The Essex Resort & Spa
April 18-22
9 a.m. - 2 p.m. daily
Do you have a budding chef in your house? Your child will have a great time learning the tricks of the trade during our week-long cooking camp. Our esteemed chefs will make your camper a star in the kitchen. Wouldn’t it be nice to have your child cook you dinner for a change?
Monday, April 18: Sushi and Dumplings
Tuesday, April 19: World Series
Wednesday, April 20: Pasta Workshop
Thursday, April 21: Brunch Cooking
Friday, April 22: Egg Cookery
Each class $65. Recommended for ages 8 and up.
Call 800.727.4295 and reserve your space now!
A film critic recommends movies with great girl characters
EARTH ISSUE
This month’s cover image was taken last summer by Elizabeth Schwartz of Waitsfield. It shows her son, Noah, 6, goofing around in their backyard while building a wigwam for the 2010 Venture Vermont Outdoor Challenge. He had so much fun doing the program,” says Elizabeth of her son. “It really shaped our whole summer experience.” Read about Venture Vermont, sponsored by the Vermont State Parks, on page 21.
Publisher Colby Roberts colby@kidsvt.com ext. 77
Editor Cathy Resmer cathy@kidsvt.com ext. 74
Creative Director Don Eggert don@kidsvt.com ext. 71
Associate Editor Kate Laddison kate@kidsvt.com ext. 73
Account Executive Katrina Roberts katrina@kidsvt.com ext. 75
Account Executive Kristi Batchelder kristi@kidsvt.com ext. 72
Marketing & Events Director Judy Beaulac judy@kidsvt.com ext. 76
P.O. Box 1184 Burlington, VT 05402 802-985-5482 kidsvt.com
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Contributing Writers: Cheryl Brownell, Kristina Creighton, Erik Esckilsen, Margot Harrison, Megan James, Ken Picard, Katrina Roberts
Photographers: Andy Duback, Caleb Kenna, Matthew Thorsen
Illustrators: Andy Singer
Where the wild things are.
IN LATE MARCH, my partner and I brought our kids to Shelburne Farms for the annual Maple Open House weekend. All of us love maple syrup, and we had talked in advance about the mechanics of sugaring.
But when we got to the Shelburne Farms sugarbush, Graham, 5, didn’t race to the sugarhouse. And he wasn’t that jazzed about sampling a cup of syrup. What he really wanted to do was climb on a mound of snow at the edge of the footpath. He called it his snow fort. He recruited his 2 1/2-year-old sister to help him find snowballs and sticks to use as “shooters.” The two of them ran around battling bad guys and trying to save babies. Or something.
After about 10 minutes of this, I tried to pry them away from their game. “Don’t you want to see them boiling sap?” I asked eagerly. “Don’t you want to see how they tap the trees?” “No,” Graham calmly replied. “We just want to play.”
I tried again to persuade them, to no avail. I was a little disappointed, until I realized that it was a beautiful, sunny day, and my kids were playing outside, making up their own game with whatever they found on the ground.
That’s the kind of unstructured, outdoor free play that environmental educator and author Richard Luov champions in his 2005 book, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature Deficit Disorder. Luov’s book figures prominently in this month’s cover package of articles, “Go Wild: Getting Your Kids Outdoors,” on page 18. I remembered that, and I let them be.
We did eventually wander over to the sugarhouse, then stopped by the farm barn to see the baby lambs. But I think what the kids enjoyed most about our visit was playing in the snow, and that’s OK with me.
On our way home, we stopped at the video store to pick up a movie to watch before dinner. I wished I’d had a copy of Margot Harrison’s list of films featuring great girl characters. You’ll find her recommendations on page 15 of this month’s issue.
Cathy Resmer, editor cathy@kidsvt.com
Favorite outdoor activities to do with our kids:
Taking mini-hikes for lunch: We pack a traveling lunch, go for a walk on the trails near our house and spread out a blanket to eat in the woods.
KATE LADDISON, ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Skiing with my kids is one of the joys of my life.
COLBY ROBERTS, PUBLISHER
We love to walk in the woods looking for animals (both real and makebelieve). In the summer, we always have a beach bag packed in the car.
BROOKE BOUSQUET, DESIGNER
We play family games of touch football in our backyard, and this time of year we must simultaneously play “dodge the melting dog turds.” That’s the game we’re more concerned with winning.
CHERYL BROWNELL, OFFICE MANAGER
Biking: I get an especially tough workout pulling a trailer, and my daughter gets to eat plenty of bugs!
KEN PICARD, CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Wandering through the forest where we are all free to just “be” — no restrictions.
KRISTI BATCHELDER, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVEIn our inaugural reader poll, we asked Kids VT readers about their gardening plans. Turns out you love to get your hands dirty. Here are the results f our informal online survey:
Yes: 80.6%
THANKS TO EVERYONE who entered this month’s coloring contest, and congratulations to all the winners. Special kudos to Jonah Jennings for turning his entry into a penny hunt.
MOST CONSISTENT STROKES: Caitlin Acosta, 12, Williamstown
CRAZIEST COLORS: Grace Butler, 11, Huntington
BEST IMPRESSIONISTIC STYLE: Ava Rohrbaugh, 5, Charlotte
BRIGHTEST COLORS: Samantha Parker, 5, Richmond
MASTERFUL MULTICOLOR SHADING: Gabriella Loftus, 5, Underhill
The winners of our three $25 gift certificates to Penny Cluse Café are...
Total votes: 72
Need a primer on planting? Browse the gardening links provided by the University of Vermont’s Extension program, at uvm.edu/ vtvegandberry/gardenlinks.html, or find a series of how-to articles on the Gardener’s Supply Company website, gardeners.com.
Want to find a community garden plot? The Friends of Burlington Gardens and the Vermont Community Garden Network would be happy to help you out! Contact them via burlingtongardens.org or by calling 861-GROW.
Dr. Lewis First offers tips on keeping kids safe in the garden and the yard in “Ask Dr. First” on page 8.
Look for next month’s poll question on our website, kidsvt.com, or in our email newsletter, the Wee-Mail.
BEST PAINTED PIECE: Kathyrn Paul, 5, Stowe
BEST STRIPED TREES: Samantha Polley, 7, Williston
BEST TREE DETAIL: Maya, 7, Morrisville
BEST BIRDERS
Several entrants did a great job accurately coloring the birds: Courtney Burnor, 8, Fairfax Emma Lowry, 7, Burlington Samara Hosey-Lagoe, 5
BEST TITLES
“Spring Is So Tweet,” Gabriella Loftus, 5, Underhill
“Early Bird Jig,” Anna Charland, 11, Essex
“Days Like This Just Can’t Be Missed,” Owen Maille, 10
“Letting in Nature,” Jordan Poirer, 11, Colchester
See a slide show of all of the submissions at kidsvt.com — and find this month’s contest on page 41. The deadline is April 15.
When Seven Days bought Kids VT in December, our creative team redesigned the monthly print publication. Now we’ve redesigned the Kids VT email newsletter.
Each issue of the Wee-Mail contains information on upcoming events, reminders about contests and promotions, links to Kids VT content on the web, and a monthly poll question.
Sign up for the Wee-Mail by entering your email address on our website, kidsvt.com.
Kids VT wants to publish your rants and raves.
I’d like to, but I don’t know where to start: 6.9% I don’t have space for a garden: 5.6%
No: 6.9%
BY MARGOT HARRISON, KATE LADDISON AND CATHY RESMER
This Easter, put your treats in a one-of-a-kind HANDMADE BASKET filled with goodies from Laughing Moon Chocolates. Laughing Moon recently teamed up with Randolph basket maker Elizabeth “Budge” Phillips, who in turn enlisted the help of other local artisans to weave alternatives to synthetic, mass-produced Easter baskets. The collaboration is part of Laughing Moon owner Leigh Williams’ e ort to make her packaging greener and more sustainable. Some products, for example, now come in compostable bags, or wrapped in compostable cellophane and ribbon. “It has been an evolution toward only doing things I feel good about,” she explains. The woven baskets complement Laughing Moon’s other local-basket options, including Vermont-made Flashbags with Woody Jackson designs and bunny totes from Designs by Gwynne. Says Williams, “It’s going to be a handmade Easter at Laughing Moon.” — K.L.
baskets.
HANDMADE BASKETS: Laughing Moon Chocolates, Stowe, open daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Info, 253-9591.
Between schoolwork and all the pressures of growing up, kids are no strangers to stress. So treat your tot to a special spa day at the Stowe Mountain Lodge, which recently opened a new space and launched a menu designed for kids. The CHILLAX KIDSPA o ers facials, massages, manicures and pedicures, but with whimisical twists. Instead of a plain old footbath, kids can have their tootsies treated to an “ice cream soak.” Mini Me facials and massages teach the importance of clean skin and tension relief. Sessions range from 25 to 30 minutes, cost from $20 to $75, and are neat treats that let kids know it’s OK to slow down. —
K.L.
CHILLAX KIDSPA: Spa and Wellness Center, Stowe Mountain Lodge. Ages 5-14. Info, 802-253-3560. Parents must attend massage and facial sessions.
At the end of the month, the Common Ground Center in Starksboro celebrates the opening of the ECO-LODGE, a new structure that complements its existing family-camp facilities. Started in 1994, the Common Ground Center provides programs for families of all kinds, including those dealing with high-conflict divorce, autism-spectrum disorders and adoption. The traditional camp includes classes for adults and children in art, music, healing arts and nature. The new Eco-Lodge houses 30 occupants with eight guest rooms and a large common room, which will allow the center to o er year-round programming. Its design stresses energy-conserving construction and incorporates wood harvested on site and milled locally. Environmentalist and author Bill McKibben will speak at the opening ceremonies. Visitors can also enjoy music, activities for kids, brick-oven pizza and tours of the new building. — K.L.
ECO-LODGE AT THE COMMON GROUND CENTER: Grand-opening dedication ceremony, Sunday, April 30, Starksboro. Info, 453-2592.
Can you live without TV for seven days? What about Facebook? Give it a try during SCREEN-FREE WEEK, April 18 through 24, an annual, national event that encourages families to unplug. Too much screen time keeps kids from exercising and getting outside and promotes unhealthy eating habits, say organizers from the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC). Children who spend two or more hours in front of screens each day are more likely to be hyperactive and have di culties relating to peers. Exposure to screen time starts early — according to a CCFC fact sheet, preschool kids spend 32 hours a week with screen media. During Screen-Free Week, kids and parents can spend that time playing board games, charades or flashlight tag, making pillow forts or fruit smoothies, or organizing a scavenger hunt. Find more activity suggestions on the CCFC website — ironic, right? — C.R.
SCREEN-FREE WEEK: April 18-24. Info and offline activity suggestions at commercialfreechildhood.org.
When ad man Jon Voelkel and his family relocated from the UK to Norwich, Vt., he planned to write a marketing book. But he kept getting bored. “I used to tell bedtime stories to the kids every night,” says Voelkel. “My son had a favorite story about a monkey girl, and I thought, That would be such a great book.”
So he and his wife, Pamela Craik Voelkel, teamed up and wrote Middleworld, an adventure novel about a 14-year-old who finds himself fighting o ancient Maya death lords while searching for his archaeologist parents in Central America. If that sounds like a combination of Indiana Jones and Tintin with a touch of Harry Potter, it is. Besides fast-paced action and dry humor, the Voelkels o er carefully researched Maya lore.
Last spring, the couple appeared on the “Today” show, where Al Roker picked Middleworld for his book club for kids. Now its sequel, THE END OF THE WORLD CLUB, is in stores. Don’t be scared by the title. The Voelkels aren’t 2012 alarmists, and neither, they assure kids, were the Maya — who, says Jon, believed in “the cyclical nature of time, going on in perpetuity.” That’s a relief... — M.H.
THE END OF THE WORLD CLUB (The Jaguar Stones: Book Two) by J&P Voelkel, Egmont USA, 384 pages. $16.99.
Mater Christi is a private Catholic school with a strong tradition of academic excellence for students in PS - Gr. 8. Additions in technology, and a focus on math, science and writing make it the best time to see what Mater Christi can offer your family!
50 Mansfield Avenue, Burlington (802) 658-3992 * www.mcschool.org
WiTH THe ARRiVAl of spring, parents and children are eager to get outside and start working in the yard. But while lawns and gardens are great places for children to play and learn, they can also be fraught with hazards, such as chemical fertilizers, pesticides, sharp tools and power equipment. This month, Dr. Lewis First, chief of pediatrics at Vermont Children’s Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care, lays the groundwork for maintaining a yard that is a clean, green and healthy place for you and your kids.
Kids VT: How do parents know if their fertilizers and other garden products are safe for children?
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LEWIS FIRST: There are two types of fertilizers: chemical and organic. The packages for chemical fertilizers tell you what the active ingredients are, such as nitrogen and phosphates. What the packages often don’t tell you are the inert ingredients, which can contain potentially poisonous substances such as arsenic, lead, mercury, cadmium and other metals. If kids spend a lot of time rolling around on the lawn, obviously they’re going to be exposed to these chemicals.
KVT: Are chemical fertilizers dangerous to apply?
KVT: What symptoms should parents look for if they suspect a child has been exposed to toxins in the garden?
LF: The signs to look for from the toxic chemicals used in fertilizers, weed killers or pesticides can include an upset stomach, difficulty breathing, skin rashes, burning in their eyes or a change in their overall level of alertness. If parents are worried, use as many organic products in the garden as possible.
KVT: What other hazards should parents watch for?
KVT: should parents be concerned about this?
LF: Parents hear a lot of rumors about chemical fertilizers — that they can cause everything from learning disabilities to asthma to cancer — mainly because fertilizers often contain other chemicals that kill weeds and insects. I’m not here to say that chemical fertilizers have caused a child to get cancer. Can they increase a child’s risk by adding to multiple factors in the environment that can lead to cancer?
Sure. So if you’re concerned about the exposure to your children, avoid chemical fertilizers and switch to the organic ones, which are essentially made from manure or compost and release the nitrogen and phosphates into the soil through organic decomposition.
LF: My rule of thumb is, children should not participate in the application of fertilizer, and people who put the fertilizer on should take appropriate precautions, as well. Nitrogen, a common ingredient, can burn the skin, so people should wear appropriate gloves and long pants and not allow fertilizer to hit the skin.
Send
KVT: How soon after fertilizing can kids play on the lawn?
LF: Kids should stay off the lawn after a chemical fertilizer has been applied until it’s been exposed to at least a quarter inch of rain or a good watering. Then, wait at least 24 hours before you allow kids to play on the lawn.
KVT: Are there risks in using organic fertilizers?
LF: Many farmers store manure in barns or enclosed spaces. The problem is, organic fertilizer or compost kept in a closed space can leak some pretty toxic gases, such as hydrogen sulfide, methane and carbon dioxide. So you don’t want to let a child play in a barn where manure or fertilizer is stored and there isn’t proper ventilation.
LF: The big one is lawn mowers. Each year, about 16,000 children are injured by lawn mowers, and about half are kids on riding mowers. Lawn mowers cause child hospitalizations at twice the rate of other consumer products. Typical injuries include cuts, lost fingers and toes, burns, and eye injuries. Basically, children should be over 16 to operate a rider mower and over 12 for a push mower. As with any garden equipment, every child should have a period of safety instruction and supervision by a qualified adult. Kids should never pull a mower backward or mow in reverse. They should always wait for the blades to stop moving before taking off the grass catcher. And earplugs and eye protection should be worn by anyone using power equipment.
KVT: Anything else?
LF: With clippers and hedge trimmers, sometimes you’re called into the house, and you leave them buried in the grass, where a toddler could find them. So power equipment, clippers and hedge trimmers should always be picked up and put away after use. Cans of gasoline and other chemicals should be stored high and away in a garage or shed so kids don’t discover them. My best suggestion is that children under 6 should be kept inside at all times while the grass is being mowed.
— KEN PICARDLawn mowers cause child hospitalizations at twice the rate of other consumer products.
dR leWis FiRsTBY KATE LADDISON
Picture this: a warm, gently lit studio with a candle burning and a dozen or so moms (and a dad) seated on mats with their not-yet-walking babies in front of them. Studio co-owner Susan Cline Lucey leads the group in an opening of introductions and welcome, through a series of poses, and, finally, to stretching and quiet meditation.
Typically, small, enclosed spaces filled with dozens of infants are not soothing. But this studio is utterly so. Maybe the babies sense the contemplative nature of what’s happening. Maybe it’s the sense of connection, as if everyone in the room is in the same ocean, if not the same boat. Indeed, as the women introduce themselves, they share tidbits about their children and what the kids’ development means for parents’ bodies: sleepless stages, babies who need to be held all the time and so on.
ACTIVITY: Postnatal yoga at Evolution Physical Therapy & Yoga
As our practice progresses, I see and feel physical relief brought by triangle pose and downward-facing dog. It feels wonderful for my shoulders and back, which still ache three years of lugging around the various over-theshoulder accoutrements of parenthood. My favorite is the use of two small balls placed between my shoulders against a wall. Roll in small circles to find those painful points … ahhh. The stretches, poses and breath work are good for new moms working to take back their bodies after pregnancy and birthing. It’s a special treat to do something so good for your body, and to be able to bring your baby along, too.
YOU WILL NEED: No equipment — bring your own yoga mat or borrow one from Evolution
AGES: Postnatal yoga is for babies six weeks old to crawling
WHAT TO WEAR: Loose-fitting workout clothing; don’t worry about footwear — you’ll be taking off your shoes and socks.
I HAVE A CONFESSION: Yoga scares me.
I know that I shouldn’t be afraid: Yoga is a pretty friendly discipline. It’s not like I’ve had a bad yoga experience. And nothing about the powerful spiritual meditation or its deep historical-cultural roots frightens me. It’s the sitting still; I’m not good at it. In general, I like to be moving, and when it comes to exercise, I like it loud, fast and falling into the “disengage your mind and let your body work” category. And I’m not good at being not good at things. So the idea of doing something I find uncomfortable in a slow, concentrated way really freaks me out.
But attending a recent mom-baby yoga class at Evolution Physical Therapy & Yoga began to change my mind. Slowly and quietly.
The hourlong session is challenging in a way that is hard to come by when kids run your life. Cline Lucey herself says it best before class: “It’s about setting the intention of being in a loving space full of joy, not being distracted by what you’re going to buy at the grocery store.”
Many of the folks I met at Evolution have been at this a while, most having done prenatal classes there, as well. Cline Lucey notes that many women try yoga for the first time when pregnant, and she gears prenatal classes toward beginners. Her friendly, welcoming encouragement makes even a fearful newbie yogi feel at ease. That approach is “with intention,” as well. She doesn’t want attendees to feel overwhelmed or lost; she wants yoga to be doable for families. “Yoga has to exist in the chaos of our lives,” she explains.
Yoga makes good fitness sense for physical reasons. And the group experience, the sense of community, the gathering all add a mental and emotional benefit to the physical. It’s also not scary. Slowing down for a moment in the rush and bustle might be a stretch, but it’s a good one.
“Fit Families” is a monthly column that offers easy and affordable ways to stay active. Got an idea for a future FF? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.
Librarian Mary Graf’s Summary:
“Doctor De Soto is a clever story about a mouse dentist who takes pity on a fox with a toothache. After removing a rotten tooth and replacing it with a gold one, Doctor De Soto and his assistant trick the hungry fox by gluing his teeth shut. Hilarious!”
Favorite part:
“It is such fun to read the line ‘Frank oo berry mush.’ That always gets a laugh, and I invite kids to put their teeth together and repeat it, and see what else they can say with their teeth glued together.”
Moral of the story:
“Doctor De Soto would make a great follow-up for a trip to the dentist. The obvious lesson: Brush your teeth every day so you don’t end up like the poor fox.”
LIBRARIAN: Mary Graf, youth services librarian at the Brownell Library in Essex Junction
BOOK: Doctor De Soto by William Steig
AGE RANGE: 4 to 7
“The Librarian Likes” features a different librarian and book each month. Got an idea for a future LL? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.
It’s about setting the intention of being in a loving space full of joy, not being distracted by what you’re going to buy at the grocery store.
SUSAN CLINE LUCEY
Kristina Creighton
When i Was groWing up, we ate what we were served. If we really couldn’t eat it, we were welcome to take a bowl of cereal to our room after everyone else was done with dinner.
Lately I’ve been in homes where the children and the parents eat completely different meals. The parents cater to kids’ every food whim, and I don’t feel that’s a good thing.
There aren’t many foods that I dislike, and I thank my mother for putting an eclectic array of dinners on the table. Her only rule was to “try a taste,” so we did that without being told. She knew that most food is palatable, even to children, and one taste would convince us of that.
When we don’t want to try something new, it’s usually because of a preconceived notion that something is going to taste “yucky” and not because of any actual experience with it.
This stir-fry might look a little scary to kids who don’t like vegetables, but it’s delicious, nutritious and easy to make.
About the ramen noodles: I’m not suggesting serving the packaged ramen noodles as directed. But as an ingredient, they’re very useful. Just about everyone loves them, they cook in three minutes, and they’re incredibly inexpensive. They might even help you convince your kids to taste the veggies.
chicKen-Veggie sTir-FrY
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1¼ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in strips or cubes
1 12-ounce package frozen stir-fry vegetables
⅓ cup soy sauce
There are several commercial stir-fry vegetable blends in the freezer case at the grocery store, but you can certainly use fresh veggies that you cut up yourself. if you go that route, stir-fry the chicken, remove it to a bowl, then stir-fry the fresh veggies for about two minutes. add the chicken back to the pan and continue.
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (available in asian section of grocery store) or catsup
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or cider vinegar
1-2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
¾ cup chicken broth or water
3 packages ramen noodles, broken up (reserve seasoning for other use)
2 tablespoons dry sherry or water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (available in asian section of grocery store)
1. in a one-quart pot, bring to a boil the water for cooking the noodles. Keep covered, at a simmer, until step 5.
2. heat the oil in a wok or 12-inch skillet. add the chicken pieces and cook until no longer pink.
3. add the frozen vegetables and toss together with the chicken.
4. add the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, lemon juice, maple syrup and broth. Mix and bring to a boil. reduce heat, cover and simmer about five minutes.
5. place the ramen noodles in the boiling water and stir a little to get them all into the water. let boil for three minutes, or as directed on the package.
6. While the noodles cook, mix the sherry and cornstarch in a small glass. pour the mixture into the wok, stir to combine, and cook about one minute, until clear.
7. add the sesame oil to the vegetable mixture.
8. Drain the noodles and place in a large serving bowl or on individual plates. top with the stir-fry.
iT wAs dUring ThE Two-sEcond lull between vacuuming and laundry that I decided my husband and I should treat our 13-year-old son and 10-yearold daughter to dinner at American Flatbread one recent Saturday. Thinly veiled as a selfless gesture for the kids, it was, of course, my reward to myself for slogging through a full day of chores.
Because of a meltdown in the car — in which I may or may not have had a starring role — we arrived at the Marble Works later than I had hoped. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, but typically if you’re there before six, you don’t have to wait. We arrived closer to seven and quickly learned there was a Middlebury College hockey game that night, and almost every well-dressed, hockey-watching collegian was also craving flatbread. The hostess said it would be 45 minutes before we got a table. Both offspring agreed they could wait, so we put our names on the list.
Exactly 45 minutes later, my kids wove their way through the crowd to the hostess and asked if our table was ready. It was!
Because we’ve been coming here for years, we only glanced at the menu. A
blackboard advertised the day’s specials, but we weren’t in the mood for beets. So we went with our old standbys.
We always order what’s called a Med Bread, Flatbread’s version of a cheese and tomatosauce pizza.
The second pie usually has some sort of meat on it — a decision
I leave entirely to the carnivores in the family. Our son revels in this arrangement: I don’t eat meat, and I rarely let my kids order it in restaurants unless I trust that it’s responsibly sourced and properly prepared. He lobbied for pepperoni
and sausage — the latter made from local Duclos & Thompson’s pork — but our daughter nixed the pepperoni.
When the waitress asked him whether they wanted red or caramelized onions, he chose the carmelized. I have no idea if he knows the difference, but I love that the server didn’t defer to either my husband or me, assuming our son could navigate the exchange.
My husband, son and I each ordered an Evolution Salad. A combination of lettuce, celery and carrots tossed in a gingertamari vinaigrette, it’s the restaurant’s house salad. Our son loves it so much, I
can actually use it as a bargaining chip to get him to agree to only one soda. One day I’ll get that vinaigrette recipe, which incorporates raspberries, but until then I’ll continue to subject friends and family to my subpar imitations between visits to American Flatbread.
Our daughter wrote us notes with the crayons and paper the server provided. The restaurant’s bathroom walls are covered with kids’ drawings.
The pizza arrived shortly after we finished our salads. Although the server offered us new plates, we declined and used the crust of our flatbread to mop up the remaining salad dressing. After watching the seemingly endless stream of flatbreads going in and out of the wood-fired oven, I was happy to find that the quality of our food hadn’t suffered as a result of the rush.
For dessert, the kids split a brownie sundae with homemade hot fudge and local ice cream; they were practically fencing with their spoons in an effort to claim every last bite. My husband and I split the same sundae and were full before it was gone.
Our bill came to just under $80. It’s easy to spend a lot more at American Flatbread, but you don’t have to. We piled into the car and headed home, happy and content, remembering why we like each other. I’d say it was worth it.K
“Out to Eat” is a monthly, family-friendly restaurant review. Where should we eat next? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com. Cheryl Brownell is the office manager at Kids VT.
Our son loves the Evolution Salad so much, I can actually use it as a bargaining chip to get him to agree to only one soda.
Kids: Jack, 11; Owen, 8
We give our kids an allowance. My wife, Holly, started a program in which they get their ages in dollars weekly until they’re teenagers and able to earn their own money. The allowance is for personal spending money but must also be used to contribute to birthday and holiday presents.
We try to use the allowance to teach about money management: saving and spending wisely. As with anything important, it takes mistakes to understand the larger lesson. It’s impressive to see a goal met when some important item (like a Lego Death Star) is yearned for, or how quickly money can evaporate when spent frivolously.
The larger picture is that, soon enough, the kids will be out in the world where saving and credit management will become so important. I had been working and saving money for years before going to college but still made mistakes with my first credit card. Practice at home is a great way to prepare and hopefully avoid the pitfalls.
BRIAN LANSBURY BURLINGTON
Kids: Macklin, 10; Quinn, 7
“Dad, will you buy me that?” I heard that phrase so many times while trying to sneak one or both of my boys past the little toys and candy stacked by store registers — until we started giving our two boys an allowance.
About five years ago, my wife and I went to a parenting class. We were looking for some tips on how to control a very high-energy pair of boys. The general theme of the class was ways to instill in your children a sense of responsibility through, as an example, establishing responsibility and natural consequences for their actions, choices and behavior. As one part of that process, a weekly allowance was suggested with the amount tied to their age — e.g., $10 for a 10-year-old — until 14, at which point it would be cut in half, since, theoretically, they could make extra money doing odd jobs.
So, about five years ago, we began to give our boys an allowance. I do believe it has instilled in them a certain sense of financial responsibility. They’ve learned some math, they’ve learned about saving and about the realities of money, cost and waste. There are consequences when they don’t put their allowance somewhere safe, or if they buy something on impulse and it breaks or doesn’t work as promised. They learn from these financial disappointments.
Now when I hear “Dad, will you buy me that?” my answer has been a satisfying, “Well, did you bring your allowance?”
Kids: Kyle, 12; Aaron, 8
Our kids don’t get o cial allowances, and sometimes I have trouble with that. When they want nonessential stu , we’ll sometimes build lessons around that. Not only “Are your chores done?” but “Have you been treating your brother well? Have you been respectful to your parents? Have you been keeping up with your schoolwork?”
But, for better or worse, we don’t allow them to handle their own money yet. It’s something I’ve wanted to do more and more, because our oldest son, who’s 12, doesn’t have a real grasp of money. It’s very fluid to him. It’s becoming apparent that he needs to learn a little bit more. We do discuss with him the idea that we have a finite amount of money, that we have all these things we have to do, and that there’s not always a lot for these other things. We just don’t put money in his hands, per se. He knows that other kids get material things, but I’m not sure he knows how they get them. I’m not sure that information is shared among his circle of friends.
And, sadly, today’s stu is more expensive. For kids to get things requires a good chunk of change.
Kids: Maia, 9; Nora, 1
For starters, I think an allowance does make sense. How else would you learn about money unless you had some? But an allowance isn’t pay for chores — you have responsibilities as a member of your household to contribute.
However, I think an allowance can be a useful incentive. I have a friend who gave me this really great pearl: You get cash if you do chores without being asked or reminded. You have to do them, but if you do them without prompting, that’s what you’re getting the compensation for. I like the idea.
Overall, here’s what it boils down to. I think it’s important that the message gets across that money is used for di erent things, at di erent times. Some of the money is to save, some is for spending cash, and some is for donating. That’s sort of the model. It’s a useful thing, and it does help you ramp up what kids want to do around the house. I find that cash incentives work very well around the holidays.
— INTERVIEWS COMPILED BY ERIK ESCKILSEN
“Go Ask Dad” is a monthly feature in which we ask fathers to answer a question. Got a question, or a pop you’d like to hear from? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com. Eric Esckilsen is a freelance writer and Champlain College instructor. He lives in Burlington with his wife and twin daughters, and their dog.
BY MEGAN JAMES
SOMETHING ABOUT
IRISH DANCE inspires a special kind of devotion in those who practice it. When about 20 Burlington students of the art form were left without a teacher three years ago, their families pitched in to rent studio space so the kids could keep practicing on their own.
Beth Anne McFadden, a 26-year-old certified Irish dance teacher who was living in Long Island at the time, read about the plight of the teacher-less Vermonters on an online message board. After one visit, she was sold: She relocated to Burlington and opened the McFadden Academy of Irish Dance.
“It was a little crazy,” she says of her decision. “But the kids were beyond dedicated.”
Now McFadden has 105 students, ages 4 to 23 — she also teaches adult classes — and is thinking about hiring more teachers. The school just moved to a new location in Williston to accommodate its growth.
So what is Irish dance? Most people are familiar with the Broadway phenomenon Riverdance, with its undulating lines of performers, kicking and stomping without seeming to move a muscle in their upper bodies. According to McFadden, legend has it that the tradition of moving only below the waist originated at some indeterminate point during the long English occupation of Ireland. If English soldiers patrolling the streets looked into the windows of Irish homes, they couldn’t tell that people were dancing. “It was a rebellious act,” says McFadden.
Others trace the earliest origins of Irish dance back to the Druids. But the style as we know it now began to come into its own in the 19th century.
By the time she reached third grade, McFadden had already taken ballet, tap and jazz classes, but something clicked when she took her first Irish dance class. Her teacher was “right o the boat from Ireland,” she says, recalling that he was small, “like a little leprechaun.”
At first McFadden came in planning to just sit and watch. But, she recalls with a laugh, the teacher informed her, in a thick brogue, “There is no watching in Irish dance.” As soon as she started moving her feet, she knew why. “There’s something just really infectious about it,” she says.
McFadden’s parents noticed an immediate change in her: “She doesn’t walk anywhere anymore,” she remembers them telling people. Instead, she began dancing her way up the street. At school, she would tap out jigs under her desk.
“The Art of...” spotlights creative skills that enrich kids’ lives. Got a class or teacher to recommend? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.
Megan James is a staff writer at Seven Days
McFadden is proud to say her academy is the only certified school of Irish dance in Vermont. She took a rigorous two-day exam — proctored by leprechauns, one imagines — to get her certification. It may seem odd that anyone would need to be certified to dance, but McFadden says within the Irish dance community it’s essential, and ensures that students are learning the very technique that’s been passed down for generations. Learning at a certified school also makes students eligible to participate in what is known as a feis, or competition.
Besides being a great workout, Irish dance o ers an excellent opportunity for kids to be part of a social setting. Performing in front of an audience enables them to develop confidence. And if they go the competition route, it can “teach them how to be good winners and losers,” McFadden explains.
For the first few classes, kids can practice in their socks, but pretty early on they should get a pair of ghillies, soft shoes similar to ballet slippers. After about three years, kids graduate to a hard shoe, which is more like a leather tap shoe with fiberglass toes and heels.
“The kids go nuts when they get those shoes,” McFadden says. “They can make noise and not get in trouble.”
when
Girls who do Irish dance will eventually need an outrageously curly wig. Why? “For some reason, Irish dance and curly hair just go hand in hand,” explains McFadden.
Boys do Irish dance, too — just look at the “Lord of the Dance” himself, Michael Flatley — but they can wear their own hair.
When i Was 8, my mom ruined Disney for me. I thought Peter Pan was fun. She thought Tinker Bell’s shimmying was sexy, and hence sexist. Soon I realized every cartoon would come with a lecture.
Back then, I didn’t see why it mattered that slinky Tink was battling motherly Wendy for Peter’s attention. It was just a story, right? In a fantasy where children flew and crocodiles ticked and parents were banished, my mom was fixating on the boring male-female stuff.
Now that I’m older, I understand. Fantasies or not, too many movies feature the same tired gender roles. Boy does cool stuff. Girl rewards him with a kiss. Movies made just for girls tend to offer an alternate princess fantasy: Girl overcomes mean rivals and puts on a pretty dress. Boy comes calling.
True, Hollywood has gotten better at giving girls active roles in action movies — Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series, for instance. Even Barbie redeemed herself in the Toy Story series by being awesome.
Still, are there alternatives? Movies where girls are neither sidekicks nor princesses? In my view, “girl-friendly movies” aren’t necessarily the ones that push girl power. They’re the ones that portray girls as people — with choices and potential. I’ve compiled a list of films that pass my own simple test:
Parents and daughters won’t always see eye to eye on what’s a “good role model.” You may not be able to convince your 4-year-old she’d rather be a doctor than a princess, or your 16-year-old that Twilight is hopelessly retro. But good movies aren’t behavior blueprints; they offer strong stories and food for thought — for both genders. (These films are great for boys to watch, too. The less we all kowtow to Hollywood marketers’ divisions of movies into “guy flicks” and “chick flicks,” the better.)
A note on ratings: According to research from the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media — yes, founded by the actress who played a pirate captain in Cutthroat Island — females are underrepresented in G-rated fare, which could be one reason films for tots (and “general audiences”) are underrepresented here. See the sidebar for some G-rated suggestions not on my own list. Where I felt a rating needed explanation, I’ve added it.
A World Apart (1988, PG): If your mom cared enough about social justice to go to jail, would you support her? That’s the question a South African teen ( played by Jodhi May) faces in 1963, when her mom (Barbara Hershey) leaves her daughters to act on her anti-apartheid convictions. This nonpreachy history lesson dares to suggest that sometimes moms have good reasons for not putting family first. Bring tissues.
Anne of Green Gables (1986): It’s a classic. It’s Canadian. It’s one of the best adaptations of much-loved kids lit, due largely to Megan Follows’ performance as the carrot-top orphan who brightens the lives of an aging brother and sister. Find the whole set, sink into the green world of Prince Edward Island, and watch Anne mature into a whip-smart young lady.
them, flying an ultralight. It’s beautiful, great for animal lovers and a solid father-daughter bonding story.
Meet Me in St. Louis (1944): Any kid who loves musicals should see this classic about four sisters, set in 1903. Older girls will relate to Judy Garland’s awkward efforts to romance the boy next door, and younger ones will love Margaret O’Brien. Sure, it’s corny, but so is High School Musical If they like this one, check out other Garland showcases such as Girl Crazy (1943) and The Harvey Girls (1946).
Bridge to Terabithia (2007, PG): If you read the book by Vermont author Katherine Paterson, you know there will be tears at the end. Buckets. Paterson’s story of a creative, oddball girl who befriends a lonely boy and draws him into her fantasy world holds up in this adaptation. A nice reminder that girls and boys can be just friends — and kindred spirits.
My Neighbor Totoro (1988, G), Howl’s Moving Castle (2004, PG) and Spirited Away (2001, PG): Two sisters discover a world of forest spirits. A shy young girl meets a handsome man ... after a spell turns her into an old lady. A bratty kid finds herself in a land where gods and spirits need her aid. If your kids cotton to the strange and beautiful animated worlds of Japan’s Hayao Miyazaki, they’ll recognize themselves in his heroines. Just be aware that clamoring for super-cute stuffed Totoros may ensue. (Also check out Ponyo [2008, G]; Kiki’s Delivery Service [1989, G] and Princess Mononoke [1997, PG-13].)
Tangled (2010, PG): A blond-princess movie that turns out to be something completely different — a fable about independence, responsibility and knowing when to let your hair down (or cut it). Disney’s female characters have gotten a lot more interesting since Peter Pan
Fly Away Home (1996, PG): Before Anna Paquin grew up and started doing bad things on “True Blood,” she starred in this movie about a 13-yearold who reacts to her mother’s sudden death by becoming “mother” to a gaggle of goslings. When the geese need to migrate south, she guides
Whale Rider (2002, PG-13): A 12-yearold Maori girl strives to prove her right to lead the tribe in this film from New Zealand, an unconventional family story with breathtaking scenery. Though my sources say it’s perfect for kids 10 and up, it was rated PG-13 for a brief glimpse of a pot pipe. Such is the Motion Picture Association of America.
In my view, “girl-friendly movies” aren’t necessarily the ones that push girl power. They’re the ones that portray girls as people — with choices and potential.
Even foodies with kids have no excuse to miss out on Vermont Restaurant Week! Thanks to the nice folks at the Greater Burlington YMCA, parents can enjoy a night on the town while their kids have fun at the Y.
Childcare is available Friday, April 29 and Saturday, May 30, 5:30 - 8 p.m. Food and beverage are included in the reduced fee: $10 (members), $14 (non-members) per child; ages 2-12. Participation is limited to 50 children/night. Pre-registration is required.
P.S. Don’t forget to make your dinner reservations! Weekend tables will fill up fast.
FOR TEENS:
with problems ranging from an underachieving stoner boyfriend to a “bad girl” who feels threatened by her. The show is frank but not risqué — ABC Family aired it with slight editing.
An Education (2009, PG-13): American teen movies still tend to divide girls into Nerds and Skanks — as if a smart girl who became sexually active automatically lost her “smart” status (see Easy A). Not so this Oscar-nominated British film, which also o ers a refreshingly real view of a far-from-perfect first relationship. There’s occasional sex and swearing.
“Freaks and Geeks” (1999): Before Judd Apatow made raunchy comedies, he produced this TV series about Reagan-era teens, canceled after just a year. It’s the funniest, most believable depiction of high school I know. When brainy Lindsay (Linda Cardellini) decides to desert the nerds and hang with the “freaks” for a while, she deals
True Grit (2010, PG-13): I’m guessing you’ve heard of this one. But it’s worth noting that the Coen brothers’ True Grit is more about 14-year-old Mattie Ross than Rooster Cogburn. Fast talking, brave, driven and stubborn — but not above making mistakes — Hailee Steinfeld’s Mattie is an unforgettable heroine. Warning: There’s violence, brief but intense.
Winter’s Bone (2010, R): Last year actually brought us two movies about girls who win the day with good, old-fashioned stubbornness (and smarts). Ree Dolly, the heroine of this indie movie about poor people in the Ozarks, is a latter-day heir to Mattie Ross. Only she doesn’t hire a man with a gun to help her protect her two younger siblings — she does it herself. The rating is for cussing and drug use by supporting characters.
When former St. Michael’s College professor Sharon Lamb, and her coauthor, Colby College prof Lyn Mikel Brown, were researching their book Packaging Girlhood: Rescuing Our Daughters From Marketers’ Schemes (St. Martin’s, 2006), they watched a lot of girl-focused flicks. Here is a list of movies one or both of them recommend.
• Because of Winn-Dixie (2005, PG)
• Harriet the Spy (1996, PG)
• A League of Their Own (1992, PG)
• The Princess Diaries (2001, G. “If you must see a princess movie,” says Lamb.)
• To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
FOR TEENS:
• 10 Things I Hate About You (1999, PG-13)
• But I’m a Cheerleader (1999, R)
• The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love (1995, R)
• Real Women Have Curves (2002, PG-13)
• The Stepford Wives (the original) (1975, PG)
THE LESSON PLAN for a recent morning’s environmental science session for first and second graders in Shelburne: learning the di erence between deciduous and coniferous trees; determining the gravity of liquids; measuring diameters. Only there’s no chalkboard, and no walls of tacked-up diagrams, either — in fact, there are no walls at all.
This class is taking place in the snowy woods and fields around the Shelburne Farms sugarhouse, where snowsuit-clad kids from the Shelburne Community School are learning how maple trees are tapped and sap is boiled to make the syrup. Linda Wellings, the director of school programs for Shelburne Farms, is leading a game that helps them ID maples. The farm’s field-trip coordinator, Margaret Burke, clad in a black Carhartt jacket, has lined up empty gallon milk jugs to demonstrate just how much work goes into Vermont Grade A.
“Are we going to get pancakes?” asks a first grader.
Well, not today, Burke gently explains. But everyone here is getting something even richer than flapjacks: an educational experience embedded in firsthand exposure to the outdoors. Sounds simple enough, but, like the melting snow that pings the metal sap buckets here at Shelburne Farms, the intrinsic connection between children and nature is rapidly disappearing.
The consequences of that disappearance are profound, say experts, who relate it to the rise of childhood obesity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Today, up to 33 percent of kids and teens are overweight or obese. And 5.5 million children have been diagnosed with ADHD. Environmental literacy educators argue the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 has only worsened the disconnect by forcing schools to invest more
resources in math and language arts and less in science and social studies.
Educators and parents are fighting back. In 2005, journalist Richard Luov penned Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder, which makes the case that children are su ering in myriad ways from losing exposure to nature. The book earned Luov a 2008 Audubon Medal and galvanized a national initiative, called No Child Left Inside, which has been working since 2007 to standardize and fund high-quality environmental education in grades kindergarten through 12.
When today’s parents and grandparents were kids, they spent their lives outside — building twig villages, catching slimy water creatures, setting o cherry bombs.
“Americans around my age, baby boomers or older, enjoyed a kind of free, natural play that seems, in the era of kid pagers, instant messaging, and Nintendo, like a quaint artifact,” writes Luov in Last Child in the Woods. Yes, six years after Last Child was published, pagers, Nintendo and IM’ing also seem like quaint artifacts.
“Within the space of a
children understand and experience nature has changed radically.”
Luov contends that well-meaning school systems, parents and media are “scaring children straight out of the woods and fields.” He argues that the broken bond isn’t just making them obese or ruining their attention spans — it’s spoiling their mental, physical and spiritual health. He dubs it “nature-deficit disorder,” a term he coined himself.
Luov’s argument resonated nationwide, but especially in the Green Mountain State. “It’s a very readable book,” says Jen Cirillo, director of professional development for Shelburne Farms. “But for a lot of people around here, it was like, ‘Duh, it’s what we’ve been doing for a very long time.’”
Cirillo is also on the board of directors for Vermont State-Wide Environmental Education Programs, whose members have been meeting since 1975. SWEEP board chair Lisa Purcell explains that fostering kids’ connection to nature is vital for their health and for that of the planet, as well. “We need to have students who understand challenging global environmental issues,” she says, “kids who understand the changes they may have noticed in the natural world and the impact it might have on human health. ”
Purcell is also director of Four Winds, one of the 16 Vermont members of the No Child Left Inside (NCLI) Coalition, which was formed “to alert Congress and the public to the need for our schools to devote more resources and attention to environmental education.” The coalition now includes nearly 2000 groups representing more than 50 million Americans. One of its key missions is pushing through the No Child Left Inside Act, introduced on Earth Day 2009, which would give states $500 million to implement better learning through nature.
The legislation is still stuck in Congress. But Vermont isn’t waiting around. In an e ort spurred by the NCLI coalition, some 20 Vermonters — representing the Department of Education, Agency of Natural Resources, farms and ski areas, among other groups — have created Environmental Literacy Vermont, which has been writing a K-12 education plan and working to synergize sustainability e orts throughout the state.
According to the project’s coordinator, Jen Brown, a series of statewide dialogues last winter has resulted in a document called the “Roadmap to Environmental Literacy for Vermont.” It contains successful and replicable initiatives and will be available online. “Our hope is that as folks read the vignettes found in the Roadmap,” says Brown, “that they’ll not only be proud of what their neighbors are
Like the melting snow that pings the metal sap buckets here at Shelburne Farms, the intrinsic connection between children and nature is rapidly disappearing.
few decades, the way
Getting your kids into the great outdoors
involved in some of these things themselves, or be motivated to start something important and new.”
ALL THIS TALK OF LEGISLATION is less motivating than actually getting out into the woods. In 2007, Gov. Jim Douglas launched the No Child Left Inside challenge in an e ort to get children, and their parents, actively involved at state parks. Loosely a liated with the New Mexicobased Children & Nature Network, which was cofounded by Luov, this initiative is less about environmental education and more about inspiring kids to build twig villages or catch slimy water creatures.
“Vermont is lucky,” says Purcell. “We have small classrooms and easy access to a natural outdoor environment. And our standards allow teachers to teach about sustainability and a sense of place.”
At Shelburne Farms, the first- and second-grade teachers say that this kind of learning has helped kids blossom, especially those who have been lost in the snowdrifts of traditional assignments. In a few moments, one group will head inside the sugarhouse to watch an agricultural educator scoop spiders out of the long-dormant evaporator. But first, after inserting a maple tap and hanging a bucket, the kids take a moment to hug the tree.
Info: environmentalliteracyvt.org, nclicoalition.org
Sarah Tuff is the editor-in-chief of Ski Racing magazine and a frequent contributor to Seven Days. She lives with her husband and their two children in Shelburne.
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America’s genius has been nurtured by nature — by space, both physical and mental. What happens to the nation’s intrinsic creativeity, and therefore the health of our economy, when future generations are so restricted that they no longer have room to stretch? One might argue that the Internet has replaces the woods, in terms of inventive space, but no electronic environment stimulates all the senses. So far, Microsoft sells no match for nature’s code.
Nature is imperfectly perfect, filled with loose parts and possibilities, with mud and dust, nettles and sky, transcendent, hands-on moments and skinned knees. What happens when all the parts of childhood are soldered down, when the young no longer have the time or space to play in their family’s garden, cycle home in the dark with the stars and moon illuminating their route, walk down through the woods to the river, lie on their backs on hot July days in the long grass, or watch cockleburs, lit by the morning sun, like bumblebees quivering on harp wires? What then? ...
Nature presents the young with something so much greater than they are; it offers an environment where they can easily contemplate infinity and eternity.
gated community or computer game cannot. Nature presents the young with something so much greater than they are; it offers an environment where they can easily contemplate infinity and eternity. A child can, on a rare clear night, see the stars and perceive the infinite from a rooftop in Brooklyn. Immersion in the natural
Nature — the sublime, the harsh, and the beautiful — offers something that the street or
environment cuts to the chase, exposes the young directly and immediately to the very elements from which humans evolved: earth, water, air and other living kin, large and small. Without that experience, as [psychologist Louise] Chawla says, “we forget our place; we forget that larger fabric on which our lives depend.”
Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Luov, Algonquin Books, 390 pages. $14.95.
See Mother Nature’s Child, a documentary inspired by Luov’s work, at one of three Vermont screenings in April. Find dates and times in this month’s calendar on page 28.
RICHARD LUOV
GUTTERSON
Nature museum
Grafton, 843-2111 nature-museum.org
Hours: Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., 1-4 p.m.
Admission: $5 adults, $4 students, $3 ages 3-12, $15 entire.
Kids can dig for fossils, discover minerals in a mine and watch honeybees at work at the nature museum in Grafton. the museum opened in 1989, moved to the Grafton Grange in 1996 and now also operates the fish ladder Visitors’ facility at Bellows falls. Walking trails and a wildlife garden are open year round. programming includes summer and school vacation camps, and workshops on topics such as wildlife tracking, nature drawing, forest management and gardening. All serve the museum’s mission of engaging audiences and inspiring stewardship in the natural world — yes, even the popular fairy House tour, which takes place in late September.
Shelburne, 985-8686 shelburnefarms.org
Hours: Walking trails, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Welcome Center, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Dogs are allowed on leash Nov. 1-March 31; no dogs allowed April 1-Oct. 31.
Admission: May 7-Oct. 16, $8 adults, $5 ages 3-17, free for children under 3. Free in winter.
William Seward and lila Vanderbilt Webb created Shelburne farms as a model agricultural estate in 1886. in 1972, it became an educational nonprofit. today the 1400-acre property includes an inn and restaurant, as well as a children’s farmyard, open during the summer, where kids can visit chickens, goats, sheep and other animals. the property is still a working farm with an on-site cheese house that produces award-winning cheddar. trails on the property are open year round for walking, cross-country skiing and sleigh rides. its summer camps and school programs are so popular, there’s a lottery to get in.
Montpelier, 229-6206
northbranchnaturecenter.org
Hours: Trails open every day; Center is open Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: Free.
this 28-acre reserve along the north Branch of the Winooski river offers nature programs, summer camps, field trips, a lecture and a slide-show series, as well as bird-and amphibian-monitoring programs. north Branch is also home to a teen birding program called feather Questers, whose April events include an owl prowl and snipe search on April 8, and a trip to the northeast Kingdom’s moose Bog on April 24 to search for spruce grouse, boreal chickadee, black-backed woodpecker and gray jays.
Quechee, 359-5000, vinsweb.org
Hours: Open seven days a week. Nov. 1-April 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; April 16-October 31, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Admission: $10.50 adults, $8.50 ages 4-17, free for children 3 and under and VINS members.
the Vermont institute of natural Science is for the birds — literally. the VinS nature center, established in 1972, houses more than 40 injured “ambassador” birds that can’t be returned to the wild. Visitors can see eagles, falcons and owls in live raptor shows and view several species of songbirds in a special aviary. A scavenger hunt and an audio tour enhance the outdoor experience available on four nature trails. VinS’ summer nature camps offer hands-on learning for kids in grades 1 through 8.
Huntington, 434-3068
vt.audubon.org
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat., noon-3 p.m. (based on staff availability).
Admission: $2.
the 255-acre Green mountain Audubon center is home to more than 100 species of birds, but visitors can also encounter salamanders, frogs and beavers on its five miles of trails. t he center has a sugarhouse, butterfly garden, and barn with interactive displays and activities. Audubon Vermont offers year-round education programs for Vermonters of all ages. o n April 14, for example, the c enter hosts a session for preschooler “Salamander Sleuths.” “We’ll pretend to be salamanders as we slither back to our favorite vernal pool and do the waggle dance,” reads the description. Sounds like fun!
By c a TH y Resme R
someTimes all you need to get kids outside is a little creativity. Enter the Venture Vermont Outdoor Challenge, a “statewide outdoor scavenger hunt” sponsored by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation; download the 2011 score sheet after April 1 from vtstateparks.com.
The “challenge” is to earn points by completing activities. When you reach 250 points, you send your score sheet to the Vermont state parks office, along with photographic evidence that you followed through on the tasks. They’ll send you a free day pass to all Vermont state parks for the remainder of 2011 and all of 2012.
Most of the activities are things you might do anyway: Hike a trail (5 points); skip stones across water (5 points); visit a playground (10 points). But others are more unusual: Build and fly a kite (10 points); write a nature poem (10 points); invent your own outside food recipe — one you enjoy cooking and eating outside (10 points).
Though state parks staff organize the challenge, now in its fourth year, not all the activities require park visitation. “Our goal for the program,” says parks sales and service manager Rochelle Skinner, “was just to get kids outside.”
Which activities are most popular? “Almost everybody swims,” says Skinner. “Almost everybody hikes.”
Participants’ favorite destinations include Sand Bar State Park, Waterbury Center, Mount Philo State Park and Owl’s Head Mountain in Groton State Forest. Skinner also reports that her office receives “quite a few” poems and recipes.
In 2010, 350 people won free day passes through Venture Vermont, about 100 more than in 2009. No doubt many more participants started but never finished. My own family has attempted it every year. We didn’t quite make it to 250 points in 2008, but we’ve gotten our free passes the last two years. We keep them handy in the car for spontaneous jaunts, along with a copy of the most recent score sheet. You never know when you might be able to check something off.
In my experience, the best thing about Venture Vermont isn’t winning free passes; it’s being outside with my family. The challenge gives us a sense of purpose. We might not feel like leaving the house, but because we have a goal, we’re willing to make a little extra effort. Getting credit for that effort is a sweet bonus. Plus, because we have to take photos along the way, we end up with a bunch of pictures showing how much fun we had.
This year’s Venture Vermont Outdoor Challenge kicks off on April 1; the deadline to submit completed score sheets is October 15. Trust me, even if you don’t end up winning a free pass, there’s really no way to lose. K
Grow, cook and eat the most luscious, nutritious food you've ever tasted ~ Now including the best of our backyard herbal adventures, medicines and treats!
(Ages 4 – 7: June 20 - 23; June 27 - 30; Ages 8 and over: July 11 - 14; July 18 - 21)
First-aid kits, dream pillows, flower essences and much more!
(Ages 4 – 6: July 5 - 8)
Plus: Herb Camp for Teen Girls
(All New! July 25 - 28) and Adult Herbal Medicine Workshop
The best thing about Venture Vermont isn’t winning free passes; it’s being outside with my family.
Say you saw it in
The Schoolhouse Learning Center has openings for the 2011-12 school year! We are enrolling early kindergarten (age 4 1/2) through 5th grade.
10% off tuition for the 2nd child enrolled!* *per
Schoolhouse is a family-centered, muliticultural, academically excellent school.
Please call Linda Barnes, Director of Admissions, at 355-7023 or email admissions@theschoolhousevt.org to schedule your personal tour!
In operation for over 40 years, The Schoolhouse offers a strong academic foundation in literacy, science, math and art while supporting the social and emotional development of each individual child.
• Full day programs for children 4+years old
• Themed weeks
• Meals and snacks provided
• Gymnastics lessons
• Friday performances
• Arts and crafts
• Waterslide/Outside play area
• Computer lab
• Air Conditioning
• 8am-4pm: extended hours available
MENTION THIS AD AND YOUR REGISTRATION FEE WILL BE WAIVED!
16 Tigan St • Winooski 655-3300 www.regalgym.com
Gymnastics is the Basis for ALL Sports!
5 and 8 week sessions
Riding-Woodshop-Farm-Garden-Pottery-Archery-Trips-Weaving-ArtRocketry-Tennis-Swimming-Canoeing/Kayaking-Team Sports-SailiingLow Ropes-Mountain Biking-Rock Climbing-Drama-Outdoor Skills
Camp Sangamon tel: (888) 345-9193
email: sangamonvt@aol.com www.campsangamon.com
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Contact us!
Camp Betsey Cox
tel: (866) 213-4717
email: info@campbetseycox.com
www.campbetseycox.com
• Overnight and day camp for girls ages 6-17 on the beautiful shores of Lake Champlain
Day Camp transportation now available YWCA Camp Hochelaga camphochelaga@ywcavermont.org
MINI ADVENTURE CAMP* ages 3-5
June 20-August 19
Swimming, hiking, rock climbing, arts and more.
ADVENTURE CAMP* (ages 5-17)
June 20-August 19
Biking, ziplining, hiking, naturalist tours, golf, swimming, climbing, tennis, and optional overnight.
MOUNTAIN BIKE ADVENTURE CAMP* (ages 8-17)
July 18-22, July 25-29 and August 8-12
Similar to Adventure Camp with emphasis on mountain biking.
TENNIS ADVENTURE CAMP* (ages 7-13)
August 15-19
Tennis drills and games at Sugarbush Health and Racquet Club in the morning, Adventure Camp activities in the afternoon.
ALSO AVAILABLE
• Junior Golf Camp
• Junior Tennis and Golf Combo Camp
• Weekend Family Camp
• Learn to Mountain Bike Programs
For reservations and more information, visit sugarbush.com or call 800.53.SUGAR.
for Activities offered by CAMP EDGE: k4t-Theedgesummercamps0411.indd 1 3/18/11 12:46 PM Kids VT
group Our K ids VT .com APRIL 2011 25
*Mon-Fri sessions
Summer 2011
For advanced students entering grades 4-9 who want to have fun while learning!
Johnson State College
June 19-25, 2011
“TDI has provided an environment where being intelligent is encouraged….TDI has given me confidence to be myself outside the camp and introduced me to friends I look forward to seeing each year.” — Camper
For more info and electronic version of brochure, please go to vermontgifted.org and tdivermont.com. Or contact Lucy Bogue at lucybogue@yahoo.com or 658-9941.
day camp
register for a week session or the entire summer!
JUNE
Chabad
KidsVT 1/8 page
Online Registration begins January 31st
www.uvm.edu/recreation
For more info contact Larry Mellinger 802.656.7703 / larry.mellinger@uvm.edu
June 20 – August 12
Monday to Friday, 8:30a–3p (with extended hours available)
y Children ages 3–8
y Nature- and artistic-themed weeks
y Sibling and multi-week discount
For more information: Call 802-456-7400 or E-mail orchardvalley@ovws.org
Child’s
Awakening
submit your may events by april 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.
remember spending long summer days outside till dusk? Will your child have the same memories? As screen time replaces free play and safetyconscious parents keep kids indoors, today’s children may experience what Last Child in the Woods author richard louv calls “nature deficit disorder.” That’s the subject of moTher NaTure’s child, a thought-provoking, 57-minute documentary about the powerful role of nature in children’s health and development. See the film and participate in a discussion with director/coproducer Camilla rockwell and coproducer Wendy Conquest on April 14 in Burlington. “This isn’t about nostalgia for the past — it’s about the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual health of our children,” says rockwell. Other local screenings include a broadcast on Vermont public Television at 9 p.m. on April 19 and an event on May 18 at Shelburne Farms. The Shelburne Farms screening takes place in the afternoon; while parents watch and discuss, staff members will take kids outside to explore. read more about getting kids outdoors in “Go Wild” on page 18.
Blue man Group—making Waves: This exhibition encourages families to learn, play and explore with the same curiosity as the performing troupe. Designed to bring together science and art, the exhibit offers a multisensory exploration of sound. Montshire Museum, Norwich, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., ongoing in April. Free with admission. Info, 649-2200.
comics club: Doodlers, writers and readers alike have fun with the funnies. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 223-3338.
draw comics: Draw on the expertise of a local comic artist and learn to artfully illustrate your storylines. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.
Family clay drop-in: Play with clay! Learn wheel and hand-building techniques while hanging out with the family. Staff will give demos. BCA Clay Studio, BCA Center, Burlington, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Ages infant and up. $6, $5 BCA members. Info, 865-7166.
Friday Night Teen clay drop-in: Teens don old clothes and get creative. Staff demonstrate hand building of projects; wheels are available to make cups, mugs, bowls and more. BCA Clay Studio, BCA Center, Burlington, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Ages 13-18. $6, $5 BCA members. Info, 865-7166.
afternoon hoops: Play a little pickup with your friends in this drop-in basketball program supporting healthy alternatives for kids. Players must check in, but all are welcome any day. St. Albans City Hall gymnasium, 2:30-3:45 p.m. Check in at City Hall. Free. Info, 524-1500, ext. 266.
Family Gym: Put a little play in your day with indoor gym time. YMCA, Burlington, 10:15-11:30 a.m. Ages 7 and younger and their parents. Free for Y Family Members, $5 per visit for families with one child, $8 per visit for families with multiple children. Info, 862-9622.
Friday Night Kids club: Enjoy an evening out while your kids climb the walls and play on the ropes course with staff. Petra Cliffs Climbing Center, Burlington, 6-9 p.m. Preregister. $25 with all equipment included. Info, 657-3872.
after school Book discussion at hunt middle school: Middle schoolers get to drive the discussion on comics, graphic novels, books, short stories and movies with Will Sedlack of the Fletcher Free Library. Lyman C. Hunt Middle School, Burlington, 3-4 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.
science and stories: spring: Celebrate signs of spring as we head into a new season by taking note of small changes in the environment. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 11 a.m. Free with admission. Info, 877-324-6386.
‘alice in Wonderland’: Creative adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s story emphasizes wordplay in the wonderfully wacky world through the looking glass. Chandler Center for the Arts, Randolph, 11 a.m. $12 adults, $6 students. Info, 728-6464.
Festival of cultures: A daylong celebration of cultures showcasing unique ethic foods, dance, art and music. Enjoy traditional Vietnamese dancing, Brazilian Carnival parade rhythms, Irish step dancing, and more. Silent auction benefits the children’s programs of the Sara Holbrook Center. Maple Ballroom at the Dudley H. Davis Center, University of Vermont, Burlington, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. All ages. Admission by donation. Info, 862-6342. saturday drama club: Come put on a show in three hours. Very Merry Theater, 333, Burlington, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Ages 6-12. $15 or whatever you can afford. Info, 863-6607.
Birthday Bash: A birthday party for everyone encourages kids to explore, create and get messy. Tumbling, bouncy castles, arts and crafts, baked goods, and infant play space. BFA Fairfax middle school gym and multipurpose room, 10 a.m.noon. Free. Info, 527-1941.
schoolhouse chess club: Skip the Saturday morning cartoons and sit in on a strategy-filled hour of chess with the current kindergarten state champ. Healthy Living, South Burlington, 10-11 a.m. Ages 5-12. Free. Info, 324-8450.
sugar-on-snow Party: View a Vermont tradition: sap boiling and maple-sugar making. Enjoy
sugar on snow with a doughnut and pickle. Palmer’s Sugar House, Shelburne, noon-4 p.m. All ages. Free. Info, 985-5054.
Welcome infant social: Families who have given birth or adopted a baby between March 1, 2010, and February 28, 2011, gather and meet other new-baby parents. Fairfax Community Library, 10-11:45 a.m. Free. Info, 527-1941.
Billings Farm screens ‘The Garden’: Part of the Woodstock Vermont Winter Film Series, The Garden tells the story of the largest community garden in the U.S., in South Central Los Angeles. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 3 p.m. $10 adults, $5 children. Info, 457-2355. Boating safety course: Learn the basics of boating safety. Attend session on April 9 to complete the course. Highgate Public Library, 8 a.m.-noon. Ages 10 and up. Preregister. Free. Info, 868-3970.
Beginner Ballet for special Needs students: Ballet class with Sidra Hoffman. Jazzercise Studio, Waterbury, 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Ages 4-7 who can function well in a group setting. Preregister, but drop-ins may be accepted. Donations. Info, 244-8600.
Family Gym: See April 1, YMCA, Winooski, 10:30 a.m.-noon.
read to a dog: Read to an adorable pooch from Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10-11 a.m., Ages 5 and up. Info, 865-7216.
Egg-drop challenge: The goal of this egg-citing challenge is to have a raw chicken egg fall approximately six meters onto a hard surface and survive the impact without cracking. Your job is to design and build a container to achieve this goal. Building guidelines are available at montshire.org/eggdrop. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 2 p.m. Info, 649-2200.
Nanodays: Find out about the science of “little” with hands-on activities with UVM physics students. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 10 a.m. Free with admission. Info, 877-324-6386.
Raptors Up close: Explore the fascinating lives of birds in an intimate encounter. VINS classroom, Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Quechee, 2-2:30 p.m. All ages. $10.50 adults, $8.50 youth, free for members and kids under 3. Info, 359-5000.
3 sunday
Community
sugar-on-snow Party: See April 2.
Family Gym at the Burlington YmcA: See April 1, 10:15 a.m.-noon.
Read to a dog: See April 2, 1-2 p.m. sunday Afternoon music series: Featuring a variety of music each month. Reading Room, Deborah Rawson Memorial Library, Jericho, 2-3:45 p.m. All ages. Free. Info, 899-4962.
Raptors Up close: See April 2.
4 monday
Brownell Library Teen Advisory Board: Library planning for teens, by teens. Suggest books, programs and DVDs for the library. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. Grades 9-12. Free. Info, 878-6956.
music With Raphael: Get little feet moving and grooving. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:45 a.m. Ages birth-5. Free. Limit one session per week per family. Info, 878-4918.
5 tuesday
cobleigh Library origami Group: Teresa Vasko demonstrates the art of origami with students creating centerpieces for the Darling Inn meal site. Cobleigh Public Library, Lyndonville, 3:15 p.m. Grades 4 and up. Free. Info, 626-5475.
craftacular Tuesdays: Creative kids get caught up in low-tech projects. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 223-4665.
creative Tuesdays: Artists engage their imaginations with recycled crafts. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 3-5 p.m. Kids under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Free. Info, 863-3403.
itty Bitty drop-in Art: Emerging artists explore with myriad materials. Play with salt dough, make a tempera painting or create a collage. Studio V, Vergennes, 9-10 a.m. Ages 2-5. Preregister. $5 first child with an adult, $2 each additional child. Info, 349-2214.
music Together: Help your child bounce, sing, dance, jump, drum, tap, click, wiggle and gallop his or her way to the development of pitch, rhythm and musical awareness. Hoehl Studio Lab, Flynn Center, Burlington, 9:30-10:15 a.m. Ages 0-5. $120/12 wks. plus $38 materials fee. Info, 652-4548.
Tadpole Preschool drop-in: Young artists express themselves through art projects for early learners and draw, work with clay, create collages, paint murals and more. Parents must accompany children. All materials provided. BCA Clay Studio, BCA, Burlington, 9:30-11:30 a.m. $6 parent/child pair, $3 additional sibling, $5 BCA members. Info, 865-7166.
Healthy meals on a Budget: Get some helpful tips on how to put dinner on the table in healthy, simple, affordable ways. This session focuses on meal planning. Taught by a registered dietitian. Colchester Senior Center, 6:30-8:30 p.m. $53 Colchester residents, $58 nonresidents. Preregister. Info, 264-5645.
stroller strolling: Rendezvous with the stroller crowd in town and take a walk down the recreation path. Fairfax Community Park parking lot, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-1941.
Haston Library Teen Advisory Board: Open to all preteens and teens. Come plan movie nights and help out at the library. Haston Library, 5:306:30 p.m. Ages 12 and up. Free. Info, 285-6505. music With Robert: The host of a weekly folkand world-music show on VPR explores tunes with music lovers of all ages. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.
open computer Time for Teens: Play your favorite flash games on laptops at the library or browse the web. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.
Reading With Frosty and Friends Therapy dogs: Read to a fuzzy friend from Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3:30-4:30 p.m. All ages. Preregister. Info, 878-4918.
April showers Bring...: This preschool nature discovery program teaches about the journey of salamanders to a spring habitat and ways to help them on their dangerous trip. Visit with captive salamanders and see where they live in the wild. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 10-11:30 a.m. Ages 3-5. Preregister. $5 per child. Info, 229-6206. science and stories: Frogs and Polliwogs: A sure sign of spring is the happy sound of the spring peepers at dusk. Come learn why they are singing and the new cycle of life their joyful noise sets into motion. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 11 a.m. Free with admission. Info, 1-877-324-6386.
6 wednesday
cookie decorating: Youth doll up freshly baked sugar cookies with sprinkles, frosting, sugar and nuts. Panadero Bakery, Burlington, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. All ages. Info, 863-8278.
Burlington Early Months Playgroup: A mother-infant group for moms and their first babies during the first few months after birth. Baby massage, lullabies and information sharing. VNA Family Room, St. Joseph’s School, Burlington, 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420.
Cambridge Playgroup: Kids get to play while parents meet others and learn about community resources.
Cambridge Elementary School, 9:3010:30 a.m. Free. Info, 644-8821.
Colchester Twins Playgroup: Double your fun in a group setting, sharing ideas and encouragement with other parents of multiples. Colchester Village Meeting House, 9:30-11 a.m. First and third Monday. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Free. Info, 878-1018.
Jericho Playgroup: Crafts, playtime, stories and songs with local information. Jericho Community Center, 9:30-11 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Free. Info, 899-2228.
Morrisville Playgroup: Kids get to play while parents meet others and learn about community resources.
Morrisville Elementary School, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-5138.
South Burlington Playgroup: Time for free play, songs, stories and a snack. Leo O’Brien Civic Center, South Burlington, 9:30-11 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Free. Info, 660-8833.
Winooski Fathers and Children
Together: Evening fun and dinner for dads and kids up to first grade. Winooski Community Center, 5-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420.
Winooski Wellness Playgroup: Playtime focusing on healthy eating and active play. O’Brien Community Center, Winooski, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Free. Info, 655-1422.
Alburgh Music and Movement: Get moving and grooving with this playgroup session. Alburgh Elementary School gym. 12:15-1 p.m., every other Tuesday. Ages birth-6. Free. Info, 527-5426.
Alburgh Playgroup: Children and adult caregivers enjoy lively music and movement. Alburgh Elementary School, 12:15-1 p.m., every other Tuesday. Free. Info, 527-5426.
Burlington Family Play: Big Room: Activities for parents and children ages birth-5. Work on your GED or high school diploma, take ESL classes or parenting workshops. Baby Room: Learn about your child’s development, baby signs and baby massage. Sessions run simultaneously. VNA Family Room, St. Joseph’s School, Burlington, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420.
Burlington Fathers and Children Together: Evening fun for dads and kids up to first grade. St. Joseph’s School, VNA Family Room, Burlington, 5-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420.
Charlotte Gym for Tots: Open gym with tumbling mats, rider toys, HulaHoops, cones and balls of all sizes. No food or black-soled shoes. Multipurpose room gym, Charlotte Central School, 11:25 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-6 with adult. Free. Info, 764-5820.
Fletcher Playgroup: Kids come to play and interact with games, toys, arts and crafts, snacks, and resources. Elementary school gym, Fletcher, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 849-9368 or 782-3370.
Georgia Playgroup: Time to kid around in a constructive fun fashion. Georgia Youth Center, 9:30-11 a.m., second and fourth Thursday. Ages birth-6 with caregiver. Free. Info, 527-5426.
Hardwick Playgroup: Children get out and play while community parents meet each other. Village Center Hardwick Elementary School, 8:1510:15 a.m. Free. Info, 652-5138.
Johnson Baby Chat: Playgroup for the youngest members of the community and their caregivers. Socialize while learning about development expectations. Church of the Nazarene, Johnson, 10-11:30 a.m., fourth Tuesday. Free. Info, 888-3470.
Milton Parent/Child Playgroup: New moms, dads and babies gather to enjoy music, reading, sensory play, and gross and fine motor development. New Life Fellowship Church, Milton, 9:30-11 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5. Free. Info, 893-1457.
South Burlington Playgroup: See Mondays.
South Hero Playgroup: Free play, crafting and snacks entertain children and their grown-up companions.
South Hero Congregational Church, 10-11 a.m. 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.
Swanton Playgroup: Ages birth-6 welcome for age-appropriate crafts, play and snacks. Babcock School, Swanton, 9:30-11 a.m. Follows school calendar. Free. Info, 868-7087.
Williston Tiny Tumblers Playgroup: Young bundles of energy play in an environment encouraging both fine and gross motor skills. Green Mountain Gymnastics, Williston, 9:30-11:00 a.m. No meeting April 19. Ages 6 months-6. $10 single, $15 family. Info, 652-2454.
WEDNESDAYS
Bolton Playgroup: Crafts, playtime, stories, songs, local information and connecting with others. Smilie Memorial School, Bolton, 8:15-10:15 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Free. Info, boltonplay group@gmavt.net.
Colchester Playgroup: Free play and socialization for kids and caregivers.
Colchester Village Meeting House, 9:30-11 a.m. Follows school calendar.
Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Free. Info, 879-0900.
Enosburg Playgroup: Come to enjoy circle time, free play and a craft. American Legion, Enosburg, 9-11 a.m. Please bring a snack for your child. Free. Info, 933-6435.
Essex Summit Street Playgroup: Stories, songs and simple crafts. Preschool room, Summit Street School, Essex, 9-11 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Preregister. Free. Info, 872-9580.
Essex Welcome Baby Playgroup: Connect with other parents and babies. Essex Junction Teen Center, Municipal Building, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 846-7621.
Fairfax Global Village: Parents and children explore the languages of di erent cultures. Free play, games, stories and conversation. Health room, BFA Fairfax, 10-11 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-6. Free. Info, 527-1941.
Hinesburg Playgroup: Toy-filled environment for tots including craft table, circle time and snack. Hinesburg Town Hall, 10-11:30 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with adult. Free. Info, 482-6401.
Hinesburg Playgroup for Dads: Evening fun for dads and kids up to first grade. Enjoy food, activities and discussion with other adults. Annette’s Preschool, Hinesburg, 5-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420.
Richmond Playgroup: Crafts, playtime, stories, songs, local information and connecting with others. Richmond Free Library, 8:45-10:15 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Free. Info, playgrouprichmond@yahoo.com.
South Burlington Playgroup: Time for free play, songs, stories and a snack. Leo O’Brien Civic Center, South Burlington, 9:30-11 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Free. Info, 660-8833.
Westford Playgroup: Stories, songs and play. Westford Library, 10 a.m.noon. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Free. Info, 238-5127.
Williston Baby Time Playgroup: Baby play and parent time, too. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m.-noon. No meeting April 6. For infants and toddlers. Info, 878-4918.
Williston Tiny Tumblers Playgroup: See Tuesdays; no meeting April 20.
Alburgh Family Center Playgroup: Opportunity to play and chat. Alburgh Family Center, 9:30-11 a.m. Follows school calendar. Free. Info, 796-3013.
Burlington EvoMamas Playgroup: EvoMamas fosters community, support and friendship in the transition period between pregnancy and motherhood. Whether you’re expecting, are a new mom, or have just had another baby, come to hang out, discuss and unwind. Evolution Physical Therapy & Yoga, Burlington, 2-4 p.m, second and fourth Thursday. Free. Info, 864-9642.
Burlington Family Play: See Tuesdays.
Essex Playgroup: Free play, stories and circle time. Maple Street Parks & Recreation, Essex, 9-11 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5. Free. Info, 872-9580.
Huntington Playgroup: Playtime and connecting with others. Brewster-Pierce Memorial School, Huntington, 3-5 p.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Free. Info, 434-3269.
Milton Parent/Child Playgroup: See Tuesdays.
Morrisville Baby Chat: Playgroup for the youngest members of the community and their caregivers. Socialize while learning about development expectations. Local specialist in child health available. Congregational Church, Morrisville, 10-11:30 a.m., first Thursday. Free. Info, 888-3470.
Richmond Welcome Baby Group: Welcome the newest community members with play and socialization. Richmond Free Library, 10 a.m., second Thursday. Free. Info, 802-899-4415.
South Burlington Playgroup: See Mondays.
St. Albans MOPS: Crafts and group play for kids while moms enjoy a speaker. Church of the Rock, St. Albans, 6:30 p.m., first and third Thursday. Free. Ages birth-6. Info, 524-7047.
Winooski Playgroup: Stories, songs and playtime. O’Brien Community Center, Winooski, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Free. Info, 655-1422.
FRIDAYS
Burlington Crawlers, Waddlers and Toddlers: Learn about development stages, share with other parents, play, move and have fun. VNA Family Room, St. Joseph’s School, Burlington, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 999-5100.
Colchester Playgroup: See Wednesdays.
Essex Town Hall Playgroup: Community playgroup and circulating toy library. Essex Town Hall, 9-11:30 a.m. Schedule varies, call to confirm. Ages birth-5. Free. Info, 872-9580.
Fairfax Community Playgroup: Children enjoy free play, a craft, circle time and a provided snack. Health room, BFA Fairfax 9-10:30 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-6. Free. Info, 527-1941.
Fairfield Playgroup and Story Time: Meet new friends at the library. Play games, do crafts and listen to stories. Bent Northrop Memorial Library, Fairfield, 9:45 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-6. Free. Info, 827-3945.
Montgomery Tumble Time: Allow little ones to expend some of their abundant energy. Lots of toys and space to run in the gym, play mat for babies. Montgomery Elementary School, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.
Shelburne Playgroup: Bring a toy to share and a snack for your child. No beef, tree nuts or peanuts. Trinity Episcopal Church, Shelburne, 9:30-11 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Free. Info, 985-2382.
St. Albans MOPS: See Thursdays, 8:45-11 a.m., first and third Friday. Stowe Hometown Playgroup: Children have fun and socialize while caregivers meet and learn about family resources. Stowe Elementary School, 9:30-11 a.m. Preschool ages. Free. Info, 888-5229.
Swanton Community Playgroup: Crafty kids will enjoy constructive fun as well as free play, stories and snacks. Holy Trinity Church, Swanton, 10-11:30 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-6. Free. Info, 868-7087.
Underhill Playgroup: Meet for crafts, playtime, stories, songs, local information, and to connect with other area families and caregivers. Underhill Central School, 9:30-11 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Free. Info, 899-4415. Williston Tiny Tumblers Playgroup: See Tuesdays.
Wolcott Playgroup: Young kids get to play out some of their energy in a constructive environment. Depot Center Preschool, Wolcott, 9-10:30 a.m. Follows school calendar. Info, 888-1771.
Franklin Playgroup: Playgroup begins with a story followed by a snack and projects. Franklin Central School, 10-11 a.m, second Saturday. Ages birth-6. Free. Info, 285-6678. Morrisville Baby Chat: See Thursdays, Lamoille Family Center, Morrisville, second Saturday.
North Hero Tumble Time: Children and adult caregivers enjoy stations and free play around the gym with a snack provided. North Hero Elementary School, 10-11:30 a.m., April 2, 16 and 30. Free. Info, 527-5426.
South Burlington Tots and Tykes Open Gym: Open, unstructured play time for South Burlington families. Chamberlin Gym, South Burlington, 9:30-11 a.m. Ages 1-5 and caregivers. Free. Info, 846-4108.
Williston Tiny Tumblers Playgroup: See Tuesdays, 12:30-2 p.m., every other Saturday.
afternoon Hoops: See April 1.
Little sprouts open Gym: Open gym time with mats, balls and other play equipment for preschool-age children and their parents or care providers . Recreation Center gym, Montpelier, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 225-8699.
autism awareness Event: Join Vermont Family Network and the HowardCenter in celebrating Autism Awareness Month, with tours every hour and the opportunity to make a bear. Autism resources and information available. Proceeds benefit the Vermont Autism Puzzle Foundation. Vermont Teddy Bear Factory, Shelburne, 9 a.m.5 p.m. $3 person, free for kids under 12. Info, 876-5315 ext. 212.
Kids cooking up a story: Kids gather to read a story and bring it to life through cooking. Kids room, LACE, Barre, 10 a.m. for prekindergartenage children, 5 p.m. for children ages 5-10. $3 suggested donation. Info, 476-4276.
Kids in the Kitchen: Potstickers: Bring your kids to this class to make dough-stuffed, pansizzled treats that are perfect for dipping. Kids get involved with everything, including chopping, mixing, forming dough, cooking and eating. Healthy Living Market, Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Preregister. $20 children, free for adults. Info, 863-2569, ext. 1.
Vermont Family Network annual conference: A daylong conference focuses on how working together as a community creates a more welcoming environment and on building relationships among parents, health care providers, educators and legislators. Workshops include The Benefits of iPad Technology, Cyberbulling, Making It Human, Putting a Face on Laws and Regulations, Family Centered Care, Effectively Navigating Special Education, and more. Stoweflake Resort & Conference Center, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $75. Info, 876-5315.
Brownell Library red clover Program for Homeschoolers: Kids vote on their favorite Red Clover book to earn this year’s award. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9-10 a.m. Grades K-3. Free. Info, 878-6956.
dcF Booktalks for Homeschoolers: Little literary critics discuss books on the Dorothy Canfield Fisher list and vote for their favorite this year. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9-10 a.m. Grades 4-8. Free. Info, 878-6956.
High school Book Group: Join other high schoolers to discuss plays, graphic novels, novels and short stories. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 5-6 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216. middle school Book Group: Middle schoolers muse on the merits of good books. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.
read to a dog: See April 2. science magic: Is it science or is it magic? Amaze your friends and family with science tricks using simple household materials. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3 p.m. Grades 3-8. Preregister. Info, 878-4918.
april showers Bring...: See April 5.
after school open art: Supervised, loosely structured artistic fun where school-age kids can explore, create and have a blast with a wide variety of art materials. Teachers provide assistance, encouragement and inspiration for the children, who may be dropped off. Snacks provided. Purple Crayon Productions, Woodstock, 3-5 p.m. Ages 4-8. $15 per drop in. Info, 457-3500.
‘alice in Wonderland’: Performance by Very Merry Theater, Vermont’s traveling company for young thespians. Integrated Arts Academy, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 863-6607. mom’s matinees: Movies just for parents with infants. No pressure to be quiet, baby friendly volumes and dimmed lights. Palace 9 Cinemas, South Burlington, doors open at 10 am. $7; ages 2 and under free. Info, 660-9300.
Pollywog Preschool drop-in: Budding artists explore in a creative and social multimedia environment. Work with homemade play dough, paint, yarn, ribbon, paper and more. Parents must accompany children. All materials provided. BCA Center, Burlington, 9:30-11:30 a.m. $6 parent/child pair, $5 BCA members. Info, 865-7166.
Vyo chorus and Vermont youth concert chorale spring concert: Two local choral groups perform their spring concert, featuring the world premiere of “Did You Hear?” a commissioned work by Music Alive composerin-residence Robert Paterson. Stowe High School, 8 p.m. $5 adults, $2 students. Info, 655-5030.
Essex Junction La Leche League Group: Open group for all breast-feeding mothers and mothers-to-be interested in breast-feeding. First Congregational Church of Essex, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 310-8951, 899-5490 or 862-6023.
Food for Thought Library Volunteers: The Teen Advisory Group meets for pizza, discussion and library projects. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 4-5 p.m. Grades 7-12. Free. Info, 878-4918.
music With raphael: See April 4. open computer Time for Teens: See April 5. PJ story Time Goes to the cows: Put on PJs for a special story hour and learn about cows from farmer Virginia Holiman, including fun facts, patterning, songs and stories. Fairfax Community Library, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 524-6393.
Teen Big read: A teacher, a veteran and a professional cartoonist guide a discussion of The Things They Carried and the issues raised by the book while students express their views in conversation, writing and cartooning. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. Grades 8 and up. Preregister. Free. Info, 878-6956.
8 friday
‘alice in Wonderland’: See April 7. comics club: See April 1. draw comics: See April 1.
Family clay drop-in: See April 1.
Friday Night Teen clay drop-in: See April 1.
Graphic Novel Night at Phoenix Books: Graphic novel readers and creators gather to discuss the genre and network with other readers, writers and artists. Creators should be ready for real critiques. Facilitated by Rick Evans, graphic designer and comic book fan from Underhill. Phoenix Books, Essex, 5:30 p.m. Free. Info, 872-7111.
Tadpole Preschool drop-in: See April 5. Vyo chorus and Vermont youth concert chorale spring concert: See April 7.
afternoon Hoops: See April 1. Family Gym at the Burlington ymca: See April 1.
Friday Night Kids club: See April 1.
after school Book discussion at Hunt middle school: See April 1.
Books and Beyond: Science for preschoolers with books, hands-on activities and exploration. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 10:1511:30 a.m. Ages 3-5 with a caregiver. Free with admission. Info, 549-2200.
owl Prowl and snipe search: Explore the many reasons to visit the forest after dark. The trek starts at dusk looking for snipe and woodcock, with participants searching for saw-whet, great horned and barred owls. Part of the Youth Birding Program. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 7:30-9 p.m. Preregister. Free. Info, 229-6206.
science and stories: Frogs and Polliwogs: See April 5.
9 saturday
‘Forever young, a Peter Pan Tale’: See spotlight, page 35. saturday drama club: See April 2.
mascot march and Easter Egg Hunt: Search for eggs store to store around the mall and meet local mascots as they march to the Easter Bunny treehouse at Center Court. University Mall, South Burlington, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 863-5836.
schoolhouse chess club: See April 2. sugar-on-snow Party: See April 2.
a Pearl and a dragon: a Visit to china: A visiting Chinese scholar leads stories and dancing. Come see a 40-foot Chinese dragon trying to catch a pearl. BFA Fairfax Elementary School gymnasium, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 527-1941. Boating safety course: See April 2.
Kids in the Kitchen: sizzled and scrambled Brunch: Get the kids out of bed and show ’em how to make a brunch they can whip up on the weekends. This is the perfect way to invite kids into the kitchen as they learn how to make several of their favorites: warm doughnuts, fruit salad, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage. Healthy Living Market, Burlington, 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Preregister. $35 for children, free for adult. Info, 863-2569, ext. 1.
RunVermont is excited to announce our new youth running program: Ready,
PROgRam INclUdeS: Ready, Set, Run! t-shirt
Exclusive access to the interactive web-based game
Monthly newsletter with healthy recipes and activities
Incentives every 5K
Ages 4–12
Official marathon medal to all who complete 26.2 miles
learn more and register now at www.RunVermont.org
make Your own Baby Food: Learn how to make a variety of baby foods from scratch and get answers to some common feeding questions. Taught by a registered dietitian. Colchester Senior Center, 9 a.m.-noon. Preregister. $32 Colchester residents, $37 nonresidents. Info, 264-5645.
Beginner Ballet for special Needs students: See April 2.
Family Gym: See April 1, YMCA, Winooski, 10:30 a.m.-noon.
Haiku Workshop for children: Poet Michiko Oishi will conduct a haiku workshop for young writers. Families welcome. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier. Preregister. Free. Info, 223-3338.
Plate, cup and Bowl Fundraiser: The library raises funds for youth programs by offering patrons the opportunity and supplies to design their own plate, cup or bowl. St. Albans Free Library, all day during open hours. $10 per item. Info, 524-1507.
Read to a dog: See April 2.
Nature & Science
Raptors Up close: See April 2.
10 sunday
Arts
‘Forever Young, A Peter Pan Tale’: See spotlight, page 35.
Community
sugar-on-snow Party: See April 2.
Health & Fitness
Family Gym at the Burlington YmcA: See April 1, 10:15 a.m.-noon.
Library & Books
Plate, cup and Bowl Fundraiser: See April 9.
Read to a dog: See April 2, 1-2 p.m.
Nature & Science
Raptors Up close: See April 2.
11 monday
Genuine Happiness: Parent/provider workshop provided by Scott Noyes. The program examines the idea that people are capable of changing their own emotional satisfaction and how psychological behaviors influence raising kids. North Hero Elementary School, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.
celebrate National Library Week: Every time you stop by the library this week, enter your name for a book or DVD you’d like to win. Free book/movie drawing celebrates National Library Week. Haston Library, Franklin. Free. Info, 285-6505.
Fletcher Free Library Teen Advisory Board: Help decide what goes into the teen collection and what activities the library should have for teens. Participation could count toward community service requirement. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 4-5 p.m. Ages 14-18. Free. Info, 865-7216.
music With Raphael: See April 4. Plate, cup and Bowl Fundraiser: See April 9.
12 Tuesday
cobleigh Library origami Group: See April 5. craftacular Tuesdays: See April 5.
creative Tuesdays: See April 5.
itty Bitty drop-in Art: See April 5.
Tadpole Preschool drop-in: See April 5.
Brattleboro La Leche League Newborn Group: Open group for breast-feeding mothers and mothers-to-be interested in breast-feeding. Kids PLAYce, Brattleboro, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 257-5648 or 254-5264.
Healthy meals on a Budget: See April 5.
Kids in the Kitchen: Ultimate cinnamon Buns: In this hourlong class, kids get the hands-on experience of making and baking one of childhood’s most beloved treats: the cinnamon bun. Aspiring chefs will learn to knead dough, roll it out and form the ooey-gooey center. Healthy Living Market, Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Ages 4-10. Preregister. $20 per children, free for the adult. Info, 863-2569, ext. 1. stroller strolling: See April 5.
GmBA Video creation: Teens work to create a video to showcase the Green Mountain Book Award nominees. Filming continues throughout April. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. Grades 9 and up. Free. Info, 878-6956.
music With Robert: See April 5. open computer Time for Teens: See April 5. Plate, cup and Bowl Fundraiser: See April 9. Reading With Frosty and Friends Therapy dogs: See April 5.
science and stories: Earth day: Earth Day falls on April 22 this year. Come celebrate with us as we think about ways we can help take care of our planet. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 11 a.m. Free with admission. Info, 877-324-6386.
13 wednesday
cookie decorating: See April 6.
Burlington La Leche League: Open to all women, bring your questions, babies, older kids! La Leche League lending library available. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 985-8228.
Kids cooking Up a story: See April 6.
Afternoon Hoops: See April 1.
Little sprouts open Gym: See April 6.
Plate, cup and Bowl Fundraiser: See April 9.
Vins Preschool Program series: Unravel the wonders of the natural world in this parent and child preschool program. Join a VINS educator to foster your little one’s curiosity about the natural world through stories, activities and live animal encounters. Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Quechee, 9-10 a.m. Ages 3-5. $12 nonmembers, $20 members. Info, 359-5000, ext. 223.
14 thursday
after school open art: See April 7.
Family clay drop-in: See April 1. mom’s matinees: See April 7.
‘Peter Pan’: Performance by Very Merry Theater, Vermont’s traveling company for young thespians. C.P. Smith Middle School, Burlington, noon. Free. Info, 863-6607.
Pollywog Preschool drop-in: See April 7.
‘mother nature’s child’: See spotlight on page 28.
Lego club: Join us for creative building time with other kids. Lots of Legos provided. St. Albans Free Library, 3-5 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507. music With Raphael: See April 4. Plate, cup and Bowl Fundraiser: See April 9.
mondays
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 fun-filled preschool story time with rhymes, songs and books. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 1111:30 a.m. Ages 2-5. Free. Info, 865-7216.
milton infant story Time: Little ones enjoy lap time, songs and stories. Milton Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Ages birth-18 months. Free. Info, 893-4644.
Richmond Pajama Time: Stories with Douglas while decked out in your bedtime best. Richmond Free Library, 6:30-7 p.m. Ages 2-6. Free. Info, 434-3036. st. albans story Time: Little literary lovers hear stories, sing songs and play. St. Albans Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Ages birth-6 and caregivers. Free. Info, 524-1507. stowe monday morning story Time: Little lit lovers share stories and songs. Stowe Community Room, Stowe Free Library, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 253-6145.
Waterbury Toddlers-n-Twos: Active stories designed for ages 18-36 months and their caregivers. Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.
Tuesdays
Barre children’s story Hour: Tots tune in for audible prose. Aldrich Public Library, Barre, 10:30 a.m. Ages 2-5. Free. Info, 476-7550.
salamander sleuths: Put on your sleuthing hat and learn about slithering salamanders. Journey into the forest to flip over logs and rocks while searching for our amphibian friends. Education Barn, Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 10-11 a.m. Ages 3-5 with adult companion. Preregister. $10 nonmember adult/child pair, $4 each additional child. Info, 434-3068.
15 friday
comics club: See April 1. draw comics: See April 1.
Family movie: Operation Dumbo Drop — To keep the loyalty of a native village during the Vietnam War, a U.S. Army officer and his unit struggle to deliver a live elephant. Free popcorn and soda. PG, 107 minutes. Brownell Library,
Essex Junction, 6:30-8:15 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.
Friday night Teen clay drop-in: See April 1. ‘Peter Pan’: See April 14, 7 p.m. Tadpole Preschool drop-in: See April 5.
Vermont maple Festival: See spotlight on page 34.
afternoon Hoops: See April 1. Family Gym at the Burlington ymca: See April 1.
Friday night Kids club: See April 1.
Plate, cup and Bowl Fundraiser: See April 9.
15 FRiday, p. 34
Barre Kids story Hour: Literature hounds show up for tall tales. East Barre Branch Library, Barre, kids under 3 meet at 10 a.m., ages 3 to 5 meet at 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 476-5118. east middlebury Preschool story Hour: Kids get silly with stories and songs. Sara Partridge Library, East Middlebury, 10:30-11 a.m. Follows school calendar. Birth-5 with caregiver. Free. Info, 388-7588.
essex Junction Preschool story Time: Tots enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and fun activities. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:45 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages 3-5. Preregister. Free. Info, 878-6956.
essex Junction Toddler story Time: Simple stories, songs, and finger plays. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9:10-9:30 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages 18-36 months with an adult. Free. Info, 878-6956.
Fairfax Preschool story Time:
Children hear stories, sing songs, and create a craft or do an experiment. Fairfax Community Library, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Follows school calendar. Birth-6 with caregiver. Free. Info, 527-1941.
Grand isle PJ story Time: Curl up in your PJs with a good book. Grand Isle Free Library, 6:30-7:30 p.m. First Tuesday each month. Ages birth-6. Free. Info, 527-5426.
Highgate Toddler and Preschool story Time: Listen to stories and songs, shake out your sillies, and make a craft.
Highgate Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-preschool. Free. Info, 868-3970.
Hinesburg Preschool story
Hour: Drop by for stories, songs and games. Carpenter Carse Library, Hinesburg, 11 a.m. Ages 3-5 with caregiver. Free. Info, 482-2878.
Hinesburg Toddler story
Time: Songs, stories and finger plays. Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 9:30-10 a.m. First and third Tuesdays. Ages birth-3. Free. Info, 482-2878.
Lyndonville Baby/Toddler story Time: Connect with library friends and enjoy stories, songs, storyboards and finger plays. Cobleigh Public Library, Lyndonville, 10 a.m. Ages birth-3 and caregivers. Free. Info, 626-5475.
montpelier story Time: Join us for great books, singing, crafts and fun. Kellogg Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 10:30 a.m. Follows school calendar. Preschool ages. Free. Info, 223-4665.
Richmond story Time: Tall tales and simple stories. Richmond Free Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Ages 2-6. Free. Info, 434-3036.
south Burlington Tiny Tots story Time: Special story hour features an egg hunt in addition to read-aloud time. South Burlington Community Library, 10:30 a.m. Ages 1-3. Preregister. Free. Info, 652-7080.
Williston story Hour: Stories and a craft entertain young readers. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 11 a.m. Ages 3-5. Free. Info, 878-4918.
Wednesdays
essex Junction Preschool story Time: See Tuesdays.
Highgate Toddler and Preschool story Time: See Tuesdays.
Lyndonville Preschool story
Time: Enjoy stories, the letter of the day, a focus on one of the six early literacy skills each week, songs, crafts and friends. Cobleigh Public Library, Lyndonville, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3-5 and families. Free. Info, 626-5475.
middlebury stories with shoopie and Lily: Read to a Therapy Dog. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 4-5 p.m. Preregister. Free. Info, 388-4097.
middlebury Toddler story
Hour: Stories, songs, rhymes and crafts. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages 1-3. Free. Info, 388-4097. montpelier story Time: See Tuesdays.
shelburne Teddy Bear story
Time: A bear-y good time with books and stories. Vermont Teddy Bear Company, Shelburne, 11 a.m. Ages 3-5. Free. Info, 985-1643.
south Burlington story
Time: Staff read newly released board books and old favorites. Barnes & Noble, South Burlington, 10 a.m. Ages 1-3. Free. Info, 864-8001. swanton story Hour: Come listen to stories and songs, and do an easy craft. Swanton Public Library, 10-11 a.m. All ages. Free. Info, 868-7656.
Waterbury Baby Lap Time: Story time designed for babies birth to 18 months with songs, simple rhymes and stories. Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.
THuRsdays
Barre Kids story Hour: Snacks and activities follow an hour of tales. LACE, Barre, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 476-4276.
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.
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. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages 3 and up. Free. Info, 388-4097.
shelburne story Time With mary catherine Jones: The musician and storyteller brings stories, songs and rhymes to the Pierson Library, Shelburne, 10:30 a.m. All ages welcome. Free. Info, 985-5124. st. albans story Time: See Mondays.
south Burlington Baby story
Time: Infants are introduced to the wonders of language with nursery rhymes, songs, finger plays and board books. South Burlington Community Library, 10:30 a.m. For children who are not yet walking. Preregister. Free. Info, 652-7080.
Vergennes story Time:
Themed stories with American Sign Language and an activity. Bixby Library, Vergennes, 10:30 a.m. Preschool ages. Free. Info, 877-2211.
FRidays
Lincoln children’s story
Time: Songs, crafts and other activities for children. Lincoln Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Ages birth-5. Free. Info, 453-2665.
milton Toddler story Time: Toddlers tackle tall tales and enjoy songs and crafts. Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Ages 18 months-3 years. Free. Info, 893-4644.
montpelier story Time: See Tuesdays.
moretown story Time: Stories, songs, crafts and fun! Moretown Memorial Library, 11:15-11:45 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages 3-5. Free. Preregister. Info, 223-2415.
south Burlington Preschool story Hour: Special story hour session features an egg hunt in addition to read-aloud time. South Burlington Community Library, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3-5. Preregister. Free. Info, 652-7080.
Waterbury Preschool story
Time: A time for great stories, puppets and fun songs. Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Ages 3-6. Free. Info, 244-7036. saTuRdays
Burlington story Time for Kids: Weekly time to listen to favorite and new stories. Borders Books & Music, Burlington, 11 a.m. All ages. Free. Info, 865-2711.
colchester saturday stories: Children of all ages enjoy great picture books. Burnham Library, Colchester, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-0313.
shelburne Teddy Bear story
Time: See Wednesdays.
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. K
Maple marches down Main Street to take sweet center stage during the VERmoNT mAPLE FEsTiVAL in downtown St. Albans, April 15 through 17. Enjoy a pancake breakfast, maple cooking contests, free syrup samples and sugar on snow, and check out
the carnival rides, the youth talent show, and antique and craft shows. take a tasting tour of the concession vendors and treats along Main Street, which is closed to traffic for the duration of the festival. Make sure to stake out a comfortable spot early on Sunday for the parade, which begins at 1 p.m. and features local marching bands, tractors and trucks, clowns and candy.
VERmoNT mAPLE FEsTiVAL: Friday, saturday and sunday, april 15 through 17, times vary. Various locations, st. albans. see vtmaplefestival.org for a full list of events, venues and times. Info, 425-2783.
15 FRidAY (ContinuEd)
songs and stories With matthew: Hear adventurous stories and songs from Matthew Witten. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:45 a.m. All ages. Free. Info, 878-6956.
Wii-Tastic: Get your game on with Wii Sports Resort, MarioKart, Dance Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero, Wii Sports and Wii Play. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. Ages 5 and up. Free. Info, 878-6956.
science and stories: Earth day: See April 12.
16 saturday
crafts for Kids: Candy science crafts and projects. Haston Library, Franklin, 10-11 a.m. All ages welcome, but younger children may need assistance. Free. Info, 285-6505.
make a mini-comic: Join UVM professor Glynnis Fawkes in producing your own mini-comic with simple materials: pencils, erasers, pens, paper. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 1-3 p.m. For teens and adults. Free. Info, 865-7216. saturday drama club: See April 2.
Billings Farm screens ‘Rabbit-Proof Fence’: Part of the Woodstock Vermont Winter Film Series, this movie tells the true story of two sisters and a cousin who were torn from their families in 1931 and placed in the Moore River Native Settlement, north of Perth, Australia. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 3 p.m. $10 adults, $5 children. Info, 457-2355.
Burlington Eggstravaganza: The big white bunny bounces back into Burlington. Over 10,000 eggs, refreshments, cookie decorating and more. Oakledge Park, Burlington, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 864-0213.
Easter Egg Parade and Hunt: The Williston Rotary hosts its annual parade and egg hunt. Come early to get a balloon and find a spot to watch the parade; prizes for kids who come in costume. Egg hunt following the parade, which circles the town green. Williston Central School, 9 a.m. Free. Info, 865-2738.
Fairfax community Egg Hunt: Hop on over to the third annual egg hunt, bringing your own basket or bag for collecting the goodies. Fairfax Community Park, 9:30 a.m. Call to preregister children in age groups birth-2, 3-6, or 7 and up. Include information about any allergies. Registration deadline April 13. Free. Info, 524-6393. schoolhouse chess club: See April 2. sugar-on-snow Party: See April 2.
Vermont maple Festival: See spotlight on this page.
Beginner Ballet for special Needs students: See April 2.
colchester Family swim: Swim into spring and do some family laps around the pool. Sports & Fitness Edge, Essex, 5-7 p.m. Preregister. $3 per person, free for members. Info, 264-5645.
Family Gym: See April 1, YMCA, Winooski, 10:30 a.m.-noon.
Plate, cup and Bowl Fundraiser: See April 9.
Read to a dog: See April 2.
Read to sara, Therapy dog: Choose a dog-gone good book to read to Sara, a therapy dog that loves to hear kids read. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:45 a.m. Grades K and up. Preregister. Free. Info, 878-6956.
EcHo Earth Week mudFest: A nine-day celebration of Earth Day and mud season featuring daily muddy music at 12:30 p.m. free muddy treats and gobs of muddy activities. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free with admission. Info, 877-324-6386.
Leaping Lambs and shear delights: Celebrate this special time of year by visiting the new lambs, watching their moms get sheared, washing the fleece and learning how to hand spin. Shelburne Farms, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. All ages. $7 adult nonmember, $5 child nonmember, $6 adult member, $4 child member. Info, 985-8686.
Raptor Encounter: This firsthand encounter with live falcons, hawks and owls focuses on the natural history, ecology and adaptations of these efficient predators. Touchable artifacts and hands-on materials round out the experience. Presented by Vermont Institute of Natural Science. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4198.
Raptors Up close: See April 2.
Family Panorama sugar Eggs: Build a delicate and lovely panoramic sugar egg in celebration of the season. Instructions and supplies provided. Colchester Meeting House, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Preregister. $25 Colchester residents, $30 nonresidents. Info, 264-5645.
‘Wasabi: A dragon’s Tale’: Visit the mysterious and magical world of marionettes. Enjoy traditional puppet theater with No Strings Marionette Company’s production of a modernminded fairy tale. Vergennes Opera House, 2 p.m. Ages 2 and up. $8 adults, $6 children, free for kids 2 and under. Info, 728-5529.
sugar-on-snow Party: See April 2.
Vermont maple Festival: See spotlight on this page. Vermont maple Festival Parade: Fancy floats, marching band madness, fire trucks, tractors, bagpipes and more, including maple royalty, the newly-crowned King and Queen. Parade begins on Lake Street, travels north on Main Street to Lower Newton Street. Free. Info, 425-2783.
Family Gym at the Burlington YmcA: See April 1, 10:15 a.m.-noon.
Plate, cup and Bowl Fundraiser: See April 9. Read to a dog: See April 2, 1-2 p.m.
EcHo Earth Week mudFest: See April 16.
Raptors Up close: See April 2.
18 monday
crafternoons at the Library: Hop into the library during vacation week and enjoy a daily craft. Each day’s craft is unique, including egg critters, magnets, and more. South Burlington Community Library, noon-2 p.m. All ages welcome, but some crafts not appropriate for children under 3. Free. Info, 652-7080.
Pumps and more: Learn about managing milk supply when separated from your baby or when supply is low. Fletcher Allen Health Care, 4th floor, East Pavilion, GYN Conference Room, 6:30-8 p.m. $20. Info, 847-1245.
Rutland Breast-Feeding support Group: A group for new mothers or women considering breastfeeding. Rutland Regional Medical Center, 7-9 p.m. Free. Info 747-3688.
Egg-cellent Activity stations: Spring activities all around the library, including finding a way through an egg maze, playing in a bird’s nest, finding words in the spring word box or finding eggs hiding on the walls of the children’s room. South Burlington Community Library. Free. Info, 652-7080.
music With Raphael: See April 4. Plate, cup and Bowl Fundraiser: See April 9. Vacation movie: Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole. When a young owl is abducted by an evil owl army, he must escape with new friends to seek out the legendary guardians to stop the menace. Free popcorn and soda. PG, 95 minutes. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2-3:45 p.m. Grades K and up. Preregister. Free. Info, 878-6956.
Youth movie matinee: Settle in for a free movie, popcorn and a drink. Today’s show is Yogi Bear PG, 82 minutes. St. Albans Free Library, 1 p.m. Info, 524-1507.
EcHo Earth Week mudFest: See April 16. Vacation day: Farmer for a day: Pitch in to ready the farm for spring. Annual duties like skirting fleece, prepping garden beds and forking winter bedding combine with ongoing daily chores like egg collecting. Shelburne Farms, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Preregister. $50 per nonmember child per day, $45 per member child per day. Info, 985-8686.
19 tuesday
cobleigh Library origami Group: See April 5. craftacular Tuesdays: See April 5.
crafternoons at the Library: See April 18. creative Tuesdays: See April 5. itty Bitty drop-in Art: See April 5. Tadpole Preschool drop-in: See April 5.
montpelier La Leche League Group: Open group for all breast-feeding mothers and mothers-to-be interested in breast-feeding. Unitarian Church, Montpelier, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7416 or 223-0873.
stroller strolling: See April 5.
craft: dazzling dragonfly: Dress up your window with a hanging dragonfly craft. St. Albans Free Library, 2 p.m. Ages 8 and up. Preregister. Free. Info, 524-1507.
Egg-cellent Activity stations: See April 18. music With Robert: See April 5. open computer Time for Teens: See April 5. Plate, cup and Bowl Fundraiser: See April 9.
Reading With Frosty and Friends Therapy dogs: See April 5.
Bird Homes: Kids on school vacation get to build a birdhouse or nest craft. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 10-11:30 a.m. Preregister. $15 adult/child pair. Info, 434-2167.
EcHo Earth Week mudFest: See April 16.
Vacation day: Farmer for a day: See April 18.
Watery Worlds: Swamps, ponds and wetlands, oh, my! Follow the journey of a drop of water and soak up the spring with some wet and wild stories, games and crafts. Wear your mud boots! Education Barn, Green Mountain Audubon Center, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Ages 6-12. Preregister. $50 per person per day.
20 wednesday
Arts
crafternoons at the Library: See April 18.
Community
cookie decorating: See April 6.
Education
Breast-Feeding Families’ Group: Get breastfeeding support from other parents and Certified Lactation Consultants. Light snack provided. Church of the Nazarene, Johnson. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Parents to be, new parents, experienced parents and children. Free. Info, 888-3470 or 888-4651.
Kids cooking Up a story: See April 6.
Afternoon Hoops: See April 1. Bike Ride on the Essex Bike Path: Kids and parents meet up for a spring vacation bike ride along the Essex Bike Path and a talk about bike safety. Helmets required for all riders. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 1-2 p.m. Grades K-5 with adult riders. Preregister. Free. Info, 878-6956.
Little sprouts open Gym: See April 6.
Egg-cellent Activity stations: See April 18.
High school Book Group: See April 6. middle school Book Group: See April 6. Plate, cup and Bowl Fundraiser: See April 9. Youth movie matinee: See April 18. Today’s show is Adventures of a Teenage Dragonslayer. PG, 93 minutes.
EcHo Earth Week mudFest: See April 16.
Vacation day: Farmer for a day: See April 18.
21 thursday
crafternoons at the Library: See April 18. mom’s matinees: See April 7.
Pollywog Preschool drop-in: See April 7.
Just for Fun: Join Kurt Valenta of Exordium as he brings another nature and art activity to engage the mind. Highgate Public Library, 1 p.m. Preregister. Free. Info, 868-3970.
craft: Flower Friends: Fashion a few fairies to adorn your bookshelf, desk or windowsill. St. Albans Free Library, 2 p.m. Ages 6 and up. Preregister. Free. Info, 524-1507.
Egg-cellent Activity stations: See April 18.
Haston Library Teen Advisory Board: See April 5.
Lego Fun and Games: Build new friends along with Lego creations. Get ready to be creative, clever and inventive. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Grades K and up. Free. Info, 878-6956.
music With Raphael: See April 4.
open computer Time for Teens: See April 5.
Plate, cup and Bowl Fundraiser: See April 9.
EcHo Earth Week mudFest: See April 16. salamander safari: April showers bring ... salamanders! These quiet creatures are on the move during spring, and this safari program will explore the Audubon Center’s ponds and forests for signs of these amphibians. Education Barn, Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Ages 6-12. Preregister. $50. Info, 434-3068.
22 friday
comics club: See April 1. crafternoons at the Library: See April 18. draw comics: See April 1.
Family clay drop-in: See April 1.
Friday Night Teen clay drop-in: See April 1. Tadpole Preschool drop-in: See April 5.
Earth day Event: Recycle select, miscellaneous household items at the Earth Day recycle/reuse event. Visit umallvt.com for a complete list of items. University Mall, South Burlington, 9:30 a.m-9 p.m. Free. Info, 863-5836.
colchester Babysitting Training course: A course stressing the safety principles needed for babysitting. Topics include interviewing for a sitting gig, choosing appropriate toys, first aid, diapering, feeding, bedtime and more. Colchester Senior Center, Bayside Park, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $56 Colchester residents, $61 nonresidents. Info, 264-5645.
Afternoon Hoops: See April 1. Family Gym at the Burlington YmcA: See April 1.
Friday Night Kids club: See April 1.
Egg-cellent Activity stations: See April 18. music and movement: Musical fun for toddlers and preschoolers. Isley Public Library, Middlebury, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.
Plate, cup and Bowl Fundraiser: See April 9. Youth movie matinee: See April 18. Today’s show is Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1. PG-13, 146 minutes. Nature & Science
23 saturday
Arts
major mess: Muddy fun including making mud pies and castles and finding buried treasure. Also enjoy puddle play! Purple Crayon Productions, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-noon. All ages, children 5 and under must be accompanied by an adult. $10 drop-in per hour. Info, 457-3500.
saturday drama club: See April 2.
Barre city/Town Egg Hunt: Bring a basket or bag and find the treats the big bunny has hidden. Event takes place rain or shine, so dress for the weather. Park at Barre City Elementary and Middle School. Rotary Park, next to Playground 2000, 10 a.m. Ages 3-10. No charge, but bring a nonperishable food item to be donated to the Vermont Community Food Bank. Info, 476-0257.
Big-Truck day: Explore big trucks such as construction vehicles, military rigs and farm equipment. Then watch the wheels in action during the truck parade. BFA Fairfax Elementary School parking lot, 10 a.m.-noon., parade at 12:15 p.m. Free. Info, 527-1941. colchester Easter Egg Hunt: Egg-cellent opportunity for little ones to hunt for eggs. Children will be separated into age groups for efficient hunting. Colchester High School, 10 a.m. Enter park by softball field off Laker Lane. Free. Info, 264-5645.
Earth day Event: See April 22.
Easter Egg Hunt at Vermont Teddy Bear: Search through the Bear Shop for hidden eggs, some with special items inside. Collect the most and win something egg-stra special. Vermont Teddy Bear Company, Shelburne, 10 a.m. Ages 3-8. Free. Info, 985-1643.
milton Egg Hunt: Join in the egg-citing annual outdoor race to find over 2000 candy-filled eggs. Bring your own basket. Hunt takes place rain, shine, snow or mud. Bombardier Park, Milton, 10 a.m. Ages 6 and under. Info, 893-4922.
montpelier Egg Hunt: Find some eggs to fill your basket. Hubbard Park, Montpelier, arrive by 9:45 a.m., starts 10 a.m. sharp. Ages 12 and under. Free. Info, 225-8699.
schoolhouse chess club: See April 2.
st. Albans Egg Hunt: The St. Albans Recreation Department teams up with chocolate-maker Barry Callebaut and dozens of volunteers for an Easter egg hunt downtown. Taylor Park, St. Albans, 10 a.m.; the hunt is over quickly, plan to arrive early. Info, 524-1500, ext. 266.
sugar-on-snow Party: See April 2. swanton Egg Hunt: Hunt around for some eggcellent Easter treats. Village Park, Swanton, 9 a.m. Ages birth-11. Free. Info, 868-7200.
Beginner Ballet for special Needs students: See April 2.
Family Gym: See April 1, YMCA, Winooski, 10:30 a.m.-noon.
Egg-cellent Activity stations: See April 18. Read to a dog: See April 2. saturday music With Raphael: Get your little feet moving and grooving. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Willston. 11 a.m. Up to age 5. Free. Limit one session per week per family. Info, 878-4918.
EcHo Earth Week mudFest: See April 16.
Vermont Youth Dancers fashions a new hook for an old tale with ‘FoREVER YoUNG: A PETER PAN TALE’ at Mount Mansfield Union High school on April 9 and 10. loosely based on J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, the play was written by director Mia Groff, who also created VYD’s first full-length performance, last year’s Cinderella Unwritten. Groff finds contemporary music that speaks to her — from hiphop to Christian rock — and weaves a story to go with it. She started VYD in 2006 and works with kids ages 6 to 15. Members hail from Jericho, Underhill, Fletcher, Essex, Williston and Huntington. The crew has been rehearsing since August to bring this never-grow-up story to the stage.
Family Day at the Billings Farm: A day of family farm fun featuring a look at the farm’s lambs, chicks and calves, plus heirloom garden activities and wagon rides. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. All ages. $12 adults, $6 children 5-15, $3 children 3-4, free for kids 2 and under. Info, 457-2355.
Raptors Up Close: See April 2.
24 SUNDAY
Sugar-on-Snow Party: See April 2.
Sugarbush Egg Hunt: Hunt for candy-filled eggs around the base of Lincoln Peak. Sugarbush Resort, Warren, 10 a.m. Ages birth-12. Free. Info, 583-6300.
Health & Fitne
Family Gym: See April 1, 10:15 a.m.-noon.
Library & B ks
Egg-cellent Activity Stations: See April 18.
Read to a Dog: See April 2, 1-2 p.m.
Boreals at Moose Bog: Before the black flies take over, head up to this famed Northeast Kingdom site in search of spruce grouse, boreal chickadees, black-backed woodpeckers and gray jays. Part of the Youth Birding Program. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Preregister. Free. Info, 229-6206.
ECHO Earth Week MudFest: See April 16.
Raptors Up Close: See April 2.
25 MONDAY
Fletcher Free Library Teen Advisory Board: See April 11..
Music With Raphael: See April 4.
Puzzles and Board Games: Challenge yourself with jigsaw puzzles and board games. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. All ages. Free. Info, 865-7216.
‘Star Wars’ Club: May the force be with you and your friends as you share your Star Wars stu , and talk about your favorite characters and moments. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 4:30-5:30 p.m. All ages. Free. Info, 878-6956.
Cobleigh Library Origami Group: See April 5.
Craftacular Tuesdays: See April 5.
Creative Tuesdays: See April 5.
Itty Bitty Drop-In Art: See April 5.
Tadpole Preschool Drop-In: See April 5.
Teens Take Over the Kitchen: Lasagna’s always popular with hungry teens, and Mexican lasagna is even more intriguing. This recipe guarantees a sense of culinary accomplishment and is easy enough that teens can bust it out whenever they’re hungry. Attendees will learn hands-on kitchen skills and get to bring home dinner for the entire family. Healthy Living Market, urlington, 4-5:30 p.m. Ages 13 and up. Preresgister. $35 per child. Info, 863-2569, ext 1.
The big bunny visits many communities this month. See calendar listings for more information.
BARRE: Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m., Rotary Park. Info, 476-0257
BURLINGTON: Saturday, April 16, 11 a.m., Oakledge Park. Info, 864-0213.
COLCHESTER: Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m., Colchester High School. Info, 264-5645.
FAIRFAX: Saturday, April 16, 9:30 a.m., Fairfax Community Park. Info, 524-6393.
MILTON: Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m., Bombardier Park. Info, 893-4922.
MONTPELIER: Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m., Hubbard Park. Info, 225-8699.
SHELBURNE: Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m., Vermont Teddy Bear Company. Info, 985-1643.
SOUTH BURLINGTON: Saturday, April 9, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., University Mall, Info, 863-5836.
ST. ALBANS: Saturday, April 23, Taylor Park, 10 a.m. Info, 524-1500, ext. 266.
SWANTON: Saturday, April 23, 9 a.m., Village Park. Info, 868-7200.
WARREN: Sunday, April 24, 10 a.m., Lincoln Peak base area, Sugarbush Resort. Info, 583-6300.
WILLISTON: Saturday, April 16, 9 a.m., Williston Central School. Info, 865-2738.
Stroller Strolling: See April 5.
Legos: Construct some fun and build excitement into your morning by creating a Lego masterpiece for display at the library. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Ages 5 and up. Free. Info, 865-7216.
Middle School Planners and Helpers: Students help out with projects and talk about what’s on their minds. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:40 p.m. Grades 6-8. Free. Info, 878-6956.
Music With Robert: See April 5.
Open Computer Time for Teens: See April 5.
Puzzles and Board Games: See April 25.
Reading With Frosty and Friends Therapy
Dogs: See April 5.
Busy Builders: This preschool nature discovery program teaches about how birds and mammals construct their dens and nests for raising their young. Take a walk to the beaver ponds to see what new homes can be spotted. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 10-11:30 a.m. Ages 3-5. Preregister. $5 children. Info, 229-6206.
Science and Stories: Mud: We are embracing and celebrating Vermont’s fifth season. We will read muddy stories, do a muddy craft and have lots of muddy fun. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 11 a.m. Free with admission. Info, 877-324-6386.
27 WEDNESDAY
Cookie Decorating: See April 6.
Kids Cooking Up a Story: See April 6.
Afternoon Hoops: See April 1.
Little Sprouts Open Gym: See April 6.
High School Book Group: See April 6.
Kids Dance for Spring: Join DJ Christine and swing into spring with some moving music. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:45 a.m. All ages. Free. Info, 865-7216.
Middle School Book Group: See April 6.
Puzzles and Board Games: See April 25.
Busy Builders: See April 26.
28 THURSDAY
After School Open Art: See April 7.
‘Charlotte’s Web’: Saints & Poets Productions brings to life E.B. White’s classic story in a charming way with a combination of actors, puppets and live music. O Center for the Dramatic Arts, Burlington, 7 p.m. Ages 4 and up. $15 adults, $10 children under 12. Info, info@saint sandpoetsproductions.org.
Mom’s Matinees: See April 7.
Pollywog Preschool Drop-In: See April 7.
Booklovers/Booklust: A giant group gathering of book fiends including middle and high school students. Snacks and book-loving fun. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.
Lego Club: See April 14.
Music With Raphael: See April 4, 10:30 a.m.
Open Computer Time for Teens: See April 5.
Puzzles and Board Games: See April 25.
‘Charlotte’s Web’: See April 28. Comics Club: See April 1.
Draw Comics: See April 1.
Family Clay Drop-In: See April 1.
Friday Night Teen Clay Drop-In: See April 1.
‘Guys and Dolls’: Performance by Very Merry Theater, Vermont’s traveling company for young thespians. Vermont Commons School production. Waterfront Theater, Burlington, times TBD. Free. Info, 863-6607.
Tadpole Preschool Drop-In: See April 5.
Kids Night Out: Great time for kids, and a night o for parents. Games, movies, snacks and lots of running around. Supervised by St. Albans Recreation sta . St. Albans City Hall gymnasium, 6:30-9 p.m. Ages 5-14. Preregister. $8 St. Albans residents, $10 nonresidents. Info, 5241500, ext. 266.
Afternoon Hoops: See April 1.
Family Gym at the Burlington YMCA: See April 1.
Friday Night Kids Club: See April 1.
After School Book Discussion at Hunt Middle School: See April 1.
Puzzles and Board Games: See April 25.
Songs and Stories With Matthew: See April 15.
Science and Stories: Mud: See April 26.
30 SATURDAY
‘Charlotte’s Web’: See April 28, 2 and 7 p.m. ‘Guys and Dolls’: See April 29.
Saturday Drama Club: See April 2.
Kids’ Concoctions: Tour the Kids’ Concoctions Lab and experiment with wiggly worms, engineer bridges, be chemists, turn into human balances, cook with patterns and more. BFA Fairfax Elementary School gym, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 527-1941.
Leddy Park Arena Ice Show: Featuring skaters from the Burlington Parks and Recreation group lesson program as well as skaters from the Champlain Valley Skating Club. Leddy Park Arena, Burlington, 4 p.m. Admission by donation. Info, 864-0123.
Schoolhouse Chess Club: See April 2. Sugar-on-Snow Party: See April 2.
Spring Farm Festival: Welcome the season with a weekend of spring farm activities highlighted by sheep shearing and plowing demonstrations in the farm fields. Includes visitor plowing with Billings’ teams, horse drawn wagon rides and a children’s art show. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. All ages. $12 adults, $6 ages 5-15, $3 ages 3-4. Info, 457-2355.
Beginner Ballet for Special Needs Students: See April 2.
Family Gym: See April 1. YMCA, Winooski, 10:30 a.m.-noon.
Music With Robert: See April 5.
Open Computer Time for Teens: See April 5.
Read to a Dog: See April 2.
Raptors Up Close: See April 2.
As spring returns to our lives, so do the warm-weather birds. Welcome some feathered friends to your yard with a homemade bird feeder. We made this one with a 16-ounce carton of half-and-half and acrylic paints, but any size carton will work. For a quicker turnaround time, use stickers, markers or contact paper to decorate the house rather than painting it.
— KATE LADDISON1. Rinse the empty milk carton well and allow it to dry. Staple the top of the carton closed.
2. Use a utility knife to cut an opening for the birds into one side of the carton. Cut the opening high enough on the carton to allow ample room for birdseed at the bottom as well as the hole for the perch.
3. Use the utility knife to cut a small “X” about a quarter inch below the opening for the perch.
4. Poke a pen or sharpened pencil through the opening and mark the other side of the carton by creating a slight indentation with the pencil point.
materials
• Milk carton
• Acrylic paints and paintbrushes
• 4 large-size craft sticks or Popsicle sticks
• Pencil or wooden dowel
• Utility knife
• Scissors
• Piece of string or twine long enough to hang the feeder
• Hole punch
5. Cut another small “X” in the opposite side of the carton where the perch will exit the feeder.
6. Once all the cuts are made, paint the carton using acrylic paints. It may take several coats of paint to cover the carton completely; allow each coat to dry for about an hour.
7. Decorate your house with paint, stickers or other embellishments.
8. While waiting for the birdhouse to dry, get the roof ready by cutting the craft sticks in half with scissors. If you like, paint the craft sticks and allow them to dry.
9. Glue the halved craft sticks to the angled portion of the carton for the roof shingles. If you have a carton with a round spout, just work around the round opening.
10. Use the hole punch to make two holes in the stapled, top part of the carton and lace a piece of string through the openings.
11. Insert the pencil or dowel through the container for the perch.
Send them to ideas@kidsvt.com.
12. Fill the bottom of the container with birdseed and hang the feeder in a location the birds can reach, but predators — or squirrels — can’t. Share
Encourage them to enter the 2011 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 and experts will select 12 winners, three from each grade. VPT will announce the winners in late April and will feature videos of students reading their stories on air and online, at vpt.org and kidsvt.com. Contest participants will receive a certificate of achievement, as well as the opportunity to read their story aloud at Storytime celebrations held at locations throughout the state.
TO ENTER: Visit vpt.org/writers or call 800639-3351 for contest rules and an entry form. The deadline for entries is Friday, April 8.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS:
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• Everybody Wins! Vermont
• Flying Pig Bookstore
• Kids VT
• Stern Center for Language and Learning
• Vermont Department of Libraries
• Vermont Humanities Council
SUPPORTED IN PART BY GRANTS FROM:
Comcast and the Employee Community Action Council of the Employees of General Dynamics
THE PARTY PLANNER BY KATRINA ROBERTSAny way you slice it, pizza is a fun finger food. Kids love it. Want to have cake and pies at your child’s next birthday?
Here are some pizza-party possibilities:
INDOOR FUN IN SOUTH BURLINGTON:
Pizza Putt and Lee Zachary’s Pizza House offer the arcade experience. Both facilities have combination packages that include pizza, cake, arcade tokens and private dining space. Lee Zachary’s party zone — with ball pit, mini-basketball games and air-hockey tables — is in one large room in the rear of the restaurant, so it’s easy to keep an eye on everyone. Pizza Putt offers a variety of other activities, including mini-golf and laser tag, but its space is more spread out, so you might want to invite extra chaperones.
OUTDOORS IN WAITSFIELD:
During the warmer months, consider a party at American Flatbread in Waitsfield. As part of the event, guests can swim at the Lareau Swimming Hole located directly across the street (Route 100), or use the restaurant’s yard space and sports equipment for an action-packed game of Frisbee, soccer or Wiffle ball. After your guests finish their flatbread, treat them to a s’mores buffet at the restaurant’s awesome outdoor fire pit.
Our family attended one of these a few years back, and the kids really got a kick out of creating their own pizzas, complete with pepperoni smiley faces. Your local grocery store carries premade dough, sauce and a selection of toppings. Section the dough out ahead of time, have sauce and napkins easily accessible and a few options for toppings, and let the kids loose. Bake at 400 degrees for about 12 minutes, and you’ve got a pizza party!
Sponsored by Zachary’s Family Fun Center in South Burlington
Every month, four birthday kids win prizes, and their picture appears in Kids VT to make their birthdays extra special!
Madison lives in Essex and turns 2 in April. She loves to sing, dance and be silly.
Madison wins a birthday party for eight at Zachary’s Family Fun Center!
caleb turns 13 in April. He loves adventure, making new discoveries, literature, science, drama, bike riding and music.
Join
To enter your kids, sign up for the FrEE e-newsletter at kidsvt. com, where you can get more great information for Vermont families.
Just give us your email and your children’s names and birthdates, and they’re automatically enrolled in our Kids VT Birthday Club.
his older brother Colin.
riddle search — Post office search 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. read from left to right, top to bottom to answer this riddle: Which animals like to go bowling?
Ball
BY HElENa HOvaNEC1. Fruity footrace: Why did the banana beat the orange in the marathon? Because the orange ran out of ____
4. What sound does bubble gum make when it sneezes? ah- ___!
6. Which superhero is most likely to play baseball?
7. Why does a river always have money? Because it goes all the way to the ____
9. What do you call a zucchini that has been stepped on?
11. What did the baby cat say after she told her mother a joke? “i’m just ____”
12. What might you call your dog or cat who loves to go for a ride? a
13. How is a piano different than a fish? You can tune a piano, but you can’t ____ fish!
14. Why was the clock running late after dinner? Because it went back four
19. What might Tinkerbell tell her children at night? a fairy _____
20. Which number sounds like it just finished dinner?
21. What did the pinata finally say to the kids at the party? “Give me a ____!”
22. Why did the silly baker dust off his rolling pin in his back yard? Because he wanted to grow a ____ garden
riddle answer:
1. Why do denim pants look great even when they are old? Because they have good ____
2. Crustacean’s quotation: a ____ a day keeps the doctor away
3. What would you call a tiny flying insect with a velvety voice? ___ King Cole
5. What do you get if you throw a valentine into the fireplace?
8. When pres. Obama was elected, what might some pun-loving citizens of his father’s home country have said? “_____ tell how proud we are?!”
10. What might you call trendy trousers made of wool? ___ pants
11. How is knowledge shared with baking students at culinary school? On a ___-to-know basis
12. What beverage did they serve at the rotary luncheon? ____ soda
14. How did the composer know his assistant was on a diet? Because he was always on the _____
15. at a cafe that doesn’t accept cash or credit cards, what might the diner (or waiter) say after the meal? “____, please”
16. What do you call a short letter written atop Mt. Everest? a high ___
17. Why did the witch always bring along her dictionary? in case she wanted to cast a
18. What did the computer programmer say when she got hungry? “let’s go get a ___ to eat”
Camouflage provides animals with a natural mask that allows them to blend into the environment. Drawing inspiration from circus and animals, participants will explore the elements of disguise by making a plaster cast of their hand, and transforming it into a mask where the hand becomes camouflaged in the design.
Ages 9 and up.
Register in Advance 656-0750
Fee:
Museum Members $15 General $20
61 Colchester Avenue Burlington, Vermont
www.flemingmuseum.org
ORTHODONTICS
Got cute, candid photos of your children that you’d like to share?
Email them to cathy@kidsvt.com and we’ll consider them for publication.
Burlington
April is National Facial Protection Month. Mouth guards are a good idea all year long. Call today and for only $20, you’ll get a custom mouthguard , and we’ll donate the proceeds to the Red Cross for tsunami relief.
A healthy, beautiful smile is priceless!
DRS. PETERSON, RYAN & EATON www.champlainortho.net
PUZZLE PAGE ANSWERS (SEE P. 40)
JUMBLES AGE, WOOD, SHIN, TALK RIDDLE ANSWER: Some palm trees are a good place for — “DATES”
RIDDLE ANSWER: Alley Cats.
on The lasT Sunday of every month, my family participates in a rotating work party. We call it Family Work Day, though it only lasts from 9 a.m. until noon.
There are four families involved — eight adults and seven kids, ages 2 to 13. Each family hosts once every four months. The hosts cook breakfast. We eat and talk for an hour or so. When everyone’s ready, whoever’s in charge presents a list of jobs, and the workers pick what they want to do. We try to steer clear of routine cleaning.
The most fun jobs tend to be ones that require us to work together. Two summers ago, we showed up at Rachel and Jules’ house, and they told us we’d be moving their custombuilt wooden shed from one corner of the yard to the other.
“How are we going to do that?” we asked incredulously.
“I watched a video about it on YouTube,” Rachel assured us.
She had found a couple of skinny metal rods on which to slide the shed, and for the next two hours, seven of us pushed and pulled and pivoted it into place while the eighth parent watched the kids.
At one point, I remember someone exhorting us to “push like you’re trying to tip over a police car at a demonstration!” It’s funny, because I suspect there was some residual muscle memory of those movements among some members of our now responsible, home-owning, job-holding group.
Together, we moved that shed. The whole experience was exhilarating.
When our friends first suggested we join Family Work Day five years ago, I was reluctant. My partner, Ann-Elise, had just given birth to our son, Graham. “We can barely manage our own lives,” I told her. “How are we going to spend one day a month helping other people?”
My resistance crumbled when I realized how much we could use the help ourselves. Like most new parents, we struggled to find time for big projects such as trimming out-of-control shrubs, repainting the kitchen or finishing the installation of the wood floor that we had started before the baby was born.
And our friends are good workers. Some of them are handy with power tools or paintbrushes. One of them has access to a pickup truck. All of them are willing to get their hands dirty. So, four years ago, our family joined the crew. We managed to stay involved
after Ann-Elise gave birth to our daughter, Ivy, in 2008, though I think we missed that month. There have been times when going to Family Work Day stresses me out. At 8:45, I’ll storm around the house, getting ready and muttering angrily about how little time I have to myself. How I’m always working for someone, whether it’s at my job or at home, cleaning up after a poop accident or making lunch for a whiny toddler. Sometimes I can’t contain my frustration.
But I’ve been pleasantly surprised to find that the best cure for that feeling is going to Family Work Day. If I’m feeling overwhelmed, I can own up to it as I’m eating eggs and beans, or munching on a veggie sausage link, and everyone will empathize, because they feel it, too.
This unofficial parenting support group is particularly helpful because everyone’s kids are older than ours. I pay attention to how these parents navigate situations that Ann-Elise and I will be dealing with in time.
But it’s not just the talking that I like. The work, in many ways, is its own reward. Do not underestimate the therapeutic value of dusting a friend’s ceiling-fan blades. Being able to focus on a concrete task, to zone out while listening to music and not talking to anyone — especially anyone under 6 — is, amazingly, a real treat.
And it’s useful. We’re helping our friends, and they, in turn, help us. When we bought Graham a new trundle bed that wouldn’t fit up the stairs in our house, it was our Family Work Day friends who slid it up our icy driveway one winter morning and helped us hoist it up a ladder and through a second-story window.
Two years later, that same crew pitched in to lower the bed out of the second-story window and pack it into a U-Haul for the move to our new house. In fact, they packed everything in our house into the U-Haul. I don’t know how we would have done it without them.
Usually, while the adults deep clean, whack weeds or sort through junk drawers, the kids play quietly nearby. But one of my favorite things about Family Work Day lately is when Graham asks if he can help. I want him to learn the value of work, to experience the satisfaction of finishing a tough job.
And if it inspires him to pitch in around our own house, well, that’s great, too. K
Do not underestimate the therapeutic value of dusting a friend’s ceiling-fan blades.
