II. Recognize your Neighbors at the 9th Annual Neighborhood Night of Success
III. CEDO to Convene Economic Summit
IV. Volunteers Create Groomed Ski Trail In Burlington’s Intervale
V. A Call for Volunteer “Readers”
VI. GospelFest
VII. Mayoral Candidates Debate at Ohavi Zedek
VIII. The Climate Action Project Update: Recommendations and feedback welcomed & encouraged!
IX. Neighborhood Planning Assembly Survey – There is still time!
X. Statement & Invitation to the Community – Community Policing Re-Assessment Process Meeting Information
XI. Save for Retirement – Save for Your Child’s Education – And Still Get Food Stamps!
XII. FREE Lead Dust and Soil Sampling
XIII. BURLINGTON WINTER FARMERS MARKET
XIV. Save the Dates – Kids on the Block – Vermont has Exciting Events coming up!
XV. City Positions Available
XVI. Neighborhood Calendar
* * * * * * NEIGHBORHOOD BUZZ * * * * * * * *
I. 2009 Local Focus Resource Guide Now Available
CEDO’s Center for Community & Neighborhoods (CCAN) has produced a resource guide full of money saving tips for you and your family. Information includes Free Tax Help, Food Assistance, Heating & Housing Resources and much more: http://www.cedoburlington.org/neighborhoods/ccan_local_focus.htm
II. Recognize your Neighbors at the 9th Annual Neighborhood Night of Success
Recognize a neighbor you admire by making a nomination for a Neighborhood Leader Award to be given at the 9th Annual Neighborhood Night of Success. This annual event honors the people that make Burlington a great place to live, work and play.
Neighborhood Night of Success
Community Dinner & Awards
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
5:30pm-7:00pm
Nominations of persons, groups and businesses are welcomed. Due by March 6th!
E-mail, call or write the following information:
-Your Name & Contact info
-Nominee Name & Contact Info
-Description of nominee making Burlington a better place to live, work and play.
Send to: Ita Meno
125 College St, 2nd Floor
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 865-7172
imeno@ci.burlington.vt.us
CEDO and the Micro-Business Alliance will hold an Economic Summit in the Contois Auditorium, Burlington City Hall on February 13, 2009 from 8:30 – 11AM. “Building A Vision for Our Community’s Economic Future” will be the theme of this collaborative session.
The City of Burlington’s Community and Economic Development Office (CEDO) and the Micro Business Alliance have hosted three meetings since early December 2008, with focused discussions on commercial lending, economic development and workforce training. With the success and collaborative spirit of these recent gatherings, CEDO seeks to broaden the scope, soliciting the community’s input on what can be accomplished in five years if the City, citizens, business owners and local organizations work together. This Summit is part of concerted effort by CEDO and the Alliance to be proactive in responding to the economic crisis. “We need to be there for the entrepreneurs,” says Bruce Seifer, CEDO’s Assistant Director for Economic Development. “Many of our local companies have thus far weathered this situation quite well. But for a business to grow, or to get started, entrepreneurs need access to capital, need well-trained employees, and need physical space. We’ve helped many innovative and resilient businesses start or expand during past downturns, and we aim to do an even better job this time out.”
Pre-registration strongly recommended. If you have any questions about the Economic Summit, or would like to pre-register,
please contact:
Jon Adams-Kollitz
jadamskollitz@ci.burlington.vt.us
802.865.7187
IV. Volunteers Create Groomed Ski Trail In Burlington’s Intervale
Now there’s another reason to get out of the house and get active. As a demonstration this winter, Local Motion volunteers are grooming Burlington’s Intervale Trail for both classic and skate skiing (weather permitting of course).
The 2.5-mile trail connects Intervale Compost to Ethan Allen Homestead. The trail map, snow conditions and more info can we found at www.skiburlington.blogspot.com.
Parking: South: Intervale Road by the Tommy Thompson community gardens
North: Ethan Allen Homestead (first parking lot off the Beltline)
This is a mixed-use trail so please be courteous to all users (walkers, dogs, other skiers). We’re grooming the trail every other day (snow permitting). The Intervale is not a resort so don’t expect exquisite conditions, but it is a convenient and fun place to ski! Please note that all who use the trail are doing so at their own risk.
Local Motion has raised $2,000 to acquire the used grooming equipment, but another $1,100 is needed to complete the purchase. Tax-deductible contributions can be made on Local Motion’s website or mailed to Local Motion. To celebrate this new recreational resource, come to “Wintervale Day” – a wintertime introduction to fun in the Intervale on Sunday, Feb. 8th, 10am to 2pm!
* Free ski & snowshoe demos
* Hosted by Skirack and Local Motion
* Weather permitting, check www.skiburlington.blogspot.com for status
* Directions: Off Riverside Avenue, follow Intervale Road down the hill.
* Park at the Intervale Community Farm.
As a demonstration project, we want your feedback. Send comments to Lisa Coven at Parks & Recreation (lcoven@ci.burlington.vt.us or 863-0420). If the grooming is well received, we’ll explore expanded operations or maybe other locations next winter.
Thank you to the Skirack, Intervale Center, Burlington Parks & Recreation, Winooski Valley Park District, Intervale Compost, Gardener’s Supply, Catamount Trail Association and the many Intervale farmers for making this project possible.
More Intervale Trail info can be found at our Trail Finder: www.localmotion.org/trails. This
grooming project was initiated by members who wanted an in-town skiing option, but we want to remind people about the great outdoor centers in Chittenden County that also have groomed skiing – Catamount Outdoor and Sleepy Hollow!
On February 11,17 and 19 2009 three Burlington elementary schools (Champlain, Edmunds and Flynn) will participate in a community initiative called Reading to End Racism to support the District wide goal of promoting and valuing diversity. This project creates an opportunity for students to listen to new literature, hear personal stories and join age-appropriate forums to explore and explain racism.
Classroom presentations are led by volunteer “readers” who are solicited throughout the community, all of whom are committed to undoing racism. These “Readers” serve as powerful role models for students, and in the past have included police officers, elected officials, educators, artists, business professionals, parents and school board members. Entire schools are enlisted in one-day presentations involving all classes, with book readings, personal stories and discussions on ways students can help end racism. Results from Boulder Valley School District in Boulder, Colorado where thousands of students were offered Reading to End Racism show over 85% believed they had an increased understanding of racism after participating.
This project is a collaborative effort by the Burlington School District, The Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom and VARAT (The Vermont Anti-Racism Action Team).
Please join us for a community wide volunteer readers training on Thursday evening January 29, 2009 at Burlington School District offices on Colchester Ave. We will meet in the Ira Allen Boardroom from 6 pm to 7:30pm.
For more information about this exciting initiative, or to sign up to be a volunteer reader, please contact:
Denise Dunbar
Chittenden County Council coordinator
Email: Denise.H.Dunbar@uvm.edu
802-578-2062
Come and shake off the winter blues and enjoy some of Vermont’s finest musical talents which include the New Alpha Missionary Baptist Church Choir, the New Alpha Children’s Choir, and the Burlington Ecumenical Gospel Choir!
GospelFest, Sunday, February 15, 5pm, The Flynn Center, Burlington, adults $15, children $10. Tickets available at the Flynn Box Office, 802-863-5966, www.flynncenter.org.
Mayoral Candidates Debate
at Ohavi Zedek Synagogue (“O.Z.”)
188 N. Prospect St., Burlington
Sunday, Feb. 22nd, 3 to 5 pm
Note: debate will start promptly at 3 pm.
Moderated by attorney and O.Z. member Mark Kaplan.
The four major candidates for Mayor — Bob Kiss, Andy Montroll, Dan Smith, and Kurt Wright — have accepted an invitation from the Ohavi Zedek congregation to participate in a wide-ranging, two hour mayoral debate. The debate is open to the public, and we encourage Burlington residents to attend, especially as this debate will be held just a little over one week before the election.
Our format: following brief opening statements, questions will be posed to all candidates, allowing time for each to respond, with brief rebuttals if needed. There will be short closing statements.
Questions on any relevant issues are welcome, and we expect the debate to cover a variety of issues. Questions will be invited from the audience. Index cards will be provided on which questions can be written.
** Child care and light refreshments (cookies/cider) will be available at no charge. RSVP to Laura Merit (lauramerit@comcast.net; 862-2445) if you need child care.
** Those attending are asked to turn off or silence their cellphones on entering.
For any questions about the debate, contact either Laura Merit (see contact information above) or Wayne Senville: wsenville@gmail.com (864-9083). OZ sponsored a similar debate in the 2006 mayoral election.
VIII. The Climate Action Project Update: Recommendations and feedback welcomed & encouraged!
The Climate Action Plan update team – composed of dozens of residents, business leaders, non-profit representatives, city staff and others – wants to hear from you! Since September, this team of 8 working groups has collected over a 100 ideas and recommendations on how to reduce the City’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Please take a moment to review this initial work and weigh in with your own ideas, feedback or recommendations by visiting http://www.cedo.ci.burlington.vt.us/legacy/cap.html . The success of the final product depends on broad citizen input and participation – so thank you for your time and input!
For additional information on the Climate Action Plan, please contact Sandrine Thibault, Comprehensive City Planner, at sthibault@ci.burlington.vt.us (tel: 865-7193), or Jennifer Green, co-coordinator of the Burlington Legacy Project at jgreen@ci.burlington.vt.us (tel: 865-7532).
IX. Neighborhood Planning Assembly Survey – There is still time!
Burlington’s Neighborhood Planning Assemblies are looking for help from you! Please take 5 minutes to complete this Neighborhood PLanning Assembly Report Card:
X. Statement & Invitation to the Community – Community Policing Re-Assessment Process Meeting Information
The Burlington Police Department has provided law enforcement services to the Queen City since 1865. Since 1999 we have operated using community policing as our primary methodology. Described succinctly, community policing is a model of community safety in which all members of a community play a role in ensuring a safe, healthy, and self-reliant city.
The role of the police department, in addition to providing emergency response and criminal investigation (key parts of traditional policing), is to foster and facilitate community engagement and partnerships, and to be a foundational player in problem solving initiatives community-wide.
As we approach 2009 and the ten-year anniversary of our contemporary community policing efforts, we believe it is time to assess what strategies have been successful, which require improvement, and what lies ahead for Burlington’s community policing efforts. To that end, with the assistance of an Advisory Board made up of seven representatives from around the City, we have designed a community engagement process that will be deployed in January and February of 2009.
The primary goals of this process are three-fold. First, we hope to have an opportunity to discuss the future of policing with a sizable number of Burlington residents and businesses. Next, working from a list of ideas about future partnerships, initiatives, and programs we seek to gain the community’s assistance in refining and prioritizing these ideas. Finally, working from the discussions and the ideas we present, we will solicit new ideas from throughout the Burlington community.
To obtain meaningful feedback during this process, we will use a variety of strategies, including public forums, focus groups, and surveys. Meetings are to be held:
February 2 at 6pm
Heineburg Senior Center
Heineburg Road
(North location)
XI. Save for Retirement – Save for Your Child’s Education – And Still Get Food Stamps!
Food Stamp Rules Have Changed
In the past many people could not get food stamps because they had too much savings. Now you can have retirement and education savings accounts and still get the help you need, even if you have been denied before.
The Food Stamp Program is an important federal nutrition program that helps make sure people have enough food to be active and healthy. Households that participate can also receive other benefits like free school meals for your children and phone bill assistance!
For a food stamp application, call 1-800-287-0589 or visit www.vermontfoodhelp.com. For help with your application, dial 2-1-1, free from anywhere in Vermont, and ask to be connected to your nearest Community Action Agency.
If you are a senior, call the Senior Helpline at 1-800-642-5119.
Imagine a free service where a technician came to your home and tested for the presence of toxic lead paint dust so that you got a clear picture about the safety of your home.
FREE Lead Dust and Soil Sampling is now available through the City of Burlington’s Lead Program to all Burlington residents. This free service will help parents keep their children safe from lead poisoning by making sure you are aware of potential lead hazards.
Burlington has over 10,000 housing units with lead-based paint hazards. Take advantage of this FREE testing to keep your children safe from the life-long health, social and behavioral problems associated with lead poisoning.
For more information, or to set up an appointment please call Burlington Lead Program at 802-846-0149 or 865-LEAD (5323).
Burlington Winter Farmers’ Market will be held the third Saturday of each month all winter, December through April (February 21, March 21, and April 18).
Fresh eggs, cheeses, wines, maple syrup, veggies and much, much more, straight from local farmers, artists, and bakers. A great place to shop for the Thanksgiving meal or get a start on holiday shopping.
For more information www.burlingtonfarmersmarket.org or info@burlingtonfarmersmarket.org.
XIV. Save the Dates – Kids on the Block – Vermont has Exciting Events coming up!
Wednesday, March 18, 5-9pm
Three Tomatoes Trattoria in Burlington, Williston, Rutland and Lebanon
will donate $1 per entree to Kids on the Block-Vermont.
Come enjoy a delicious rustic Italian dinner at any one of their locations. You may see us with the “kids,” so be sure to say “hi!”
Visit http://ent.groundspring.org/EmailNow/pub.php?module=URLTracker&cmd=track&j=259502911&u=2763770 to see a complete listing of menus and locations.
“At Three Tomatoes Trattoria, we take great pride in supporting the local communities that sustain our restaurants. One night each month we host a non-profit organization at our four restaurants and donate $1 per entree ordered to the cause.” – Jed Davis
Saturday, March 21, 7:30-9:30pm
Karen McFeeters CD Release Concert for her new CD “Here and Now,” contempoaray folk and pop music.
Concert Guests include: Carol Abair, Sarah Allerton, Craig Anderson, Peter Engisch, Adam Frehm, John Gibbons, Alec Julien, Colin McCaffrey, Melissa Morrison and Brendon Taylor
McCarthy Arts Center Recital Hall, St. Michael’s College, Colchester, VT Doors open at 7pm and show starts at 7:30pm
Tickets are $12, available in advance at 802.860.3349 or at the door. Last year was a near sell out! Get your tickets early!
100% of concert proceeds will support KOBVT’s programs and
10% of all CD sales at the concert will be donated to KOBVT.
Thursday, April 2, 6:00-9:00pm
9th Annual Puppets’ Choice Award
Honoring Vermont author Katherine Paterson
Katherine Paterson’s literary works for children & young adults include Bridge to Terabithia; Jacob Have I Loved; The Great Gilly Hopkins; Bread and Roses, Too; and many other acclaimed stories. Please join us for dinner, silent and live auctions, and to honor Ms. Paterson at The Elley-Long Music Center in Colchester.
For more information call 802.860.3349 or email Sarah@KidsontheBlockVermont.org
Keep your eyes open for all the exciting new things happening with
Kids on the Block-Vermont!
In the fall of 2009 we’ll be debuting our new program on Autism Spectrum Disrorders.
Kids on the Block-Vermont is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving children in elementary and middle schools throughout Vermont. We rely on the generosity of individuals and businesses to keep our programs affordable to schools, especially in these hard economic times.
Please consider making a gift to Kids on the Block-Vermont. Your donation will help
educate children on how to keep themselves safe and healthy and to appreciate each other’s
physical and cultural differences.
Please contact us if you would like to engage Kids on the Block-Vermont for your school or organization
Educating Children Through the Magic of Puppets
Kids on the Block – Vermont
294 North Winooski Ave., Suite 125
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 860-3349 http://ent.groundspring.org/EmailNow/pub.php?module=URLTracker&cmd=track&j=259502911&u=2763772
-Special Meeting of the Public Works Commission
-To discuss: 2009 Paving Plan
-9:00a.m., Department of Public Works, 645 Pine Street
-Regular Meeting of the Conservation Board
-5:30p.m., Planning and Zoning Conference Room, 1st floor of City Hall
-Special Meeting of the Disc Golf Committee
-To discuss: Impact of creating disc golf at Leddy Park
-6:00p.m., Robert Miller Community and Recreation Center, Gosse Court
-Regular Meeting of the Housing Board of Review
-7:00p.m., Burlington Police Department, 1 North Avenue
Tuesday, February 3
-Regular Meeting of the Development Review Board
-5:00p.m., Contois Auditorium, 2nd floor of City Hall
-Regular Meeting of the Board of Registration for Voters
-6:00p.m., Conference Room 12, 1st floor of City Hall
-Special Meeting of the Planning Commission
-To discuss: Committee Recommendations
-7:30p.m., Conference Room 12, 1st floor of City Hall
Wednesday, February 4
-Special Meeting of the Institutions and Human Resources Policy Committee
-To discuss: Changes to the Personnel Polices
-7:00p.m., Conference Room 12, 1st floor of City Hall
Thursday, February 5
Ward 6 Neighborhood Planning Assembly
Friday, February 6
-Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission Ordinance Committee
-1:15p.m., Planning and Zoning Conference Room, 1st floor of City Hall
For more information, please visit http://www.ci.burlington.vt.us/events/
Burlington Happenings 2/2/09
I. 2009 Local Focus Resource Guide Now Available
II. Recognize your Neighbors at the 9th Annual Neighborhood Night of Success
III. CEDO to Convene Economic Summit
IV. Volunteers Create Groomed Ski Trail In Burlington’s Intervale
V. A Call for Volunteer “Readers”
VI. GospelFest
VII. Mayoral Candidates Debate at Ohavi Zedek
VIII. The Climate Action Project Update: Recommendations and feedback welcomed & encouraged!
IX. Neighborhood Planning Assembly Survey – There is still time!
X. Statement & Invitation to the Community – Community Policing Re-Assessment Process Meeting Information
XI. Save for Retirement – Save for Your Child’s Education – And Still Get Food Stamps!
XII. FREE Lead Dust and Soil Sampling
XIII. BURLINGTON WINTER FARMERS MARKET
XIV. Save the Dates – Kids on the Block – Vermont has Exciting Events coming up!
XV. City Positions Available
XVI. Neighborhood Calendar
* * * * * * NEIGHBORHOOD BUZZ * * * * * * * *
I. 2009 Local Focus Resource Guide Now Available
CEDO’s Center for Community & Neighborhoods (CCAN) has produced a resource guide full of money saving tips for you and your family. Information includes Free Tax Help, Food Assistance, Heating & Housing Resources and much more: http://www.cedoburlington.org/neighborhoods/ccan_local_focus.htm
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II. Recognize your Neighbors at the 9th Annual Neighborhood Night of Success
Recognize a neighbor you admire by making a nomination for a Neighborhood Leader Award to be given at the 9th Annual Neighborhood Night of Success. This annual event honors the people that make Burlington a great place to live, work and play.
Neighborhood Night of Success
Community Dinner & Awards
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
5:30pm-7:00pm
Nominations of persons, groups and businesses are welcomed. Due by March 6th!
E-mail, call or write the following information:
-Your Name & Contact info
-Nominee Name & Contact Info
-Description of nominee making Burlington a better place to live, work and play.
Send to: Ita Meno
125 College St, 2nd Floor
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 865-7172
imeno@ci.burlington.vt.us
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III. CEDO to Convene Economic Summit
CEDO and the Micro-Business Alliance will hold an Economic Summit in the Contois Auditorium, Burlington City Hall on February 13, 2009 from 8:30 – 11AM. “Building A Vision for Our Community’s Economic Future” will be the theme of this collaborative session.
The City of Burlington’s Community and Economic Development Office (CEDO) and the Micro Business Alliance have hosted three meetings since early December 2008, with focused discussions on commercial lending, economic development and workforce training. With the success and collaborative spirit of these recent gatherings, CEDO seeks to broaden the scope, soliciting the community’s input on what can be accomplished in five years if the City, citizens, business owners and local organizations work together. This Summit is part of concerted effort by CEDO and the Alliance to be proactive in responding to the economic crisis. “We need to be there for the entrepreneurs,” says Bruce Seifer, CEDO’s Assistant Director for Economic Development. “Many of our local companies have thus far weathered this situation quite well. But for a business to grow, or to get started, entrepreneurs need access to capital, need well-trained employees, and need physical space. We’ve helped many innovative and resilient businesses start or expand during past downturns, and we aim to do an even better job this time out.”
Pre-registration strongly recommended. If you have any questions about the Economic Summit, or would like to pre-register,
please contact:
Jon Adams-Kollitz
jadamskollitz@ci.burlington.vt.us
802.865.7187
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IV. Volunteers Create Groomed Ski Trail In Burlington’s Intervale
Now there’s another reason to get out of the house and get active. As a demonstration this winter, Local Motion volunteers are grooming Burlington’s Intervale Trail for both classic and skate skiing (weather permitting of course).
The 2.5-mile trail connects Intervale Compost to Ethan Allen Homestead. The trail map, snow conditions and more info can we found at www.skiburlington.blogspot.com.
Parking: South: Intervale Road by the Tommy Thompson community gardens
North: Ethan Allen Homestead (first parking lot off the Beltline)
This is a mixed-use trail so please be courteous to all users (walkers, dogs, other skiers). We’re grooming the trail every other day (snow permitting). The Intervale is not a resort so don’t expect exquisite conditions, but it is a convenient and fun place to ski! Please note that all who use the trail are doing so at their own risk.
Local Motion has raised $2,000 to acquire the used grooming equipment, but another $1,100 is needed to complete the purchase. Tax-deductible contributions can be made on Local Motion’s website or mailed to Local Motion. To celebrate this new recreational resource, come to “Wintervale Day” – a wintertime introduction to fun in the Intervale on Sunday, Feb. 8th, 10am to 2pm!
* Free ski & snowshoe demos
* Hosted by Skirack and Local Motion
* Weather permitting, check www.skiburlington.blogspot.com for status
* Directions: Off Riverside Avenue, follow Intervale Road down the hill.
* Park at the Intervale Community Farm.
As a demonstration project, we want your feedback. Send comments to Lisa Coven at Parks & Recreation (lcoven@ci.burlington.vt.us or 863-0420). If the grooming is well received, we’ll explore expanded operations or maybe other locations next winter.
Thank you to the Skirack, Intervale Center, Burlington Parks & Recreation, Winooski Valley Park District, Intervale Compost, Gardener’s Supply, Catamount Trail Association and the many Intervale farmers for making this project possible.
More Intervale Trail info can be found at our Trail Finder: www.localmotion.org/trails. This
grooming project was initiated by members who wanted an in-town skiing option, but we want to remind people about the great outdoor centers in Chittenden County that also have groomed skiing – Catamount Outdoor and Sleepy Hollow!
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V. A Call for Volunteer “Readers”
On February 11,17 and 19 2009 three Burlington elementary schools (Champlain, Edmunds and Flynn) will participate in a community initiative called Reading to End Racism to support the District wide goal of promoting and valuing diversity. This project creates an opportunity for students to listen to new literature, hear personal stories and join age-appropriate forums to explore and explain racism.
Classroom presentations are led by volunteer “readers” who are solicited throughout the community, all of whom are committed to undoing racism. These “Readers” serve as powerful role models for students, and in the past have included police officers, elected officials, educators, artists, business professionals, parents and school board members. Entire schools are enlisted in one-day presentations involving all classes, with book readings, personal stories and discussions on ways students can help end racism. Results from Boulder Valley School District in Boulder, Colorado where thousands of students were offered Reading to End Racism show over 85% believed they had an increased understanding of racism after participating.
This project is a collaborative effort by the Burlington School District, The Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom and VARAT (The Vermont Anti-Racism Action Team).
Please join us for a community wide volunteer readers training on Thursday evening January 29, 2009 at Burlington School District offices on Colchester Ave. We will meet in the Ira Allen Boardroom from 6 pm to 7:30pm.
For more information about this exciting initiative, or to sign up to be a volunteer reader, please contact:
Denise Dunbar
Chittenden County Council coordinator
Email: Denise.H.Dunbar@uvm.edu
802-578-2062
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VI. GospelFest
Come and shake off the winter blues and enjoy some of Vermont’s finest musical talents which include the New Alpha Missionary Baptist Church Choir, the New Alpha Children’s Choir, and the Burlington Ecumenical Gospel Choir!
GospelFest, Sunday, February 15, 5pm, The Flynn Center, Burlington, adults $15, children $10. Tickets available at the Flynn Box Office, 802-863-5966, www.flynncenter.org.
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VII. Mayoral Candidates Debate at Ohavi Zedek
Mayoral Candidates Debate
at Ohavi Zedek Synagogue (“O.Z.”)
188 N. Prospect St., Burlington
Sunday, Feb. 22nd, 3 to 5 pm
Note: debate will start promptly at 3 pm.
Moderated by attorney and O.Z. member Mark Kaplan.
The four major candidates for Mayor — Bob Kiss, Andy Montroll, Dan Smith, and Kurt Wright — have accepted an invitation from the Ohavi Zedek congregation to participate in a wide-ranging, two hour mayoral debate. The debate is open to the public, and we encourage Burlington residents to attend, especially as this debate will be held just a little over one week before the election.
Our format: following brief opening statements, questions will be posed to all candidates, allowing time for each to respond, with brief rebuttals if needed. There will be short closing statements.
Questions on any relevant issues are welcome, and we expect the debate to cover a variety of issues. Questions will be invited from the audience. Index cards will be provided on which questions can be written.
** Child care and light refreshments (cookies/cider) will be available at no charge. RSVP to Laura Merit (lauramerit@comcast.net; 862-2445) if you need child care.
** Those attending are asked to turn off or silence their cellphones on entering.
For any questions about the debate, contact either Laura Merit (see contact information above) or Wayne Senville: wsenville@gmail.com (864-9083). OZ sponsored a similar debate in the 2006 mayoral election.
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VIII. The Climate Action Project Update: Recommendations and feedback welcomed & encouraged!
The Climate Action Plan update team – composed of dozens of residents, business leaders, non-profit representatives, city staff and others – wants to hear from you! Since September, this team of 8 working groups has collected over a 100 ideas and recommendations on how to reduce the City’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Please take a moment to review this initial work and weigh in with your own ideas, feedback or recommendations by visiting http://www.cedo.ci.burlington.vt.us/legacy/cap.html . The success of the final product depends on broad citizen input and participation – so thank you for your time and input!
For additional information on the Climate Action Plan, please contact Sandrine Thibault, Comprehensive City Planner, at sthibault@ci.burlington.vt.us (tel: 865-7193), or Jennifer Green, co-coordinator of the Burlington Legacy Project at jgreen@ci.burlington.vt.us (tel: 865-7532).
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IX. Neighborhood Planning Assembly Survey – There is still time!
Burlington’s Neighborhood Planning Assemblies are looking for help from you! Please take 5 minutes to complete this Neighborhood PLanning Assembly Report Card:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=PwTNBtkSkp3ZHYDdFDt42g_3d_3d
Thanks,
Your NPA Steering Committees, Staff and City Council
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X. Statement & Invitation to the Community – Community Policing Re-Assessment Process Meeting Information
The Burlington Police Department has provided law enforcement services to the Queen City since 1865. Since 1999 we have operated using community policing as our primary methodology. Described succinctly, community policing is a model of community safety in which all members of a community play a role in ensuring a safe, healthy, and self-reliant city.
The role of the police department, in addition to providing emergency response and criminal investigation (key parts of traditional policing), is to foster and facilitate community engagement and partnerships, and to be a foundational player in problem solving initiatives community-wide.
As we approach 2009 and the ten-year anniversary of our contemporary community policing efforts, we believe it is time to assess what strategies have been successful, which require improvement, and what lies ahead for Burlington’s community policing efforts. To that end, with the assistance of an Advisory Board made up of seven representatives from around the City, we have designed a community engagement process that will be deployed in January and February of 2009.
The primary goals of this process are three-fold. First, we hope to have an opportunity to discuss the future of policing with a sizable number of Burlington residents and businesses. Next, working from a list of ideas about future partnerships, initiatives, and programs we seek to gain the community’s assistance in refining and prioritizing these ideas. Finally, working from the discussions and the ideas we present, we will solicit new ideas from throughout the Burlington community.
To obtain meaningful feedback during this process, we will use a variety of strategies, including public forums, focus groups, and surveys. Meetings are to be held:
February 2 at 6pm
Heineburg Senior Center
Heineburg Road
(North location)
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XI. Save for Retirement – Save for Your Child’s Education – And Still Get Food Stamps!
Food Stamp Rules Have Changed
In the past many people could not get food stamps because they had too much savings. Now you can have retirement and education savings accounts and still get the help you need, even if you have been denied before.
The Food Stamp Program is an important federal nutrition program that helps make sure people have enough food to be active and healthy. Households that participate can also receive other benefits like free school meals for your children and phone bill assistance!
For a food stamp application, call 1-800-287-0589 or visit www.vermontfoodhelp.com. For help with your application, dial 2-1-1, free from anywhere in Vermont, and ask to be connected to your nearest Community Action Agency.
If you are a senior, call the Senior Helpline at 1-800-642-5119.
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XII. FREE Lead Dust and Soil Sampling
Imagine a free service where a technician came to your home and tested for the presence of toxic lead paint dust so that you got a clear picture about the safety of your home.
FREE Lead Dust and Soil Sampling is now available through the City of Burlington’s Lead Program to all Burlington residents. This free service will help parents keep their children safe from lead poisoning by making sure you are aware of potential lead hazards.
Burlington has over 10,000 housing units with lead-based paint hazards. Take advantage of this FREE testing to keep your children safe from the life-long health, social and behavioral problems associated with lead poisoning.
For more information, or to set up an appointment please call Burlington Lead Program at 802-846-0149 or 865-LEAD (5323).
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XIII. BURLINGTON WINTER FARMERS MARKET
Burlington Winter Farmers’ Market will be held the third Saturday of each month all winter, December through April (February 21, March 21, and April 18).
Fresh eggs, cheeses, wines, maple syrup, veggies and much, much more, straight from local farmers, artists, and bakers. A great place to shop for the Thanksgiving meal or get a start on holiday shopping.
For more information www.burlingtonfarmersmarket.org or info@burlingtonfarmersmarket.org.
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XIV. Save the Dates – Kids on the Block – Vermont has Exciting Events coming up!
Wednesday, March 18, 5-9pm
Three Tomatoes Trattoria in Burlington, Williston, Rutland and Lebanon
will donate $1 per entree to Kids on the Block-Vermont.
Come enjoy a delicious rustic Italian dinner at any one of their locations. You may see us with the “kids,” so be sure to say “hi!”
Visit http://ent.groundspring.org/EmailNow/pub.php?module=URLTracker&cmd=track&j=259502911&u=2763770 to see a complete listing of menus and locations.
“At Three Tomatoes Trattoria, we take great pride in supporting the local communities that sustain our restaurants. One night each month we host a non-profit organization at our four restaurants and donate $1 per entree ordered to the cause.” – Jed Davis
Saturday, March 21, 7:30-9:30pm
Karen McFeeters CD Release Concert for her new CD “Here and Now,” contempoaray folk and pop music.
Concert Guests include: Carol Abair, Sarah Allerton, Craig Anderson, Peter Engisch, Adam Frehm, John Gibbons, Alec Julien, Colin McCaffrey, Melissa Morrison and Brendon Taylor
McCarthy Arts Center Recital Hall, St. Michael’s College, Colchester, VT Doors open at 7pm and show starts at 7:30pm
Tickets are $12, available in advance at 802.860.3349 or at the door. Last year was a near sell out! Get your tickets early!
100% of concert proceeds will support KOBVT’s programs and
10% of all CD sales at the concert will be donated to KOBVT.
Thursday, April 2, 6:00-9:00pm
9th Annual Puppets’ Choice Award
Honoring Vermont author Katherine Paterson
Katherine Paterson’s literary works for children & young adults include Bridge to Terabithia; Jacob Have I Loved; The Great Gilly Hopkins; Bread and Roses, Too; and many other acclaimed stories. Please join us for dinner, silent and live auctions, and to honor Ms. Paterson at The Elley-Long Music Center in Colchester.
For more information call 802.860.3349 or email Sarah@KidsontheBlockVermont.org
Keep your eyes open for all the exciting new things happening with
Kids on the Block-Vermont!
In the fall of 2009 we’ll be debuting our new program on Autism Spectrum Disrorders.
Kids on the Block-Vermont is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving children in elementary and middle schools throughout Vermont. We rely on the generosity of individuals and businesses to keep our programs affordable to schools, especially in these hard economic times.
Please consider making a gift to Kids on the Block-Vermont. Your donation will help
educate children on how to keep themselves safe and healthy and to appreciate each other’s
physical and cultural differences.
Visit http://ent.groundspring.org/EmailNow/pub.php?module=URLTracker&cmd=track&j=259502911&u=2763771 to learn more about our 21 different programs
or how you can help.
Please contact us if you would like to engage Kids on the Block-Vermont for your school or organization
Educating Children Through the Magic of Puppets
Kids on the Block – Vermont
294 North Winooski Ave., Suite 125
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 860-3349 http://ent.groundspring.org/EmailNow/pub.php?module=URLTracker&cmd=track&j=259502911&u=2763772
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XV. City Positions Available
February 4, 2009
Burlington Telecom
Help Desk Technician
Full Time
$17.60/hr
February 4, 2009
Code Enforcement Office
Case Management Specialist
Full Time
$879.88/wk
Open
Burlington Electric Department
Distribution Engineer
Full Time
$57,390/yr – $94,083/yr
DOE
Open
Burlington Electric Department
Senior Distribution Engineer
Full Time
$62,475/yr – $102,418/yr
DOE
Open
Burlington Police Department
Police Officer**
Full Time $41,503.00 – $49,269.00/yr
DOE
For more information about these and other positions with the City of Burlington, visit: http://www.hrjobs.ci.burlington.vt.us/joblist.html
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XVI. Neighborhood Calendar
Monday, February 2
-Special Meeting of the Public Works Commission
-To discuss: 2009 Paving Plan
-9:00a.m., Department of Public Works, 645 Pine Street
-Regular Meeting of the Conservation Board
-5:30p.m., Planning and Zoning Conference Room, 1st floor of City Hall
-Special Meeting of the Disc Golf Committee
-To discuss: Impact of creating disc golf at Leddy Park
-6:00p.m., Robert Miller Community and Recreation Center, Gosse Court
-Regular Meeting of the Housing Board of Review
-7:00p.m., Burlington Police Department, 1 North Avenue
Tuesday, February 3
-Regular Meeting of the Development Review Board
-5:00p.m., Contois Auditorium, 2nd floor of City Hall
-Regular Meeting of the Board of Registration for Voters
-6:00p.m., Conference Room 12, 1st floor of City Hall
-Special Meeting of the Planning Commission
-To discuss: Committee Recommendations
-7:30p.m., Conference Room 12, 1st floor of City Hall
Wednesday, February 4
-Special Meeting of the Institutions and Human Resources Policy Committee
-To discuss: Changes to the Personnel Polices
-7:00p.m., Conference Room 12, 1st floor of City Hall
Thursday, February 5
Ward 6 Neighborhood Planning Assembly
Friday, February 6
-Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission Ordinance Committee
-1:15p.m., Planning and Zoning Conference Room, 1st floor of City Hall
For more information, please visit http://www.ci.burlington.vt.us/events/