Kids VT, May 2011

✱ RUNNING WITH YOUR KIDS

✱ DADS ON FORMAL DANCES

✱ MISSING MOM: A MOTHER’S DAY ESSAY

✱ HOW TO TALK ABOUT RELIGION

Oh, Baby

Spring it on! Explore fun activities in our calendar

BABY & MATERNITY ISSUE:

Vermont’s most popular baby names

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Birth announcements on Facebook?

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Etiquette experts from The Emily Post Institute on “Maternity Manners”

INSIDE:

Maternity Manners

14 Etiquette experts o er advice on pregnancy, gift giving and birth announcements on Facebook

Keeping the Faith

Celia was photographed shortly after her birth by her Mom, photographer Stina Booth, at their Fairfield home She was a teeny 4-pounds 4-ounces at birth, but she’s now a chunky, 9-pound three-month-old full of gurgles and smiles. “It’s hard to believe how small she was just a short time ago,” says Booth. See more of Booth’s photos at stinabooth.com

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS

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

• Published 11x per year. Circulation 25,000 at 400+ locations throughout Northern and Central Vermont.

•

© 2011 Da Capo Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.

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

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

Copy Editors/Godparents Pamela Polston

Paula Routly

Proofreaders Kate O’Neill

Beth Glaspie

Production Manager Krystal Woodward

Designers Brooke Bousquet

Celia Hazard

Rev. Diane Sullivan

Circulation Manager Steve Hadeka

Deputy Web Editor Tyler Machado

Office Manager Cheryl Brownell

Contributing Writers: Erik Esckilsen, Cheryl Herrick, Megan James, Ken Picard, Katrina Roberts

Photographers: Andy Duback, Caleb Kenna, Matthew Thorsen

Illustrators: Andy Singer, Mo Oh

Delivering the news.

Oh, Baby

mosT Kids VT readers can probably relate to the experience of welcoming a new baby into the world, though the precise details of those early years may be lost in a blur of late-night feedings and general sleep deprivation.

Some of the rules have changed. Yes, it’s still rude to ask pregnant women overly personal questions. “Just because your belly’s in public doesn’t mean your life is, too,” says Anna Post, Emily Post’s great-great-granddaughter and spokeswoman for the Burlington-based Emily Post Institute. But, in this month’s cover story, “Maternity Manners” (p.14), she and her aunt, Cindy Post Senning, update the etiquette around pregnancy, labor and birth. For example, birth announcements are evolving as parents have begun using new digital tools to communicate and share information. How many of us have seen the first pictures of a friend’s new baby on Facebook?

Birth is also a time when many parents start thinking seriously about religion. Will we christen our kids? Will we have a bris? How will we deal with holidays? In “Keeping the Faith” (p. 18), Ken Picard asks Vermont parents how they’re nurturing their kids’ spiritual lives.

Finally, in a Mother’s Day-themed essay in the back of the magazine, associate editor Kate Laddison reflects on her relationship with her own mother, who died in 2002. Her story is sad, but ultimately uplifting, because it demonstrates how our children can learn from us even when we’re not around to teach them anymore.

Cathy Resmer, editor cathy@kidsvt.com

our favorite baby gifts:

I got a great “mix CD” of babyfriendly, upbeat music, custom made by my cousin. Having some noninane tunes to play during nursing sessions and late-night rocking was unbelievably helpful.

KaTe Laddison, associaTe ediTor

Books! at first they just decorated the (then neat and tidy) bookshelves of the nursery but now are part of a collection. It’s wonderful to pull out a book we forgot we had and remember who gave it to us. It was also nice to be given books others loved as kids themselves.

BrooKe BousqueT, designer

One of my mom’s friends re-gifted us a blanket that my grandmother had sewn for her son in the 1980s. We got more useful gifts, but that was the most meaningful.

caThy resmer, ediTor

a big, bouncy exercise ball. Nothing better to soothe a newborn. They love the constant motion.

KrisTi BaTcheLder, accounT execuTiVe

My nursing stool. It was off my registry and another nursing mom had recommended it. Now I’m on baby number three, and it makes nursing in my nice chair so comfortable.

KaTrina roBerTs, accounT execuTiVe

after our first night at home with our newborn, my husband came home from work with a large assortment of pacifiers. Not having a “ba ba” was the first of many pre-child ideals I willingly abandoned in the name of sanity and a good night’s sleep.

chery L BrowneLL, office manager

Our best baby present: a “play yard” that keeps infants confined yet occupied by lots of tunes and dangly, colorful objects. I’m still hooked on its music!

Ken Picard, conTriBuTing wriTer

The gifts that help our twin daughters sleep are the gifts that keep on giving. It’s a toss-up, then, between the Celtic lullaby CD and the pair of matching fleecy blankets.

eriK escKiLsen, conTriBuTing wriTer

Cathy and Ivy Resmer, July 2008

:

QDid you announce your child’s birth on acebook

Facebook started as a social network for college kids. It opened membership to the rest of us in September 2006 — not quite five years ago. Since then, it has attracted more than 500 million users, probably including you, your mom, your best friend’s brother, and maybe even your grandparents.

As a result, more and more parents are sharing information about their families over Facebook. Increasingly, that starts with a birth announcement. This month, we asked etiquette experts Cindy Post Senning and Anna Post to comment on the best way to approach sharing news about pregnancy and birth in the social media age. Find their responses in “Maternity Manners” on page 14.

What’s in a Name?

Total votes: 76

Naming your child is a big responsibility. Some parents peruse the family tree for inspiration, others pore over baby-name books. But somehow, many parents end up picking the same names. The Social Security Administration tracks the trends on its website. Search for the most popular names by year, by decade and by state; the most current data are from 2009. Find all of this info at ssa.gov/oact/babynames.

Most popular names in 2009

COLORING CONTEST

THANKS TO EVERYONE who entered this month’s space-themed coloring contest. We had a really tough time judging the many fantastic entries this month, especially in the 9 through 12 category. Congratulations to all the winners.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

MOST AMAZING

SCRATCH-OFF TECHNIQUE

Emma Radler, 10, North Ferrisburgh

BEST USE OF STICKERS

Livia Renzulli, 4, Jericho

BOLDEST STROKES

Jora Kring, 4, Hinesburg

BEST SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Makaila Robinson, 8, Essex Junction

BEST TEAM EFFORT: BROTHER AND SISTER PAIR

Reed and Zola Kehler, 6 and 4, Greensboro

MOST POPULOUS PLANET

Reese Staples, 7, Fairfax

MOST COLORCOORDINATED ALIENS

Dane Maxfield, 6, Enosburg Falls

OUTSTANDING OUTLINES

Norah Deming, 9, Addison

BEST DEPICTION OF INKY SPACE

Katrina Carroll, 11, Georgia

The winners of our three $25 cash prizes are...

Sign up for our email newsletter, the Wee-Mail. Each issue contains information on upcoming events, reminders about contests and promotions, links to parenting news, and Kids VT content on the web, and a monthly poll question.

Subscribe by entering your email address on our website, kidsvt.com.

See a slideshow of all the submissions at kidsvt.com Find this month’s contest on page 41. The deadline is May 15.

Speak Up!

Kids VT wants to publish your rants and raves.

Dylan Johnson, 11 “Shiny Aliens in Space”

Sadie Bromee, 4 COLCHESTER “Sadie’s Aliens”

Tori Scott, 6 FERRISBURGH “Untitled”

Yes, indeed! 50% No way! 11% Facebook wasn’t around when my child was born. 39%

THE BEAT

BY KATE LADDISON

Spring Cleaning

Get out and enjoy a game of pickup with your family on Vermont’s Green Up Day, Saturday, May 7. This spring ritual started 41 years ago when more than 70,000 Vermonters collected 4000 truckloads of trash. Each year, participants clear litter and debris from roadsides, parks and fields and collect it in bright-green garbage bags. Students from around the state also draw attention to Green Up Day with an annual poster contest and writing projects. Many towns, cities and community groups are participating; check out the Green Up Day website, greenupvermont.org, to find out how to contact your town coordinator, then roll up your sleeves to help!

GREEN UP DAY: Saturday, May 7. Various locations statewide. Info, 229-4586, greenupvt.org.

CAMPS

Camp Dreams

The King Street Center of Burlington celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, and supporters are marking that milestone with the 40 FOR 40 campaign, which aims to send 40 OF THE CENTER’S KIDS TO CAMP HOCHELAGA OR CAMP ABNAKI THIS SUMMER. The Zahniser Camp Fund Committee, founded by former Champlain Elementary School principal and community leader Nancy Zahniser, is organizing the e ort. King Street’s after-school and mentoring programs serve more than 500 neighborhood children each year. A few of them have made a YouTube fundraising video in which they sing camp songs and describe their past outdoor experiences in humorous detail. They talk about activities they tried for the first time at camp — such as windsurfing and rock climbing. The most important thing to pack in your knapsack? “Bug spray,” they say. Donations to the Zahniser fund help make the experience possible; a donation of just $125 can send a child to camp. Find out how to donate on the King Street Center website, kingstreetcenter.org.

POSTER DESIGN BY: Willis Page, Blue Mountain Union School, grade 9

PRODUCTS

So Long, Sippy Cup

Vermont-based business EIO recently earned some parental applause in the form of a Parent Tested Parent Approved award for its valveless EIO KIDS CUP. The “cup” is a standard 8-ounce canning jar. The slanted EIO lid screws on top, and a silicone sleeve slips onto the outside of the jar. The concept of training kids to use cups without valves has support from speech and dental experts who say that “sippy” cups can lead to tooth decay or delayed speech development, says EIO owner Kathy Haskell, a former Lincoln schoolteacher. “It’s been really great,” she says of her first year in business. Haskell runs her start-up from home, which helps her manage a busy family life — she and her husband have kids ages 5, 4 and 2. The cup sells for $15 on the EIO website, but Kids VT picked up an orange one at City Market for $10.79. No valve, an easy-tohandle cup and bright colors. Bottoms up!

CLOTHES Got Gear?

THE KIDS CUP: locally at Buttered Noodles, Healthy Living, City Market, Isabean, American Flatbread, The Green Life, My Home Ecology, Middlebury Natural Foods Store, Onion River Kids. Info, eiokidscup. com.

Available

Natural Foods

BOOKS

Good Sports

As the weather warms up, parents are getting ready for a new season of outdoor adventure. Get some help from Burlington’s Outdoor Gear Exchange, which moves in May to a larger location in the former Old Navy storefront on Church Street in Burlington. The new OGE will house an expanded selection of children’s apparel and footwear. Buyer Audrey Ells-Payne says the digs will give the store more room to breathe. The extra space will likely be appreciated by parents who shop with kids, diaper bags and strollers in tow. The expansion will mean a wider variety of clothing as well as a deeper selection of staples such as boots, outerwear, and kid carriers. OGE o ers 65 percent cash back and 75 percent store credit for children’s consignment items — a great idea for kids who grow quicker than weeds, and for parents looking to go forth in style without breaking the bank.

OUTDOOR GEAR EXCHANGE: 152 Cherry Street, Burlington; the move to the new location and expanded children’s section takes place in May. Info, 888-547-4327, gearx.com.

Famous athletes aren’t always great role models, but a new young-adult book serves up some women who are. YES, SHE CAN, by Alburgh resident Glenn Stout, is the second in his Good Sports series. The volume includes five profiles of pioneering women of various sports, from Indy car driver Danica Patrick to English Channel swimmer Gertrude Ederle. Each piece presents a compelling look at how these strong women literally hurtled to overcome their obstacles. An interesting mixture of historical context, sports facts and personal information brings these women to vivid life on the page. Stout moved to Alburgh eight years ago with his wife and daughter and says he loves living in a place where he can write in his basement o ce, then walk up the stairs and be surrounded by nature. He has written sports biographies and also edits the Best American Sports Writing collection each year. Yes, She Can also gives young readers sources and resources for further reading, and Stout’s website provides parent and teacher guides for the books. If you’ve got a budding sports enthusiast in your household, pitch this for a home run.

YES, SHE CAN: Second book in the Good Sports series by Glenn Stout. Available now. Info,

ABOUT 50 MILLION Americans experience seasonal allergies. If you’re one of them, it’s more likely that your child will be, too. In spring and summer, the major irritants are grass and pollen, but dust, mold and pet dander can make your li’l sni ers miserable any time of the year. This month, Lewis First, chief of pediatrics at Vermont Children’s Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care, o ers advice for dialing down the drippy nose and watery eyes.

KIDS VT: At what age do seasonal allergies first appear?

LEWIS FIRST: If you’re going to have a seasonal allergy, it usually begins in toddlerhood. And if you don’t have it by the age of 10, you’re probably not going to have horrendous problems with seasonal allergies.

KVT: How do parents differentiate between allergies and colds?

LF: Initially, most parents will think an allergy is a cold. But oftentimes, if the eyes and nose are itching, if the kids develop a rash — and most importantly, it’s not just the nose that’s congested, but the eyes are watering with a clear discharge, with a lot more sni ing and itching — that would point to an allergy.

KVT: Can parents prevent the onset of seasonal allergies or reduce their severity?

LF: Once you have a seasonal allergy, you’re likely to have it at least throughout your childhood into adulthood, when it tends to get a little better. The secret is not in the treatment but in preventing the symptoms from occurring. Some simple things: Grass and pollen tend to be at their worst in late morning and early afternoon. So, if your children go to the playground then, they’re going to have a bigger dose of pollen than if they go later in the afternoon. When your children come in from playing outside, if they’re prone to allergies, take their clothes o as soon as they’re in the house and have them wash themselves, so they’re not keeping pollen on their bodies and are not exposed to it while they sleep.

KVT: Anything else?

LF: Having an air filter or airconditioning system or keeping the windows closed in the spring will

reduce the pollen counts in the house and, hopefully, reduce the severity of the allergy. In addition, if kids have allergies and are exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke, it’s harder to clear the smoke from their bodies. It’s a good idea to wash pets down if they’ve been outside, because they can

allergies, they’re probably going to be there, even with a little early exposure.

KVT: Any recommendations for the home?

LF: The best thing you can do is keep your home wiped down so that surfaces don’t collect pollen, grass or mold. Try to keep the pets out of the bedroom, keep clothes from the outdoors out of the bedroom, change in another part of the house so that you’re not constantly being exposed to it while you sleep. Also, keep the windows closed, if at all possible, during grass and pollen season.

KVT: And if those don’t work?

bring allergens into the house, too.

KVT: Is it true that children who grow up on farms or with pets tend to have fewer allergies?

LF: There are some studies that suggest you don’t want your child to grow up in a bubble in the early years, because, if they do, your child’s body will recognize things in the environment more as an enemy than a friend. If you expose your child during the first several months of life to the outdoors or to a pet — early on, when the immune system is learning about itself — there are studies that show they’re less likely to have an allergic reaction. In fact, some studies say that if you have a pet when younger, or roll in the grass, you’re less likely to have allergies. But a variety of studies point in both directions. A little exposure may be a good thing. If there’s a strong family history of grass and pollen

LF: There are some medications your child’s doctor can recommend. We do not recommend decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine, anymore for children under 2, and I don’t like them for children under 6, because they do come with side e ects that can range from irritability to sedation to hallucinations to abnormal heart rhythms. They can also cause drowsiness. And about 10 percent of people have a paradoxical response, such as hyperactivity. Do the environmental preventions first.

KVT: How about children’s bedding?

LF: A good idea is to wash all bedding and stu ed animals in hot water every seven to 14 days. If it gets really bad, there are plastic covers that can be put over mattresses, pillows and box springs. You may want to get heavy draperies, which can collect pollen and dust, out of a child’s room. And if mold is a culprit, make sure your basement isn’t damp or water damaged. I would avoid the use of ceiling fans, which can spray the pollen all over the room and move the allergic trigger right back to your child. In allergy season, if your child is having substantial symptoms and you want to know exactly what the culprit is, speak to your child’s doctor, who may want to do blood or skin testing, or have it done by a pediatric allergist.

— KEN PICARD

FAMILIES BY KATE LADDISON

Parenting on the Run

LIKE MOST FAMILIES, the Munson-Warnkens of Burlington find getting out of the house in the morning to be a bit of a scramble. Between wake up, breakfast and getting dressed, it’s a mad dash to get everyone ready and out the door on time.

And then, most mornings, Wayne Warnken and his boys actually do dash: They run to school together. Wayne, Mark, 8, Fisher, 5, and baby Luca (in a stroller) jog from their home on North Willard Street to the Sustainability Academy at Lawrence Barnes — about three-quarters of a mile away.

I join them on a recent, chilly morning, intrigued by the concept of family running — especially to school. After a companionable breakfast with mom, Megan, the inevitable five-minute countdown to leave time commences. We look for lost gloves, consider which hat to wear, find homework, get the shoes on, etc. Then, suddenly, the boys bolt out of the house, and we’re o . Whew!

All along the way, Wayne talks to Mark and Fisher — he cautions them about being careful at driveways and crossings, makes encouraging remarks about their running, and asks questions about last night’s reading. Fisher and I discuss the sad parts of Island of the Blue Dolphins while we dodge recycling bins. At times Mark races ahead; at others Fisher takes the lead. All of them — Luca and Wayne included — enjoy the run.

Before I know it, we arrive at the playground and wander into the middle of a dodge-ball game. The boys hug their dad, and the school day begins.

Warnken, a longtime runner, began running with Mark about a year and a half ago at the Turkey Trot, a Green Mountain Athletic Association that includes a short race for kids. After that, the family started participating in Catamount Outdoor Family Center’s weekly trail run and various youth races. Warnken says he often takes the kids on “functional runs,” too, hoofing it to the YMCA or the library rather than driving. He enjoys the time spent with them sharing a healthy activity.

“I view my kids as my training partners,” Warnken says. Like any good partner, he encourages the kids, challenges them, and allows them do their own thing, too.

Warnken lets the boys set the pace and decide when they want to run, and when they don’t. That, he admits, can be challenging for a parent and for a runner.

It’s important, though, points out Joy Dubin Grossman, youth director of RunVermont. It’s hard to find standards that specify the appropriate age for children to begin race running. Dubin

GREEN MOUNTAIN ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION: Sponsors races of varying distances throughout the year, many with kids runs included. gmaa.net

RUNVERMONT: Offers Ready, Set, Run, a 12-week program for kids ages 4 through 12, and Junior Youth Relay, a 10-week program for kids ages 11 through 16; organizes the YAM Scram during the Vermont City Marathon; organizes Fun Runs in Burlington, Essex, Montpelier and Shelburne. runvermont.org

GIRLS ON THE RUN: Sponsors an experiential learning program for girls in grades 3 through 8; organizes 5K run/walk events in Essex and Brattleboro. girlsontherunvermont.org

Grossman says the best indication is whether kids enjoy the activity. When is it too early or too much? When they’re not having fun, she says. As they did last year, Mark and Wayne are preparing for this spring’s Vermont City Marathon when they’ll run on the Outright Vermont relay team. Wayne says it’s a good way to introduce Mark to Outright’s mission of building supportive environments for queer and questioning youth. And participating in a big race o ers a powerful level of excitement; Wayne remembers vividly the emotion he felt taking o at the start of the marathon last year, holding Mark’s hand as they set out.

Whether it’s the daily mad dash or the big race’s pace and power, the journey together is what’s good for this family.

✱ THE LIBRARIAN LIKES

BY KATE LADDISON

LIBRARIAN:

BOOK: Leonardo the Terrible Monster by Mo Willems

AGE RANGE: Preschool through first grade

Achilles’ summary

“You may not have 1642 chompers like one of the monsters in this book, but you can really sink your teeth into this read. Leonardo is a terrible monster. He tries to be scary but just can’t seem to frighten anyone. That is, until he finds scaredy-cat Sam and decides to scare the tuna salad out of him! Then, Leonardo has a really big choice to make.”

Favorite part

“Mo Willems is one of my favorite children’s book authors. His books are great to read aloud, o ering lots of opportunities for a reader to be animated in showing the emotion of the character. In Leonardo this comes during Sam’s worrywart meltdown.”

Fun facts about Mo Willems

Willems is both an author and illustrator and has created many popular characters. He sometimes incorporates the main characters from one book into other stories. For instance, Leonardo can be found as Trixie’s stu ed animal in one of Willems’ latest books, Knu e Bunny Free

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

Kate Laddison is the associate editor of Kids VT. She lives in St. Albans with her husband and their son. “Fit Families” is a monthly feature that offers easy and affordable ways to stay active. Got an idea for a future FF?

Here are a few resources to get your and your kids’ motors running:

I view my kids as my training partners.

WAYNE WARNKEN

Fisher, Mark and Luca MunsonWarnken with dad Wayne Warnken

Tina Achilles, children’s librarian at the Cobleigh Public Library, Lyndonville

THE MENU

✱

HOME COOKIN’

BY CHERYL HERRICK

Spring Vegetable Fried Rice

FRIED RICE HAS got to be one of the world’s perfect foods for parents. On the cooking end, it makes few demands: It’s simple to put together, requires items that you usually have around, and makes great use of leftovers. Once it gets to your table, its ingredients are clearly visible to any suspicious picky eaters in your family; and the mildly flavored, one-dish meal o ers multiple food groups.

My version features asparagus, but feel free to substitute any vegetables you have in the freezer or crisper. For great results, keep the vegetables — and all of the ingredients — dry before mixing them with the rice. Sautéing veggies first will keep the finished product from being gloppy.

My darling boys, 5 and 8 years old, were eager to help make this dish but looked mistrustfully at the cooked asparagus. Once I mentioned that it would make their pee green and stinky, the 8-year-old started gobbling it up at a startling rate. His brother lobbied for gooey cheese sauce, but he was out of luck.

Surely you will not have to go to such lengths with your own little diners.

SPRING VEGETABLE FRIED RICE

5 tablespoons mild-flavored cooking oil

4 large eggs, lightly beaten with a pinch of salt

2 cups of 2-inch asparagus pieces (the kids can help snap the spears)

1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt, or more to taste

1 cup frozen or fresh peas

3 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

1. Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet until hot. Add the eggs and cook over medium heat until set, then stir with chopsticks or a wooden spoon to break into tiny pieces. Continue to stir and cook until eggs are lightly browned. Remove to a plate and set aside.

SERVES 4

STEPS THE KIDS CAN HELP WITH:

Measuring the peas

Beating the eggs

Snapping the asparagus

OTHER VEGETABLES:

½ cup diced red or white onion, or 1 cup chopped broccoli, red or yellow pepper, sliced mushrooms or chopped fresh tomato

PROTEIN:

1 cup crumbled, cooked bacon, chopped Canadian bacon, cubed firm tofu or chopped, cooked chicken

FLAVOR BOOSTS:

1 teaspoon chopped garlic, fresh minced ginger or sesame seeds, or 1 tablespoon minced, fresh basil

2.  Heat the remaining oil in the same large skillet. If using garlic or ginger, add them here and cook for 3-4 minutes over medium heat, until you can smell them. Then add the asparagus and any other fresh vegetables (hold the peas for the next step) and cook until the color brightens, about 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Sprinkle very lightly with salt.

3. Add the peas, eggs, any other protein and frozen vegetables, rice, and salt. Stir well to break up any lumps and make sure all ingredients are mixed well.  Stir in basil or sesame seeds, if using, and serve.

Cheryl Herrick is a writer and blogger who lives in Burlington with her two young sons. Visit crankycakes.com for more of her adventures in food and mom life

Q oUT To EAT B Y C AT h Y R E sm ER

Our House

36 main street, Winooski, 497-1884

ThE “TwisTEd comforT food” at Our House in

Winooski may appeal to picky kids — think lobster mac and cheese and a fried peanut butter and jelly sandwich for dessert. But the narrow dining room is often packed with adults sipping cocktails and carrying on intimate conversations. You might not feel comfortable dining with your squirmy toddler. Not during the dinner rush, anyway.

Instead, if you want to introduce kids to creative cuisine served in a stylish setting, try Our House for Sunday brunch. Our family of four arrived just after the restaurant opened at 9 a.m. on a recent Sunday. We had the place almost entirely to ourselves; we watched a stream of people walking past on their way to Sneakers Bistro, where the wait for a table was 45 minutes or more. We had our food before they even got to sit down.

There’s no kids’ brunch menu at Our House, so we all ordered adult entrées. Ivy, 2, had a fruit and yogurt plate. Graham, 5, ordered scrambled eggs, sausage and toast. My partner, Ann-Elise, had an omelette with spinach, sausage and cheddar.

I wavered between the French toast stuffed with raspberry and chocolate, and the “twisted” eggs Benedict — poached eggs with bacon, deep-fried, and served on a bed of baby greens topped with Hollandaise sauce. I settled on the breakfast flatbread with bacon instead.

If I hadn’t been taking notes, I would have ordered a mimosa instead of coffee; a specials chalkboard offered the Champagne cocktail with orange,

cranberry, grapefruit, pomegranate or pineapple juice or cider.

The waitress didn’t bring crayons to our table or help us distract the kids. But that was OK. The relaxed but elegant atmosphere turned out to be the perfect setting for a lesson in “restaurant manners.” As we waited for our food, we discussed how, when adults go out, they like to talk to each other — quietly. We explained all of the condiments on the table. We pointed out the photos on the walls and used them to start conversations about our own family photos.

We ordered one orange juice for the kids to split, and the waitress brought each of them a plastic cup with a lid and a straw. The cups were decorated with robots, which sparked a conversation about funny robot names.

The kids were surprisingly well behaved. One of them called me a “booger face,” and the other one announced a trip to the potty a little more loudly than I would have liked, but I didn’t feel too anxious about it, since we weren’t interrupting anyone’s romantic dinner.

fAmily-friEndly AmEniTiEs: high-chairs and booster seats; kids’entrees for lunch and dinner, including grilled cheese, flatbread, mac and cheese and burger; no changing tables in the rest rooms; proximity to scenic winooski riverwalk, where you can walk off your meal. oUr bill for foUr: $53, including tip.

flatbread, too. Ann-Elise liked her omelette but wished she’d been able to order more savory fillings, such as olives and capers.

The food was good, too. Ivy’s huge bowl of creamy yogurt came surrounded by a colorful array of melons, mango, kiwi and star fruit. This was her first encounter with star fruit. Her face lit up when she tried a bite. “It’s delicious!” she said.

Graham’s eggs were scrambled to his liking. He ended up polishing off his food and half of my

That’s a minor quibble. All of us enjoyed our bountiful Sunday brunch. The prices and selections were comparable to those at Sneakers and Penny Cluse Café in Burlington, but we were in and out of Our House in an hour. We still had time to take a leisurely stroll along the Winooski Riverwalk before heading home. K

If you want to introduce kids to creative cuisine served in a stylish setting, try Our House for Sunday brunch.

Cathy Resmer is the Editor of Kids VT. She lives with her partner and their two children in Winooski.

sTeVe KeeTle designer/creaTiVe direcTor, souTh BurlingTon Kids: son, Jesse, 17; daughter, Tieta, 14

Their first dances were in middle school, and the middle school dances were very different from the high school versions. The advice I gave them was, essentially, “This not a crazy party. Be a good person. Do the right thing.”

Dances these days are very different from when I was their age. My son was a junior last year, and his school canceled the winter ball because they weren’t going to allow “grinding,” and no kids were going to show up. At the high school dances now, all the lights are on. They’re so highly chaperoned that I know they’re going to be safe and they’re not going to get into trouble.

My kids are not nearly as excited about them as they were in middle school. The dances have kind of become uncool. Still, especially my son, I tell him I trust him. I also tell him to live his life, but there are consequences if you do things that aren’t right. I do try to let them be individuals, but at the same time they have to keep things in perspective.

ed hamilTon owner/general conTracTor, shelBurne

Kids: daughter, Emma, 15; son, Forrest, 13 My daughter is 15, and I have a huge amount of faith in her ability to make good decisions about risky teenage activities. She is an excellent student, a star athlete and a leader among her 400 classmates at her high school.

Even so, one of my biggest fears as a parent is that one of my children will be involved in a car accident related to underage drinking. A few years ago, when Emma was in middle school, we signed a “no questions” contract that meant we would pick her up if she needed us to get her from a bad situation. Before her first formal, I reminded her of that contract and told her I would be on call if she needed me.

As I said, I trust her and her friends, so I was not really worried about this. Instead, I talked to her about being open to dancing with some of the eager boys whom, in the past, she might have denied when they asked her to dance. My advice to her was that a dance does not have to mean a commitment, and it could be fun.

Of course, I don’t really know anything about what goes on at the dances these days. It makes me feel old saying that. My approach to keeping my daughter safe is to keep talking to her even if the response I get is abbreviated.

Jay craVen Film maKer/ proFessor, peacham

Kids: son, Sascha, 28; son, Jasper, 18

I recently gave advice to my 18-yearold son, Jasper, concerning his senior prom that’s now around the corner. He had just told me that his tuxedo rental would cost $100.

“Maybe you could wear mine,” I said. “Let’s be smart and save some money.”

Jasper just looked at me. “I don’t think so, Dad.”

“You can customize it,” I said, “with a red vest or purple tie or leopard-spotted pants. Anything.”

I expected to soon be shelling out the hundred bucks, but he sort of took me up on my suggestion and will customize his outfit — at a cost of $150.

My second piece of advice was to suggest that my son choose his prom date sooner rather than later. “Why not invite Sarah [name changed]? You’ve been seeing her now for a couple months.”

“I don’t know what the status will be in six weeks,” he replied. “It’s a long time.”

I’d forgotten how today’s wired generation waits ’til the last minute and switches course on a dime. I can imagine Jasper texting potential dates from the receiving line, the night of the prom. “JSYK, I’m here. How bout it? 2nite? 121? BFN.” But then, two weeks later, he told me: “I invited Sarah, Dad. I want to go in with some buddies and rent a Hummer limo from New York City.” My advice? Guess.

chris BohJalian wriTer, lincoln

Kid: daughter, Grace, 17

Here’s the reality: I gave my daughter absolutely no advice before her first formal dance. She has a terrific head on her shoulders and a healthy reservoir of common sense. And I guess because we have always talked about relationships and the meaning of life in so many contexts, it never even crossed my mind that — perhaps — I was supposed to impart some sage counsel before she left.

I’ve never been one of those dads who demands tests of his daughter’s boyfriend or reads their boyfriend the riot act. I’ve never been an intimidating father in that regard. I have enormous respect for my daughter’s judgment about boys and about people … I certainly pontificate about everything else. I’m not shy about giving my daughter advice. But I can’t even recall her first formal dance or whether I had any advice. If I said anything at all to her, it was “have fun and have a great time.” K

Q THE ART oF…

Sewing

By mE g A n J A m E s

gylliAn sVEnsson BEgins EAcH oF HER sEwing clAssEs with a massive pile of repurposed fabric and a simple request of her students: Find something you like. Her adult students, in response, typically hem and haw. But the kids in the class have a completely different reaction. Almost immediately they start grabbing at everything, enthusing, “I love this! And this!”

“Kids are fearless,” says Svensson, and they tend to quickly grasp the joys of sewing. Svensson should know. For the past three years, she’s been teaching classes and operating a public drop-in sewing center called the Bobbin Sewbar + Craft Lounge. She recently closed her retail storefront, but she’s still teaching classes and doing sustainable design in her garage, which she’s converted to a work space called the Bobbin Slow Fashion + Sustainable Design.

Svensson sewed as a kid but dropped the hobby in her twenties to pursue music. She rediscovered it later in life and hasn’t been able to pry herself from the sewing machine since.

Now approaching 40, with two kids of her own, Svensson models herself after her grandmother, who raised a family on an organic farm in Down East Maine. “She made a living as a seamstress, clothed all her children, baked bread,” says Svensson. In Svensson’s view, sewing is a sustainable — and timeless — life skill. “I teach slow fashion, which is really a partner to the slow-food movement,” she says. When you teach kids to thread a needle, you begin to teach them where their clothes come from.

Svensson introduces beginners to hand sewing and basic mending. Really young kids start with a thick, dull needle threaded with yarn. Svensson doesn’t start anyone on the sewing machine until the age of 10. Before that, she says, their fingers are too small; they might easily sew over them. Plus, kids need a decent attention span to finish a project.

Once they’re a little older, attention span is less of a problem. The biggest challenge Svensson faces in teaching kids to sew is convincing them to take breaks. “It’s so addictive,” she says. She recalls watching four typically chatty tween girls as they worked in silence on their projects. “All you could hear was the sound of the sewing machines,” she says.

Sewing involves plenty of ironing and needles, so Svensson says covering basic safety with kids is important. For example: Don’t leave an iron face down on anything, and keep fingers out of the way of the needle. Then again, little nicks come with the territory. “Every sewer is going to prick their finger and make it bleed,” she says.

Svensson gets a thrill watching kids break from the trends they see at school and on TV when they make their own designs. “There’s a lot of pressure for young girls to dress a lot older than they are,” she says. Her young seamstresses let their imaginations go wild and realize they can “dress like a rock star” without dressing too provocatively.

Sewing isn’t just for girls. Svensson says she always has a few boys in her weeklong summer camps. This

wHAT you’ll nEEd many classes provide tools and materials, but if you want to sew at home, here’s what you’ll need:

Fabric: When starting out, it’s best to use nonstretchy fabric, such as cotton or linen. Svensson tells her students to “think like a hippie” and aim for natural fibers. you can find new material at local craft and fabric stores. and you don’t always have to buy new fabric; use old bedsheets, or ask your sewing friends if they have any remnants they don’t need.

A sewing machine: Svensson recommends beginning with a vintage Singer machine. “If your aunt or grandma ever sewed, there’s a Singer kicking around in the attic,” she says. Svensson also sells them. alternately, head to Smitty’s Sewing Machine Service in Essex Junction. There you can buy a used machine for $75 to $125, plus the cost of a tune-up, about $50 to $70.

A good pair of scissors, a decent ruler, a seam ripper, an iron and an ironing board: The crème de la crème of sewing scissors, Svensson says, are Ginghers (up to $50 for a new pair), but there are plenty of inexpensive scissors and other tools at secondhand stores. Just make sure to only use your scissors on fabric; cutting paper dulls the blade.

year she’s unveiling a Harry Potter-inspired Sorcerer’s Sew Camp, in which kids will make wizard caps and spell bags, as well as herbal potions from Svensson’s garden.

It was Svensson’s Harry Potter-obsessed son who inspired her latest creation: waterproof superhero capes. The little triangular capes have high, pointed collars and are emblazoned with stars, moons and question marks. She’s using the leftover, smaller triangular scraps to make matching capes for little dogs.

The possibilities for kids — and dogs — are endless. K

Bobbin Slow Fashion + Sustainable Design, gyllian@thebobbin.com, thebobbin.com. “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. She lives in Montpelier, and sewed and quilted with her mother as a child.

Kids VT: What is the appropriate time to announce a pregnancy?

ANNA POST: Often it’s recommended by doctors that you wait three months, just because it can be a little dicier in the earlier months, and you want to be really sure when you announce.

CINDY POST SENNING: The only time that it might be di erent is, some women have a lot of nausea and vomiting, so they might want to talk with their supervisor, so people [at a workplace] understand.

It’s also true that if you tell people on day one, nine months is a long time for pregnancy to be the focus of what’s going on in your life. Even if you’re not making it that way, maybe other people are.

KVT: What is the appropriate way to announce a birth?

AP: It’s best to let your close family

Maternity Manners

BY CATHY RESMER

Etiquette experts o er advice on pregnancy, gift giving and birth announcements on Facebook

YOU JUST GAVE BIRTH to a baby boy. Do you need to call all of your friends, or can you just post a photo and an announcement on Facebook? Etiquette expert Emily Post couldn’t even have imagined such a quandary; the author of the 1922 classic Etiquette passed away in 1960. But her descendents continue to dispense advice from the headquarters of The Emily Post Institute, located in the South End of Burlington, and they field questions such as this all the time. For an update on maternity manners in the digital age, I spoke with Emily’s great-granddaughter, Cindy Post Senning, coauthor of Emily Post’s Table Manners for Kids, and Anna Post, Emily’s great-greatgranddaughter, an author and spokeswoman for The Emily Post Institute. There are many, many more manners-related resources — including kids’ books — available on the institute’s website, emilypost.com.

know first, so that mom doesn’t feel hurt if she finds out from her neighbor, who saw it on Facebook. So think parents, think grandparents, think your own children. Those are the real must-knows, from you, or from your partner. And then, anybody else you might be especially close to, like maybe a best friend, or maybe your aunt who’s like a mother.

CPS: And those should be a personal

connection, a phone call or something like that. Not just sending them an email.

AP: There were a lot of questions a year to two years ago about tweeting during the birth and the delivery. I’m of two minds. Maybe mom wants her partner out in the hall, out of her hair. If mom has given her blessing, then sure, go for it, but let people know

who might want to opt into that, so they have the option.

But also be aware of TMI [too much information] with this one. Episiotomies might be a little TMI for some people. Even if you’re comfortable talking about some of the intimacies of giving birth, some of the people listening for updates might not be comfortable hearing about it.

In general, I think it’s dicey, though, to be tweeting, and here’s why. It’s not that I don’t understand that, for some people, this is the perfect solution to letting a big, huge family know. I totally get that. Nine times out of 10, though, I think it’s a bad idea, because it’s dividing your attention and your focus. Who’s the person tweeting, and what aren’t they doing while they’re tweeting? That’s the part that concerns me. Not that tweeting is wrong, or sending updates to Facebook from your phone. It’s more what you aren’t

doing while you’re doing that, and who you aren’t giving all of your attention and focus to when you’re doing that.

KVT: And birth, as it’s going on — it can be a dicey proposition.

CPS: You don’t know when something’s going to happen, that’s right.

AP: And I would hate to consider some of the more sobering sides of things, but that’s exactly true. If things did take a turn, it’s not the way that people should hear about any unfortunate news. Or even news where everybody is with us, but maybe not quite healthy at the moment. There are ways that that news should be shared, and I don’t think it should happen over Twitter or Facebook.

CPS: And the other thing that happens sometimes, maybe with Facebook more so than Twitter: pictures. I have heard about people talking about pictures of births.

KVT: Actual pictures of births? I would think you’re not taking a picture as your child is born.

AP: [Laughs] You would think...

CPS: That is exactly what I’m talking about.

AP: Mom holding new, swaddled baby, awesome. Getting weighed, A-OK. Dad holding baby right after baby comes out. Great.

Baby emerging — let’s leave that in Knocked Up with Katherine Heigl.

CPS: That’s part of your TMI, really.

AP: I would definitely vet any photos with both parents. Because, maybe it’s not even the parents taking the pictures. Maybe it’s granddad. Maybe it’s your 11-year-old kid who thinks it’s funny, or whatever. Parents should be the only ones disseminating pictures of their new kids. And, you know, you’ve got to ask in the moment. You’ve got to show her the photo. [Ask,] “Are you OK with me sending this out?” Not just, “Are you OK with me taking the picture?”

It is a really great thing to talk about with the people who might be at the hospital. That’s definitely a conversation to have in the week or two leading up, so people know both how [the mother] feels about photos and about how information goes out — if you want it to come from you, if you’re OK with having a little phone tree, who should hear, who’s on your must-know list, whether you’re comfortable with this going up on Facebook or Twitter, or if you want that to be embargoed.

KVT: Something I’ve seen happen a lot lately is, someone doesn’t say anything on Facebook about a pregnancy, but one of their “friends” hears about it, or hears that the baby has been born and writes “congratulations” on his or her public Facebook wall.

AP: Facebook faux pas! Don’t do that. Until you see someone talking about it on Facebook themselves — the mom-to-be or the dad-to-be — don’t bring it up. In fact, one of my friends made her wall unwritable because she didn’t want some of her close family who knew about it early to blow it and put it up there until she was ready to share. You don’t have to do that, but it is a good point, that you might get scooped.

KVT: Let’s say you’ve put up an announcement on Facebook: Everyone sees the name, the birth weight, all

the details there. Do you still send an announcement in the mail?

AP: Probably to your close friends and family, if you want to. Some people don’t for environmental reasons. Some people do it as an email instead. But I actually still get them from people. I think it’s kind of a sweet thing.

CPS: Know your audience. The grandparents may even have an email address, but they may not. If you sent my father an email to his email address, he wouldn’t see it for six months. The kid would be walking into his room before he knew about it.

KVT: What is the acceptable window for gift giving?

AP: Any old time. From as soon as you find out, to a random date in the middle, to right before or right after the baby’s born. Really, this is completely up to you. And it’s a lovely gesture. It’s a really nice thing to do.

KVT: And then the follow-up question, what is the appropriate window for writing a thank-you note?

AP: As soon as possible.

KVT: There’s this idea that you get, like, a year...

AP: Yeah, that comes from a myth from weddings, and it’s not even true for weddings. If you just had your baby, I would say sometime during maternity leave — the three-month average maternity leave time — whether you’re taking it or not.

We know that new moms and dads are tired, but you need to find a few minutes somewhere during that time to take care of it, preferably as soon as possible, also, so that the person who gave the gift, if they mailed it, knows that it got there.

If we’re talking a gift from a baby shower, you’ve got — at max — a couple weeks. You should really be doing it right after the shower. You haven’t had your baby yet, so you don’t have that excuse.

Don’t touch the belly unless the mom invites you.

ANNA POST

...you’re family now

KVt: other things that new parents, or their friends and family, should do or definitely avoid?

AP: Don’t touch the belly unless the mom invites you. It’s gotta be mom’s call. And you can’t really ask. I mean, you can, but you can’t. I don’t even know what to tell you on that one. But don’t just run up and touch someone’s belly.

CPS: People seem to think when somebody is pregnant that all of the etiquette associated with not asking really personal questions is out the window, and it’s not. You don’t ask them if they’re late or overdue, because they might only be seven months along.

KVt: often, if you’ve adopted or used artificial insemination, as soon as people find out that some other method is involved than the one they’re accustomed to, they have questions. How should people approach those topics, and how should parents respond?

AP: There’s a difference between idle curiosity and educational curiosity. Either way, you have to let the person you’re asking set the boundaries.

If I were interested in a very respectful, curious way, what I don’t do is ask you questions right then. I ask you permission to ask you questions. And there’s a really big difference between those two things.

AP: Or it might be a sensitive topic. There are friends you may know who are struggling to get pregnant. And asking them a lot of questions about, “So, what finally worked?” They can volunteer that information, and you can be supportive without being intrusive, but it really has to come from them.

KVt: so if you begin to suspect a woman you know is pregnant, you don’t say anything?

CPS: You just don’t go there. Wait until she announces it. You don’t go to somebody and say, “My, you’ve gained weight!”

AP: Don’t comment on someone’s physical appearance — “Oh, is that a belly I see? Are you expecting?” No, no, no, no, no.

It also comes up with adoption. Don’t assume that because someone is adopting they couldn’t have children. I have a friend for whom this is a very sensitive topic. She can have children, but she’s really interested in adoption, and people are saying, “Oh, I’m so sorry,” or “What’s wrong that you can’t have kids?”

She had a lot to say to me on that topic. She’s, like, “Where’s the etiquette in that?” Absent, apparently.

It’s not that people can’t be curious and interested. I often think that educational interest is a really, really terrific thing when people are willing to share about it. But, you have to ask if you can ask questions.

CPS: And then the response to that, if you don’t want to be talking about it, is to say, “I really appreciate your curiosity about this. And, you know, there’s an organization that has a ton of information, and I’m even glad to give you their number if you want.” Personal questions are personal questions. It’s not good etiquette to be intruding in people’s personal lives. K

online extra

What about baby-shower etiquette? Who should be invited? is it oK to register for gifts? Anna Post and Cindy Post senning answer these questions and more in the extended version of this interview, at kidsvt.com.

People seem to think when somebody is pregnant that all of the etiquette associated with not asking really personal questions is out the window, and it’s not.

Cindy Post senning

Who is God?

Keeping the Faith

How do parents answer their kids’ big life questions?

BY KEN PICARD

IT’S SUNDAY MORNING at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington, and 8-year-old Ethan is looking a bit glum — not because he’s in Sunday school rather than playing outside on a gorgeous day. Ethan and his six classmates have just begun a weekly ritual called the “joys and concerns bowl.” At the beginning of class, each child takes a small stone or two, which is meant to represent something in the child’s life that made him or her happy or sad that week. Then, each child shares those joys or concerns with the class and “releases”

them into a bowl of water.

Ethan, who goes first, lets out a long, exaggerated sigh. “I have something sad to say,” he begins. “My dad has two pet rats, a girl and a boy. One of them died. She had tumors.”

“That’s very sad,” consoles his teacher, Brian Lloyd-Newberry.

Ethan drops his pebble into the water and passes the bowl to his left. Rory, the next child, shares a “joy”: an upcoming play date with a friend after church.

As the bowl moves around the circle, it fills with more joys, such as a favorite pet or toy, and concerns, such as a sick grandmother.

When the bowl returns to Ethan, he asks for another turn.

“I also have a joy,” he says, more upbeat. “This is about the same rat that died. You see, she didn’t die that long ago, and here’s the good part. She had two babies before she died.”

Discussions like this o er an opportunity to explore cycle-of-life issues with children. In fact, this particular class actively encourages students to ask hard questions about

life’s great mysteries: Who am I? Where do I come from? Where do I go after I die? And, most importantly, what kind of person do I want to be?

Unlike many other forms of religious instruction, however, this UU Society class doesn’t emphasize one specific tradition or dogma. Instead, its lessons and parables are drawn from many of the world’s major faiths, reflecting the UU Society’s overarching goal of creating “an intentionally diverse community” of people from di erent racial, ethnic and spiritual backgrounds.

Explains Martha Dallas, the UU Society’s director of religious education, “Unitarian Universalism focuses on asking really good questions and supporting one another. This is not a place where we give you all the answers on a plate and tell you what to believe.”

Apparently, many Vermonters don’t want to be given the answers. A 2009 Gallup poll found that the Green Mountain State was the “least religious” state in the country, with just 42 percent of Vermonters agreeing with the statement “Religion is an important part of my daily life.” New England generally had the highest rate of “unchurched” people of any region in the country — its abundance of postcard-perfect churches notwithstanding.

Yet such findings may belie a deeper truth about Vermonters: Our minimal emphasis on religious a liation and weekly attendance at houses of worship doesn’t necessarily mean that we’re less spiritual

than other Americans. Indeed, many Vermonters choose to forge their own spiritual paths outside the religious mainstream.

But wherever you fall in that spectrum — whether you baptized your children or are raising them as atheists — you still have to answer those hard questions. So, what should you keep in mind when talking with kids about God, death and the Easter Bunny?

KidsVT asked some local experts on religion and spirituality for some pointers. Among the questions we posed: What’s the best way to broach the subject of God and religion with kids? What should a parent tell a child if religion is more important to one parent than the other? And, is it wrong to tell kids to believe in things — whether Santa Claus or the resurrection of Jesus — if the parents themselves don’t believe?

KidsVT also spoke with Vermont couples of mixed religious backgrounds and beliefs to find out how they’re handling it themselves. Our conversations spanned a wide variety of topics, from Christmas trees to dietary restrictions to the pros and cons of circumcision.

Many of the parents expressed a common sentiment: When it comes to teaching children about faith and spirituality, there aren’t necessarily “right” and “wrong” answers, just good questions. Oftentimes, finding the best answer is like climbing a mountain: one destination with many paths.

Talking God to toddlers: What parents say

Still Catholic at Heart

Nicci Micco and Jon Olin, Burlington Micco and Olin were both raised observant Catholics. As a child, Micco was very involved in Catholicism and attended Mass weekly. However, as an adult, she parted ways with the church, largely over its stance on abortion and homosexuality — her uncle is gay.

Now the couple are unsure how they plan to introduce their boys, Julian, 3, and Kai, 1, to religion. Nevertheless, Micco admits that conversation is fast approaching. Recently, Julian began asking about a dead lady bug in the house.

“I didn’t want to lie and say, ‘The lady bug is sleeping.’ I know I need to figure out how to talk about death,” Micco says. “So I said, ‘It’s not moving. It doesn’t work anymore.’”

This wasn’t the first time Micco was taken o guard. Last summer, she and her husband took the boys to her grandparents’ graves in western Pennsylvania. While walking through the cemetery, Julian asked about the gravestones. But rather than o ering her 2-year-old an answer he could understand, Micco blurted, “Oh, there are dead people under the ground.”

Wrong answer, she admits with a laugh.

“I just get so flustered thinking about death, and explaining it to him in the context of my own beliefs, that I can’t even think straight,” she says. “Little things like that come up that make me wish I could just say, ‘Oh, people die and go to heaven,’ like my parents said to me.”

Today, Micco and Olin say they’re still open to the idea of attending a Christian church. They both like the structure of organized religion and want that to be part of their boys’ upbringing. Recently, the couple has been considering the more liberal Episcopal Church, in part because its rituals are similar to those of Catholicism

Still, Micco admits, there’s something very familiar and reassuring about the Catholicism that she practiced in her youth. Years ago, when she and Olin were in Italy, they attended Mass. And though some of the service was in Italian, most was in Latin, which they both immediately recognized.

“I go and there is this comfort … It’s ingrained in my being,” she says. “There is still that element that’s part of our identities.”

Christmas Tree and the Koran

Helene Arnold and Wafiq Faour, Richmond Arnold was born and raised Roman Catholic but no longer practices that faith. Faour was raised Muslim in Lebanon but doesn’t consider himself a practicing Muslim, mostly because he doesn’t observe all five pillars of Islam.

For Arnold and Faour, religious instruction for their kids has less to do with what their children call themselves than what they know and understand. And that means learning about all the world’s major faiths.

Nevertheless, Faour says it’s vital for his two children — Kamli, 12, and Zane, 9 — to know religion so they understand their heritage and the history of their ancestors.

The Santa Clause

Erica and Erik Andrus, Ferrisburgh Erik was born and raised as a Quaker. Erica grew up in a nonreligious household. Her father’s family were Jews who fled Lithuania in the early 20th century. Her mom’s family were Protestants from Great Britain; her grandfather’s family were Unitarians.

“I grew up in a household where, there was … an attitude that religion was something humans would eventually outgrow,” Erica says. “That we could live full and happy and complete lives just relying on science to answer our questions instead of religion.” Ironically, Erica went on to teach religion at the University of Vermont.

Judeo-Christian Compromises

Rachel Jolly and Adam Walker, Burlington

Jolly was raised in a “conservative/ progressive/reconstructionist” Jewish household. Walker grew up in a nonreligious Christian household. According to Jolly, her husband never expressed any interest in converting to Judaism, though she made it clear to him that if they had kids, they’d be raising them Jewish. And, that meant having a bris, or ritual circumcision.

What should you keep in mind when talking with kids about God, death and the Easter Bunny?

“We bring to the discussion all faiths, mainly the one-God faiths of Judaism, Christianity and Islam,” says Faour, who studies religions extensively. Often, he draws his lessons from the Koran, Islam’s holy book, because it contains elements of all three religions. “Jesus is mentioned 30 times in the Koran, Mary, 130 times, Moses, tens of times,” he says. “These are our prophets, too.”

Faour also fasts during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, but doesn’t expect his wife or kids to do so. And, like other modern American families, Faour and Arnold also put up a Christmas tree in December and exchange presents: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” says Faour.

When I point out to him that his reference to the Romans isn’t far from the historical truth — that the celebration of Christmas in late December was co-opted by the Romans from the pagan holiday of Saturnalia — he says, “Yes, I know. I teach them that, too.”

Erica admits that she and her husband never explicitly discussed how their kids would be raised. But from her standpoint, it’s OK if she tells their kids something di erent than her husband.

For her, it’s been important to pass on certain Jewish traditions to her kids. “It’s important to me to keep doing Passover,” she says, explaining that she wants her kids to know something about their cultural identity even if they don’t grow up to practice Judaism.

The Andruses also celebrate Christmas, primarily as a secular holiday. “It’s like Thanksgiving with presents,” she explains.

Admittedly, the couple’s children are still young — 3 and 5 — so, thus far, the only real “conflict” that’s arisen has been over Santa Claus. “I never believed in Santa Claus,” says Erica, “but Erik believed it’d be sweet if our kids believed in him.”

Their resolution: “I basically agreed to keep my mouth shut,” says Erika. “I don’t want to lie to my kids.”

A few months before her child was born, however, Jolly attended one and recalls it being “extremely emotional” to her. Although the experience raised doubts in her mind, Jolly says she eventually came to peace with the ancient rite as another integral part of her faith, not to be rationalized away but viewed as another symbol of one’s devotion to God. And when her daughter, Shayna, was born, she admits, “I was very relieved not to have to make that decision.”

Nevertheless, other religious issues have arisen in their house around child rearing — including whether to have a Christmas tree. “I really struggled with that one the last couple of years,” Jolly says, “because I have some real biases about Christmas and how it’s celebrated in this country. And, I have some adverse reactions to my daughter getting caught up in that.”

Jolly, a member of Ohavi Zedek Synagogue in Burlington, emphasizes that her reaction to the symbols of Christmas has more to do with her attitudes about consumerism than anything involving her husband’s family’s holiday observances. But while neither Santa nor the Easter Bunny will be making appearances in their home anytime soon, Rachel says their daughter’s holiday observances will continue to be “a work in progress.”

What parents say

A Little Bit of Everything

Harjit Dhaliwal and Jenny St. Onge, Milton

Dhaliwal was born and raised in Malaysia in the Sikh faith; St. Onge is a French Canadian raised Catholic in Montréal.

As Dhaliwal explains, their two children — Sabrina, 13, and Hannah, 10 — were baptized in a Sikh temple, primarily to please Dhaliwal’s “very traditional” mother. Since then, the kids have been raised to understand and respect both religions.

St. Onge isn’t a practicing Catholic anymore, but her girls have attended Mass and are familiar with Catholic rituals. Likewise, when their family visits Dhaliwal’s mother in Toronto, the children know not to expect

Talking God to toddlers: What the experts say

“Is Santa Claus stronger than Jesus?”

“When does God sleep?” “If my goldfish didn’t go to church, will he still go to heaven?”

Children ask questions like these all the time. Sometimes one vaguely worded response will provoke a whole line of inquiries as your child tries to assimilate new information into his or her small but expanding concept of the universe. Some parents dread trying to explain God, death or religion to their children. If you’re not a minister, rabbi or religious scholar, how do you respond? Kids VT asked some experts for advice on how to brace for the inevitable onslaught of life’s big questions. Don’t worry, they say, such conversations need not be stressful — or complicated.

DON’T SHY AWAY FROM THE HARD CONVERSATION.

“I think the most important thing is not to be afraid of it,” says Erica Andrus, a lecturer in the University of Vermont’s religion department. “A lot of people in our culture are intimidated by talking about religion. In some way, there’s a sense that religion is private and you’re not supposed to ask people about it. So it becomes this scary, mysterious thing.”

IF FAITH IS IMPORTANT TO YOU, MAKE IT A REGULAR PART OF YOUR KIDS’ LIVES.

beef, a common dietary restriction among Sikhs. “My wife and I are not practicing,” Dhaliwal emphasizes. “We just teach our kids what we know.”

And that means giving them a healthy dose of both religions’ symbols and celebrations, from Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny to the Indian holiday of Diwali, or festival of light, which falls in late October or early November. “Yeah, we do it all!” Dhaliwal says with a laugh.

As for which religion his daughters will eventually adopt when they grow up, Dhaliwal seems unconcerned.

“For us, religion is a guide,” he says. As he tells his girls, “You can believe in whatever you want, so long as you believe that there’s something bigger than us.”

KEEP IT SIMPLE AND LET YOUR CHILD LEAD. A question such as “What is God?” doesn’t have to provoke a two-hour explanation of the origins of the Holy Trinity. Don’t get hung up on names and terminologies. Martha Dallas, director of religious education at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington, suggests that when a child asks one of life’s big questions, it’s important to gauge his or her attention span, interest and maturity level. Sometimes, a simple age-appropriate response will suffice. “Then you see if the kid wants to keep talking or if that quiets them down for the time being,” she says.

SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP.

Most members of the clergy or their education staffs are more than happy to offer suggestions and material for introducing religious ideas to young people. Many houses of worship have resource libraries with books, CDs and videos designed to help children learn the origins and meanings of holidays, rituals and festivals.

BE TRUE TO YOUR OWN BELIEFS, BUT TEACH TOLERANCE.

Both Andrus and Dallas urge parents who feel strongly about their own faith to stay true to it. If a certain observance or ritual is important to you, explain and share it with your kids. But parents shouldn’t be afraid to teach their kids that different people have different worldviews. It’s one way to foster a respect and understanding for all differences.

“There is an old saying: ‘Faith is caught more than it is taught,’” suggests Monsignor John McDermott of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington. “If children have been raised in a household where prayer and faith are a regular part of everyday life, and not just on the occasional Sunday or holy day, the more likely the faith will take root in the children’s lives.” A daily acknowledgment of faith doesn’t have to mean formal worship or religious education. Something as simple as slowing down to reflect on a beautiful sunset or the appearance of the first robins of spring can be enough to instill in a young mind a curiosity and wonder about the miracles of life.

BE PREPARED.

Couples or caregivers should decide in advance what they want to teach the little ones. In situations in which one party holds stronger religious beliefs than the other, it’s advisable that the two negotiate their approach to religious upbringing in advance, before broaching those topics with the kids.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO SAY, “I DON’T KNOW. WHAT DO YOU THINK?”

“Parents are godlike figures in the life of a toddler,” says Dallas. “They have these powers that are beyond the comprehension of a little child.” That said, it’s not a bad thing for children to discover early on that some questions don’t have definitive answers. Children who are encouraged from an early age to be inquisitive are more likely to become lifelong learners. Listen to what they have to say and embrace these moments as opportunities to stoke your child’s curiosity and imagination — and your own.

“I just get so flustered thinking about death, and explaining it to him in the context of my own beliefs, that I can’t even think straight.”

NICCI MICCO

Talent Development Institute

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.

2011 Vermont Futbol Academy... Come Train with the Best!

Day Camp - June 20-24

Ages 6-12, 9am -3pm

Keeper / Striker Clinic – July 11-15

Ages 11-14, 9am - Noon

Premier / Team Residential Camp - July 24-28

Ages 10-18, full day sessions

Hosted by UVM Staff Jesse Cormier and Wade Jean, Vermont Futbol Academy features excitement and challenge. The focus of training is enhancing a passion for the sport of soccer with a positive learning environment, coupled with excellent skill training and fun competitions.

For info: 656-7868 or vtsocceracademy@gmail.com

Register online at www.vermontfutbolacademy.org

SUMMER CAMPS

• 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

www.chittendenhumane.org

k8h-HumanSociety0211.indd 1

Visit

MENTION

16 Tigan St • Winooski 655-3300 www.regalgym.com Gymnastics

Kevin Sneddon’s Hockey School

Two for the price of one?

Science & Art Day Camp

Crime Lab June 27-July 1

Lightning, Lava & Landslides July 11-15 Burlington, VT

Weekly Themes, Co-ed Ages 5-13 www.davinciexperience.com/vermont Call

Not exactly... but if you enroll more than one child at the Schoolhouse Learning Center you get an automatic family discount.

Schedule your visit now!

The Schoolhouse Learning Center has openings for the 2011-12 school year!

We are enrolling early kindergarten (age 4 1/2) through 5th grade.

Schoolhouse is a family-centered, muliticultural, academically excellent school.

Night Eagle

Wilderness Adventures

A unique summer camp for boys, ages 10-14,

please call Linda Barnes, Director of admissions, at 355-7023 or email admissions@theschoolhousevt.org to schedule your personal tour!

The Schoolhouse Learning Center has openings for the 2011-12 school year!

We are enrolling early kindergarten (age 4 1/2) through 5th grade.

Schoolhouse is a family-centered, muliticultural, academically excellent school.

Summer CampS for children who have completed Kindergarten through Grade 6, June 27-august 22

please call Linda Barnes, Director of admissions, at 355-7023 or email admissions@theschoolhousevt.org to schedule your personal tour!

register: Online at at www.theschoolhousevt.org/camp

Please contact Tana Randall at (802)578-4067 with questions.

40 years of progressive education! The Schoolhouse offers a strong academic foundation in literacy, science, math and art while supporting the social and emotional development of each individual child.

GUTTERSON ARENA UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT

Riding-Woodshop-Farm-Garden-Pottery-Archery-Trips-Weaving-ArtRocketry-Tennis-Swimming-Canoeing/Kayaking-Team Sports-SailiingLow Ropes-Mountain Biking-Rock Climbing-Drama-Outdoor Skills

ESSEX • SOUTH BURLINGTON • WILLISTON

Independent

Healthy

Promoting Balanced Lives Summer Camp 2011 CAMP EDGE

for group have playing •

&

“Honoring the Spirit of Each Child in a Values Based Educational Community” PO Box 339 · Shelburne, VT 05482 · 802 -985-2153 · · www.heartworksvt.com ·

•

Summer Fun at SUGARBUSH ADVENTURE CAMPS

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.

*Mon-Fri sessions

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.

may calendar

submit your June events by may 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.

Pedals of Honor

Bike with your mom — or your kids — this Mother’s Day and push the pedals for a cause during the third annual Lund Family Center’s Mother’s Day Ride. Cyclists of all speeds will find the event appealing, with rides of 16, 30 and 55 miles, as well as a four-mile family out-and-back ride that starts at Rice Memorial High School and heads out along the bike path. In addition to kicking off the spring cycling season, the Mother’s Day Ride supports Lund Family Center and its family-strengthening focus. a Vermont fixture since 1890, the Lund Family Center is a resource for teen pregnancy prevention. It offers residential treatment for pregnant and parenting young women, and has a Parent Child Center delivering family services throughout Chittenden County. a $200 donation is suggested for participation in the family ride, says annual Giving Program Coordinator Kitty Bartlett, but all are welcome to attend and enjoy face painting, a bounce castle, vendors, food, a bike parade and a visit from Joey the Clown. The Lund Family Center appreciates donations of any size, as governmental services erode but need keeps rising, Bartlett says. Last year’s Mother’s Day Ride raised $85,000, and organizers are aiming to shift that up to $155,000 this year. Ride on.

moTher’s day ride: Sunday, May 8. Rice Memorial High School, South Burlington, 9:30 a.m. check-in for the Family Ride. Info, 864-7467, ext 3000. lundfamilycenter.org.

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Sunday Arts

‘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. Off Center for the Dramatic Arts, Burlington, 2 p.m. Ages 4 and up. $15 adults, $10 children under 12. Info, info@ saintsandpoetsproductions.org.

Vyo spring concert: Music Director Designate Jeffrey Domoto leads his inaugural concert with the Vermont Youth Orchestra. The program previews works the VYO plans to perform on an upcoming tour. Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, Burlington, 3 p.m. $15-$10 adults, $12-$6 students. Info, 800-86-flynn.

Community

earl’s cyclery & Fitness Bike swap sale: Twoday bike swap and sale with good condition used bikes for adults and children. Consignment bikes must be dropped off on April 28 or 29 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Earl’s Cyclery & Fitness, Williston, Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Info, 864-9197.

skirack annual Bike swap: Check out the annual bike swap sale at Skirack, this year going on for two days. Used gear must be brought in for sale between April 25 and 29. Good condition used bikes for riders of all ages are available. Skirack Burlington, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Info, 800-882-4530.

Fairs & Festivals

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. Purchase lunch from the Teago Volunteer Fire Department. 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.

Health & Fitness

Family Gym at the Burlington ymca: Put a little play in your day with indoor gym time. YMCA, Burlington, 10:15-noon. 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.

Public skating at the ice Barn: Open skating every day from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Also Saturday and Sunday 5-7 p.m. $6 admission, $2 skate rental. Info, icebarnvt.com.

Nature & Science

Birds of Vermont museum: The museum opens its doors for the season by beckoning patrons to discover the 500th bird in the collection. View new carvings and enjoy familiar ones. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 10 a.m.4 p.m. $6 adults, $3 children. Info, 434-2167. dairy day at the Farm: The first of May marks one of the sure signs of the season: a barn full of new calves to see and activities for all. Come pet the young calves, learn to milk, taste the cheddar cheese made from their milk and walk the cows parade from pasture to parlor. Shelburne Farms, 1-4 p.m. All ages. Free. Info, 985-8498.

Geprag Park Beginner Bird Walk: Geprag Park is a great place for beginners to explore with colorful birds like indigo buntings and goldenwinged warblers. Sponsored by the North Branch Nature Center and Green Mountain

Audubon Society. Geprag Park, Hinesburg, 8-9:30 a.m.. Free. Info, 229-6206.

Planting a Wildlife Garden: Join Audubon staff in lessening their lawn by installing a low maintenance wildlife garden. Education Barn, Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 1-4 p.m. All ages. Preregister. $10 nonmember adult-child pair. $4 each additional child. Info, 434-3068.

demonstrates the art of origami with students creating pieces to take home. 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.

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Monday Arts

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.

Vermont youth orchestra and choruses auditions: Annual auditions for the Vermont Youth Orchestra Association ensembles will be held from May 2-25. New students interested in playing or singing are encouraged to attend. Elley-Long Music Center, St. Michael’s College, Colchester, call for times. Free. Info 655-5030, ext. 101.

Health & Fitness

Public skating at Leddy arena: Public Skating on the Olympic rink. Leddy Park Arena, Burlington. Tues, Wed, Thu, Fri, 8:30- 11:15 a.m. $4  adults, $3 students. Skate rentals available for $3 per pair. Times and dates subject to change, especially during school vacations. Info, 862-8869.

3 TueSday

Arts

cobleigh Library origami Group: Teresa Vasko

creative Tuesdays: Young 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 birth-5. $120/12 wks. plus $38 materials fee. Info, 652-4548.

open studio: Work on creative ideas assisted by staff. Parents are encouraged to join their kids, and students can use the time to work on school projects. Helen Day Art Center, Stowe, 3-5 p.m. $15 for one-day pass. Info, 253-8358.

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, Burlington, 9:30-11:30 a.m. $6 parent-child pair, $3 additional sibling, $5 BCA members. Info, 865-7166.

Like Fletcher allen Health Care on Facebook and get weekly updates from dr. First!

Education

mindfulness & Resilience Workshop: Workshop offers parents the tools to handle the stress of everyday parenting, teaches how to enrich the parent/child relationship, and how to give kids the resilience to thrive. Location TBD, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. Info, 527-1941.

Health & Fitness

Public skating at Leddy Arena: See May 2. 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.

Library & Books

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: Teens play their 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.

Nature & Science

science and stories: Eggs: An egg is quiet, but very busy. What’s going on inside? Come explore the secrets of a developing egg. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 11 a.m. Free with admission. Info, 877-324-6386.

4 Wednesday Community

Essex Baby social: Social event for babies born in the past year. Includes refreshments, entertainment and massages. Each child will have a book inscribed with his or her name to be donated to the Essex Free Library. Siblings also welcome. Essex Teen Center, Essex Junction, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 872-9580.

Education

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.

Kids in the Kitchen: Easy as Pie: Call the kids into the kitchen for a lesson on baking a good old-fashioned apple pie. Kids learn step-by-step skills for how to mix and roll crust, prepare the filling and assemble the pies to take home. Healthy Living Market, South Burlington, 3:304:30 p.m. All ages. Preregister. $20 per child includes admission for accompanying adult. Info, 863-2569.

Ongoing Exhibits

Blue man Group — making Waves: This exhibition encourages families to learn, play and explore with the same curiosity as the renowned performing troupe. Designed to bring together science and art, the exhibit offers a multi-sensory exploration of sound that provides an opportunity to discover the fun of music. Montshire Museum, Norwich, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $12 adults, $10 children 2-17, members and children under 2 free. Info, 649-2200.

Raptors Up close: Explore the fascinating lives of birds in an intimate encounter. Look

Health & Fitness

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.

Kids open Gymnastics: Let kids tumble, jump and be active while adults connect with other young families. Sessions are sometimes outdoors and include an opening activity, snack and unstructured time on equipment. River Arts, Morrisville, 10-11:30 a.m. Ages birth-5. $5 for one child, $8 for two children, $10 for three or more. Info, 888-1261.

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.

Public skating at Leddy Arena: See May 2.

Library & Books

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.

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 prekindergarten-age children, 5 p.m. for children ages 5-10. $3 suggested donation. Info, 476-4276. middle school Book Group: Middle schoolers muse on the merits of good books, including Manga, graphic novels, short stories and more. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Nature & Science

Billings Farm Preschoolers Program: Enjoy a farm-themed story, visit the farm animals, participate in a hands-on activity and enjoy a snack. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 9-10:30 a.m. Preregister. $3 members, $5 nonmembers. Info, 457-2355.

5 thursday

Arts

‘Bye Bye Birdie’: Performance by Very Merry Theater, Vermont’s traveling company for young thespians. Edmunds Middle School, Burlington, 4 p.m. Free. Info, 863-6607.

‘charlotte’s Web’: See May 1, 7 p.m. moms’ 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.

5 THURsdAy, p. 31

deeply into subjects ranging from how VINS rehabilitates birds and the fundamentals of how VINS trains raptors to the specialties of raptor groups like falcons and owls. Classroom, Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Quechee, daily at 2-2:30 p.m. All ages. $10.50 adults, $8.50 youth, free for members and kids under 3. Info, 359-5000.

Talk to the Trainer: Uncover the mysteries of training animals and investigate how trainers work with the animals’ natural behaviors. Classroom, Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Quechee, daily at 11 a.m. All ages. $10.50 adults, $8.50 youth, free for members and kids under 3. Info, 359-5000.

Ongoing Playgroups

MONDAYS

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.

TUESDAYS

Alburgh Music & 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. VNA Family Room, St. Joseph’s School, 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 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: 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.

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. Ages 6 months-6. $10 child, $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, boltonplaygroup@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. Please bring a snack for your child. American Legion, Enosburg, 9-11 a.m. 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. For infants and toddlers. Info, 878-4918.

Williston Tiny Tumblers Playgroup: See Tuesdays.

THURSDAYS

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 between pregnancy and motherhood. 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, 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 and 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. SATURDAYS

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. 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.

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.

Education

Beginning English conversation and children’s story Time: Language instruction for adults, stories and activities for children. Learn basic English to help get out and about in the community. Series begins with introductions and then covers topics such as telling time, asking for directions and shopping. Classes tailored to fit the needs of participants. Sponsored by Dorothy Alling Memorial Library. Bookmobile, Maple Tree Place shopping center, Williston, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Essex Junction La Leche League Group: Open group for all breast-feeding mothers and mothers-to-be interested in breast feeding. First Congregational Church, Essex Junction, 7 p.m., first Thursdays. Free. Info, 310-8951, 899-5490, 862-6023.

Health & Fitness

Hot mamas Workout: Work out with other moms using a combination of cardio and strength moves to burn fat, tone up, relieve stress and have fun. Children are welcome to attend. Milton Grange, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Ages birth to 5. $40 per six-week session. Info, 893-4922. Public skating at Leddy arena: See May 2.

Library & Books

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., first Thursday of each month. Grades 7-12. Free. Info, 878-4918.

open computer Time for Teens: See May 3.

PJ story Time: Come in pajamas to listen to a story and make a craft before bedtime. BFAPTSA’s Fairfax Success By Six activity. Fairfax Community Library. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Birth to age

6. Free. Info, fairfaxsx6@hotmail.com.

st. albans Homeschooler’s Book Group: Kids learning at home gather at the library to read and discuss a wide variety of genres. St. Albans Free Library, 1 p.m. Ages 8-14. Free. Info, 527-1507.

6 Friday

Arts

‘Bye Bye Birdie’: See May 5, 7 p.m. ‘charlotte’s Web’: See May 1, 7 p.m. 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, Burlington, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Ages infant and up. $6, $5 BCA members. Info, 865-7166.

udder delights

Get a taste of Vermont’s dairy heritage at the Billings Farm & Museum’s two-day Cows and Camembert event May 28 and 29. Farm visitors can sample artisan cheeses, meet local cheesemakers and raise their dairy iQ with educational activities. Help the farm manager judge the Jersey herd, find out about cows’ nutritional needs, and take part in a name-the-calf contest. Kids of all ages will enjoy exploring the farm, and visiting the cows, chicken, oxen or horses. Special weekend activities include a dairy scavenger hunt, cow pizzas cooking and chocolate ice cream making. Moo moo, good.

coWs & camEmBErT WEEKENd: Saturday and Sunday, May 28 and 29, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock. info, 457-2355.

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, Burlington, 7:30-9:30 p.m.  Ages 13-18. $6, $5 BCA members. Info, 865-7166.

Education

moPs meeting: Meet other moms to have fun, get support, make new friends. Church of the Rock, St. Albans. 8:45-11 a.m. Mothers of preschoolers, children ages birth to 5 and expectant mothers. Info, stalbansmops.org.

Health & Fitness

afternoon Hoops: See May 4.

Family Gym at the Burlington ymca: See May 1, 10:15-11:30 a.m.

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. Public skating at Leddy arena: See May 2.

Library & Books

after school Book discussion: 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.

Teen movie Night: Drinks and popcorn offered at this event featuring the movie Leap Year for the May session. Teen Advisory Board meets before the movie. Lincoln Library, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 453-2665.

7 Saturday Arts

arts First!: Join staff in free activities for aspiring artists. Studio Place Arts, Barre, 1-3:30 p.m., the first three Saturdays. Ages 7-10. Preregister. Free. Info, 479-7069.

Beakman on the Brain: From the Emmy awardwinning science TV show, “Beakman’s World,” the entertaining and lively scientist Beakman (Paul Zaloom) teaches kids everything they ever wanted to know about the brain but were thinking too much to ask. With plenty of audience participation and a wacky sense of humor, Beakman employs a series of large-scale, fun and very visual demonstrations to illustrate how the brain works. MainStage, Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, Burlington, 7 p.m. Recommended for ages 7 and up. $20 adults, $16 children. Info, 863-5966.

‘Bye Bye Birdie’: See May 5, 7 p.m. ‘charlotte’s Web’: See May 1. 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.

saturday Kids drop-in art: Drop in any week and create a themed art project. Shelburne Art Center, 10-11:30 a.m. All ages. $12, $10 additional sibling. Info, 985-3648.

Community

colchester Touch a Truck: Little kids get to be a big wheel at this event allowing them to climb, sit and play on tractors, dump trucks, fire trucks and more. First hour and a half is a quiet time when no sirens will be used. Colchester High School parking lot, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 264-5645.

PART-TIME CALENDAR WRITER

Do you like being in the know?

Do you have what it takes to help Vermonters find family-friendly fun?

Kids VT, a monthly parenting publication owned by Seven Days is looking for a Calendar Writer to compile our comprehensive event listings.

Ideal candidate has:

• obsessive attention to detail

• skills to transform wordy press releases into zippy listings

• respect for the facts, with a sense of humor

• familiarity with online social media tools

• pleasant phone manners

• patience and a positive attitude

• ability to meet tight deadlines

• self-motivation and willingness to take direction

• working knowledge of U.S. culture and Vermont geography

This is a part-time, hourly position. Can work from home.

Please submit cover letter and resume to jobs@kidsvt.com, or Attn: Calendar Writer, Kids VT, P.O. Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402 No phone calls, please.

Fairy Play shop: Explore the magical world of the wee ones all around us. Maureen Short will be on hand to share information about what fairies are and talk about how to make fairy houses, including making an elf door to decorate and take home. City Market, Burlington, 11 a.m.-noon. Ages 3 and up. Preregister. Free. Info, 861-9700.

Life-size candyland at University mall: Kids can come play the University Mall’s life-size Candyland board game at center court. Four players compete in each game, all kids win prizes. University Mall, South Burlington, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Ages 2-10. Free. Info, 863-1066, ext. 11. milton Girls day 2011: Spark your imagination, spark your curiosity and celebrate your spark. Girls Day is an opportunity for girls and the special women in their lives to connect, feel empowered and have fun. Activities include Zumba, aromatherapy, massage for moms, the Green Mountain Derby Dames, punk rock band Dollfight, and more. New Life Christian Fellowship, Milton, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Girls in grades 3-8. Free. Info, 893-1009.

mother’s day card craft: Make mom a chore card or a greeting card — your choice. The library provides all the necessary supplies. St. Albans Free Library, 10:30 a.m. All ages. Free. Info, 524-1507.

onion River Bike swap: Bike swap and sale offers good condition used bikes, jogging strollers and bike trailers. Drop off used items during regular business hours between May 2 and 6. Onion River Sports, Montpelier, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Info, 229-9409.

Education

Kids in the Kitchen: mom and Kids Brunch: Moms and their company will prepare a Vermont-inspired brunch. Together, participants will make scones, scrambled eggs, herb-roasted potatoes and fresh pineapple with a maplelime vinaigrette. Healthy Living Market, South Burlington, 11 a.m. All ages. Preregister. $45 per mother-child team. Info, 863-2569.

Fairs & Festivals

opening day at the shelburne Farms’ children’s Farmyard: The tractor and wagon will be waiting to give families a ride to the farm barn at Shelburne Farms, and hundreds of lambs will be leaping in the field. The patient cow will be ready for novice milkers to try their hand at milking, and many more animal adventures await. Shelburne Farms, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. $8 adults, $5 children. Info, 985-8686. spring into summer celebration: Three special events come together on one day for a seasonal celebration. In addition to the annual sweet-n-savory all-you-can-eat pie breakfast, there will be a silent auction and free performance by No Strings Marionette Company. Christ Church, Montpelier, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $7 adults, $25 families, free for children under 5. Info, 456-7400.

Health & Fitness

Beginner Ballet for students With special Needs: Ballet class with Sidra Hoffman. Jazzercise Studio, Waterbury, 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Children ages 4-7 who can function well in a group setting. Preregister, but drop-ins may be accepted. Donations. Info, 244-8600.

Family Gym at Winooski YmcA: Put a little play in your day with indoor gym time. YMCA, Winooski, 10:30-noon. 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.

Jiggety Jog: This family-friendly event encourages people to run, walk, jog or bike in honor or in memory of a loved one while raising money for the Vermont Respite House. Allen Brook School, Williston, 8 a.m. Info, 860-4435.

sunshine Run: Annual 5K run and walk benefits the Sarah Leary Scholarship Fund. Includes a Kids Fun Run in which children can be accompanied by parents or other caregivers. $25 for preregistered entrants, $30 for race-day registration. $6 for fun run. Info, 247-1412.

Library & Books

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.

Nature & Science

Building an outdoor Exploration Kit: Learn to be nature detectives with ideas for tools that will keep a family entertained in the outdoors. Covers games, activities and the kinds of items to keep in your outdoor exploration pack. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Sugarhouse parking area, 10 a.m. - noon. Ages 3 and up with adult. Preregister. $12 nonmember adult/child pair, $5/additional child.

Ephemeral Zoo: Come meet amphibian and aquatic creatures from local marshes and ponds, participate in special indoor and outdoor activities and hands-on explorations throughout the day. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. All ages. Free with admission. Info, 649-2200.

Northeast Kingdom Beginner Bird Walk: Bird walk for younger birders with a focus on how to use optics, find and identify birds by song and sight and enjoy their colors and behaviors. Sponsored by the Northeast Kingdom Audubon and the North Branch Nature Center. Joe’s Pond, Danville, 8:30-10 a.m. Ages 8-16. Preregister. Free. Info, 751-7671.

8 Sunday

Arts

‘Bye Bye Birdie’: See May 5, 7 p.m. ‘charlotte’s Web’: See May 1.

Community

mother’s day Ride: See spotlight, page 28.

Library & Books

Read to a dog: See May 7, 1-2 p.m.

Nature & Science

mother’s day Wildflower Walk: Join in on a wonderful walk to honor the beauty in our moms and the wildflowers that surround us. Take an easy stroll through the meadows and woods along the North Branch to view spring flora first hand and learn folklore behind names of these beautiful flowers. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 1-3 p.m. All ages. $5 Info, 229-6206.

sundays for Fledglings: Kids are invited to hike, create, explore, carve, write or investigate at the Birds of Vermont Museum on Sunday afternoons. Sessions are often outdoors; dress appropriately. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 2-2:45 p.m. Designed for kids in grades 1 to 4, but all are welcome. Preregister. Free with admission. Info, 434-2167.

7 sATURdAY (Continued)

9 Monday

Education

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.

Library & Books

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 May 2.

10 tuesday

Arts

cobleigh Library origami Group: See May 3.

craftacular Tuesdays: See May 3.

creative Tuesdays: See May 3.

itty Bitty drop-in art: See May 3.

music Together: See May 3.

open studio: See May 3.

Tadpole Preschool drop-in: See May 3.

Education

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., second Tuesdays. Free. Info, 257-5648 or 254-5264.

Ongoing Story Times

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: Book hounds 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 kids ages 18-36 months and their caregivers. Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

Williston story Time at Buttered noodles: Early readers get together for group book time; snack and juice provided.

Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10-10:30 a.m. Ages 1-7. Free. Info, 764-1810.

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.

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. 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.

Kids in the Kitchen: Fruit and Veggie Prints: Children take an artistic adventure using the natural textures of fruit and veggies to make stamps. Kids dip their unique stamps in paint and decorate provided dish towels and t-shirts. Healthy Living Market, South Burlington, 3:304:30 p.m. All ages. Preregister. $20 per child includes admission for accompanying adult. Info, 863-2569.

Health & Fitness

stroller strolling: See May 3.

Library & Books

Baseball card Trading day: Baseball fans gather and share their favorite cards. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3 p.m. For children up to grade 8. Free. Info, 878-4918. music With Robert: See May 3.

open computer Time for Teens: See May 3.

Nature & Science

Green and Growing: Preschool nature discovery program investigates plant life cycles with a close look at some flowers and then a trek to find a bouquet of spring wildflowers. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 10-11:30 a.m. Ages 3-5. Preregister. $5 per child. Info, 229-6206. science and stories: seeds: A seed holds the promise of a colorful field of flowers or a bountiful garden. Kids get to plant some and take them home to watch as they take root, sprout and grow. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 11 a.m. Free with admission. Info, 877-324-6386.

10 Tuesday, p. 34

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 Tuesday. 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.

shelburne story Time With Webbster: Lively readings of children’s books related to the museum collections with new stories offered each week.

Shelburne Museum, 10:30-11 a.m., May 17, 24 and 31 only. Intended for preschoolers, but all are welcome. Free with admission. Info, 985-334. south Burlington Tiny Tots story Time: Enjoy stories, songs and interactive play stations that foster socialization skills and a love of reading. South Burlington Community Library, 10:30 a.m. Ages 1-3. Free. Preregister. Info, 802-652-7080.

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. Williston story Time at Buttered noodles: see mondays.

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.

Williston story Time at Buttered noodles: see mondays.

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.

Williston story Time at Buttered noodles: see mondays.

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. Preregister. Free. Info, 223-2415.

south Burlington Preschool story Hour: Stories and activities focus on developing early literacy skills and preparing preschoolers to read. 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.

Williston story Time at Buttered noodles: see mondays.

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

Kid for a day

a fun-filled day for families, Burlington’s Kids’ Day features exhibits, music, drama and a parade along Main Street to Waterfront Park. Begun in 1986, the festival has grown to include 1500 parade participants, 60 schools and service organizations, 75 businesses and 50 volunteers and contributors. activities include a homerun derby, building structures with pool noodles, visits from a llama mascot, round-trip train rides to Charlotte and more. Kids’ Day coincides with the young Tradition Weekend. a showcase contest of young singers, players and dancers of folk and traditional music is part of the Kids’ Day festivities on the waterfront.

Kids’ dAY 2011: saturday, May 14, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Waterfront Park festival site. $1. info, 864-0123, enjoyburlington.com/ specialevents/kids_day

12 thursday

Library & Books

After school Book discussion: See May 6.

Nature & Science

science and stories: seeds: See May 10.

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 animals encounters. Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Quechee, 9-10 a.m. Ages 3-5. $12 nonmembers, $20 members. Info, 359-5000, ext. 223.

14 saturday

Arts

Arts First!: See May 7. crafty second saturdays: Spring means it’s time to get back to the land and work on our garden. Get started by decorating a planter and planting some seeds. Snelling Room, Vermont History Museum, Montpelier, 1-3 p.m. Ages 6-12. Free with admission. Info, 479-8500. saturday drama club: See May 7. saturday Kids drop-in Art: See May 7.

Education

storytime in the Nestlings Nook: Listen to stories about birds and participate in a craft, music or nature walk. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Intended for preschool age children, but all are welcome. Free with admission. Info, 434-2167.

11 Wednesday

Education

cookie decorating: See May 4. 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., second Wednesdays. Free. Info, 985-8228.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See May 4.

Kids open Gymnastics: See May 4.

Little sprouts open Gym: See May 4.

Library & Books

Author Visit by Nancy Prince: Children’s author Nancy Prince talks about her book “Libby’s Loons” and discusses the importance of protecting animals. Cobleigh Public Library, Lyndonville, 3:30 p.m. Ages 4-10 and family members or caregivers. Free. Info, 626-5475.

High school Book Group: See May 4.

Kids cooking Up a story: See May 4. middle school Book Group: See May 4. moving and Grooving With christine: Move to the rhythms of old rock ’n’ roll and world beat music. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 111:30 a.m. Recommended for ages 2-5 years, but all are welcome. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Nature & Science

Green and Growing: See May 10.

Arts

moms matinees: See May 5. Pollywog Preschool drop-in: See May 5.

Education

Beginning English conversation and children’s story Time: See May 5.

Health & Fitness

Hot mamas Workout: See May 5.

Library & Books

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. open computer Time for Teens: See May 3.

13 friday

Arts

Art on a Rain Barrel Festival: Watch rain barrel artists in action or paint one yourself. Prizes awarded for the first entry in each division. Learn how rain barrels can help save water, protect the environment and save money.

Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center, Quechee, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. All Ages. Free. Info, 359-5000.

comics club: See May 6. draw comics: See May 6.

Family clay drop-in: See May 6.

Friday Night Teen clay drop-in: See May 6.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See May 4.

Family Gym at the Burlington YmcA: See May 1, 10:15-11:30 a.m.

Friday Night Kids club: See May 6.

Community

community spelling Bee: Participate in a funfilled family event for wordsmiths of all ages. Up to 20 teams of three people compete to out-spell each other using the same words and rules as the Scripps National Spelling Bee in a friendly competition. Essex High School auditorium, 2-4 p.m. $30 per team. For kids grades 6 and up. Adults welcome as well. Info, 878-6956, kat@ brownelllibrary.org.

Fairs & Festivals

mayfest 2011: This annual community festival features a Maypole ceremony performed by Orchard Valley Waldorf School grade school students, puppet shows, children’s activities, live music and more. Bring your own picnic lunch and enjoy the apple blossoms. Main campus, Orchard Valley Waldorf School, East Montpelier, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 456-7400.

Health & Fitness

carrie’s Fun Run: A fun event including 5K and half-mile distances to benefit the Carrie Premsagar Foundation. This nonprofit seeks to meet the needs of families dealing with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Dorset Park, South Burlington, 8-11 a.m. $20 for 5K, $5 for kids’ run. Info, 859-9397.

Babysitter safety course: This class stresses the safety principles important in babysitting. Includes interviewing for a job, choosing safe and age-appropriate activities, preventing injuries, performing first aid, diaper and feeding techniques and more. Community room, Milton Town Office, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Ages 11 and up. $50. Info, 9893-4922.

Fairs & Festivals

Fletcher Free Library at Kids’ day: Visit the library van, or check out the activity booth as the Fletcher Free Library joins Burlington Parks & Recreation to celebrate Kids’ Day. Waterfront Park, Burlington, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Kids’ day: See spotlight, this page.

Health & Fitness

Family Gym at Winooski YmcA: See May 7. Walk for Williams: Walk to raise awareness and funds as part of Williams Syndrome awareness week. Oakledge Park, Burlington, 9 a.m.-noon. Free, or $50 per family. Info, kmdavies88@ gmail.com.

Library & Books

Book Auction and Gala: Vermont authors, publishers, bookstores and dealers come together to support the capital campaign of the Morristown Centennial Library. Collectible editions from various catalogs have been donated for the auction and several Vermont authors will attend to speak about the influence of Vermont in their work. Morristown Centennial Library, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 371-8125.

Read to a dog: See May 7.

15 sunday

Arts

Walking Tour: Full steam Ahead: Discover the restored 1906 steamboat Ticonderoga as it existed in 1923. Learn more about the boat’s operation, mechanics, historical and social context. Shelburne Museum, daily at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. $20 adults, $10 children 5-18, under 5 free. Info, 985-3346.

supermarket Bingo: A fun fundraiser put on by the Ferrisburgh Central School where winners receive gift cards to area supermarkets. Also includes raffles and concessions. Vergennes Union High School, 6-9 p.m. $5. Info, pelmartin@gmavt.net.

Library & Books

‘To Kill a mockingbird’ discussion And Reading: Celebrate a classic book with music, book discussion and a dramatic reading. Audience participation encouraged; pie and refreshments available. Lyndon Institute Town House, Lyndonville, 2 p.m. Free. Info, 626-5475.

Read to a dog: See May 7, 1-2 p.m.

Nature & Science

Early Bird morning Walks: Start your day with an outdoor ramble on the museum property to share your sightings, practice identifying by ear and learning from other birders. Finish the walk with bird-friendly “Birds and Beans” coffee. Parking lot on Sherman Hollow Road, Birds of Vermont Museum, 7-8:15 a.m. For adults and older children. Info, 434-2167.

Family day: Lilac and Gardening sunday: Celebrate a new season as the grounds are in fragrant full bloom with over 400 lilacs of 90 varieties. Lilac tours, gardening tips, demonstrations and live music will be available. Shelburne Museum, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $20 adults, $10 children 5-18, under 5 free. Info, 985-3346.

Love is in the Air: From frogs to flowers, birds to butterflies, spring is a love-ly time in nature. Explore pond, field and forest to take a loser look at the circle of life of many creatures, big and small. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Education Barn, Huntington, 1-3 p.m. Ages 3 and up. Preregister. $12 nonmember adult-child pair. $5 each additional child. Info, 434-3068. sundays for Fledglings: See May 8.

16 Monday Arts

Walking Tour: Full steam Ahead: See April 15.

10 TUEsdAY (ConTinueD)

Education

Easy ideas: Lunch Box makeover: Come find out how to put an end to lackluster lunchboxes and find fresh ways to put frittatas, veggie wraps, applesauce muffins, chicken salad and more on the take-to-school menu. Healthy Living Market, South Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. For adults. Preregister. $20. Info, 863-2569.

Library & Books

music With Raphael: See May 2.

17 Tuesday

Arts

cobleigh Library origami Group: See May 3. craftacular Tuesdays: See May 3. creative Tuesdays: See May 3.

itty Bitty drop-in Art: See May 3. music Together: See May 3. open studio: See May 3.

Tadpole Preschool drop-in: See May 3.

Walking Tour: Full steam Ahead: See May 15.

Education

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., third Tuesdays. Free. Info, 244-7416, 223-0873.

Rutland Breast-Feeding support Group: Group for new mothers or women considering breastfeeding. Rutland Regional Medical Center, 7-9 p.m. Free. Info 747-3688.

Health & Fitness

stroller strolling: See May 3.

Library & Books

music With Robert: See May 3. open computer Time for Teens: See May 3.

Nature & Science

science and stories: Fantastic Flying Fireflies: There is nothing more magical than watching a field full of fireflies on a summer evening. This week kids get to have fun learning firefly facts, including how these bugs find their friends among the frenzy of flashes. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 11 a.m. Free with admission. Info, 877-324-6386.

18 Wednesday

Arts

Walking Tour: Full steam Ahead: See May 15.

Education

cookie decorating: See May 4.

Breast Feeding Families support Group: See spotlight, this page.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See May 4.

Kids open Gymnastics: See May 4.

Little sprouts open Gym: See May 4.

Library & Books

High school Book Group: See May 4. Kids cooking Up a story: See May 4 middle school Book Group: See May 4. moving and Grooving With christine: See May 11.

Nature & Science

‘mother Nature’s child’ screening: Join in the discussion on topics like why children may need unstructured time outside, the place of risk taking in healthy development and how play is a form of learning. The family screening allows adults to enjoy the hour-long film while children participate in facilitated activities with farm educators. Shelburne Farms, 4-5 p.m. Adult screening at 7 p.m. will be followed by a community discussion and reception. Free. Info, 985-8686.

19 Thursday

Arts

Pollywog Preschool drop-in: See May 5.

moms matinees: See May 5.

Walking Tour: Full steam Ahead: See May 15.

Education

Beginning English conversation and children’s story Time: See May 5.

Fairs & Festivals

University mall spring carnival: The fair comes to town early at the University Mall. Activities include rides, games and concessions in the mall parking lot. University Mall, South Burlington, 5-10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday, noon - 6 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. Info, 863-1066, ext. 11.

Health & Fitness

Hot mamas Workout: See May 5.

Library & Books

open computer Time for Teens: See May 3.

20 Friday Arts

comics club: See May 6.

draw comics: See May 6.

Family clay drop-in: See May 6.

Friday Night Teen clay drop-in: See May 6.

Walking Tour: Full steam Ahead: See May 15.

Education

moPs meeting: See May 6.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See May 4.

Family Gym at the Burlington YmcA: See May 1, 10:15-11:30 a.m.

Friday Night Kids club: See May 6.

Library & Books

After school Book discussion: See May 6.

Jiggety Jog of song: Join Susan Reit de Salas as she leads a jiggety jog of song and dance. South Burlington Library, 10:30 a.m. For toddlers and preschoolers. Free. Info, 652-7080.

summer Reading Program Kickoff: The Lincoln Library opens the books on the Vermont Summer Reading Program with a kickoff event featuring singer, songwriter and storyteller Rick Palieri. Lincoln Community School. Free. Info, 453-2665.

Nature & Science

science and stories: Fantastic Flying Fireflies: See May 17.

21 saTurday Arts

Arts First!: See May 7. major mess: Discover how everyday items can be used to boost your bubble fun. 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 May 7.

saturday Kids drop-in Art: See May 14.

Walking Tour: Full Steam Ahead: See May 15.

Community

Big Truck day: Get up close and personal with diggers, dumpers, fire trucks, fast cars and more at the Big Truck Day in Hinesburg. Food will be available onsite and families can take part in activities such as crafts, a visit from Clifford the Big Red Dog and a bounce house. Hinesburg Nursery School, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $5 children, free for adults. Info, 482-3280. Evergreen Preschool community Golf Tournament: Seasoned golfers and newbies alike are invited to tee off in this inaugural event supporting the preschool. Registrations for the 18-hole, best-ball scramble are due by May 18. Basin Harbor Club, Vergennes, 8:45 a.m. $90. Info, 475-7813.

Education

Kids in the Kitchen: Taco Time: Kids make their own flour tortillas and work as a group to prepare the fillings. The class ends with a tacoeating fiesta and a jar of salsa to bring home. Healthy Living Market, South Burlington, 3:304:30 p.m. All ages. Preregister. $20 per child includes admission for accompanying adult. Info, 863-2569.

Fairs & Festivals

Adamant Black Fly Festival: Kids events for all ages including clowns, music, arts and crafts and a parade. Adamant Co-op, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Parade at 2 p.m. All ages. Free. Info, 821-2015, 223-1772.

Health & Fitness

Family Gym at Winooski YmcA: See May 7.

Library & Books

crafts for Kids: Come check out some chemistry with eggs and milk. All ages welcome, but younger children may need assistance. Haston Library, Franklin, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 285-6505.

Read to a dog: See May 7.

Nature & Science

Bird day celebration: Celebrate the return of migratory birds to Vermont with free admission to the museum, a live bird presentation, music, bird walks, art projects, raffles and more. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. All ages. Preregister. Free admission. Info, 434-3068.

Washington county Youth Birdathon: Collect pledges for each species found and raise money for the youth birding program during a big day of birding. Explore local hotspots like Berlin Pond and the North Branch Nature Center. NBNC, Montpelier, 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Preregister. Free. Info, 229-6206.

22 sunday Arts

Walking Tour: Full steam Ahead: See May 15.

Library & Books

Read to a dog: See May 7, 1-2 p.m.

nursing a Question?

Sometimes the most natural way to feed a baby brings challenges that thwart even the most prepared families. Need some help? Drop in on a Breast-Feeding Families Support Group in Johnson once a month for advice from Vicki Rich, a registered nurse and certified lactation consultant. It’s also a chance to talk with others who are sharing the same struggles. Rich, who launched the group in 1995, describes it as friendly and low key. There’s no set topic each month, but Rich says attendees often talk about going back to work, ways to alleviate pain and how to know if your baby is getting enough to eat. The group also helps families forge friendships. “I get to see those relationships blossom,” she says about participants who come for help and leave as friends.

Nature & Science

Early Bird morning Walks: See May 15. sundays for Fledglings: See May 8.

23 Monday

Arts

Walking Tour: Full steam Ahead: See May 15.

Education

Kids in the Kitchen: Pasghetti and meatballs: Kids cook up a family favorite: spaghetti. Handson class offers a chance to make fresh tomato sauce from scratch as well as to mix, roll and cook homemade meatballs. Healthy Living Market, South Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. All ages. Preregister. $20 per child includes admission for accompanying adult. Info, 863-2569.

Library & Books

Teen Advisory Board: See May 9.

music With Raphael: See May 2.

Go directly to Jail

are your teens bored? encourage them to play a big board game at the university Mall in South Burlington this month. the mall is sponsoring a Monopoly tournament with semifinal and championship games played on a life-size version of the 75-year-old Hasbro game. Big prizes are possible, too: Winning team members will each receive a new apple MacBook air courtesy of new england Federal Credit union. that’s even better than landing on Free Parking! Students in grades 9-12 must sign up in two-member teams and be available to play on both Saturday, May 14 and 21.

UNiVERsiTY mALL moNoPoLY ToURNAmENT: saturdays, May 14 and 21, 11 a.m. university Mall, south Burlington. info, 863-1066.

24 Tuesday

Arts

cobleigh Library origami Group: See May 3.

craftacular Tuesdays: See May 3.

creative Tuesdays: See May 3.

itty Bitty drop-in Art: See May 3.

music Together: See May 3. open studio: See May 3.

Tadpole Preschool drop-in: See May 3.

Walking Tour: Full steam Ahead: See May 15.

Health & Fitness

stroller strolling: See May 3.

Library & Books

music With Robert: See May 3. open computer Time for Teens: See May 3.

Nature & Science

Lots of Life in the Pond: Preschool nature discovery program shows the world that awaits just beneath the water. Learn about mammals, amphibians and insects that live among the slippery rocks of ponds. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 10-11:30 a.m. Ages 3-5. Preregister. $5 per child. Info, 229-6206. science and stories: Wiggly Worms: Come dig for answers to questions such as: How do you tell the front end of a worm from the back end? Why are worm tunnels important? Why is worm poop is valuable? ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, 11 a.m. Free with admission. Info, 877-324-6386.

25 Wednesday

Arts

Walking Tour: Full steam Ahead: See May 15. Art safari at shelburne museum: Join museum staff for gallery visits, stories, and art projects designed specifically for preschool-age visitors and their adult companions. The May session is focused on paper play. Shelburne Museum, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Ages 3-5. Preregister. $5 per child-adult pair, $5 for each additional adult. Info, 985-3346.

Education

cookie decorating: See May 4.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See May 4.

Kids open Gymnastics: See May 4. Little sprouts open Gym: See May 4.

Library & Books

High school Book Group: See May 4.

Kids cooking Up A story: See May 4. middle school Book Group: See May 4. moving and Grooving With christine: See May 11.

Nature & Science

Lots of Life in the Pond: See May 24.

26 Thursday

Arts

moms matinees: See May 5.

Pollywog Preschool drop-in: See May 5. Walking Tour: Full steam Ahead: See May 15.

Education

Beginning English conversation and children’s story Time: See May 5.

Health & Fitness

Hot mamas Workout: See May 5.

Library & Books

Lego club: See May 12. open computer Time for Teens: See May 3. Puppet show: The zany adventures of Julie and Mrs. Murray continue as they venture abroad in The Amazing Chase puppet show. Show takes the place of the story hour. St. Albans Free Library, 10:30 a.m. All ages. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Nature & Science

Flowers and Fairy Houses: Spring is an enchanting time of year at the Audubon Center and a great time to enjoy the outdoors. Leave your winter jacket behind and bring your fairy wings (real or imagined). Venture into the miniature world of spring wildflowers and build a fairy house. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Sugarhouse parking area, 10-11 a.m. Ages 3-5 with adult companion. Preregister. $10 nonmember adult-child pair, $4 each additional child. Info, 434-3068.

27 Friday Arts

comics club: See May 6. draw comics: See May 6.

Family clay drop-in: See May 6.

Friday Night Teen clay drop-in: See May 6. Walking Tour: Full Steam Ahead: See May 15.

Community

Kids’ Night out: Great time for kids, and a night off for parents. Games, movies, snacks, and lots of running around. Supervised by St. Albans Recreation staff. St. Albans City Hall gymnasium, 6:30-9 p.m. Ages 5-14. Preregister. $8 St. Albans residents, $10 nonresidents. Info, 5241500, ext. 266.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See May 4.

Family Gym at the Burlington YmcA: See May 1, 10:15-11:30 a.m.

Friday Night Kids club: See May 6.

Library & Books

After school Book discussion: See May 6.

Nature & Science

science and stories: Wiggly Worms: See May 24.

28 saTurday

Arts

saturday drama club: See May 7.

saturday Kids drop-in Art: See May 7.

Walking Tour: Full steam Ahead: See May 15.

Fairs & Festivals

cows and camembert Weekend: See spotlight, page 31.

Health & Fitness

Family Gym at the Winooski YmcA: See May 7. Y.A.m. scram — Kids’ Fun Run: In celebration of Burlington’s Youth Advocacy Month, RunVermont hosts the 11th annual kids’ running festival during the Burlington City Marathon weekend. Join festive activities like bib decorating, running and more. Waterfront Park, Burlington, 9:15 a.m.-noon. Info, 863-8412.

Library & Books

Read to a dog: See May 7.

Nature & Science

Bird monitoring Walk: Join Executive Director Erin Talmage on a surveying walk. Bring boots or sturdy hiking shoes and dress for the weather. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 7:309:30 a.m. Free. Info, 434-2167.

29 sunday

Arts

Walking Tour: Full steam Ahead: See May 15.

Fairs & Festivals

cows and camembert Weekend: See spotlight, page 31.

Library & Books

Read to a dog: See May 7, 1-2 p.m.

Nature & Science

Early Bird morning Walks: See May 15. sundays for Fledglings: See May 8.

30 Monday

Arts

Walking Tour: Full steam Ahead: See May 15.

Library & Books

music With Raphael: See May 2.

31 Tuesday

Arts

cobleigh Library origami Group: See May 3. craftacular Tuesdays: See May 3. creative Tuesdays: See May 3. itty Bitty drop-in Art: See May 3. music With Robert: See May 3.

music Together: See May 3. open studio: See May 3.

Tadpole Preschool drop-in: See May 3.

Walking Tour: Full steam Ahead: See April 15.

Health & Fitness

stroller strolling: See May 3.

Library & Books

open computer Time for Teens: See May 3.

Nature & Science

science and stories: Fishy Fun: Dress up like a fish, do a little indoor fishing and explore secrets of the underwater world of fish. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 11 a.m. Free with admission. Info, 877-324-6386. K

CRAFTING WITH KIDS

Paper-Bag Crowns

It’s good to be king — or queen — even if your crown is made of paper. This easy craft project is a great way to reuse grocerystore paper bags, and it lets kids use their imagination to create a personalized headdress. Add fabric for a veil, attach feathers for an exotic look, or front it with faux jewels. Then, your newly crowned royalty can go play! Thanks to Kids VT reader Gina Coughlin for sharing this gem of a craft idea that she saw at the Vermont Flower Show.

— KATE LADDISON

materials

• Large paper bag

• Ribbon

• Tissue paper

• Scissors

• Tape

• Embellishments such as flowers, feathers, beads or stickers

Share your fun craft ideas with us!

Send them to ideas@kidsvt.com.

Instructions

1. Begin by cutting off the bottom of the paper bag, leaving a tube.

2. Roll one end of the bag halfway, turning the bag inside out as you go.

3. Roll the other end of the bag to the halfway point.

4. Fold or crumple a piece of tissue paper and tuck it into the crown between the two rolled edges.

5. Wind a ribbon around the crown and fasten it to the paper bag using tape.

6. Add feathers, flowers or other embellishments to the crown

YUMMO! IT’S PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT...

Thanks to the nice folks at the Greater Burlington YMCA, parents can enjoy a night on the town during Restaurant Week while their kids have fun at the Y.

Child care 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.

✱ THE PARTY PLANNER BY KATRINA

ROBERTS

Parties on the Path

Taking a boisterous birthday celebration outdoors might be more appealing now that warmer weather is finally arriving. Nothing beats a walk through the woods or a mountain climb exploring nature, especially if you’re a kid and have some buddies in tow! Here are a few not-sotraditional options.

MONTSHIRE MUSEUM

You may have visited the museum’s indoor exhibits, but did you know there are trails outside to explore? From May to October, six different walking paths with trailside exhibits are open, as are the water features in the Science Park. Guests can get wet, take a hike and bring snacks to enjoy in the outdoor pavilion. King Arthur Flour provides lunch on-site from June 23 through Labor Day. Group rates are available for parties of 10 or more. Find more info at montshire.org.

GREEN MOUNTAIN AUDUBON CENTER

The Green Mountain Audubon Center in Huntington has an extensive trail system. A party there is sure to be an adventure. The trails are pack in, pack out, and open dawn to dusk year round. Trail maps are available at the office front porch. Picnic tables make partying a breeze. If you have a preschooler, consider reserving a one-hour salamander program to accompany the hike. There’s a recommended donation of $1 per person to hike the trails; preschool programs start at $50. Find more info at vt.audubon.org.

MOUNT PHILO

Mount Philo in Charlotte is a great first mountain hike for kids with stunning views of Lake Champlain. During the summer season, the summit is also accessible by car, where picnic tables and restrooms are available from Memorial Day weekend through October 12. It’s a great place for a party. There’s a day-use fee in the summer — $3 for adults, $2 for children 4 to 13, free for children 3 and under. I hiked Mount Philo last summer with my 3- and 5-year-old girls. They loved it and were looking for wood fairies the entire time! Word of caution when nearing the top — the trail forks. Devil’s Chair is for experienced climbers only, so keep the little ones from going in that direction. Find more info at vtstateparks.com. Got

Katrina Roberts is a Kids VT account executive and realtor who lives in Monkton with her husband, Kids VT publisher Colby Roberts, and their three girls

Nola and Lily Roberts on top of Mount Philo.

Birthday club

Sponsored by Zachary’s Family Fun Center in South Burlington Congratulations

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

Grand Prize Winner

danielle lives in Milton and turns 2 in May. She loves to run and jump, swim and splash in mud puddles. Danielle wins a birthday party for 8 at Zachary’s Family Fun Center!

christopher lives in Bridport and turns 13 in May. He plays football, basketball and baseball, including all-star baseball in the summer.

Jessi lives in Burlington and turns 2 in May. She loves to play outside with her dog Max.

david turns 8 in May. He loves Legos, being outside in the snow and wrestling with his brother.

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PUZZLE PagE

By

Kids Across/PArenTs down

Puzzles4Kids

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: what would you use to mop up spilled milk?

aNgEL FOOD

By HELENa HOvaNEC

Enjoy fun time with mom, dad or your favorite grown-up. The across clues are for kids and the down clues are for adults.

is it soup Yet?

Kids Across

1. Pasta soup popular with kids (2 wds)

4. The last name of a First Lady who volunteered at a soup kitchen shortly after moving into the White House

7. What a chef does with a spoon as her soup slowly cooks

10. although some might think we “drink” soup, it’s proper to say we ___ it (after all, we use a spoon and a bowl, not a glass!)

11. It’s the soup served with a sheet of melted cheese on top: French

12. The color of spinach soup

13. What floats around in your alphabet soup (or what you might find in a mail carrier’s bag)

16. Half time: Little round veggies that are split for soup

17. Super steamy

19. To cook soup until it begins to bubble

PArenTs down

1. Single-serving soup container you can get a handle on

2. Despite its name, wedding soup does not make those who consume it say it (2 wds)

3. Crunchy little crackers for chowder

5. Bubble, bubble: Stage just past a 19a

6. Italian vegetable soup often ordered by diners at diners

8. For a soup bowl, it’s a good shape

9. What gazpacho is to the tongue’s touch

13. Though it’s the state of soup, it’s still a solid choice for dinner

14. Crowd in the kitchen: What too many cooks do to the broth

15. Soup’s leafy lunch partner

18. It’s the color of Manhattan clam chowder

Riddle answer:

20. Big dipper: a giant spoon used to serve soup to the whole family

IT’S THE SUMMER TO DISCOVER

KIDS VT SCRAPBOOK

PUZZLE

Sophia and Ethan submitted by Mary Jane Oszurek of St. Albans

Sam submitted by Cathy Aikman, Richmond

Missing Mom

What my mother’s death taught me about her — and myself

By Ka TE Laddison

EighT y Ears haVE passEd since my mom died. She was truly knit into the fabric of my life, and I often feel unraveled by the loss.

My mom, Ellie Bilodeau, was full of fascinating contradictions. She could be intense, and yet also quiet and calming. She ate hamburgers for breakfast. She loved to read. She gardened and did crossword puzzles. She smoked while we were young and cursed inventively. She never learned to drive.

Mom touched a lot of lives, but in a quietly powerful way that is rare. She and my dad raised seven kids, and had 10 grandchildren and five great-grands, and she worked for 18 years as a reading paraprofessional at Georgia Elementary and Middle School. She needed no limelight — when the school gave her an award, she refused to go to work that day. And yet people were drawn to the light that she herself threw off.

Of course, she wasn’t always sunny and cheerful. She had a terrible temper and struggled with demons I’ll never understand. I tried, though, before she died.

We found out she had cancer just before Thanksgiving. She died the next August. She was 62. Moments from that year are burned indelibly in my mind: doctors, hospitals, chemotherapy, radiation, a last home-coming, bathing, soothing, watching, feeding, praying, talking and, most of all long, sleepless nighttime vigils, listening and waiting.

Mom’s coping with her onrushing mortality was inspiring in her typical no-nonsense way. We sat on the bed one afternoon and she said to me, “Can you do this?” gesturing at the sick room her bedroom had become. And I, crying, also began to laugh. “If I say no,” I said, “what will you do?” She laughed, too, then, and we lay down on the bed together laughing. And crying. She had some really good gallows humor, my mom.

During this terrible time, I interviewed her on a few occasions, taping the sessions on my mini-recorder. I’m endlessly grateful that I have her voice preserved. Hearing it brings her back to me. And, I learned things about my mom in those quiet hours that I never knew.

Mom’s parents separated at a time when that was unusual. Her mom ended up leaving her with her father, even more unusual. My grandfather’s drinking meant my mom and Uncle Bud went into foster care, and eventually landed at the Warner Home for Little Wanderers in St. Albans. There they lived as orphans,

having as good a life as you could have with only sporadic family contact.

My mom spoke fondly of the Warner Home — roller skating on the big porch, trips to the Welden Theater, dance lessons she ducked. She didn’t enjoy the hard work, the endless cleaning, polishing, and the washing of laundry, but this explained to me her fanatacism for a clean house.

When she grew too old to stay, the Warner Home helped my mom find a local nanny job. Thus she began taking care of young children and families as a teenager, working her way through high school at BFA St. Albans, where she met my charismatic and ambitious father. They married early and had kids soon after. She started a nursing career, but stopped to have her family.

Listening to her recount her early life, I wondered why these stories weren’t familiar to me. But, it was my mom’s way: to listen intently, and not take over a conversation with her point of view. She’d nod, pour another cup of coffee and maybe remark on something to make me think. She asked me once, “Are you happy?” I wandered through days, maybe weeks, thinking about the answer. I still think about it.

So, now that I’ve got my own son to raise, of course I miss sharing with her the things you’d expect: my husband, my wedding, Oliver’s birth, our new house. I expected to grieve, but why do I often feel so undone by her absence? I’ve spent years trying to figure out why I long so much for those conversations, and why I can’t visit her grave.

What I’ve come to realize is that it’s not answers I want, because mom wasn’t an answer machine. She rarely told me what to do. I don’t think she had many answers. What she had was a lifetime of working her way through raising a family as best she could, and an ability to listen and let me figure stuff out on my own. In fact, she left me with some lessons that I’m still working through, like seeds you plant on property you’re selling. Let the next owners harvest or prune as they will.

These are things she showed me without words, letters or recorded remembrances: Our past shapes us, but doesn’t control us. I’m not a good or bad parent, I’m just working at being a parent.

I learned from her that I don’t need her here, guiding me. I merely want her here. Terribly. But I can do this.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. I’m listening. K

Now that I’ve got my own son to raise, of course I miss sharing with her the things you’d expect...

Ellie Bilodeau

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