Good morning!

I mentioned yesterday that I have a lot to talk about - so much, in fact, that I’m going to go ahead and put a table of contents right up front. Today I’ll be sharing some upcoming ways you can help out on a small or large scale in the community. Opportunities to give (or receive) much-needed help abound! Here’s a more complete list of ways you can offer or receive assistance. For now, let’s talk about concrete events taking place in the immediate future:

• Town of Burlington Scholarship Fund
• People Helping People open house
• Comedy Night to benefit BHS football
• Softball game to benefit child sexual abuse prevention and awareness

Town of Burlington Scholarship Fund

Here’s a cool way to support kids in our community. I’ve seen the meetings of the Scholarship Fund on the town calendar, but I’ll confess I didn’t really know what it was all about. Well, Sheila Fitzpatrick helped me out with this one and I’m actually pretty excited about it. And the great news is there are multiple ways for you to contribute.

So, first - the TOBSF is a volunteer committee that meets once monthly from about October through March and then twice monthly as the school year comes to a close. They discuss and review the applications and select recipients for the scholarships, which are completely funded by volunteer donations from Burlington residents.

If you’re anything like me, when you get your property tax bill, you promptly recycle it or hand it to someone else in the house who can take responsibility for such things. But never again! Because, apparently on your property tax bill (and on your excise tax, water, etc. bills), you can opt to add a donation to the Scholarship Fund!

How easy is that! Just add a little onto what you’re already sending to the town, and you can help support a kid’s educational future.

But wait! There’s more!

The TOBSF is looking for two new members. These members will serve a two- or three-year term, with what is (for many) a very manageable commitment of an hour per month, on average. If you’re interested, or if you have any other questions, please email scholarship@burlington.org.

People Helping People Open House

After a few very long months of moving out and moving back in, Burlington’s food pantry is ready to reveal itself to the world! People Helping People will be having an open house this Wednesday, August 10, from 5-7 PM, at their new location at 21 Murray Ave, and they can’t wait to see you there. PHP works tirelessly every day and supports hundreds of individuals and families each month with food and other necessities. Come check out their new digs, and see how you can offer help, find the help you need, or both!

To learn more about People Helping People check out my interview with Pantry Manager, Julie Lewis.

Comedy Night to Benefit BHS Football

Friends of Burlington Football are presenting a comedy night to benefit the team. Comedian Brad Mastrangelo will be performing at the American Legion on September 10. Doors at 6; show begins at 7. Tickets are only $30! There will be light apps, a cash bar, and a raffle. This event will sell out, so get your tickets now!

Softball Game to Benefit Child Sexual Abuse Prevention and Awareness

The Mama Bear Effect and the Burlington Recreation Department are teaming up for Badges and Bases, which sounds absolutely amazing. This event will be a softball tournament between the Burlington Police and Fire Departments, and I simply cannot wait to grab some Cracker Jacks and watch this amazing event.

The Mama Bear Effect is a Burlington-based nonprofit focused on child sexual abuse awareness and prevention. This is a charitable tournament, and there are numerous sponsorship opportunities.

If your business would like to contribute to this cause, check out the attached sheet for more info.

Alright, that’s it for today. See you on the Common!

Nicci