Kids VT, February 2012

The Puck

✱ A FAMILY THAT FIGHTS TOGETHER

Vermont families go all out for youth hockey

FEBRUARY 2012

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS

Publisher Colby Roberts colby@kidsvt.com ext. 77

Executive Editor Cathy Resmer cathy@kidsvt.com ext. 74

Creative Director Don Eggert don@kidsvt.com ext. 71

Managing Editor Kate Laddison kate@kidsvt.com ext. 73

Calendar Writer Becky Tharp becky@kidsvt.com ext. 78

Account Executive Rhonda Forcier rhonda@kidsvt.com ext. 75

Account Executive Kristi Batchelder kristi@kidsvt.com ext. 72

Marketing & Events Director Judy Beaulac judy@kidsvt.com ext. 76

Editorial in Kids VT is for general informational purposes. Parents must use their own discretion for following the advice in any editorial piece. Acceptance of advertising does not constitute service/product endorsement. Kids VT is a proud member of the Parenting Media Association. Kids VT distribution is audited for accuracy.

Da Capo Publishing shall not be held liable to any advertiser for any loss that results from the incorrect publication of its advertisement. If a mistake is ours, and the advertising purpose has been rendered valueless, Da Capo Publishing may cancel the charges for the advertisement, or a portion thereof as deemed reasonable by the publisher. Da Capo Publishing reserves the right to refuse any advertising, including inserts, at the discretion of the publishers.

Copy Editors/Godparents Pamela Polston

Paula Routly

Proofreaders Maria Valiente

Meredith Coeyman

Kate O’Neill

Production Manager Justin Gonyea

Designers Brooke Bousquet

Celia Hazard

Andrew Sawtell

Rev. Diane Sullivan

Circulation Manager Steve Hadeka

Deputy Web Editor Tyler Machado

Office Manager Cheryl Brownell

Contributing Writers: Erik Esckilsen, Kristin Fletcher, Mary Kinney, Cindy Morgan, Ken Picard, Aimee Picchi, Katrina Roberts

Photographers: Andy Duback, Matthew Thorsen, Shawn Corrow

Illustrators:

Rev. Diane Sullivan

Cover image: Shawn Corrow

Funny Bones

is humor inheriTed? Along with other developmental achievements, my 4-year-old son is growing his funny bones, and it’s led to me back to the nurture versus nature debate. As he tests his punch lines, I’m developing a poker face for those times when his schtick isn’t appropriate. And I laugh like crazy when he comes up with something good. At the dinner table recently, he said the difference between walrus tusks and beaver teeth was … and then he opened his mouth wide and made the scratchy-hissing sound vampires make when confronted by a cross. I laughed and asked him to repeat the distinction. Again, he imitated the vampire. He didn’t realize it was funny, so I laughed heartily to encourage him.

It’s possible that Oliver has inherited my highly evolved sense of humor, but I’m afraid he might have gotten my husband Kevin’s ridiculously corny one. A recent incident at day care confirmed that Kevin and his son share the same DNA. On the whiteboard every parent sees upon entering, the staff shares funny kid stories. This one was about Oliver. Apparently his teacher had asked him to count to 20. After he did, she asked him if he could count higher. He said, “Sure. One, two, skip a few, more than 20.” Quite the jokester.

But I was happy that our preschool shared the anecdote. The whiteboard is one of the simple communication tools the staff uses to connect with parents during the pick-up-and-drop-off flurry. Finding a moment to talk to your providers is just one, small childcare complexity. A new Kids VT feature, “Seeing STARS,” goes deeper by sharing evaluative results from the State of Vermont’s rating system for childcare providers.

Childcare comes up in other stories in this issue, too. Blogger-mom Mary Kinney wrestles with the transition from work to home to work again in the “Use Your Words” essay. Cindy Morgan’s feature on babysitting provides useful tips on finding — and working with — quality sitters.

Trusting others to care for your child isn’t easy ... and probably shouldn’t be. A flexible funny bone is good preparation for the challenge. A good laugh at a beaver’s expense can really brighten your day.

KaTe Laddison, managing ediTor kate@kidsvt.com

what’s

One of the worst moments I had was when the family’s dog was hit by a car. When the parents came home, I was on my belly in the dirt under the front porch trying to assess the dog’s injuries while the four kids in my charge sat sobbing on the front lawn. The dog survived, but that was the last time I babysat for that family!

mary Kinney,

wriTer

One time I had a boyfriend over when the child was napping and the mom came home early and caught us making out. Obviously I was mortified; equally obvious, she never hired me again.

cindy morgan, wriTer

The first time I babysat, I stuck myself with a diaper pin and got blood all over the place. I think I left some on their bathroom rug.

caThy resmer, execuTiVe ediTor

Once I was asked to cook a hot dog. I took out a frying pan, stuck a dog in it, cranked up the heat, then immediately got distracted. When the smoke alarm started blaring, I knew I had botched the job. So in a panic, the piercing alarm boring into my brain, I grabbed the frying pan, opened the back door, and flung the smoking, charred remains into the backyard. as I stood at the stove intently watching a second hot dog, I debated whether or not to fess up to the hot dog corpse on the lawn when the mom got home. answer: no.

KrisTin FLeTcher, wriTer

the oddest or funniest thing that happened to you while babysitting?

Q:How do you find babysitters?

Most of our poll respondents indicated they use close contacts to find reliable babysitting help.

COLORING CONTEST

This month’s four-and-under artists astounded us with their crayon control, marker methods and overall originality. We saw purple-pink color schemes and every white space getting loving attention. Thanks to all those preschool Picassos out there.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

SUPER SPECKLED SKATES

“Winter Day”

Molly Allen, 8, Burlington

BEST STRIPED SWEATER

“Cat on Ice”

Alyssa Boivin, 6, Georgia

CHALKIN’ IT UP “Skating Cat”

Porter J. Hurteau, 5, Georgia

FRANKLY FREAKY “Franken Cat”

Fadelyn, 7, South Burlington

BRILLIANT BLUE “Santa Cat”

Linden Stelma-Leonard, 7, Westfield

PRETTY POLKA-DOTTED PINES

“The Cat in the Snowball Hat”

Bella Parento, 10, Berlin

The winners of our three $25 gift certificates to Texas Roadhouse are…

From the “other” category, here are a couple of excerpted comments:

We only have family watch our children when we need a sitter. We haven’t researched how to find responsible sitters in our area. I feel like I would have to know someone very well before they could watch our children. I don’t think I could get to that level of comfort from a babysitter-finding website.

NICHOLE CUNNINGHAM, ST. ALBANS

We have no family nearby and even through recommendations often have trouble finding available sitters. We have turned to a local college listserv and had great luck. Of course, we always check references and try to meet the individual before hiring so we know who we are getting.

RHONDA FORCIER, ESSEX JUNCTION

Contest!

Count the dragons to win a prize!

Count the dragons on the pages of this month’s issue and you could win four tickets to the Golden Dragon Acrobats of China at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, March 11 at 6 p.m. Add up the dragons, then tell us how many you found at kidsvt.com or by writing to us at Kids VT, PO Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402. We’ll choose winners from the correct responses among the entries. Enter by 5 p.m. on February 22 for a chance to win.

WOW! THAT’S ORANGE!

“Outside Skating Cat”

Lauren Beatty, 10, Georgia

SHARP, VIVID, FANTASTIC

“Ice Skating in a Cat Wonderland”

Madison Yarsky, 10, Northumberland, PA

SENSATIONALLY SNOWY TREES

“Slide”

Emma Smith, 11, Burlington

HOLIDAY SPIRIT

“Night Skating”

Mike North, 9, South Burlington

TOP TITLES

“Purpink Kitty”

Sophie Frost, 3, Hinesburg

“A Cat-tastic Skater”

Emily LaCroix, 12, Williston

“Rainbow Cat on a Starry Night”

Alice Mae Peabody, 4, Vergennes

“Vermont Catamount on Ice”

Evelyn Stearns, 9, Milton

THE BEAT

BOOKS

BY KATE LADDISON

First Crush

A child-centered alternative education.

Berlin, VT

All inquiries:

802.223.3320

EXHIBITS An Excellent Adventure

A new exhibit at the MONTSHIRE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE explores an old topic: evolution. During a 12-minute video, museumgoers meet a young boy named Charlie and his great, great, great, great grandfather. Together they explore why the flightless kiwi is still a bird. Drawings by awardwinning children’s book illustrator Peter Reynolds — of Judy Moody fame — bring the story to life. From there, kids can segue to related exhibits that engage them with a hands-on approach to science. Curious children will observe live birds, piece together puzzle-finches and their habitat, and brush away sand to find buried dinosaur bones.

CHARLIE AND KIWI’S EVOLUTIONARY ADVENTURE: Exhibition runs through May 6, Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200, Montshire.org.

Meet Louise. Though she’d prefer you call her Thumbelina. The seventh grader got bullied o the gymnastics team and has a best friend who is crazy about Justin Bieber. Louise, too, is trying to figure out what a crush feels like. While that might sound like the typical female protagonist of a young adult novel, the soon-to-be released THE BOY ON CINNAMON STREET, by Middlebury author Phoebe Stone, is refreshingly real. Stone weaves together the hilarious drama of teenage life with the tragedy of a family member’s death. It’s a page-turner: You’ll want to find out why Louise lives with Tai Chi-practicing grandparents who keep their TV in a suitcase. Is her second-best-friend Henderson from Dorkville, USA, or a star from above? Stone’s earlier novels, including Deep Down Popular, earned praise from The New York Times and Boston Globe. The Publisher’s Weekly starred review of this one notes Stone’s admission that she experienced a tragedy similar to Louise’s and reacted by blocking it out. “In fact,” she writes in her author’s note, “the healing process can only truly begin when we are willing to remember.”

‘THE BOY ON CINNAMON STREET’: By Phoebe Stone, Arthur A. Levine Books, 240 pages, $16.99. Info, phoebestone.com.

Providing a mixed-aged, developmental program for children 3 - 9 years of age.

THEATER Doing It Her Way

Four sold-out shows of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown at Studio Three in South Burlington raised $1200 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. That’s pretty good. Especially when you consider the production company was just launched last fall by 14-year-old Tuttle Middle School student NOA SAUNDERS. The outgoing teen loves to act and sing, but it was advice from a couple of mentors that spurred her to action. “They told me I should not wait for opportunities to come to me, but I should make them myself.” And so she did: picking a show, obtaining the rights, pinning down sponsors, casting, propmaking, scheduling rehearsals and corralling a group of young actors. Saunders’ mom Rosalind has produced shows for Lyric Theatre Company and helped Noa get started. “But she made me do all the work,” said the younger Saunders. Why tackle something so ambitious? Saunders wanted to oversee a project where kids took charge. “We can do anything adults can do,” she says. No kidding.

SPOTTED PUP PRODUCTIONS: Info, facebook.com/spottedpupproductions.

ARTS

BUSINESS Kids Town Closes

After 22 years in business, KIDS TOWN is taking a permanent timeout. Right after Christmas, the local children’s department store announced it would cease operation, saying it was no longer able to compete with online retailers and large chain stores. The current closeout sale has no o cial end date. Kids Town carried merchandise for children of all ages, including furniture, clothing, toys, books, strollers and other family gear. The business also conducted a three-day spring swap that drew hundreds of shoppers looking to buy and sell used kids stu . Wonder where those same folks were buying merchandise the rest of the year? Yes, it matters.

KIDS TOWN: All items are 30 percent off during the store’s closing sale, 10 Farrell Street, South Burlington. Info, 865-6870, kidstown.com.

Pottery on Wheels

Do yourself a party favor, parents: Hire LET’S PAINT for your next party and Nichole Cunningham will bring the pottery to your house, oversee young painters, clean up, and return the goods to you later, fired and ready for distribution. Cunningham started her mobile business last April, after working at a Burlington pottery studio. She dreams about someday opening her own paint-your-own place, but for now, Cunningham’s creative approach allows her to fit her passion for pottery into a home life that includes two kids, ages 2 and 5. Let’s Paint o ers packages for di erent ages and attention spans, including adults. The paint is water-soluble, so you don’t have to worry about smocks or stains. Cunningham charges by the painter, and there’s an eight-person minimum. So it’s not cheap. But you can probably get a mug out of it.

Party packages for kids and adults. Prices for children’s parties range from $10.50 to $18.50 per person. Info, 488-0413.

Noa Saunders as Lucy

What common myths about children’s health can parents

By K E n p icard

EVEry parEnT rEcEiVEs unsolicited child-rearing advice from friends, family, even total strangers. Sometimes it’s helpful, other times — not so much. And in some instances, “conventional wisdom” is not only wrong, but potentially harmful.

This month, Lewis First, chief of pediatrics at the Vermont Children’s Hospital at Fletcher Allen Healthcare, dispels some of the most oft-repeated myths that parents can safely ignore.

Kids VT: is it true that you should feed a cold and starve a fever?

LEWIS FIRST: Not true. Whether it’s a cold or a fever, both are insults to your child’s body and you need to make sure a child stays well-hydrated when sick, even if he or she isn’t hungry. That will make your child feel a lot better.

KVT: does chicken soup really help?

LF: A recent study suggests it provides several benefits. Number one, it may help in terms of the broth contributing to hydration. Number two, the salt may make you thirstier, which may make you hydrate even more. Number three, the heat that comes off the soup humidifies the inside of the nose and loosens secretions that may allow you to breathe easier. One study suggests that the broth may contain ingredients that reduce inflammation in the back of the throat and make a sore throat feel better, but we need more studies to duplicate those results.

KVT: can a child catch a cold from cold weather? or by going outside with wet hair?

LF: You cannot “catch a cold” from wet hair or by going outside without a coat on. You may shiver and feel uncomfortable, but you won’t catch a virus that way. The

truth of the matter is, when the weather is cold, people stay indoors more. When kids and families stay indoors, they’re more apt to spread germs from one person to another by coughing and sneezing on one another than if they were outside playing and exploring the outdoors.

KVT: does thumb-sucking cause buck teeth?

LF: That’s a myth. There is no evidence, until the permanent teeth come in at age 6, that thumbsucking will affect the shape of the teeth. After the permanent teeth start to come down, however, it’s feasible that thumb-sucking could malposition them. So the goal is to take care of thumb-sucking as a habit before the permanent teeth are in.

KVT: cracking knuckles is annoying to parents and teachers. is it harmful?

LF: It’s a myth that it leads to arthritis as you get older, though there’s some evidence that it may lead to some swelling of the hands and minor discomfort.

KVT: is watching TV close up bad for a child’s eyes?

LF: When your child is sitting close to the TV, it’s not going to affect his or her vision, but it may be a sign your child is nearsighted and needs corrective lenses. Otherwise, kids’ eyes correct quite nicely when they sit close up. But it may also be a sign that they’re watching too much TV!

KVT: What about reading in dim light?

LF: Reading in dim light is like sitting in front of a computer screen. It doesn’t affect vision, but it tires your eyes out and causes fatigue quicker. But it has no longterm effect in terms of vision whatsoever. When you sit in front of a computer for hours on end, studies suggest that you blink less and that dries your eyes out. That makes them feel fatigued and strained. If your kids are working on the computer, have them take breaks at least once every hour.

KVT: What about the old saying, “if you cross your eyes, they’ll stay that way?”

LF: Not true. About 4 to 5 percent of children have weak eye muscles called strabismus, which make it appear the child’s eyes cross or develop what we call a “lazy” eye. If a child’s eye appears to stay that way after they’re crossed, they may have a mild case of strabismus. Oftentimes you see that in infants and toddlers. Eyes that cross early on should be seen by a doctor or ophthalmologist. But if it’s school-age children and they’re crossing their eyes for attention, they won’t stay that way.

KVT: What about the common belief that chocolate and greasy foods cause acne?

LF: Acne is basically caused by secretions in the skin that block the pores. But chocolate and greasy foods by themselves do not cause acne. It’s the hormones in your developing teenager that cause the greasy secretions that cause pimples.

KVT: What about caffeine stunting a child’s growth?

LF: First of all, children shouldn’t be drinking coffee, but it won’t stunt their growth. What caffeine can do is block the absorption of calcium into the bones. So if a child is not getting enough calcium, caffeine can affect the ability of the bones to grow.

KVT: do baby walkers help babies walk sooner?

LF: Actually, walkers prevent children from seeing their feet, and when you’re learning to walk, you need to have good eye-hand-foot coordination. If anything, walkers slow down the ability to coordinate the entire gait. In addition, there are safety problems. When kids start rolling around, there are too many accidents from kids in walkers falling down stairs.

KVT: some say kids walk earlier if they wear shoes.

LF: Not true. When babies are learning to walk, keeping them barefoot actually strengthens their foot muscles and helps them walk sooner, and even gives them better traction.

KVT: does iron constipate infants?

LF: The small amount of iron in baby foods does not constipate. The problem usually is that babies may not be adequately hydrated. Or the proportions of different proteins in formula compared to breastmilk result in harder, less frequent (but still normal) stools. K

BY MARY KINNEY

Pumped Up Kicks

WHEN MY FAMILY OF FIVE arrives at Yordan’s Black Belt Academy, the room is already teeming with people. Normally, if I saw a group of kids and adults punching and kicking each other, I’d call the cops. But this is a tae kwon do dojang, so it’s OK.

Friends and parents kibitz and children zoom around while we hurry to remove our shoes. Master Leonard Yordan calls for order and the din subsides.

The beginner class tonight has 24 students, ages 3 to 50-plus. Moms and dads, computer technicians, kindergartners, executives, highschoolers and cashiers all have exchanged their everyday labels for white uniforms and belts.

Students line up neatly in four rows of six before bowing to the U.S. and South Korean flags, Master Yordan, and the senior-ranking student. We warm up with basic stretches, simple hand techniques, push-ups and crunches.

Master Yordan demonstrates a side kick. He explains how to do it properly, breaking the move into four parts. His instructions are easy to understand, even for the littlest practitioner.

“Tae kwon do is dynamic,” he says. “It’s based on the body’s natural movements so anyone can do it. Make it happen.”

People take turns kicking cushioned paddles held by blackbelted volunteers. More experienced students make a short abrupt sound — ki-yup — the moment their foot connects with the target. The vocalization helps with breath control. Newer students ki-yup softly and giggle self-consciously. Everyone exchanges high-fives as they return to the ends of their lines. “Good try!,” “Nice kick!” and “Great work!” echo around the room.

This is not the intimidating Cobra Kai dojo from the Karate Kid movie. Normally, what interests one of my children bores another. My ballerina,

Equipment: Comfortable clothes, such as sweatpants and T-shirts. If you join the academy, a uniform is required.

Where to Go: Yordan’s Black Belt Academy: 10 River Road, Underhill. Classes held at the Underhill ID School.

305 Flynn Avenue, Burlington: Classes held in St. Anthony’s Church gymnasium. Info, ybba.com

little leaguer and dramatist don’t often agree — except in their love of tae kwon do. We put our oldest son, Liam, now age 11, in classes six years ago and I joined him 18 months later. My husband, daughter and youngest son put on white belts in 2010.

“We’ve had many families train together at YBBA,” says Master Yordan. “Unlike soccer or hockey, tae kwon do is an art you can practice

with your children and learn as they learn.”

As class ends and we bow out, I consider what tae kwon do means to our family. What started as a way to help Liam successfully control his wiggly body has turned into a family experience: a blend of physical and mental challenges that we embrace individually but get to share collectively.

Like many arts, what’s learned in the classroom impacts life outside of it. The tae kwon do tenets are: self-control, perseverance, integrity, courtesy and indomitable spirit. When my children demonstrate these qualities outside the dojang, I make the connection for them: “It took integrity to admit you were wrong.” “It’s hard to learn to ride a twowheeler, but you didn’t give up.” Sometimes, they make the connection for me: “Mom, you didn’t get mad about the mess we made!” Ki-yup.

✱ THE LIBRARIAN LIKES

LIBRARIAN: Julie Pickett, children’s librarian and assistant library director, Stowe Free Library

BOOK: Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade, by Melissa Sweet

AGE RANGE: 4 and up

PICKETT’S SUMMARY: During the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, the skies of New York City fill with giant helium balloons. Have you ever wondered who created these balloons and how they are made?

Awardwinning author and illustrator Melissa Sweet tells the colorful story of Tony Sarg, the man behind the balloons. Sweet’s eye-popping watercolors, fanciful scrapbooking and photocollage details make this nonfiction book perfectly vibrant.

INTERESTING FACT: Sarg’s first airfilled rubber bags were steered down the street at eye-level. But soon the parade grew so popular (and crowded) that Tony had to figure out how to design the balloons so people could see them from farther away.

WHY KIDS WILL LOVE IT: Sarg’s indomitable curiosity, his engineer’s know-how and his forever-young imagination jump o the pages of this book.

“The Librarian Likes” features a different librarian and book each month. Got an idea for a future LL? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

Families” is a monthly feature that offers easy and affordable ways to stay active. Got an idea for a future FF?

Ella Jeffers executes a kick

Seeing

The grade on Vermont’s childcare, preschool and after school programs

FINDING THE RIGHT CHILDCARE provider or educational program for your kids can be a daunting task. Never mind securing a spot and paying tuition — how do you evaluate whether a program will follow through on its cheerful promises to nurture your child? How do you tell the di erence between a provider that meets the minimum state standards and one that truly excels?

The state’s STep Ahead Recognition System is designed to do just that.

Sponsored by the Child Development Division of the Vermont Department of Children and Families, STARS assigns star rankings to participating childcare, preschool and after school programs. The process is much more thorough than a simple site visit. To receive a ranking, programs must complete an application that assesses progress in five areas: compliance with state regulations, sta qualifications and training, communication and support of children, families and communities, providers’ self-assessments and plans for improvements, and the strength of a program’s operating

SOUTH BURLINGTON STARS PARTICIPANTS

Busy Bee’s Preschool

3 Maryland Street, 863-2215

Stars:

Colleen’s Day Care

5 Maplewood Drive, 489-0410

Stars:

Giggles Family Childcare and Preschool

70 Suburban Square, 264-5414

Stars:

Lund Family Center

7 Fayette Street, 861-2156

Stars:

policies and business practices. Simply by completing the process, programs demonstrate a desire to go above and beyond the minimum standards.

The STARS coordinators assign applicants one to five stars. A single star means a program is new, or is examining its practices and working to improve them; a five-star ranking signifies that a program is established and outstanding in all areas. A ranking is good for three years, though each applicant must complete an annual review to maintain it.

STARS helps parents assess a program’s quality and professionalism, and it can also help them save money. Parents who meet the state’s income eligibility guidelines may pay less for childcare if they enroll their children in programs with three, four or five stars.

Starting this month, Kids VT will publish an excerpt of the list of STARS participants in every issue. This month’s “Seeing STARS” features participating programs in South Burlington and Williston. Find more information about STARS, and a complete list of rankings, at dcf.vermont.gov/cdd/stars.

Don’t see your childcare provider on the list? Ask them why they haven’t applied.

Discovery Preschool

Formerly known as Preschool of Faith United Methodist Church 899 Dorset Street, 860-4370

Stars:

Sheila Quenneville

364 White Street, 863-6117

Stars:

The Children’s School

173 Patchen Road, 862-2772

Stars:

Twin Oaks Kids & Fitness

80 Eastwood Drive, 658-0080

Stars:

YMCA Preschool at Orchard

Orchard School, 2 Baldwin Avenue

862-8993, Ext. 148

Stars:

SHINING STAR

Sheila Quenneville

364 White Street, South Burlington, 863-6117

sheila3640@aol.com

Type of program: In-home childcare

Year opened: 1986

Age range of children: 3 months through school-age

Last field trip: Jaycee Park, South Burlington

Favorite sensory activity: Making “oobleck” from cornstarch and water — it’s like Play-Doh

Favorite art project: Painting watercolors on coffee filters

Most recent staff development activity: Three-credit course through the Stern Center for Language and Learning called Building Blocks For Literacy

Favorite children’s book: Three Nasty Gnarlies by Keith Graves

WILLISTON STARS PARTICIPANTS

Allen Brook School

497 Talcott Road, 879-5835

Stars:

The Bellwether School

1186 South Brownell Road, 863-4839

Stars:

Heartworks Williston

644 Blair Park Road, 985-2153

Stars:

Kinderstart Preschool

389 Wildflower Circle, 878-4947

Stars:

Little Rays of Sunshine

82 Stirrup Circle, 872-0030

Stars:

Live Y’ers at Allen Brook

Allen Brook School, 497 Talcott Road, 862-9622

Stars:

Nadeau’s Playschool

907 Marshall Avenue, 652-9800

Stars:

Williston Enrichment Center

82 Wintersport Lane, 846-9402

Stars:

Y School Age Program at Allen Brook School

Allen Brook School, 497 Talcott Road, 862-9622

Stars:

Complete list at: dcf.vermont.gov/cdd/stars

Each month, Kids VT spotlights one five-star program from the featured geographical area.

BECAUSE

PROJECT

The Because Project asks Vermonters to share their stories about people and experiences that have shaped their lives, especially during their formative years — stories that may inspire others to get involved. Because together, we can all make a di erence.

John Keith was a tall, Nordic-looking guy who wore turtlenecks and loved to ski. He was always drinking co ee, even back in the 1980s, before drinking co ee was cool. He was one of the few people I knew in suburban Detroit who had the audacity to drive a foreign car — a Volkswagen Jetta.

Mr. Keith was the toughest teacher I ever had, tougher than any of the English professors who taught me in college. Each marking period, he gave his students the chance to earn 100 points. Your final point total was your grade. If I lost five points on the first test, I spent the next few weeks living in fear of losing any more, and hence dropping from an A to a B.

The only way to get extra credit was to win a sentence-diagramming contest. Mr. Keith would send several students to the blackboard at the same time. Then he’d have them race to diagram a sentence full of clauses and obscure parts of speech. The first person to do it correctly won a point. What a victory! You could boost your grade, but you really had to work for it.

taste of Nathaniel Hawthorne and Robert Browning. In the winter, he organized after school ski trips to a nearby mountain. He helped me see that there was a larger world beyond the familiar, comfortable one that I knew.

I don’t think I was one of his favorite students; I’m not even sure that he liked me. It didn’t matter. He was the first teacher who really pushed me. He used to tell us that we could study English all the way through college and still not master it. I liked that challenge. And I liked knowing that if I worked hard enough, I could write something that would matter to somebody like him.

I wrote him several letters explaining what his teaching meant to me, but I never mailed them. I was too afraid of how he would pick them apart! I’ve always regretted that because he died while I was in college. I’ve reconnected with many of his former students, and we all still remember him so vividly. He was just doing his job, but he changed our lives.

Cathy Resmer EXECUTIVE EDITOR, KIDS VT

Mr. Keith was critical. He corrected students’ writing assignments in front of the class and picked apart mistakes, usually without using names. But he wasn’t bitter or angry; when we wrote sentences he liked, he read them aloud, as if to savor them. He loved language and literature, and he wanted us to love it, too. Some days he just read to us. He gave me my first

I decided to be a writer BECAUSE of an English teacher I had in the 7th and 8th grade.

VERMONT CHILDREN’S TRUST FOUNDATION PRESENTS THE:

Mater Christi School prepares pre-school, elementary, and middle school students of all faiths to succeed in high school and beyond. With integrated arts, cutting-edge technology, a state-ofthe-art science laboratory, and French beginning in kindergarten, we discover personal greatness in every student. After the school day ends, your child’s opportunities continue with Mater Christi’s award-winning extracurricular activities and renowned afterschool enrichment program. Call to schedule your personal tour, and discover the possibilities for your family.

802.658.3992

h Annual

✱

HOME COOKIN’

BY MARYELLEN APELQUIST

Love Can Be Corny

VALENTINE GIVING — and getting — is upon us. Will you say it with flowers, chocolates or a greeting card declaring love and a ection?

As with most things, homemade Valentines are better, and edible homemade Valentines are best. Tossed with pretzel bits and candy-coated chocolate pieces in red, pink and white, this caramel corn makes a sweet-and-salty gift to share with your child’s classmates. Just pour the mix into cellophane bags and tie with red and pink ribbons to rival any storebought treat this Valentine’s Day.

SWEET & SALTY POPCORN MIX

2 quarts (about 8 cups) popped corn, plain

1 cup pretzels, broken into small pieces

¼ cup (½ stick) butter

¾ cup brown sugar, packed

¼ cup honey

¼ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

¼ teaspoon baking soda

1 cup candy-coated chocolate pieces in Valentine colors, either plain or with peanuts

Saturday,

1. Preheat oven to 275 degrees.

2. Grease an 11-by-17-inch baking sheet (or line with a silicone baking mat).

3. Combine popcorn and pretzel pieces and spread across prepared baking sheet. Set aside.

4. In a large saucepan over low heat, combine butter, brown sugar, honey and salt. Once the butter melts, let the mixture bubble and cook for another 3 minutes.

5. Remove from heat. Whisk in vanilla and baking soda.

6. Immediately pour caramel mixture over popcorn and pretzels. Using a spatula, toss the popcorn to coat.

7. Bake in preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

8. Let cool, then break into pieces and toss with chocolate candy.

9. Store mix in an airtight container or package for Valentine giving.

0:30

Steps the kids can help with:

SERVES 10

• Measuring ingredients

• Breaking pretzels into pieces

• Spreading plain popcorn and pretzel pieces on baking sheet

• Tossing popcorn with caramel (older kids)

• Bagging popcorn mix to give as gifts

Q oUT To EAT b y cindy morgan

Koto Japanese Steakhouse

792 Shelburne road, South burlington

my Kids loVE JApAnEsE food. My son will eat his weight in sushi, and my daughter is all about udon. Seeking a Japanese food fix for the whole family, we landed at Koto Japanese Steakhouse. Not only does the South Burlington restaurant serve our favorites, it also offers teppanyaki, Japanese-style meat and veggies grilled on the table in front of you. Cooking becomes entertainment when the chefs wow the crowd with their knife and spatula skills.

At 5 p.m. — rush hour — Koto was a peaceful retreat from traffic-packed Route 7. Friendly staff greeted us in the lobby, along with a gurgling pond stocked with koi fish. For the first time in 10 years of dining out with my kids, I was kind of disappointed that we didn’t have to wait for a table.

fAmily friEndly AmEniTiEs:

Eight high chairs, four boosters, a koi pond in the waiting area and a kids hibachi menu with choices of steak, chicken, shrimp, salmon or veggies for $9.50-$10.50.

oUr bill for foUr: $142.49, including tip.

The restaurant is spacious, with a sushi bar, a number of conventional dining tables, a bar and a room where diners can sit on traditional tatami mats. The six large teppanyaki tables are popular, and diners are expected to share them with other parties. As we perused our menus, a family of four sat down with us.

Koto’s menu covers the range of Japanese fare, from albacore sushi to yakitori (skewered chicken), and we took advantage of the large selection. For entrees, we ordered yellowtail

and tuna sushi, udon, and steak and chicken teppanyaki. The adult hibachi meals are pricey but come with soup, salad, and fried rice or noodles, along with awesome entertainment. My husband and I shared steak teppanyaki and, after all that sushi, it was plenty of food.

The soup and salad were unmemorable, but the sushi was fresh and, to this Californian, surprisingly good. It was the kids’ turn to be surprised when our chef arrived and began preparing food, just inches from their plates. They sat transfixed as he spun his knives and spatulas, sliced, diced and grilled, joking as he cooked. He launched pieces of zucchini into our open mouths, and made a steaming volcano out of a stack of onions. The kids jumped when he made flames

leap high, their eyes bulged when he spun an egg on a spatula and tossed it up and down half a dozen times.

The last time I had teppanyaki I was in California. The most memorable thing about it: Kobe Bryant was sitting at the next table. At Koto, I sat with Linda and Dave from Grand Isle. I have to say, both the food and the company were far more impressive. K

The kids jumped when he made flames leap high... their eyes bulged when he spun an egg on a spatula and tossed it up and down half a dozen times.

Hayden, Regan and Charlie Charron

Andrew Bose, willisTon, sofTwAre deVeloper And mAnAger Children: sons Braven, 13, and Jacob, 5

I have two extremely active boys, so wintertime gets to be tough because the days are so short and you’re cooped up inside. If you live in Vermont, you kind of have to enjoy the outdoors, so we try to get outside as much as possible. During the weekends, we do a lot of skiing and snowboarding. We all go up as a family. We also like to go snowshoeing and hiking, getting out in the woods and enjoying the weather. We’re fortunate to have some fields where we live, even though we’re in a development area. The hardest part I find is coming up with something to do with the boys during the week. You work all day and get home, and they want to go out and do something. Last winter, I told them that if they came outside and helped me clear the snow, I’d try to snow-blow and shovel as much as I could into one spot so we could make a massive fort. This winter we’re going to make an ice rink. That’s the

wrighT cAswell, shelBurne, Technology sAles Children: daughters Carly, 15, and Grace, 9; sons Jack, 13, and Hank, 11

I grew up as a kid skiing every weekend, so I’ve brought that tradition back to my kids. The Fifth Grade Passport Program is a phenomenal thing that the state of Vermont does. For a onetime fee of $10, it’s the best deal going. It allows a kid to ski just about every ski area in the state. The other thing we’ve done, which I think is a huge home run because it’s convenient, is our neighborhood built a nice ice rink on the common land. A lot of people have backyard rinks, but that’s sometimes like maple sugaring: You do it once, and you never want to do it again. We have eight to 10 families in our neighborhood to help maintain the rink. Our kids will go out and skate all night long and invite their friends. We light it at night by plugging in to the neighbors’ house (we pay them for the electricity). We build fires out there. And there’s always the Burlington Country Club sliding hill. Indoors, there’s Patriots football. When they’re on, we’re watching them. Or if we’re skiing, we record it. My two sons love watching the Bruins, and we’re big UVM hockey-goers. It’s another way to beat the winter blues.

greg Bowen,

essex JuncTion, iBm TechniciAn Children: daughter Elizabeth, 32; sons Keith, 30, Sean, 26, and Max, 20

Back when they were younger, we lived up in Georgia, and we had a big yard up there. We’d go outside with them, and we’d build snow caves and have snowball fights. We had a dangerous little hill at the back of the house that we’d go sledding down. When we were cooped up inside, we had lots of indoor stuff to do. Luckily, the whole family was movie buffs, so we’d watch movies together and make hot chocolate, chocolate chip cookies or brownies. We’d play video games and board games. We loved board games. We’d taken the kids to Disney World, so we’d play the Trivial Pursuit Disney Edition. We’d play Sorry. We didn’t play Monopoly because it took too long, and they’d fight over it. We gave that up on early on. They liked Clue — the whole challenge of figuring it out — and, of course, checkers. Our oldest son, Keith, was a big chess fan, but nobody could beat him, so we didn’t play that. K

— IntervIews compIled by erIk esckIlsen

whaT You’ll Need:

a cello and bow: renting is a good idea because children frequently need to trade up for a bigger cello.

Three-month rental rates at Vermont Violins — with locations in burlington, montpelier and West Lebanon — range from $95 to $140. info, 862-0349, vermontviolins.com.

a chair, stand and accessories: child cellists need an armless chair that allows them to place their feet firmly on the floor. also look for a music stand, rosin for the bow and a rockstop, on which cellists rest the point of their end pins.

a Teacher: Private lessons cost $25 to $30 per half-hour. brown charges $109 per month for weekly half-hour lessons and $153 a month for weekly 45-minute lessons.

Vermont Suzuki Violins weekly group lessons cost $240 per four-month semester.

Three would-be Yo-Yo mas are seated in a semicircle around their teacher, cellist Anne Brown. With their instruments perched between their knees, the students are warming up at their weekly group Suzuki lesson at the Schoolhouse in South Burlington. It’s an experience that’s part social, part technical and entirely musical.

“Fluffy cats get dirty after every bath,” Anne Brown reminds her students.

Brown isn’t critiquing their pet-grooming skills, but providing an acronym mnemonic for the order of sharps before the group launches into an A major scale.

After climbing up and down the scale, Emma Rosenau, 11, complains of cold, stiff hands.

“Hit ’em against a wall,” suggests Zani Lewis, 8, the youngest student in the group.

Lewis started on the cello when he was three, which isn’t unusually young for a Suzuki student. And unlike Suzuki violinists, who start out learning on a practice instrument made from cardboard, Suzuki cellists like Lewis go straight to the real thing.

That’s because the cello is easier for kids to hold. The baritone of the string family, it’s similar in many ways to the violin and viola — they all have four strings and are bowed — but sits on the floor with a metal end pin.

The musician also sits, while playing the instrument, which comes in all sizes. The smallest cello, which Lewis started on, is a one-tenth-sized instrument; it looks more like a large violin than a cello.

The Suzuki method emphasizes learning music the way children acquire language: playing with friends, learning by ear, attending concerts. The movement’s founder, Japanese violinist Shin’ichi Suzuki, believed that by creating the right environment, anyone — the younger, the better — can learn to play music well. Private lessons may be part of that.

The social, non-threatening environment of the group lesson gives budding musicians the chance to play in front of others. “It gives them confidence,” says Brown, who grew up playing chamber music with her musical family and has been teaching the Suzuki method since 1995.

Lori Lewis, Zani’s mother, credits the Suzuki method with a life lesson she feels her sons have grasped. Her 11-year-old son is still playing the violin. “They learned through hard work they can accomplish something.” K

“The Art of...” spotlights creative skills that enrich kids’ lives. Got a class or teacher to recommend? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com. Aimee Picchi is a freelance writer who lives in Burlington with her husband and two children.

eaT. LearN. PLay

“They learned through hard work they can accomplish something.”

lori lewis

Ariel Toohey and instructor

The Puck STOPS HERE

Vermont families stick together through hockey season

BY KRISTIN FLETCHER

The color-coded whiteboard that combines the hockey schedules of four members of the BurkeMitchell family rivals the arrivals and departures board in Grand Central Station.

It shows that the Jericho clan has 13 activities crammed into the upcoming weekend: 10 games, one practice and two select-team tryouts. Each item is linked to the person in charge of transportation: Mom, Dad or sometimes a teammate’s parent. And at the bottom of the board is an important reminder for those busy days, written in caps: “ONE FRENCH FRY ORDER PER KID!”

The carefully crafted timetable is the work of Maria Mitchell, who keeps things running smoothly for her children — Patrick, Anna and Molly — as well as for her husband, Pat Burke, who coaches a USA Hockey select team and an Essex Pee Wee team. Burke himself plays hockey three days a week.

Is your head spinning yet?

Hockey is known for the over-thetop commitment and huge quantity of gear it requires, as well as the diehard players and parents the sport attracts. It’s not uncommon to see hockey families huddled together in the snack bar between periods, hats pulled down low on their foreheads, hot beverages in their hands, plotting meeting points at park-n-rides, comparing the best pit stops along the way to where they need to go.

The logistics of youth hockey are a challenge to manage, but for these dedicated families, controlling the chaos is a way of life.

TEAM EFFORT

During the short days of winter, travel to and from Vermont’s ice rinks mostly happens in the dark, before sunrise or after sunset. But the construction of new rinks and the renovation of some others around the state have made the

Pat Burke, 11

ungodly 4 a.m. practice time almost obsolete.

Practices are typically held twice a week in the evenings, though exactly which evenings — and sometimes even which rink location — may vary to accommodate high school and college team schedules.

On weekends from late November through February, though, sleeping in late is simply not an option for hockey families. The Burke-Mitchells rise early for Saturday and Sunday games, some of which start as early as 7 a.m.

“Sometimes we get lucky and all our games are in the same place,” says 15-year-old Molly, the Burke-Mitchell’s eldest daughter.

More often, though, the day involves multiple destinations.

Burke, who is the principal of South Burlington High School, says his kids have accepted the fact that their parents can’t be two places at once.

state, participates in tournaments at the regional level.

“I’ve always loved hockey and enjoyed the atmosphere at the rink,” Molly says. “It’s just something I look forward to every day.”

The same goes for catching each other’s games. “I love going to see my brother and sister play and cheer for them,” Molly says. “It’s good to have fans.”

THE FAMILY TRADITION

What’s in THE BAG?

Youth hockey players build strength simply by carrying their gear to and from the rink. By the time they’re Mites, they’re expected to do all the heavy lifting themselves. Luckily, most hockey bags come equipped with wheels. A typical bag contains:

Youth hockey CLASSIFICATIONS

Chuck Wiegand started playing hockey as a kid in 1974, then went on to win state titles with Mount Mansfield and Essex high schools. After graduating in 1987, he was drafted by the New York Rangers, but never played for them. He kicked around the semi-professional leagues until returning to the state in the late ’90s.

• A helmet with cage and a mouth guard

• Shoulder pads

• Elbow pads

• Gloves

• Hockey pants (these are padded around the hips)

• Shorts with athletic cup for boys and Velcro to hold up hockey socks

• Hockey socks (part of the uniform, they extend over the knee)

• Shin pads

Last year, because of his coaching schedule, Burke missed a lot of his son’s games. Now he’s coaching the boys’ team, and “I go to 100 percent of his games and most practices. I love coaching hockey, girls or boys, but being with him was at least in part by design.”

When all three kids were in the Essex youth program, Burke and Mitchell juggled up to 10 games over the course of a weekend. But the hard work of practicing and scheduling paid o : Last season they watched each of their children’s teams win a state title.

Molly, now a freshman in high school, currently plays for Mount Mansfield and an under-16 select team called the Shamrocks. The team, which picks the best players from around the

When it came time to sign up his two children for hockey, Wiegand’s wife, Chris, says there really was no discussion. Both Charles, 9, and Celia, 6, had started skating as two-year-olds, and their dad introduced them to hockey at home long before they stepped onto the rink.

• Skates

• Neck protector (optional)

• Practice jerseys

• Water bottle

Goalie bags are even bigger and contain additional protection for the neck, chest, arms and legs. That includes a blocker glove for their stick hand and a catch glove for the other.

Equipping one hockey player with all new gear can easily cost $200. But most sporting-goods stores also carry pads, pants and skates in good, used condition for about a third of the price, says Ashley Thygesen of Barre’s Thygesen Sports.

Wooden sticks ($19.99), or composite ones ($57 and up), and hockey gloves ($23.99) are less secondhand-friendly, simply because they withstand so much wear. Hockey helmets ($49.99) should always be purchased new and before the expiration date stamped on the back.

With all of that crammed into their bags ($39 and up), players carry their game jerseys on hangers, neatly protected in a garment bag (with personalized team logo, $23), far, far away from the hockey bag’s stinky interior.

“In Vermont, you really need to find a winter sport to embrace, and this just happens to be ours,” Chris says.

wife, Chris, says skating as two-year-olds, and their winter sport happens to be ours,” Chris says.

The family watches

The Essex Skating Facility

The Puck Stop Here

CONTINUED FROM P. 17

hockey games together on TV, and the kids have taken to shooting at a homemade goal in the basement — it’s a chance to try out dad’s slapshot on solid ground.

“Our weekends are totally consumed with hockey as our kids are going in two di erent directions now,” Chris says. “But we wouldn’t trade it for anything.

“They are learning so much about being a team player, making good friends and building self -confidence. We both feel that it is essential to get kids interested in healthy behaviors, and we will foster that as long as we can. If they’re having fun doing it,” she says, then she and her husband are on board.

Both practices, Wiegand says, develop better skaters and result in less frustration down the road.

HOCKEY PARENTS

Youth hockey sometimes gets a bad rap. A certain amount of violence is tolerated at the game’s professional level, and that intensity has, on occasion, infiltrated the younger ranks, not to mention their parents.

Search “hockey parents” on YouTube and you’ll find plenty of videos of pushy parents losing their cool — but thankfully no footage of the notorious fight in 2000 between two fathers in Reading, Mass., that left one dead and the other convicted of involuntary manslaughter.

bag. All that be replaced two years as

The kids are also learning responsibility. Participating in the sport requires keeping track of all the gear (see sidebar: “What’s in the Bag?”). As they undress at the rink, removing jerseys, and the padding that protects their heads, shoulders, elbows, hips and legs, Chris says they’ve learned to return everything to the bag. All that protective gear is costly and needs to be replaced about every two years as the children grow, so misplacing an item is a serious o ense.

Wiegand has coached his 9-year-old son, currently a Squirt in the Essex program, every year and joins his daughter on the ice at the intro level whenever their schedules allow. He’s watched his son progress from needing assistance with everything to suiting up for the ice on his own.

Until kids are strong enough to do it themselves, they need help from an adult to tie their skates, yanking the laces as tight as possible to keep them safe and stable on the ice.

As for coaching, Wiegand’s philosophy is simple. “I try to keep them happy and motivated so they come back the next day,” he says.

He emphasizes the importance of “learning your edges,” skating tight arcs along the inside and outside edges of the skate blade to improve agility, and he supports the switch to cross-ice games — played on rinks divided by foam panels — for 7-and 8-year olds (see sidebar).

Luckily, in Vermont, says Burke, the lack of tryouts at the youth level keeps the pool of players deep — just over 4000 kids registered last season — and cuts down on some of the tension that can develop on both sides of the glass. For the most part, parent representatives help youth hockey programs run smoothly. For example, every team has a volunteer commonly and lovingly referred to as the Team Mom. She keeps everyone informed

Our weekends are totally consumed with hockey… BUT WE WOULDN’T TRADE IT FOR ANYTHING. CHRIS WIEGAND

Pat Burke

Pat, 11, Molly 15, Anna, 13, mom Maria

about the schedule and issues passed along by USA Hockey and the Vermont State Amateur Hockey Association. She’s also the go-to mediator when conflicts flare up between parents and coaches.

Kim Magoon is Team Mom for her 10-year-old son’s team in Barre. “I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into,” she says, laughing. “But it’s not such a bad thing. I got to meet and talk to families.”

Should a game ever be canceled due to weather, it’s Magoon’s job to get the word out. But weather cancellations are rare.

Trips through ice and snow are a big part of hockey family lore. Once, Burke recalls, while driving Molly to a state tournament game in Barre, his wife slid off the road twice and tried to talk the service guy into driving her to the rink.

Ultimately, she made it there, on her own, arriving late in the third period. The Burke-Mitchells always make an effort to get to games, but draw the line at taking serious risks. If the miles they’ve put on their two vehicles — 200,000 on their Subaru and 112,000 on their Toyota van — are any indication, they’ve covered a lot of ground getting their kids to the ice.

All that driving has its advantages.

The Battle Over CrOSS-ICe

When it comes to teaching kids hockey, there are two schools of thought: Let the strongest skaters dominate on a full rink, or shrink the playing surface to give even the wobbliest skater a chance to touch the puck. The latter, known as cross-ice, sets the games across the width of the ice.

Vermont has moved almost entirely to crossice play at the Mite level, with the exception of a few end-of-the-season tournaments. a standard rink is 200 feet long and 85 feet wide. Cross-ice games use portable foam panels to divide it into smaller rinks. Teams typically play three rather than five players to a side, focusing on passing and stick handling rather than speedy skating.

Vermont’s embrace of the practice puts the state way ahead of the curve, according to roger Grillo, regional manager of uSa Hockey’s american Development Model.

“It’s really common sense,” says Grillo who assisted the Norwich and uVM men’s hockey programs and was the head coach at brown for 12 seasons. “In every other sport we do for the kids the playing field is downsized to the size of their bodies.”

Grillo likes to point out that if an adult were playing on a proportionately similar rink — assuming a 5-, 6-, or 7-year-old is roughly half the size of that adult — they would play on a 400-foot-long hockey rink. That’s a lot of ice.

Still, cross-ice has been a tough sell in most communities, with tradition taking precedence over developmental concerns. Minnesota is the only other state to embrace the change, Grillo says, while in europe it’s common practice to play cross-ice games until age 11.

“It’s conducive to the kids gaining confidence, getting touches and playing as opposed to chasing,” he says.

essex youth coach Chuck Wiegand is all for cross-ice, too. “Times change,” he says. “you don’t want to travel an hour and a half away to see your kid on full ice not touching the puck.”

“The thing about ice hockey is the time that we spend together as a family,” Burke says. “We would miss a lot if they didn’t do it.” K

Got a comment? Contact Kate@kidsvt.com or Cathy@kidsvt.com. Kristin Fletcher is a former sports editor for the St. Albans Messenger and Barre-Montpelier Times Argus who lives in Cabot. She has two children, 12 and 9, and works for Re-Bop Records.

d esperately Seeking Sitters

Finding a night-out solution that doesn’t break the bank

by ci N dy m orga N

When my twins were infants, there were times I would have gladly handed them over to the Big Bad Wolf in return for a few hours out of the house with no crying or spit up.

All he’d have to do was promise to bottle feed them every three hours. Ten years later, we still face that age-old parenting dilemma: How do you find and keep good sitters?

In a perfect world, my extended family would live close by, and grandparents, aunts and uncles would trip over themselves to give me a break once in a while. But I don’t live in that world, and neither do most of the parents I know.

Last August, we moved our family of four to Shelburne from southern California, leaving behind our shallow pool of sitters. Within weeks of arriving, we needed someone to watch the kids while we attended “curriculum night” at their new school. We got lucky — a high school classmate of my husband’s who lives nearby has a daughter who was home from Dartmouth College. We took advantage and snuck in a belated anniversary dinner after the school event.

As much as Bailey enjoys our kids, I don’t see her driving up from Hanover, N.H., every few weeks so my husband and I can grab dinner and a movie. And since no amount of wishing on stars or birthday candles has landed Mary Poppins on the front porch, I realized that if we ever hope to have any childless evenings, I was going to have to lure a sitter or two to our new digs.

The social Network

I’ve always found babysitters by asking other parents for recommendations. But we moved to Vermont knowing all of four people, and none of them had needed childcare in more than a decade. Not to be deterred — there was an R-rated film I was dying to see — I asked Bailey’s mom, Eve Hoar, for some advice on finding a sitter here in Vermont. I also put out an online plea for tips.

Eve said her best sitters came from the club where her kids take lessons in the summer: counselors, coaches, etc. In the past I’ve done the same, hiring my kids’ swim instructors to watch them on occasion. There was already a good rapport, with the added bonus of knowing the kids wouldn’t drown in the tub.

Eve did me the favor of putting my question out to her coworkers with young kids. I was inundated with emails, like one from Andrew Hallock, a Colchester father of two, who recommended a University of Vermont-sponsored mingler. These are twice-yearly events — the next one is February 5 at UVM’s Davis Center — that invite local parents to bring their kids to meet and interview

sitters, many of whom are enrolled in the early childhood education program. Hallock has landed several sitters by mingling with the students.

More messages came from friends all over the country — I must have sounded desperate for a night out. One mom suggested hiring aides from my kids’ school. Another recommended using sitters from church. Several moms said they had good luck hiring the teenagers who live in the neighborhood. This last suggestion reminded me that a few enterprising teens on our street had come over to introduce themselves — and offer their sitting services — when we moved in. Time to make sure they have references so we can get to that movie.

Patrick Halladay, my son’s fourthgrade teacher, responded that when his wife, Juliet Halladay, a professor of early childhood education at UVM, can’t get one of her students to watch their three kids, they turn to Front Porch Forum.

FPF is a community listserv for individual neighborhoods throughout Vermont. Registration on the site is free. Once you’re signed up, you can post your sitting needs and requirements, and it goes out in an email that is visible to everyone else in that neighborhood group. Local sitters have responded to the Halladays; and the Halladays have responded to local sitters advertising their services.

The answer to my prayers came via an email from a friend in Portland, Ore.

“Why don’t you call my sister, and see if her daughter will sit for you? She’s awesome.”

Truer words have never come over the

internet. The daughter in question lives here in Shelburne, and she’s the sweetest, smartest, most responsible 13-year-old in the world. My kids actually ask if she can come over and sit.

She reinforced my belief that middleschool sitters are the way to go. When I was a 12-year-old babysitter, I made sure I did everything right so I would keep my junk-food-and-movie-fund jobs lined up.

I find today’s middle-school sitters are equally motivated. They tend to be energetic and eager to please and have fewer obligations, so they can sit more regularly. They also charge less — we pay between $8 and $10 per hour. Some have even passed a babysitter training course offered by the American Red Cross.

High-school sitters are great — until they abandon you for activities, boyfriends or college. College-age sitters are more mature, experienced and usually have their own wheels. But their fees tend to be steeper, between $12 and $15 per hour. And they’re harder to get on a regular basis. Back in California, my booking success rate ran about 50 percent.

sitter services for Hire

Don’t have a friend in Oregon with a sister in Vermont? Not comfortable leaving your precious offspring with a middle schooler or Mary Poppins? Nil desperandum: There is a sitter out there for you. Several professional services exist to help parents locate a reputable, experienced sitter or nanny.

IN THE CLASSROOM EVERYDAY FOR YOUR CHILDREN

Some of my friends in California swear by Sittercity.com, a national chain that maintains sitters-for-hire in Vermont, largely in Chittenden County. Care.com is another one. It’s pricey for parents who only go out once in a while — $35 per month for Sittercity.com, with additional fees for access to background checks — but such a service can buy some peace of mind. The sitters tend to be experienced, college-age or postcollege-age young professionals, who have been trained in first aid and CPR and have passed a background check.

Want that guarantee from a local service? Vermont Nanny Connection provides services similar to Sittercity and Care, but owner Hope Moulton runs the operation out of Montpelier. Parents can pay a flat annual rate of $170 for direct, unlimited access to the company’s sitters. Or you can fork over the $20 finder fee each time. That’s in addition to what the sitter gets, which is between $12 and $14 per hour.

All of the sitters that Vermont Nanny Connection places are pre-screened, come with references and have passed background checks. Moulton also requires them to have current CPR and first-aid certification.

What’s stopped me from going that route? Once I add up the cost of dinner, a movie, the hourly sitter rate and the booking fee, it’s not cheap. And there’s no guarantee the service will have a sitter when I need one.

You’re the Boss

However you find a sitter, it is important to realize that you’ve become an employer. Here are some tips for creating a solid employer-employee relationship:

• Ask for references.

• Be willing to act as a reference for a good sitter.

• schedule a paid trial run with you in the house.

• Leave clear, written instructions about any chores you expect them to do, such as cleaning up dinner dishes or putting the kids to bed.

• set rules about what is and isn’t allowed. don’t want them texting rather than playing with your kids? don’t want them using your computer? Let them know up front.

• consider tipping if they did a good job.

• Follow up with your kids to see if the sitter did what was asked.

I try to be a benevolent boss. I’m a good tipper and I ask ahead of time if they want me to provide dinner. I want to encourage them to do a good job and to keep coming back.

Pretty soon, I’ll be able to leave my kids alone while I go out. Vermont doesn’t establish a minimum age for self-sitting, but I’m going by California’s guideline, which is 12.

No doubt the next chapter will bring other anxieties. Katie Kennedy, a Shelburne mother, lets her daughters, 10 and 12, stay home alone if she and her husband are going somewhere local. But it’s still a mixed blessing. “It’s both a relief,” she says, that there’s “no need to secure a sitter a week or two in advance,” and a worry: “Do they feel safe? Will they be able to reach us if they need to?”

I guess we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. K

e 12,000 men and women who teach Vermont’s students are proud to be…

Hello, Muddah…

How do you know when your kid’s ready for camp?

BY CATHY RESMER

MY KIDS LOVE TO HEAR STORIES

about my two-week stay at Camp Sequoia in Adrian, Mich., the summer I was 10. I tell them how I rode horses, played capture the flag, and learned how to assemble and fire a BB gun. Sometimes, they ask me when they can go to camp. And I always tell them, When you’re ready

But when will that be? My daughter is 3; my son is 6. Recently I did a little research to find out.

A quick scan of the camps coming to the Kids VT Camp and School Fair on Saturday, February 4, reveals several overnight options within two hours of Burlington.

Night Eagle Wilderness Adventures in Cuttingsville piqued my interest. According to its website, this boys’ camp emphasizes “ruggedness,” fitness, simplicity and “cooperation with nature.”

Boys start there at age 10, which is still a few years o for my son. Camp owner Bruce Moreton told me that he recommends that younger kids start with day camp; the Night Eagle experience is too rugged and unfamiliar for them. The boys have to be ready to sleep in teepees. The food is di erent; the bathrooms are di erent. The younger kids, he says, “worry about what’s out there in the woods.”

Hosmer Point Camp, in Craftsbury, looks equally intriguing. Located on

Great Hosmer Pond, it introduces boys and girls ages 9 to 15 to all kinds of aquatic activities, including sculling and “aquaskipping,” whatever that is. There’s a “farm build” program, as well, that involves gardening and caring for farm animals.

Camp director Jon Hammond stresses that there’s no one age at which kids are ready to go to camp. “Some 9-year-olds are ready to spend the whole summer at camp,” he says, “and some 14-year-olds have trouble with just a few weeks.” One way to determine where your child falls on that spectrum, he says, is to assess how easily they overnight away from home. Every camp director I spoke with mentioned sleepovers as a measure of independence.

Hammond has two sons, 9 and 11. They’ve been spending nights at friends’ houses since they were

4. Hammond started his older son at camp at age 8, and says it turned out to be a good experience for him. He seems to think that even young kids are pretty resilient. They might be homesick for a couple days, but by the end, they don’t want to leave.

“More times than not,” he says, “many children are ready before you think they are.”

Some 9-year-olds are ready to spend the whole summer at camp, and some 14-year-olds have trouble with just a few weeks.

JON HAMMOND, HOSMER POINT CAMP

Hello, muddah

Camp Pok-O-MacCready, across Lake Champlain in Willsboro, N.Y., accepts boys and girls as young as 6 years old. It’s the kind of traditional camp that offers sailing, archery, horseback riding and riflery. Sarah Disney, who is director of recruitment and admissions, has been connected to the camp since she became a counselor when she was 18. Her parents sent her brothers to camp there for several weeks, starting the summer they were 6. Each of Disney’s three daughters enrolled at age 8.

Disney favors starting kids early. She says the 8- and 9-year-olds experience camp differently from the teens. “They’re just sponges,” she says. “They are just so excited about everything they do.”

To help young kids ease into the overnight experience, Disney encourages first-time campers to sign up for Pok-O-MacCready’s three-week day-camp session. They can spend the first two weeks as day campers, and if they’re ready, sleep over during the final week.

Disney points out that the longer parents wait to send kids to camp, the fewer years the campers have to bond with their friends, which returning campers say is one of the best things about the experience. As kids get older, she says, it becomes increasingly difficult to separate them from their social circles at home. That’s especially true of girls. “I think parents are really doing a disservice to their children if they wait until 12, 13, 14,” she says.

Lucy Norvell, director of public information at the New England chapter of the American Camp Association, agrees that there’s no one-size-fits-all age when kids are ready for camp. Some kids, she says, are ready at age 6 or 7, though “most first-time campers are between the ages of 8 and 11.”

A good first sign that kids are ready for camp? According to Norvell, “They show interest.” Often kids hear about camps from family members or friends, or see some promotional material on the web or at a camp fair and start asking if they can go. “If you’re lucky enough to have a child who says ‘I want to do this, and I really think I can,’ I would encourage parents to try to work with that,” she says.

In addition to assessing whether kids are comfortable sleeping away

Find more information on evaluating camps and assessing your children’s camp readiness at the american camp association websites, acacamps. org and acanewengland.org. representatives from more than 60 camps and schools will attend at the Kids Vt camp and School Fair on Saturday, February 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hilton burlington.

from home, Norvell also suggests that parents consider their children’s self-help skills. Can they keep track of their stuff? Do they get along easily with peers? Can they ask for help if they need it?

Norvell points out that parents can work on these skills with kids before they go to camp. Have them practice putting their clothes away in drawers, or pack their own lunches and backpacks. Give them more choices: Would they like to shower before dinner or after? Those are the kinds of decisions they’ll have to make when they’re away from home.

But Norvell also reminds nervous parents that “camps are ready for kids.” Their programs are designed to help young kids learn some of those skills, too. Norvell advises parents to research multiple camps and ask a lot of questions. She recommends visiting camp fairs and open houses at camps before the season starts.

Many programs also offer family camp sessions at the end of the season that give parents and their kids an opportunity to stay over, get to know the staff and use the facilities. Yep, parents get to go to camp, too! My kids might not be ready to start camp on their own yet, but I think I’m ready to go back for a few days. K

Animal Adventures ages 7-9: Half-day camp with themes like Dog Day, Feline Friends, Careers, Shelter Day, and Animal Safety. (choose between AM or PM session)

Summer Safari ages 10-12: A full-day camp that includes the above themes and incorporates a fascinating video project focused on animals.

Summer Sessions: July 9-13 | July 16-20 | July 23-27 | July 30-Aug 3

(Choose Between AM or PM) AM: 9am-12pm | PM: 1pm-4pm August 6-10 | August 13-17 Full Day

802.862.0135 x11 www.chittendenhumane.

Saint Francis Xavier School

Sc ho ol of Dance, Music & Theater

February Break C a mp

Feb . 27 -M ar. 2 8:00a m - 5 :30p m

Ages 4 - 12 COlches ter Studio

Dance, GY m, Music, THeater, arts & Cra fts COme for th e week , a day, or a few hours!

Summer C a mp s & cl asses

Summer is a g reat time to Try som ething ne w! Ja zz - Tap - B allet- Ly rica l - Hip Hop

Dance & gy mnastics - Mu sica l theater

Piano - Guitar - Voice

Williston • COlchester • Georgia 210 Pioneer Drive Severance Corners 1151 Ethan Allen Hwy

to re giste r, c all 871-5846 or Visi t us online at ww w.Movement Cent er VT.co m

FEB calEndar

submit your march events by February 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.

Frozen Physics

Vermont skiers aren’t alone in praying for snow. bert yankielun needs it for his annual iGLoo BUiLd — an all-day, drop-in workshop celebrating all sorts of snow structures. though they don’t require fancy construction equipment, igloos do require snow, and lots of it. yankielun picked up some of his building techniques in antarctica, where, with average temperatures hovering around minus 50 degrees, proper construction can be a matter of life and death. here in Vermont, though, it’s more a matter of fun. yankielun will explain the insulating properties of snow and the physics of the frozen structures, but there’ll be plenty of hot chocolate, too. igloo build organizers go to great lengths to find enough snow for this event — yankielun hopes to erect up to 25 igloos on site — but it’s still weather dependent. Check the website to see if it’s a snow-go.

iGLoo BUiLd: Saturday, February 25, Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200, montshire.org.

1 WEDNESDAY Community

Breast-Feeding-mom support: New mothers get to know each other during this informative and informal session. Children welcome. Trinity Episcopal Church, Rutland, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 747-8665.

Education

cookie decorating: Budding bakers doll up treats with sprinkles, frosting, sugar and nuts. Panadero Bakery, Burlington, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 863-8278.

dcF Book discussion Group: Kids discuss their opinions of The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger. Ages 8-11. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-0313.

Kids cook Up stories: Little ones read a story and bring it to life through cooking. For prekindergarten-age children. LACE, Barre, 10 a.m. $3 suggested donation. Info, 476-4276.

observation mornings: Prospective students and their families meet teachers, tour the school and learn about current and upcoming programs. The Schoolhouse, South Burlington. 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 355-7323.

Parenting on Track class for ANEsU Families: Parents participate in a six-week workshop offering strategies for creating lasting, mutually respectful parent-child relationships. Preregister. Bristol Elementary School, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free to Addison Northeast Supervisory Union families. Info, 343-9966.

social Thinking: Meetings focus on socialskills development for kids with nonverbal learning disabilities, Asperger’s syndrome and high-functioning autism. Call for times. Ages 6-17. Preregister. Maple Leaf Clinic, Wallingford. Info, 446-3577.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: Basketball-loving high school students spend the afternoon dribbling, shooting and scoring. Preregister. St. Albans City Hall, 2:30-3:45 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1500, ext. 266.

Kids open Gymnastics: Tykes tumble and jump while adults connect with other families. Snack is provided. River Arts, Morrisville, 1011:30 a.m. $5 child, $8 two children, $10 three or more children. Info, 888-1261.

Library & Books

Beginning With mother Goose: Parents and their little ones gather tips from experts on choosing quality books, activities and songs to increase literacy development. Ages birth-3. Preregister. Fletcher Memorial Library, Ludlow, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 228-3517.

Hogwarts Reading society: Lovers of Harry Potter discuss favorite fantasy reads. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

Lego Afternoons: Youngsters create freely from big buckets of building blocks. Parents encouraged to send a snack; popcorn provided. Ages 6 and older. Lincoln Library, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 453-2665.

Let’s Learn Japanese: Kids learn the native language of the Land of the Rising Sun in a fun introductory class. All ages. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

Nature & Science

Preschool discovery Program: Nature investigators explore the outdoor world. Ages 3-5. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 1011:30 a.m. $5 child. Info, 229-6206.

2 THURSDAY Arts

After school Art Room: School-age kids get creative in a well-stocked studio. Ages 6-10. ArtisTree Gallery, Woodstock, 3-5 p.m. $15 child. Info, 457-3500.

Art Exploration for Preschoolers: Tots explore art through music, movement, stories and creation stations with mixed media. Ages 3-5. Purple Crayon Productions, Woodstock, 3-5 p.m. $15 child. Info, 457-3500.

Story Times

MONDAY

Books and Beyond: This program combines children’s literature and hands-on activities for fun science learning and exploration. Ages 3-5 and parent or caregiver. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, February 13, 10:15-11 a.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

Bristol Toddler Story Time: Introduce your little one to the library and children’s books with activities and music. Lawrence Memorial Library, Bristol, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 453-2366.

Burlington Stories With Megan: Enjoy a funfilled preschool story time with rhymes, songs and books. Ages 2-5. No program February 20. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Colchester Preschool Story Time: Stories, crafts and other activities for preschoolers. Ages 3-6. Preregister. No session during school vacation week. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 878-0313.

Marshfield Story Time: Read-aloud tales with a cross-cultural theme catch the ear of youngsters. Ages birth-6. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

Milton Infant Story Time: Little ones enjoy lap time, songs and stories. Ages birth-18 months. Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Richmond Pajama Time: Stories with Douglas while decked out in your bedtime best. Ages 2-6. Richmond Free Library, 6:30-7 p.m. Free. Info, 434-3036.

St. Albans Story Time: Book hounds hear stories, sing songs and play. Ages birth-6 and caregivers. St. Albans Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Stowe Family Story Time: Kids of all ages enjoy stories with a loved one. No story time during holidays and school closings. Stowe Free Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 253-6145.

Stowe Monday Morning Story Time: Little lit lovers share stories and songs in the community room. Stowe Free Library, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 253-6145.

Waterbury Toddlers-n-Twos: Active stories designed for kids ages 18-36 months and their caregivers. Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

Williston Pajama Story Time: Wee ones gather in bedtime attire for a story, craft and snack with Ready Freddy author Abby Klein. Preregister. Meets the second Monday of the month. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 876-7147.

Williston Story Time at Buttered Noodles: Early readers get together for group book time; snack and juice provided. Ages 1-7. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.

Woodstock Baby Story Time: Ages 6 months-2 years. Norman Williams Public Library, Woodstock, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 457-2295.

TUESDAY

Alburgh Story Hour: Little ones enjoy stories, songs, crafts and snacks. Ages 2-5. Alburgh Community Education Center, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 796-6077.

Barre Children’s Story Hour: Tots tune in for audible prose. Ages 2-5. Aldrich Public Library, Barre, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 476-7550.

Burlington Stories With a Twist: Kids and their caregivers join a preschool educator as she brings science and nature to life with stories, songs and crafts using a unique style of teaching to engage ECHO’s youngest visitors.

Ages 2-6. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 11 a.m. Museum admission. Info, 324-6386.

Colchester Toddler Story Time: Stories for tots. Ages 18 months-3 years. Preregister. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 878-0313.

East Barre Kids Story Hour: Bookworms show up for tall tales. Ages 3-6. East Barre Branch Library, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 476-5118.

East Middlebury Preschool Story Hour: Kids get silly with stories and songs. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Sara Partridge Community Library, East Middlebury, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 388-7588.

Essex Preschool Story Time: Stories, songs, rhymes and more for little ones.

Ages 3-5. Preregister. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Essex Toddler Story Time: Simple stories, songs and finger plays for the toddler crew. Ages 18 months-3 years with adult. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9:10-9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Fairfax Preschool Story Time: Kids and their caregivers enjoy an hour of stories, songs and crafts. Fairfax Community Library, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 242-9000.

Grand Isle PJ Story Time: Curl up in your PJs with a good book. Ages birth-6. Grand Isle Free Library, first Tuesday of every month, 6:307:30 p.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Hinesburg Preschool Story Time: Ages 3-5. Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 482-2878.

Hinesburg Toddler Story Time: Kids listen to engaging stories. Ages 3 and under. CarpenterCarse Library, Hinesburg, first and third Tuesday of every month, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 482-2878.

Ludlow Preschool Story Time: The preschool crowd share stories, make crafts and play. Ages 6 and under. Fletcher Memorial Library, Ludlow, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 228-3517.

Lyndonville Story Time: Enjoy stories, the letter of the day, a focus on one of six early literacy skills each week, songs, crafts and friends. Ages 3-5 and families. Cobleigh Public Library, Lyndonville. Free. Info, 626-5475.

Milton Preschool Story Time: Books, songs and crafts entertain tykes. Ages 3-5. Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Montpelier Story Time: Join us for great books, singing, crafts and fun. Follows school calendar. Preschool age. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 223-4665.

Reading With Frosty & Friends: Kids share tales with pooches from Therapy Dogs of Vermont. No session February 28. All ages.

Preregister. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Richmond Story Time: Tall tales and simple stories. Ages 2-6. Richmond Free Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 434-3036.

Shelburne Story Time With Webby: Lively readings of children’s books related to museum collections with new stories o ered each week. Intended for preschoolers, but all welcome. Shelburne Museum, 10:30-11 a.m. Museum admission. Info, 985-3346.

South Burlington Tiny Tot Time: Wee ones join Miss Meg for songs and stories during this literacy-based program. Ages 3 and under. South Burlington Community Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.

Williston Story Hour: Wee ones hear stories and tackle simple crafts. Ages 3-5. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Williston Story Time at Buttered Noodles: See Monday.

Woodstock Toddler Story Time: Ages 2-5. Norman Williams Public Library, Woodstock, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 457-2295.

WEDNESDAY

Colchester Pajama Story Time: Little ones (and big ones, if they so desire) wear their PJs to the library and enjoy stories, cookies and milk. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, third Wednesday of every month, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 879-7576.

Essex Preschool Story Time: See Tuesday.

Jericho Preschool Story Time: Little ones

and a caregiver hear stories, learn songs and finger plays, and enjoy a snack. Deborah Rawson Memorial Library, Jericho, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4962.

Highgate Toddler and Preschool Story Time: Kids listen to stories and songs, shake out their sillies, and make a craft. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-preschool. Highgate Public Library, 11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.

Lyndonville Story Time: See Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.

Middlebury Baby and Toddler Story Hour: Stories encourage literacy in young readers. No storytime on February 22. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

Middlebury Stories With Shoopie and Lily: Read to a therapy dog. Preregister. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

Montgomery Story Hour: Listen to stories, do a craft and share a provided snack. Montgomery Town Library, second Wednesday of every month, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Free.

Montpelier Story Time: See Tuesday. Realms of Reading Crafts: Kids share stories and projects. East Barre Branch Library, 3-5 p.m. Free. Info, 476-5118.

Richford Story Hour: Join your friends and make new ones during this story hour for preschoolers. Preregister. Arvin A. Library, Richford, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 848-3313.

Shelburne Teddy Bear Story Time: A bear-y good time with books and stories. Ages 3-5. Vermont Teddy Bear Company, Shelburne, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 985-1643.

south Burlington story Time: Staff read newly released board books and old favorites. Ages 1-3. Barnes & Noble, South Burlington, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 864-8001.

stowe Preschool story Hour: Wee readers listen to themed stories with a caregiver. Follows school calendar. Ages 3 and older. Stowe Free Library, 10:15 a.m. Free. Info, 253-6145.

swanton story Hour: Come listen to stories and songs, and do an easy craft. Swanton Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 868-7656.

Warren story Hour: Toddlers and preschoolers share stories, games and toys.

Warren Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 496-3913.

Waterbury Baby Lap Time: Story time designed for babies birth to 18 months with songs and simple rhymes. Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

Williston story Time at Buttered Noodles: See Monday.

THursday

Bristol Preschool story Time: Explore early literacy skills with reading, music, movement and projects. Lawrence Memorial Library, Bristol, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 453-2366.

colchester Preschool story Time: See Monday.

Franklin story Time: Preschool story time filled with fun crafts, silly songs and stories. Haston Library, Franklin, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 285-6505.

middlebury Preschool story Hour: Stories, songs, rhymes and a craft. Follows school calendar. Ages 3 and older. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

shelburne story Time With mary catherine Jones: The musician and storyteller brings stories, songs and rhymes to the library. All ages welcome. Pierson Library, Shelburne, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 985-5124. south Burlington Baby story Time: Infants are introduced to the wonders of language with nursery rhymes, songs, finger plays and board books. For children who are not yet walking. Preregister. South Burlington Community Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.

st. albans story Time: See Monday.

stowe Preschool story Hour: See Wednesday; meets every other Thursday.

Vergennes story Time: Themed stories with American Sign Language and an activity. Preschool ages. Bixby Memorial Library, Vergennes, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 877-2211. Westford story Time: Stories and activities utilize early literacy concepts. Ages birthpreschool. Westford Public Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-5639.

Williston story Time at Buttered Noodles: See Monday.

Friday

Burlington Pint-size science & stories: This program focuses on a different science topic each week. Children are encouraged to ask questions, make predictions and test their ideas. Ages 3-7 with adult caregiver.

ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 11 a.m. Museum admission. Info, 324-6386.

Enosburg story Hour: Listen to stories, craft something cool, even take a field trip. Preregister. Enosburg Public Library, 9-10 a.m. Free. Info, 933-2328.

Huntington story Time: This early literacy hour features rhymes, books and music for wee ones up to age 5. Huntington Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 434-4583.

Lincoln children’s story Time: Songs, crafts and other activities for children. Ages birth5. Lincoln Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 453-2665.

milton Toddler story Time: Toddlers tackle tall tales and enjoy songs and crafts. Ages 18 months-3 years. Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

montpelier story Time: See Tuesday.

south Burlington story Time adventures: Tots listen to stories, sing songs, play games and create with a variety of materials that Mr. Monkey has hiding in his tree house. Intended for ages 30 months and up; children who are able to sit, listen and safely create with small materials welcome. South Burlington Community Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.

stowe Baby and Toddler story Time: Little ones attend a social tale spinning. Follows school calendar. Stowe Free Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 253-6145.

Waterbury Preschool story Time: A time for great stories, puppets and fun songs. Ages 3-6. Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

Williston story Time at Buttered Noodles: See Monday.

Williston Toddler story Time: Little ones learn early literacy skills through books, rhymes and songs. Ages 1-3. Preregister. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

saTurday

colchester saturday story Time: Kids check out a weekly selection of music and books. All ages. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 878-0313.

Lyndonville story Time: See Monday.

shelburne Teddy Bear story Time: See Wednesday.

south Burlington saturday story Time: Staff read newly released books that will resonate with children up to grade 2. Barnes & Noble, South Burlington, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 864-8001.

south Burlington second-saturday stories: Families share stories with Miss Meg, then explore and create with a mix of materials. South Burlington Community Library, second Saturday of every month, 10:15 a.m.noon. Free. Info, 652-7080.

Woodstock story Time: Little literati enjoy great reads. Ages 3-7. Norman Williams Public Library, Woodstock, 10:30 a.m. . Free. Info, 457-2295. K

2 THursday (continued)

‘Honk’: This musical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Ugly Duckling” integrates themes of tolerance. All ages. Mater Christi School, Burlington, 5 p.m. Free. Info, 658-3992. Pollywog drop-in art: Tots get their art fix with a variety of craft materials, from homemade play dough to colorful ribbons. Ages 6 months-5 years accompanied by adult. Burlington City Arts Center, 9:30-11:30 a.m. $5-6 child/ parent pair. Info, 865-7166.

Community

Breast-Feeding support Group: Lactating moms bring their babies and share stories, advice and company. Preregister. Family Birthing Center, Northwest Medical Center, St. Albans, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 524-7970.

mommy matinee: Parents and their wee ones catch a flick with dimmed lights and babyfriendly volumes. Palace 9, South Burlington, 10:30 a.m. Call for prices. Info, 864-5610.

Health & Fitness

Hot mama Workout: Kids are welcome while moms squeeze in some fitness. City Hall Gymnasium, St. Albans, 9-10 a.m. Free if preregistered; $10 drop-in. Info, 524-1500, ext. 266.

movin’ and Groovin’: Little ones move to the rhythm while they dance, drum, tumble and balance. Ages 18 months-4 years. Purple Crayon Productions, Woodstock, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $12 child. Info, 457-3500.

Library & Books

Food for Thought: Teen volunteers chow down on pizza and work on library projects. Grades 7-12. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Highgate youth advisory: Kids in grades 5-8 plan projects with the Crossroads after school program. Highgate Public Library, 3-4:45 p.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.

Homeschoolers Book Group: Bibliophiles share thoughts on recent reads. Ages 8 and older. Preregister. St. Albans Free Library, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

shelburne magic club: Fantasy-card-game lovers play and share tips. Grades 5-8. Pierson Library, Shelburne, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 985-5124.

Nature & Science

Preschool discovery Program: See February 1. snug in the snow: Wee ones act like active winter animals as they explore the insulating nature of snow. Ages 3-5. Preregister. Ethan Allen Homestead Museum, Burlington, 10-11 a.m. $8-10 adult-child pair, $4 additional child. Info, 434-3068.

3 FRIDAY Arts

Empty Bowls: Glazing: Participants apply a wash to handmade bowls in support of efforts to fight hunger. All ages. Preregister. ArtisTree Gallery, Woodstock, 3-5 p.m. Free. Info, 457-3500.

Family clay drop-in: Parents join kids for some work on the wheel. All ages. Burlington City Arts Center, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $5-6 includes one glazed/fired piece; $5 per additional piece. Info, 865-7166.

Preschool clay drop-in: Kids craft cool stuff using the wheel or working by hand. Preschool ages. Burlington City Arts Center, 9:30-11:30 a.m. $6 child. Info, 865-7166.

Community

Burlington Kids Night out: Elementary schoolers partake in nighttime play, including movement games, crafts, a movie and snacks. Preregister. Robert Miller Community & Recreation Center, Burlington, 6-9 p.m. $12 child. Info, 864-0123.

First Friday Family dance: Supper kicks off a wholesome evening of live music and dancing. Worcester Town Hall. All ages. 5:30-10 p.m. $5 person, $8-12 family. Info, 229-0173.

Education

Parent/child sign Language class: Participants learn a hands-on skill: American Sign Language. Ages birth-5. Preregister. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.

Fairs & Festivals

colchester Winter carnival: See spotlight, p.31.

Health & Fitness

adventures With Parker T. Bear: A friendly grizzly leads a hike, complete with snacks and an outdoor activity. A different trail is explored each week; call for location. Ages 2-5. 9:30-11 a.m. $6-10 child. Info, 846-4108.

afternoon Hoops: See February 1. Kids open Gymnastics: See February 1.

Library & Books

after school movie: Kids kick up their feet and watch a movie while munching on popcorn Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 3 p.m. Free. Info, 223-4665.

4 SATURDAY Arts

art’s First: Youngsters explore their creative side in an open studio with professional instruction. Ages 7-10. Preregister. Studio Place Arts, Barre, 1-3:30 p.m. Free. Info, 479-7069. creative Valentine cards: Lovebirds swoon over card-making tips and tricks while creating three different designs. All supplies included. Preregister. Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 10 a.m.-noon. $12. Info, 862-0646.

Family art drop-in: Folks get creative with crafts, drawing and painting whenever the mood strikes. All ages. Burlington City Arts Center. 1-3 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7166.

saturday drama club: Kids help Very Merry Theatre produce a show in just three hours. Pay-by-the-day program. All ages. Preregister. Very Merry Theatre, Burlington, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $15 child (or whatever you can afford). Info, 863-6607.

Woodstock Film series: Movie fans catch a flick on the farm’s big screen. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 3 p.m. $6-10. Info, 457-2355.

Playgroups

MONDAY

Burlington Early-Months Playgroup: This group for moms and their first babies during the first few months after birth includes baby massage, lullabies and information sharing. VNA Family Room, St. Joseph School, Burlington, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420. Isle La Motte Playgroup: Free play, stories, crafts and a provided snack. Isle La Motte School, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426. Jeffersonville Hometown Playgroup: This playtime sponsored by Lamoille Family Center gives children a place to have fun and meet new friends while parents socialize and learn about local resources for families. Follows school calendar. All ages. Cambridge Elementary School, Je ersonville, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 885-5229.

Middlebury Music & Movement: Local music wonder May Podushnick shares a few ditties. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

Morristown Hometown Playgroup: Children play and meet new friends while parents socialize and learn about family resources in the area. Follows school calendar. Morristown Graded Building, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-5229.

Swanton Playgroup: Tykes enjoy free play, stories, songs, crafts and a provided snack. Mary S. Babcock School, Swanton, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Williston Music With Raphael: Kids sing, dance and clap their hands to folk music. Ages 5 and under with a caregiver. Limit is one session per week per family. No session February 20. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Winooski Fathers and Children Together: Dads do dinner and playtime with their kids. First graders and under. Winooski Family Center, 5-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 655-1422.

TUESDAY

Alburgh Music and Movement: Kids get moving and grooving in the gym. Footwear that doesn’t mark is required. Alburgh Community Education Center, every other Tuesday, 9:15-10 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Bristol Playgroup: Young families get to know each other. All ages. Bristol Baptist Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 388-3171.

Burlington Family Play: BFP’s Big Room features activities for parents and children ages birth-5. Moms and dads may work on their GED or high school diploma, take ESL classes or parenting workshops. The Baby Room focuses on child development, baby signs and baby massage. Sessions run simultaneously. St. Joseph School, Burlington, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420.

Burlington Fathers and Children Together: Dads and kids share family time. VNA Family Room, St. Joseph School, Burlington, 5-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420.

Burlington Music With Robert: Young’uns sing along with a local music legend. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7211.

Hardwick Playgroup: Children get out and play while parents meet. Hardwick Elementary School, 8:15-10:15 a.m. Free. Info, 652-5138. Johnson Baby Chat: Babies and their caregivers socialize. Church of the Nazarene, Johnson, fourth Tuesday of every month, 1011:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-3470.

Middlebury Playgroup: Kids of all ages join friends for free fun. Middlebury Baptist Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 388-3171.

Milton Playgroup: All ages. New Life Fellowship Church, Milton, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 893-1457.

Montpelier Lego Club: Lego lovers get creative with tiny blocks. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, third Tuesday of every month, 3:30 p.m. Free. Info, 223-4665.

Montpelier Tulsi Morning Playgroup: Featuring botanically inspired storytelling, this playgroup inspires kids with art projects and games. Ages infant-8. Tulsi Tea Room, Montpelier, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 223-0043.

South Hero Playgroup: Free play, crafts and songs entertain children and their grown-up companions. South Hero Congregational Church, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

St. Albans Playgroup: Children and their caregivers socialize and play. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, St. Albans, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Worcester Playgroup: Children get in on some playgroup fun with friends. All ages. Doty Memorial School, Worcester, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 229-0173.

WEDNESDAY

Burlington Family Play at Ethan Allen: This group includes indoor and outdoor activities for parents and children ages birth-5. Ethan Allen Homestead Museum, Burlington, 9 a.m.noon. Free. Info, 860-4420.

Charlotte Playgroup: Hula-Hoops, tunnels, mats, kiddie cars and more make playtime fun. Ages birth-5. Charlotte Central School, 12:151:15 p.m. Free. Info, 764-5820.

Colchester Music With Raphael: Raphael strums, sings and sneaks in basic music theory — all while emphasizing good fun, taking turns and using motor skills. Ages 3-5. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-0313.

Colchester Playgroup: Wee ones and their caregivers gather for group play. No class February 29. Ages birth-6. Colchester Village Meeting House, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 264-5640.

Enosburg Playgroup: Kids enjoy circle time, free play and a craft. Snack provided. American Legion, Enosburg Falls, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 933-6435.

Essex Welcome Baby Playgroup: Parents and their babies make new connections. Essex Junction Teen Center, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 872-9580.

Fairfield Playgroup: Kids and their caregivers play, sing, and share stories and a snack. Bent Northrup Memorial Library, Fairfield, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Hinesburg Playgroup for Dads: Pops and their tots share food and playtime.

Annette’s Preschool, Hinesburg, 5-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420.

Montgomery Playgroup: Free play, songs, stories, crafts and a snack are provided for children and their adult caregivers. Montgomery Town Library, fourth Wednesday of every month, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Morrisville Open Gym: their caregivers tumble, jump and play on indoor equipment. A healthy snack is provided. Ages birth to 5. River Arts, Morrisville, Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m. $5 child, $3 additional child. Info, 888-1261.

Wee ones and

Richmond Playgroup: Little ones socialize through crafts, stories, playtime and songs while parents and caregivers connect. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5. Richmond Free Library, 8:45-10:15 a.m. Free. Info, 434-5423.

Vergennes Playgroup: All ages. Congregational Church of Vergennes, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 388-3171.

Wee Ski: Parents and their preschoolers meet up for cross-country fun. Sleepy Hollow Ski Center, Huntington, 9-10 a.m. $8 family, $5 person ski rental. Info, 434-2283.

Williston Baby-Time Playgroup: Baby play for infants and toddlers. No playgroup on the first Wednesday of the month. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 658-3659.

Winooski Open Gym With Princess: Kids let loose with free play before sharing cupcakes and stories with royalty. Regal Gymnastics Academy, Winooski, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $12 child. Info, 655-3300.

THURSDAY

Burlington EvoMamas Playgroup: This relaxed group fosters community, support and friendship in the transition between pregnancy and motherhood. Evolution Physical Therapy and Yoga, Burlington, second and fourth Thursday of every month, 2-4 p.m. Free. Info, 864-9642.

Burlington Family Play: See Tuesday.

Burlington Family Play at Ethan Allen: See Wednesday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Fletcher Playgroup: Kids play and interact with games, toys, arts and crafts, and other resources in the school gym. Bring a snack.

Fletcher Elementary School, Cambridge, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Georgia Playgroup: Kids and their adult caregivers unwind with stories, songs,

crafts and free play. Snack provided. Georgia Youth Center, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Johnson Hometown Playgroup: Children play and meet new friends while parents socialize and learn about local family resources. Follows school calendar. United Church of Johnson, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-5229.

Milton Playgroup: See Tuesday.

Montgomery Infant Playgroup: This playtime for little ones lets parents meet and talk. Ages birth-2 with caregivers. Montgomery Town Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Morrisville Baby Chat: Babies play while parents learn about developmental expectations. Local specialist in child health available. First Congregational Church of Morrisville, first Thursday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-3470.

Richmond Welcome Baby Group: Newest community members play and socialize. Richmond Free Library, second Thursday of every month, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4415.

Williston Music With Raphael: See Monday, 10:30 a.m.

Winooski Playgroup: Stories, songs and playtime. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. O’Brien Community Center, Winooski, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 655-1422.

FRIDAY

Burlington Crawlers, Waddlers and Toddlers: Tots and parents learn, play and share in the VNA Family Room. St. Joseph School, Burlington, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 999-5100.

Colchester Playgroup: See Wednesday. Essex Center Playgroup: Schedule varies due to Essex Community Players’ schedule. Memorial Hall, Essex Junction, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6751.

Fairfax Playgroup: Tykes enjoy circle time, crafts and snacks in addition to free play. BFA Fairfax, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Ferrisburgh open Gym: All ages. Ferrisburgh Central School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 388-3171.

Hometown Playgroup stowe: Children meet new friends for playtime while parents socialize and learn about local family resources. Follows school calendar. Stowe Community Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 888-5229.

montgomery Tumble Time: Little ones expend some energy with toys and plenty of room to run in the gym. Montgomery Elementary School, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

morrisville open Gym: See Wednesday.

shelburne Playgroup: Tots bring a toy to share and a snack, and play with other kids and parents. Trinity Episcopal Church, Shelburne, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 985-2382. st. albans moPs: Childcare is provided during this gathering for mothers with children ages birth-6. Church of the Rock, St. Albans, third and first Friday of every month, 8:45-11 a.m. Free. Info, 891-1230.

swanton Late-morning Playgroup: Families round out their morning routine with free play, stories, songs, crafts and a snack. Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Swanton, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

saTurday

Fairfax open Tot Gym & infant Playtime: Kids slide, jump, swing, tumble and more during this free-play session. Babies have space to bop around and explore in an area all their own. BFA Fairfax, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 524-6393.

Franklin Playgroup: Little ones share stories, songs and crafts. Ages birth-6. Franklin Central School, second Saturday of every month, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426. morrisville Weekend Baby chat: This playgroup is for the youngest members of the community and their caregivers.

Lamoille Family Center, Morrisville, second Saturday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-3470.

North Hero Tumble Time: Children and their caregivers play and share a snack. North Hero Elementary School, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

south Burlington Tots and Tykes open Gym: Open, unstructured playtime in the gym. Ages 1-5 with caregivers. Chamberlin School, South Burlington, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 846-4108.

Tots & Tykes Gym Time: The pint-size set is free to play while parents socialize. Ages 1-5 with adult. Chamberlin School, South Burlington, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 846-4108.

Williston music With raphael: Special occurrence of Raphael’s musical program, Saturday February 18. Ages 5 and under with a caregiver. Limit one session per week pper family. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918. K

February Calendar

Community

Burlington indoor Farmers market: Farmers and artists peddle their goods. Face painting, music and hands-on activities make the experience fun for kids, too. Memorial Auditorium, Burlington, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 310-5172.

Education

color mixing: Museum guests blend hues and observe the resulting change. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

one-on-one Tutoring: Elementary schoolers receive personal teaching help in several subjects. Preregister. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 3-6 p.m. Free. Info, 878-0313.

Fairs & Festivals

Burlington Winter Festival: Seasonal activities abound with a snow-carving competition, Penguin Plunge, the Kids VT Camp & School Fair, and a host of kid-friendly, indoor activities at the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center. Event locations and times vary. Burlington area, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free for most events. Info, 864-0123.

colchester Winter carnival: See spotlight, p. 40.

Kids VT camp & school Fair: Parents and campers-to-be get personal attention from representatives of more than 50 day and overnight camps. Families can find answers to camp questions and enter to win a new Hammerhead Sled or passes to Jay Peak’s Pump House. As part of Burlington’s Winter Festival, buses bring participants directly from festivities at the waterfront and Church Street Marketplace to the Camp Fair. Hilton Burlington, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 9855482, ext. 73.

snowshoe Festival: Winter sports enthusiasts try out new gear on the trails. Families warm up by the bonfire with s’mores and cocoa, and finish the day off to the lively sounds of Irish music. Green Mountain Club, Waterbury, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. $8-12; free for children under 12. Info, 244-7037.

youth and Parent Expo: Parents and kids peruse exhibits from health care and family service organizations of Vermont. Entertainment includes a magic show, live music and giveaways. University Mall, South Burlington, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info, 658-0040, ext. 1028.

Health & Fitness

aikido: Little martial artists try a class. Ages 5-12. Aikido of Champlain Valley, Burlington, 9-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 951-8900.

Family ski and snowshoe: Drop in for fun in the snow on maintained trails. Kiddos borrow the necessary equipment while the littlest ones partake in an artsy activity. Hot chocolate provided for all ages. Schmanska Park, Burlington, 1-4 p.m. $15-17 family. Info, 864-0123.

Postnatal yoga: Moms and their brand-new babies connect through movement and breathing exercises. Central Vermont Medical Center, Berlin, 10:45-11:45 a.m. $10 mom/baby pair. Info, 778-0300.

Prenatal yoga: Moms-to-be explore meditations, postures and breath work tailored to their minds and bodies during pregnancy. Central Vermont Medical Center, Berlin, 9-10:30 a.m. $10 person. Info, 778-0300.

4 saTurday (Continued)

Sons and Mothers

Nothing expresses love quite like … bowling? This year, the Capital City is offering a different option for sons and moms: moTher and son Bowling at Twin City Lanes. This idea was sparked by the lackluster response to a mother-son dance modeled after the popular father-daughter formal. Don’t sit this one out. Grab the special young guy in your life and celebrate the holiday in striking style. Don’t worry: Fathers and daughters can still enjoy their V-Day dance on Thursday, February 9 at Capitol Plaza, Hotel and Conference Center.

moTher and son Bowling: Friday, February 11, Twin City Lanes & Games, Berlin, noon-1:30 p.m. $15 person, preregister. Info, 225-8699, montpelierrec.org.

Fairs & Festivals

Kitchen chemistry: Kiddos explore scientific reactions with household products. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200. sleigh rides: See February 4.

6 MONDAY Arts

arts for Tots: Young ones and their caregivers explore creative outlets with music, movement, free play and an art project. Ages 18 months-4 years. Purple Crayon Productions, Woodstock, 10-11 a.m. $10 adult/child pair.

Education

one-on-one Tutoring: See February 4. Parenting on Track Preview: Parents learn new ways to raise and relate to their adolescent children. Preregister. Main Street Middle School, Montpelier, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 343-9966.

Health & Fitness

after school Tennis: Racquet enthusiasts learn basic strokes, rules and form through drills and games. Racquets provided. Grades 3-5. Preregister. Mallets Bay School, Colchester, 3:10-4:15 p.m. $25-30. Info, 264-5640. hot mama workout: See February 2. mom ski Time: Moms spend a couple hours on the snowy trails pulling junior in tow. Cost includes trail pass, KinderShuttle rental and a bowl of soup. Preregister. Rikert Nordic Center, Ripton, 10 a.m.-noon, $20. Info, 443-2744. Prenatal Yoga: Moms-in-the-making practice postures, meditations and breath work tailored to pregnancy. Yoga Mountain Center, Montpelier, 5:30-7 p.m. $15. Info, 778-0300.

shake Your sillies out: Children’s entertainer Derek Burkins performs familiar music while kids dance to the rhythm. JCPenney Court, University Mall, South Burlington, 10:35 a.m. Free. Info, 863-1066, ext. 11.

Yoga after Baby: New moms focus on their core, pelvic floor and arm strength, bringing their infants along if they choose. Shambala Center, Montpelier, 11 a.m.-noon. $10 adult. Info, 778-0300.

Library & Books

Beach Party: Summertime fun takes over the library with games, food, dancing and prizes for the most creative seasonal attire. Grades 5-8. Preregister. Highgate Public Library, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.

Kids craft: snow measuring stick: Kiddos create a whimsical measuring device and track snow depth with ease. Ages 5 and older. Preregister. St. Albans Free Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Nature & Science

gearing Up: Little engineers create machines to explore how gears work. Ages 9 and up. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

sleigh rides: Horse-drawn sleighs glide over frozen farm trails. These 15-minute rides leave every half hour from the visitor’s center. Weather permitting. All ages. Shelburne Farms, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $8 adult, $6 child 3-13. Info, 985-8442.

Arts

origami: Square sheets of paper are transformed into three-dimensional works of art with Valentine-inspired flair. Ages 10 and up. Preregister. ArtisTree Gallery, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-noon. $30 child, $45 adult/child pair. Info, 457-3500.

Community

UVm Babysitter mingler: Parents meet and mingle with potential babysitters while the kiddos enjoy fun activities. Preregister. UVM Davis Student Center, Burlington, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, alicia.taylor@uvm.edu.

Education

montessori school open house: Students and families tour the grounds and meet school staff. Ages 3-9. Montessori School of Central Vermont, Berlin, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 223-3320.

submit your march events by February 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.

colchester winter carnival: See spotlight, p. 40.

wintervale days: Families enjoy cross-country skiing on groomed trails with optional ski and snowshoe demos and clinics. Hot chocolate, snacks and activities keep participants warm all over. Intervale Community Farm, Burlington, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 658-8075.

Health & Fitness

Family gym: Indoor playground equipment provides active fun for kids and their parents. Ages 7 and under. Greater Burlington YMCA , 10:30 a.m.-noon. $5-8 family; free forY members. Info, 862-8993.

lollipop ski races: Skiers test their speed in friendly competitions. Every participant leaves with a lollipop. Ages 6 and older. Cochran’s Ski Area, Richmond, 1 p.m. Price of lift ticket. Info, 434-2479.

Nature & Science

Fossils: Science enthusiasts handle fossilized remains and use clues to guess their origins. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

Library & Books

let’s learn Japanese: See February 1.

7 TUESDAY Arts

movies at main street landing: This weekly film series brings classic cinema to the screen. Main Street Landing, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free. Donations encouraged for the Lund Family Center. Info, 540-3018.

sesame street live: Well-loved muppets entertain young crowds with “1-2-3 Imagine!,” an ode to simple math set to music. Flynn Main Stage, Burlington, 7 p.m. $18-54.75. Info, 863-5966.

Education

Kids in the Kitchen: Cookies for breakfast? The subject of this baking class is a version of the beloved baked treat healthy enough to be enjoyed at even the earliest hour. Preregister. Healthy Living Natural Foods Market, South Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $20 child. Info, 8632569, ext. 1.

5 SUNDAY

4 saTUrdaY (CoNTiNueD)

Health & Fitness

superheroes in Training: Tiny, costumed heroes play crime-fighting roles, using powerful movements while learning the basics of yoga and meditation. Ages 3-5. Preregister. Colchester Village Meeting House, 9-10 a.m. $15-20. Info, 264-5640.

Toddler ski Time: Tiny skiers receive Nordic instruction while their adult caregiver slides solo on the trails. Child ski rental included. Ages 3-5. Rikert Nordic Center, Ripton, 12:30-1:45 p.m. $20. Info, 443-2744.

Library & Books

craftacular Tuesdays: Kids get caught up in low-tech projects. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 223-4665. creative Tuesdays: Crafters use their imagination and recycled materials. All ages. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 3-5 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Nature & Science

science and stories: Groundhog Day inspires kids to learn about what makes shadows and experiment with making their own. Ages 2-6. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 11 a.m. Museum admission. Info, 877-324-6386.

8 WEDNESDAY

Arts

sesame street Live: See February 3:30 & 7 p.m.

Education

Burlington La Leche League: Moms bring their questions, babies and older kids, too, to this breast-feeding support group. Lending library available. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 985-8228.

cookie decorating: See February 1.

Kids cook Up stories: See February 1.

observation mornings: See February 1. one-on-one Tutoring: See February 4.

Parenting on Track class: See February 1. social Thinking: See February 1.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See February 1.

Kids open Gymnastics: See February 1.

Library & Books

Baby Time: Babies gather for board books, lap rhymes and songs. Ages 18 months and younger. Siblings welcome. Deborah Rawson Memorial Library, Jericho, 10:15 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4962.

Beginning With mother Goose: See February 1.

Lego Afternoons: See February 1.

Let’s Learn Japanese: See February 1.

9 THURSDAY

Arts

After school Art Room: See February 2.

Art Exploration for Preschoolers: See February 2.

Pollywog drop-in Art: See February 2.

Community

Father and daughter Valentine dance: Girls and their special guys bust out some moves in celebration of the year’s most romantic holiday. Capitol Plaza, Montpelier, 6:30-8:30 p.m. $1520. Info, 223-9522.

mommy matinee: See February 2.

Education strategies for organization: “Preparing for Homework and the Real World”: Parents, educators and professionals gather for the second half of a two-part film and dicussion program focused on methods for building motivational skills and successful study systems. Preregister. Wallingford Elementary School, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 446-3577.

Positive Behavioral support: Parents and caregivers discuss school-wide approaches to creating a safe and positive environment for young people. Preregister. North Country Union Junior High School, Newport, 6-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 373-5382.

Health & Fitness

Hot mama Workout: See February 2. movin’ and Groovin’: See February 2.

Classes

EXPLoRiNG ART & moVEmENT WiTH JAcQUiE mAUER: Friday, March 23-May 4 (no class 4/20), 1:15-2:30 p.m. Cost: $90. Location: Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. Info, 2538358, www.helenday.com, education@helenday.com. Preschool Ages 4-5. Discover what it means to create art by exploring the visual world of color, shape, line and texture. Movement will be incorporated to make connections between the visual world and our bodies. Art and movement will encourage group interactions with independent learning.

sEssioN ii: PAPER mAKiNG WiTH NATAsHA BoGAR: Wednesday, March 21-May 2 (no class 4/18), 3-4:30 p.m. Cost: $110. Location: Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. Info, 253-8358, www.helenday.com, education@helenday.com. K-second grade. Learn how to create your own paper from recycled materials. Wet paper pulp can be applied to forms to create sculptures and dried flowers and other objects can be added to create textures. The paper will be used to make cards, books, and more. This class will help children truly understand what recycling is as we recycle old paper into colorful new dimensions.

sEssioN ii: miXEd mEdiA iLLUsTRATioN WiTH LiZ KAUFFmAN: Thursday, March 22May 10 (no class 4/19, 5/3), 3-5 p.m. Cost: $130. Location: Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. Info, 253-8358, www.helenday.com, education@helenday.com. 3rd-5th Grade. Design illustrations based on your own stories. The stories will be based on memories, observations and simple, everyday items. Students will work on a variety of surfaces using paints, pastels, inks, pencil, collage and text to convey their ideas creating either an extensive story board or several illustrations. Illustrations by a variety of artists will be used for inspiration.

FEBRUARY VAcATioN sKATiNG cLAssEs: February 27-March 2, 11:15 a.m.-noon. Cost: $50/week. $60 for non-Burlington residents. Location: Leddy Park Arena, 216 Leddy Park Rd., Burlington. Info, 865-7558 to register. This class for beginners and advanced beginners is a great way to introduce children to skating.

FEBRUARY VAcATioN cooL cAmP: February 27-March 2, 8 a.m.-noon. Cost: $150/week. $170 for non-Burlington residents. Location: Leddy Park Arena, 216 Leddy Park Rd., Burlington. Info, 865-7558 to register. Come join us for some cool fun on the ice (crafts and games too!) Ages 5 and up. List

Library & Books

Evening Family story Time: Kids and their parents gather for stories, crafts and snacks. Ages 3-8. Preregister. Deborah Rawson Memorial Library, Jericho, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 899-4962.

Highgate Youth Advisory: See February 2. Lego club: Building-block lovers get busy. All ages. St. Albans Free Library, 3-5 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

science magic: Young scientists learn about chemistry while constructing marshmallow atoms. Grades 3 and older. Preregister. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

10 FRIDAY

Arts

Empty Bowls: Glazing: See February 3. Family clay drop-in: See February 3. Preschool clay drop-in: See February 3.

10 FRidAY p. 38

Education

Parent/child sign Language class: See February 3.

Fairs & Festivals

Great ice in Grand isle: See spotlight, p. 41. milton Winter Festival: Folks get into the spirit of the season with snow sculpture, ice skating, moonlit snowshoeing, sleigh rides, snacks and fireworks. Bombardier Park, Milton, Info, 893-4922.

Health & Fitness

Adventures With Parker T. Bear: See February 3.

Afternoon Hoops: See February 1.

Family Gym: See February 5.

Kids open Gymnastics: See February 1.

Library & Books

After school movie: See February 3.

Family movie Night: ‘dolphin Tale’: This film tells the true story of a little boy and his efforts to save an injured wild dolphin. Pizza served at 5:30 p.m. All ages. Preregister. Highgate Public Library, 6 p.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.

11 SATURDAY Arts

Art’s First: See February 4.

Benefit concert: ‘strings Attached’: The Burlington Ensemble performs classical music with a mission for an all-ages audience. Event proceeds support six local child-focused nonprofit organizations. College Street Congregational Church, Burlington, 1-2:30 p.m. $5. Info, 863-9626.

Family Art drop-in: See February 4.

Hearts and Tarts: Young artists make and decorate heart-shaped cookies and glittery Valentines for special someones. Ages 7-10. Preregister. Colchester Senior Center, 1-3:30 p.m. $25 Colchester resident, $30 nonresident. Info, 264-5640.

intro to machine sewing and Quilting: Beginners learn to cut, plan and sew a lap quilt. Machine available for use or bring your own. Preregister. Poker Hill Arts, Underhill, 12:30-2 p.m. $20 class. Info, 899-5050.

saturday drama club: See February 4.

Valentine cupcakes and cookies: In time for the beloved holiday, kids decorate cupcakes and cookies for friends and family. Grades K-5. Preregister by Februrary 1. Robert Miller Community & Recreation Center, Burlington, 9-11 a.m. $15 child. Info, 865-0123.

Woodstock Film series: See February 4.

Community

Hinesburg Waffle Breakfast: Clifford the Big Red Dog makes an appearance at this food-focused fundraiser for Hinesburg Nursery School. Pancakes, bacon, local eggs, real maple syrup, fresh fruit and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters coffee, plus a silent auction. Hinesburg Nursery School, 8-11 a.m. $4-6. Info, 482-2643.

mother and son Bowling: See spotlight, p. 36.

Beach Babies

Sometimes the best way to enjoy winter is to pretend it isn’t happening. indulge in summery fun at a Hawaiianthemed event that turns the Greater burlington yMCa into a FAmiLY BeAcH PARTY. With sand — yes, real sand — in the gym, beach-ball games, a bounce house and swimming, the winter blues don’t stand a chance. Summery concessions, including bike-powered smoothies, will be available. bring your favorite Hawaiian shirt and flip-flops to the y, where winter will seem a world away … until, of course, it’s time to bundle up and head home.

FAmiLY BeAcH PARTY: Sunday, February 26, Greater Burlington YMCA, 2-4 p.m. $5. Info, 862-9622, gbymca.org

Education

one-on-one Tutoring: See February 4.

Fairs & Festivals

Great ice in Grand isle: See spotlight, p. 41. milton Winter Festival: See February 10. old-Fashioned Winter carnival: Families come in out of the cold to play retro carnival games such as ring toss and duck pond. A bounce house, Joey the Clown and face painting add to the the festival atmosphere. All ages. University Mall, South Burlington, noon-3 p.m. Free. Info, 863-1066, ext. 11.

Health & Fitness

Family ski and snowshoe: See February 4.

submit your march events by February 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.

NoFA-VT children’s conference: Kids learn from seasoned professionals during fun and educational workshops on animal care, building, bread baking, cheese tasting and nutrition. Ages 6-12. Preregister. Edmunds Middle School, Burlington, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. $25 child, $20 additional child. Info, 434-4122.

Postnatal Yoga: See February 4.

Prenatal Yoga: See February 4.

Library & Books

Valentine Writing Together: Mother-daughter team authors of Flabby Rabbit read from their cocreation. Participants then create their own books to take home. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 388-4097.

Nature & Science

creeping colors: This science-packed session teaches kids about capillary action as they watch water crawl up paper and find hidden hues inside a marker. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

magnetic moments: Budding scientists experiment with electric currents. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

shelburne Farms Playdate: Friends meet in the education center for theme-based activities at an individualized pace. Shelburne Farms, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. $3-5. Info, 985-8686.

sleigh Rides: See February 4.

Winter Forts and Fires: Families learn successful snow-fort techniques followed by winter campfire and s’more construction. Ages 6 and older. Preregister. Audubon Vermont, Huntington, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $15-20 child, $6-8 additional child. Info, 434-3068.

12 SUNDAY

Fairs & Festivals

Great ice in Grand isle: See spotlight, p. 10. milton Winter Festival: See February 10.

Health & Fitness

Family Gym: See February 5. Lollipop ski Races: See February 5. NoFA-VT children’s conference: See February 11.

Nature & Science

About Air: Kids create mini-parachutes to learn how air resistance slows down falling objects. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

skulls: Science lovers explore skeletal remains of local wildlife. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

sleigh Rides: See February 4.

13 MONDAY

Arts

Arts for Tots: See February 6.

Education

childcare community Forum — Bennington county: The Child Development Division of the Vermont Department of Children and Families gathers input from community members on revisions to childcare licensing requirements. For adults. Old First Church Barn, Bennington, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 447-2887.

one-on-one Tutoring: See February 4.

Health & Fitness

After school Tennis: See February 6. Hot mama Workout: See February 2.

mom ski Time: See February 6.

Prenatal Yoga: See February 6.

shake Your sillies out: See February 6. Yoga After Baby: See February 6.

Library & Books

Let’s Learn Japanese: See February 1. Valentine craftacular: Use library materials to create expressions of love for all your sweethearts. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

14 TUESDAY

Arts

movies at main street Landing: See February 7.

Education

Webinar: coordinated services Planning: Parents of kids with complex needs learn about the Vermont System of Care services. Preregister. With Vermont Family Network, vtfn.org. 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 800-800-4005.

Health & Fitness

superheroes in Training: See February 7.

Toddler ski Time: See February 7.

Library & Books

Books and Beyond: This program combines children’s literature and hands-on activities for fun science learning and exploration. Ages 3-5 and parent or caregiver. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, February 13, 10:15-11 a.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

creative Tuesdays: See February 7.

Game on!: Kids learn new diversions or play old faves. All ages. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 3:30 p.m. Free. Info, 223-4665.

Nature & Science

Evening sleigh Ride: Stargazers bundle up for a Valentine’s Day ride over snowy farm trails. Bring a warm beverage. Sleighs depart at 6, 6:45 & 7:30 p.m. All ages. Preregister. Shelburne Farms, $7-15. Info, 985-8686.

science and stories: Young naturalists learn about winged nighttime hunters by dissecting owl pellets and making a craft to take home. Ages 2-6. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 11 a.m. Museum admission. Info, 877-324-6386.

15 WEDNESDAY

Education

cookie decorating: See February 1.

Kids cook Up stories: See February 1.

Kids in the Kitchen: crêpe magic: Kiddos mix batter, prepare sweet fillings and taste the rolled delights. Ages 6 and older with an adult. Preregister. Healthy Living Natural Foods Market, South Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $20 child.

Info, 863-2569, ext. 1.

observation mornings: See February 1.

one-on-one Tutoring: See February 4.

Parenting on Track class: See February 1. social Thinking: See February 1.

Webinar: children’s Health and support services: Children with developmental disabilities or chronic health care needs and their families learn about changes to health support services. Preregister. With Vermont Family Network, vtfn.org, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 800-800-4005.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See February 1.

Kids open Gymnastics: See February 1.

Library & Books

Beginning With mother Goose: See February 1.

Hogwarts Reading society: See February 1.

Lego Afternoons: See February 1.

Let’s Learn Japanese: See February 1. movin’ & Groovin’ With christine: Tots let loose to the rhythms of rock and world music.

Ages 2-5. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Nature & Science

Preschool discovery Program: See February 1.

16 THURSDAY Arts

“china speaks Your Language”: The Silk Road Duo share a story of early Chinese exploration using musical instruments from around the world. Grades 2-6. Chandler Center for the Arts, Randolph, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $6. Info, 728-9878.

After school Art Room: See February 2.

Art Exploration for Preschoolers: See February 2.

Pollywog drop-in Art: See February 2.

Community

Franklin/Grand isle Families Together: Neighbors gather to discuss housing and independent living. Pizza provided. Preregister. Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Swanton, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 868-6450.

mommy matinee: See February 2.

Health & Fitness

Hot mama Workout: See February 2. movin’ and Groovin’: See February 2.

Library & Books

Highgate Youth Advisory: See February 2. shelburne magic club: See February 2.

Nature & Science

Preschool discovery Program: See February 1.

Who’s Hooting?: Preschoolers and their favorite adult companions have a hoot learning all about owls. Participants search for nests, feel real feathers and dissect an owl pellet. Preregister. Ethan Allen Homestead Museum, Burlington, 10-11 a.m. $8-10 adult/child pair. Info, 434-3068.

Hot Time in Coldchester

dig out your Mister Freeze costume: this year’s coLcHEsTER WiNTER cARNiVAL has a hero theme. the three-day festival includes a Friday night community talent show and sunday morning ice skating with colchester police at leddy park. but the real party happens on saturday, indoors at colchester high school, with bounce houses, laser tag, a room devoted to playdough and live, kid-friendly comedic performances. pony rides and horse-drawn hayrides, sugar on snow, and homemade ice cream tempt even fair-weather heroes to brave the cold and combat cabin fever. costumed attendees are entered to win some “super” prizes, including a three-month membership to colchester health & Fitness.

coLcHEsTER WiNTER cARNiVAL: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 3 through 5. Various times at Colchester High School and Burlington’s Gordon H. Paquette Arena at Leddy Park. $5 in advance, $6 at the door. Info, 264-5643, recreation/wintercarnival.html

17 FRIDAY

Arts

Family clay drop-in: See February 3. Preschool clay drop-in: See February 3. scrapbooking Extravaganza: Memory keepers gather mementos with the help of some instruction and available materials. Ages 10-14. Preregister. Milton Elementary School, 6-8 p.m. $12. Info, 893-4922.

Education

Parent/child sign Language class: See February 3.

Health & Fitness

Adventures With Parker T. Bear: See February 3.

Afternoon Hoops: See February 1. Family Gym: See February 5.

Kids open Gymnastics: See February 1.

Library & Books

After school movie: See February 3. Jiggity Jog: Kids let music move them via song, instrument and dance. Ages 2-5. South Burlington Community Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.

Youth Night: Teens and tweens hang out with movies, snacks, crafting and more. KelloggHubbard Library, Montpelier, 6-9 p.m. Free. Info, 223-4665.

18 SATURDAY Arts

Family Art drop-in: See February 4. intro to machine sewing and Quilting: See February 11. major mess: Young artists explore holidaythemed projects with mixed media. All ages. Children under 4 must be accompanied by an adult. Purple Crayon Productions, Woodstock, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $10 child. Info, 457-3500. saturday drama club: See February 4.

Community

American Girl doll Tea Party: Kids and their humanlike companions come in matching clothes to nibble special snacks and watch an American Girl Doll movie. Ages 5-9. Preregister. Colchester Village Meeting House, noon-2 p.m. $20 Colchester resident, $25 nonresident. Info, 264-5640.

Burlington indoor Farmers market: See February 4.

Life-size candy Land Game: Kids act as game pieces in this giant version of the classic board game where everyone wins prizes. Get your face painted or jump in the bounce house while you wait for your turn. Four players per game. Ages 2-10. University Mall, South Burlington, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, 863-1066, ext. 11.

Education

Butter and Bread Workshop: Bakers grind flour from wheat to make soft, springy dough — and then their own butter, too, of course. Preregister. Shelburne Farms, 9:30-11:30 a.m. & 12:30-2:30 p.m. $10-12 parent/child pair, $5-6 additional child. Info, 985-8498.

one-on-one Tutoring: See February 4.

Fairs & Festivals

Great ice in Grand isle: See spotlight, p. 41.

Health & Fitness

Family ski and snowshoe: See February 4. Kids Night out: A bounce castle, pizza and a movie keep kids entertained while Mom and Dad take a break. Ages 5-12. A little-kids version for ages 1-4 takes place simultaneously. Preregister. Greater Burlington YMCA , Feb. 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $8-16. Info, 862-9622.

Postnatal Yoga: See February 4.

Prenatal Yoga: See February 4.

Nature & Science

Build it Better: Young scientists explore the world of batteries and electric energy during this hands-on workshop. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

Hoopster Gliders: Kids create a craft that flies. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

sleigh Rides: See February 4.

19 SUNDAY

Fairs & Festivals

Great ice in Grand isle: See spotlight, p. 41.

Health & Fitness

Family Gym: See February 5.

Lollipop ski Races: See February 5.

Nature & Science

micro-Explorations: Kiddos use microscopes and realize there’s more to see than with the naked eye. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

mirror, mirror: Science fans learn about symmetry and reflection while creating cool and complex images. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

sleigh Rides: See February 4.

20 MONDAY

Education

one-on-one Tutoring: See February 4.

Health & Fitness

After school Tennis: See February 6.

Hot mama Workout: See February 2.

mom ski Time: See February 6.

Prenatal Yoga: See February 6.

shake Your sillies out: See February 6. Yoga After Baby: See February 6.

submit your march events by February 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.

Nature & Science

magnetic moments: See February 11, 3 p.m.

Playing Telephone: Kids craft paper-cup phones and explore the properties of sound waves. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

21 TUESDAY

Arts

movies at main street Landing: See February 7.

Education

color mixing: See February 4.

Navigating special Education: Parents of school-age children discuss IEP, IDEA, discipline plans and parental rights. Preregister. Northeastern Vermont Family Hospital, St. Johnsbury, 1-2:30 p.m. Free. Info, 800-800-4005.

one-on-one Tutoring: See February 4.

Health & Fitness

superheroes in Training: See February 7.

Toddler ski Time: See February 7.

Library & Books

cooking and Booking: Reading and eating come together with Mardi Gras tastes and tales. Preregister. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, 223-4665.

creative Tuesdays: See February 7.

Filmmaking camp: Young directors learn video production skills in a hands-on setting. Ages 7 and older. Preregister. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 388-4097.

Nature & Science

Hoopster Gliders: See February 18, 3 p.m. science and stories: colors: Experiment and investigate with all the colors of the rainbow. Ages 2-6. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 11 a.m. Museum admission. Info, 877-324-6386.

22 WEDNESDAY

Arts

Art safari: Tots dive into stories and art activities related to the museum’s collections. Ages 3-5 with adult. Preregister. Shelburne Museum, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $5 child. Info, 985-3346.

Education

cookie decorating: See February 1.

Kids cook Up stories: See February 1.

Kids in the Kitchen: Behind-the-scenes Tour: Young foodies go on a culinary safari of every area of the store. Preregister. Healthy Living Natural Foods Market, South Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $20 child. Info, 863-2569.

observation mornings: See February 1.

one-on-one Tutoring: See February 4.

social Thinking: See February 1.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See February 1.

Kids open Gymnastics: See February 1.

Nice Ice

the champlain islands’ city bay should be frozen over by now, just in time for GrEAT icE iN GrANd isLE, with its dog-sled and nordic-skating demos, ice-plane rides, “ice golf,” and bonfires. hardy souls can trek two miles over the ice-covered lake to knight point state park to share hot chocolate with the park ranger. or try the Frozen chosen regatta, racing human-powered vehicles — think bikes with studded winter tires — right on the ice. the victor gets a new bike from earl’s cyclery & Fitness. Want something more sedentary? the fishing derby may be just the right speed. equipment is provided for young entrants, and there are trophies for the winners.

GrEAT icE iN GrANd isLE: Friday through Sunday, February 10 through 12, and Saturday and Sunday, February 18 and 19, City Bay, North Hero. Times and prices vary by event, all festivities weather permitting. Info, 372-8400, champlainislands. com. Call 372-4161 for up-to-the-minute ice-condition information.

Library & Books

Beginning with mother Goose: See February 1.

Filmmaking camp: See February 21.

Lego Afternoons: See February 1.

Let’s Learn Japanese: See February 1. movin’ & Groovin’ With christine: See February 15.

23 THURSDAY

Arts

Pollywog drop-in Art: See February 2.

Community mommy matinee: See February 2.

Education

Parenting Workshop: Parents learn effective strategies to avoid power struggles with their children. Appropriate for parents of kids ages 2-8. Childcare available. Preregister. Colchester Village Meeting House, 6:45-8:45 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5640.

Health & Fitness

Hot mama Workout: See February 2.

Library & Books

Filmmaking camp: See February 21.

Go Graphic: Graphic-novel enthusiasts discuss their faves with a professional graphic designer. Refreshments provided. Grades 5 and Up. Preregister. Deborah Rawson Memorial Library, Jericho, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 899-4962.

Highgate Youth Advisory: See February 2. Lego club: See February 9.

Nature & Science

Animals in Winter: Children learn about seasonal adaptations and behavior using museum collections and tracking techniques. Grades K-2 for the morning session and grades 3-5 for the afternoon session. Preregister. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 10 a.m.-noon & 1-3:30 p.m. $30-35. Info, 649-2200.

Ongoing Events

Exhibits

AMY E. TARRANT GALLERY

Info, 652-4505

30/30 Anniversary Print Project: Art lovers bid on original prints to support the youth education scholarship programs at Flynn Center and Burlington City Arts. Bidding closes February 18.

BRATTLEBORO MUSEUM & ART CENTER

Info, 257-0124

‘VT Kids Design Glass’: This exhibit features creatures imagined by grade schoolers and sculpted by local artists. Sculptures will be auctioned o , with the proceeds supporting BMAC’s work with kids.

BURLINGTON CITY HALL

Info, 865-7000

Illuminations: Light and Sculpture in City Hall Park: Local artists use light, movement and sculpture to transform the winter landscape. This exhibit is part of an ongoing project to redesign the park with input from community members.

COBLEIGH PUBLIC LIBRARY

Info, 626-5475

Red Clover Book Project: Families read and discuss award-winning books, then gather for related projects and activities. Grades K-4.

ECHO LAKE AQUARIUM AND SCIENCE

CENTER

Info, 864-1848

Seasons of Change: This interactive exhibit allows participants to experiment with models of the Vermont landscape and visualize changes to our warming planet. Exhibit runs through March 25.

FAIRBANKS MUSEUM & PLANETARIUM

Info, 748-2372

Wildflower Table: This living exhibit reflects the abundance and diversity of flowers, grasses, berries, ferns and evergreens found in the Northeast Kingdom. Kids are introduced to more than 400 species displayed throughout the year, in both fruit and flowering stages.

GALLERY 160

Info, 434-6434

Young Visions: a Photographic Art Exhibit: Area high school students display snapshots. Gallery 160, Richmond. Free.

HELEN DAY ART CENTER

Info, 253-8358

Snowboard Art: This exhibit explores the role of art and design in snowboard culture.

INDEPENDENCE PETTING FARM

Info, 948-2429

Animal Menagerie: Rain or shine, families visit, pet and feed a variety of animals at this educational, hands-on farm. All ages.

MONTSHIRE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE

Info, 649-2200

Charlie and Kiwi’s Evolutionary Adventure: Young visitors learn the basics of evolution through story, exhibits and activities about a boy and his favorite bird, the kiwi. Exhibit runs through May 6.

VERMONT INSTITUTE OF NATURAL SCIENCE NATURE CENTER

Info, 359-5000

Through the Eyes of Raptors: Kids who explore the natural world through the eyes of raptors are usually amazed by these efficient predators. Bird programs cover the mechanics of flight, seasonal migration and conservation issues. All ages.

Raptors Up Close: Little nature lovers discover the fascinating lives of birds in this exhibit featuring touchable artifacts and hands-on materials. Kids learn how hundreds of birds are rehabilitated each year and the fundamentals of how raptors are trained. All ages.

Public Skating

BOR ICE ARENA

Info, 476-0271

Families slide on smoothed ice to practice their skating skills. No open skate on February 18, 19, 25, or 26.

CAIRNS ARENA

Info, 658-5577

Skaters of all ages lace up and hit the ice. Skates available for rent.

CENTRAL VERMONT MEMORIAL CIVIC CENTER

Info, 229-5900

Skaters lace up and hit the ice.

COLLINS-PERLEY SPORTS COMPLEX

Info, 527-1202

Skaters and hockey players get their fix. All ages.

JACKSON ARENA

Info, 253-6148

Sharpen your skates and dig out your hockey gear.

LEDDY PARK/PAQUETTE ARENA

Info, 862-8869

During the Itty Bitty program, tiny feet learn the art of sliding on ice through fun and games. Skate rental available for $1. During public skating the Olympic rink provides plenty of space for skaters of all skill levels.

Mirror, Mirror: See February 19.

Skulls: See February 12.

24 FRIDAY Arts

Family Clay Drop-in: See February 3. Preschool Clay Drop-in: See February 3.

Co unity

After School Laser Tag: Participants learn teamwork strategies and logistical problem solving in a fast-paced tactical game. Inflatable obstacles and barriers provide a fortress-like environment. Grades 3-5. Preregister. Mallets Bay School, Colchester, 3:10-4:30 p.m. $8-13. Info, 264-5640.

Education

Build a Bluebird Box: Learn about these colorful winged wonders and then build a functional home to attract them. All ages. Preregister. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 10:30 a.m.-noon & 2-3:30 p.m. $30 family. Info, 649-2200.

Parent/Child Sign Language Class: See February 3.

Health & Fitne

Adventures With Parker

T. Bear: See February 3.

Afternoon Hoops: See February 1.

Family Gym: See February 5.

Kids Open Gymnastics: See February 1.

Stowe Kids Night Out: An evening away from home includes free play, ice skating, movies and games, all supervised by camp counselors. Ages 5-15. Preregister. David Gale Recreation Center, Stowe, 6-10 p.m. $10 child. Info, 253-6138.

Library & B ks

After School Movie: See February 3. Filmmaking Camp: See February 21.

Nature & Science

Sound Science: Curious kids experiment with noises and how they travel. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

Straw Rockets: Science lovers discover the power of air during this hands-on session. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

25 SATURDAY Arts

Benefit Concert: “Dancing With Rachel”: Local singer-songwriters perform original works raising funds for CancerCare. Studio A, Burlington, 8 p.m. Suggested donation $10-20. Info, 310-0895.

Family Art Drop-in: See February 4.

How Are Dances Made?: This interactive dance performance explores choreographic processes for creating new dances. Ages 3 and older. Hopkins Center for the Arts, Hanover, N.H., 11 a.m. Free. Info, 603-646-2422.

Saturday Drama Club: See February 4.

Toopy and Binoo and the Marshmallow Moon: Treehouse TV cartoon characters perform in their debut theatrical production all about music. Theatre, St-Denis, Montreal, 1 p.m. $2742 seat. Info, toopyandbinoontour.com

Co unity

Family Fun Night: A movie, swimming, a bounce house, food and more highlight the evening. All ages. Greater Burlington YMCA, Feb. 25, 5-8 p.m. $3-5. Info, 862-9622.

Education

One-on-One Tutoring: See February 4.

Health & Fitne

Family Ski and Snowshoe: See February 4.

Postnatal Yoga: See February 4.

Prenatal Yoga: See February 4.

Nature & Science

Igloo Build: See spotlight, p. 31.

Sleigh Rides: See February 4.

26 SUNDAY

Co unity

Catamount Bowl: UVM sport stars and coaches bowl with fans. Games, shoe rental, pizza and soda included. Champlain Lanes and Family Fun Center, Shelburne. 1-3 p.m., 3:30-5:30 p.m. Preregister. $25 person. Info, 656-8454.

Health & Fitne

Family Beach Party: See spotlight, p. 38. Family Gym: See February 5.

Lollipop Ski Races: See February 5.

Nature & Science

Leafcutter Ants: Nature fans examine the secret life of fungus-farming insects during this hands-on investigation. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

Micro-Explorations: See February 19.

Sleigh Rides: See February 4.

27 MONDAY

Arts

Arts for Tots: See February 6.

Education

One-on-One Tutoring: See February 4.

Health & Fitne

Hot Mama Workout: See February 2.

23 THURSDAY (CONTINUED)

mom ski Time: See February 6.

Prenatal Yoga: See February 6.

shake Your sillies out: See February 6. Yoga After Baby: See February 6.

Library & Books

crafternoon: Artsy types use various materials to make a daily masterpiece. South Burlington Community Library, noon-2 p.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.

ilsley detectives club: Youth sleuths investigate Sherlock Holmes, play secret-agent games and craft original mystery stories. Grades 5-6. Preregister. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

Let’s Learn Japanese: See February 1. movie matinee: Kids catch a flick while snacking on popcorn and lemonade. All ages. St. Albans Free Library, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Puzzles and Games: Visitors challenge themselves with a variety of mind-bending diversions. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington. All day. Free. Info, 865-7211.

Reading Takes You Places: Kids listen to a story and do related crafts. Grades K-5. Cobleigh Public Library, Lyndonville, 3 p.m. Free. Info, 626-5475.

Nature & Science

magnetic moments: See February 11, 3 p.m.

Playing Telephone: See February 20.

28 TUESDAY

Arts

movies at main street Landing: See February 7.

Education

color mixing: See February 4. one-on-one Tutoring: See February 4.

Health & Fitness

Preschool camp: Wee ones keep busy with crafts, games and outdoor play. Snacks provided. Ages 3-6. Preregister. YMCA, Winooski, 9 a.m.-noon. $20-35. Info, 860-9622.

Toddler ski Time: See February 7.

Library & Books

crafternoon: See February 27. creative Tuesdays: See February 7.

music With Buddy: A local musician shares tunes with all ages. Deborah Rawson Memorial Library, Jericho, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 899-5257.

Puzzles and Games: See February 27.

snowflake decorations: Students create paper versions of the white fluffy stuff to decorate the library. Cobleigh Public Library, Lyndonville, 3 p.m. Free. Info, 656-5475.

Nature & Science

About Air: See February 12, 3 p.m.

29 WEDNESDAY Arts

Bottle cap Necklace: Kiddos create adornments with recycled materials and a variety of beads. Snack provided. Ages 8 and older. Preregister. Bead Crazy, Williston. 10:30 a.m. $15 child. Info, 288-9666.

Education

chittenden Families Together: Families gather to talk housing and living options. Vermont Family Network, Williston, 5:30-7 p.m. Free. Info, 800-800-4005.

cookie decorating: See February 1.

Kids cook Up stories: See February 1. one-on-one Tutoring: See February 4. optical Tops: Young scientists investigate visual changes resulting from rotational motion. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Museum admisson. Info, 649-2200. social Thinking: See February 1.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See February 1.

Kids open Gymnastics: See February 1.

Preschool camp: See February 28.

Library & Books

Beginning With mother Goose: See February 1.

crafternoon: See February 27.

Game day: Kids beat boredom with an assortment of electronic and board games. St. Albans Free Library, 1-5 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Leap day celebration: Celebrate this year’s bonus day by writing a letter to the future. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

Lego Afternoons: See February 1.

Let’s Learn Japanese: See February 1.

Library Luau: Families have Hawaiian-style fun with island-inspired crafts and games. All ages. South Burlington Community Library, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.

Paper snowflakes: Participants make original ice-crystal designs without getting cold. Ages 5 and older. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 865-7211.

Puzzles and Games: See February 27.

Reading With cully: Dog lovers spend one-on-one time sharing a favorite book with a lovable pooch. Preregister. Deborah Rawson Memorial Library, Jericho, 10:15 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 899-4962. K

Do your kids love telling stories?

Encourage them to enter the 2012 PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest. This annual competition, sponsored by Vermont Public Television, invites children in grades K through 3 to create original stories and illustrations.

A panel of local judges will select 12 winners, three from each grade. VPT will announce the winners in April. The winners will be honored at an awards ceremony in May, and will have their stories read on VPT and posted on VPT’s website. All contest participants will have the opportunity to read their story aloud at storytime celebrations throughout the state.

The winning entry in each grade will be entered in PBS KIDS GO! National Writers Contest.

TO ENTER: Visit vpt.org/writers or call 1-800639-3351 for contest rules and entry form. The deadline for entries is Friday, March 16.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS: Ben & Jerry’s, Bennington Free Library, Everybody Wins! Vermont, The Flying Pig Bookstore, Goodrich Memorial Library, Kids VT, St. Albans Free Library, Stern Center for Language and Learning, The Vermont Community Foundation, Vermont Department of Libraries and Vermont Humanities Council.

SUPPORTED IN PART BY GRANTS FROM: Comcast and the Employee Community Action Council of General Dynamics

submit your march events by February 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.

materials

• 8.5-by-11-inch, white card stock, cut in half to make 8.5-by-5.5-inch rectangles

• 8.5-by-11-inch colored paper, cut in half to make 8.5-by-5.5-inch rectangles

• Scissors

• Markers, crayons, paints or colored pencils

• Glue

• Provided bee illustration above, or draw your own

Q cRAFTiNG WiTH Kids

Bee mine

PoP-uP cARds ARe FuN, three-dimensional projects that use simple tools: paper, scissors and maybe a little glue and crayons. Here’s a design you can dress up for your special sweetie, or keep simple to produce dozens of classroom cards. As a craft-challenged parent, I planned out this project with just one pop-up element: a bee, which we’ve provided here to make it easier on you, too.

If you’ve got spatial-relationship skills I don’t, feel free to cut several pop-up “flower” folds and create a stand-up garden. Even better, check out this website for other pop-up projects, including some great basic instructions: robertsabuda.com/ popmake/index.asp

— By Kate Laddison

instructions

1. Cut out your bee. (This might be a good project for a younger child while an adult cuts the pop-out, as described below.)

2. fold the 8.5-by-5.5-inch piece of white card stock in half, making a small card.

3. at roughly the midpoint of the folded side of the card, make two cuts, spacing the cuts about a half an inch apart. Don’t cut all the way through the card; stop slicing about halfway through.

4. Open the card and pull/push the cut strip through to the inside.

5. With the strip pulled through, close the card, collapsing the cut strip at its fold.

6. re-open the card and stick your bee onto the top of the folded pop-up strip.

7. add a sentiment to the card below the pop-up, as well as other drawings, stickers or embellishments.

8. Glue the colored piece of construction paper to the outside of the card stock to hide the pop-up strip’s cutaway.

9. address your card to your valentine and make someone’s day.K

Fresh

Science-Savvy Celebrations

Nothing smartens up a birthday party like a little scienceproject action. In frozen February, beaker-free fun awaits in the warm interiors of two of Vermont’s coolest museums.

Whether your partygoers want to explore the power of weather patterns, or learn about the aquatic creatures living in the Lake Champlain basin, ECHO offers hands-on answers. The museum rents a private room for two-hour periods. The price includes admission for up to 14 guests, as well as plates, cups and utensils. Bring your own cake and munchies, or have ECHO’s on site caterer, Sugarsnap, take the lead. For added fun, invite NEWTon, ECHO’s spotted newt mascot, to the celebration. Member: $175; Non-Member: $250. More guests can be added for an extra fee. NEWTon: $50, $75.

There is a lot see, hear and touch at the Montshire. The leafcutter ant exhibit is a must-see, as well as the various bubblemaking stations. Try timing your visit to coincide with an activity at the Science Discovery Lab. My daughters learned all about magnets and magnetism at our recent visit — and loved it. The facility has a community room that can be used for your party. Call ahead to arrange a group visit. You have to bring your own snacks, plates and utensils. Group rates for groups of 10+: $9.60 adults, $8 ages 2-17, free admission for children under 2.

EcHo LAKE AquARium ANd sciENcE cENTER, EcHoVERmoNT.oRg

moNTsHiRE musEum oF sciENcE, moNTsHiRE.oRg

Birthday club

Sponsored by Zachary’s family fun Center in South burlington

every month, birthday kids win prizes, and their picture appears in Kids VT to make their birthdays extra special!

Congratulations to these February Birthday Club winners:

Grand Prize Winner

Ethan lives in South Hero and turns 11 in february. He’s an avid reader who has a great sense of humor and loves to play sports.

Ethan wins a birthday party for eight at Zachary’s Family Fun Center!

megan lives in South burlington and turns 5 in february. Megan loves to paint, color and spend time with her friends.

michaela lives in Hinesburg and turns 9 in february. She plays the violin and has a hamster named Skittles.

Noah lives in Charlotte and turns 7 in february. Noah says: “I love to play Wii and build LeGOs. and I can’t wait to ski this winter!”

Join the club!

To enter your kids, submit information using the online form at kidsvt. com/birthday-club.

Just give us your contact info, your children’s names and birth dates, and a photo, and they’re automatically enrolled in our Kids VT birthday Club.

$5

puZZLe paGe

Puzzles4Kids

riddle search — Let’s study

Look up, down and diagonally, both forward and backward, to find every word on the list. Circle each one as you find it. When all the words are circled, take the uNuseD letters and write them on the blanks below.

Go from left to right and top to bottom to find the answer to this riddle: What did the vegetable farmer use to fix the hole in his pants? arTiCHOKe asparaGus

by HeLeNa HOvaNeC

enjoy fun time with Mom, Dad or your favorite grown-up. The across clues are for kids and the down clues are for adults.

Things We Loved in the 2000s

Kids Across

1. What you are if you’re not feeling so well

4. The doctor’s office is the only place it’s okay to sit on the _____

7. Operation is a popular 5D ____ in which everyone gets to be a surgeon

9. an abbreviation on a medicine label that means a big spoonful

10. a helpful person who examines you before the doctor comes in

12. The abbreviation that follows every doctor’s name

13. “Grey’s _______” is a good Tv show to watch if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a doctor

16. a treatment that makes a disease go away forever

17. an aggravating, noisy cold symptom that can be soothed by syrup

20. a doctor who cares for people who are experts at solving across clues in Kids across parents Down puzzles

23. While a vein carries blood to the heart, an ______ carries it away

24. a tooth doctor

PArenTs doWn

1. a doctor uses this to reveal secrets of the heart

2. vial language: blood unit measurement (abbr.)

3. No joke: When it comes to medicine, it’s said to be the best

4. years before his role on “How i Met your Mother,” Neil patrick Harris played ____ doctor Doogie Howser

5. Doctor’s certification exam (or hospital’s group of directors)

6. Where trauma cases go first (abbr.)

8. surgeon’s absorbent standby

11. Critical situation calling for quick action

14. in metric terms, one 9a of 17a syrup equals about 15 __ (abbr.)

15. Med student’s early advice: “First, __ no harm...”

18. Clergyman who, with proper training, might perform a bris

19. administer patient care (or obedient doggie’s reward)

21. Head med school honcho (or physician whose famous scream sank his ‘04 White House bid)

riddle answer:

22. scalpel’s incisive maneuvers (or budget reductions)

COLORING CONTEST!

Send us your work of art by February 15

You could win $25 to be put in a TD Bank savings account. Be sure to include the info at right in your submission. Winners will be chosen in the following categories: (1) ages 4 and younger, (2) ages 5-8, and (3) ages 9-12. The best artwork will be featured on kidsvt.com, and winners will be named in the March issue of Kids VT. Send your high-resolution scans to art@kidsvt.com or mail a copy to Kids VT, PO Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.

Role Reversal

From working mom to stay-at-home mom — and back again

by m ary Kinney

For The pasT Two and a halF years, my family has lived on one salary: my husband’s. But in a few days, that’s going to change. I’m going back to work full time. With three children — the oldest of whom will be applying to college in just six years — a mom’s gotta do what a mom’s gotta do. In my case that means bringing home more bacon.

I’ve been down this road before. Like many professional women, I spent years juggling my marriage, my career, my kids and my sanity.

The woman in the daycare parking lot dosing her toddler with Children’s Tylenol so she could get in a few hours at the office before his fever spiked? That was me.

The little girl who was crying because her mother missed her field trip? She was mine.

And were those my kids standing forlorn and alone in the lobby after school? You betcha.

It didn’t help that my patient, wonderfully supportive husband worked more than an hour’s drive from the kids’ schools and my office. If someone felt sick or forgot their lunch, that phone call was all mine. One memorable day, I was buried up to my eyeballs in paperwork, taking a breath between conference calls, when my cellphone rang:

“Hello, Mrs. Kinney. This is Joe White.”

“I’m sorry, who?”

“Mr. White.”

“Mr. White?”

“This is your son Liam’s teacher calling. You need to come to the school right away.”

Yes, this really happened. And, yes, I’m still embarrassed that I didn’t immediately recognize the name of my son’s third-grade teacher two weeks into the school year. I mean, what kind of mother does that?

My kind.

I spent nine years striving to be the best at everything, only to realize that, most of the time, it was all I could do to summit pinnacles of mediocrity. So I did something drastic. I left my well-paying job with the federal government to focus on my family.

I was fortunate. Not everyone has that option. Still, it wasn’t an easy transition. We tightened our belt and ducttaped the buckle. We stayed in the house we had meant to flip and ignored the unfinished list of home repairs. We swore to eat our leftovers and then scolded ourselves when we threw them out. I was prepared for all of that.

But I never expected to feel bereft. I gave up a part

of myself when I stopped being a professional working woman. I didn’t know how to identify myself without my armor of business suits and high heels. At work, I was a human resources specialist. I had significant responsibilities and clients who sought my counsel and valued my opinions.

At home, I’m a harried, sometimes haggard woman who consults friends and combs the internet for parenting advice.

Although my responsibilities are no less significant, my children tend to be selective listeners and have no shortage of their own opinions. “But I don’t need a bath!” “Johnny’s mom doesn’t limit his video game time!” And my favorite: “You’re the meanest mom, ever!” During these moments, my old office appears in my mind’s eye like an oasis.

For a while, I worried about being labeled a stayat-home mom, and fretted when someone asked me that casually loaded question: “So, what do you do?” I’d tell people I was a mother, a writer, a volunteer, and then I’d watch with irritation as their eyes glazed over as soon as I used the “M” word. You think you know me, I silently seethed, but you don’t.

I heard myself asking other mothers, “What did you used to do?” and heard myself saying, “I used to work for the government.” As if being a mother weren’t enough.

And then, last fall, when my youngest child started kindergarten, I realized I felt whole again. It dawned on me that I was content with my life and my choices and I was — dare I say it? — happy. My identity crisis was over. Perfect timing

It is, actually. I’m glad to be starting a new job feeling confident about myself and my abilities. And I’m very grateful for this gift of time I’ve had. My children are now 6, 7 and 11 years old. They’re bright, self-assured kids with varied interests. They probably won’t recall later in life how they helped their mother redefine herself in the everyday moments of the life we shared.

But I’ll try to remember the lessons I learned when I was home with them. That life is full of changes. That whether I’m a working woman or a stay-at-home mom, the only labels that matter are the ones I give myself. That I need to enjoy where I am, and not worry about how much better I think things could be.

The grass isn’t always greener somewhere else. I’m standing on the greenest grass. I just need to spread my toes and breathe. K

I gave up a part of myself when I stopped being a professional, working woman.

ESSEX • SOUTH BURLINGTON • WILLISTON Independent

Healthy

Promoting Balanced Lives Summer Camp 2012

CAMP EDGE

Activities offered by CAMP EDGE:

• Arts & Crafts

• Athletic Activities

• Gym Games

• Music

• Field Trips

• Nature and Wilderness Exploration

• Swimming (indoor & outdoor)

• Recreational Games

• Storytelling

• Tennis Instruction

• Climbing Wall

• Group Sports (including but not limited to: baseball, soccer, floor hockey, basketball, kickball)

Camp including craft with

is a place of innovation, fun and fitness for school age children ages 6-12. We also offer a Camp Program for 5 year olds, which is run in conjunction with Camp Edge. Additionally, we offer more diverse and detailed activities for our older group of 9-12 year-old Campers. Our program offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities including sports, craft projects, field trips and more! Our campers have an active summer playing and learning with their friends!