Good morning, this is your Burlington Local Frequency for Tuesday, May 13. We’re kicking off your day with a look at what’s happening across Burlington and what you can get involved in today.
The big event on the local calendar is the Howard Center’s annual spring conference, happening right now at the DoubleTree by Hilton in South Burlington. This year’s theme is Perspectives 2025: Confronting Stigma, Cultivating Compassion, and the event runs until 4:30 this afternoon. Expect to hear from inspiring speakers like best-selling author Anne Lamott, researcher Alexandra Collins, author Ashley C. Ford, and Dr. Damon Tweedy. There’s a creative twist this year, with multicultural music and art from the Howard Center’s Arts Collective throughout the day. If you can't make it in person, there’s also a virtual livestream, so everyone can participate and reflect on building a more compassionate Burlington.
Looking ahead, tomorrow brings an important conversation about housing in the city. The New North End Housing Forum, hosted by AARP Vermont and the City of Burlington, goes live online from 10 to 11:30 a.m. This is a chance for anyone concerned about affordability, development, or neighborhood changes to learn more and share their perspective. Details and registration information are available on AARP Vermont’s website.
For those following city government, last night saw back-to-back meetings with both the City Council and the Local Control Commission on the agenda. Today, the Design Advisory Board is meeting, so if you’re a fan of architecture, city planning, or just want a say in Burlington’s evolving skyline, this is your opportunity to get involved.
On the public safety front, Burlington Police have provided a recent update regarding an incident that took place in March involving a kidnapping and assault on Pearl Street. Police acted quickly, tracking the victim and suspect vehicle to Richford, where they detained several individuals and arrested the main suspect, Jeffrey Domingue of Sheldon. The victim was treated at the University of Vermont Medical Center and is recovering. The investigation is still ongoing, but this serves as an example of the vigilance of Burlington’s emergency response teams and their coordination with state and federal agencies.
If you’re looking for activities today, be sure to check out local listings for festivals, classes, and concerts. Whether it’s a wellness class, a play, or live music, Burlington’s vibrant arts scene has something for everyone. And if you’ve got something to buy, sell, or promote, remember there are plenty of local platforms that can connect you with your neighbors, from community classes to apartment listings.
That wraps up your Burlington Local Frequency for Tuesday, May 13. Keep your eyes open for more events, stay involved in your community, and remember to support local organizations shaping our city’s future. This has been Burlington Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
