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Monday, July 14th ('Our Next Heatwave!' Edition)

Your Midweek Heat Wave Primer: Stormy Monday, Sizzling 90s To Follow – VT Green's dramatic title win, a generational wastewater upgrade & an uncertain future for Afghan Vermonters – Plus, celebrate a new 15,000-gallon aquarium at ECHO, get ready for the next Party on the Bricks, and navigate a major bike path closure.

July 14, 2025

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Table of Contents

Weather & Monday Rundown:

Happy Monday evening, Burlington. If you're looking outside, you know the scattered thunderstorms we talked about this morning are rolling through. After tonight's showers clear out the humidity, get ready for a significant shift. We're staring down another potential heat wave this season, with Tuesday and Wednesday promising bright sun, thick humidity, and temperatures pushing into the low 90s. The nights will be warm and muggy, offering little relief until later in the week. The heat should finally break on Thursday with the return of some storms, leading into a much cooler Friday and a beautiful, sunny Saturday.

As for what's happening around town, the City Council is meeting as we speak to discuss everything from recycling staffing to a new restorative justice program. Check out the hyperlink in the events section if you want to tune in online. I'll have a full breakdown of the key takeaways in Thursday's edition of the Brief. If you'd rather leave civics for another day, trivia is kicking off at The Monkey House in about an hour. Looking ahead to tomorrow, you'll face a tough choice at 12:30 PM: you can either catch a free lunch-hour concert in City Hall Park from the Nordic-influenced string group Skylark, or head to the ECHO Center for a major celebration. They're cutting the ribbon on their stunning new Into the Lake exhibit, unveiling a 15,000-gallon aquarium with massive lake sturgeon and honoring the multi-agency conservation effort that successfully restored lake trout to Champlain.

On Wednesday, the choices don't get any easier. For the cyclists, OGE is hosting a very practical 5 PM workshop on "De-mystifying Tubeless Tires." Later, the music scene presents a dilemma: see the legendary Jon Spencer and his dizzying discography at Higher Ground, or head to Foam Brewers for a special free show with Merce Lemon, whose fierce, tender songs are rooted in her experiences with farming and nature. If neither of those strikes a chord, the O.N.E. Community Center is screening "Open Country," a documentary about the progressive roots of country music.

And looking ahead to Thursday, Church Street will come alive at 5:30 PM with the new "Party on the Bricks" series. Expect dancing in the street, food and drinks from the one and only Ken's Pizza, and live music from the powerhouse vocalist Frankie Napolitano and her band Moonbird. If a packed Church Street isn't your scene, you can kick off Brew Fest weekend at the VBA's 30th Anniversary Tap Takeover at Flatbread, or head to Radio Bean to support local favorites Dog Water as they celebrate their EP release with a stacked lineup featuring Doom Service, Vallory Falls, and Fisher Wagg.

Burlington typically sees July highs near 81 °F and lows around 62 °F, with historical records of 101 °F and −30 °F. Today’s high of ~86 °F and the warmer upcoming highs in the 90s are running above its long‑term norms.

“This is a generational upgrade to our main wastewater plant. The plants and our pump stations and our collection system has unfortunately been underinvested for decades and we are catching up,” per WAMC.

This is about much more than just pipes and pumps. The $124 million project is a massive, long overdue investment aimed directly at two of Burlington's biggest challenges: protecting Lake Champlain from overflows and unlocking capacity for new housing. For years, heavy rains have overwhelmed the aging system, contributing to algae blooms. Officials are framing this as a critical step toward both climate resiliency and meeting the city's ambitious housing goals, using funds approved by voters.

“The bike path will be closed from North Beach to Killarney Drive in the New North End,” per WCAX.

Get ready to adjust your commute or your daily ride for the next week and a half. This temporary weekday closure from 7 AM to 5 PM is necessary so crews can remove the 100 year old Rock Point Bridge that runs over the path. The official detour routes riders through the North Beach campground and up onto North Avenue, so plan for a bit of extra time. The good news is that the path will be fully open on the weekends, and the work is scheduled to wrap up by July 24.

“The fact that individuals may now be returned to a place where they would face persecution is a gross violation of human rights, and is, frankly, just the largest betrayal of individuals who risk their lives for this government,” per WCAX.

This federal policy change has a direct and profound impact right here in Vermont, where around 600 resettled Afghans have made their homes. The Department of Homeland Security's decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is based on a determination that conditions in Afghanistan have improved, a claim sharply rejected by advocates. The move creates immense anxiety for a community of people who, in many cases, fled the Taliban after assisting U.S. forces, making this a crisis for our new neighbors.

"Yesterday’s events coming on the anniversary — that is a slap in the face, right? That is very hard to accept mentally," per VTDigger.

While this year's storms were less widespread, the symbolic weight of flooding hitting the state for the third consecutive year around July 10th is immense. For residents and officials still grappling with the trauma and paperwork from 2023, it's a stark reminder of our new climate reality. State climatologists point to saturated ground and slow moving storm systems as the culprits, underlining a pattern that feels less like coincidence and more like the new normal for Vermont summers.

“It doesn’t work terribly well on smaller, medium-scale, diversified farms like ours,” per VTDigger.

This story gets to the heart of a major vulnerability for the small, diversified farms that are the backbone of Vermont's food identity. While large, single crop farms can get useful federal insurance, about 70% of Vermont farms go without, finding the available programs ill suited and the payouts miniscule. This insurance gap puts the farms that supply our local restaurants and farmers' markets at constant risk, especially as extreme weather becomes more common.

“...brave the temporary routes for that permanent progress and make sure that the businesses aren’t suffering for that investment, and can kind of continue past that construction period,” per WCAX. "When you buy a gift certificate from a Winooski Main Street business today, you're not just giving a gift, you're investing in our community's future," per a statement from Downtown Winooski.

If you've tried driving through Winooski lately, you know the Main Street project is a major undertaking. For the small businesses in the Onion City, it's been devastating, with some reporting revenue drops as high as 75%. In response, the city is urging residents to buy gift cards directly from local shops to provide immediate cash flow. The City and Downtown Winooski have teamed up with a simple idea called "Gift Your Community." The goal is straightforward: buy a gift card now to put money directly in their pockets while the roads are a mess. They’ve made it easy by putting together a list of participating spots, from restaurants to tattoo parlors, at downtownwinooski.org/gift-certificates, making it simple to help out our neighbors across the bridge.

"It's everything that this club deserves. They have done everything right. They've got the right team in, they've got the right mentality and I honestly think it would have always been a matter of when, not if..." per The Blazing Musket.

In what's already becoming a legendary chapter in the club's young history, Vermont Green FC clinched the division title in stunning fashion. After being down for the first time all season, the team rallied in added time with a storybook goal from Owen O'Malley, a fan favorite from the inaugural season. The win is a massive moment for the team and its passionate supporters, the Green Mountain Bhoys, cementing the club as a dominant force in the league. Congrats to Vermont Green FC, playoffs here we come!!

“It’s a lot of failure, it’s a lot of persistence, it’s a lot of on-the-fly decisions, and he has developed that ability through some really hard work,” per WCAX.

In a state that loves climbing, 18-year-old Patrick Daly just put Vermont on the national map by winning the U20 Bouldering Championship in Oregon. Daly, who got his start at the Green Mountain Indoor Rock Climbing Center in Rutland, represents a new generation of talent in the sport. His victory is a testament to the strong coaching and community at local gyms across the state. Now he's looking forward to taking his skills to the outdoor rock of Colorado, where he'll be attending college.

“How would we like to see that person coming back to the neighborhood? Writing poetry, making artwork? Or, possibly coming back more traumatized and more broken, because of the system?” per WCAX.

The Henry Sheldon Museum's new exhibit, "Finding Hope From Within," offers a powerful and rare glimpse into the perspectives of incarcerated Vermonters. The collection of drawings, poems, and collages highlights the transformative power of art and aims to spark a broader conversation about the state's prison system. By showcasing these works, the exhibit questions how we approach rehabilitation and reminds visitors that investing in art and education can dramatically reduce recidivism.

“It’s a happy place coming in here. People have good associations and memories with the things that they see. You know, ‘Grandma had that,’ or whatever,” per VTDigger.

If you're looking for a dose of nostalgia, the Vintage Inspired Marketplace on Dorset Street is delivering. After a decade tucked away in Burlington's South End, the multi-vendor market moved to a highly visible South Burlington location and is thriving. With over 50 vendors packing the 4,500 square foot space, it's a carefully curated trove of oddities and decor that stands in stark contrast to the big box stores nearby, a perfect spot for finding a unique piece with a story.

Events:

Monday, July 14, 2025

General Events 

  • All Day: Ecology Camps: Plant Week at Common Roots at South Burlington Farm Park

  • Time Unspecified: Yin Yoga: A Journey Into the Subtle Body at The Chace Mill

  • 5:30 PM: QTPOC Support Group at Pride Center of Vermont (Free; preregister)

  • 6:00 PM: Burlington Elks Bingo at Burlington Elks Lodge (Various)

  • 6:00 PM: Monday Group Runs at Skirack at Skirack

  • 6:30 PM: Collage Collective at Expressive Arts Burlington (Free; donations accepted)

  • 7:00 PM: Trivia with Craig Mitchell at Monkey House, Winooski (Free)

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

General Events 

Live Music/DJ 

  • 11:00 AM: Sing-along with Linda Bassick at Fletcher Free Library, Burlington (Free)

  • 12:30 PM: Summer Concert: Skylark at City Hall Park

  • 7:00 PM: Big Easy Tuesdays with Jon McBride at the 126, Burlington (Free)

  • 7:00 PM: Dead is Alive: A New Tuesday Night Residency at Einstein’s Tap House ($15)

  • 7:00 PM: The Montvales w/ Giannina Sol at Radio Bean, Burlington ($10)

  • 8:30 PM: Petite Noir, Acqua Mossa at Monkey House, Winooski ($12/$15)

  • 9:00 PM: Honky Tonk Tuesday with Wild Leek River at Radio Bean, Burlington ($10)

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

General Events 

Performances 

  • 7:00 PM: $5 Improv Night at Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington ($5)

Live Music/DJ 

  • 12:30 PM: Summer Concert: Red Hot Juba at Burlington City Hall Park (Free)

  • 5:30 PM: The Rustics at American Flatbread Burlington at American Flatbread Burlington Hearth

  • 6:30 PM: BBQ and Bluegrass at Four Quarters Brewing, Winooski (Free)

  • 7:00 PM: Gnomenclature at Radio Bean, Burlington ($5/$10)

  • 7:00 PM: The Mid Week Hump with DJs Fattie B and Craig Mitchell at Monkey House, Winooski (Free)

  • 8:00 PM: Jon Spencer, Slob Drop at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington ($26.42)

  • 8:00 PM: Merce Lemon w/ Renny Conti at Foam Brewers, Burlington (Free)

  • 8:30 PM: Jazz Night with Ray Vega at Hotel Vermont, Burlington (Free)

  • 9:00 PM: Jazz Sessions at the 126, Burlington (Free)

  • 9:00 PM: moon ppl, Nico Suave at Radio Bean, Burlington ($10/$15)

Thursday, July 17, 2025

General Events 

Live Music/DJ 

Volunteer Opportunity of the Weeek: Support Second Chances with COSA

There are so many volunteer opportunities in Burlington! This week I choose to highlight:

Support Second Chances with COSA
Help make our community safer and more compassionate by volunteering with Circles of Support and Accountability (COSA) through the Burlington Community Justice Center. COSA teams meet weekly with individuals returning to the community after incarceration, offering support and accountability as they rebuild their lives. No special background needed—just a willingness to listen, show up, and commit about an hour a week. Training is provided, and your impact could be life-changing. Learn more and get involved at burlingtoncjc.org.

Check out this page for links to four great sites with volunteer opportunities all around Burlington: https://btownbrief.beehiiv.com/c/volunteer-burlington

202+ Things to Do in Burlington (Summer Activities)

Today’s picks:

Five more ways to keep things feeling fresh while summer’s still doing its thing. Head to Al’s French Frys for a creemee and some classic drive-in vibes; it’s simple, fast, and never disappoints. Walk the trails at the Intervale in the early evening when the light hits the open fields just right and everything feels a little slower. Spend an hour at the Birds of Vermont Museum in Huntington, then follow one of the nearby trails for a quiet nature walk after. Check out the vintage shops on Pine Street like Billie Jean Vintage or the Barge Canal Market; you never know what you’ll find, and the browsing is half the fun. And if you’re in the mood for a view, drive or hike up to the summit of Mt. Philo around sunset and watch the sky stretch out over the lake and valley below.

Full list’s always waiting here when you need a plan: https://btownbrief.beehiiv.com/c/202-activites

Eating Out On A Budget (Food & Drink Deals)

This Week’s Food & Drink Picks

  • Monday: ½-price burgers at McGillicuddy’s, $1 oysters at Bleu Northeast Kitchen (5-6 p.m.), and half-price wine bottles at The Daily Planet.

  • Tuesday: BOGO 50% off traditional wings at Buffalo Wild Wings, $12 pasta night at Gold Restaurant (after 4:30 p.m.), and $3 Green State pints at Zero Gravity on Pine St (5-9 p.m.).

  • Wednesday: 2-for-1 Cold Brew Martinis at The 126, 10 wings for $10 at Burlington Beer Co., and a smash burger or pulled pork sammy with an ale pint for $12 at Switchback Brewing.

  • Thursday: Half-priced house-smoked wings at Switchback Brewing, half-price nachos at El Gato (Essex), and $1 PBR at Finnegan’s.

View the full list of food & drink deals here: https://btownbrief.beehiiv.com/c/food-drink-deals

This Week’s Comic: The Co-op Coincidence

“City Market: Where shopping alone is a group activity.”

This Week’s Restaurant Review: Leunig’s Bistro & Cafe

A fixture on Church Street since 1980, Leunig’s Bistro & Café has long served as Burlington’s little piece of Paris. The restaurant successfully merges French-inspired classics with Vermont ingredients, creating a menu that feels both timeless and local. Its ambiance is a major draw, offering a vintage-glam indoor dining room and a sought-after outdoor patio that provides some of the best people-watching in the city. This classic bistro setting makes Leunig's a go-to for everything from a business lunch to a celebratory dinner.

The menu is anchored by well-executed staples that have become local favorites over the decades. The Steak Frites, served with a rich port wine demi-glace, is a consistently satisfying choice, as is the quintessential French Onion Soup. For dessert, the Vermont Maple Crème Brûlée offers a sweet nod to the region's most famous product. For those on the move, the "Petit Bijou" takeout kiosk around the corner provides a quick and convenient option for coffee and freshly baked croissants, extending the bistro's charm to the sidewalk.

While Leunig’s reputation for consistency is well-earned, it’s not without its drawbacks. Its prime location on the bustling marketplace means it’s a magnet for tourists, and the atmosphere can feel less like a local secret and more like a popular attraction, especially during peak season. Dinner entrees, ranging from $27 to $40, place it on the pricier end for Burlington, making it more of a special-occasion destination than a casual drop-in spot for many. For diners seeking an adventurous or modern culinary experience, the traditional menu might feel a bit too safe, but for a dependable taste of classic French fare, Leunig’s remains a Burlington institution.

View the full list of reviews here: https://btownbrief.beehiiv.com/c/restaurant-reviews

That’s All, Burlington!

Stay cool during the heat this week and try to catch a show or two. It's always great to see the city so alive in the summer. Thanks for reading.

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