Good morning, Burlington.

South End Get Down started on May 16 at the Charcoal Collective on Pine Street in Burlington—featuring more than 60 food vendors, local art and music—and will run every Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. to bring the community together at this free block party.

COTS is renovating the former social security building at 58 Pearl Street to become an expanded overnight shelter with new beds, a modern kitchen, improved laundry and six private bathrooms.

The nonprofit has raised funds from the state office, anonymous donors and the Hoehl Family Foundation and will open the new center in December — providing better support for Burlington’s unhoused residents.

South Burlington Fire Department — with Vermont Hazmat — responded on May 16th at 4:15 p.m. to reports of smoke from a trash compactor at Healthy Living on Dorset Street and found that 34% hydrogen peroxide triggered a chemical reaction without posing further danger while the business stayed open.

The Associated General Contractors of Vermont trained over 2,500 Vermonters in safety, skills and leadership in the first half of 2025 by offering more than 100 courses – this record-breaking effort improved jobsite safety and built a stronger workforce.

The association also worked with local contractors and career centers to expand training opportunities and reduce workplace incidents.

The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum’s Underwater Preservation Program is expanding access to historic shipwrecks by offering boat trips that use remote-operated vehicles to show live feeds for people who do not dive.

The program—supported by a state bonds bill sending $46,000 to upkeep the sites—has protected these wrecks since 1982 and now sees about 600 divers each year.

The University of Vermont integrated a VR digital hospital into its nursing curriculum this semester to let student nurses practice clinical scenarios using headsets & controllers.

The program, which has been in development for a year, has logged over 1,100 sessions as it expands hands-on training and tackles clinical space limits.

On Friday, first responders staged a mock crash at Beekmantown High School to show students the dangers of texting while driving and driving under the influence.

Officials in Vermont held a similar demonstration at Champlain Valley Union High School on Thursday—each event aimed to highlight the serious consequences of poor driving choices.

Governor Phil Scott signed S.27 on May 15 to use a one-time $1 million investment to wipe out up to $100 million in medical debt for eligible middle- and working-class Vermonters—no new taxes or fees are added.

State Treasurer Mike Pieciak said the program will enroll qualified residents automatically and remove negative credit impacts to provide immediate financial relief.

Dr. Misty Blanchette Porter, a fertility doctor from Norwich, filed for $1.7 million in legal fees after a Burlington federal jury awarded her damages for her 2017 firing over alleged disability discrimination by Dartmouth Health in Lebanon.

Her legal team seeks extra pre-judgment interest and both sides must file post-trial motions by Tuesday May 27—an ongoing fight that has lasted nearly eight years.

Sports & Fitness Expo

1-7 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington Vermont — Free entry — Explore the latest in sportswear, gear, and local products at this vibrant expo.

Chat with Best-Selling Author and Runner Emily Halnon

12-1 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington Vermont — Free entry — Engage in a trailside chat about record-setting ultra running with local authors and athletes.

M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon

7:15 AM - Jun 1, 11:59 PM — Queen City Cafe — Registration required — Experience a scenic marathon through Burlington's landscapes with community spirit and live entertainment.

Ran: 40th Anniversary 4K Restoration

'Ran' — 7:00-9:45 PM — Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center — $ — Film buffs enjoy a 40th anniversary 4K restoration of Akira Kurosawa’s 1985 take on the story of King Lear.

2025 Vermont Amateur Pickleball Championships

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — The EDGE Sports & Fitness — $65 — Compete in the amateur state championship and engage in a weekend of wellness activities.

EXTC Concert Featuring XTC's Terry Chambers & Friends

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — Tickets available — Experience the classic XTC songbook brought to life by Terry Chambers and his band EXTC.

NAMI Vermont Lake Monsters Game Night

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Vermont Lake Monsters Baseball — Tickets available — Supporting mental health awareness with a fun night of baseball and community activities.

Father's Day Frankfurter Fiesta

7-9:30 p.m. — The Soda Plant — RSVP requested — Enjoy a special hot dog topping bar and cornhole at this festive hangout.

Book Club for Busy Women

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Ladies Social Group — $5 monthly dues — Connect with fellow women while discussing books and forming friendships.