Good Morning, Burlington!

We hope you had a safe and warm snow day yesterday! Cleanup is largely complete, and school will be in session as usual despite delays in many surrounding towns. With the number of stories we heard yesterday about snow blowers not working, we’re thinking it might make sense to assemble a list of repair shops in the area. If you’ve got one, or if you do residential plowing or shoveling, hit us up!

First-Ever Civic Expo to Connect Burlington Residents With the People Who Make the Town Run

Burlington’s first-ever Civic Expo will be taking place next Wednesday evening, and we want to see you there. This innovative tradeshow-style event, featuring nearly 40 municipal departments, elected and appointed Boards, and local nonprofits, aims to connect community members with the town departments that make Burlington run, as well as the Board and Commissions that oversee them. Also present will be Town Meeting members, local non-profits, public safety officers, and more.

Burlington Civic Expo
January 17, 2024, 5:00-7:00 PM
61 Center Street, Murray Kelly Wing
Refreshments and childcare will be provided

Why should you come to the Civic Expo?

Get to know your elected officials and the staff of our local town departments in a no-stakes environment. This meet-and-greet style event removes the power dynamic and allows folks to connect as humans without needing something (a permit, payment for a tax bill, etc.) from each other.

Many of our town’s departments are guided by elected or appointed Boards, who work to develop the department’s long-term vision while the department itself executes the daily operations. Learn more about the town’s vision for the future and how each department is working to make that a reality. You can also gauge what you see against your own vision for how you think Burlington will/should look in 10-20 years and use that information to make voting decisions in the future.

Learn what each of our departments does to support our town and enhance your life. Did you know our Town Clerk holds all the vital records for births, deaths, and marriages in Burlington? Or that the Economic Development Department is working to reimagine the area around the mall to better utilize the surface parking lots that are currently sitting mostly vacant? Or that the library just completed its five-year plan? Visit these tables and more to learn how our town’s machine works and its impact on your life.

Connect with neighbors and Town Meeting Members. There are not many spaces in today’s hyper-online world where community members can connect with one another in good faith and without an agenda—and many places, both real and virtual, are segregated based on one attribute or another. This is a place where anyone who lives in Burlington can come and connect with anybody else, regardless of political, class, and race lines that might traditionally separate us.

Prepare to vote or to run for elected office in April’s local election. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn what the elected Boards and Commissions do. If you see somewhere you could contribute and want to join one of these elected bodies, you can begin thinking about running for office. Or, if you prefer to engage by voting and participating as a citizen, you can learn more about candidates for these offices and how their visions align with your own.

This community event promises to be educational and fun for all. There will be refreshments, provided by Wegmans and other area businesses, as well as childcare for kids ages 2 through fifth grade so parents and caregivers can focus on learning about their community. And, did I mention door prizes? Lots of great stuff to enhance your life in Burlington, and you’ll be eligible just for showing up!

RSVP at Facebook, by replying to this email, or by reaching out to hello@burlington.buzz. We can’t wait to see you!

Today in Burlington

Municipal Meetings and Community Events

• 8:00 AM - Planning Sub Sculpture Park - Call to 2024 artists, electric box update, a patron update and more. (Virtual)
• 5:00 PM - Board of Registrars/Town Clerk will be meeting to discuss early voting and vote by mail. (Town Hall - Clerk’s Office)
• 6:00 PM - Recreation Commission will hold their FY25 Capital Presentation. A Program Coordinator Appointment is also on the agenda, which hopefully means they’ll be filling the role vacated a month or so by long-time Coordinator, Jessie Hampson. (BHS School Committee Room)
• 6:00 PM - Select Board will introduce two Police officers, share information about the upcoming election (April 6, 2024!), discuss a fundraiser on the Town Common (temporary pig sculptures for the summer?! cool!) and much more. (Town Hall Main Hearing Room and Virtual)
• 7:00-8:00 PM - Teen Event: Pour Paint Night for Students in Grades 6-12  - Learn how to mix and pour paint and make an abstract design with some new friends. Wear clothing that is OK to get messy! (Library; Register)
• 7:00-8:00 PM - Chess Club - All ages are welcome to try your hand at a chess game. You don’t have to be an expert! No experience necessary. Just a friendly game with others who enjoy the game as well. (Library; No Registration Required)
• 7:30 PM - ISSAC will review the Town  School cybersecurity policies and more—including a look ahead to Cybersecurity Awareness month in October. (Virtual)

Sports and Activities

No sports updates today, as yesterday’s matchups were canceled and there’s nothing on the calendar today. Stay tuned for a full day tomorrow, though!

Have a lovely day, Burlington!

Nicci

Thank you for reading Burlington Buzz. This post is public so feel free to share it.