Thursday, May 15th

Weekend Brief: Warm Night, Wetter Weekend! – Vermont Green FC kicks off in tonight's warmth, then prep for stormy skies. We're covering CEDO's new lead, UVM's grad weekend, and the city's big student move out project, plus where to find art, community repairs, and fresh tacos amidst the shifting weather.

May 15, 2025

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Table of Contents

Weather & Weekend Rundown

As Thursday evening winds down, we're still basking in that decidedly warm and humid air. If you're stepping out, any stray shower should be just a fleeting thought. Friday promises another warm start, perhaps luring you into a false sense of continued summer, but keep an eye on the skies later in the day, as more enthusiastic showers and thunderstorms are looking to make an appearance, especially by afternoon and into the evening. Then, the weekend signals a shift; Saturday seems set to deliver more widespread rain and storms – a good day for indoor projects, perhaps – before Sunday ushers in noticeably cooler temperatures, more clouds, and the chance of a few more showers. Essentially, enjoy the current warmth, but be ready for a bit of a meteorological mood swing.

This lingering warmth tonight should make for a fine atmosphere at Zero Gravity for the Vermont Green FC Season Kick Off Party – ideal for meeting the squad and grabbing some new merch. And if you're looking for an indoor groove, the All Night Boogie Band will be serving up blues and R&B at Nectar's. Friday morning's Bike to Work Day event also looks to catch good conditions for grabbing coffee and donuts with fellow cyclists at the Waterfront. Anybody that’s up for cycling to work is invited! Come Saturday, however, with those widespread showers and storms on the agenda, the Old North End Repair Café offering to fix your household items for free might suddenly seem like the most brilliant plan in town.

Looking at other ways to navigate the coming days: Friday evening's Urban Landscape Art Opening featuring Ken Russack at Foam Brewers offers a dose of culture before Saturday's main weather event. Speaking of Saturday, the Annual FHF Bloom Time Festival at the UVM Horticulture Research Center is a hearty 'rain or shine' affair, so die hard fans of lilacs, tractor rides, and spring celebrations can still venture out, perhaps between squalls. Then, that cooler, potentially showery Sunday could actually enhance the appeal of the Burlington Sauna Social down at North Beach – what better way to embrace a cool day than with three mobile saunas and a view of the lake?

Today’s high of 84°F in Burlington surpasses the average May 15 high of 69°F and approaches the record of 88°F set in 1961. Burlington is experiencing warmer-than-average temperatures this mid-May, with today's high nearing historical records. The upcoming days continue this trend, maintaining above-average warmth for the season.

Btown Hidden Gem “Guess the Spot”

Guess where the photo of this Burlington gem was taken. We’ll reveal the location (with coordinates) at the bottom of the newsletter:

Hint: "A rock point tucked within a Burlington park, where calm waters gather among trees—perfect for a quiet escape."

"Kara Alnasrawi will serve as director of Burlington's Community & Economic Development Office, or CEDO...She replaces Brian Pine, who has led CEDO since 2021." per Seven Days

This is a significant leadership change for a key city department, especially as it coincides with a planned merger between CEDO and Business & Workforce Development aimed at addressing the city's budget gap. Alnasrawi, currently leading the Church Street Marketplace and Business & Workforce Development, steps in as CEDO is being "re imagined" with a strong focus on economic development. It’s worth noting Pine’s extensive experience, particularly in housing, and his expressed desire to have continued in the role. The City Council will consider the appointments, including Alnasrawi's, in early June.

"Officials say 2,992 students will walk across the stage this weekend to receive their bachelor’s degrees. The UVM undergraduate commencement takes place from 9 to 11 a.m. Sunday on the University Green." per WCAX

Get ready for a bustling weekend around UVM as nearly three thousand students celebrate their graduation. Beyond the bachelor's degrees, hundreds more will receive master's, doctoral, and medical degrees. Heads up for road closures near campus starting Friday and extending through Sunday, particularly around University Place, South Prospect Street, and parts of Main and College Streets. It sounds like this graduating class has made a real mark in rebuilding community post pandemic.

"The annual Spring Move Out Project encourages reuse and a cleaner move out for students by providing a place to collect unwanted items...We’re told a majority of items brought to the swap do find new homes..." per WCAX

As college students depart, the city and UVM are once again teaming up for the Spring Move Out Project, a welcome initiative to reduce waste and give perfectly good items a second life. It’s a testament to the community spirit that so much of what’s collected finds a new home, keeping it off the streets and out of landfills. If you missed today's swap, there’s another chance next Thursday on Lower Loomis Street.

"The Hoehl Family Foundation last week announced a $200,000 matching grant for COTS’ new Waystation Shelter. The location on Pearl Street was a warming shelter this winter, but will open as a year round, 56 bed shelter once it’s renovated in December." per WCAX

This generous $200,000 matching grant from the Hoehl Family Foundation is a significant boost for COTS as they work towards their $2 million fundraising goal for the new Waystation Shelter. Transforming the Pearl Street location from a winter warming shelter into a year round, 56 bed facility by December will be a crucial step in addressing homelessness in our community.

"The mural, called “Hands of Hope: One Community,” was created by Burlington High School students in the Burlington City & Lake Semester program...‘Every single one of these hexagons represents something that students themselves wanted to express...’" per WCAX

It’s always inspiring to see student creativity making a tangible mark on the city. The new "Hands of Hope: One Community" mural in Leahy Way, crafted by students in the Burlington City & Lake Semester program, adds a vibrant splash of color and a message of unity. It’s a thoughtful addition, especially considering the past discussions around public art in that space, and will eventually find a permanent home at the new Burlington High School.

"The Mad Taco has opened its fifth location, a food truck on the grounds of Gardener's Supply’s new shop on Shelburne Road...The menu in Shelburne will look familiar to patrons of other Mad Taco eateries." per Burlington Free Press

Plant shopping and taco feasting can now go hand in hand in Shelburne. The Mad Taco has rolled out its food truck at the new Gardener's Supply, offering their well loved menu of tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. They'll be serving Thursday through Sunday, making your weekend errands potentially much tastier.

Events:

Thursday, May 15, 2025

General Events

Friday, May 16, 2025

General Events

Saturday, May 17, 2025

General Events

Sunday, May 18, 2025

General Events

202+ Things to Do in Burlington (Summer Activities)

Todays picks:

Here are five more from the list to help you switch things up this week. Walk the trails at Red Rocks Park in South Burlington, where forest paths lead to quiet lake views and rocky overlooks. Explore the Church Street Marketplace with no real agenda—window shop, people-watch, and maybe grab a creemee along the way. For something a little quirky, visit the World’s Tallest Filing Cabinet on Flynn Avenue, a surprisingly popular photo stop with a bit of local lore. Head to Schifilliti Park for a round of casual disc golf, or just hang out by the nearby playground or skate park. And if you’re looking for something low-key and peaceful, take a lap through the gardens at Shelburne Farms and find a spot to sit near the lake. Full list’s always ready when you are: https://btownbrief.beehiiv.com/c/202-activites

This Week’s Comic

John went Dunkin'. Mistakes were made.

Eating Out On A Budget (Food & Drink Deals)

Weekend Food & Drink Picks
• Thursday: $0.75 jumbo wings at Shelburne Tap House and $6 margaritas at Despacito
• Friday: $2 slices and $5 Zero Gravity beer at McGillicuddy’s and $5 Fiddlehead drafts at Shalimar
• Saturday: $1 oysters at Bleu Northeast Kitchen (5–6 PM) and BOGO crepes at Skinny Pancake
• Sunday: $0.85 wings at Rotisserie and $5 mimosa pints at Daily Planet

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

This Week’s Restaurant Review: Shanty on the Shore

If you're after that classic New England seafood experience right here in Burlington, Shanty on the Shore has been holding down its spot near Waterfront Park since 1985, and for good reason. It’s nestled in a building with impressive, original thick wood beams that have seen nearly two centuries pass since its 1833 beginnings as a waterfront store, giving it a genuinely rustic, nautical charm. It's the kind of place where you can enjoy some truly picturesque views of Lake Champlain, especially if you time your visit for sunset, making it a popular choice for folks wanting that quintessential lakeside meal, and a reliable spot to take out of town guests looking for that specific vibe.

When it comes to the food, you’re diving into a menu that champions New England seafood traditions—think baked and broiled favorites alongside satisfyingly crispy fried platters. Their clam chowder boasts a reputation stretching well beyond Burlington (the Boston Globe famously counted it among New England's best), and the lobster roll remains a consistently solid choice. Now, those Champlain views are undeniably a main draw, and the seafood generally delivers on freshness. However, its prime location and enduring popularity mean it can indeed feel like a well trodden path, especially during peak season, which might translate to a bustling, sometimes loud, atmosphere and potentially a bit of a wait for a table. Plus, while the steadfastly classic approach to seafood is comforting and exactly what many are looking for, those seeking more adventurous or contemporary culinary creations might find the offerings quite traditional. The check also reflects its desirable spot and reputation, leaning a bit higher than your average casual eatery in town. Still, if you’re set on that quintessential taste of the coast with an unbeatable lakeside backdrop, and you’re prepared for the full, popular waterfront experience, the Shanty generally won’t disappoint.

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

That’s All, Burlington!

That’s all for this Thursday edition of the Btown Brief! Enjoy the warmth while it lasts, stay informed, and perhaps we'll cross paths at one of the many happenings around town. If you have a tip, an event, or a community story you think we should feature, don't hesitate to send it our way. See you Monday!

Mystery Photo Location: Oakledge Park, the cove with the rock point. Popular spot for sun tanners. https://maps.app.goo.gl/tMJsvwheZSQoWEgx6

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