Good morning, Burlington.

Church Street was filled with music on Friday as young performers from the Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival brought the first-ever Mini Quartet Hop downtown — the event showcased chamber music inside local shops and marked a new tradition in the 21-year program.

More than 230 students from over 30 states and six countries took part in the summer program that offers intensive music training.

The Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets announced a Healthy Food Financing Initiative fund to increase healthy food access with at least $9 million for grants, $1.5 million for technical assistance, and $16 million for loans; inquiry forms for grants must be received by August 18th and technical assistance forms by September 1st while loan applications are ongoing. UVM Extension will host a pasture walk at Northwind Farm on August 14th (to show low-input dairy production) and Vermont Farm to Plate is accepting breakout session proposals by August 15th for its gathering at Burke Mountain Resort.

Vermont's Agency of Education is preparing for the new 2025—2026 school year after a July freeze on $6 billion in education funding threatened to cut $26 million in state funds.

The Agency challenged the funding freeze to protect migrant education and English language programs, Education Secretary Zoie Saunders said.

Vermont's dirt roads have increased runoff that washes sediment and phosphorus into waterways, affecting water quality.

Towns are slowly upgrading drainage and culverts — improvements supported by new state standards — to reduce erosion and boost flood resilience.

Vermont hospitals are presenting lean FY 2026 budgets at the Green Mountain Care Board hearings this week as they address rising health care costs and negative margins.

Hospital leaders detailed measures like administrative cuts and modest rate increases+ a focus on keeping services available amid financial pressures.

Health experts from the Vermont Department of Health and the New York Environmental Commission warned yesterday that Canadian wildfire smoke has made the air unhealthy for people and pets with pre-existing conditions (such as lung or heart issues).

They advised Burlington residents to limit outdoor activities and use air purifiers (including homemade versions) as the smoke continues to affect air quality.

Vermont Green FC won the USL2 Championship on Saturday at Virtue Field (a 2-1 win over Ballard FC) as Julien Le Bourdoulous scored a penalty and Maximillian Kissel netted the winning goal.

The team finished an undefeated season with 11 wins and nearly 2,600 fans filled the seats (tickets sold out in minutes with extra supporters watching outside).

Beth Stelling Live Comedy Show

7:30-9 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Check event page for ticket info — Experience the comedic brilliance of Beth Stelling, whose latest Netflix special is a must-watch.

Vermont Antique & Classic Car Meet

7 a.m. – 6 p.m. — farr's field — $15; free for kids 12 and under — Spectators can enjoy vintage vehicles alongside flea markets, processions, and competitions.

Vermont Cheesemakers Festival

10:00 – 11:30 a.m. — Shelburne Farms Breeding Barn — Check event for details — Celebrate the art of cheesemaking in a state renowned for its world-class cheeses.

BCA Summer Concert Series: Ian Campbell

12:30-1:30 p.m. — Burlington City Arts @ The BCA Center — Free entry — Enjoy a lunchtime concert in City Hall Park with local musician Ian Campbell's melodic tunes.

Vermont Public Kids Day

10 AM – 3 PM — ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain — $16.50-20; free for members and kids 2 and under — Enjoy crafts, story time, and meet Daniel Tiger in a family-friendly environment.

Lake Champlain Chamber Music Festival

10:30 a.m. — Elley-Long Music Center — Various costs — Experience a celebration of Mozart's brilliance through concerts and masterclasses.

Vermont Tech August Happy Hour

5:30-7 p.m. — Foam Brewers - Burlington — Pay for your own food/drink — Enjoy a chill evening of networking with great vibes and conversations.

Outdoor Innovation Showcase: Vermont's Vision for Sustainability

3-5:30 p.m. — Craig's Prototype Facility — Free entry — Celebrate sustainability with discussions, networking, and optional tours of Burton's R&D center.

The Champlain Valley Fair

Aug 22-31, 3 PM - 11 PM — Champlain Valley Exposition — Admission prices vary — Celebrate the end of summer with rides, games, food, and entertainment at Vermont's seasonal highlight.

Jake Shimabukuro Live Performance

7:30-9 p.m. — Higher Ground — All Ages — Experience the captivating ukulele artistry of Jake Shimabukuro in a dynamic live show.