:30 – 7:30pm at Contois.

Nominations are now being accepted! If you would like to acknowledge a neighbor, business, or other entity, for their contributions to our community, please find a nomination form at: http://www.cedoburlington.org. Deadline for nominations is Feb 25.

for more info: 865-7172, jdavis@...

ZONING INFORMATION NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

Burlington’s Planning and Zoning Dept. has improved how the dept. provides permit activity information to the public.

P & Z is now able to provide the public with an interactive map that shows all active zoning permit activity. This application takes information we have previously provided only in a table form and is able to show on a map where each of these projects are located:
http://www.ci.burlington.vt.us/planning/zoning/status_report/index.html
and click on the "map" link. By clicking on one of the "Z's", additional information is available about the project and its current status. Like the previous reports, this information is updated daily.

VIGIL FOR HAITI

There will be a vigil for Haiti on Jan 29 from 4 -5:00pm at Contois Auditorium in City Hall. All are welcome.

For more info: 657-4219

GOVT MEETINGS

Here is the link for a list of all Government meetings in Burlington for the week: www.ci.burlington.vt.us/events

*****

THE ARTS.

PHOTOGRAPHY OPENING JAN 29

The community is invited to the opening reception of Constructed Spaces at the 215 College Gallery (at 215 College St). The event is from 5-8pm on Friday, Jan 29 and will feature a series about neighborhoods and the way people personalize outdoor yards and spaces. If you can’t make the opening, you can check out the exhibit during gallery hours: Fridays from 12-8, Saturdays from 12-6 and Sundays from 12-4. This show runs through Sunday, Feb 21.

BANFF FILM FESTIVAL COMES TO VT JAN. 29, 30

The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour returns to Burlington on Friday, Jan 29 and Saturday, Jan 30 at UVM's Ira Allen Chapel. Each unique program will feature a mix of films about global mountain culture, our environment and high-adrenaline outdoor sports. Tickets available at Skirack and http://www.skirack.com.

 AYSUN MIDDLE EASTERN DANCE COMPANY JAN 30

From the golden banks of the Nile to the frozen banks of Lake Champlain join Aysun Middle Eastern Dance Company as we meld the ancient traditions of the east (Middle East that is) with the modern rockin' beats of the west into a fantastic evening of belly dance! Jan 30, 7 – 9pm, at the North End Studio (294 North Winooski Ave), admission $8.00
for more info: 881-3193, yasmia_dances@....

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK FEB 5

First Friday Art Walk is a community event that takes place the first Friday of each month throughout the city of Burlington. The event is free and open to anyone. Between thirty and forty art venues are open between 5PM and 8PM for the Art Walk. Some venues have openings, talks, music, or other special activities. Others are simply open late. Individuals start their art walk by visiting any participating venue and picking up a copy of Art Map Burlington, the official publication of First Friday Art Walk.

February is truly the dead of winter in Vermont, but Vermont artists continue to create, percolate, generate and art venues present that work to help you warm up your mind and body. Want us to prove it to you? Just check out some of these spaces during February’s First Friday Art Walk: Emily Parulis’s paintings–”atmospheric, nostalgic, possibly self portraits…” at Muddy Waters; Robert Waldo Brunelle, Jr.’s Hot Rod paintings at the Wing Building; all the awesome stuff there is to see at Pine Street Art Works.

For more info: 264-4839 or info@...

GOSPELFEST FEB 14

Get your tickets now: GospelFest 2010: In honor of Black History Month, the New Alpha Missionary Baptist Church will present the 20th Anniversary Celebration of GospelFest on Sunday, February 14th at 4:00 p.m. at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts. All are welcome. Tickets are available at the Flynn Box Office or online at http://www.flynntix.org. for more info:  879-0076

JERNIGAN PONTIAC READING FEB 14

"Listening to Jernigan Pontiac is like hearing a wise, gentle elder of the tribe. He embraces his experiences with his riders--both good and bad-- absorbs them, and gives them back to his listeners as gifts. His understanding and compassion for humanity, along with his healthy attitude and strong sense of humor, make for a wonderful and insightful experience."

The reading will be Feb 14 at 4pm in the Davis Auditorium, Fletcher Allen Healthcare, and is free and open to the public.
 
After the event, consider having dinner (on your own) at Fletcher Allen's Harvest Cafe -McClure Lobby
for more info: Steiers@..., 876-7445

*****

CLASSES/WORKSHOPS

WINTER BUSINESS FAIR FEB 11

Does your existing business need a tune-up? Are you a startup? We can help!

Meet Federal, State and local organizations, traditional and alternative lenders, venture capital organizations, etc. All can help you grow or start a successful business in Vermont. This event will also include: free seminars, a networking space with Wi-Fi, access to social networking sites and a public address forum to introduce your business to the public.

Free Workshops on Online Marketing, Social Networking, Commercial Lending, Lessons from Startups, Listening to Your Business and Bookkeeping for Existing Businesses.  The event is Feb 11, 10am – 3pm at Contois Auditorium in City Hall AND in the Lorraine B. Good Room at the Firehouse Gallery

Workshop space is limited, please reserve a spot with Jon Adams-Kollitz at jadamskollitz@... or 865-7871

For more info: http://www.cedoburlington.org/business/news_and_features.htm#Winter_Business_Fair

BRANCH OUT BURLINGTON WINTER SEMINAR

Join us for an informative and thought-provoking introduction to permaculture design and coppice forestry and their potential to transform our towns and communities into productive, thriving, and enriching environments.  Local designer and educator Mark Krawczyk shares visions of an ecological future where conscious, holistic land management creates
healthy ecologies; robust local economies; and active, engaged and empowered community.

The event is Feb 9, 6:30 pm, at the Robert Miller Community Center, 130 Gosse Court
Refreshments will be available.

*****

FUNDRAISERS

HAITI FORUM AND FUND-RAISER JAN 28

Catastrophe in Haiti: An Unnatural Disaster, a forum and fundraiser, TONIGHT at 7 pm, Lafayette 207, University of Vermont

The event will feature Yves Engler, author of "Canada in Haiti: Waging War on the Poor Majority" and "The Black Book of Canadian Foreign Policy"; Kathleen Balutansky, St. Michael's College professor, past president of the Haitian Studies Association, and author of "Caribbean Creolization" and "Haiti Writing Under Siege"; Nadège Dufort, Henderson Fellow in the UVM Department of Romance Languages specializing  in French Caribbean literatures and cultures; Helen Scott, University of Vermont professor, author of "Caribbean Women Writers and Globalization"

Free and open to the public, this forum is also a fundraiser for the following grassroots relief organizations:

The Haiti Emergency Relief Fund/Haiti Action Committee, works with trade union, women's, and social economic justice organizations in Haiti. http://www.haitiaction.net/About/HERF/HERF.html

Zanmi Lasante/Partners in Health, the health center and network of clinics, co-founded by Paul Farmer, that also trains Haitians as doctors and health professionals. http://www.pih.org/home.html

for more info: 881-9157

CHARITY DISC GOLF TOURNEY AND BURTON SNOWBOARD RAFFLE

The Green Mountain Disc Golf Club and the Burlington Disc Golf Club are co-sponsoring the Ice Bucket IV, a winter disc golf tournament on January 30 to benefit the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf and the Waterbury Area Food Shelf.

All player fees and additional donations will be given directly to the two food shelves.  Last year over $2,200 was raised during this event.  If you're interested in playing, learn more at http://gmdgc.org.

For those not interested in braving the cold for a couple rounds of disc golf, you still have an opportunity to support this effort and help those in need in our community.  And what's more - by donating, you'll be entered into a raffle for a 2010 Burton Clash 158 snowboard.

Just make a donation through the GMDGC of $20 or more, and you'll automatically be entered to win.  100% of all donations will go directly to the food shelves.

http://gmdgc.org/ice-bucket-iv-donations/

CALCUTTA NIGHT FEB 12 BENEFITS RUGGLES HOUSE

Cathedral Square will host a Calcutta Night at the St. John's Club on Feb 12 to benefit Ruggles House, a shared housing community for seniors 55+ located at 262 South Prospect Street in Burlington. 

The event will feature a silent auction at 6 p.m. and dinner beginning at 6:30 p.m.  The cost of the event is $75 per ticket which includes one Calcutta ball and dinner for two (lasagna, salad and garlic bread). There will also be a cash bar throughout the night and karaoke after the Calcutta numbers are called.  The grand prize is a chance to win $1,500! Smaller prizes will be given throughout the night.  98 tickets will be sold and 2 will be raffled off on the night of the event. We hope you can join us for a fun-filled evening!  All proceeds from this event will benefit Ruggles House. 

For more info and/or to purchase a ticket: 863-2224

CARSHARE VT BIRTHDAY BASH FEB 12

Join CarShare Vermont's first annual "Share the Love" Birthday Bash on Friday, Feb 12, at Main Street Landing's Union Station. This will be a celebration of CarShare Vermont's first year AND a great party, complete with a silent auction, nibbles and drinks, dancing, a kissing booth, music and more!  All event ticket and auction sales will support CarShare Vermont so we can continue to thrive and make car-sharing available in our community.  Join the fun!

buy tickets at: http://carshare.winwinapps.com
for more info: http://www.carsharevt.org   

LUND BENEFIT AUCTION - A WEEK AT TRAPPS

Enjoy A Week at Trapp Family Lodge and Support Lund Family Center: a generous donor extended use of their rental property at Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT from Feb 27 - March 6, 2010.  This week is being auctioned to the highest bidder. All proceeds will benefit Lund Family Center's work to strengthen children and families.

The unit rents for $1900 a week.  It sleeps six and includes two bedrooms, two baths, a pull out sofa, full kitchen and spacious living room/dining room with fireplace. Visit the Trapp website for photos and more information:
http://www.trappfamily.com/accommodations/guest-house .

Bids will be accepted through Feb 1 at 5:00p.m.  Please e-mail your bid to kittyb@....  Burlington, VT for more info: 861-2580,  http://www.lundfamilycenter.org/help.html

*****

SPORTS/RECREATION

BURLINGTON WINTER FESTIVAL FEB 6

Celebrate winter with the 18^th Annual Burlington Winter Festival on Saturday, February 6 with many events including the 15th annual Penguin Plunge on the Waterfront and Vermont's own sanctioned Snow Sculpture Competition, kids activities, street performers, a snowman garden, special events, and the Church Street Ice Walk!  

for more info: http://www.enjoyburlington.com/Programs/SpecialEvents/WinterFestival.cfm

www.theburlingtonwinterfestival2010.wordpress.com, Burlingtonwinterfestivalnews@...

SEAHORSE HOME GAMES

Come and cheer on the student athletes at Burlington High School at their homes games this week:

Jan 28 Girl’s basketball vs. St Jay, 5:00/JV, 6:30/Varsity

Jan 29 Girl’s Hockey vs. CVU 5:40pm

Jan 29 Boy’s Basketball vs. Rice, 6:00/JV, 7:30/varsity

Jan 30  Boy’s Hockey vs. Rutland, 6:20pm

Feb 1 Girl’s Basketball vs. CVU, 6:00/JV, 7:30/varsity

Feb 3 Girl’s Hockey vs. Spaulding, 6:20pm

Hockey games are all played at the ice arena at Leddy Park.

*****

MISC. AND OTHER COOL STUFF

FREE COMMUNITY DINNER AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY WORKSHOP TONIGHT

Northgate Residents' Ownership Corporation invites you to a FREE Energy Efficiency Workshop and Community Dinner.

Every year Vermonters waste tons of money by not taking small steps to make their homes more energy efficient.  Join Burlington Electric and Vermont Gas on Jan 28 (TONIGHT) from 6 – 8pm in Northgate's Community Hall to learn more about how you can avoid costly utility bills this winter season!

Please RSVP for dinner and to Abby at 658-2722 ext. 19.

UVM NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT JAN 30

The UVM Community Coalition invites you to a Common Ground Summit! Come meet with neighbors; landlords; students; college and university administrators and staff; city government officials and staff; and other individuals who have a stake and a commitment to the well-being of our neighborhoods and our shared common space.

Here is the date to put on your calendars:
Saturday, January 30, from 11 am to 3 pm in Billings on the UVM campus.

The Summit is an opportunity to:
-  Meet one another and share a meal
-  Learn about current efforts to create healthy, safe, and engaged  neighborhoods
-  Identify efforts that are effective and discuss how to support and sustain them
-  Explore what we can do as individuals & partners to address issues and create opportunities
-  Develop a strategic action plan & calendar
 
for more info and to RSVP:   alicia.taylor@...

*****

COMING ATTRACTIONS

PREVENTION AWARD CEREMONY

The Burlington Partnership for a Healthy Community will host the “Roots of Prevention Awards Ceremony” on Monday, April 12 from 8 – 10am. This keynote speaker will be Burlington’s Mayor Bob Kiss. Please help us spread the word about our 2nd annual substance abuse prevention recognition awards to acknowledge the outstanding work many are doing in Burlington to make it a safer and healthier place. ($10 donation appreciated but not required)

For more info and to RSVP: patti@..., 324-3841

*****

THE CITY OF BURLINGTON IS HIRING

For info on openings within the city: www.hrjobs.ci.burlington.vt.us

Elections are on March 2. Check out your local NPA this month and learn all about your candidates and ballot items.

*****

LOCAL GOVT/NEIGHBORHOOD AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

EDUCATE YOURSELF ON CANDIDATES, BALLOT ITEMS

Channel 17/Town Meeting TV in partnership with the Burlington Neighborhood Planning Assemblies, brings neighborhood-centered and interactive election forums to your TV.  These forums will be carried live from location to Channel 17 via web streaming.  Phone calls and e-mails will be accepted from viewers.  Audience members may also participate by attending their neighborhood forum and asking questions.

The schedule for the live TV portion of the Candidate Forums and City Budget Presentations follows the regular Neighborhood Planning Assembly schedule as listed below.  All forums will include city council candidates and school board candidates, school budget and city ballot presentations.  All candidates on the ballot, as well as write in candidates are invited to participate.

WARD 6: TONIGHT, 7pm, Greek Orthodox Church, 600 S. Willard St.

See complete agenda: http://www.cedoburlington.org/neighborhoods/npa/npas1.htm

WARD 1: Wednesday, Feb 10, 7pm, UVM Memorial Lounge, Waterman Bldg.

WARDS 2/3: Thursday, Feb 11, 6:30 pm, McClure Multi Gen Ctr. , 241 North Winooski Ave.

WARDS 4/7: Tuesday, Feb 16, 6:30 pm, Robert Miller Community Ctr. 130 Gosse Ct.

WARD 5: Wednesday, Feb 17,  7pm,  Dept. of Public Works 645 Pine Street

The live call-in number for the NPA forums is 802-497-4339.  In addition you can email your questions or comments to channel17@....  Questions will be passed to the forum moderator in a written form.  All forums will be recorded and streamed live on Comcast and Burlington Telecom Cable Channel 17.  Forums will repeat 8 times in February and be available for viewing online at www.channel17.org

for more information on this new neighborhood format:
http://www.cctv.org/files/FAQ_New_Election_Format_20100127-1.pdf

For more info on NPAs: 865-7172, http://www.cedoburlington.org/neighborhoods/npa/npas1.htm

SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEB 11

Mayor Bob Kiss has called a special City Council meeting on Thursday Feb 11 at 6 pm at Contois Auditorium in City Hall (this meeting was originally scheduled for Feb 4).

The main agenda item will be the report of the Blue Ribbon Committee on Burlington Telecom.

More information about Burlington Telecom, including the Blue Ribbon Committee, is available at:
http://www.ci.burlington.vt.us/mayor/BT/ and http://www.burlingtontelecom.com

CCTA PUBLIC HEARINGS FEB 2-11

CCTA is proposing to implement new and enhanced service along the Route 2 corridor between Burlington and Williston. The proposed alternative includes three routes, which would replace the existing Umall/Airport and Williston routes.  CCTA is asking for public feedback during this process. Please attend one of several public hearings to offer your comments, suggestions, and ideas on the proposed service changes and improvements.

For more info: 864-CCTA, http://cctaride.org

BEA NEGOTIATIONS ON-LINE

The Commissioners of the Burlington School District (BSD) and the members of the Burlington Education Association (the BEA, our teacher's union) have agreed this year to negotiate publicly, which means that the public may follow along, attend sessions, etc.  The BSD website has a page set up for all the proposals and other relevant documents to be posted, along with meeting times and locations:

http://bsdweb.bsdvt.org/Board/Negotiations/negotiations.php or go to the District webpage at http://www.bsdvt.org and find a link there. 

NOMINATE A NEIGHBOR

Burlington will celebrate people and businesses that make this a great place to live, work, and/or play at the 10^th Annual Neighborhood Night of Success, March 25, 5:30 – 7:30pm at Contois.

Nominations are now being accepted! If you would like to acknowledge a neighbor, business, or other entity, for their contributions to our community, please find a nomination form at: http://www.cedoburlington.org. Deadline for nominations is Feb 25.

for more info: 865-7172, jdavis@...

GOVT MEETINGS

Here is the link for a list of all Government meetings in Burlington for the week: www.ci.burlington.vt.us/events

*****

THE ARTS

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK FEB 5

First Friday Art Walk is a community event that takes place the first Friday of each month throughout the city of Burlington. The event is free and open to anyone. Between thirty and forty art venues are open between 5PM and 8PM for the Art Walk. Some venues have openings, talks, music, or other special activities. Others are simply open late. Individuals start their art walk by visiting any participating venue and picking up a copy of Art Map Burlington, the official publication of First Friday Art Walk.

Burlington City Arts offers walking tours led by staff and volunteers who are knowledgeable about each space and can answer questions about the exhibitions. Tours leave from the Firehouse Gallery every half hour, starting at 5:30PM and ending at 7PM. Tours last about an hour and visit exhibitions within walking distance of downtown.

For more info: 264-4839 or info@....

ART OPENING AT THE GREEN DOOR STUDIOS FEB 5

OPENING AT THE GREEN DOOR STUDIOS! 18 Howard St. in the South End in Burlington for the First Friday Art Walk! "Coalescing the Cosmic Drip", New works by Darshana Bolt and Dennise Packet. 6-9pm Freb. 5th. There will be live music (including Darshana's band Moustache Ride), a DJ set, food, and wine! Please come between 6 and 9pm. 

GOSPELFEST FEB 14

20th Annual Gospel Fest ...
Get your tickets now: GospelFest 2010: In honor of Black History Month, the New Alpha Missionary Baptist Church will present the 20th Anniversary Celebration of GospelFest on Sunday, February 14th at 4:00 p.m. at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts. All are welcome. Tickets are available at the Flynn Box Office or online at http://www.flynntix.org.

THURSDAY NOON CONCERTS

First United Methodist Church of Burlington announces the third annual series of free Thursday noonday concerts. 
This series of free community concerts will continue every Thursday at noon until April 8.  
for more info: 862-1151

FREE FILM AND DISCUSSION FEB. 7

The C.G. Jung Society of Vermont, a volunteer, non-profit organization committed to educating the public about the life and work of the psychoanalyst Carl Gustav Jung is presenting two short films in a film series entitled Wisdom of the Dream. This event takes place on Sunday, February 7 at 2:30 p.m., Fletcher Free Library (Community Room), Burlington. It is free and open to the public.

For more info: 860-4921, JunginVermont@..., http://JunginVermont.org/ 

MUSIC FROM THE DAWN OF MODERNISM FEB 10 AT UVM

Works of Bartok, Debussy, Janacek, and Ravel (the Piano Trio) performed by Colleen Jennings, violin; John Dunlop, cello; Paul Orgel, piano. The concert, coordinated with Prof. Tom Simone's course "The Dawn of Modernism," explores a number of the most engaging and stimulating works of chamber music from the beginning of the 20th century. Pre-concert discussion at 6:30. The concert is from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. in the Music Building Recital Hall at UVM. This event is free and open to the public. For more info: http://www.uvm.edu/~uvmpr

*****

CHURCH STREET MARKETPLACE

HAITI RELIEF DAY FEB 6

The Church Street Marketplace is joining with its merchants and restaurateurs to sponsor a Haiti Relief Day on Saturday, February 6. Participating businesses will donation a share of sales that day to the American Red Cross and specifically designate it for Haiti relief. Join the relief effort – spend on Church St on Saturday.

*****

CLASSES/WORKSHOPS

WINTER BUSINESS FAIR FEB 11

Does your existing business need a tune-up? Are you a startup? We can help!

Meet Federal, State and local organizations, traditional and alternative lenders, venture capital organizations, etc. All can help you grow or start a successful business in Vermont. This event will also include: free seminars, a networking space with Wi-Fi, access to social networking sites and a public address forum to introduce your business to the public.

Free Workshops on Online Marketing, Social Networking, Commercial Lending, Lessons from Startups, Listening to Your Business and Bookkeeping for Existing Businesses.  The event is Feb 11, 10am – 3pm at Contois Auditorium in City Hall AND in the Lorraine B. Good Room at the Firehouse Gallery

Workshop space is limited, please reserve a spot with Jon Adams-Kollitz at jadamskollitz@... or 865-7871

For more info: http://www.cedoburlington.org/business/news_and_features.htm#Winter_Business_Fair

FASCINATING LESSONS ABOUT TREES FEB 9

Come and learn about the concept of permaculture, a holistic design system used to create healthy, vibrant human communities and natural ecologies. He will also discuss coppicing, a pruning technique making use of the natural habit of many deciduous woody plants to re sprout from a stump.  Coppice wood can be used to make fencing, furniture and other rustic products.
“Permaculture & Coppicing to Revitalize our Urban Landscape”, Tuesday, Feb 9, 6:30pm, at the Robert Miller Community & Recreational Center, 130 Gosse Court, Burlington. Presented by Mark Krawczyk, local permaculture designer, natural builder and educator.

For more info: http://burlingtonpermaculture.googlepages.com

SAINT MICHAEL’S COLLEGE PRESENTS CRISIS IN THE CONGO FEB 10

"The barbaric civil war being waged here is the most lethal conflict since World War II and has claimed at least 30 times as many lives as the Haiti earthquake," Nicholas Kristof wrote in an editorial from the Congo that appeared in The New York Times Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010. Kristof said further, "Yet no humanitarian crisis generates so little attention per million corpses, or such a pathetic international response."

To address this critical need, Saint Michael's College is presenting "Crisis in the Congo: A day focusing on one of the worst humanitarian crises of our time" on Wednesday, Feb. 10, from to 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Featured speakers include John Prendergast of the Clinton Administration and Stephen Lewis, Canada’s UN Rep.

For more info: lgagne@..., 654-2205, http://www.smcvt.edu/admission/news/news_story.asp

DEBATE ON NUCLEAR POWER AT UVM FEB 8

"Nuclear Power: Promise or Peril - A Debate," featuring Tyson Slocum, director of the Public Citizens Energy Program, and William Tucker, journalist and author of Terrestrial Energy: How Nuclear Power Will Lead the Green Revolution and End America's Energy Odyssey. Debate moderator is Emerson Lynn, editor and publisher of the St. Albans Messenger. Reception follows. The event is from 4 – 5:00pm at the Davis Student Center, Grand Maple Ballroom.

For more info: 656-5665, http://www.uvm.edu/~uvmpr/?Page=R25&custom=campus&SM=eventssub.html

*****

FUNDRAISERS

VIETNAMESE FUNDRAISING DINNER FEB 6

Huong Nguyen, mother of an Edmunds School 6th grader, has recently been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. To raise money for the family and a bone marrow transplant, the National Foundation for Transplants is throwing a Vietnamese Feast that will include egg rolls, soup, stir fry with rice, vegetarian and meat options. The event is Saturday, Feb 6, 6 to 8pm at the McClure Multi-Gen Center, 241 North Winooski Avenue. Tickets are $10/adults, $5/kids.

to make an online donation, please visit http://www.transplants.org. for more info: 658-0120.

DINNER, PRIZES, FUN

On Friday, Feb 12, Cathedral Square will host a Calcutta Night at the St. John's Club, located at 9 Central Avenue in Burlington to benefit Ruggles House, a shared housing community for seniors 55+ located at 262 South Prospect Street in Burlington. 

The event will feature a silent auction at 6 p.m. and dinner beginning at 6:30 p.m.  The cost of the event is $75 per ticket which includes one Calcutta ball and dinner for two (lasagna, salad and garlic bread). There will also be a cash bar throughout the night and karaoke after the Calcutta numbers are called.  The grand prize is a chance to win $1,500! Smaller prizes will be given throughout the night.  98 tickets will be sold and 2 will be raffled off on the night of the event.
For more info and to purchase a ticket: 863-2224 

GREEN MOUNTAIN DERBY DAMES TO BENEFIT WHBW FEB 20

The Green Mountain Derby Dames will be playing in a bout to benefit the services at Women Helping Battered Women on Saturday Feb 20 at 6 pm at the Champlain Valley Expo.  A portion of all proceeds, including ticket sales and a portion of the 50/50 raffle will be donated.

Tickets will be on sale at http://flynntix.org, and halftime entertainment will be provided by Zumba fitness in Burlington.  To learn more about the derby dames you can visit their website at http://www.gmderbydames.com.

For more info: amyh@...

*****

SPORTS/RECREATION

BURLINGTON WINTER FESTIVAL FEB 6

Head to downtown Burlington and the Waterfront this Saturday for the Burlington Winter Festival! The event includes the State Snow Sculpture competition, ice carving, a special ice throne, kid’s activities, live music, Radio Disney, Burton Chill activities, dog-sled rides, Penguin Plunge, Family Activity Expo at ECHO, Kids VT Camp and School Fair, and more! This great community event is produced by Burlington Parks & Recreation, the Church Street Marketplace, and UVM's Department of Community Development and Applied Economics. Need another reason to come downtown on Saturday? Lots of restaurants and stores are holding specials and donating a portion of sales to help the earthquake victims in Haiti.

For the Burlington Winter Festival schedule of events:  http://theburlingtonwinterfestival2010.wordpress.com/activities/

Or http://www.enjoyburlington.com/Programs/SpecialEvents/WinterFestival.cfm

BURLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL HOME GAMES

Here’s the schedule for this week’s action at BHS:

2/5 Boy’s Basketball vs. South Burlington, 6:00/JV, 7:30/Varsity

2/6 Girl’s Hockey vs. Hartford 6:20pm

2/10 Boy’s Hockey vs. Spaulding 8:20pm

*****

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

MENTOR WOMEN RE-ENTERING THE COMMUNITY

Mercy Connections is hosting a three-part volunteer training for women who will be a mentor to a woman returning to the community from incarceration. The series will happen on the following Wednesdays; February 10, 17 and 24, from 5:30 to 7:30pm at the offices of Mercy Connections, 346 Shelburne Road, Burlington.

For more info: 846-7164, pgreene@...

*****

MISC. AND OTHER COOL STUFF

BURLINGTON WALK/BIKE COUNCIL TO MEET FEB 8

Residents who are interested in improving walking and biking in and around Burlington are encouraged to attend the Burlington Walk/Bike Council's monthly meeting on Monday, February 8, 5:30-7 p.m. at the Center for Community and Neighborhoods, 125 College St, 2nd FL (above the Daily News). Learn about current projects and how you can make a difference. Refreshments provided.

For more info: www.burlingtonwalkbike.org 

SICK AROUND THE WORLD: MOVIE NIGHT AND POTLUCK DINNER FEB 6

The Justice and Social Concerns Ministry Team of First United Methodist Church, Burlington, will host a potluck dinner on Feb 6 at 6:00 pm, at 21 Buell Street, Burlington (Fellowship Hall, downstairs). The movie will be at 7 pm with discussion to follow. “Sick Around the World” is a one-hour PBS Frontline documentary which shows health care systems in a number of nations, including Japan, the UK, Taiwan, and Germany. Citizens comment on their systems.

With health care reform bills under consideration on both the Federal and State levels, this is a great time to learn what other countries are doing. Please bring a dish to share and your own table setting and mug. Free: all are welcome.

For more info: 658-7441

FAHC FARMERS' MARKET FEB 12

Even in the middle of winter, Fletcher Allen Nutrition Services keeps its commitment to providing sustainable, local, healthy food. A winter farmers market will take over the McClure Lobby Conference Room on Friday, Feb. 12, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will feature gift ideas for Valentine's Day and lots of local vendors, including Comeau Family Sugar House, Shelburne Farms, Champlain Orchards, Champlain Valley Apiaries, Jericho Settlers' Farm, Great Harvest Bread Company and August First Bakery. Other likely treats include chocolates, mushrooms, herbs and flowers, and maybe ice cream.

AFTER-SCHOOL VIDEO GAMES FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLERS

The Fletcher Free Library has after school gaming from 1-4pm in the Community Room on Tuesdays and Thursdays!  All middle schoolers welcome.  Mario Kart, Super Smash Brothers, DDR, Rock Band and more!

LIBRARY LANGUAGE CONVERSATION GROUPS

The Fletcher Free Library has a number of language conversation groups offered throughout the week. The groups are a great way to practice your foreign language skills. All levels welcome, no registration required. The following groups are meeting:
 
NEW Japanese: Second and Fourth Mondays Feb. 8, 22 from 5 to 6pm
English: Mondays 4:30 to 6pm (change from Tuesdays 4:30 to 6pm)
Spanish: Thursdays from 5 to 6pm (change from Fridays from 4 to 5pm)
German: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays Feb. 3, 17 from 7 to 9pm
French: Sundays from 4 to 5:30pm
NEW Japanese: Second and Fourth Mondays Feb. 8, 22 from 5 to 6pm
 
for more info: kjohnson@... or 865-7211

BRANCH OUT BURLINGTON TREE SALE

For the third year in a row, Branch Out Burlington is offering bare-root trees at unbelievable prices. Trees are 5-6 feet and branched. Order early! These trees have sold out for the past two years. Trees must be picked up at The UVM Hort Farm during the Annual Burlington Community Tree Nursery Planting, which takes place on Saturday morning May 1st between 9 and 11:00 a.m. Orders must be received by April 20th.  Please go to our website   www.branchoutburlington.org  for the order form.   Please print, fill out and mail the order form with payment.

BURLINGTON DOG LICENSE REMINDER

All dogs older than six months must be licensed each year before April 1.To license your pet, come to the Burlington Clerk/Treasurer’s Office at City Hall or send the rabies & spay/neutering info in the mail to 149 Church Street with a self addressed/stamped envelope.  You must bring or send proof that the animal has been currently vaccinated against rabies with a vaccine comparable to that required in the State of Vermont.  If the dog was licensed last year there may be a valid rabies certificate on file, so you can just mail in the fee payable to the City of Burlington.   To receive a reduced licensing fee, you must provide a certificate of sterilization from a licensed veterinarian or it must be indicated on the rabies certificate under sex (i.e. MN=male neutered or FS­=female spayed).  Anyone missing the April 1^st deadline is charged a late fee.  If your dog is no longer with you, please contact the Clerk/Treasurer’s office so your files can be updated.

for more info: Clerk/Treasurer’s Office, 865-7000

*****

COMING ATTRACTIONS

LEUNIGS TO SUPPORT MERCY CONNECTIONS

Have a great meal and support Mercy Connections at the same time on Monday, Feb 22, from 11am to closing at Leunig’s Restaurant on the Church Street Marketplace.   

Mercy Connections will receive 10% of your food or drink bill when you dine at Leunig’s on February 22. Purchase a discount card that allows the bearer to a 20% discount on food at Leunig’s for an entire year and Mercy Connections will receive 50% of the cost of the card.

 For more info: 846-7063, info@...

ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY FOR ALL VERMONTERS - HELP PLAN THE VISION!

Over the coming months, Vermont SWEEP (Statewide Environmental Education Programs) is hosting a number of public dialogues about how to promote environmental literacy for all Vermonters. I'm working with a committee representing businesses, colleges, government agencies and nonprofit groups from around the state on this environmental literacy project. We know that businesses, organizations and communities are educating folks on environmental issues relating to their work and that many have developed model environmental initiatives in their practices. This statewide conversation is an opportunity to share your organization's environmental efforts and to hear what others are doing. The goal is to collect information about these model environmental practices and projects, and to present them as a roadmap to environmental literacy for Vermont. 
To find out more about the process or to find the schedule of public dialogues, please take a look at the website:  http://www.environmentalliteracyvt.org.

Be sure to save the date for the Burlington dialogue: March 24, 6-8pm, Fletcher Free Library.

*****

THE CITY OF BURLINGTON IS HIRING

For info on openings within the city: www.hrjobs.ci.burlington.vt.us

The weather is allowing for easy mobility so take advantage and get out to one of the many public happenings in your community:

*****

LOCAL GOVT/NEIGHBORHOOD AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

MARCH ELECTION – MEET THE CANDIDATES, LEARN ABOUT THE ISSUES

Your local Neighborhood Planning Assembly will be broadcast LIVE this month on Channel 17 to make it even easier for residents to learn about the issues and candidates for-which YOU will be voting on March 2. You are encouraged to attend one of these Assemblies and questions from the floor will take priority to questions that are called or emailed in during the broadcast.

All forums will include city council candidates and school board candidates, school budget and city ballot presentations.  All candidates on the ballot, as well as write in candidates are invited to participate.

WARDS 2/3: TONIGHT, 6:30 pm, McClure Multi Gen Ctr. 241 North Winooski Ave.

WARDS 4/7: Tuesday, Feb 16, 6:30 pm, Robert Miller Community Ctr. 130 Gosse Ct.

WARD 5: Wednesday, Feb 17,  7pm,  Dept. of Public Works 645 Pine Street

The live call-in number for the NPA forums is 802-497-4339.  In addition you can email your questions or comments to channel17@....  Questions will be passed to the forum moderator in a written form.  All forums will be recorded and streamed live on Comcast and Burlington Telecom Cable Channel 17.  Forums will repeat 8 times in February and be available for viewing online at www.channel17.org

For more info on NPAs: 865-7172, for the specific agenda for the above NPAs: http://www.cedoburlington.org/neighborhoods/npa/npas1.htm

SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING TONIGHT

Mayor Bob Kiss has called a special City Council meeting on Thursday Feb 11 at 6 pm at Contois Auditorium in City Hall (this meeting was originally scheduled for Feb 4).

The main agenda item will be the report of the Blue Ribbon Committee on Burlington Telecom.

More information about Burlington Telecom, including the Blue Ribbon Committee, is available at:
http://www.ci.burlington.vt.us/mayor/BT/ and http://www.burlingtontelecom.com

CEDO SEEKING AMERICORPS HOST SITES FOR 2010-11 PROGRAM YEAR

CEDO will award 45 full and part-time AmeriCorps positions to eligible applicants through a competitive process.  AmeriCorps members will engage the community in addressing the issues of poverty, racism, and classism.  Members serve in non-profits, educational institutions, public agencies, and faith-based organizations in the greater Burlington area and occasionally in other areas of the State. 

Sites can participate in two different programs:
The AmeriCors*VISTA members focus on capacity building work to eliminate poverty.  Members serve full time doing work such as: fundraising, volunteer recruitment and program development and evaluation.

The We All Belong AmeriCorps*State program has a goal to increase the cultural competency of schools and organizations to serve low-income and racially/ethnically diverse groups.  The  mission to provide the tools and resources for organizations to primarily build their cultural and linguistic competence so that they can provide more culturally relevant services, and then truly be more inclusive and welcoming.

AmeriCorps is a network of three programs—AmeriCorps*State and National, AmeriCorps*VISTA, and AmeriCorps*National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC)—that each year support the engagement of nearly 75,000 Americans in service to meet critical needs in education, the environment, public safety, homeland security, and other areas.

For more information on hosting a CEDO AmeriCorps member, please go to http://www.ci.burlington.vt.us/rfp/  Contact: Coordinator of Community and Neighborhood Services, Beth Truzansky btruzansky@... .

If you are interested in serving as a member, more information can be found at http://www.cedoburlington.org/neighborhoods/vista/prospective_members.htm  Positions will be announced in April and recruitment for positions will start shortly thereafter. Contact: A*VISTA Team Leader, Andrew Graham agraham@... .

SHELBURNE RD ROUNDABOUT MTG FEB 22

There will be a public information meeting with the Dept. of Public Works and the Vermont Dept. of Transportation to discuss the Shelburne Street Roundabout. The discussion will take place on Feb 22 at 6:30pm at DPW (645 Pine Street.)

SOUTHERN CONNECTOR MEETING TONIGHT

There will be a presentation by Carol Weston and Steve Goodkind of the Burlington Department of Public Works at the DPW building, 645 Pine Street to discuss the Champlain Parkway TONIGHT at 7pm.  The DPW will talk about the re-emergent highway project and its impact on the Pine Street corridor and they will take resident questions.

This meeting is free and open to the public.

CCMPO TO HOST PUBLIC FORUM

The Chittenden County Metropolitan Planning Organization, your regional transportation planning and policy organization, is seeking public input on its work plan for fiscal year 2010. A public forum is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb 17 at 7 pm at the CCMPO offices at 110 West Canal St, Suite 202 in Winooski. Comments will be accepted at that address or via email (mboomhower@...) until Friday, Feb 19. Our current work plan is available online at http://www.ccmpo.org/UPWP/.

for more info: 660-4071 x17 or bdavis@...

IRV DEBATE FEB 18

On March 2, Burlington voters will decide whether the city should continue using Instant Runoff Voting to elect the mayor. To help you get a handle on what's at stake, Channel 17/Town Meeting TV and Seven Days are teaming up to host a public debate on IRV. Representatives from the groups One Person One Vote and 50% Matters will take questions from a media panel that includes WCAX reporter Bianca Slota, John Briggs of the Burlington Free Press and Shay Totten of Seven Days. Channel 17's Jess Wilson will moderate.  The event is free and open to the public on Feb 18 at 7pm in Contois Auditorium in City Hall.

NOMINATE A NEIGHBOR

Burlington will celebrate people and businesses that make this a great place to live, work, and/or play at the 10^th Annual Neighborhood Night of Success, March 25, 5:30 – 7:30pm at Contois.

Nominations are now being accepted! If you would like to acknowledge a neighbor, business, or other entity, for their contributions to our community, please find a nomination form at: http://www.cedoburlington.org. Deadline for nominations is Feb 25.

for more info: 865-7172, jdavis@...

GOVT MEETINGS

Here is the link for a list of all Government meetings in Burlington for the week: www.ci.burlington.vt.us/events

*****

THE ARTS

THURSDAY NOON CONCERTS

First United Methodist Church of Burlington announces the third annual series of free Thursday noonday concerts. 
This third year of free community concerts will continue every Thursday until April 8.  
for more info: 862-1151

FARMER ART OPENING TONIGHT

You are invited to the Burlington opening of "Bounty: A Celebration of Vermont's Farming Artists" at the Davis Center (UVM, 4th floor) today (2/11)  from 5-7pm. The artists include Nancy Hayden (the Farm Between, Jeffersonville) Kristan Doolan (Does' Leap, Bakersfield) Emily Curtis-Murphy, and many others!  This event is free and open to the community.

For more info: rschattm@...

INTERNATIONAL FOLK DANCING FEB 12

Louise Brill and Ben Bergstein will be teaching International Folk Dancing Friday, Feb 12 from 8 – 10pm. Come, bring a friend and enjoy the music and fun. The event will happen at the North End Studio, 294 North Winooski Ave. Suite 116B

for more info: 540-1020, dance@..., northendstudio@..., http://www.vpal.typepad.com

FLETCHER FREE LIBRARY HOSTS TEENS READ

Middle schoolers are invited to participate in a book group with their peers, Wednesdays, 5:00 - 5:45pm. For more info:  http://www.fletcherfree.org/programming.html

*****

CLASSES/WORKSHOPS

PARKS AND REC OFFERS SCHOOL VACATION ACTIVITIES

Burlington Parks & Recreation has several fun programs for kids during the February school vacation week, including:

February Break Circus Camp with Troy Wunderle , Monday-Friday, Feb 22 - 26, 9am-3pm
Extended day option 3-5pm (additional fee of $40)
Ages 6-12 at the Memorial Auditorium Annex
$160 Resident Discount, for more info about Troy, visit his website at: http://www.bigtopadventures.com
To register, call 864-0123.

February Skating Camp at Leddy Arena, Monday-Friday, Feb 22-26, 8am-noon
For skaters 6 & older, Basic 1 & up, Activities both on and off ice, $125 for the full week or $90 for 3 days

February Break Skating Lessons:
3 day class for beginner skaters with 45 minutes of instruction and 15 minutes of open practice ice.
Monday, Wednesday & Friday, Feb 22, 24 & 26, 1-1:45pm for those who have never had lessons
2-2:45 for beginner skaters, $30 per skater (skate rentals available)

To register for skating programs call 865-7558.

FLASHBULB PERMACULTURE AND BIKE REPAIR CLASSES

The Flashbulb is a Burlington based job training and skill building program to move towards ecologically sound, community based, local economies.

The following courses will be offered this summer:
- Bicycle Repair and Maintenance 101
- Bicycle Repair and Maintenance 102
- Urban Permaculture Practicum: Urban Food Production
- Urban Permaculture Practicum: Passive Solar Design

There will also be FREE spring weekend carpentry workshops!!

for more info: http://theflashbulb.org, 881-0419, info@...

*****

FUNDRAISERS

CATIE CURTIS BENEFIT CONCERT AT HIGHER GROUND

"From the first time I heard her, I found Catie Curtis to be an extraordinary writer. She captures human kindness in her songs, and shows us what the heart can do when it is used as an instrument of love. It is Catie's heart that I admire, her ability to see light where so many would look and see darkness. She's one of the best and I am thrilled to be singing with her on this record."  -Mary Gauthier

This is a benefit concert for the Peace & Justice Center, Feb 20, 7pm at Higher Ground. Tickets are $20 in advance, $23 day-of. For more info and to buy a ticket: http://www.highergroundmusic.com/calendar/show/3359/

NATASHA KOVAL-PADEN BENEFIT CONCERT FEB 14

Celebrate Valentine's Day and the 200th anniversary of Chopin's birthday with Pianist Natasha Koval-Paden. Enjoy an all-Chopin performance to benefit the King Street Center.  The benefit will take place on Sunday, Feb 14 at 4pm at the McCarthy Arts Center, Saint Michael's College. Admission by donation.

For more info: 862-6736, http://www.kingstreetcenter.org/

GREEN MOUNTAIN DERBY DAMES TO BENEFIT WHBW FEB 20

The Green Mountain Derby Dames will be playing in a bout to benefit the services at Women Helping Battered Women on Saturday Feb 20 at 6 pm at the Champlain Valley Expo.  A portion of all proceeds, including ticket sales and a portion of the 50/50 raffle will be donated.

Tickets will be on sale at http://flynntix.org, and halftime entertainment will be provided by Zumba fitness in Burlington.  To learn more about the derby dames you can visit their website at http://www.gmderbydames.com.

For more info: amyh@...

*****

SPORTS/RECREATION

BURLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL HOME GAMES

The student athletes at BHS will compete at home this week as follows:

Girl’s Basketball vs. Spaulding, 2/11, 6:00/JV, 7:30/varsity – senior night

Boy’s Basketball vs. MMU, 2/12, 6:00/JV, 7:30/Varsity

Boy’s Hockey vs. Colchester, 2/13, 8:20pm

Boy’s Basketball vs. St. Johnsbury, 2/16, 5:00/JV, 6:30/Varsity – senior night

For more info: www.bsdvt.org

*****

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

SAFETY IS YOUR RIGHT AND EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY

Want to support people in your community?  Burlington Parallel Justice volunteers call victims of crime, listen to their concerns, offer emotional support, and refer them to resources provided by the Parallel Justice Victim Fund and other community agencies.

We’re looking for reliable, motivated individuals who are interested in providing compassionate and non-judging support.  Volunteers enable Parallel Justice to better meet the needs of victims of crime in Burlington and are core to the continued success of our project. 

Parallel Justice works directly with victims of crime to repair the harm caused by crime.  We cover a spectrum of crimes including but not limited to theft, vandalism, harassment, burglary and assault.

The Burlington Parallel Justice Project recognizes that the criminal justice system is designed to deal with offenders, and can fall short of meeting victims’ needs.  Support is available regardless of whether the offender is caught or prosecuted.  Services and support are available through the Burlington Police Department and The Community Justice Center. 

For more information on applying and job description contact Clark Sheldon at (802) 540-2394.  For more information about Parallel Justice go to www.pjburlington.org

*****

MISC. AND OTHER COOL STUFF

FAHC FARMERS' MARKET FEB 12

Even in the middle of winter, Fletcher Allen Nutrition Services keeps its commitment to providing sustainable, local, healthy food. A winter farmers market will take over the McClure Lobby Conference Room on Friday, Feb. 12, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will feature gift ideas for Valentine's Day and lots of local vendors, including Comeau Family Sugar House, Shelburne Farms, Champlain Orchards, Champlain Valley Apiaries, Jericho Settlers' Farm, Great Harvest Bread Company and August First Bakery. Other likely treats include chocolates, mushrooms, herbs and flowers, and maybe ice cream.

BRANCH OUT BURLINGTON TREE SALE

For the third year in a row, Branch Out Burlington is offering bare-root trees at unbelievable prices. Trees are 5-6 feet and branched. Order early! These trees have sold out for the past two years. Trees must be picked up at The UVM Hort Farm during the Annual Burlington Community Tree Nursery Planting, which takes place on Saturday morning May 1st between 9 and 11:00 a.m. Orders must be received by April 20th.  Please go to our website   www.branchoutburlington.org  for the order form.   Please print, fill out and mail the order form with payment.

BURLINGTON DOG LICENSE REMINDER

All dogs older than six months must be licensed each year before April 1.To license your pet, come to the Burlington Clerk/Treasurer’s Office at City Hall or send the rabies & spay/neutering info in the mail to 149 Church Street with a self addressed/stamped envelope.  You must bring or send proof that the animal has been currently vaccinated against rabies with a vaccine comparable to that required in the State of Vermont.  If the dog was licensed last year there may be a valid rabies certificate on file, so you can just mail in the fee payable to the City of Burlington.   To receive a reduced licensing fee, you must provide a certificate of sterilization from a licensed veterinarian or it must be indicated on the rabies certificate under sex (i.e. MN=male neutered or FS­=female spayed).  Anyone missing the April 1^st deadline is charged a late fee.  If your dog is no longer with you, please contact the Clerk/Treasurer’s office so your files can be updated.

for more info: Clerk/Treasurer’s Office, 865-7000

REGISTER NOW FOR BURLINGTON COMMUNITY GARDEN SPACE  

Spring is right around the corner and now is the time to sign up for a garden plot.  Through BACG, you can register for a full size, half size, or quarter size plot and grow fresh vegetables, herbs, and flowers for your enjoyment. 

All 11 community garden sites are equipped with water and most have community tools sheds. In addition, each site is tilled in the spring.  Space is limited.  Plots are reserved first come first serve.  Descriptions of individual sites are available on-line at www.enjoyburlington.com

Full Size plots are $55.00 for the season. Half size plots are $37.00 for the season. Youth sized plots are $20.00 for the season. (additional $5 charge for non-Burlington residents)

Registration forms can now be downloaded from our website at www.enjoyburlington.com!

Scholarships are available; please contact Chittenden Community Action Office at 863-6248 for more information. To have a registration form mailed to you call 863-0420 or stop by the Burlington Parks & Recreation Office, at 645 Pine Street

*****

COMING ATTRACTIONS

LEUNIGS TO SUPPORT MERCY CONNECTIONS

Have a great meal and support Mercy Connections at the same time on Monday, Feb 22, from 11am to closing at Leunig’s Restaurant on the Church Street Marketplace.   

Mercy Connections will receive 10% of your food or drink bill when you dine at Leunig’s on February 22. Purchase a discount card that allows the bearer to a 20% discount on food at Leunig’s for an entire year and Mercy Connections will receive 50% of the cost of the card.

 For more info: 846.7063, info@...

ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY FOR ALL VERMONTERS - HELP PLAN THE VISION!

Over the coming months, Vermont SWEEP (Statewide Environmental Education Programs) is hosting a number of public dialogues about how to promote environmental literacy for all Vermonters. I'm working with a committee representing businesses, colleges, government agencies and nonprofit groups from around the state on this environmental literacy project. We know that businesses, organizations and communities are educating folks on environmental issues relating to their work and that many have developed model environmental initiatives in their practices. This statewide conversation is an opportunity to share your organization's environmental efforts and to hear what others are doing. The goal is to collect information about these model environmental practices and projects, and to present them as a roadmap to environmental literacy for Vermont. 
To find out more about the process or to find the schedule of public dialogues, please take a look at the website:  http://www.environmentalliteracyvt.org.

Be sure to save the date for the Burlington dialogue: March 24, 6-8pm, Fletcher Free Library.

*****

THE CITY OF BURLINGTON IS HIRING

For info on openings within the city: www.hrjobs.ci.burlington.vt.us

Hello everyone. Burlington’s tenth annual “Neighborhood Night of Success” community celebration, dinner, and awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, March 25^th, from 5:30-7:30pm at Contois Auditorium in City Hall. Nominations are currently being accepted for individuals and businesses that help to make Burlington a great place to live, work and play. If you would like to nominate someone, please find the one-page form at: http://www.cedoburlington.org. Deadline for nominations is February 25.

Hundreds of individuals, groups, and businesses have been honored in past years for the dedication to the Burlington community.

The City of Burlington’s Center for Community and Neighborhoods, a division of CEDO, hosts this event with support from various community members and corporate sponsors. This year’s sponsors include AARP and Merchants Bank.

For more information please contact Jenny Davis, Community Development Specialist with the Center for Community and Neighborhoods at 865-7172 or jdavis@....

Enjoy the up-coming mid-winter school vacation by participating in any of the following Burlington events:

*****

LOCAL GOVT/NEIGHBORHOOD AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

IRV PUBLIC DEBATE TONIGHT

Seven Days and Channel 17/Town Meeting Television are sponsoring a public debate about Instant Runoff Voting (ballot item #5) TONIGHT, at Burlington City Hall Auditorium. The event starts at 7 pm, and will be televised live on Channel 17.

"Majority Matters" presenters Rep. Mark Larson and Keri Toksu will debate "REPEAL IRV" presenteres Sandy Baird and Chuck Selene. A media panel consisting of Shay Totten of Seven Days, Bianca Slota of WCAX and John Briggs of the Burlington Free Press will ask the questions. Jess Wilson of Channel 17 will moderate. Audience members will also be invited to ask questions, and we'll be taking questions via a live web chat at http://www.sevendaysvt.com.

Join us if you've got questions about IRV, or haven't made up your mind how to vote on Question 5 on Burlington's Town Meeting Day ballot. For more info: http://www.7dvt.com/irv-debate

SHELBURNE RD ROUNDABOUT MTG FEB 22

There will be a public information meeting with the Dept. of Public Works and the Vermont Dept. of Transportation to discuss the Shelburne Street Roundabout. The discussion will take place on Feb 22 at 6:30pm at DPW (645 Pine Street.)

TRANSIT DEVELOPMENT PLAN - PUBLIC MEETING FEB 23
 
Please come offer your input on the future of public transportation in Chittenden County! CCTA is updating its Transit Development Plan, which serves as the guiding document for our planning and development efforts for the next five year period. We invite the public to attend our upcoming public meeting to offer feedback on CCTA's future plans, goals, and service development. The mtg is Feb 23 at 6pm in the CCTA offices, 15 Industrial Parkway, Burlington.
 
The CCTA offices are accessible via the Pine Street route. On the night of the meeting, the Pine Street route will offer extended service hours until 8:00 PM to accommodate travel back to downtown Burlington and Cherry Street station. Please contact CCTA with any questions you have: 864-CCTA or TDP@...

NOMINATE A NEIGHBOR

Burlington will celebrate people and businesses that make this a great place to live, work, and/or play at the 10^th Annual Neighborhood Night of Success, March 25, 5:30 – 7:30pm at Contois.

Nominations are now being accepted! If you would like to acknowledge a neighbor, business, or other entity, for their contributions to our community, please find a nomination form at: http://www.cedoburlington.org. Deadline for nominations is Feb 25.

for more info: 865-7172, jdavis@...

In this week’s BUZZ (as it appears in this issue):

1) Info on early voting

2) Neighborhood Awards and Celebration

3) The link for this week’s Govt. meetings

4) New Exhibit at the Firehouse Gallery

5) Fleming Museum to host lecture on photography

6) Free downtown concerts Thursdays at noon

7) Mindfulness Meditation Classes at UVM

8) Free Quit-Smoking Clinics at Fletcher Allen

9) Free visits with doctors at Community Health Center

10) Burlington Permaculture continues to provide a multitude of offerings for residents

11) ONE Gardening workshop Feb 28

12) Church Street to host annual Mardi Gras events

13) Mardi Gras Fundraising Dinner at East Ave Co-Housing

14) Burlington Partnership for a Healthy Community raffles great prizes

15) Encore Benefit for King Street Center

16) Christ the King School prepares for annual silent auction

17) Find wintertime activities in City parks

18) Seahorse basketball teams move through the post-season

19 – 21) Volunteer opportunities with COTS, Women Helping Battered Women, and Parallel Justice
22) Ward 6 residents invited to free breakfast at Champlain College

23) New community grants offered by AARP

24) Branch Out Burlington selling trees at bargain prices

25) Legacy Town Meeting is March 18

26) Link to job openings within the City of Burlington

*****

LOCAL GOVT/NEIGHBORHOOD AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

1) EARLY/ABSENTEE VOTING AVAILABLE NOW

Election Day is March 2. If you will be out of town on Election Day, or if you want to avoid Election Day crowds, please consider voting early by absentee ballot. 

To obtain an absentee ballot in the City of Burlington you may do the following: 

1.  In person:  go to the City Clerk and Treasurer’s Office located on the second floor of Burlington City Hall.  Normal hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.  The Clerk's office will also be open for extended hours, Saturday February 27th from 9:00 AM - Noon and Monday March 1st from 8AM-7:30 PM. 

2.  By Phone:  Call 865-7000 to request a ballot by phone.  The ballot will be sent to you and you can return it by mail. 

3.  Online:  go to http://www.ci.burlington.vt.us/ct/elections/.  There is a link to download an absentee ballot, as well as lots of information about the candidates and questions on the ballot. 

You may request a ballot in person, by phone, or online for yourself or an immediate family member.  There is no ID required. 

 There are many important items on the March 2 ballot, including races for City Councilors and School Commissioners.  PLEASE VOTE!!!!!!

2) CELEBRATE BURLINGTON

Burlington will celebrate people and businesses that make this a great place to live, work, and/or play at the 10^th Annual Neighborhood Night of Success, March 25, 5:30 – 7:30pm at Contois.

Nominations are now being accepted! If you would like to acknowledge a neighbor, business, or other entity, for their contributions to our community, please find a nomination form at: http://www.cedoburlington.org. Deadline for nominations is TODAY, Feb 25!

for more info: 865-7172, jdavis@...

3) GOVT MEETINGS

Here is the link for a list of all Government meetings in Burlington for the week: www.ci.burlington.vt.us/events

*****

THE ARTS

4) THIS WORLD, OTHER WORLD AT FIREHOUSE GALLERY

Imagined landscape and invented structure is the theme of This World, Other World, an exhibition of Vermont Studio Center alumni. The show is comprised of paintings and sculpture by Cora Cohen, Carrie Dickason, Sarah Fitzsimons, Janelle Iglesias, Reid Hitt, Erin Kaczkowski, Magnolia Laurie and Siobhan McBride, each of whom create a compelling world of their own construct. The pieces in this show range from intimate paintings to large scale sculptural installations. Despite scale, each artist offers a rather intimate space. These are not vast expanses, but tighter, more contained displays of space and structure, a wunderkammer filled with evidence of places, offering slivers and glimpses of worlds.

for more info: www.burlingtoncityarts.com

5) FLEMING MUSEUM SPECIAL PROGRAM

"Do I Look Fearless?" - Warhol, Photography, and Identity. This symposium explores the relationship between photography and sexual, economic, and ethnic identity, diversity, and inequality, and their relevance for contemporary culture and politics. Speakers include Binta Ayofemi, California College of the Arts; Anthony Grudin, Dept. of Art and Art History; Jason Hanasik, University of California at Berkeley; and Edward Vazquez, Middlebury College. Feb 28, 2-4:30.

for more info: 656-0750

6) THURSDAY NOON CONCERTS

The First United Methodist Church of Burlington (21 Buell St., corner of Winooski Ave) announces the third annual series of free Thursday lunchtime concerts.  This series of concerts will continue every Thursday until April 8 at 12:15. Light refreshments are provided in addition to the wonderful music.
for more info: 862-1151

7) MINDFULNESS MEDITATION AT UVM

All groups include meditation instruction, practice and discussion. Weekly Mindfulness Meditation Groups are free and open to students, staff, faculty and the community. Feb 26, 12-12:45, at the Center for Cultural Pluralism, Allen House, 3rd floor (corner of Main and S. Prospect Streets).

For more info: 656-3340

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CLASSES/WORKSHOPS

8) FREE QUIT SMOKING CLINICS AT FLETCHER ALLEN

There will be several four week “quit tobacco” groups that include free patches, gum, or lozenges. All services are provided by a certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist. Here is the list of the March class times:
- Mondays, 1:30 - 2:30pm @FAHC, McClure 5 Conference Room, (Rm. 5111 on Level 5 - near McClure elevator)
- Mondays, 5:30 - 6:30pm @ FAHC, Frymoyer Resource Center (Level 3, near the Main Entrance Info. Desk)
- Tuesdays, 11:00am - 12:15pm @ Tilley Drive Cardiology Clinic Conf. Rm., (S. Burlington)
- Wednesdays, 5:30-6:45pm @ Community Health Improvement Office (Downtown Burlington 199 Main Street, Suite 150)

For more info: 847-6541, wellness@...

9) FREE CLINIC DAY AT CHC

The Community Health Center of Burlington will offer up to 100 free appointments with a medical provider on Sunday, March 14 from 8am – noon. This event is open to all ages but does require that you call to schedule an appt. It is a first come, first served process. For more info: 864-6309 x 190, acalderara@...

10) BURLINGTON PERMACULTURE OFFERS MODEL MAKING 

If you ever dream of building a house, designing a working landscape, or adapting the built environment around you, small scale models are an effective way to visualize ideas.  In this workshop we will introduce methods of creating accurate models of structures and landscapes.  Materials will be provided, though feel free to bring any plans or photos for projects you may be working on.  The workshop is Feb 28, 2-4:00 at 30 Monroe St. (ONE). $5 Suggested Donation.  

for more info: pkschwartzkopf@...

10) ENVIRONMENT & CLIMATE CHANGE SERIES

Burlington Permaculture will host a March series on Environment & Climate Change at the First Congregational Church, 38 So Winooski Ave. Come at 6 pm and enjoy soup, salad and good company.   Each presentation will be from 6:30 to 7:30 with time for Q&A.  A $5 donation is suggested to cover the cost of the meal. 

Thursday, March 4: Prof William Vitek, Chair, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at Clarkson University, will speak on Environmental Ethics. 

Thursday, March 11: Alan Betts, Environmentalist, writer and Atmospheric Researcher, President of the Vermont Academy of Science and Engineering will be the speaker. 

Thursday, March 18: The speaker will be Rev. Nancy Wright, Pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church in S. Burlington.  Rev Wright has worked in Environmental Stewardship and has co-authored a book on Environmental Issues and Faith.  

Thursday, March 25: The speaker will be Amy Seidl, Vermont Ecologist and author of Early Spring, a book that details the impact of climate change in her own back yard and local community.  

for more info: burlingtonpermaculture@...

11) GARDEN WORKSHOP FEB 28

Neighborhood Roots: Connecting our community to the gardening opportunities around us Hear from neighborhood gardeners, learn about where you can grow your own food in Burlington, and start planting! Sunday Feb. 28th at 2pm (English) and 3pm (Maay Maay) at the Riverside Apartments Community Center, located at 669 Riverside Avenue (parking available on Intervale Ave. in lot on the right). Free snacks and seeds - All are welcome!

Grow Team ONE is now accepting applications for the Riverside and Archibald neighborhood gardens. 

for more info: 978-855-0661 or lizdquinn@..., http://www.growteamvt.com

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CHURCH STREET MARKETPLACE

12) MARDI GRAS FEB 27

The 15th Annual Magic Hat Mardi Gras Parade marches up Church Street Marketplace starting at 3p.m. on Saturday, Feb 27. Over 40 floats take part in the parade which is followed by festivities at many different venues. The Burlington Police Department will be closing the cross streets traversing Church Street at 2:30 pm that day to prepare for the parade.  The parade is anticipated to be approximately 1 hour. The side streets will then open at the conclusion of the parade, with the exception of Cherry Street, which will stay closed for an additional two hours as a safety precaution. The parade raises money for the Burlington Women's Rape Crisis Center.  

For more info:  To find out more about this huge, vibrant annual attraction visit  www.magichat.net/mardigras2010.

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FUNDRAISERS

13) JAMBALAYA FUNDRAISING DINNER FEB 27

Join the "Friends of East Avenue" Mardi Gras Feast fundraising dinner on Feb 27.  The menu includes
a Jambalaya (veggie and carnie), Homegrown Green Beans, Cornbread and New Orleans Style Bread Pudding.

The event is at 6pm at the Cohousing dining room, 180 East Avenue and is to help raise funds for legal fees to preserve 198 East Ave. Donations in the range of $10 - $25 are requested. To reserve a space: 399-2475.

14) BURLINGTON PARTNERSHIP HOSTS RAFFLE

The Burlington Partnership for a Healthy Community is a coalition of agencies working to positively impact the Burlington community by addressing the causes and consequences of substance abuse. In conjunction with their up-coming “Roots of Prevention” Awards Ceremony (April 12 at the Elks Club on North Ave.), the Partnership is selling raffle tickets with loads of great prizes from area businesses, including an overnight stay at the Hilton Hotel, Lake Champlain Chocolates, gift card from the Daily Planet, sailing time at the Community Sailing Center.

for more info on how you can support the Partnership through this raffle: www.burlingtonpartnership.com, 324-3867

15) MUSICAL BENEFIT FOR KING STREET CENTER

Please join us on Feb 28 for a fun filled evening of warmth and wit with Encore!   Tim Barden, Joyce Flanagan, Stephen Rainville, Cathy Walsh and Denise Whittier are performing one last benefit for the King Street Center.  Shows will take place at 5:30pm and 7:30pm with a dessert reception in the Amy Tarrant Gallery beginning at 6:30pm.

for more info and/or for tickets: 862-6736 or www.flynntix.org.

16) CHRIST THE KING SCHOOL SILENT AUCTION

Christ the King School located at 136 Locust Street in Burlington is getting ready for our annual Cabaret and Silent Auction and needs your help. Please contact us if you or your business would like to donate something to our silent auction. For more information, please contact Barb Rouleau or Jon Hughes at jhughes@....

This is a large event that averages over 1000 attendees over the 2 night event (2 separate auctions held). All proceeds directly benefit the children of Christ the King School. Mark your calendars for March 19 and 20 for an evening of great fun.

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SPORTS/RECREATION

17) FREE WINTERTIME ACTIVITIES IN CITY PARKS

There is always something fun to do in our parks: sledding, ice skating, cross-country skiing, hiking, snow shoeing. For the most up-to-date snow and ice conditions, log onto: www.enjoyburlington.com

18) BHS B’BALL TEAMS IN POST-SEASON

The following BHS winter varsity teams will be competing in post-season action:

Girl’s Basketball Seahorses – Semi-Finals at Patrick Arena, Feb 27, 7pm

Boy’s Basketball Seahorses – Second Round playoffs, Feb 27, 2pm at BHS

For more info:  www.vpaonline.org

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

19) COTS WALK CROSSING GUARDS NEEDED

The 2010 COTS Walk is on Sunday, May 2^nd and it is our biggest fundraiser of the year. We need lots of volunteers on the day of the event to help at Battery Park. We especially need CROSSING GUARDS, who are posted at intersections throughout the Walk to make sure participants cross safely, as well as folks to help with refreshments, hospitality and more. The time frame is approximately 1 to 4 p.m. It's a ton of fun and a wonderful way to support a great cause! For more information or to sign up, email Mary Beth at marybethj@... or call 864-7402.

20) WOMEN HELPING BATTERED WOMEN PHONE-A-THON MAR 1-2

Women Helping Battered Women's Phone-a-Thon is one of the orgsr largest and most popular events.  If you like working in a fast paced group environment, with supportive, upbeat individuals, then this event is definitely for you! Not much of a talker? We still need your help with processing paperwork, and motivating our callers!

No prior experience is required.  Friends and family are welcome to attend, but we do ask that anyone under 16 be accompanied by an adult.  Food, drink, and prizes will be provided.  The event is happening March 1 and 2 from 5:30-8:30 pm. Please RSVP to attend - Amy at amyh@... 658-3131 x 1076. 

21) SUPPORT VICTIMS OF CRIME

Burlington Parallel Justice volunteers call victims of crime, listen to their concerns, offer emotional support, and refer them to resources provided by the Parallel Justice Victim Fund and other community agencies.

We’re looking for reliable, motivated individuals who are interested in providing compassionate and non-judging support.  Volunteers enable Parallel Justice to better meet the needs of victims of crime in Burlington and are core to the continued success of our project. 

Parallel Justice works directly with victims of crime to repair the harm caused by crime.  We cover a spectrum of crimes including but not limited to theft, vandalism, harassment, burglary and assault.

The Burlington Parallel Justice Project recognizes that the criminal justice system is designed to deal with offenders, and can fall short of meeting victims’ needs.  Support is available regardless of whether the offender is caught or prosecuted.  Services and support are available through the Burlington Police Department and The Community Justice Center. 

For more information on applying and job description contact Clark Sheldon at (802) 540-2394.  For more information about Parallel Justice go to www.pjburlington.org

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MISC. AND OTHER COOL STUFF

22) CHAMPLAIN STUDENTS TO HOST WARD 6 RESIDENTS AT COMMUNITY BREAKFAST

Champlain Cares is hosting a FREE breakfast for neighbors in Ward 6 on Feb 27 from 9 - 11:00am.

Join student leaders on campus in the Fireside Lounge (at the cafeteria entrance) for a bite to eat and a chance to give your suggestions.  Champlain Cares wants to know what it is that students can do to help the community whether it is shoveling, dog walking, trash pick-ups, free movie nights on campus, tree planting and more!

23) NEW COMMUNITY GRANTS AVAILABLE

AARP is pleased to announce a Community Action Sponsorship program as part of the Burlington Livable Community Project. This program will provide funding to Burlington neighborhood groups and small non-profits for projects that advance the recommendations in the BLCP report http://www.blcp.org/assets/files/GreatCity.pdf.

I have attached the RFP, application, and news release for your information. We will select three groups for one-year funding in the range of $500-$2,000 each. Deadline for applications is May 6, 2010. Information on the sponsorship program along with a downloadable RFP and application can be found at www.blcp.org. 

for more info please contact Jennifer Wallace Brodeur at 951-1313 or jwbrodeur@....

24) BRANCH OUT BURLINGTON TREES AVAILABLE

For the third year in a row, Branch Out Burlington is offering bare-root trees at unbelievable prices. Trees are 5-6 feet and branched. Order early! These trees have sold out for the past two years. Trees must be picked up at The UVM Hort Farm during the Annual Burlington Community Tree Nursery Planting, which takes place on Saturday morning May 1 between 9 and 11:00am. Orders must be received by April 20.
Find order form and full tree descriptions at http://www.branchoutburlington.org

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COMING ATTRACTIONS

25) LEGACY TOWN MEETING MARCH 18

Come Celebrate!  The Burlington Legacy Project invites you to Town Meeting, Thursday, March 18, 5-7:30 to celebrate 10 years of work towards a sustainable future.  Learn how far we've come and share your ideas, hopes and dreams for Burlington 2030.  Dinner and entertainment provided!  For more info:  whines@... or jgreen@....

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THE CITY OF BURLINGTON IS HIRING

26) For info on openings within the city: www.hrjobs.ci.burlington.vt.us

In this edition of the Neighborhood BUZZ:

1)       Neighborhood Planning Assemblies

2)       Public Forum on Google RFI Tonight

3)       “Group of Nine” has website

4)       Govt. Mtgs for the week

5)       First Friday Art Walk

6)       Free organ concerts

7)       Very Merry Theater to perform this weekend

8)       Tax-free shopping on Saturday

9)       Peace and Justice Store hosts event

10)    Build your credit

11)    Burlington Permaculture event

12)    Indoor Gardening Workshop

13)    Free Clinic at CHC

14)    Women take center stage

15)    Dodge Ball Pick-up games

16)    BHS Boy’s b’ball team in state finals

17)    Mobius Mentoring recruiting

18)    “Branch Out” selling trees

19)    Screening for Intl Women’s Day

20)    Celebration of neighbors

21)    Spring job fair at Champlain College

22)    Help create environmental roadmap

23)    Burlington’s Egg Hunt

24)    Parent workshop on adolescent brains

25)    Link to job openings within the city

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LOCAL GOVT/NEIGHBORHOOD AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

1) NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING ASSEMBLIES SPRING INTO MARCH

Neighborhood Planning Assemblies are grass-roots, neighborhood organizations that were established in each of Burlington's seven Wards to encourage citizen participation in City government. The NPA meeting in your Ward provides a great way to get involved in neighborhood and city issues and make your opinions heard. NPAs meeting this week:

WARD 6 NPA TONIGHT, 7pm at the Greek Orthodox Church, 600 S. Willard St. Agenda items include updates from institutional neighbors, city councilors, school commissioners, updates by DPW on the rotary project and the south end parkway, presentations by the Champlain Housing Trust, AARP and their new community grants program.

WARD 1 NPA March 10, 7pm, Memorial Lounge, UVMs Waterman Bldg. agenda items include plans for the Colchester Ave redesign, improvements to the Hyde / North / School Streets "triangle”, an update from CarShareVT, as well as updates from city councilors and school commissioners.

For more info on NPAs: 865-7172, http://www.cedoburlington.org/neighborhoods/npa/npas1.htm

2) PUBLIC MEETING ON POTENTIAL GOOGLE OPPORTUNITY TONIGHT

Google Seeking "Trial Location" for Fiber Optic Network: The City of Burlington will hold a public meeting TONIGHT (March 4) from 6:30 to 8 pm, at Contois Auditorium, for residents, businesses and community organizations to provide input on a potential opportunity to partner with Google on a fiber-optic network in Burlington.

Google recently announced a plan to establish a fiber network in one or more trial communities across the country.  Google's intent is to deliver Internet speeds more than 100 times faster than what most Americans have access to today, over 1 gigabit per second, fiber-to-the-home connections. Google is accepting responses from interested municipalities through a "Request for Information" (RFI) process, with a deadline for responses of March 26.

The City of Burlington is currently in the process of drafting an RFI in response to Google and would like to hear from the public about partnering with Google.  Residents can also go to a special page on the City website http://www.ci.burlington.vt.us/mayor/google for more information; check out the Facebook page Burlington for Google Fiber (link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/@/327909189860); email btv-google@... ; or call the Mayor's Office at 865-7272.

"Burlington is in a unique position to respond to Google with a fiber system already in place," said Mayor Bob Kiss.  "We look forward to hearing from the public about this potential partnership."

Interested municipalities will be judged, in part, on the level of community support for a partnership with Google. The City encourages members of the public who support the idea to express their support through joining the Facebook page, attending the March 4 public meeting, and/or sending an e-mail.  There will be more information at the meeting about how the public can be involved with the City's response to the RFI.

More information about the Google effort can be found at: http://www.google.com/appserve/fiberrfi

3) INFO ON “GROUP OF 9” PLAN FOR BURLINGTON TELECOM

The "Group of 9" now has a web site with FAQs and a way to submit questions: www.rebootbt.com

4) GOVT MEETINGS

Here is the link for a list of all Government meetings in Burlington for the week: www.ci.burlington.vt.us/events

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THE ARTS

5) FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK MARCH 5

First Friday Art Walk is a community event that takes place the first Friday of each month throughout the city of Burlington. The event is free and open to anyone. Between thirty and forty art venues are open between 5 and 8pm for the Art Walk. Some venues have openings, talks, music, or other special activities. Others are simply open late. Individuals start their art walk by visiting any participating venue and picking up a copy of Art Map Burlington, the official publication of First Friday Art Walk.

Guided Tours: Burlington City Arts offers walking tours led by staff and volunteers who are knowledgeable about each space and can answer questions about the exhibitions. Tours leave from the Firehouse Gallery every half hour, starting at 5:30PM and ending at 7PM. Tours last about an hour and visit exhibitions within walking distance of downtown.

For more info: 264-4839 or info@....

6) THURSDAY NOON CONCERTS

First United Methodist Church of Burlington announces the third annual series of free Thursday noonday concerts. 
This third year of free community concerts will continue every Thursday until April 8.  
for more info: 862-1151

7) WEST SIDE STORY MARCH 5-7

Very Merry Theatre presents "West Side Story" this weekend at its "333" performing arts space in Burlington (in the old bus barns building near Good News Garage). Come see this delightful group of teenagers as they present Leonard Bernstein's classic musical. All performances are free: March 5, 7pm; March 6, 2pm & 7pm; March 7, 5pm.

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CHURCH STREET MARKETPLACE

8) TAX-FREE SHOPPING MARCH 6

Vermont's next Sales Tax Holiday is scheduled for Saturday, March 6!  The guidelines state that personal property costing $2,000 or less purchased for personal use are exempt from sales and local option sales tax on that day.  Get to the marketplace and take advantage of the savings!

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CLASSES/WORKSHOPS

9) FAIR TRADE TALK MARCH 6

This Saturday at the Peace & Justice Store,  Melinda Haselton, from Dolma Designs will share stories and pictures from the fair trade women's artisan cooperatives she works with in India.  In honor of Women's History Month, they will look at the ways in which fair trade empowers women.  All are invited to come enjoy tea, goodies and an educational conversation about fair trade, women's empowerment and economic justice. The event is from 2 – 4:00pm at 60 Lake Street.

10) BUILDING YOUR CREDIT

Learn the details of the important and often confusing world of credit. Learn all the basics and get smart about this issue. You can improve your credit in a variety of ways and we want to help you get started. This is a two part series: Mondays, March 22 and 29, 6 – 8pm, 294 N. Winooski Ave.

For more info: 860-1417 x 104, growingmoney@...

11) BURLINGTON PERMACULTURE OFFERS TREE SKI

This afternoon event will focus on the winter identification characteristics of trees and shrubs.  We'll explore the incredible species diversity and woodland ecology at Rock Point, learning how to distinguish woody plants based on their foliage, branching patterns, buds, twigs, leaf scars, bark, growth form and habitat.  This event will be outdoors, so dress appropriately.  If the snow cover is light, feel free to leave your skis and snowshoes at home. March 7, 4pm, Rock Point School: meet in the parking lot across from the community gardens and the Bishop’s office.  FREE.

for more info: burlingtonpermaculture@...

12) INDOOR GARDENING WORKSHOP

Learn how to garden indoors with Peter Burke at City Market on March 20, 2 – 3:00pm. This workshop will focus on growing a steady supply of fresh greens with only a cupboard and a windowsill.  Ready to harvest in just 7 to 10 days; grow greens that are both good for fresh salads and to cook in a stir fry! Winter weather or living in an apartment is no reason to not to have a garden. Peter will show you how to grow the bulk of your salad greens with Sunflower, Radish, Buckwheat, Peas and Broccoli. The workshop will outline general techniques for many varieties of greens. Everyone will plant their own tray of greens to take home!

Pre-register at Customer Service or by emailing mklepack@.... Material Costs $5

13) FREE CLINIC DAY AT CHC

The Community Health Center of Burlington will offer up to 100 free appointments with a medical provider on Sunday, March 14 from 8am – noon. This event is open to all ages but does require that you call to schedule an appt. It is a first come, first served process. For more info: 864-6309 x 190, acalderara@...

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FUNDRAISERS

14) VARIETY SHOW ON ROLES OF WOMEN

This is the second of the "Salmagundi: A Stage Where Change Takes Place" performance art variety show fundraiser series. Women have played many roles in the past, present, and future of our lives. We are mothers, sisters, daughters, aunts, friends, lovers, workers, artists, farmers, and more... and many times play more than one role. Each woman experiences life differently, as we are different in so many ways. Not all women's lives and experiences are great, and some are outstanding... These are the realities of our lives. Join us for this variety show including song, poetry, theatre and more from your favorite local performance artists! March 13, 7pm at the North End Studio, 294 N. Winooski, Suggested donation: $10 to benefit Mercy Connections. For more info: jb4pax@...,863-6713

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SPORTS/RECREATION

15) ADULT CO-ED PICKUP DODGEBALL

Join in on Co-Ed Adult Pickup Dodgeball at the Miller Rec Center on Gosse Court in Burlington. Games are played on Sundays from 1:00-3:00pm and are $5 per person. Games are open to anyone over 18 and we use a combination of the rubber playground balls and rubber coated foam balls.

16) SEAHORSE B’BALL TEAM IN STATE FINALS

The Burlington High School boy’s basketball team will face Essex HS on Saturday, March 6 at 7pm in Patrick Arena for the D-1 State Championship game. for more info: www.vpaonline.org

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

17) MENTOR OPPORTUNITY

2500 More Mentors Needed in Chittenden County!...

Have you ever thought about becoming a mentor? All that's required of you is the desire to help a child discover and make the most of his/her talents. By volunteering to spend just one hour a week with a mentee for one year, you could make a huge difference in that child's life.

Mobius, the Mentoring Movement is a local non-profit dedicated to developing a culture of mentoring in our communities. We would love to help you find a mentoring opportunity that fits your schedule and interests with one of the 16 affiliated programs in Chittenden County.

We are very thankful for all that our 788 current mentors do for their mentees, but the need for additional volunteers is overwhelming. Over 2500 more mentors are needed in Chittenden County alone!

For more info: benji@..., 658-1888

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MISC. AND OTHER COOL STUFF

18) BARE-ROOT TREES AT UNBELIEVABLE PRICES

Branch Out Burlington is offering bare-root trees at unbelievable prices. Trees are 5-6 feet and branched. These trees usually sell out quickly, so order now. Trees must be picked up at The UVM Hort Farm during the Annual Burlington Community Tree Nursery Planting, on Saturday morning May 1st from 9-11:00am.

To order or for more info: www.branchoutburlington.org

19) INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 

Get ready for International Women’s Day and support the International Violence against Women Act by attending a special one-night-only event in movie theatres around the country this Thursday. “Half the Sky Live” will be shown at 450 theaters in the United States and Canada on March 4 at 7:30pm. It was inspired by stories from the critically-acclaimed book, Half the Sky, by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. The event will feature music, celebrity discussion and the world premiere of “Woineshet,” a powerful short film directed by Academy Award winner Marisa Tomeiand Lisa Leone that chronicles the struggles of an Ethiopian woman who triumphs over violence and discrimination. International Women’s Day is next Monday, March 8. The movie will be screened locally at the Palace 9 Theater in S. Burlington.

For more info: http://www.endabuse.org/content/features/detail/1465/

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COMING ATTRACTIONS

20) NEIGHBORHOOD NIGHT OF SUCCESS MARCH 25

Burlington will celebrate people and businesses that make this a great place to live, work, and/or play at the 10^th Annual Neighborhood Night of Success, March 25, 5:30 – 7:30pm at Contois. This event is free and open to all Burlington residents and includes dinner, entertainment, and the program.

for more info: 865-7172, jdavis@...

21) CHAMPLAIN COLLEGE SPRING JOB FAIR MARCH 29

Champlain College will host a Spring Job Fair on March 29, from 1:30-5:30 p.m. in the Champlain College Gym within the IDX Student Life Center, 262 South Willard Street, Burlington.  The event is co-sponsored by the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce, Vermont Department of Labor, and the Vermont Human Resource Association.  Participating employers will be recruiting for full-time, part-time and seasonal positions.  Some may also be offering internships.  The event is open to all job seekers.  Since parking on campus is limited, public transportation, walking, or car pooling is suggested.

Info: http://www.champlain.edu/career-services.html

22) ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY FOR ALL VERMONTERS - HELP PLAN THE VISION!

Over the coming months, Vermont SWEEP (Statewide Environmental Education Programs) is hosting a number of public dialogues about how to promote environmental literacy for all Vermonters. I'm working with a committee representing businesses, colleges, government agencies and nonprofit groups from around the state on this environmental literacy project. We know that businesses, organizations and communities are educating folks on environmental issues relating to their work and that many have developed model environmental initiatives in their practices. This statewide conversation is an opportunity to share your organization's environmental efforts and to hear what others are doing. The goal is to collect information about these model environmental practices and projects, and to present them as a roadmap to environmental literacy for Vermont. 
To find out more about the process or to find the schedule of public dialogues, please take a look at the website:  http://www.environmentalliteracyvt.org.

Be sure to save the date for the Burlington dialogue: March 24, 6-8pm, Fletcher Free Library.

23) BURLINGTON EGGSTRAVAGANZA MARCH 27

Bring the family to Oakledge Park on March 27 for Burlington's 8th Annual EGGSTRAVAGANZA, an 'eggcellent' free event! The egg hunt starts at 11am, with over 10,000 plastic eggs scattered across the park's open fields. Enjoy complimentary refreshments, cookie decorating, an egg-decorating contest, and of course the Egg Hunt Bunny, Chicken and Maurice the Moose!

Decorate eggs at home with your family and bring them to the EGGSTRAVAGANZA by 11AM to be judged in the egg-decorating contest. Fun prizes will be awarded to participants for most original, wackiest, and most colorful egg in each age group. So get decorating and bring in a winner!
for more info: enjoyburlington.com

24) BURLINGTON PARTNERSHIP TO HOST NATIONAL EXPERT

Dr. David Walsh is the author of nine books, including the national best seller Why Do They Act That Way? A Survival Guide to the Adolescent Brain for You and Your Teen.   He has appeared on NBC's Today Show, Good Morning America, The CBS Early Show, The News Hour with Jim Lehrer, Dateline NBC, ABC's 20/20 and National Public Radio's All Things Considered and Morning Edition.  He has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Council on Family Relation's Friend of the Family Award.

Dr. Walsh will blend humor, warmth, scientific substance, and practical advice. He will help parents to understand the adolescent brain and why a parent’s role is so crucial in your child’s development and in particular the role of substance use on teen development.

This event is March 31, 6:30 – 8pm at the Burlington High School Auditorium and is FREE and open to the public.  Childcare will be available by Burlington High School students with reservations in advance.  RSVP for childcare to Danielle Spaulding, 864-2148 or dspauldi@.... 

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THE CITY OF BURLINGTON IS HIRING

25) For info on openings within the city: www.hrjobs.ci.burlington.vt.us

Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night! Spring will feel even closer come Sunday night with that extra hour of daylight. Here’s this week’s loaded Neighborhood BUZZ:

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LOCAL GOVT/NEIGHBORHOOD AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

LEGACY TOWN MEETING MARCH 18

Come Celebrate!  The Burlington Legacy Project invites you to Town Meeting, Thursday, March 18, 5-7:30 to celebrate 10 years of work towards a sustainable future.  Learn how far we've come and share your ideas, hopes and dreams for Burlington 2030.  Dinner and entertainment provided! 

For more info: whines@... or jgreen@....

VILLAGE AT LEDDY PARK COMMUNITY MTG MARCH 17

The Wards 4/7 Neighborhood Planning Assembly is sponsoring a community meeting on March 17 from 6:30-8:30 pm at the Miller Community Center with Cathedral Square Corporation, Champlain Housing Trust, Housing Vermont, Fair Housing Project and CEDO to give the community the opportunity to see the plans to transform the former Thayer School property on North Avenue (presently DMV) into the "Village at Leddy Park".   This meeting is a follow up to a forum held in the fall when community members were asked what features they wanted to see in this new development.  The plans include continued operation of DMV, new office/commercial space and over 100 mixed-income housing units for seniors and families. Come see the drawings, hear the presentation, see how your ideas were incorporated into
the plans, and give us feedback -- how are we doing?

For information on accessibility, call Brian Pine at CEDO: 865-7232 or email: bpine@...   The Community and Economic Development Office (CEDO) provided seed funding, technical assistance and financing for this development.

THREE NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING ASSEMBLIES CONVENE THIS WEEK

Neighborhood Planning Assemblies are grass-roots, neighborhood organizations that were established in each of Burlington's seven Wards to encourage citizen participation in City government. The NPA meeting in your Ward provides a great way to get involved in neighborhood and city issues and make your opinions heard. NPAs meeting this week:

WARDS 2 and 3 NPA TONIGHT, 6:30pm, MultiGen Center, 241 N. Winooski Ave, community dinner, 5:30 – 6:30.

Wards 4 and 7 NPA, March 16, 6:45pm, Miller Community Center, 130 Gosse Ct.

WARD 5  NPA March 17, 7pm, DPW, 645 Pine St.

To see the agendas for the above Assemblies and/or to learn more: 865-7172, http://www.cedoburlington.org/neighborhoods/npa/npas1.htm

CITIZENS' COMMITTEE ON CHAMPLAIN PARKWAY FORMING

The Champlain Parkway (aka the Southern Connector) has been an ongoing issue for Burlington's South End for over 40 years.  After all these years, it is anyone's guess as to whether it will ever be built.  However, the project recently reached a major milestone with regard to approvals from the Federal government and is probably as close as it has ever been to becoming a reality.  Three Burlington organizations -- the South End Arts and Business Association (SEABA), the Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly (NPA), and Local Motion -- are working together to convene a "Citizens Committee on the Champlain Parkway."  This informal group will meet over the next few months to review the plan.

The first step in the process will be two South End-wide meetings, one focused on neighborhood concerns and one on business concerns.  Anyone is welcome at either meeting; however, each meeting will focus on one topic (business or residential), so people who have just one main concern should attend that meeting.

The schedule for the two meetings is as follows:
MEETING REGARDING NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: March 15, 6:30 to 8:00pm, Champlain Elementary School cafeteria

MEETING REGARDING LOCAL BUSINESS CONCERNS: March 16, 6:30 to 8:00pm, Soda Plant, 266 Pine Street
(park in Recycle North lot -- follow the signs on the doors between Recycle North and Conant Custom Brass)

for more info: nelsmith@..., jvandriesche@...

DOG PARK IN THE SOUTH END

Any residents interested in joining an effort to open a dog park in the south end of Burlington are invited to an organizational meeting on March 16, 5 – 6:00pm at the Center for Community and Neighborhoods, 125 College St., 2^nd Fl (above the Daily News). For more info: jdavis@..., 865-7172.

GOVT MEETINGS

Here is the link for a list of all Government meetings in Burlington for the week: www.ci.burlington.vt.us/events

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THE ARTS

SPIRITUALTIY AND STONES

Fletcher Free Library will host the Rev. Jim Gorman who will talk about stone circles and megalithic tombs, some of which were built more than 5000 years ago on the Emerald Isle. This talk is part of Burlington’s Irish Heritage festival and is free and open to the public. March 12, noon – 1:00. for more info: 863-3403, www.fletcherfree.org.

BURLINGTON IRISH MUSIC SHOWCASE

Come celebrate Burlington’s Irish heritage with a showcase of song and dance, featuring several area artists. The event is March 13, 6pm at Contois Auditorium in City Hall. $15 at the door. For more info: 865-7000.

FOLK DANCE FRIDAY MARCH 12

International Folk Dancing will take place at the North End Studio on Friday at 8. All dances are taught or reviewed. $5,
294 North Winooski Ave. Suite 116B, 863-6713  northendstudio@...,
http://vpal.typepad.com/vermont_performing_arts_l/north-end-studio.html

ECHO CENTER HOSTS PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT

US Senator Patrick Leahy has served Vermont for 35 years in the Nation’s Capital, years that have given him a front row seat to innumerable historic events. You can witness history unfolding, from an insider’s perspective at ECHO’s unique exhibition, featuring the Senator’s personally selected photos. The event opens March 13 at the Echo Lake and Science Center, along Burlington’s waterfront.

For more info: www.echovermont.org, 877-324-6386

FLETCHER FREE HOSTS “BOOKED FOR LUNCH”

Booked for Lunch at the Fletcher Free Library on March 18 at 12 noon features VT writer Louella Bryant, author of THE BLACK BONNET and WHILE IN DARKNESS THERE IS LIGHT. Booked for Lunch is free and open to the public. Light refreshments provided, with donations appreciated.

THURSDAY NOON CONCERTS

First United Methodist Church of Burlington announces the third annual series of free Thursday noonday concerts. 
This third year of free community concerts will continue every Thursday until April 8.  
for more info: 862-1151

'THE GARDEN' DOCUMENTARY SHOWING MARCH 20

“The Garden”, a 2008 Academy Award nominated documentary by Scott Hamilton Kennedy, will be shown on Saturday, March 20 at 7:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 21 Buell Street, in Burlington. A community potluck supper in the church's Fellowship Hall precedes the film at 6:00 p.m. Potluck participants are asked to bring a dish to share and place setting. The Garden follows the struggle of a group of urban community gardeners as they fight to save the 14-acre South Central Farm in Los Angeles from being bulldozed. The film is unrated and contains brief strong language. The movie showing is cosponsored by the FUMC Justice and Social Concerns Committee and Friends of Burlington Gardens. Admission is free. for more info: Jim Flint, 861-4769, http://www.burlingtongardens.org

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CLASSES/WORKSHOPS

LAWN TO GARDEN CONVERSION WORKSHOP TONIGHT

In this evening workshop led by Mark Krawczyk, we will discuss simple, chemical-free strategies to eliminate lawn, build healthy soil and establish beautiful, productive gardens. Additionally, we'll examine the design, installation and maintenance of perennial, edible forest gardens, providing a dynamic, productive alternative to conventional landscaping. Donations welcome. TONIGHT, 6:30-8:30pm, Burlington Public Works Building - 645 Pine St. This event is Co-sponsored by Burlington Department of Parks and Recreation and Burlington Permaculture.

BUILDING YOUR CREDIT

Learn the details of the important and often confusing world of credit. Learn all the basics and get smart about this issue. You can improve your credit in a variety of ways and we want to help you get started. This is a two part series: Mondays, March 22 and 29, 6 – 8pm, 294 N. Winooski Ave.

For more info: 860-1417 x 104, growingmoney@...

SIMPLICITY PARENTING LECTURE & WORKSHOP

As the pace of life accelerates to hyper-speed -- with too much stuff, too many choices, and too little time -- children feel the pressure. On March 12 and 13 internationally renowned family consultant and author Kim John Payne will share tools and strategies for simplifying life with children of any age, in his lecture and workshop Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids.

Based on Payne’s twenty years experience successfully counseling busy families, this lecture and workshop shows parents how to worry and hover less--and how to enjoy more! For those who want to slow their children’s lives down, but don’t know where to start, Payne offers both inspiration and a blueprint for change.

Simplicity lecture, March 12, 7pm-9pm, Contois Auditorium, City Hall, Burlington
Simplicity workshop, March 13, 9am-1pm, Lake Champlain Waldorf School Shelburne Campus
Friday lecture only - $12 for individual/$18 for a couple

Friday lecture & Saturday workshop - $50 for individual/$75 for a couple

For more info: http://www.lakechamplainwaldorfschool.org/news___events/simplicity_parenting_lecture__amp__workshop/

PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLIST SUMMIT MARCH 27

Local Motion and the Chittenden County Metropolitan Planning Organization (CCMPO) are sponsoring the 2010 Pedestrian/Bike Summit, to be held March 278:30am – 12:45pm at the McCarthy Arts Center on the campus of St. Michael’s College. At the Summit, you'll learn about progress since the 2007 Summit, engage with others on new initiatives, and get inspired by featured speaker Mary Collins, author of American Idle.

For the complete agenda and for more info: www.ccmpo.org/BikePed

GARDENING WORKSHOPS

Organic Gardening 101, a workshop for beginning and intermediate vegetable gardeners, will be held at the Robert E. Miller Community and Recreation Center on March 20 from 9:30 until noon. The workshop is cosponsored by Burlington Area Community Gardens and Friends of Burlington Gardens. Participants are encouraged to pre-register by calling Burlington Parks and Recreation at 864-0123. The workshop cost is $15 for Burlington residents and $20 for non residents. Each participant will receive free seed packets for their gardens. Door prizes will also be awarded. For more information, please contact workshop presenter Jim Flint at 861-4769 or visit http://www.burlingtongardens.org/calendar.html

SOLAR FOR YOUR BUSINESS - FREE SEMINAR MARCH 11

DC Energy Innovations, installers of solar and wind  energy systems, will present a free seminar on using solar to make your business greener and to make a  sound business investment at the same time. Discussed will be the basics of a  grid-connected business scale solar electric (photovoltaic) system including  the solar components and how they can be mounted on the building. The economics of a business scale solar system and how it can be a good business investment will also be discussed. The event is TONIGHT from 7 - 9pm, in the Draker Solar Building, 12-22 North Street, Burlington.

For more info: http://bit.ly/7PRX7u, 363-1474, bgordesky@...

CULINARY AND MEDICINAL USES OF HERBS AND SPICES

Join Food Education Coordinator, Caroline Homan and Herbal Education Coordinator, Cristi Nunziata, for a discussion and sampling of culinary and medicinal spices and herbs that are commonly used in various cuisines. Travel the spice trail with us and learn all about how to put the spices in our wonderful Bulk spice section to mouth-watering use. March 17, 6:00-7:30pm at City market. This event is free and open to the public.

'WHY LOVE MATTERS' - FREE PARENT WORKSHOP MARCH 17

This workshop will focus on how a young child's brain forms, and the importance of early contact and affection in the first few years of life. Discussion will also include concrete activities/ideas to strengthen children's social and emotional growth through a neuro-developmental approach. Parents will learn concepts and strategies that can help children with bonding, impulse control and self-regulation, while also learning about some fun and interesting ways the young child's brain develops. Please join us for the informative and free parenting workshop at Champlain Elementary on March 17 from 6-7.30 pm

*****

FUNDRAISERS

BEARDED FROG TO SUPPORT TURNING POINT CENTER

The Bearded Frog will host a dinner to benefit the Turning Point Center on March 15 at 6:30. The menu includes delectable salads, main courses and desserts. Tickets are $60/person. The Turning Point Center is Chittenden County’s only recovery center. For more info and/or to purchase your ticket: director@....

WALKING THE PATH OF THE SHAMAN

Shamanism has been a part of societies for thousands of years, transcending written history. The practice is now seeing a resurgence of interest as people long for something more, something to balance the materialism that grips our everyday lives, something that touches the magic that is our soul. You are invited to learn more of the history and to listen to shamans speak of their calling. Become a part of this great event to benefit the Vermont Performing Arts League and the North End Studio, promoting and celebrating cultural diversity through performance art since 1978. March 20, 1-6:00pm, 294 N. Winooski Ave. $7 suggested donation for adults, $5/students, children under 12 are free. Proceeds to benefit Vermont Performing Arts League.

BUMP AT THE ROXY

Last June, the gay/lesbian travel show, BUMP!, came to Burlington to see what gay and lesbian tourists might find during a visit.  Before (Thursday, March 11) the episode featuring Vermont’s Queen City airs on the Logo network Friday, March 12 at 7pm, there will be a special preview/US premier at Merrill’s Roxy Cinema, Winooski/College Streets, Burlington.

There will be two showings, 7 and 8pm, in Theater 1 (the largest).   Hosted by The House of LeMay, the showings will also include introductions of people featured in the program as well as raffle prizes.  A $5 donation is requested and that will benefit Pride Vermont.

The program includes interviews/segments by hostess Shannon McDonough with/about Robin McGuire - former director of Vermont Freedom to Marry, a wonderful piece about the Waterfront Diving Center, cartoonist/author Alison Bechdel, local event promoter Shawn Lipinski, Willie and Greg from the Moose Meadow Lodge, Donnell Collins - the chef at Leunig's Bistro, Will at Old Gold, singer/songwriter Gregory Douglass, and… the drag queens known as The House of LeMay! 

There are many great shots in and around Burlington and is sure to encourage people to put our city on their list of places to visit. For more information contact Bob Bolyard, bbolyard@..., 355-3842.

*****

SPORTS/RECREATION

PARKS AND REC SUMMER PROGRAMS

Summer is just around the corner. Read about this year’s offerings at www.enjoyburlington.com

YOUTH BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

The Boys and Girls Club announces registration for the 2010 Hoehl basketball Tournament. This is for anyone in middle or high school that is interested in competitive hoops!!! $50.00 per team
Dates for tournament are: Saturday March 13 for middle school, Saturday March 20 for the high school.
Games are single elimination. For info: 864-5263

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

HELP VICTIMS OF CRIME

Burlington Parallel Justice volunteers call victims of crime, listen to their concerns, offer emotional support, and refer them to resources provided by the Parallel Justice Victim Fund and other community agencies.

We’re looking for reliable, motivated individuals who are interested in providing compassionate and non-judging support.  Volunteers enable Parallel Justice to better meet the needs of victims of crime in Burlington and are core to the continued success of our project. 

Parallel Justice works directly with victims of crime to repair the harm caused by crime.  We cover a spectrum of crimes including but not limited to theft, vandalism, harassment, burglary and assault.

The Burlington Parallel Justice Project recognizes that the criminal justice system is designed to deal with offenders, and can fall short of meeting victims’ needs.  Support is available regardless of whether the offender is caught or prosecuted.  Services and support are available through the Burlington Police Department and The Community Justice Center. 

For more information on applying and job description contact Clark Sheldon at (802) 540-2394.  For more information about Parallel Justice go to www.pjburlington.org

*****

MISC. AND OTHER COOL STUFF

 NEIGHBORHOOD NIGHT OF SUCCESS MARCH 25

Burlington will celebrate people and businesses that make this a great place to live, work, and/or play at the 10^th Annual Neighborhood Night of Success, March 25, 5:30 – 7:30pm at Contois. This event is free and open to all Burlington residents and includes dinner, entertainment, and the program.

for more info: 865-7172, jdavis@...

 CHAMPLAIN COLLEGE SPRING JOB FAIR MARCH 29

Champlain College will host a Spring Job Fair on March 29, from 1:30-5:30 p.m. in the Champlain College Gym within the IDX Student Life Center, 262 South Willard Street, Burlington.  The event is co-sponsored by the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce, Vermont Department of Labor, and the Vermont Human Resource Association.  Participating employers will be recruiting for full-time, part-time and seasonal positions.  Some may also be offering internships.  The event is open to all job seekers.  Since parking on campus is limited, public transportation, walking, or car pooling is suggested.

Info: http://www.champlain.edu/career-services.html

BEN & JERRY’S FREE CONE DAY MARCH 23

It's that time of the year again! Free Cone Day is quickly approaching. It has been moved up to March 23rd this year instead of April.  We'll be scooping from 12pm-8pm.

FRONT PORCH FORUM FEATURED IN YANKEE MAGAZINE

Author Bill McKibben included Burlington-based Front Porch Forum in his list of "New England innovations that can save the world."  McKibben's feature article (http://bit.ly/bRa9HM) in the March/April issue of Yankee Magazine looks at FrontPorchForum.com in depth.  More than 17,000 Chittenden and Grand Isle County households subscribe to FPF (http://frontporchforum.com) and use the free service to connect with nearby neighbors and build community.

US CENSUS IS HIRING

The U.S. Census Bureau is actively recruiting hundreds of temporary workers to help count everyone in Burlington and the rest of Vermont.

Most of the jobs are for people who will work in the field earning $13.50 an hour. Workers are needed to drop off census questionnaires at homes this month, and conduct face-to-face interviews in late spring and early summer with Vermonters who fail to return their questionnaires by mail. Positions are part- to full-time, with many requiring evening and weekend hours. They offer flexible schedules and are close-to-home.

To be considered for work, applicants must take a 30-minute multiple-choice test. Tests are currently being offered at various times of day at convenient locations across the state. Anyone interested in taking a test can call 1-866-861-2010 toll free or 802-264-0860 to make an appointment. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and age 18 or older, have two forms of identification and pass a background check. Most jobs require a valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle.

For more information contact Ellen Biddle, assistant manager for recruiting, by phone at 802-264-0843 or email  at  amr.lco.2146@..., or Helen Simon, partnership specialist, at 802-264-0856 or email at helen.j.simon@.... Information also is available at www.2010censusjobs.gov.

Census population counts help determine how $400 billion in federal funds is distributed annually to communities across the country. They also are used to determine the shape of legislative and local government districts.

DPW USING TWITTER TO ISSUE CONSTRUCTION UPDATES

If you would like updates on upcoming road construction in Burlington, please join Twitter: BTVSTREETS

http://twitter.com/btvstreets.

*****

COMING ATTRACTIONS

PARENTS INVITED TO DISCUSSION ON CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

Dr. David Walsh is the author of nine books, including the national best seller Why Do They Act That Way? A Survival Guide to the Adolescent Brain for You and Your Teen.   He has appeared on NBC's Today Show, Good Morning America, The CBS Early Show, The News Hour with Jim Lehrer, Dateline NBC, ABC's 20/20 and National Public Radio's All Things Considered and Morning Edition.  He has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Council on Family Relation's Friend of the Family Award.

Dr. Walsh will blend humor, warmth, scientific substance, and practical advice. He will help parents to understand the adolescent brain and why a parent’s role is so crucial in your child’s development and in particular the role of substance use on teen development.

This event is March 31, 6:30 – 8pm at the Burlington High School Auditorium and is FREE and open to the public.  Childcare will be available by Burlington High School students with reservations in advance.  RSVP for childcare to Danielle Spaulding, 864-2148 or dspauldi@.... 

BURLINGTON EGGSTRAVAGANZA MARCH 27

Bring the family to Oakledge Park on March 27 for Burlington's 8th Annual EGGSTRAVAGANZA, an 'eggcellent' free event! The egg hunt starts at 11am, with over 10,000 plastic eggs scattered across the park's open fields. Enjoy complimentary refreshments, cookie decorating, an egg-decorating contest, and of course the Egg Hunt Bunny, Chicken and Maurice the Moose!

Decorate eggs at home with your family and bring them to the EGGSTRAVAGANZA by 11AM to be judged in the egg-decorating contest. Fun prizes will be awarded to participants for most original, wackiest, and most colorful egg in each age group. So get decorating and bring in a winner!
for more info: enjoyburlington.com

ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY FOR ALL VERMONTERS - HELP PLAN THE VISION!

Over the coming months, Vermont SWEEP (Statewide Environmental Education Programs) is hosting a number of public dialogues about how to promote environmental literacy for all Vermonters. I'm working with a committee representing businesses, colleges, government agencies and nonprofit groups from around the state on this environmental literacy project. We know that businesses, organizations and communities are educating folks on environmental issues relating to their work and that many have developed model environmental initiatives in their practices. This statewide conversation is an opportunity to share your organization's environmental efforts and to hear what others are doing. The goal is to collect information about these model environmental practices and projects, and to present them as a roadmap to environmental literacy for Vermont. 
To find out more about the process or to find the schedule of public dialogues, please take a look at the website:  http://www.environmentalliteracyvt.org.

Be sure to save the date for the Burlington dialogue: March 24, 6-8pm, Fletcher Free Library.

HYDE STREET DOME PROJECT UNVEILED APRIL 10

Join Neighbors, students and the VSA Arts of Vermont community artists as we come together under the beautiful new stained glass and steel ONEder Dome designed to invite new and creative uses if the Hyde Street triangle park in Burlington. The ONEder Done installation party will be April 10 from 2 – 4:00pm. There will be food and entertainment.

COMMUNITY TEACHING GARDEN ACCEPTING APPS

The Community Teaching Garden is now accepting applications for its Class of 2010. The 22-week hands-on organic gardening and service-learning program teaches the basic skills of planting, cultivating, harvesting, and preserving. Classes are held at Ethan Allen Homestead Monday and Thursday evenings from May 3 through September 27. The course fee ranges from $120 to $200, which includes 44 class sessions, seeds, plants, special events, access to tools, and all the fresh delicious vegetables participants can grow and eat. Scholarships covering up to half of the course fee are available for people in limited income situations. The application deadline for Burlington area participants is April 2 for early admission. The class is limited to 22 enthusiastic participants. To learn more about the Community Teaching Garden and download an application form, please visit http://www.burlingtongardens.org/outreach.html or call Friends of Burlington Gardens at 861-4769.

*****

THE CITY OF BURLINGTON IS HIRING

For info on openings within the city: www.hrjobs.ci.burlington.vt.us

Community celebrations, gardening workshops, dinners, govt. meetings. Get out in this early burst of spring, enjoy, and take your pick:

*****

LOCAL GOVT/NEIGHBORHOOD AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

LEGACY TOWN MEETING TONIGHT

Come Celebrate!  The Burlington Legacy Project invites you to Town Meeting, TONIGHT from 5-7:30, Contois Auditorium, City Hall to celebrate 10 years of work towards a sustainable future.  Learn how far we've come and share your ideas, hopes and dreams for Burlington 2030.  Dinner is free and entertainment provided by the BHS Jazz Band!  For information contact whines@... or jgreen@....

NEIGHBORHOOD NIGHT OF SUCCESS MARCH 25

Burlington will celebrate people and businesses that make this a great place to live, work, and/or play at the 10^th Annual Neighborhood Night of Success, March 25, 5:30 – 7:30pm at Contois. This event is free and open to all Burlington residents and includes dinner, entertainment, and the program.

for more info: 865-7172, jdavis@...

NORTH END VOTER INFORMATION SUMMIT MARCH 20

NEVIS (North End Voter Information Summit) has been called by Wards 4/7 NPAs to discuss [and find solutions for] problems on Election Day related to notice, signs, and polling location logistics.

Voters are invited to work with NPA, ward and party officials, candidates and city councilors to make sure we roll out the red carpet for voters at the next election. The meeting is March 20, 10am

You can send comments or suggestions to our ward clerk in advance: Jim Couture, 863-8223.

HEALTH CARE INPUT REQUESTED FROM BUSINESSES

Sen. Doug Racine, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare and Rep. Steve Maier, Chair of the House Committee on Health Care, invite members of the Vermont business community to a discussion on the challenges and opportunities of health care reform in Vermont. The Hearing will be March 23, 3 – 5:30pm in Room 11 in The State House in Montpelier.
Key questions to address:
1.  Vermont has a statutory goal "that all Vermonters receive affordable and appropriate health care at the appropriate time and that health care costs be contained over time."
How do we best achieve this goal?
2.  How well is the current employer-based system working?
3.  How do we control costs-medical claims as well as administrative costs?
4.  What improvements should we consider?
5.  Comments on bills being discussed this session?

For accessible entrances, see map on Statehouse web site: http://www.leg.state.vt.us/sthouse/locate1.htm

GOVT MEETINGS

Here is the link for a list of all Government meetings in Burlington for the week: www.ci.burlington.vt.us/events

*****

THE ARTS

THURSDAY NOON CONCERTS

First United Methodist Church of Burlington is hosting a series of free lunchtime Thursday concerts through April 8. Please note that on April 8, the series will close with a joyous program featuring Elisabeth Von Trapp performing her own works. All Thursday concerts are at 12:15 at the church, 21 Buell St. (at Winooski Ave).

for more info: 862-1151

THE UNWANTED SOUND OF EVERYTHING WE WANT

Acclaimed writer Garrett Keizer investigates the hidden political, social, and environmental

costs of that ancient phenomenon we call “noise” at a lecture on March 23, 4:00-5:30 pm in Marsh
Lounge in Billings Hall on the campus of UVM.

Noise is usually defined as unwanted sound: loud music from a neighbor, the honk of a taxicab,

the roar of a supersonic jet. But as Garret Keizer illustrates in this probing examination, noise

is as much about what we want as about what we seek to avoid. It has been a byproduct of
human striving since ancient times even as it has become a significant cause of disease in our own.

At heart, noise provides a key for understanding some of our most pressing issues, from social inequality
to climate change. The event is free and open to the public. For more info: www.uvm.edu.

*****

CLASSES/WORKSHOPS

FREE TAX PREPARATION HELP

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites, sponsored by the IRS, are open and ready to help you. Have your taxes done for free!  We have daytime, evening and weekend hours. If you earned less than $50,000 in 2009, dial Vermont's 2-1-1 information line (just dial 2-1-1) to make an appointment at one of three convenient locations to get free help with your taxes from mid-January through April: Burlington City Hall (Downtown) , Old North End Community Action - 91 North Street Winooski, Casey Family Services - 46 Main Street. for more info: Sofia,  540-2569.

BUILDING YOUR CREDIT

Learn the details of the important and often confusing world of credit. Learn all the basics and get smart about this issue. You can improve your credit in a variety of ways and we want to help you get started. This is a two part series: Mondays, March 22 and 29, 6 – 8pm, 294 N. Winooski Ave.

For more info: 860-1417 x 104, growingmoney@...

SENIOR EDUCATION ON MEDICAID

The Heineberg Senior and Community Center is hosting a free educational seminar--Planning for Elders and Medicaid.  This popular seminar is presented by Jarrett Law Office, which focuses its practice on Estate and Elder Law.  It will include planning for disability with legal documents, avoiding guardianship, housing options for elders, how to pay for long-term care, Medicare, Medicaid and options for immediate planning when an elder is in the nursing home. The event is March 25, 1:30 – 3pm at the Heineberg Senior and Community Center, 14 Heineberg Rd. for more info and/or to register:  864-5951, http://www.VermontEstatePlanning.com

PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLIST SUMMIT MARCH 27

Local Motion and the Chittenden County Metropolitan Planning Organization -CCMPO- are sponsoring the 2010 Ped/Bike Summit, to be held March 27, 8:30am – 12:30pm, at the McCarthy Arts Center on the campus of Saint Michael’s College. At the Summit, you'll learn about progress since the 2007 Summit, engage with others on new initiatives, and get inspired by featured speaker Mary Collins, author of “American Idle”.
For the complete agenda and for more info: www.ccmpo.org/BikePed

FREE CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING DAY MARCH 20

The Hicks Foundation invites uninsured and underinsured Vermont Women to a FREE SCREENING FOR CERVICAL CANCER, March 20 from 9am - 1pm at Affiliates in OBGYN, 96 Colchester Ave, Burlington, VT. Representatives from Ladies First and Catamount Health Care will enroll women in continuing health care programs. In addition to free cervical cancer screenings, pap tests, breast exams, and HPV vaccines are available. Interpreters, childcare, and snacks are provided. Reservations are recommended but not required. Please specify translation language needed when making appointment.

For more info and to make an appt: 658-0505,  http://www.freepap.org, emily@...

GARDENING WORKSHOP MARCH 20

Organic Gardening 101, a workshop for beginning and intermediate vegetable gardeners, will be held at the Robert E. Miller Community and Recreation Center on March 20 from 9:30 until noon. The workshop is cosponsored by Burlington Area Community Gardens and Friends of Burlington Gardens. Participants are encouraged to pre-register by calling Burlington Parks and Recreation at 864-0123. The workshop cost is $15 for Burlington residents and $20 for non residents. Each participant will receive free seed packets for their gardens. Door prizes will also be awarded. For more information, please contact workshop presenter Jim Flint at 861-4769 or visit http://www.burlingtongardens.org/calendar.html

LEARN HOW TO FINANCE SOLAR POWER FOR YOUR HOME/BUSINESS

DC Energy Innovations, quality installers of solar electric and wind energy systems, will be presenting a free seminar focusing on the Burlington POWER program. The  POWER program was recently approved by city voters this past Town Election Day. It is the first of its kind in Vermont. It allows the Burlington Electric Department to borrow money and loan it to city property owners (homeowners or businesses) who pay property taxes to invest in solar electric and other energy efficiency systems for their buildings. The loans are long term (up to 20 years) and at a low interest rate.

The seminar will cover basic information about solar electric systems - what they look like, how they work, how much power they produce and ballpark costs. We will then be joined by Chris Burns, from the Burlington Electric Department, who will talk about the POWER program in detail. He will discuss the goals of the POWER program, how it will work and where BED is in the process of developing it. The event is March 24, 7 – 9pm in the Draker Solar Bldg, 12-22 North St in Burlington. For more info: 363-1474, bgordesky@....

REINVENT YOURSELF CONFERENCE MARCH 22

The Reinvent Yourself! Conference is a FREE event targeting displaced workers. Identify transferable skills, pursue training/education, obtain financial aid, and meet 25+ hiring employers! 9:30am-3:30pm, Sheraton. http://workinvermont.org

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FUNDRAISERS

beCAUSE CRAFT FAIR MARCH 20

The beCAUSE Craft Show was created so that our local community could reach out and help many organizations that are in need through the efforts of one event, while supporting the business of local vendors. Each local vendor in the craft show is a part of a collaborative effort to support social and environmental activism on a larger scale. With this event, local artisans and businesses are supported in a grassroots effort.

The unique thing about beCAUSE is that every purchase made at the show directly supports a charity or non-profit organization. At the event on March 20 over 100 Vermont handcrafters will be selling their wares, and all of them have committed to donating 50%-100% of their profits to a charity of their choice. Come and shop from 9:30am – 4:30pm at the Ross Sports Center on the campus of St. Michael’s College. The admission price is $2 (all donated to charity). Children under 12 attend free.

FRIENDS OF EAST AVENUE FUNDRAISING DINNER MARCH 27

North African favorites will be served at CoHousing East’s next fundraising dinner, scheduled for March 27 at 6pm (0 East Avenue). "Friends of East Avenue"  will serve-up foods such as Falafel and Couscous.  Suggested donations of $10 - $25, more if you can. Please register by March 24! Please help us raise the funds to pay legal bills for preserving 198 East Avenue. For more info: silversneakerexc@....

INTEGRATED ARTS ACADEMY TO HOST SILENT AUCTION MARCH 27

The 2nd annual Savory Tea / Coffee and Silent Auction is scheduled for March 27 from 2-5pm at the Integrated Arts Academy (formally HO Wheeler). Come listen to wonderful live entertainment, have a bite to eat, and bid on items in our incredible Silent Auction. For more info: Kathy Mathis, 316-6186.

PROM DO-OVER APRIL 3

Do you want another chance to go to the prom? Support a local theatre company by attending this fabulous new event: “Prom Do-Over”, April 3, 8 – midnight at the Burlington Elks Club. For more info: http://www.heatandhotwater.com.

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SPORTS/RECREATION

BHS WOMENS GOLF TEAM NEEDS CLUBS

The BHS Womens’ Golf team was recently granted “varsity” status after four years as a “club” sport. The group has quite a few beginners and is therefore in-need of equipment. The team is accepting donations or loans of women's clubs.  If you don't play any more, or if you won't play until June, please consider letting the student hopefuls use your clubs, which may be gathering dust in the garage anyway. These need not be new, nor full sets.  A bag, a driver, a few irons, and a putter would be a great. If you can help, please contact coach Andrew Mack at: amack@....

DJ SKATE AT LEDDY ARENA MARCH 20

Enjoy a fun night on the ice and skate to the musical sounds of a rockin’ DJ at Leddy Park’s Ice Arena on March 20, 8:15 – 10pm, $5/person + rentals. For more info: www.enjoyburlington.com.

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MISC. AND OTHER COOL STUFF

NEW COMMUNITY GRANTS AVAILABLE

AARP is pleased to announce a Community Action Sponsorship program as part of the Burlington Livable Community Project. This program will provide funding to Burlington neighborhood groups and small non-profits for projects that advance the recommendations in the BLCP report http://www.blcp.org/assets/files/GreatCity.pdf.

I have attached the RFP, application, and news release for your information. We will select three groups for one-year funding in the range of $500-$2,000 each. Deadline for applications is May 6, 2010. Information on the sponsorship program along with a downloadable RFP and application can be found at www.blcp.org.

For more info please contact Jennifer Wallace Brodeur at 951-1313 or jwbrodeur@....

BURLINGTON FARMERS MARKET MARCH 20

The winter farmer’s market is open for business on March 20 from 10am-2pm in Memorial Auditorium (250 Main St. Burlington, VT).  Come and shop for local produce, baked goods, and other crafts and delectables.

'THE GARDEN' DOCUMENTARY SHOWING MARCH 20

“The Garden”, a 2008 Academy Award nominated documentary by Scott Hamilton Kennedy, will be shown on Saturday, March 20 at 7:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 21 Buell Street, in Burlington. A community potluck supper in the church's Fellowship Hall precedes the film at 6:00 p.m. Potluck participants are asked to bring a dish to share and place setting. The Garden follows the struggle of a group of urban community gardeners as they fight to save the 14-acre South Central Farm in Los Angeles from being bulldozed. The film is unrated and contains brief strong language. The movie showing is cosponsored by the FUMC Justice and Social Concerns Committee and Friends of Burlington Gardens. Admission is free. for more info: Jim Flint, 861-4769, http://www.burlingtongardens.org

Exterior Paint Grants

The City of Burlington, Community & Economic Development Office is offering exterior paint grants for the 2010 painting season to property owners and tenants in the Old North End, King Street Neighborhood, and the Lakeside Community. For property eligibility and to view the Housing Program Target Neighborhood Map go to http://www.cedoburlington.org/housing/programs_and_services/exterior_paint_grants.htm or contact Lisa Chicoine at CEDO at 802-865-7183.

NEPALI DINNER

Come to the table for a Nepali Community Dinner: Friday, March 19, at the Sustainability Academy Cafeteria from 6-7:30 pm. FREE. Enjoy a menu that includes: Rice Pulao, Mixed Vegetable Curry, Chicken Curry, Tomato Achar (Chutney), and Custard. For more info: Ming at 310-1853.