Potlocks in the Park!

This Summer at Schmanska Park – last Thursday of June, July, and August

Come join your neighbors for a monthly Potluck dinner on the last Thursday of June July and August in Schmanska Park, 85 Grove Street.

Dinner (including vegan and glutten free options) will be available between 6-8 pm and we encourage anyone who is able to please bring a dish to share. We welcome appetizers, entrees, desserts, and anything in between, Please label your dishes with key ingredients.

This is an all ages event and you do not need to RSVP or make a meal to stop by, eat, and meet your neighbors. We do request that you try to bring your own dishes, cup, and utensils to cut down on waste and cleaning time. We also recommend bringinga blanket or chair to sit on. Parking is on Grove Street and we encourage walking and biking

Brought to you by the Old East End Neighborhood Coalition, UVM Office of Student and Community Relations and Burlington Parks Recreation and Waterfront.

If you would like to volunteer to help with the dinner, click this link https://oldeastendbtv.com/contact/ and leave your name, email, and the dates that you may wish to volunteer.

Save the Date – Winterlude 2025!

The Old East End’s 5th annual Winterlude is a free outdoor celebration offering activities for the young, old, and everyone in between. Join us for snowshoeing, sledding, cross-country skiing, nature walks, crafts, live music, a fire pit, hot beverages, and tasty refreshments.

The event is held in Schmanska Park (85 Grove Street, Burlington, Vermont) where the Barn and park are illuminated with decorative lighting and lanterns.

February 7th, 5:30–7:30pm

Enjoy the decorative lighting, hand-crafted vellum lanterns, special ice-luminaires, music, and singing, all while sipping a hot beverage around our toasty fire pit.

February 8th, 11am–3pm

Take advantage of free loaner equipment for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding. Hot beverages, chili, and treats will be available around the fire pit and in the warming area.

Local musicians, Sambatucata! and The Brass Balagan, will keep the beat going!

If you’d like to volunteer to help with Winterlude planning and activities, please drop us a line or call/text 802-373-4790.

Old East End 5th Annual Winterlude Festival is sponsored in conjunction with AARP VT, Burlington Parks Recreation and Waterfront, UVM Office of Student and Community Relations, UVM Student Life and the Old East End Neighborhood Coalition. If necessary, weather-related back-up dates will be February 14 and February 15.

Neighborhood Picnic, NPA Ward 1

Come hang out with friends, meet your neighbors, and enjoy an evening of food and fun at Schmanska Park!

The Ward 1 Neighborhood Planning Assembly is hosting a cookout featuring free hamburgers, veggie burgers, and hot dogs.

🍔 🌭

Make sure to bring your own sides and drinks.

Enjoy the open park and benches, kids playground, and learn some Old East End history in the barn. Everyone in Ward 1 is welcome!

Tell all your neighbors, and we’ll see you there!

Event Details

Thursday, October 5
5:00 – 7:00 pm
Schmanska Park

This event is also supported by the Old East End Neighborhood Coalition and UVM Office of Student and Community Relations. Rain date is Friday, October 6, 5:00 – 7:00 pm.

People-Powered Neighborhood Update

Throughout July and August, in support of our People-Powered Neighborhood project, a dedicated group of Old East End neighbors observed and documented street, crosswalk, and sidewalk conditions, along with pedestrian, bicyclist, and driver behavior.

Old East End volunteers document infrastructure conditions in the neighborhood

We compiled our findings, developed a list of priority improvements, and designed solutions for implementation by Old East End volunteers. Our $10,000 2023 AARP Community Challenge grant will pay for materials.

Old East End volunteers compile information

The proposal is now with the Burlington Department of Public Works, and we hope to begin improvements in October. All work will be complete by the end of November.

Drawing of improvements for the Chase and Grove intersection in the Old East End, Burlington, Vermont

Get involved!

If you have questions or would like to join the volunteers making the Old East End a more people-powered neighborhood, don’t hesitate to connect with us. We look forward to working with you!

Proposed improvements

  • Repaint and/or add crosswalks
  • Augment stop signs with flashing lights
  • Install a radar speed sign
  • Build pedestrian safety barriers, add signage
  • Install a community bulletin board
  • Hang neighborhood banners
  • Paint a decorative street intersection
  • Clear debris and overgrown vegetation

Ethan Allen Monument & Greenmount Cemetery Tour

Celebrate Independence Day at Greenmount Cemetery with the Old East End and Preservation Burlington. Join Jason Stuffle on a fascinating journey through history as we gather to remember a hero of the American Revolution and founder of our great state. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Ethan Allen Monument, which not only marks his burial site but also stands as a testament to his achievements. Discover the mystery surrounding General Allen‘s resting place, and learn more about Vermont’s most revered patriot.

The journey continues with a 45-minute walking tour through Burlington’s oldest cemetery. Feel the spirit of the past come alive as Jason shares stories of Greenmount’s most intriguing residents. From tales of bravery to pivotal moments in our nation’s history, this tour will immerse you in the rich tapestry of Burlington’s heritage.

But that’s not all! As we conclude our adventure, Preservation Burlington extends a warm invitation to savor some well-deserved refreshments. Enjoy free cookies, refreshing lemonade, and the company of your neighbors in one of Burlington’s most peaceful places.

Join us in the heart of Burlington for this celebration of history and community spirit that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for this amazing city, state, and nation we call home.

The tour begins at 11am on July 4th. Meet at the Ethan Allen monument in Greenmount Cemetery, 339 Colchester Avenue, Burlington, Vermont.

Help Shape our Community: AARP Grant Puts Old East Enders in Control

We are thrilled to announce the Old East End Neighborhood Coalition has been selected to receive a 2023 AARP Community Challenge grant! One of only 310 national grants, the goals of our People-Powered Neighborhood project clearly stood out among the 3600+ applications, and we could not be prouder. Learn more about our project!

The AARP Community Challenge encourages neighborhoods to make quick, tangible improvements that jump-start long-term change. As part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, this program supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods, and rural areas to become great places to live for people of all ages. Learn more about the projects being funded by the AARP Community Challenge, view an interactive project map, and check out AARP’s Livable Communities work.

We need to hear from you!

This grant provides the funds to make the Old East End’s vision a reality, but we absolutely need your help too. We are currently gathering information for our People-Powered Neighborhood project, and we want your voice to be heard. Your opinion, insight, and ideas are invaluable as we shape the future of our community together. Here are 4 ways you can participate:

Neighborhood Survey

Please take a few minutes to fill out our quick and easy neighborhood survey.

Take the Survey

Community Walk

Join us on a community walk to assess conditions, identify areas for improvement, and connect with your neighbors.

Walks begin in the Triangle Park at Barrett and Chase Streets on these dates:

  • Sunday, July 9, 10 am – Noon
  • Tuesday, July 11, 5 – 7 pm

Bayberry Commons Pop-Up

There is also a new pop-up opportunity for Bayberry Commons residents. Chat with us in person on the Upper Green during your Ice Cream Social on July 16th, 1 – 3pm.

Volunteer

We also have a variety of volunteer opportunities available. Connect with us to discuss how you can contribute your time and skills to make a difference in our neighborhood.

Together, let’s harness the power of our community by bringing fresh perspectives to the table, bridging generations, and understanding what truly matters to us all.

Want to stay connected with the Old East End?

Subscribe for the latest neighborhood news and information

People-Powered Neighborhood Project

The Old East End Neighborhood Coalition is on a mission to create a more vibrant and livable community, designed and built by the very people who call it home. We envision an environment where walking, biking, or rolling is a breeze, allowing everyone to fully enjoy our public spaces and intriguing places. And let’s not forget, it’s a great way to commute too! With convenience, safety, and accessibility in mind, we’re launching this project to strengthen our community, and we want you to be an integral part of this journey!

Share your ideas

Your ideas and insights are key to the success of this project. Whether it’s fixing sidewalks, adding paths, improving accessibility, or lighting up the ‘hood, we want to hear every single suggestion you have! Together, we’ll transform our area into a people-first paradise!

Take our survey

To make it super easy, we’ve put together a short survey to collect your brilliant thoughts. It’ll only take 5-10 minutes of your time, so rally your neighbors and encourage them to take the survey too. Where do you see problem areas? How would you tackle them? Let your voice be heard!

Take the Survey

Meet with us

If face-to-face interaction is more your style, we’ve got you. Come say “hello” and share your wildest dreams with us at one of our pop-up events. For those who want to get active while making a difference, join us on a neighborhood walk and help us identify areas that need immediate attention.

We’ll meet you in the Triangle Park, located at the intersection of Barrett and Chase Streets, on the following dates:

Pop-Ups

  • Friday, June 16, 4 – 7 pm
  • Sunday, June 18, 11 am – 2 pm

Walking Tours

  • Sunday, June 25, 10 am – Noon
  • Sunday, July 9, 10 am – Noon
  • Tuesday, July 11, 5 – 7 pm

Don’t miss out!

Stay informed about our fresh discoveries and opportunities to get involved as the project progresses. You can subscribe for updates here and ask us questions here.

Project schedule

June – July
Gain a comprehensive understanding of hot-spots in dire need of attention

July – August
Pinpoint the top priorities and come up with creative solutions

August – October
Bring those solutions to life and celebrate our achievements!

Free Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream

Now that we have your attention…

Thursday, May 4th, 3 – 5 pm

Schmanska Park | 63 Grove Street

All Old East Enders (i.e. everyone living in the neighborhood) should take a well-deserved break and join us for free Ben & Jerry’s ice cream (while supplies last). Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the park with streamed music and Old East End exhibits, or participate in more active pursuits like the playground, corn hole, pickleball, tennis, basketball, and hiking.

Happy spring everyone 🌼

Brought to you by the Old East End Neighborhood Coalition, UVM Office of Student and Community Relations, and Burlington Parks Recreation and Waterfront.

Green Up Day 2023

Saturday, May 6th

The snow has melted that means Green Up Day is here! Join thousands of fellow Vermonters as we clear tons of litter from our Brave Little State.

Pick up free official trash bags and get inspired by our list of especially messy Old East End spots. We look forward to seeing you out and about, tidying our little corner of Vermont!

Rain Date: Sunday, May 7th

How it works

  • Pick up free official bags on Saturday, May 6th from 10:00am to noon
  • Let us know in our contact form which location you plan on visiting
  • Wear bright, visible clothing, long pants, boots, and work gloves
  • Leave hazardous items alone; alert city officials through See Click Fix
  • Once full, tie bags closed and leave them along major streets for pick up; only official Green Up bags and litter will be collected, no personal items
  • Check yourself for ticks at the end of the day

Especially Messy Spots

  • Grove Street
  • Schmanska Park Parking Lot
  • Colchester Avenue
  • Chace Mill Parking Lots and along the River
  • Riverside Avenue
  • Salmon Hole Parking Lot
  • East Avenue Hillside
  • Anywhere you notice trash collecting 😁

Winterlude 2023

February 10th and 11th

Schmanska Park, 63 Grove Street, Burlington

Burlington’s Old East End Neighborhood Coalition is thrilled to announce the 3rd Annual Winterlude! It’s a festival with something for everyone, so let’s smash the winter doldrums and celebrate together!

Come meet your neighbors and enjoy outdoor activities, a cozy fire, tasty refreshments, local music, and fun crafts. We encourage everyone to join us for this festive and free winter celebration. And, if you bring your own drinking vessel, we’ll give you a free Old East End souvenir (while supplies last)!

Last year was epic!

Show Me More Photos

2023 Schedule of Events

Friday, February 10th
5 – 7 pm

Bundle up, bring a headlamp, and join your friends and neighbors for Winterlude After Dark. Enjoy the magic of a warmly lit barn, hand-crafted lanterns, and beautiful ice luminaries as we celebrate mid-winter. We’ll keep you cozy with free hot beverages around a crackling fire.

Saturday, February 11th
10 am – 2 pm

Take advantage of free loaner outdoor equipment for adults and kids! Pick out a pair of cross-county skis, snowshoes, or a sled to use in the park. Check out our Activity Map and ramble through the nature trails from Schmanska Park to Greenmount Cemetery, shred the best sledding hill in Burlington, enjoy local music from Sambatucada! and The Brass Balagan, craft a lantern or blanket in the toasty barn, and stroll our StoryWalk® featuring Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin. Afterwards, grab free refreshments and relax around the fire.

  • Outdoor Equipment Loans | 10 am – 1:30 pm
  • The Brass Balagan | 11 am – Noon
  • Lantern Crafting | 11 am – 1 pm
  • Sambatucada! | Noon – 1 pm

Want to help with planning or activities?

Sign Up to Volunteer

👀 Keep and eye on this page for all the latest information

* The Story Walk Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont and developed with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition and Kellogg Hubbard Library.

Winterlude 2023 is brought to you by the Old East End Neighborhood Coalition with generous support from Burlington Parks, Recreation and Waterfront, University of Vermont Office of Student and Community Relations, and AARP Vermont.

For community safety, current local COVID-19 recommendations will be observed.