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Monday, July 21st (Two New Ideas to Introduce!)

Your Monday Evening Roundup: Perfect Running Weather Tonight, Heat Wave Thursday – Cars & Foam Waterfront Launch, OGE's 30-Year Block Party Plans & Teen Governor Dreams – Tonight's 70s bliss turns steamy by midweek: catch the lakeside trail runs or ONE Market before humidity returns. Plus, Vermont Green FC's comeback magic continues, public media faces deep cuts, and why Burlington baseball might be better without the big leagues, all before the food truck invasion hits Pine Street. Be sure check out the new Burlington Table idea, and also the teaser for the weekly Puzzle Hunts!

July 21, 2025

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Table of Contents

Weather & Monday Rundown:

Monday's bringing us that sweet spot of Vermont summer weather: sunny skies with temperatures hovering in the comfortable upper 60s to low 70s range. Tuesday morning will have us reaching for light jackets as temps dip into the 40s and 50s, but afternoon sunshine will warm things back to the 70s. The real heat arrives midweek: Wednesday bumps us into the 80s, and Thursday? We're talking upper 80s to low 90s with humidity making its unwelcome return. Those planning outdoor activities should note that Thursday night into Friday brings our next shot at thunderstorms, though the weekend's looking solid with partly sunny skies and mid-80s temps both days.

Tonight's absolutely perfect for those Monday evening runs happening around town. The OGE Fun Run kicks off at 6 PM at Outdoor Gear Exchange, where Kae Ravichandran leads trail enthusiasts on lakeside routes that promise sunset views without the intensity, just pure running joy for all levels. Meanwhile, Skirack has their Monday Group Runs, also at 6 PM, aiming for 3-5 miles with pace groups to match everyone's comfort zone. The ONE Farmers Market runs until 6:30 PM today, transforming the Old North End into a celebration of local flavors with Ghanaian, Laotian, and Korean prepared foods alongside the usual farm-fresh suspects. Cap off your Monday at 6:30 PM with the Odd Fellows' summer BBQ potluck on North Ave. Bring something to grill or share, expect lawn games and good vibes, no entry fee required.

Tuesday's cool morning will warm beautifully for afternoon events, starting with UVM Dining's Job Fair from 1-5 PM at Harris-Millis Complex. They're offering $18.50-$25 hourly plus an extra $3 for evening and weekend shifts, which honestly isn't terrible for Burlington. The real Tuesday action comes at 4 PM when Cars and Foam takes over Foam Brewers' waterfront, launching WOLFSGART's weeklong automotive celebration with DJs, food trucks, and what promises to be an Instagram-worthy collection of cars against our lake backdrop. Wednesday brings major community engagement opportunities: the planBTV New North End Design Workshop runs 5:30-8 PM at Hunt Middle School, where residents can shape the neighborhood's future vision and weigh in on the VT-127 path connection. Same evening, car culture continues with Sunset on Pine at The Pinery starting at 5 PM, bringing food truck mania to the Arts District. Those seeking something more refined can catch the Craftsbury Chamber Players at 7:30 PM in Colchester performing Mozart, Boccherini, and Beethoven.

Thursday's heat wave timing couldn't be better for our evening festivities. Party on the Bricks returns at 5:30 PM featuring The Blue Dahlia's multicultural sounds and Church Street Tavern's pub fare. Expect dancing in the streets and that special Burlington summer energy. South Burlington's final Nite Out of the season starts at 5:30 PM on Dorset Street, complete with fireworks and a food vendor lineup that reads like a Burlington restaurant week roster. If you haven’t been, I hope you’ll check out the season’s last one! Car enthusiasts get their third event of the week with the Brew Hop at Switchback and Burlington Beer Company starting at 5 PM, because apparently we can't get enough beautiful vehicles paired with local brews. Round out your week with Paint & Sip at Venetian Soda Lounge at 7 PM, where Jesse Snyder teaches the art of #foodp*rn painting while DJ Grant Burton sets the mood. And for those planning their weekend: Friday brings Recharge Friday at Savu Sauna Lakeside (7:30-9:30 PM): sauna, cold plunge, N/A cocktails and DJ beats for a different kind of Friday night party that gets you home by 10 ($35 person).

Weekly Wednesday Passeggiata Deals: https://btownbrief.beehiiv.com/c/wednesday-passeggiata

Burlington's historical July averages are around 81.8 °F for highs and 61.3 °F for lows. Currently, the weather is running cooler (highs in the mid‑70s and lows in the low‑50s) though it will trend back toward the typical warm summer feel by mid‑week

Burlington Table: Meet 5 Strangers at a Brewery (Monday, July 28th)

I’m excited to finally pass 1,000 subscribers for my Burlington newsletter! To celebrate I’m excited to launch a new idea I’ve been working on:

Burlington Table is a new way to meet real people around a real table. Just good conversation with 5 strangers-turned-friends (6 total) over drinks at a local brewery next Monday, July 28th at 6pm. Drinking is optional, not a requirement!

Each gathering is small, curated, and 21+ (bring ID). We'll likely be at Foam Brewers, but other breweries may be included if there's lots of interest. I'll send 10 fun icebreakers ahead of time, just in case you want help keeping the convo flowing. I do my best to balance each table by age, gender, and shared interests, so your answers help make the magic happen.

As the evening unfolds naturally, you're welcome to order food or share appetizers if the mood strikes. Whatever feels right for the group! The focus is simply on enjoying genuine connection without any agenda or timeline. Foam has great non-alcoholic beer, seltzer and soda if you're not drinking or just prefer a clear mind!

There's a suggested $5–$10 Venmo @BtownBrief to cover organizing time, but it's totally free if that's not doable right now.

If you're looking for something real, this is your seat at the table. Click this link to fill out this form, and be sure its in by Thursday night: Google Form

I hope you’ll check it out and tell your friends about! The more people that sign up the better I can match the tables! And if you want to read more about it check out this link:

"We keep doing it. When you've got that passion for the club, you can do anything," per WCAX.

The Green have mastered the art of the comeback, pulling off their third straight come-from-behind victory to advance to their first Eastern Conference Championship in program history. Down 2-0 to FC Motown in the second half, they responded with three unanswered goals, including a penalty kick winner from Julien Le Bourdoulous. Head coach Chris Taylor credits the team's culture and the passionate local community for giving them the energy to keep fighting when they're down. The momentum's real here, this team's creating something special at Virtue Field, and Friday's conference championship (opponent TBD) promises to be electric.

"We've built our store around community. We are community-oriented," per MYNBC5.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 26, when OGE throws what's essentially Burlington's biggest block party of the summer. Running from 11 AM to 10 PM, the celebration kicks off with a staff band at 12:30 PM followed by local musicians throughout the day. The real genius here is their raffle system: every $30 you spend leading up to the event earns you a ticket, so your gear addiction finally pays off. After three decades as a Church Street anchor, OGE has earned its place as more than just a store; it's where Burlington goes to fuel its outdoor obsession and bump into half the town doing the same.

"Playing a 'relocation game' is a failed strategy," per Reddit/Btown Brief.

Apologies for missing this in Thursday's edition. The four-hour marathon meeting from last Monday deserves your attention. The most heated exchange centered on Food Not Cops' relocation to City Hall Park, with councilors split between those citing negative impacts and others arguing the city's playing whack-a-mole instead of addressing root causes. The "City Circle" restorative justice program proposal aims to fix our broken ticketing system by actually compelling engagement rather than just issuing fines that go unpaid. Meanwhile, the REIB office took a unanimous first step toward charter status, and renters finally got included in water bill assistance. Click the headline to see the full rundown, and others comments about it. And if you throughly enjoyed that rundown, be sure to check out the other complete summaries of Burlington city council meetings at btownbrief.beehiiv.com/c/city-council-summaries.

"These are people who are doing good work and helping people, and you know, we're an organization that cares about people," per WCAX.

The Vermont Foodbank has laid off seven employees, nearly 9% of staff, as federal COVID funding dries up and USDA food allocations drop by 20%. CEO John Sayles assures that food distribution won't be affected, but these cuts highlight how fragile our safety net remains. The silver lining: the state Legislature allocated $1.5 million this year, and last weekend's Do Good Fest raised $210,000. Still, losing dedicated staff who've been feeding vulnerable Vermonters feels like a step backward at a time when food insecurity hasn't magically disappeared with the pandemic emergency declarations.

"When a kid in Vermont understands that there's a housing and affordability crisis, that's when you know it's bad," per VTDigger.

Dean Roy, a 14-year-old from Stowe running for governor on the Freedom and Unity Party ticket, might not unseat Phil Scott, but he's making points that resonate. The former legislative page who challenged Lt. Governor Rodgers on EVs is centering his campaign on property taxes and affordability; issues he admits seem ironic coming from someone who doesn't own property. His platform includes STR caps, a 5% tax on vacation rentals, and immigration reform. Whether you take a teenage gubernatorial candidate seriously or not, Roy's engaging his peers in politics and planning to stay on the ballot until he wins something, somewhere.

"The level of baseball is much better than when it was a single-A, short season," per VTDigger.

When MLB cut the Lake Monsters loose in 2020, it could've been game over for Burlington baseball. Instead, new ownership led by Chris English rebuilt the franchise as a summer collegiate league, won a championship their first season, and created something arguably better than what we had. GM C.J. Knudsen points to Vermont players like Wyatt Cameron and Colby Brouillette as proof that local kids can now dream of playing at Centennial Field (sorry, Delta Dental Park). With local partnerships from Arlington ice cream to Barre-bottled hot sauce, plus those genius 25-cent hot dog nights that pack the stands, the Lake Monsters have transformed from minor league afterthought to must-see summer entertainment.

"$50 per meeting, based on attendance, and a $20 bonus for the chair of each committee," per MYNBC5.

South Burlington's considering joining Essex, Colchester, and Winooski in actually compensating the volunteers who keep municipal government running. At an estimated $60,000 annually, it's a recognition that asking people to donate hours of their time to review development proposals or plan city initiatives maybe deserves more than a pat on the back. The vote happens tonight at 6:30 PM, and honestly, if we want diverse voices in local government, removing financial barriers to participation seems like a no-brainer.

"I want people to walk away feeling relaxed," per MYNBC5.

Just when you thought North Beach couldn't get better, Kona Beachside Tiki Bar & Grill drops a slice of Polynesia on Lake Champlain. Owner Sandi Pasagic has created what sounds like the perfect Vermont summer spot: tropical drinks and island-inspired food with waterfront views, open daily from noon to 7 PM. After years of North Beach feeling like it was missing something beyond the snack bar, this addition gives us another reason to make the trek past the bike path. Pro tip: combine this with the Saturday beach scene for peak Burlington summer vibes.

"It's like a big joke. They pose it as like a trophy," per WCAX.

The TikTok-inspired Kia theft trend that started three years ago is somehow still happening, with about a dozen cars stolen in the past two weeks alone. The thieves are posting videos of their joyrides on social media before abandoning the destroyed vehicles. South Burlington Police are investigating, but no arrests yet. If you own a vulnerable Kia or Hyundai, contact your dealer about the fix; and maybe invest in a steering wheel lock while you're at it. The casual cruelty of destroying someone's transportation for social media clout is particularly galling when you consider how many people are already struggling with Burlington's cost of living.

"In order to maintain the services we provide, we're going to ask people to give more," per WCAX.

Federal cuts are hitting our regional public media hard: Vermont Public faces a $4 million shortfall (10% of budget), North Country Public Radio loses $650,000 over two years, and Mountain Lake PBS takes a devastating 35% cut. Vermont Public CEO Vijay Singh acknowledges they'll need to lean even harder on already-generous Vermonters. Rep. Elise Stefanik celebrated the cuts while calling NCPR's reporting "false and defamatory," while Rep. Becca Balint called it a betrayal of rural communities. Whatever your politics, losing independent local journalism and emergency broadcasting capability seems shortsighted when we're increasingly dependent on reliable information.

It’s a packed newsletter! It’s a one man team out here, so if you appreciate what I do and want to keep it going, consider a small donation using the link below, or right to my Venmo @BtownBrief ! Now onto the next section!

Support Btown Brief

Click here to Support Btown Brief

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Queen City Puzzle Hunt Club (Releasing in Thursday’s Edition)

Ever feel like you’ve seen all that Burlington has to offer? Think again.

I’m excited to introduce The Queen City Puzzle Hunt Club, a new interactive puzzle hunt hiding right here in your favorite newsletter! I believe that our city is full of stories, packed with events and adventures waiting to be had. From the bricks of Church Street, and the shores of Lake Champlain, to the recent Btown news, and happenings right in our backyard, there are puzzles everywhere; am I’m going to challenge you to figure them out.

How It Works (Short Version):

  • Solve Puzzles: In every newsletter, you'll find a new two-part puzzle. Solve the puzzle using clues within this email and the last edition, and tackle the optional "Field Bonus" by exploring a real location in Burlington to get the answer.

  • Earn Points: Every puzzle you solve earns you points on our official leaderboard. You’ll be able to see your name, and others, on the public leaderboard. Climb the ranks and prove you're the sharpest person in the Queen City.

  • Win Prizes: Your points automatically become entries into our monthly drawing for awesome prizes, like gift cards to your favorite local coffee shops, breweries, and restaurants. This month’s (August) will be a $20 gift card to a local business of your choice.

It’s a newsletter, a game, and a fun exploration of Burlington all rolled into one. It’s free to play, easy to start, and is guaranteed to make you see our city in a whole new way.

Ready to play? Your first mission drops in Thursday edition of the Btown Brief. I’ll try to include clues from both Monday and Thursdays editions, so be sure to read each newsletter carefully. New puzzles will pop up each week!

Do you like this idea? Click on this link to learn more about it! https://btownbrief.beehiiv.com/c/puzzle-club

Events:

Monday, July 21, 2025

General Events

Live Music/DJ

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

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

General Events

Performances

  • 7:00 PM: Wet Hot American Summer (film screening) at Film House, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington (Free)

Live Music/DJ

  • 5:30 PM: Coven, nadia, August, No-One, Naomi Evening, Sesbian Lex, shewiththelightning (indie, psych rock) at Radio Bean, Burlington ($10/$15)

  • 5:30 PM: Folk Therapy, Theo Manazir, Lone Quail (folk) at Monkey House, Winooski (Free)

  • 6:30 PM: Bodysnatcher, No Cure, Pure Bliss, Split in Half (metal) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington ($19.84)

  • 7:00 PM: Dead is Alive: A New Tuesday Night Residency with Dobbs Dead (Grateful Dead tribute) at Einstein's Tap House, Burlington ($15)

  • 9:00 PM: Honky Tonk Tuesday with Pony Hustle (country) at Radio Bean, Burlington ($10)

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

General Events

Performances

Live Music/DJ

  • 12:30 PM: BCA's Summer Concert Series: Lone Quail (pop, psychedelia, post-punk) at Burlington City Hall Park (Free)

  • 5:30 PM: Zachary DeFranco & Brian Perkins at American Flatbread Burlington at American Flatbread Burlington

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

  • 8:00 PM: Souls of Mischief (hip-hop) at Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, South Burlington ($37.24)

  • 8:30 PM: Charlie Uffelman, Audrey Pearl (singer-songwriter) at Radio Bean, Burlington ($10)

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

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

Thursday, July 24, 2025

General Events

Performances

Live Music/DJ

Volunteer Opportunity of the Week: Burlington Community Justice Center

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

Help support neighbors who’ve experienced harm by volunteering with the Parallel Justice program at the Burlington Community Justice Center. This role involves checking in with victims after police reports, helping them navigate the legal system, and connecting them with local resources. Whether or not someone is held accountable, you’ll be part of a community response that prioritizes healing and support. Volunteers must be 18 or older and bring empathy, professionalism, and a respect for confidentiality. Training is provided—your presence can make a real difference.

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 to keep things feeling easy and open as the season winds down. Start your morning at the Burlington Farmers Market on Pine Street where you can pick up local produce, baked goods, and maybe catch some live music while you browse. Take a short hike through the woods at Niquette Bay State Park and cool off with a dip at one of the quiet beaches tucked along the shoreline. Visit the Fleming Museum on the UVM campus for a calm, air-conditioned break with a thoughtful mix of art and anthropology. If you're feeling curious, head over to the World's Tallest Filing Cabinet on Flynn Avenue for one of Burlington's weirder landmarks and a good photo spot. And when the light starts to fade, walk the boardwalk at Waterfront Park and watch the boats drift in as the sky shifts over the lake

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: Half-price burgers at Shelburne Tap House, $1 pizza after the keg kicks at Three Needs (around 5:30 p.m.), and half-price wine bottles at The Daily Planet.

  • Tuesday: One dollar wings at Finnegan's, two tacos and a Kings Canyon Lager for $10 at Burlington Beer Co., and 50% off cocktails at The Daily Planet (5-10 p.m.).

  • Wednesday: Two-for-one Cold Brew Martinis at The 126, 10 wings for $10 at Burlington Beer Co., and $2 corn dogs at Mule Bar.

  • Thursday: Half-priced house-smoked wings at Switchback Brewing, a limited-edition burger and a pint for $17 at Zero Gravity Beer Hall, and half-price snacks at McGillicuddy's.

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

This Week’s Restaurant Review: Pizzeria Verità

Pizzeria Verità has carved out a solid reputation since 2012 as Burlington's go-to spot for authentic Neapolitan pizza, complete with a wood-fired oven imported directly from Naples. The restaurant's commitment to traditional technique shows in every pie: hand-stretched dough with the signature puffy cornicione edge, quality San Marzano tomatoes, and fresh fior di latte mozzarella that's made in-house. Standout pizzas like the Mais, featuring fire-roasted Vermont corn with speck and crème fraîche, successfully bridge Italian tradition with local ingredients, while classics like the Margherita deliver the pure, simple flavors that define true Neapolitan style.

The lively, energetic atmosphere matches the open kitchen setup where diners can watch skilled pizzaioli at work, creating an engaging dining experience that feels both authentic and distinctly Burlington. Co-owners Leslie Wells and John Rao's dedication to the craft is evident: Wells trained in Italy and New York to master traditional techniques, and their emphasis on local Vermont ingredients through partnerships like the Vermont Fresh Network adds a meaningful community connection. The restaurant consistently ranks among Burlington's top dining spots, earning recognition in local "Daysies" awards and maintaining strong online reviews for both food quality and service.

However, Pizzeria Verità's popularity can work against it during peak times, when the bustling atmosphere tips into chaos and securing a table without reservations becomes tough. Prices run $15-20 per pizza, which can feel steep for some, but not bad compared to surrounding pizza places. The limited menu can leave some diners wanting more variety beyond the antipasti selection. The high-energy environment, while part of the appeal for many, can feel quite busy for those seeking a quieter meal, and service can become stretched thin when the restaurant hits capacity. Despite these drawbacks, Pizzeria Verità delivers on its promise of authentic Neapolitan pizza in a vibrant setting that captures Burlington's local dining scene.

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

That’s All, Burlington!

That's the brief for now. Get out there and enjoy this beautiful start to the week, and maybe share your thoughts on the future of the New North End while you’re at it.

If you like what I do, help support the newsletter by buying me a coffee using the link below. Or, right to our Venmo @btownbrief. Or, buy an advertising spot for your business.

Dropping tasteful merch for the Btown Brief soon, stay tuned!

Reminder that the puzzle hunts from on Thursdays!

Support Btown Brief

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And share this newsletter with everyone you know that’s interested in all things Burlington!