Wednesday Editions! Monday and Friday are reserved for news and events. Wednesdays are for everything else worth highlighting.

And be sure to check out the new Burlington City Pulse section at the very bottom!!

Sometimes you don’t want to read, you want to listen. So if you enjoy local podcasts about Vermont, you might enjoy this recent episode:

Vermont Public's Brave Little State, the show that digs into questions about life in Vermont, turned its attention to a deceptively simple question this week: who are the people riding on your town's fire trucks, and why do they do it? Reporter Josh Crane embedded with the Norwich Fire Department for a weekend of training, and what he found is a story that cuts in two directions at once. On one hand, volunteer fire departments across the state are in real trouble. Chiefs from Hinesburg, Richmond, Ripton, and Barnett all paint a grim picture of dwindling rosters and rising call volumes, with one department down to five members, all senior citizens. One chief in particular doesn't mince words about the state of community spirit: "It's one for all and all for themselves." About 90 percent of Vermont's fire departments rely on volunteers, which is higher than most states, and the national trend line has been heading the wrong direction for decades.

Then there's Norwich, which feels like it exists in a parallel universe. The department has added 16 members since 2020, growing its roster by over 30 percent, and just brought on six new recruits who are training for their firefighter certification. These aren't your stereotypical volunteers either. We're talking Dartmouth professors, a national security lawyer, a biotech worker, a novelist. Deputy Chief Matt Sweat, a former tech entrepreneur who joined 21 years ago after a neighbor recruited him, is honest about the fact that what makes Norwich work isn't easily copied. The town's wealth, its concentration of flexible remote and academic jobs, and a steady influx of young families all play a role. You can't just bottle that.

And one part that really sticks out is Sweat's take on what actually gets him out of bed at 2 a.m.: "What motivates me is, well, I get to go see Aaron or I get to go see Cody." It's less about heroism and more about genuinely liking the people you serve with, and knowing that the person you're helping on the other end of the call is probably your neighbor. The episode runs about 22 minutes and it's one of the more honest looks at volunteerism, community, and what holds small towns together that you'll hear this year.

This week in Vermont podcasts, Town Meeting Day dominated the conversation, with The Frequency delivering daily dispatches on results, including the striking finding that voters approved 82 percent of school budgets despite property tax concerns, while also covering Waterbury weighing new housing on the edge of a 100-year flood zone alongside a preview of an immigrant musical group's debut at The Flynn, and spotlighting a Para Alpine skier from Pittsfield competing at the Paralympic Winter Games in Cortina, Italy. Vermont This Week rounded up the biggest stories with a look at school budgets, Town Meeting results, and the Vermont National Guard's deployment to Iran. Vermont Edition had a packed slate, exploring whether the state should block data centers, debating the future of nuclear energy as Governor Scott pushes back on Vermont's 2035 phase-out plan, unpacking how tariffs and a recent Supreme Court ruling are hitting local businesses, spotlighting the multicultural musical ensemble behind "All the Rivers," checking in on Underhill's Town Meeting Day gathering, and chatting with a professional taste tester about the craft behind food and beverage evaluation. Over on The Morning Drive, guests ranged from the new Vermont National Guard leader Maj. Gen. "Hank" Harder giving his first interview since taking command, to state senators Russ Ingalls and Andre Perchlik on the legislative session, Superintendent Ryan Heraty discussing cell phone bans in schools, Coach Steve Bent recapping Essex Town Little League's championship season, and Rice Memorial students promoting their spring musical "The Prince of Egypt." 802 News with Mark Johnson featured a nearly hour-long retrospective with outgoing Sen. Phil Baruth on his 16 years in the statehouse. There's No "A" in Creemee sat down with lieutenant governor candidate Ryan McLaren for a wide-ranging chat on affordability, cynicism, and community, and teased a big announcement from co-host Joanna (she’s running for a seat on the Vermont Senate!) Vermont Talks hosted Riley Rae Burridge of Safety Pin Shows for a lengthy conversation, Load-In Through the Back welcomed Dispatch's Pete Francis for over an hour of music and conversation, United in Green dug into the USL labor dispute and what it means for lower-division soccer, and Happy Vermont got us ready for Maple Open House Weekend, because it's finally sugaring season.

Find all the different podcasts by visiting this page I made of local Vermont podcasts

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A Chance to Give Back… and Take Home Some Incredible Lasagna

I'm excited to share a wonderful volunteer opportunity coming up later this month that I'd love your help with (I’ll be going and helping out too).

On March 28th, Faith United Methodist Church in South Burlington is hosting its 7th Annual Drive-Thru Lasagna Dinner Fundraiser, with 100% of proceeds going directly to Pathways Vermont: a statewide nonprofit that provides innovative mental health services and collaborative learning to foster choice, connection, and community across our state. You can learn more about their work at pathwaysvermont.org.

This is a cause that's close to my heart, and I'd love to make this year's dinner a big success. There are a few ways you can get involved:

Volunteer! There are several shifts available on both Friday, March 27th and Saturday, March 28th. Everything from prepping lasagna and bagging fudge to greeting guests and directing traffic in the parking lot. No special skills required, just a willingness to show up and lend a hand. Plus, volunteering is great for building community. Here are the time slots:

Sign up to volunteer or donate ingredients here: SignUpGenius Link

Not able to volunteer? You can still help make this a success! Reserve a meal and support the fundraiser directly. For a suggested donation of just $17, you'll take home a to-go dinner of fresh, homemade lasagna (meat or vegetable), bread sticks, tossed salad, and a generous slice of both maple fudge and chocolate fudge. Pickup is from 5:00–5:30 PM on Saturday, March 28th at Faith UMC, 899 Dorset St., South Burlington. Cash, Venmo, and checks (made out to Pathways Vermont) are all accepted. Dinner reservations are required, so RSVP using the reservation form or email [email protected] or call (802) 863-6764. You can also check out more details on the Front Porch Forum event listing.

One more thing: if you're picking up a meal, consider bringing along non-perishable food items for the Feeding Champlain Valley and South Burlington Food Shelf collections happening at the event as well!

Whether you can give your time, grab a dinner, spread the word, or all three.. every bit of support makes a difference for Pathways Vermont and the vital work they do in our communities. Questions about the event can be directed to [email protected].

Thank you so much, I hope to see some of you there!

Check out this volunteer page for links to find volunteer opportunities all around Burlington.

Someone in the r/burlington subreddit asked the question “Best nachos in town? Quick. Where are they from.” and it received 40 comments. Rankings are based on the net upvotes of recommending comments. Here’s what I tallied for upvotes:

Top Recommendations:

Check out the post here for every answer: Reddit Post Link

Check out the previous polls I tallied: ”Best of” Btown Eats Polls Archive

Do you agree? If not, send me your favorite recommendation by replying to this email!

This Week’s Food & Drink Picks

View the full list of food & drink deals here.

Have corrections? Email me at [email protected]

Someone started this spreadsheet for the most up-to-date.

Help grow it! Add your deal here.

Five more to help you make the most of Burlington:

Start with a walk along the Burlington Greenway where the lake is starting to wake up again and you might catch the ice breaking apart. Stop into Scout & Co. in the Old North End for a coffee and take a slow wander through the surrounding neighborhood streets that feel especially calm this time of year. Visit the Fleming Museum on the UVM campus for an easy indoor break that still feels like you did something thoughtful with your afternoon. Head to Foam Brewers later in the day and grab a drink by the windows overlooking the lake while the daylight slowly stretches longer. Finish with an evening show at Vermont Comedy Club for a warm room and a few laughs before heading back out into the cool night air.

Full list’s always waiting here when you need a plan: 202+ Things to Do

Events Coming Up Soon: (Sorry if you see these again in Friday’s edition!)

Adventure Dinner takes over Bar Renée Friday, March 13th

Kicking off the weekend in cozy style, the Adventure Dinner crew is popping up at Burlington’s Bar Renée on Main Street this Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. Executive Chef Eric has prepared a "New England Hygge" menu full of warming comfort foods, from beet-cured arctic char to silky egg custard. Attendance is free (though RSVPs are kindly requested so they can prep enough food), and you simply order your selections at the counter. With wine pairings suggested by the Bar Renée team, it’s the perfect laid-back culinary escape for the last stretch of winter.

Before Dark Dance Party with DJ Llu and Tad Cautious Friday, March 13th

Love the idea of going out but want to be in bed by 10? Head down to the SEABA Center on Pine Street this Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for Vermont Public’s Before Dark Dance Party. Grab dinner from Pie Empire, snag a drink at the cash bar, and dance your heart out to classic and future classic hits. Tickets are $15, with proceeds supporting both Vermont Public and SEABA. You can even check out the "By a Thread" fiber exhibition while you're there!

Pi(e) Day Open House Saturday, March 14th

Celebrate math's most delicious holiday with Sisters of Anarchy Ice Cream at their Pi(e) Day Open House from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy hot sliced pie, ice cream, and cozy fire pits right on the farm in Shelburne. They will even be hosting a Pi Haiku contest where the winner gets a free pie, and offering 10% off your order if you can memorize Pi to 30 digits!

2026 Penguin Plunge Saturday, March 14th

After a brief weather postponement, the highly anticipated 2026 Penguin Plunge is officially happening this Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Burlington Waterfront. Brave locals will jump into the frigid waters of Lake Champlain to raise crucial funds for Special Olympics Vermont. Whether you're taking the plunge yourself or just bundling up to cheer on the community from the shoreline, this high-energy event is a beloved staple of the Vermont winter scene.

Green Mountain Mahler Festival Spring Concert Saturday, March 14th

Classical music lovers should head over to the Elley-Long Music Center in Colchester this Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m. The Green Mountain Mahler Festival is teaming up with the VTSU Castleton University Chorale for a powerful program dedicated to the orchestral and choral works of Johannes Brahms. Not only will attendees enjoy sweeping pieces like the Tragic Overture and Schicksalslied, but all proceeds from the evening will directly benefit the Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS).

Freezy Cheeks 5K: Third Berg Sunday, March 15th

Runners looking to test their winter grit can lace up for the "Third Berg," the final race in RunVermont's Freezy Cheeks 5K Series, taking place this Sunday. Embracing a more sustainable approach this year, the race features a reduced-waste finish line, encouraging participants to bring their own hydration gear or utilize a complimentary reusable HydraPak cup provided by the organizers. It’s a great way to log some chilly miles and celebrate the impending arrival of spring with the local running community.

Further Out Events To Keep on Your Radar:

STOMP Wednesday, March 18th

The pulse-pounding, international percussion sensation STOMP is making its way to The Flynn Main Stage in downtown Burlington next Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. The incredibly inventive eight-member troupe uses matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, and even hubcaps to fill the stage with electrifying rhythms. It’s an unforgettable, high-energy experience perfect for audiences of all ages.

Paint & Sip Thursday, March 19th

Unwind next Thursday at 6 p.m. with a BYOB Paint & Sip at the Queen City Cat Lounge in the New North End. All art supplies are provided, and you get the choice of either painting one of the adorable resident lounge cats or submitting a photo of your own pet in advance to be printed as a canvas proof. It's a relaxing and sensory-friendly way to enjoy some art and feline company.

Mascoma Bank Library Mini Golf Community Links Saturday, March 21st

For a completely unique weekend activity, downtown Burlington's Fletcher Free Library is transforming into an 18-hole miniature golf course. Running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., this family-friendly event lets you putt your way right through the book stacks while supporting free library programs and services. General admission is $10, and families of up to four can grab a $20 group ticket. It’s an incredibly clever and fun way to support literacy and community resources!

Rotary Bill Skiff Story Slam Saturday, March 21st

Get ready for an evening of true tales, great laughs, and community spirit at the Rotary Bill Skiff Story Slam. Held at Williston Central School from 6 to 8 p.m. (doors at 5:30 p.m.), locals will step up to the mic to share their wildest 5-minute personal stories centered around the theme "The Snow Storm." Tickets are $20, and all profits support home heating fuel assistance for neighbors in need.

Vermont Spring Market Saturday, April 11th – Sunday, April 12th

Looking ahead to April, the Champlain Valley Expo in Essex Junction will host the 4th Annual Vermont Spring Market. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, over 65 crafters and artisans will set up shop in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion, offering everything from woodcrafts and jewelry to maple products and mead. Admission is $10 for adults (kids under 12 are free) and parking is free, making it the perfect opportunity to grab an early Mother's Day gift or some unique local treats.

The locals on r/Burlington were busy this week! Here’s the round-up of what the community is talking about over the last 5 days:

🌦️ Weather, Safety & City Operations

🏘️ Community News & Milestones

🗳️ Civic & Political

🍔 Local Eats & Business Buzz

🎭 Events & Things To Do

This Week & Weekend

🗣️ On People's Minds

🔍 Lost & Found / Community Bulletin

📋 Resources & Opportunities

🗞️ The "Cutting Room Floor" Exclusives

🪖 Military News Note: Buried in a local news roundup post, it was noted that the Vermont Air National Guard's F-35s were confirmed to be operating over Iran.

🤝 Community Introductions & Connections

🍔 The Great Food & Drink Hunt

Locals are seeking recommendations for:

🎸 Music, Venues & Entertainment

❓ Highly Specific Local Q&A

Share this newsletter with everyone you know that’s interested in all things Burlington! 5 referrals gets you your own shoutout on the newsletter.