Good morning, Burlington.

Janice Lange (86) has sailed most of her life and teaches local sailing lessons to both kids and adults at the Community Sailing Center on Lake Champlain.

She is easing out of leadership while staying active in racing and coaching.

Evan Ross organizes his 10th holiday cookie drive to help kids spending Christmas Eve in shelters receive homemade cookies (no raisins allowed).

Participants must double their recipe and drop off their treats by 4 p.m. on Monday at City Market locations.

High winds on Friday, Dec.

19 caused a 24x16 brick veneer section to fall from the building at 36 Main Street in Winooski, home to the Mule Bar and other businesses, with no injuries reported and cleanup continuing into the weekend as drivers were advised caution.

Bleu Northeast Kitchen at the Courtyard by Marriott Burlington Harbor will close under its current name on Dec.

31. The restaurant will rebrand with a new concept at its Battery and Cherry Street location this spring — offering a fresh dining option for locals.

The Woodcutter’s Christmas is a new book by Brad Kessler featuring black and white photos by Dona Ann McAdams that follows a Vermont woodcutter’s annual journey from the Northeast Kingdom to New York City to bring Christmas magic and local tradition to life.

Enayetullah Walizada, an Afghan refugee detained for 105 days after a border mix-up near Derby Line, was released Friday after a federal judge granted bond (finding no flight risk).

An immigration hearing is set for Dec. 30 at a Burlington courthouse.

Vermont Medicaid billing changes starting Jan.

1 may force ABA centers like Bounce in Essex Junction to lose nearly 20% revenue that funds care for children with autism. Providers worry these adjustments will disrupt essential services and have urged public comments before Dec. 25.

A UVM study found that children with asthma in Vermont experienced worsened symptoms in 2023 and 2024 after Canadian wildfire smoke affected the region, and researchers advise parents and clinicians to adjust care strategies during poor air quality periods.

In Burlington, state officials, organ donation advocates, and recipients gathered to stress the importance of registering as a donor.

New England Donor Services (NEDS) reported over 5,000 people need transplants and Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak honored donor families and recipients for their vital contributions.

Vermont's Own Nutcracker

1:00 – 2:30 PM — The Flynn, 153 Main St, Burlington, VT — Ticket prices vary — Experience the holiday magic with Vermont Ballet Theatre's enchanting performance of the Nutcracker.

Merrimack Warriors vs Vermont Catamounts Men's Hockey

6-7:30 p.m. — Gutterson Fieldhouse — Free entry — Cheer on the Catamounts as they face off against the Warriors in an exciting hockey match.

NYE Run/Walk to Highlight

2-3 p.m. — ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain — Free entry — End 2025 on a healthy note with a scenic fun run or walk along the Burlington bike path.