Good Morning, Burlington!

Readers living near Fox Hill Elementary might see something unexpected this morning: a group of students and their caregivers making their way up Westwood Street on foot. That’s because today is Fox Hill’s Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day, Winter Edition. Planned in conjunction with Massachusetts Safe Routes to School, these days offer a structured opportunity for children to get to school safely, without having to use a vehicle.

And you don’t have to be a Fox Hill family to take part in this fun activity. Text some friends and meet up a few minutes early to walk or ride bikes together, no matter what school your kids attend.

Are you participating? Send us some photos! For more information about Safe Routes to Schools contact your school’s main office.

Usher in the Year of the Dragon With These Lunar New Year Activities

Preparations have already begun for the celebration of this year’s Lunar New Year.

Beginning this year on February 10, Lunar New Year marks a fun and festive time in many East Asian countries, and for East Asian communities here in the United States. Each culture has its own tradition for celebrating the new year, but in general it is seen as a time for gathering with family, paying respects to ancestors, and celebrating the mythology that led to the creation of the holiday.

There are many celebrations near and far this weekend to help usher in the Year of the Dragon, and we hope you find one to enjoy.

• February 9 and 10 - Lunar New Year dinner at Karma Asian Fusion Restaurant (Burlington Mall, Reservations are required)
• February 10 and 11 - Dining at Pagu, the Cambridge restaurant led by James Beard Award semifinalist Tracy Chang. (Cambridge)
• February 10 - Mei Mei's Lunar New Year celebration: Enjoy a lion dance, lantern creating, and dumpling making, along with raffles and prizes. Only a few tickets remain; get yours now! (Mei Mei’s Dumplings, South Boston)
• February 10 - Lunar New Year Festival at Peabody Essex Museum: Enjoy folktales and live music to celebrate the holiday. (Salem)
• February 11, 1:00-5:00 PM - Belmont Chinese American Association Cultural Festival (Beech Street Center, Belmont; free admission. All are welcome, but beware parking is tight!)
• February 11 - New Art Center's crafts and cultural performances: Free drop-in art for families; there will also be dance and music performances. (Newton)

There will be more ways to celebrate Lunar New Year in the coming weeks, including the Chinese New Year Parade in Boston’s Chinatown next weekend. Keep an eye out for our Community Celebrations story on Lunar New Year, which should be ready by lunchtime today, and contribute your stories at hello@burlington.buzz.

Today in Burlington

Municipal Meetings and Community Events

• 1:00 PM - Fox Hill Building Committee Executive Working Group will review and discuss comments from the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s review of their presented plan, as well as their maintenance and capital planning score. (Virtual)
• 3:30-4:15PM - Books & Building - Bring your kids, ages 3-6, to our neighboring library and listen to a couple of stories then chat with new friends as you get creative with an open ended building session. Share your buildings on social media and tag us #BurlingtonBuzz!  (Winchester Public Library: 80 Washington St, Winchester; Drop In)
• 6:30 PM - Zoning Bylaw Review Committee Sign Subcommittee - The signage districts guide will be discussed among other topics. (Virtual) CANCELLED
• 7:00 PM - Capital Budget Committee - A review of the capital requests for the fire and police departments for FY25. (Town Hall Annex)
• 7:00 PM - Ways and Means will receive an overview the FY25 Budget by Town Administration, an update on debt, and more. (Town Hall Main Hearing Room and Virtual)

Sports and Activities

Boys and girls both lost their basketball games at Wakefield yesterday. Boys fell with a score of 51-59, ending their winning streak and bringing their record to 11-6. Girls lost 32-62; they’re now 2-14.

This afternoon brings a sole hockey game, as our varsity boys travel to Watertown for a 4:00 matchup.

That’s all for today. See you tomorrow, and don’t forget to fill in your survey and email us to let us know how your family celebrates Lunar New Year!

Nicci

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