This commentary is by Melinda Moulton of Huntington. She is a writer, filmmaker, social and climate activist, and community leader.Many of us have lovely memories about Burlington. We shopped at the locally owned stores run by our friends, received excellent medical care at the hospital on the top of the hill, attended the schools and colleges, opened businesses that brought us economic vitality, and resided and raised our families in Burlington’s neighborhoods. So why are so many of us turning our backs on the city that has meant so much to us? Why are we acting intolerant, reluctant, judgmental and disparaging? Burlington is one of the most beautiful cities in the Northeast. We have a huge cultural hub — the Flynn, Main Street Landing, Vermont Stage, the Vermont Comedy Club, the Fleming Museum, Burlington City Arts … and the list goes on and on. We have a vibrant music scene, and breweries and wineries from stem to stern.The waterfront will never cease to amaze us with her blazing sunsets. Amtrak at the foot of Main Street carries us to New York City. The eight-mile Burlington Greenway  runs right along Lake Champlain. There are lake cruises and boat rentals, and the award-winning ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain.Our Queen City hosts festivals, events, musical concerts, theater, dining, shopping, cultural experiences, a farmer’s market and a tremendous array of exciting things to do. So why are people so willing to degrade and misalign this place that provided so many of us with opportunity? It was not that long ago that we were all tucked inside our homes avoiding Covid. In the aftermath, cities all over the world have struggled to regain their footing. Let us remember Covid was still a “thing” just eighteen months ago until finally the United States Health and Human Services declared under Section 319 of the Public Health Service Act, to “expire the COVID Emergency at the end of the day on May 11, 2023.”Burlington rallied after Covid, and now that we have made it through this once-in-a-century pandemic we are trying to find our bearings. Patience and support are what our city of Burlington needs from all of us.I was just on Church Street a few days after Thanksgiving. The Christmas tree was lit and there were people — but not as many as there should have been. I realize a lot of folks buy online or at the big box stores. But we must understand that supporting local retailers and restaurants benefits our Vermont economy. Joseph Lustberg writes in Forbes that, “small businesses continue to be the bread and butter of our economy. … The impact of COVID-19 has left an unimaginable mark on the global community — and small businesses are no exception.” He goes on to outline why shopping local is important: it stimulates local economies, reduces the carbon footprint, creates more jobs, gives back to the local community, nurtures innovation and growth, supports the American dream and provides better customer service. Monica Haynes, director of the University of Minnesota Duluth’s bureau of business and economic research, writes in a piece in the UMD News that, “According to an economic impact analysis by the American Independent Business Alliance, 48% of each purchase at local independent businesses was recirculated locally (a multiplier of 1.48) compared to less than 14% of purchases at chain stores (multiplier of 1.14). This means that small independent retailers return more than three times as much money per dollar of sales to the local economy than chain competitors.” Haynes goes on to to say that “shopping online from large retailers located elsewhere creates almost no local economic benefit.” So how can we support the city of Burlington in the same way she has supported us all these years? Come on down! Shop, eat, recreate, gather, experience, participate. Burlington is going through a healing process, and she is feeling the afterpains of the pandemic. There is a rise in homelessness and funding cuts have led to a reduced a police presence. But the city is addressing these issues as it endeavors to meet the measure of these times. This is not the moment to turn our backs on our downtown — it is time for us to head into Burlington because we are the medicine this city needs. I encourage you to take a moment as you rise over the crest at UVM where Williston Road becomes Main Street and embrace the beauty and magnificence of the expansive view of Lake Champlain greeting the Adirondack Mountains. It is the experience that captured our hearts when we first arrived in the Queen City. Let us make the effort to support the hundreds of storekeepers and restaurateurs who have remained downtown all these years to serve us with their local friendliness: Homeport, Leunig’s, Farmhouse Group, Bertha Church, Halvorson’s, Outdoor Gear Exchange, Honey Road, Old Gold, Frog Hollow Craft Center, Harbour Thread, Karlise Fine Jewelers, Kiss the Cook, the Optical Center, Champlain Leather … and the list goes on.These are owned by our friends who have dedicated their lives to running these establishments to serve our needs. Let us give back to them and show them the unconditional love and support they so duly deserve. It is time.Read the story on VTDigger here: Melinda Moulton: For the love of Burlington.