Kids VT, May 2017

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS

COPUBLISHER/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Cathy Resmer cathy@kidsvt.com

COPUBLISHER

Colby Roberts colby@kidsvt.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Alison Novak alison@kidsvt.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Meredith Coeyman meredith@kidsvt.com

ART DIRECTOR

Brooke Bousquet brooke@kidsvt.com

MARKETING & EVENTS DIRECTOR

Corey Grenier corey@kidsvt.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Kaitlin Montgomery kaitlin@kidsvt.com

CALENDAR WRITER

Brett Stanciu brett@kidsvt.com

PROOFREADERS

Katherine Isaacs, Elizabeth Seyler, Kara Torres

PRODUCTION MANAGER

John James

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Don Eggert

DESIGNERS

Charlotte Scott, Rev. Diane Sullivan

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Matt Weiner

BUSINESS MANAGER

Cheryl Brownell

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jordan Adams, Sarah Galbraith, Meghan Williams Keepin, Astrid Lague, Grace Per Lee, Erinn Simon, Autumn Spencer, Jessica Lara Ticktin, Katie Titterton

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Caleb Kenna, Sam Simon, Matthew Thorsen, Jeb Wallace-Brodeur

ILLUSTRATORS

Hatiye Garip, Marc Nadel, Molly Walsh

P.O. BOX 1184 BURLINGTON, VT 05402

802-985-5482

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STAFF QUESTION

What’s your favorite photo of you and your mom?

My mom and me in Rhode Island circa 1989 or 1990. I love MY MOM’S OUTFIT and both of our smiles.

COREY GRENIER, MARKETING & EVENTS DIRECTOR

Double Trouble

Iremember the first time I solo-parented both of my kids. My son, Theo, was about five days old, and my daughter, Mira, was a few months shy of 3. My husband, Je , was taking some time o from his teaching job, but he asked me if it would be all right if he went to his school for the afternoon and evening to take part in some parent-teacher conferences. I thought it would be no big deal.

A couple of hours into his being gone, I realized I was wrong. Both kids were crying inconsolably, and I had no idea what to do. I couldn’t meet Theo’s needs without ignoring Mira’s, and vice versa. On the verge of tears, I called Je and told him that it was an emergency. He needed to come home. I remember the feeling of sweet relief when he walked in the door and, once again, I had another pair of hands to lighten the load.

It took me a while before I was ready to try that again. Of course, I got used to it. But it took a lot of practice, just like learning any other new skill.

This event happened seven years ago, so I can laugh about it now. Contributor Grace Per Lee doesn’t have the same luxury. With an infant and a toddler at home, she’s right in the middle of this major adjustment. In her feature, “Bringing Home (Another) Baby,” she reflects on the change in her family when her second son was born six months ago, and she speaks with fellow parents and experts about the experience of going from one kid to two. I’ve read Grace’s piece over and over again and find myself tearing up each time. Read it for yourself (with a box of tissues nearby) on page 18.

Our annual Baby & Maternity Issue also includes a profile of a mom and yoga teacher who is likely familiar to many of our readers — Susan Cline Lucey of Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center. In “Heart Opener” (page 22), contributor Katie Titterton finds out how Susan got started on her career path as a pre- and postnatal yoga teacher, childbirth educator, and doula, and asks local moms what makes Susan’s classes so special.

There’s more great stu in these pages — a profile on young Broadway performer Oscar Williams, an inside look at Family Nights at the Davis Studio and “Parent Portrait,” a beautiful photo and quotes from a Vermont parent-child pair inspired by Humans of New York. We plan to make that a regular feature.

You’ll also find the last installment of our 2017 camp guide in the center of the issue. Get ready: Summer is just around the corner!

ALISON NOVAK, MANAGING EDITOR

My parents live in North Carolina but come up to visit once a year or so. My partner took this photo of me and my mom during a 2015 TRIP TO MONTRÉAL with our kids. We got stuck in construction for a couple of hours on the way home — plenty of time for Mom to tell lots of funny and embarrassing stories about my childhood.

CATHY RESMER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Here’s my mom and I hiking the High Peaks in the Adirondacks a few years ago. My mom is the most adventurous, daring, kind and creative person I have ever met. She’s instilled in me her LOVE OF THE NATURAL WORLD and exploring. And in the process, she’s also given me a touch of her wanderlust.

BROOKE BOUSQUET, ART DIRECTOR

CONTRIBUTOR’S NOTE

MEGHAN WILLIAMS

KEEPIN (“Use Your Words,” page 43) is a native Texan who has lived in Vermont for 15 years. Together with her husband, Isaiah — whom she calls her “favorite partner in adventure” — she’s homeschooling their five boys, one day at a time.

Alison with Mira and Theo in 2013

Obstetrics and Midwifery at The University of Vermont Medical Center provides state-of-the-art, individualized care for women before, during and after childbirth.

Bringing Home (Another) Baby

How do I respond to unwanted attention around my pregnancy?

— touching that pregnant women endure, despite the regularity with which they happen.

It’s all part of a bigger conversation about respect and boundaries, and the bottom line is always this: No one is entitled to make unsolicited comments about your body — pregnant or otherwise — and no one can touch you without your consent. Period. So what can you do, and say, when it happens to you?

Amy Morrison, founder of Pregnant Chicken, an online resource for new parents, o ers some of my favorite comebacks. Her responses are funny, sarcastic and always cathartic. For the person who asks “Wow, you haven’t had that baby yet?” Morrison recommends, “I had it, but I’m trying to shoplift this basketball, so could you bugger o ?”

AUTUMN ANSWERS

could be, “Hey, I’m sensitive about my weight, so please don’t make comments about it.” If you’re feeling less confrontational, Sanford says a disapproving headshake will get the message across.

For unsolicited belly touching, Sanford recommends removing the person’s hand from your belly and asking him or her to please respect your personal space. If you’re uncomfortable with this approach, simply step out of reach of the person’s hand. They’ll get the point.

TRENDING

Mega-chain Target is testing public breastfeeding lounges with comfy seats in its stores.

“I love that it’s by the bras!” says one Facebook commenter. “Now that’s some brilliant marketing right there.”

St. Louis toddler Audrey gets her wish for a poopthemed birthday party with a “pin the poop” game, piñata filled with Tootsie Rolls and Hershey’s Kisses, and whoopee-cushion favors. Kids are weird. Embrace it.

When I was eight months pregnant, someone commented on a vein on my chest. She touched my skin and said, “Well, that vein’s new. Wasn’t there before you were pregnant.” I was stupefied. How do you respond to a comment like that? “Thank you so much for keeping an inventory of my veins! I was worried I’d lose track of them all.”

For all the many pregnancy books I read, not one covered how to handle the unsolicited comments, advice and — cringe

CALENDAR CLUES

Need new wheels for the summer? You’ll find bike swaps at Alpine Shop, Earl’s Cyclery, Onion River Sports and Skirack on the first weekend of May. See the calendar on page 26 for more details. Lines form quickly so make plans to arrive early for the best selection.

“You’re huge!” is a popular rude comment people make. Morrison suggests responding by stating the obvious: “I know! It’s like I’m growing a whole baby or something!”

Dr. Diane Sanford, a mental health expert for the website Babycenter, crowd-sourced a long list of possible responses. Things like, “Yes, I am getting larger, maybe you could loan me some of your clothes for the next few months,” fall into the humorous/sarcastic category. A more direct response

One of my personal go-to responses for any kind of rude or inappropriate comment is to simply say, “Anyway…” and immediately move on. As in, “Anyway, these sure are delicious noodles!” The “anyway” works to both acknowledge that something was said and make clear that you have no interest in engaging.

Pregnancy is an incredibly personal experience. Just because it’s highly visible doesn’t mean it’s everyone’s business. The important thing to remember when handling unwanted attention is that you never have to just put up with it.

In this monthly column, comedian, writer and mom Autumn Spencer answers tricky parenting questions. Have a question for Autumn? Send it to ideas@kidsvt.com.

KIDS SAY WHAT?

Videos showing hands poking and squishing homemade, colorful slime attract thousands of teenage viewers on Instagram. We watched them in the name of research. They’re oddly satisfying.

An animated YouTube series based on Marion and James, the cute siblings who crashed their dad’s BBC interview, premiered in April. Those kids were meant to be stars.

New Mexico signs the Hunger-Free Students’ Bill of Rights into law, which requires schools to work with parents to pay their cafeteria bills and puts an end to practices meant to embarrass children, also known as lunch shaming. Good on you, Gov. Susana Martinez.

An American Airlines flight attendant wrestles a stroller away from a mother of twins during boarding, then argues with other passengers. Never a better time to take a road trip.

“It’s a secret between me and me.”

—CHARLIE, AGE 7

MAY 2016

C-Change: Women are Pushing for “Gentle” Cesarean Sections

In last year’s Baby & Maternity Issue, we wrote about a new approach to C-sections that makes mothers feel like more active participants in the process. Modifications may include using a clear drape or mirror so mom and partner can watch as a baby is born, placing the IV in the mom’s nondominant hand to make it easier to hold the baby and placing the baby directly onto mom’s chest after birth.

Read the full story at kidsvt.com/gentleC

PARENTING HACKS

This month, parents share traveling tricks they use to make their road trips a little less rocky. Send your parenting hacks to ideas@kidsvt.com

We go to the LIBRARY a few days before a trip so the kids can pick out books. The new books are only opened to read when we start the trip. We also put PORTIONED SNACK BAGS in the front pocket of the travel bag, then the kids can help themselves when hungry.

—ERIN MCKECHNIE

#INSTAKIDSVT

Thanks for sharing your springy photos with us using the hashtag #instakidsvt. We couldn’t resist this roadside snapshot posted by @mandarvelousm.

Share a picture of your kids doing something fun during the month of May.

HERE’S HOW:

@mandarvelousm Spring feels

Follow @kids_vt on Instagram

Post your photos on Instagram with the hashtag #instakidsvt. We’ll select a photo to feature in the next issue.

! Use to pass snacks, books, tissues, etc. to those in the back or way back (for the minivan drivers) without wrenching your back, neck or arms. You can also use it to pick up things that are dropped from car seats. On a long road EVERY 30 MINUTES OR HOUR, GIVE EVERYONE A JELLY . Put it in a bowl, pick up the bowl with the grabber and pass it back. This gives a concrete marker of time for younger kids.

—CHARLOTTE MILLER

My husband and I invented a game we play with our son on long car rides. We tell him some OBSCURE FACT and he has to determine if it’s TRUE OR FALSE. If he guesses right, he gets a point. If he guesses wrong, we get a point.

—EMILY GRIMES

A United Front

Moms and dads who need a little help getting on the same page as their partners can turn to a new book from Vicki Hoefle.

In PARENTING

AS PARTNERS: HOW TO LAUNCH YOUR KIDS WITHOUT EJECTING YOUR SPOUSE, the popular author and parenting coach provides a step-by-step approach to creating a plan that will help couples strengthen their marriage and raise happy and emotionally healthy kids. Hoefle, who recently relocated from Vermont to California, o ers straightforward exercises that help parents explore their own childhood experiences and relationships, leading to a better understanding of how the past shapes the way they parent. Hoefle’s experience working with families for more than two decades informs her recommendations. “My goal is to help couples resolve the very real tension and conflicts that arise when two people have di erent ideas on what is best for the kids,” Hoefle said, “and to show them how to navigate their di erences with respect, cooperation and compassion.”

ENVIRONMENT Going

Green

Parenting as Partners: How to Launch Your Kids Without Ejecting Your Spouse, Routledge, 190 pages, publication date: May 11. Hoefle will be speaking at multiple locations in Vermont, including St. Albans, Middlebury and Burlington, in early May. Visit vickihoefle.com/ speaking2 for details.

MOVIES Screen Test

Fledgling filmmakers from across the state compete in the annual FREEDOM & UNITY YOUTH FILM CONTEST, which invites Vermonters ages 10 to 30 to create original films that explore life in the Green Mountain State. This year’s entrants have already submitted their work; the winners will be announced at a free festival on May 6 and 7 in White River Junction. The weekend event will feature screenings of the prize-winning films, plus workshops taught by professionals on topics including “How To Make a Movie with Your iPhone” and “Ethnographic, Ethical and Small-Scale Filmmaking.” Winners in three age categories — 10 to 14, 14 to 18, and 18 to 30 — will take home more than $5,000 in cash prizes. Originally inspired by the 2014 Vermont Movie Project — a six-part documentary film series that explores the state’s iconoclastic spirit, created by more than four dozen local filmmakers — the contest has drawn upwards of 200 entries on weighty topics from racial tension in public schools to being young and queer in Vermont.

The 2017 Freedom & Unity Youth Film Contest hosts its conference at the Briggs Opera House in White River Junction on Saturday, May 6, and Sunday, May 7. Visit freedomandunitytv.org/contest_conference for more information.

Since the 1970s, Vermonters have picked up trash from public spaces, roadsides and waterways on the first Saturday in May, known as GREEN UP DAY. In honor of the event, the nonprofit that organizes it — Green Up Vermont — holds several contests for young people. The winner of this year’s Green Up Vermont Writing contest, and its $250 prize, is Bradford fourth grader Isibeal Bohan. Ninth grader Hope Petraro of Montpelier won the Green Up Day Poster Design Contest with her vivid painting of Vermont’s natural beauty (pictured). New this month is a film contest, encouraging students 18 and younger to create short videos about what Green Up Day means to them. Filmmakers are invited to post videos, which must be one minute or less, to the Green Up Vermont Facebook page by May 21. The young person whose video gets the most “likes” and is shared the most will win a Skinny Pancake crêpe party.

For information on how to participate in a Green Up Day event near you, visit greenupvermont. org. Find Green Up Vermont’s Facebook page at facebook.com/ greenupvermont.

FUNDRAISER Spelling on Stage

Kids aren’t the only ones who compete in spelling bees. Adults can enter the COMMUNITY SPELLING BEE on May 24 at Champlain College. The event is a fundraiser for the school’s Single Parents Program, which has helped more than 600 single-parent students access workshops, scholarships and resources since its inception in 1987.

Each team of three spellers from corporate sponsors donates $325 to the program. The bee is organized by Burlington’s chapter of the Zonta Club — a worldwide service organization working to improve the status of women through service and advocacy. Over the past 20 years, the local chapter has raised more than $110,000 for the e ort. That’s a lot of C-A-S-H.

The Community Spelling Bee will take place at Champlain College’s Alumni Auditorium on Wednesday, May 24, at 7 p.m. It is open to the public. Learn more about Champlain College’s Single Parent Program at champlain.edu/ student-life/student-services/single-parents-program.

Students at the 2016 conference

From the Green Mountains to the Great White Way

A young teen experiences the bright lights of Broadway

You may have already heard of Oscar Williams. The Vermont teen was just 11 years old in December 2014 when he got a part in Fun Home, the Broadway musical based on the graphic memoir by Alison Bechdel. Oscar played Alison’s brother, Christian. The show went on to win five Tony awards, including one for Best Musical.

By the time Oscar wrapped up his yearlong gig last spring, he had performed Fun Home more than 400 times: eight shows a week.

“Most people would think it would get boring after the first 50 shows,” said Oscar in a recent interview with Kids VT at his home in Charlotte. “But it never did because you never know what kind of audience you’re going to get.”

Oscar’s acting career started closer

Age: 13

Town: Charlotte

to home. The Charlotte teen, who has striking dark hair and big saucer eyes, performed in Very Merry Theatre’s The Hobbit at age 7. Since then, he’s done about 25 shows with Very Merry, as well as many shows with Flynn Youth Theater Company and other local troupes. Just before leaving for New York City, he played the lead in the Middlebury Community Players’ production of Oliver!

What does he love about theater?

“The bonds you make,” he said, “and getting up on stage, performing and singing and having people watch you. It’s really fun.” The rehearsal process is rewarding, too, he said. “I love working through it, building the show.”

The Fun Home gig didn’t come out of nowhere. Oscar spent more than a year traveling with his family to New

York City two or three times a month to audition for Broadway shows before he was hired. “He auditioned for probably every Broadway show that had kids in it,” his mother, Zoe Williams, recalled.

When he got the job, his family, which includes his dad, Tom, three younger brothers, a dog and a cat, rented a nine-foot-wide railroad apartment in the Big Apple. Despite the cramped quarters, they loved the experience.

“It was awesome,” marveled Oscar. “I could walk to my school; it took about three minutes. I could walk to my dance classes. I could walk to the theater.” He loved the variety of food in the city, and he especially loved spending his one day off per week going to other Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, thanks to the generosity of a family friend who paid for his tickets to support his theater education. Williams estimated he saw about 50 shows.

His favorites: Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, The Color Purple, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and Spring Awakening

On top of performing six days a week, Oscar attended a public school where many of his classmates were also working on Broadway, including in Kinky Boots and Finding Neverland. Did the Broadway experience make him a better actor? “Yes, definitely,” said Oscar, attributing his growth to “repetition and adapting to change.”

“And learning from the best,” mom Zoe added, noting that Oscar’s fellow actors, including the Tony-winning

DANISH

Michael Cerveris, took him under their wings.

“Broadway is such a tight community,” she said. “Just like the theater community here, they’re all tight and they care about each other.” Oscar recalled the warm welcome he’d get from the actors in other Broadway shows because they’d all seen him in Fun Home

“That’s why he loves doing the Flynn shows here, too,” Zoe said. “There’s a real community of actors.”

Oscar was excited to get back into acting when he returned to Vermont last summer; he performed in Flynn’s James and the Giant Peach. Then, in January, he played the lead in Very Merry’s production of 13

Oscar is continuing to audition for Broadway shows, but he’s prepared for a little “blackout period,” which his mom described as a difficult time for teen boys to get acting jobs. “It’s much easier to hire a kid who’s 16 and finished school than to hire a 13-yearold,” she explained. “Especially for a boy, because their voices are changing, their faces are changing.”

In fact, it’s the reason Oscar had to leave Fun Home last spring. He had grown three inches since he began the show and no longer looked like the little kid he was hired to portray.

Still, Oscar isn’t skipping a beat here in Vermont. He’ll star as con man Harold Hill in Charlotte Central School’s production of The Music Man this month. And he’s gearing up to play Ugly, the lead in Flynn’s summer youth show Honk, Jr. “Yes,” he confirmed. “It’s about ducks.” K

“One to Watch” shines a light on a young Vermonter who is going places. Know a local child or teen who’s recently done something amazing? Nominate him or her at kidsvt.com/onetowatch.

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Name: Oscar Williams

Switching It Up

A stay-at-home/electrician dad and conservationist mom on role reversals and resilience

Before they were married, Marisa Riggi and Chris Gibbo talked about who might be the primary caregiver if they had a baby. The vivacious and professionally driven Marisa knew that she would want to continue working full-time. Chris, a musician who also works at his father’s company as an electrician, was excited to be a stay-at-home dad. His calm and patient disposition and work flexibility made this a viable option.

When Marisa number-crunched the cost of health insurance, student loan payments and daycare, the couple found a solution that made sense both financially and personally. Marisa works four 10-hour days at the Northeast Wilderness Trust and stays home with 2-year-old Maia one day a week, while Chris takes care of Maia four days and works one. The couple relocated to Barre from Burlington three years ago, which cut down both Marisa’s commute to Montpelier and the cost of living.

On the traditional role reversal:

Chris: Marisa had a hard time — sometimes when Maia gets hurt and she would go for me and stuff like that. But last week on vacation, she was like “Mama, Mama” all the time, and I was like “Huh?” A lot of times when Marisa gives something to Maia, she will say, “Oh, thanks, Dada.”

Marisa: Because she’s with him all day, so the “thanks” and “Dada” go together. And I’ll be like “Who am I?” And she’ll say, “Oh, thanks, Mama!”

On cleaning and cooking:

Chris: Marisa is a great cleaner and cook! (Laughter) There is a plan for everything. So a lot of times, when I start slacking on the cleaning details — I mean it’s tough staying home — Marisa always reminds me of our schedule.

Marisa: There is a cleaning schedule

of what should be cleaned for [each] day of the week. My day home varies, and the day he’s going to work varies, so the schedule is to keep us on track.

On being a male surrounded by mostly females all day:

Chris: It’s mostly moms during the day, but most of my friends are women anyway. I’m used to it. I worked in an elementary school, and it was me and the girls having lunch. And I have the dogs and cats here in the house, and they are all female, so it’s me and the girls. Marisa: It’s an estrogen-heavy environment!

Chris: We go to a playgroup in Montpelier on Tuesdays, and there are a couple of guys every once in a while, but it’s usually me and the women. But I play in a band with guys, so I get that time, too.

On resilience: Marisa : I think coming home and seeing him and little munchkin being so happy, and the joy [Maia] feels — from a choo-choo train, pointing at the Statehouse or seeing a clock — helps me to feel more grounded and like Okay, appreciate the little things, and let go of the stuff you can’t control . Her capacity to fall down and get upset and move on really quickly — she is really resilient — I think that in some ways helped me be more resilient at work. Things can get stressful — you know you’re trying to make deals, make things happen and negotiating, and that can raise your adrenaline levels. Deep breathing and relaxing are things I have only incorporated since having Maia.

Chris : I see you when you get home. She’ll be in her car on her cellphone after work, and we are in here playing. And Maia always greets her at the window, and you can see the physical stress just fall off her when she sees Maia.

DAD: Chris Gibbo, 34, electrician and musician

MOM: Marisa Riggi, 30, conservation director, Northeast Wilderness Trust

DAUGHTER: Maia, 2

Marisa : It’s hard to be upset when you see this little face through the window screaming “Mama!”

On appreciating each other: Marisa : I think most people occasionally feel like I’m doing everything! I need help! But we communicate a lot about how we

are feeling and try to remind each other of what the other person is doing that we don’t see. Things that he’s doing during the day that I don’t notice when I get home, or I do all of our finances, and that’s a lot of stuff to do as well. We go back and forth and try to remind each other where that actual balance is. In general we have a pretty good balance. You’re pretty great.

Chris : You are, too.

Marisa : Thanks! (Laughter) K

In “Balancing Act,” we ask Vermont parents about the intersection of work and family life. Know parents we should interview? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

We communicate about how we are feeling and try to remind each other of what the other person is doing that we don’t see.

MARISA RIGGI

A Dino-Mite Duo

Dinosaurs no longer roam the earth, but they live on in countless children’s books. The recently released Dinosaur Detective: Thomas “T” Rex and the Case of the Angry Ankylosaurus stands out because of its unusual authors — a mother-son pair from Dorset, Vt. Former Cosmopolitan magazine associate publisher Nicole Mills and her 7-year-old son Henry Mills-Whittelsey collaborated on the picture book, which breezes along with snappy rhymes and scintillating prehistoric facts. To create the illustrations, Henry posed his plastic dinosaurs, which Mills photographed; she then digitally altered the images to look like paintings. Intended as the first installment of an A to Z series, the story features an upset Ankylosaurus named Alistair, who hires a detective to search for his vanished ferns. Curious about the origins of this unique book, Kids VT called Mills for the inside scoop.

Kids VT: What inspired you to create a book with your son?

Nicole Mills: When Henry was 3, like a lot of young children, he became

obsessed with all things dinosaur. I was astounded by his ability to accumulate an almost encyclopedic knowledge about these creatures. It was fascinating for me. I’m a little bit of a nerd myself, and I was learning right along with him. I loved that connection.

KVT: And so that became a book?

NM: Well, it was a little more complicated than that, of course. He had a lot of dinosaurs whom he called “his guys,” and he liked to create elaborate setups and stories. One day, he noticed his story was a mystery and he needed a dinosaur detective. And so the book began percolating. I started photographing his guys, and I began to think, there’s something to this. All the pictures in the book use Henry’s dinosaurs, and he had input on everything.

KVT: How did this book make its way out into the world?

NM: I was an associate publisher at Cosmopolitan and had a big and glamorous job, and then I hit the wall with all of that. I knew I was missing out on too much of my son’s

childhood. Now we live in Dorset, where my son has 13 other kids in his class, and he’s really thriving. To bring this book to light, I chose Archway Publishing, a self-publishing division of Simon & Schuster, which o ers a lot of help in the heavy-lifting parts of publishing.

KVT: What advice would you offer parents who want to pursue a creative endeavor with their kids?

NM: Follow along with your kid’s passions and obsessions. See where you might go. Henry taught himself so much, and I’ve gone along his path with him way farther than I ever would have expected. I haven’t regretted a moment of it.

Specialized Natural Health Care of Vermont

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Nicole MIlls with son Henry

Family Art Night at Davis Studio

916 Shelburne Rd., South Burlington

Friday night in my house usually means collapsing on the couch for takeout pizza and a movie. But in April, my family kick-started our weekend with a more ambitious, and creative, pursuit: painting pottery at the Davis Studio. Several times a month, the stately building on Shelburne Road — home to an art-focused preschool, afterschool classes and camps — opens its doors to families for alternating pottery-painting and canvaspainting sessions.

We didn’t have to forsake our beloved Friday night pizza though. When the studio moved from a labyrinthine warehouse space on Pine Street to its new location on Shelburne Road last year, it added food and drink to its offerings. The Starving Artist Café serves up breakfast, lunch and snacks Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday brunch from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., with cleverly named dishes like Monet’s Garden Omelet, Vincent Van Goghgurt and Warhol’s Soup of the Day. There’s even a designated coloring room for kids on Sundays.

On Friday nights, the café turns out homemade pizza with a variety of veggie and meat toppings and two kinds of salad, so families can fill their bellies before the art-making sessions. If you call ahead to preorder your pizza, they’ll have it ready any time after 5 p.m.

We took advantage of this option. When we got to Davis Studio at 5:15, our doughy, cheesy pie was fresh out of the oven. My kids, 9-year-old Mira and 7-year-old Theo, gobbled it up. My husband, Jeff, and I shared a kale Caesar salad as well. The service was super friendly and the meal, including non-alcoholic drinks, came to just over $30.

The painting class, which ran from 6 to 7:30, had a relaxed vibe. We headed to one of the studios and found seats around a long, paint-splattered table. The instructor called up our

group of around 15 kids and adults one by one to pick a piece of bisque pottery to paint. I chose a bowl, Jeff snagged a lidded jar and Mira picked a plate. Theo went in a less practical direction and chose an impressive monster truck.

The instructor offered a few painting tips. Then we got to work with paintbrushes and little jars of glaze with names like Caramel and Raspberry, embellishing our items with different colors and designs. It was a surprisingly calming and meditative activity that kept even my energy-filled first grader focused and in his seat for a considerable chunk of time.

I envisioned an abstract design for my bowl, which I didn’t execute exactly as I’d hoped, but it was fun nonetheless. Jeff turned his jar into a cupcake with a cherry on top and paint-specked sprinkles, and Theo worked diligently coating the tires of his monster truck with layers of black paint. Mira won the prize for most impressive masterpiece with the purple, pink and yellow sunset she painted across her plate.

We finished our work in a little over an hour, then set our pieces on

a counter to dry. After being fired in the kiln, they’d be ready to pick up in a week. Before we headed home, the kids picked out homemade popsicles from the café freezer as a post-class treat. With chunks of kiwi, orange and berries frozen inside, even they looked artsy.

At $25 per person, the experience wasn’t cheap and probably won’t be a regular family activity for us. But the Davis Studio provides a fun alternative to the couch on a Friday night. K

Find more information about Davis Studio’s Family Nights at davisstudiovt. com. Upcoming Pizza & Painted Pottery Nights are Friday, May 5, and Friday, June 23. Upcoming Pizza & Painted Canvas Nights are Friday, May 26, & Friday, June 9. The studio also offers Paint & Sip Nights for ages 21 and up several times a month.

Local parents review a family-friendly attractions each month in “Destination Recreation.” Got a spot you’d like us to feature? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

Theo paints his monster truck

Dinner at the Starving Artist Café

Mira finishes her sunset plate

Basement Playhouse

When Hatley turned 1, her parents, Meghan and Josh Dishaw of Middlebury, wanted to mark the occasion with an enduring gift that would encourage her imagination. So they decided to build her a special play space.

Their plans quickly evolved beyond a simple nook. Together they constructed an elaborate playhouse in the space beneath their basement stairs.

Meghan used blue tape to map out a floor plan, then explained her vision to her husband. An adept woodworker, Josh constructed standard two-byfour stud walls, “just like building any walls inside your house,” he explained. He covered the interior walls with sheet rock and nontoxic paint, and affixed eastern white cedar shingles — free from harmful oils and dyes — to the exterior walls. Electrical wiring within the wall powers an interior light switch placed low enough for young children to reach.

Decorative windows and a front door embellished with ornamental molding and trim give the playhouse a finished look. The couple used carpet remnants they had on hand to cover the floor.

The finished space is roughly four feet wide and about 12 feet long. A small fairy door and house numbers that play on the family’s actual address — 18 1/2 for the playhouse and 18 1/4 for the fairy door — add a whimsical touch.

Now 19 months, Hatley has a fun place to read, snuggle and get creative. She loves to play grocery store through the playhouse window. Her parents hand her money in exchange for play food.

“In that one game, she’s learning to name food, to recognize colors of the food and counting,” said Meghan. “It’s amazing to see her growth and development through this playhouse.”

The family adds to the fun by decorating the dwelling for each holiday and season. It’s currently decked out for spring with fake flowers, rain boots and little toy animals sitting in mini Adirondack chairs.

Meghan says she hopes Hatley will be open to sharing the play space with her new sibling, due in June.

“She’s had friends come and play in

it, and she’s been good about sharing,” Meghan said. If not, she adds with a laugh, “we’ll have to build a little complex down there.” K

“Habitat” celebrates places where Vermont families live and play. Got a sweet space you’d like us to see? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

A cozy nook for reading and playing

Meghan, Hatley and Josh inside the basement playhouse

The fairy door

Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation and Why It’s Important

While pregnancy and childbirth can be wonderful experiences for many women, they take a toll on the body, especially on the pelvic floor. Pelvic floor damage is very common in both vaginal and cesarean-section deliveries, and can lead to urinary incontinence, prolapse, and pelvic and lower back pain. These symptoms can be isolating and embarrassing.

The good news is that these dysfunctions are treatable and preventable. Dr. Vicki Hemmett is coowner of Hemmett Health — a team of chiropractic, massage therapy and athletic training health care professionals. She explains how education, simple exercises and manual treatment techniques can provide pelvic floor rehabilitation.

Kids VT: What is the pelvic floor?

Vicki Hemmett: Anatomically, the pelvic floor includes the muscles, ligaments, tendons and soft tissue that occupy the space between the pubic symphysis (the cartilaginous joint uniting the left and right pubic bones in the front of the pelvis) to the hips and tailbone. It’s a wonderfully dynamic structure that supports pelvic, hip and low back function. Proper coordinated movement among the joints of the hips, pelvis and low back, along with the soft tissue structures of the pelvic floor, is crucial for locomotion and stabilization of the pelvic organs, as well as for pregnancy and delivery.

KVT: What kind of pelvic floor exercises can pregnant women do to prepare for birth?

VH: Talk to your provider first, and then begin by making the mind-body connection: Try to stop your flow of urine midstream, so you can identify those muscles. You need to use them to deliver the baby. But, more importantly in pregnant women, are abdominal exercises — the transverse abdominis muscle which lies underneath the rectus abdominis (the six pack) that actually co-contracts in conjunction with the pelvic floor. This muscle is commonly overlooked and is a key component of your core. You

don’t want to forget how to use these muscles, and in many cases you must learn how to use them for the first time.

KVT: Is this as simple as doing a Kegel exercise?

VH: I’m shying away from the term Kegel because it’s not as simple as Squeeze your pelvic floor and you’re great. Up to 50 percent of women perform these exercises incorrectly. You really have to challenge all the components of the pelvic floor. For example, the deeper, posterior aspects of the muscular pelvic floor are responsible for a longer endurance-style hold, whereas the superficial region is mostly associated with a flicker or fast-twitch contraction. Being very specific with which muscles you are contracting, and fine-tuning and finessing these contractions, will result in much more efficient and effective control, more confidence and more empowerment over pelvic floor dysfunction.

KVT: Are women who’ve had C-sections less likely to have pelvic floor issues?

VH: Not necessarily. Women who have had C-sections still have had the weight of the placenta and the baby on the pelvic floor for nine months, so can still unfortunately suffer from the same pregnancy-related pelvic floor dysfunctions. Pelvic floor dysfunction is very common in women who have participated in athletics or have suffered physical or emotional trauma or abuse. Research suggests that almost half of women with low back pain suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction. The bottom line is that you do not need a traumatic natural delivery to cause pelvic floor dysfunction.

KVT: What do you recommend for postpartum women?

VH: I would love every postpartum woman to have a six-week pelvic floor checkup. I assess for any healed scarring from episiotomies or natural tearing that prevents a good pelvic floor contraction. I feel for low tone — not a lot of strength in the pelvic floor — or the opposite end of the spectrum, high tone, or the non-relaxing pelvic floor.

If there is weakness, I would identify your ability to perform three different kinds of pelvic floor contractions, and then would coach and guide you with a combination of verbal cues and manual palpation on how to perform a really good one. It’s so much easier to proactively educate all women about how to manage and take care of the pelvic floor and support them before they develop symptoms. Otherwise it becomes one of those things that, unfortunately, people accept as normal.

KVT: So you’re saying it’s not normal for women who have had children to have a bit of urinary incontinence when jumping or sneezing?

VH: It is very common, but not normal. You should be able to control all voiding. It’s a medical dysfunction, and it’s only going to get worse if you do nothing about it. Most of the time it’s a musculoskeletal issue that responds beautifully to rehab, which is all manual — no lights and probes! It’s reeducating those muscles, like going to the gym. If I told you to do 100 pushups every day for a month, you would be much stronger. The muscles on the pelvic floor function the same way.

KVT: Why do so few women know about this?

VH: I don’t know if it’s a modesty thing or a cultural thing that we don’t really talk about it. In France, for decades, the government has been paying for 10 to 20 postnatal pelvic floor retraining sessions regardless of if you have a dysfunction — it’s just standard protocol after you have a baby. It’s the same as if you have plantar fasciitis or neck pain; it’s a medical issue. It’s just a different part of the body that we are not comfortable talking about. Forty to 60 percent of women suffer from some form of pelvic dysfunction, yet no one wants to talk about it. If you let it go too long, it takes so much more intervention and possibly surgery, but catching it early can prevent it. Culturally, we really need to engage each other and discuss pelvic floor health. K Got health- and wellness-related questions? Send them to ideas@kidsvt.com.

Spanish Tortilla

Small bites for small hands — and big ones, too

Don’t assume your young children aren’t going to like unusual spices and ingredients — you never know until you try. One of my son’s first table foods was curried peas, and he gobbled them up!

Once a baby is ready to move beyond purées to table food — usually at around 8 to 12 months old — you can start introducing them to international flavors. Don’t be afraid to experiment, though if you’re not sure a certain food is safe, consult your doctor.

Small, savory, bite-size dishes called tapas — served with drinks at tapas bars in Spain — are well-suited for young kids. My parents fell in love with tapas while traveling through Spain years ago. When they returned home, my dad tried to recreate the

best Spanish dishes he ate, and the rest of our family members were the lucky taste testers.

One of the most popular tapas dishes is Spanish Tortilla. It isn’t a standard Mexican-style tortilla, but rather a kind of frittata with potatoes and eggs. Di erent variations have onions, vegetables, ham — the drycured Serrano variety is especially fabulous — or a spicy sausage called chorizo.

I decided to make a Spanish Tortilla with potatoes, onions, red bell pepper and spinach. The potatoes, first cooked in olive oil, get almost creamy when mixed with the eggs, making for a wonderful texture.

Don’t be put off by the large amount of olive oil in this recipe. The oil used to cook the vegetables will take on their flavor, and you can incorporate it in other recipes. I used my extra oil to brush on ciabatta bread rounds for crostini.

I cooked the vegetables in a heavy cast-iron pan, but I recommend a lighter pan for the tortilla because you need to be able to flip the tortilla from the pan onto a plate halfway through cooking.

This dish can be enjoyed warm or cold. Cut it into wedges or bite-size squares so it’s easy for little fingers to grab.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Prepare the vegetables first, up to two hours in advance. Peel and slice the potatoes into rounds about 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick. Soak them in water for about 10 minutes, then drain and dry completely — a salad spinner works well if you have one. Thinly slice the onions into rounds as well. Deseed and finely chop the bell pepper.

2. Pour the oil about one-inch deep into a large, heavy sauté pan and heat on medium to about 310 degrees, or until small bubbles form on a slice of onion when you submerge it in the oil. Add the onions to the pan and fry for about eight minutes, stirring occasionally, until just golden. Remove the onions from the oil

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 medium russet potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds)

• 2 medium onions

• 1 red bell pepper

• About 3 cups extra-virgin olive oil, for frying (Excess can be reserved for future use.)

• 10 large eggs

• 1 cup loosely packed raw spinach

• 2 teaspoons salt

with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels or a paper bag laid on a plate or baking sheet. Blot off excess oil with paper towels.

3. Add about half of the potatoes to the hot oil and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The potatoes should be cooked through but should not be potato chips. If they start crisping up too much, your oil is likely too hot. Remove from the oil after about 10 minutes, drain excess oil as you did with the onions, then cook the second batch of potatoes. Drain excess oil and combine potatoes with the onions.

4. Add the bell peppers to the oil over medium heat and cook for about two minutes until they are just softened. Combine peppers with the onions and potatoes.

5. Allow the oil to cool, then transfer it to a bottle or jar to reuse when you are looking for a lightly flavored olive oil.

6. In a large bowl, crack the eggs. Stir just enough to break the yolks, then add the vegetables, spinach and salt. Mix together to coat the vegetables with the egg, but do not scramble. The mixture will be a bit runny. Cover and set aside for 15 minutes so that the vegetables can soak up moisture from the eggs.

7. Heat about two tablespoons of the reserved olive oil in a 10- to 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in the egg and vegetable mixture, making sure it is spread out evenly in the pan. Cook for about two minutes, then cover and reduce heat to medium for three to four minutes or until the egg mixture is mostly set.

8. Run a rubber spatula around the edge of the pan to make sure it doesn’t stick, then place a plate slightly larger than the pan over the top, press it down firmly, and carefully flip the pan upside down (some of the egg in the center might not be set yet, which is okay). Return the flipped tortilla to the pan so that the opposite side can cook. Turn the heat up again to mediumhigh and cook for two minutes, then cover and cook for about three to four minutes at medium heat. The tortilla is done when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Flip onto a serving plate, slice and enjoy warm or chilled.

the heat up again to mediumserving plate, slice and enjoy

Making a Record

Kids usually sing songs in music class, but they don’t often write them. This year, the fourth and fifth graders of Burlington’s Champlain Elementary School had a chance to compose and sing their own original anthem. Titled “School, City, and Our State,” it details a litany of the kids’ favorite things, from winter sports to the Intervale Center.

The students wrote the song collaboratively for a special interdisciplinary music project. And not only did they write their own song, they also made their own album, which will be released at a public party at the end of May.

The project took shape after a field trip last spring. The fourth and fifth

The project came to life with a little help from the community. The school board fronted $2,000 on the condition that the money would be recouped via donations and crowdsourcing. Over at the Record Plant, co-owner Justin Crowther donated the raw materials, including vinyl trimmings and imperfect records, to press half of the 400 albums being made — enough for every family in the school to get one.

The record helped shape the school’s chorus elective for this school year. Rather than a regular chorus, where students simply rehearse and perform, the fourth and fifth grade teachers and music teacher Betsy Greene decided the class would be multidisciplinary, incorporating

grade teachers — Sarah Legault, Aziza Malik, Kate Mattina and Shannon Roesch — brought their students to the Burlington Record Plant to see how vinyl records are made. The K-5 school and the boutique press are located just a few blocks from each other on Pine Street in Burlington’s South End.

“The kids were just totally in awe of what they were seeing,” said Roesch. “We were like, ‘Hey, wouldn’t it be cool if we could make a record?’”

The outing turned out to be the catalyst for the Champlain Voices Record Project. The concept: Champlain Elementary fourth and fifth graders would produce a limitededition record featuring performances from every class in the school. From deciding which songs to include to hand-decorating the record jackets, the students were involved — and in charge — every step of the way.

design, promotions and planning. They hoped to entice more students to participate.

Explained Legault: “[For] some of the kids, music is not really their [thing] — but graphic arts is.”

To practice the skills they would need for the record project, the students sang for residents of Grand Way Commons senior living facility in South Burlington. The kids broke into various teams in preparation for the performance. “Advertisers” made personalized invitations for Grandway residents; “surveyors” polled their classmates on which songs they’d like to sing. They also made customer satisfaction surveys that they distributed to their audience after the show. Getting positive feedback proved invigorating.

They continued to work in these teams to tackle the record. Some kids

concentrated on promotions, designing posters and managing donations at school performances. Others contributed to a video documentary that will tell the story of the project from beginning to end.

A survey group found out which songs from Greene’s music class each grade level would like to contribute. Each grade selected two, including “This Land is Your Land” and “These Green Mountains,” Vermont’s official state song.

During art club, which happens in class on Friday afternoons, the kids got instruction in linoleum block printing from parent and art teacher Carin Lilly. They used what they learned to create hand-printed images of Champ, the Lake Champlain monster, for the record jackets.

The kids and teachers enlisted Mattina’s husband, Matt Saraca, to

record, mix and engineer the recordings, and local musician Dan Davine to master the album. Saraca set up a makeshift studio in the music room, as well as in the gym for an all-school recording of the Champlain School Song. Greene accompanied on piano, and students added their own instrumentation on “School, City, and Our State.”

Everything related to the record, from concept to execution, is based right on Pine Street — even down to the release party at ArtsRiot.

“If I was to pick one word that describes this whole project,” said Greene, “it’s community.” K

The Champlain Voices Record Project will host a public record release party on Thursday, May 25, from 4-6 p.m. at ArtsRiot in Burlington. Visit gofundme. com/champlain-voices-record-project for details.

Students’ Champ drawings for recordjacket art

The students of Champlain Elementary School record a song for the album

Carin Lilly (left) and Shannon Roesch (right) help students with block printing

Erica & Mira

MOM: ERICA LOREN, 37

I will never forget calling my 91-year-old grandmother the morning after Mira’s birth. Our baby had been born, and we were all doing great. I asked her if we could have her permission to use her middle name, Angelina, as the baby’s middle name. Long pause on the other end of the phone, then sound of happy tears, and her answer: “If you really want to ...  I would love that.” My beloved grandma passed away before Mira’s first birthday, but I always take comfort in the fact that her beautiful name lives on.

DAUGHTER: MIRA, 3

I can’t wait to see my baby brother. But, I don’t want to see him come out of you. I’m just gonna go to my friend Meghan’s house.

Bringing Home (Another) Baby

Six months in, a mom reflects on double-duty parenting

BY GRACE PER LEE

A BY&MATERNITY

IS S EU

Iwas putting a fresh diaper on 5-day-old George when I heard the front door bang open. “We’re okay!” my husband, John, called from the living room. I scooped up the baby and ran to find John in the doorway cradling our 3-year-old, Levi. Both of them were covered in blood. A rag John held to Levi’s forehead leaked red droplets onto our welcome mat.

Levi saw my shocked face and began to whimper.

“We’re okay,” John repeated, giving me a pull yourself together look. “Levi had a bit of a bike accident, and I’m taking him to the doctor.” He grabbed his keys and the two of them were off. Shaking, I laid baby George in his bassinet, sat down and sobbed.

Nothing since George’s birth in September had gone the way I’d hoped it would. I wondered, not for the first time, if having a second child had been a huge mistake.

George entered the world like his brother: painful labor and an unplanned C-section. But that’s where the similarities ended. With Levi, John and I spent the first four days in the hospital together while the three of us learned how to be a family. We ordered huge plates of room service, took naps, and spent hours holding and gazing at our beautiful new son.

Photos document us proudly buckling him into his car seat for the ride home, posing with favorite nurses and bouquets of flowers. This time, John spent one night in the hospital after George’s birth, then left to take care of Levi, who’d been juggled between family and friends in the two days since my labor had begun. Instead of feeling the fullness of our family expanding, I felt it fracturing, breaking; George and I were in the hospital, while John and Levi were at home.

These feelings are common, according to Carmen Maron Walker, a

South Burlington psychotherapist specializing in prenatal and postnatal counseling and parenting support. While many parents expect to come home to some challenges after the birth of a second child, Walker said, the shift actually happens earlier — in the hospital, or even on the way there.

“It’s the moment of departure from our family unit of three. If we’re not expecting that, it can feel like a shock,” she explained — for parents, and for the older child. “There’s grief and loss involved.”

The night John brought Levi to the hospital to meet George, I was unsure of what to expect. Levi appeared in the doorway, holding an enormous vase of flowers he’d picked from our yard. He gave me the long hug I’d been craving, then climbed up on a chair and giddily peered into the plastic crib and said hello to his little brother for the first time. Then he climbed back into my bed and ate my entire tortellini dinner while snuggled in my lap.

When it was time to leave, though, he fell to the floor in great, heaving sobs. I’d never spent more than one night away from my son. This would be night three. I assured Levi that I would be home soon, but what I couldn’t tell him was that everything would be back to normal. Because, of course, it wouldn’t.

THINGS FALL APART

I knew that introducing a new baby wasn’t going to be easy. I’d read all about the emotions an older sibling might experience.

“Intense feelings of fear, loss, betrayal, anger and resentment are to be expected for these older children, commonly expressed through limitpushing behavior,” explains parenting expert Janet Lansbury on her website janetlansbury.com. “None of this is easy or looks pretty — emotional pain is never pleasant to witness — but the discomfort eventually eases if we can consistently assure our kids they have our empathy, protection and love.”

I was up for the challenge, and even welcomed it — in the abstract. I’d imagined Levi having brief tearful events followed by long heart-toheart talks. I would let him know that all his emotions were natural and valid, and, because of my amazing parenting skills, he would quickly adapt and learn to embrace his younger brother. This was delusional. First, Levi isn’t a big talker. He’s still developing his language skills and is an introvert

to boot. This made it exceedingly difficult to have an honest conversation about his feelings. Second, I was too tired and taxed by the demands of a newborn to be the amazing parent I wanted to be. In fact, in the brief time I’d been parenting two children I felt completely inept, like I wasn’t qualified for the job. Levi’s accident and resulting stitches felt like a confirmation of my incompetence. This sense that I was failing, coupled with fatigue and hormones, had me in tears every few hours.

Walker explains these feelings well. “When we’re sleep deprived, our bandwidth is a lot shorter. Our resilience is a lot shorter,” she said. “And with the second, there’s a lot being asked of us. It puts us in this unrealistic predicament where more is being asked of us than we can give. It’s hard to be graceful through this transition.”

In bed, the night of Levi’s accident, it was John’s turn to fall apart. If I felt guilty about it, John felt downright responsible. And the trip to urgent care had been traumatic. The attending physician wasn’t used to children, and they’d resorted to holding Levi down on the table to stitch his wound, blood pooling in his eyes as he screamed, “Help me, Daddy!” I held John as he finally let go of the emotion that — for Levi’s sake — he’d been keeping in all day.

SURVIVAL MODE

George’s first weeks at home

were far more difficult than I’d imagined they would be. My recovery was slow and painful and, at a time when Levi needed me more than ever, I was often unavailable. I would try to put him to bed only to be interrupted by a crying, hungry baby. Levi wanted to be carried, but my C-section incision needed to heal.

And it didn’t help that George wasn’t much of a sleeper. John and I both were running on fumes, short on patience and perspective. Levi had started sucking his thumb again, and picked at the stitches on his head so that they refused to heal. No matter what was asked of him, he threw an all-out tantrum — on the floor screaming, sobbing, throwing toys, ripping up his favorite books, the works. He didn’t want to go to school. He didn’t want to come home. He didn’t want to do anything but watch marathon sessions of “Little Einsteins,” and we let him. Our better judgment was eclipsed by our mental and physical exhaustion. I wasn’t alone in my underestimation of how much work the second would be. In talking with Richmond father Steve O’Malley, he shared that “When we brought home our second, I naively assumed that the jump-in workload would be minimal. I knew what I was doing with the first, so it should be just a little more laundry, a little more food, et cetera. Right? Wrong.” What many optimistic parents forget is that doing things for two children often takes twice as long, and cuts deeply into

parents’ already limited time for sleep and self-care. “Small children try to kill you through sleep deprivation,” O’Malley joked. “Having two at the same time, we were in a constant state of fatigue. We were operating in survival mode. Housework, maintenance, exercise and grooming habits all suffered.”

TAKING CONTROL

When John returned to work three weeks after George was born, my sister, Abby, flew out to help. At that point I was well aware that I was not parenting Levi the way he needed me to, and Abby, a seasoned nanny turned family psychologist, didn’t pretend otherwise. It was hard to have the big sister I admired so much see me at my worst.

Levi refused to take naps, though he needed them badly. I wasn’t physically able to keep up with him and was allowing him to watch hours of TV every day. The schedules and boundaries that were so essential to Levi’s well-being had fallen away, and he was obviously suffering.

My sister had ideas for managing Levi. She encouraged me to be firmer. To put my foot down and make him behave. I tried, but her ideas just didn’t work, and each letdown felt like a personal failure. Finally, I realized that while my sister is an expert on kids in general, she wasn’t the expert on my kid — I was. And so I stopped wallowing in what-ifs and got down to work, doing my best to get back to parenting the way Levi needed me to.

It wasn’t perfect. Just a few weeks postpartum, it was still difficult to physically enforce rules, so I made fewer of them. Naptime became quiet time. Messes stayed messy. And though I still felt like I was failing a lot of the time, I pretended otherwise. I stuffed my negative feelings down and acted like his tantrums didn’t scare me; like I knew what I was doing. And that everything was going to be okay.

I was basically trying to achieve what parenting instructor Lansbury calls “confident momentum.” “It’s a positive, sometimes heroic kind of energy, an I-can-do-thisthing attitude of helpfulness that stems from the understanding that it’s perfectly normal for young children to stall, resist and test limits,” she writes on her website. “Our momentum is even more important if we have personal physical issues or very strong

Instead of feeling the fullness of our family expanding, I felt it fracturing, breaking.

Bringing Home (Another) Baby

children,” Lansbury continues, which is often the case in the wake of a birth.

I found that faking this sense of confidence was exactly what Levi needed from me. He was able to relax a bit, more secure in my ability to care for him and my apparent belief that everything was going according to plan. I felt good about being able to provide that, even if it was a false front.

A week after my sister left, I was able to pump some milk and leave George for a few hours so I could take Levi to the library and a new gelato place. He ate his pink grapefruit scoop in silence as I tried to make conversation. It felt like an awkward first date. But then, in the car ride home, he opened up. “George is not my boy,” he said. “He’s not my best friend.” I took a deep breath. “I know, honey. You don’t have to like him. You don’t have to like any of this.”

When we got home, I held him for a long time before we went inside. His willingness to talk about his feelings was the glimmer of hope I’d been waiting for. I no longer had to pretend that we were going to get through this — I genuinely believed it.

ON HEARTBREAK, AND REBUILDING

I ran into my neighbor Alissa Monte recently, and confessed how terrible the first month had been. She nodded. They’d added a second

child to their family about a year before and, though I’d never noticed them suffering, apparently they’d been through similar heartbreak with their oldest.

“You know that big emotional sobbing fest, that hormone flush, that comes after you have a child?” Monte told me. “Well, for me, after our son was born, it happened when I looked at my daughter. And I was like, Oh. What we had was gone. That sounds dramatic, I know.”

It’s not dramatic, though. And, as it turns out, it’s really common. It’s not often discussed publicly, but behind closed doors many parents speak about a rift that opens up between themselves and their firstborn at the birth of the second. It can be heartbreaking — for the older child, and for the parent as well.

Recognizing the pain caused by the birth of a new baby can feel strange, even wrong. After all, a baby is a blessing. You’re not supposed to have negative feelings around your child’s birth. But owning our feelings of loss is not a judgment on these babies, and it doesn’t negate what they add to our lives. In fact, it’s a necessary part of moving forward.

Says psychotherapist Walker: “What often happens when we experience change is we resist it — we don’t want it — and that’s where it can get really painful. If we can mark the change with some openness and flexibility, rather than resisting the change, it can be a lot easier.”

“There’s something about the heartbreak of getting a younger sibling,” said Monte. “It’s like it takes what was there and burns it

away and it’s raw. But what’s left, what gets rebuilt, is beautiful.”

She’s right. Heartbreak can be a gift when it gives way to growth. And while it was excruciating to be the cause of Levi’s pain, he was definitely growing. We all were.

THE NEW NORMAL

When things felt fractured, I grieved, and then kept going. Life slowly got easier. My body was healing, and at six weeks postpartum I was able to pick up Levi and hold him again. Soon, I was able to sweep my tantruming toddler into my arms, hug him and assure him he would always be my baby. Our days became more structured, my confidence increased and his outbursts subsided. He’s still 3, so it’s not like they were going to go away altogether, but they have lessened in frequency and ferocity.

Our family is healing, too. Settling into the new normal is a work in progress. Six months in, things are better, though still not easy. We’re starting to feel like more of a family unit, and our days have begun to find a

RESOURCES

COMMUNITY: We are fortunate to have a network of loving friends. One of them set up a Mealtrain (mealtrain.com) and, for several weeks after George was born, nutritious dinners were delivered to our house, along with love and support. Baskets of diapers and treats appeared on our porch. Neighbors and friends checked in often, offering a helping hand and emotional support.

SELF-CARE: For me, this means a good therapist, some alone time — including time to write — and nights out with friends every now and then. For others it might mean time to exercise, create art or practice their faith. Whatever form it takes, selfcare is essential.

rhythm. John walks Levi to preschool every day, I stay home with George, and weekends we spend together as a family. Some days it still feels like I’m surviving moment to moment, but I’m making peace with that.

While Levi is still skeptical of George at times, he’s interested in him. In fact, he’s become something of a George expert, and often offers me directions on how to handle his cries. Levi loves to give George toys and show him off to his friends at school, and he delights in the fact that he can make George laugh like nobody else.

We’ve established some new family traditions, including reading a book all together at bedtime, before I nurse George and put him to bed. And though we’re not religious, we’ve started saying grace before each meal. The simple prayer from my childhood provides a moment of comfort and peace, and reminds us to be grateful for the bounty before us — even when that bounty looks an awful lot like chaos. K

SIBLING PREP

CLASSES: These workshops are a good place to make local connections with families going through similar transitions. Check out Beginnings (beginningschildbirth. com) or Birth Journeys (vtbirthjourneys.com) for classes. Call your insurance company to see if they cover the cost.

BOOKS: For practical advice with a dose of humor and understanding, read Siblings Without Rivalry, by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish. No Bad Kids: Toddler Discipline Without Shame, by Janet Lansbury, is a guide to providing a stable framework for your older — or only — child.

There’s something about the heartbreak of getting a younger sibling. It’s like it takes what was there and burns it away and it’s raw.

ALISSA MONTE

B ABY&MATERNITYIS S EU

Susan Cline Lucey was in the middle of demonstrating goddess pose in front of a postnatal yoga class when she glanced at her shoulder and noticed a wet spot. Was it spit-up? Tears? A mark left by a baby’s sweaty head? Whatever it was, she shrugged it off and continued teaching.

Cline Lucey, 42, embraces the unpredictability and messiness of babyhood. That’s precisely the attitude that’s made her a goddess of sorts to the new moms and moms-to-be who come to Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, Cline Lucey’s studio in Burlington’s South End.

Every week, the mom of three leads prenatal classes for pregnant women and postnatal sessions for women who often have infants in tow. She also teaches childbirth classes and works as a doula, helping women before and during childbirth, and after their babies are born. And she employs several other instructors who offer classes for pregnant and postpartum moms, kids and families.

More than just a yoga studio, Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga has built a culture that supports the reality of pregnancy and parenting — that, in the early years, fatigue and stress coexist with joy and tenderness. As a result, Cline Lucey — and her studio — have developed a devoted following in Chittenden County.

Erica Hutchins of Williston met Cline Lucey at a childbirth class. “We fell in love with her, and I started taking prenatal yoga classes,” Hutchins said. She now attends postnatal sessions with her 4-monthold daughter, Emery.

Kirsten DeLuca of Burlington started coming to classes when she was pregnant with her son Leif, and now brings the 8-month-old along. As soon as DeLuca became pregnant, she said, “I knew [I] was coming here.”

Cline Lucey teaches postnatal yoga

As women arrive for Cline Lucey’s classes one weekday morning in April, the instructor slides around in wooly booties chatting with them, using sisterly honesty and a playful smile to set the tone. She’ll drop a knowing joke and a second later, with obvious pleasure, sit on her heels and sing to a baby.

biggest thing is the sense of community,” said Hutchins. When she began taking prenatal classes, she said, she realized, “Wow, all of a sudden there are all these other moms going on this same journey.”

DeLuca agreed. “The support during my pregnancy was amazing,” she said.

with their hands on their hearts and pregnant bellies.

When class began, the women sat in a circle, introduced themselves and talked about how they were doing. In the prenatal class, women shared how far along they were in their pregnancies and one woman displayed her freshly hennaed belly. “You’re the

Heart Opener

BY KATIE TITTERTON • PHOTOS BY MATTHEW THORSEN

Cline Lucey has a dancer’s delicate frame and efficient strength. Her wide, often merry eyes tend to reveal her thoughts before she speaks.

“My goal is that through compassion and love and openheartedness, I can give pregnant women in labor the tools” to get through the intensity of birth, she said. “Or the mom at 3 a.m., [the tools] to take a deep breath and say, ‘OK, I’m getting up with my baby — again.’”

What Cline Lucey provides women in her classes, she said, is “calm in a vulnerable time in their life.”

That, and interaction with others who share their experience. “The hope is these mothers can be muddy together,” she said.

The moms say this matters. “The

During a postnatal class later in the day, around a dozen new moms and caregivers stretched and strengthened their bodies while their babies lay next to them. At the beginning of class, Cline Lucey said, moms often can’t close their eyes. “They’re too tired; they’re too distracted; they’re running on overdrive. You have to meet them where they are.” But at the end of class, she continued, “they’ve let go of some of that adrenaline through movement. They’re much more able to relax.”

Immediately after the postnatal session, Cline Lucey greeted another group of women for a prenatal class. This one had a gentle, inward vibe — women started by breathing

one everyone is looking at!” Cline Lucey told a woman who, at 39 weeks pregnant, was ready to deliver any day.

In the postnatal class, moms talked about older siblings adjusting to new babies and what they’re doing to get out of the house and stay active. Several women mentioned shoulder pain from holding their little ones.

This introduction period, Cline Lucey said, builds community but also allows her to develop a catalog of modifications for each participant. Her thought process is something like this, she explained: “Oh, they pointed to their low back, their back is hurting, and their hand is off to one side? I need to have them do a lunge with their back heel lifted.”

DeLuca, a self-described “yoga

snob,” confirmed that Cline Lucey is especially good at leading women into postures that are right for them. “It’s not a super gentle class, for sure,” Cline Lucey said. “We do sun salutations modified for pregnancy, we do pushups. We work. But everything has options.”

To add to the sense of community in Evolution classes, everyone connected to the baby is welcome. “I’ve had surrogates and moms. I’ve had aunties,” said Cline Lucey. In a postnatal class, Sarah Haggerty of Burlington stretched out with her twin nephews, 4-month-old Lucas and Andrew, whom she nannies. Sarah’s mom Linda Peet of Stowe — the twins’ grandmother — was also there to help out.

There aren’t many activities you can do with two little babies, Haggerty said. This class offers activity, “especially in winter — and it’s safe,” she said. “It feels weird at first to close your eyes … but there’s four people watching them.” In addition to Peet and Cline Lucey, two studio volunteers on yoga balls are ready to hold or bounce babies so their moms and caregivers can stay in their poses.

Cline Lucey encourages participants to do as much yoga as they can in class. “That’s what our practice is, right? Caring for another, but also caring for ourselves,” she reminded her postnatal class. As one mom deepened her downward dog pose, Cline Lucey remarked, “I can see your mom shoulders exhaling.”

Cline Lucey’s interests in movement, teaching and children developed early in life. As a sixth grader growing up in Lexington, Va., she helped her dance teacher with younger students. By seventh grade, she was teaching her own class. She studied dance and choreography at Connecticut College and, shortly after graduating, moved to Brooklyn where

Yoga teacher Susan Cline Lucey helps new moms and moms-to-be care for themselves, not just their babies

Want to Quit Smoking? Want to Quit Smoking?

VCBH can help

The Vermont Center on Behavior and Health is conducting a study to help mothers quit smoking.

With your participation, you could earn up to $1,310.

If you have at least one child under the age of 12, you may qualify for this study.

To see if you qualify, go online at http://j.mp/1MSDgeE to take our online survey or call (802) 656-1906 to learn more about this study.

It's a bird, it's a plane it's....

One to Watch

Do you know a local kid (age 17 or under) who's recently done something amazing? Won a spelling bee? Written an opera? Raised a bunch of money for a great cause? Tell us more! He or she could be featured as One to Watch in an upcoming issue of Kids VT. Visit Kidsvt.com to tell us about this local superhero.

she danced, taught and completed her yoga teacher training. She began teaching prenatal yoga while pregnant with her son Emmett. He was born shortly after Cline Lucey and her husband, Mark, a high school teacher, moved to Burlington. Two months later, her friend Janet Carscadden approached her about forming a combination

physical therapy and yoga studio. In 2006, Evolution Physical Therapy & Yoga opened, with Cline Lucey as yoga studio director.

Evolution’s business grew, the yoga industry grew, and Cline Lucey’s family grew. She and Mark now have three sons — Emmett, 12; Zinn, almost 9; and Jay, 3. Cline Lucey began teaching postpartum classes during her own postpartum experience. As her classes filled, she added more. And when she realized there was “a part in the middle” of motherhood she wasn’t experiencing along with her clients, she followed her passion and became a doula and certified childbirth educator in 2010.

In 2015, Evolution divided into two businesses within the same space. The original business is

Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga is owned by Cline Lucey. The change allowed both businesses to focus on specialized services.

One indicator that the maroon brick building holds two studios is the separate Prenatal & Family Yoga lobby. The room is both cozy and spacious, with bookshelves, a wraparound lavender couch and an oversized ottoman. There’s a wall of photos showing moms with their new babies in the moments after birth.

Toddlers can keep busy in one corner of the room with a play kitchen, wooden toys and dolls.

“This room is always open,” she said gesturing widely, her pendant earrings and ponytail swinging. She recalled a recent text message from a client saying she was nursing her baby in the empty lobby. The new mom was shopping downtown, far from home, and was uncomfortable nursing in public. She “needed a comfy space, and came and hung out on this couch,” Cline Lucey said, delighted. Cline Lucey’s attention to the details that make women feel calm and supported extends to the language she uses. “I invite people to feed their baby. I don’t say nurse.

still owned by Carscadden, while

That’s what our practice is, right? Caring for another, but also caring for ourselves.

SUSAN CLINE LUCEY

It’s that subtle,” she explained. “You might have a mom with low milk supply who’s feeling vulnerable.”

This is important to moms like Hutchins. In Cline Lucey’s childbirth class, Hutchins said, “Susan gave equal weight to vaginal delivery and C-section. She always called it a cesarean birth, and never diminished anyone who had a C.” Hutchins ended up needing an emergency C-section, and afterward she contacted Cline Lucey to thank her for the preemptive support. “It’s the one thing that got

When postnatal classes draw to a close, moms lie on their backs in a chest-opening heart pose, their babies resting on them. True to Cline Lucey’s observation, their eyes are closed. Some may still be exhausted, but they’ve worked toward a moment of real relaxation.

Outside, it was pouring. So Cline Lucey — wise to the di culties of schlepping a car seat in the rain — informed her class that they could leave their little ones with her while they pulled their cars around. And she reminded them that there was no rush. They could relax, feed their babies and snuggle on the couch for as long as they wanted.

Girls being Girls!

The Girls on the Run 5ks are unlike any other! Tutus, music, face painting and an opportunity for our Vermont girls to shine. Join us for this community celebration of girl power!

May 13th in Rutland June 3rd in Essex Junction

Patrick Clifford, MD, Suzanne Scharf, NP Greta Hanson, MD, Dale LaCroix, MD, and Kimberly Blake, MD

A wall of birth photos in Evolution’s lobby

Kids Day Week to Week

A parade at Edmunds Elementary School at 9:30 a.m. kicks off the KIDS DAY festivities, followed by a family day at the waterfront with performances, face painting, food, games, activities and animals. Saturday, May 6, at Waterfront Park in Burlington.

All Species Day Parade begins at noon at Hubbard Park in Montpelier.

Hinesburg Big Truck Day & Children’s Festival 9:45 a.m.-2 p.m. at Hinesburg Community School.

Ready. Set. Run! Festival Races begin at 8:30 a.m. at Waterfront Park in Burlington.

2 Tuesday

ADDISON

Youth Media Lab: Aspiring movie makers film, edit and produce videos while exploring the depths of digital media. Grades 4-6. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Info, 388-4097. FREE

CHITTENDEN

Crafternoon: Maker-minded kiddos create cool projects. Ages 7 and up. Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 3-4 p.m.; preregister. Info, 482-2878. FREE

Lego Club: Budding builders bust out plasticblock creations in the weekly Lego challenge. Free meal provided to youths age 18 and under. Winooski Memorial Library, 3-6 p.m. Info, 655-6424. FREE

Library Elementary Event Planners: Kids make plans and chow down on munchies. For middle school students. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Preschool Music: Bitty ones dance and sing to a brisk beat. Ages 3-5. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 11:30 a.m. Info, 264-5660.

FREE

Read to Daisy the Therapy Dog: Book bu s bring a selection from home or borrow from the library to amuse an attentive canine. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:15-4 p.m.; preregistration appreciated. Info, 878-6956.

FREE

Spanish Musical Kids: Niños celebrate Latin American culture through tunes and games en español. Ages 1-5 with a caregiver. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:45 a.m. Info, 865-7216. FREE

FRANKLIN

Adoption Support Group: Families facing adoption issues and challenges join forces in a respectful setting. All welcome. Franklin County Seniors Center, St. Albans, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Info, 524-1700. FREE

Fairfax Family Game Night: Families take over the library’s tabletops for a lively evening. Ages 5 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 6-8 p.m. Info, 849-2420. FREE

Magic: The Gathering Drop-In Gaming

Tuesdays: Players of all skill levels team up for card playing. All ages. Haston Library, Franklin, 4-7 p.m. Info, 285-6505. FREE

Sewing Club: Crafty kids try out a sewing machine and stitch a project. Ages 10 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4:30 p.m.; preregister. Info, 849-2420. FREE

RUTLAND

Chess Club: Strategists enjoy competition and camaraderie. All ages. Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington, 3:15 p.m. Info, 422-9765.

FREE

WASHINGTON

Paper Quilling: Artsy youngsters roll paper into strips and glue groovy designs. Ages 8-11. Waterbury Public Library, 3-4 p.m.; preregister. Info, 244-7036. FREE

WINDSOR

Lego Tuesdays: Young builders bust out blocks and get building. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Norwich Public Library, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Info, 649-1184. FREE

3 Wednesday CHITTENDEN

Dorothy’s List Book Club: Middle readers make merry conversation around DCF pick It Ain’t

So Awful, Falafel by Firoozeh Dumas. Ages 8-11. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Info, 264-5660. FREE

Jericho Dungeons & Dragons: Novice and experienced players put their imaginations together. Ages 10 and up. Regular attendance needed to follow the ongoing storyline. Jericho Town Library, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Info, 899-4686. FREE

Mister Ethan Musical Concert for Children: Little ones revel in musical merriment with a special local guest. Ages 6 and under. Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 4:30 p.m. Info, 482-2878. FREE

Reading Buddies: Little readers pair up with volunteers for literacy and laughs. Kindergarten and up. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 3:30-4:30 p.m.; preregistration appreciated but not required. Info, 264-5660. FREE

Yoga for Kids: Young yogis engage their energy and explore breathing exercises and relaxation poses. Ages 2-5. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Info, 865-7216. FREE

Mother’s Day Events

KIDS IN THE KITCHEN: HOW TO MAKE MOM BREAKFAST IN BED: Chefs-in-training get creative with a Mother’s Day meal, whipping up homemade biscuits and honey butter, and a side of savory bacon. Healthy Living Market & Café, South Burlington, Thursday, May 11, 4-5 p.m. $25; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

MOTHER’S DAY DROP-IN CRAFT: Children create a customized card for mom, complete with their photo. All ages. St. Albans Free Library, Thursday, May 11, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Info, 524-1507. FREE

EASY-AS-PIE 5K AND FAMILY FUN RUN: Families of all fitness abilities lace up to raise funds for the Child Care Center, then enjoy a post-race pie party, giant bubbles, craft-making for Mother’s Day presents and more. Race begins at 11 a.m. Norwich Town Green, Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $15-25. Info, 649-1403.

KATIE’S CENTER MOTHER’S DAY 5K: Fit families have fun with a toddler loop, a kids’ quarter or full mile, and a 5K run or walk. Free childcare includes farm animals and games while grownups race. Races begin at 9 a.m. The Duffy Farm, Poultney, Sunday, May 14, 8 a.m. $2-20.

MARSHFIELD MOTHER’S DAY WILDFLOWER WALK: The library pairs up with the Marshfield Conservation Commission for an afternoon’s amble in search of spring ephemerals. All ages. Meet at the Stranahan Forest parking lot at the beginning of Thompson Road. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, Sunday, May 14, 1-4 p.m. Info, 426-3581. FREE

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH & BOWL: On this day just for mamas, families celebrate with cheap rates, sweet and savory treats, live music and a rose and glass of bubbly for each mother. All ages. Stowe Bowl, Sunday, May 14, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $5 bowling and shoe rental; food and beverage available for purchase. Info, 253-2494.

MOTHER’S DAY RIDE AND WALK FOR CHILDREN: Moms and their offspring walk 3 miles or pedal 4, 16, 30 or 55 miles to raise money for the Lund Center, followed by food, music and festivities. All ages. Rice Memorial High School, South Burlington, Sunday, May 14, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. $10-50. See lundvt.org for more specifics. Info, 448-3617.

MOTHER’S DAY TEA: Mum basks in her special day with an elegant menu and complimentary flowers. Perennial Pleasures Nursery, East Hardwick, Sunday, May 14, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Reservations required. Info, 472-5104.

FRANKLIN

Mommy and Me Fitness Meetup: While moms work out, tykes cavort with provided childcare for 30 minutes, then kids enjoy tumble time. Ages 5 and under. Raw Strength and Fitness, St. Albans, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $3. Info, 288-1141.

Sewing Club: See May 2.

LAMOILLE

Tots on the Turf: Little ones move and groove in forts, games and free play. Caregiver supervision required. Stowe Arena, 10-11 a.m. $5 per child. Info, 253-6138.

RUTLAND

Killington Lego Club: Junior builders bust out the blocks and creativity in themed sessions. Ages 6 and up. Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington, 3:15-4:15 p.m. Info, 422-9765. FREE

WINDSOR

Sensory Lab for Tots: Tiny tots try out selfguided art stations, including finger painting, modeling dough, moon sand and more. Ages 5 and under; adult supervision required.

ArtisTree/Purple Crayon, South Pomfret, 9:3011:30 a.m. $5. Info, 457-3500.

4 Thursday

ADDISON

Quiet Crafternoon: Visual learners try their hand at involved art projects which may take more than one week to complete. Grades 3 and up. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 3:15-4:15 p.m. Info, 388-7588. FREE

CALEDONIA

Lego Club: Young architects construct collaboratively with colorful blocks. All ages. Jeudevine Memorial Library, Hardwick, 3-4 p.m. Info, 472-5948. FREE

CHITTENDEN

Audubon Homeschool Program: Home-based learners use the outdoor classroom to explore a variety of seasonal topics, from insect life to bird habitat. Ages 6-8. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. $25; $15 each additional sibling; preregister. Info, 434-3068.

Food for Thought Teen Group: Young adults polish o pizza as they ponder library projects. Grades 7-12. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 4-5 p.m. Info, 878-4918. FREE

Kids in the Kitchen: Chocolate Mint Trees: In tribute to Vermont’s Green Up Day, junior chefs whip up a chocolate pudding topped with a green sprig. Healthy Living Market & Café, South Burlington, 4-5 p.m. $25; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

Lego Club: Mini-makers participate in surprise challenges with interlocking blocks. Ages 6-10. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 4 p.m. Info, 264-5660. FREE

Let’s Talk About Sex: Teen Trivia Night: Teens team up to test their savvy, compete for prizes and meet community organizations which support safe and healthy relationships. Sponsored by the Lund Center and Planned Parenthood of Northern New England. Ages 12 and up. Burlington City Hall Auditorium, 6-8 p.m. Info, 861-2072. FREE

Mural Ribbon Cutting: Local artist Kristin Richland snips the cord on her painted creation of beloved book characters. Light refreshments served. Phoenix Books, Burlington, 7 p.m. Info, 448-3350. FREE

4 Thursday (cont.)

Preschool Music: Lively tunes with local musicians strike the right note among the wee crowd. Ages 5 and under with a caregiver. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Limited to one session per week per family. Info, 878-4918. FREE

Read to Archie the Therapy Dog: An attentive canine listens to little people read. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:15-4 p.m.; preregistration appreciated. Info, 878-6956.

FREE

FRANKLIN

Franklin Lego Thursdays: Kiddie constructionists combine their creativity with the library’s supplies. All ages. Haston Library, Franklin, 2-5 p.m. Info, 285-6505. FREE

PJ Story Time: Children chill in their jammies while crafting and listening to stories. Ages 6 and under. Fairfax Community Library, 6-7 p.m. Info, 849-2420. FREE

WINDSOR

Clay for Tots: Little potters practice, poke and play with a malleable medium. Ages 3-6. ArtisTree/Purple Crayon, South Pomfret, 10:30-11:15 a.m. $12 per drop-in class. Info, 457-3500.

Storytime Yoga with Angel: Angel Rubino of the North Chapel Spiritual Exploration for Children and Families Committee leads little ones and caregivers in storytelling, movement, meditation and more. Ages 2-6 with adult. Norman Williams Public Library, Woodstock, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 457-2557. FREE

5 Friday

CHITTENDEN

All-Ages Story Time: Picture books, finger play and rhymes amuse all. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:30 a.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Baby Yoga: Mamas and papas stretch themselves and their wee ones, strengthening general health and gross motor skills. Ages 1 and under. Jericho Town Library, 3-4 p.m.; preregister. Info, 899-4686. FREE

Early Bird Math Story Time: Little ones learn math literacy through games and play. Ages 2-5. Richmond Free Library, 11-11:30 a.m. Info, 434-3036.

Family Gym: Indoor playground equipment gives tumblers a chance to run free. Ages 7 and under. Greater Burlington YMCA, 10:15-11:45 a.m. $5-8 per family; free for members. Info, 862-9622.

Family Pizza & Paint Night: Moms, dads and kids take pleasure in painting together with themes and mediums rotating for each session. Dinner at 5 p.m.; painting begins at 6 p.m. All ages. Davis Studio, Shelburne, 6-7:30 p.m. $25 per person; dinner available for purchase in the Starving Artist Café; preregister. Info, 425-2700.

Friday Free for All: Junior explorers investigate the world, from rocks to bugs. Ages 3-5. Charlotte Public Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m.; preregister. Info, 425-3864. FREE

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: Toe-tapping tunes captivate kiddies. Radio Bean, Burlington, 11 a.m. Info, 660-9346. FREE Magic: The Gathering: Planeswalkers seek knowledge and glory in this trading-card game. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6-8 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Science & Nature

SHEEP SHEARING & HERDING: farmhands watch as Southdown ewes get haircuts and border collies herd sheep in the fields. Fiber demos, hands-on carding demos and tours of the operating dairy farm round out the day. All ages. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, Saturday, May 6 and Sunday, May 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular museum admission, $4-15; free for children under 3. Info, 457-2355.

SPRING MIGRATION BIRD-MONITORING WALK: Birders embrace ornithology on an identification and data-gathering walk. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, Saturday, May 6, 7-9 a.m. Donations appreciated. Info, 434-3068.

TOUR THE COSMOS: This 50-minute live presentation takes the audience on a journey deep into the universe. Ages 6 and up. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, Saturdays and Sundays, 1:30 p.m. $6 plus regular museum admission, $7-9; free for children under 5. Info, 748-2372.

DAIRY DAY AT THE FARM: Cowgirls and boys get up close and personal with spring calves and their moms, take a wagon ride, and explore the milking barn. All ages. Shelburne Farms, Sunday, May 7, 1-4 p.m. $5 per carload; free for walkers. Info, 985-8686.

DISCOVERY SUNDAYS: Families have fun with hands-on science experiments and investigations, using wheels, towers, magnets, feathers, water and bubbles. All ages. Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center, Quechee, Sundays, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Regular museum admission, $12.50-14.50; free for children under 4. Info, 359-5001, ext. 228.

ROBIN’S NEST NATURE PLAYGROUP: Little explorers and their caregivers discover the sights and sounds of the forest and field, while learning how the natural environment can be used as an adventurous classroom. Dress in outdoor clothing. Ages 5 and under. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, Mondays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., through June 5 Donations welcome. Info, 229-6206.

NESTLINGS FIND NATURE: Preschoolers discover how songbirds grow, using imaginative play, books, crafts and nature walks and activities. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, second and fourth Tuesdays of every month, 10:30-11:30 a.m., through Oct.ober 24. Regular museum admission $3.50-7; free for children under 3. Info, 434-2167.

CORVID COMMUNITY NATURALISTS: This monthly gathering explores Burlington’s urban wilds through the seasons. Bring a notebook, writing implement and your curiosity. Open to the community; ages 5 and up. Rock Point, Burlington, Saturday, May 13, 9 a.m.-noon. Suggested donation $10; $20 per family. Info, 557-7127.

SPRING WILDCRAFTING: GREENS AND MUSHROOMS: Avid foragers learn tricks of the finding trade during this guided tour of spring’s tastes and tonics. Ages 12 and up. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m.noon. $25-30; preregister. Info, 434-3068.

WHO WALKS THESE WOODS: Expert tracker Mike Kessler leads an inquisitive outdoor trek. Birds of Vermont second Sunday of every month, 1-3 p.m., through October 8. Regular museum admission $3.50-7; free for children under 3. Info, 434-2167.

MONTSHIRE UNLEASHED: AN EVENING FOR ADULTS: The museum opens its doors after hours so grown-ups can let their inner curiosity run wild. Beer, wine and food available for purchase. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, Friday, May 19, 6-9 p.m. Regular museum admission, $15; free for members. Info, 649-2200.

SPRING MIGRATION BIRD WALK: Avian aficionados of all ages bend their birding ear to warblers, vireos, thrushes and waterfowl, with the assistance of nature center staff. All ages. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, Friday May 19, 7-8:30 a.m. $10; free for members. Info, 229-6206.

MAPLE SUGARBUSH BIRD WALK: Eagle-eyed participants scope out songbirds in the sugarbush. All ages. Jed’s Maple Products, Derby, Saturday, May 20, 7-9 a.m., preregister. Info, 766-2700.

SPRING BIRD WALK: Local father and son duo, Taber and Alexander Allison, lead spring songbird admirers on an insightful stroll. All ages. Meet at the Stranahan Forest parking lot at the beginning of Thompson Road. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, Saturday, May 20, 7:30-10 a.m. Info, 426-3581. FREE

WATER-CRITTER WONDERS: Nature lovers pull on their mud boots to explore a pond and examine the amazing adaptations of its inhabitants. Recommended for age 5 and up with an adult. Shelburne Farms, Saturday, May 20, 9:30-11:30 a.m. & 12:30-2 p.m. $10/5-12/6 adult/child pair; $5 each additional child; preregister. Info, 985-8686.

BIRD-MONITORING WALK: Participants bring binoculars to search the museum’s property for fluttering feathers. Best for adults and older children. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, Saturday, May 27, 7:30 a.m.; donations welcome; preregister. Info, 434-2167. FREE

BIRDFEST: This avian celebration includes nature walks, live raptor demos, art displays, birdhouse building and more. All ages. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, Saturday, May 27, 6:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $10-15; free for kids. Info, 229-6206.

CHEESE & DAIRY CELEBRATION: Got milk? Families sample artisan cheeses, learn how the farm cares for cows and calves and discovers why dairy reigns in Vermont. All ages. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, Saturday, May 27, and Sunday, May 28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular museum admission, $4-15; free for children under 3. Info, 457-2355.

Music With Robert: Families sing along with a local legend. All ages. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30-11 a.m. Info, 865-7216. FREE

Teen Advisory Board: Adolescents socialize about library projects and savor snacks. Grades 9 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

FRANKLIN

Crafternoon: Artsy ones bust out imaginative projects. St. Albans Free Library, 1-5 p.m. Info, 524-1507. FREE

RUTLAND

Magic: The Gathering: Novice and experienced players team up for card challenges. Ages 8 and up. Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington, 3:15-4:15 p.m. Info, 422-9765. FREE

Rutland Library Book Sale: Bibliophiles thumb through hundreds of hardcovers, paperbacks, CDs and DVDs. Proceeds support library collections and activities. All ages. Rutland Free Library, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Info, 773-1860. FREE

ORLEANS

Lego Club: Youngsters build with plastic blocks and chat companionably. Ages 4-12. Craftsbury Public Library, Craftsbury Common, 3-4:30 p.m. Info, 586-9683. FREE

WASHINGTON

Family Story Time: Librarian and storyteller Molly Pease leads little ones in stories, crafts, music and more. Bridgeside Books, Waterbury, 10-10:30 a.m. Info, 244-1441. FREE

Montpelier Mayfest: The capital city swings into the spring season with weekend festivities including an Art Walk, an all-you-can-eat breakfast, an ultimate frisbee tournament, a bike swap and the farmers market opening day. See montpelieralive.org for specific dates and times. All ages. Downtown Montpelier, 4-8 p.m. Fees for some venues. Info, 223-9604. FREE

Mother Up! Central Vermont: Families discuss the realities of climate change, what that means on a local, state and national level and how to create a more just and nature-friendly world. Dinner and childcare o ered. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 5:30-7:30 p.m.; RSVP requested. Info, 229-0041. FREE

WINDSOR

Foodways Fridays: Guests tour the heirloom garden, then watch as veggies make their way into historic recipes prepared in the 1890 farmhouse kitchen. All ages. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular museum admission, $4-15; free for children under 3. Info, 457-2355.

Fun Fridays: The week ends with an imaginative burst for creative youngsters, combining outdoor exploration with story, costumes and art materials. Ages 5 and up. ArtisTree/Purple Crayon, South Pomfret, 3:30-5:30 p.m. $17 per class. Info, 457-3500.

6 Saturday

ADDISON

Middlebury Farmers Market: Crafts, cheeses, breads, veggies, eggs and more vie for spots in shoppers’ totes. Middlebury VFW, 9-12:30 a.m. FREE

CHITTENDEN

‘Brown Bear, Brown Bear’ Story Time: Bibliophile bu s of all ages delight in the 50th anniversary of this beloved Eric Carle book. Phoenix Books, Essex Junction, 11 a.m. Info, 872-7111. FREE

Museum, Huntington,

See Dr. First videos “First With Kids” at uvmhealth.org.

Alpine Shop Bike Swap: Cyclists in search of a new-to-them ride shop a selection of pre-owned wheels amid music and food. Drop o used bikes until May 5. The Alpine Shop, Burlington, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Info, 862-2714. FREE

Burlington Farmers Market: Growers and artisans o er fresh and prepared foods, crafts and more in a bustling marketplace. All ages. Burlington City Hall Park, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Info, 310-5172. FREE

Cleo the Therapy Dog: Canine and reading enthusiasts visit with a personable pooch from Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Ages 3 and up. Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 893-4644. FREE

Craft School Saturday Drop-In: Artsy types make seasonal masterpieces in this everchanging weekly series. Projects available for pickup at a later date. Ages 5 and up with caregiver. Shelburne Craft School, 10-11 a.m. $10 per child. Info, 985-3648.

Earl’s Bike Swap: Cyclists of all ages looking to upgrade their wheels choose from a variety of pedal-powered vehicles. Drop o used bikes on Thursday, May 4, or Friday, May 5, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Earl’s Cyclery and Fitness, South Burlington, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Info, 864-9197. FREE

EvoKids Saturday Drop-In Yoga: Youngsters master basic yoga poses through games, songs and dance. Mindfulness activities improve focus and concentration. Ages 3-7. Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, Burlington, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. $15. Info, 899-0339.

How to Connect with Young Children

On-Line: Interested adults ask questions about using Skype or FaceTime to read with youngsters when out of town. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-11 a.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Kids Building Workshop: Handy helpers learn do-it-yourself skills and tool safety as they construct seasonal projects. Ages 5-12. Home Depot, Williston, 9 a.m.-noon.; preregister at workshops.homedepot.com. Info, 872-0039. FREE

Kids Day: A parade at Edmunds Elementary School at 9:30 a.m. kicks o the festivities, then families enjoy a day at the waterfront with performances, face painting, food, games, activities and animals. (See spotlight.) All ages. Waterfront Park, Burlington, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Info, 864-0123.

FREE

Mayfest: Folks celebrate spring with maypole dancing, crown making, face painting, pony rides, live music and refreshments. Lake Champlain Waldorf School, Shelburne, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Food for sale and small fee for pony rides. Info, 985-2827. FREE

Multicultural Youth Leadership Conference: Youth-led workshops for youth cover topics including Conversations About Racisim, LGBTQ+ Intersectionality and The Human Library, including planning for the future and leadership skills. Ages 14-24. Spectrum Youth and Family Services, Burlington, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Info, 864-7423, ext. 215. FREE

Class

List your class or camp here for only $20 per month! Submit the listing by May 15 at kidsvt.com or to classes@kidsvt.com.

BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU: The future of our nation lies in the courage, confidence and determination of its people.

Our Kids BJJ Program promotes self-esteem, self-confidence, character development and a physical outlet with discipline, cooperation with other children, respect for peers and adults, perseverance and a healthy lifestyle.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will help your kids to learn realistic bully-proofing and self-defense skills that they can use for the rest of their lives! Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu builds endurance, patience and self-respect. Give your kids the ability to get stronger, gain confidence and build resilience! Our sole purpose is to help empower people by giving them practices they can carry with them throughout life. Remember you are raising children, not flowers. First class is free! Please stop by our school at 55 Leroy Road, Williston; call 598-2839; visit our website vermontbjj.com or email julio@bjjusa. com to register your son or daughter!

Saturday Drama Club: Junior thespians create a character, spin a story, and put on a performance, all in three hours. Ages 6-12. Old North End Community Center, Burlington, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $15. Info, 355-1461.

Skirack Bike Swap: Active families peruse the wheeled o erings, as well as car racks, bike shoes, child carriers, tricycles and inline skates. Items for the swap accepted from Monday, May 1-Friday, May 5. Ski Rack, Burlington, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Info, 658-3313. FREE

STEAMworks Preschool Open House: Prospective parents of children ages 2-5 check out this new program from Heartworks Preschool, designed to spark small ones’ imaginations in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. STEAMworks Preschool, Essex, 9-11 a.m. Info, 951-1827. FREE

Webby’s Art Studio: The museum’s temporary and permanent exhibits inspire specialized art activities for all ages.

Shelburne Museum, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Regular museum admission $7-24; free for members and children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

FRANKLIN

Worms in the Library: Bob Engstrom, the Worm Guy, shares his savvy about composting with real live wrigglers. All ages. Highgate Public Library, Highgate Center, 9:30 a.m. Info, 868-3970. FREE

LAMOILLE

Art Play: Creative-minded youngsters indulge their imaginations during this drop-in morning, where moving, dancing and making a mess are encouraged as artistic expression. Materials and live acoustic music provided; bring a change of shoes and play clothes. Ages 2-5 with caregiver. Helen Day Art Center, Stowe, 10 a.m.-noon. $5. Info, 253-8358.

Bring Learning Home Learnin

6 Saturday (cont.)

RUTLAND

Author Mary Holland: This children’s naturalist, writer and photographer shares her photos and animal artifacts in a special storytime. All ages. Phoenix Books Rutland, 11 a.m. Info, 855-8078. FREE

Rutland Library Book Sale: See May 5, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

WASHINGTON

Capital City Farmers Market: Veggies, honey, maple syrup and more change hands at a celebration of locally grown food. All ages. Downtown Montpelier, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Info, 223-2958. FREE

Green Mountain Youth Symphony Auditions: Talented youngsters of all experience levels try out for placement in the GMYS 2017-2018 season and August camp. Center for Arts and Learning, Montpelier, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $25; preregister. Info, 888-4470.

Montpelier Mayfest: See May 5.

Onion River Sports Bike Swap: Cyclists prepare for the upcoming season by trading in their old bikes, trailers and strollers for di erent models. Sellers drop o their wheels Sunday, April 30-Friday, May 5. Onion River Sports, Montpelier, 9 a.m.-noon. Info, 229-9409.

FREE

Sweet & Savory Pie Brunch: Hungry locals fill their bellies with pastries fit for the first meal of the day. Unitarian Church of Montpelier, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $30 per family; $8 per person; free for children under 6. Info, 456-7400.

U-32 Color Run: Cheerful athletes of all ages and abilities run, walk or jog 1, 2 or 3 miles and get splashed with a food-grade rainbow of color. Race begins at 10:30 a.m. U-32 High School, Montpelier, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $25; preregistration includes t-shirt, racing bib and individual color packet; proceeds benefit student activities at U-32.

WINDSOR

Children’s Book Week Story Time: In celebration of Children’s Book Week, young listeners gather for a special storytime. All ages. Phoenix Books Misty Valley, Chester, 11 a.m. Info, 875-3400. FREE

Family Clay: Children and their parents make memories firing and glazing special pieces. All ages. ArtisTree/Purple Crayon, South Pomfret, 10 a.m.-noon, $20 per parent-child pair; $5 per additional family member. Info, 457-3500.

7 Sunday

ADDISON

Illustrator and Author Deirdre Gill: This Vermonter unveils her newest creation, Trains Don’t Sleep, by sharing stories and sketches. Recommended for ages 4-8. Vermont Bookshop, Middlebury, 10:30 a.m. Info, 388-2061. FREE Middlebury Maple Run: Novice and experienced athletes rally for races including a half-marathon and relay options, with a new 3-mile fun run this year, followed by a post-run pancake breakfast with 2017 maple syrup. Porter Medical Center, Middlebury, 9 a.m.noon. $30-65. Info, 388-7951.

CHITTENDEN

Alpine Shop Bike Swap: See May 6. Earl’s Bike Swap: See May 6, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

New Parents

BOSOM BUDDIES TOO: Nursing mamas of toddlers and mobile wee ones socialize and swap supportive stories and advice with peers and professionals. Babies welcome. Central Vermont Medical Center, Berlin, first Tuesday of every month, 5:30-7 p.m. Info, 371-4415. FREE

EVOLUTION POSTNATAL YOGA: Moms tote their pre-crawling kids to an all-levels flowing yoga class focused on bringing the body back to strength and alignment in a relaxed and nurturing environment.

Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, Burlington, Tuesdays, 10-11:15 a.m., Thursdays, 10:45-11:55 a.m., Fridays, 8:15-9:15 a.m. & noon-1 p.m., and Sundays, 12:15-1:30 p.m. $15; $130 for a 10-class pass. Info, 899-0339.

EVOLUTION PRENATAL YOGA: Mothers-to-be build strength, stamina, comfort and a stronger connection to their baby. Evolution

Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, Burlington, Mondays, 5:45-7 p.m., Tuesdays, 4:15-5:30 p.m., Wednesdays, 5:45-7 p.m., Thursdays, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Fridays, 8:15-9:15 a.m., Saturdays, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and Sundays, 10-11:30 a.m. $15 or $130 for 10-class pass. Info, 899-0339.

PRENATAL METHOD PRENATAL YOGA: Women prepare for birth through yoga, with a focus on strengthening the body and mind. See prenatalmethod.com for class descriptions. Prenatal Method Studio, Burlington, Mondays, 12:15-1:15 p.m., Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Wednesdays, 12:15-1:15 p.m., Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $15. Info, 829-0211.

MIDDLEBURY LA LECHE LEAGUE MEETING

AND PLAYGROUP: Families with infants and toddlers socialize and swap nursing stories. Junebug Mother and Child, Middlebury, first Wednesday of every month, 10 a.m. FREE

MOM AND BABY YOGA: Brand-new mamas and their littles relax, stretch and bond. Followed by a free mothers’ gathering at 11:30 a.m. Embodied, Montpelier, Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $15. Info, 223-5302.

ESSEX LA LECHE LEAGUE: Moms bring their little ones to a discussion of parenting and breastfeeding. Siblings welcome.

Essex Free Library, Essex Junction, first Thursday of every month, 6:30-8 p.m. FREE

HOW TO BREASTFEED PRENATAL CLASS: Mothers-to-be and their partners learn the basics of breastfeeding, how to get off to the best start with their baby and where to find assistance when needed.

Central Vermont Medical Center, Berlin, first Thursday of every month, 8-9:30 a.m. and fourth Tuesday of every month, 4:30-6 p.m.; preregister. Info, 371-4415. FREE

NEW MAMA YOGA: New and experienced moms tote their tiny ones to a relaxed and social class, followed by a playgroup. Bring a few blankets for your baby’s comfort.

Ages 6 weeks to 6 months. Kula Yoga Center, Stowe, Saturdays, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. $16.

BURLINGTON LA LECHE LEAGUE: New moms bring their babies and questions to a breastfeeding support group. Older children welcome. Lending library available. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, second Tuesday of every month, 10:15 a.m. Info, 985-8228. FREE

LA LECHE LEAGUE OF THE NORTHEAST

KINGDOM: Expectant, novice and experienced moms join nursing experts for advice and support. Enter through the children’s section of the library. Siblings welcome. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, second Tuesday of every month, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Info, 720-272-8841. FREE

TODDLER LA LECHE LEAGUE MEETING: Moms who are nursing beyond a year share stories and solutions to nighttime parenting, mealtime tips, biting, weaning and other topics.

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Middlebury, third Monday of every month, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Info, 388-0363. FREE

BREASTFEEDING CAFÉ: Moms nurse their babies, chat and ask for answers from a certified lactation consultant. Pregnant women, supportive dads and older siblings welcome. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, third Tuesday of every month, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Info, 349-3825. FREE

BREASTFEEDING FAMILIES GROUP: Nursing moms (and supportive dads, too!) gather for snacks and advice. Church of the Nazarene, Johnson, third Wednesday of every month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Info, 888-3470. FREE

LA LECHE LEAGUE OF CENTRAL VERMONT: Breastfeeding mamas swap stories and support each other, with a professional available for consultation. Good Beginnings, Montpelier, third Thursday of every month, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 999-7143. FREE

CENTRAL VERMONT NURSING BEYOND A YEAR: Mothers discuss the joys and challenges of breastfeeding, including nighttime parenting, weaning, healthy eating habits and setting limits, in a supportive setting. Good Beginnings, Montpelier, third Friday of every month, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 999-7143. FREE

MOMMY GROUP: Breastfeeding peer counselor Angela Scavo hosts mamas and answers questions in a relaxed setting. Middlebury Recreation Center, fourth Wednesday of every month, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Info, 349-9084. FREE

Essex Open Gym: Energy-filled kids flip, jump and tumble in a state-of-the-art facility. Ages 6 and under, 1 p.m.; ages 7-12, 2:30 p.m.; ages 13 and up, 4 p.m. Regal Gymnastics Academy, Essex, 1-5:30 p.m. $8. Info, 655-3300.

Family Gym: See May 5.

Skirack Bike Swap: See May 6, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Vermont Day School Open House: Prospective parents mingle with teachers and check out grades K-8, including the new middle school. Vermont Day School, Shelburne, 3-4:30 p.m. Info, 985-5150. FREE

LAMOILLE

Family Brunch and Bowl: Moms, dads and kids munch on sweet and savory breakfast fare and make the most of mud season reduced rates. Ages 4 and up. Stowe Bowl, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $5; includes bowling shoe rental. Info, 253-2494.

WASHINGTON

All Species Day: Neighbors dress as their favorite species and parade to the State House lawn for a Birth of Spring Pageant, maypole dancing and warm-weather celebrations. All ages. Hubbard Park, Montpelier, noon. Info, 223-1242. FREE

8 Monday

CHITTENDEN

Audubon Nature Playgroup: Little ones and their caregivers explore the woods, meadows, beaver and peeper ponds while meeting new friends. Ages birth to 5 years. Open to Richmond, Huntington, and Hinesburg residents. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 9:30-11 a.m.; preregister. Info, 434-3068. FREE

Colchester Crafts for Kids: Clever kiddos pursue artsy projects. Ages 5 and up. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Info, 264-5660. FREE

Crafternoon: Artsy kiddos dig into imaginative projects. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Lego Club: Inventive kiddos press together plastic-piece creations. Ages 5-12. Essex Free Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Info, 879-0313. FREE

Preschool Music: See May 4, 11 a.m.

Queer Care Support: Adult family members and caregivers of queer and/or questioning youth swap stories and resources in a supportive space. Adults only. Outright Vermont, Burlington, 6:30-8 p.m. Info, 865-9677. FREE

Spanish Musical Kids: Amigos learn Latin American songs and games with experienced teacher Constancia Gómez. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Stories with Megan: Little listeners learn and laugh. Ages 2-5. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Info, 865-7216. FREE

RUTLAND

Babies & Toddlers Rock: Mini musicians ages 2 and under sing songs and engage in early literacy activities. Rutland Free Library, 10-10:30 a.m. Info, 773-1860. FREE

9 Tuesday

ADDISON

Youth Media Lab: See May 2.

CHITTENDEN

Lego Club: See May 2.

SUBMIT YOUR JUNE EVENTS FOR PRINT BY MAY 15 AT KIDSVT.COM OR CALENDAR@KIDSVT.COM

Preschool Music: See May 2. Read to Daisy the Therapy Dog: See May 2. Read to Willy Wonka the Chocolate Lab: A certified reading pooch listens patiently to emerging readers. Ages 3-8. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 4:15 p.m.; preregister. Info, 264-5660. FREE

Live Performances

‘BEAUTY AND THE BEAST’: The audience claps for the classic tale of a creature who must win the love of brave and beautiful Belle, his prisoner. Preschoolers and up. Edmunds Middle School, Burlington, Thursday, May 4, 4 p.m., Friday, May 5, 7 p.m. and Saturday May 6, 7 p.m. Donations accepted. Info, 318-8592. FREE

‘PIPPIN’: This song-and-dance tale of Prince Pippin, who overthrows his father King Charles, pushes the boundaries of storytelling through a performance that includes highflying acrobatics. Flynn MainStage, Burlington, Wednesday, May 10, 7:30 p.m. $25-70. Info, 863-5966.

HOPSTOP: DANCERS’ CORNER: Dancers of all ages wow with their best moves in ballet, jazz, hip-hop and more, encouraging the very young to bust a move. Ages 3 and up. Hopkins Center for the Arts, Hanover, N.H., Saturday, May 13, 11 a.m. Info, 603-646-2422.

FREE

RODEO ROUND-UP THEATRE

WORKSHOP:

thespians swing into songs, games, square dancing and performance with a Western theme. Bring a snack. Ages 5-8. MAC Center for the Arts, Newport, Saturday May 13, noon-4 p.m. $25; $20 each additional child; preregister; inquire for scholarship info. Info, 334-2216.

OPUS

See Dr. First videos “First With Kids” at uvmhealth.org.

Spanish Musical Kids: See May 2. FRANKLIN

Magic: The Gathering Drop-In Gaming

Tuesdays: See May 2.

WASHINGTON

Lego Challenge: Kids drop in and strengthen their STEM imaginations by building with plastic blocks. Ages 8-11. Waterbury Public Library, 3-4 p.m. Info, 244-7036. FREE

WINDSOR

Lego Tuesdays: See May 2.

10 Wednesday

CHITTENDEN

Colchester Dungeons & Dragons Night: Players don invented personas and use cleverness and luck to overcome challenges, defeat enemies and save the day. Beginners welcome. Ages 9-13. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6-7:30 p.m.; preregister. Info, 264-5660. FREE

Family Fun Night: The whole family turns out for games, Legos, crafts and more. All ages. Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 5-6:30 p.m. pizza available with preregistration. Info, 482-2878. FREE

Jericho Dungeons & Dragons: See May 3. See May 3.

Yoga for Kids: with

Young Writers & Storytellers: Small ones spin their own yarns. Ages 5-11. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 4-5 p.m. Info,

264-5660.

Fairfax Lego Club: Budding builders construct creatively with colorful blocks. Ages 6 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m.; preregister. Info, 849-2420. FREE Mommy and Me Fitness See May 3.

32: 26 student composers in grades 5-12 perform their creations in concert with professional musicians, with works featuring strings, woodwinds and piano. Elley-Long Music Center, Colchester, 6:30-8:15 p.m.

FREE

‘CELEBRATION OF DANCE’: Vermont Ballet Theater School enchants the audience with excerpts from Swan Lake Esmeralda from guest choreographer Carla Wuthrich and Broadway, contemporary and lyrical jazz selections. All ages. Flynn MainStage, Burlington, 27, 1 & 6:30 p.m. Info, 863-5966.

Monday May 15, , new work

Info, 879-0065. and Saturday May $17-25.

Killington Lego Club: See May

WASHINGTON

Song Circle: Community Sing-Along: Songbirds raise their voices with singer/songwriter

Heidi Wilson in the lead. All ages. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 6:45-8:15 p.m. Info, 426-3581. FREE

WINDSOR

Sensory Lab for Tots: See

May 3.

For schedule and enrollment information, visit us at WWW.VBTS.ORG, or call 878-2941, or email INFO@VBTS.ORG

MAY CALENDAR

11 Thursday

ADDISON

Quiet Crafternoon: See May 4.

CALEDONIA

Lego Club: See May 4.

CHITTENDEN

Audubon Homeschool Program: Home-based learners use the outdoor classroom to explore a variety of seasonal topics, from measuring forests to aquatic ecosystems. Ages 9-12. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. $25; $15 each additional sibling; preregister. Info, 434-3068.

Story Times

Early literacy skills get special attention during these read-aloud sessions. Some locations provide additional activities such as music, crafts or foreign-language instruction. Most story times follow the school calendar. Contact the organizers for site-specific details.

MONDAY

Barre Children’s Story Hour: Aldrich Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 476-7550.

Colchester Preschool Story Time: Burnham Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m.; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

Essex Drop-In Story Time: Essex Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 879-0313.

Hyde Park Story Time: Lanpher Memorial Library, 6 p.m. Info, 888-4628.

Northfield Children’s Story Time: Brown Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Info, 485-4621.

Richmond Baby Lap Time: Richmond Free Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 434-3036.

Shelburne Story Time: Pierson Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 985-5124.

St. Albans Story Hour: St. Albans Free Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 524-1507.

Stowe Story Times for 2-3-Year-Olds: Stowe Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 253-6145.

Waitsfield Story Time: Joslin Memorial Library, 10 a.m. Info, 496-4205.

Waterbury Baby & Toddler Story Time: Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 244-7036.

Woodstock Baby Story Time: Norman Williams Public Library, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Info, 457-2295.

TUESDAY

Alburgh Story Hour: Alburgh Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 796-6077.

Barre Children’s Story Hour: See Monday.

Colchester Toddler Story Time: Burnham Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m.; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

Craftsbury Story Time: Craftsbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 586-9683.

East Barre Story Time: East Barre Branch Library, 10 a.m. Info, 476-5118.

Essex Junction Baby & Toddler Story

Time: Brownell Library, 9:10-9:30 a.m. Info, 878-6956.

Essex Junction Preschool Story Time: Brownell Library, 10-10:45 a.m. Info, 878-6956.

Fairfax Preschool Story Time: Fairfax Community Library, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Info, 849-2420.

Highgate Story Time: Highgate Public Library, 11 a.m. Info, 868-3970.

Hinesburg Youngsters Story Time: Carpenter-Carse Library, 9:30-10 a.m. Info, 482-2878.

Lyndonville Story Time: Cobleigh Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 626-5475.

Milton Infant Story Time: Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 893-4644.

Montpelier Story Time: Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 223-3338.

South Burlington Tiny Tot Time: South Burlington Community Library, 9:15 & 10:30 a.m. Info, 652-7080.

Williston Story Time: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 878-4918.

Woodstock Preschool Story Time: Norman Williams Public Library, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Info, 457-2295.

WEDNESDAY

Barnes & Noble Story Time: Barnes & Noble, 11 a.m. Info, 864-8001.

Highgate Story Time: See Tuesday, 10 a.m.

Hyde Park Story Time: See Monday, 10 a.m.

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

Marshfield Story Time & Playgroup: Jaquith Public Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Info, 426-3581.

Milton Rhythm & Movement Toddler Story Time: Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 893-4644.

Norwich Word Play Story Time: Norwich Public Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Info, 649-1184.

Quechee Story Time: Quechee Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 295-1232.

Randolph Preschool Story Time: Kimball Public Library, 11 a.m. Info, 728-5073.

Richmond Story Time: Richmond Free Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 434-3036.

South Burlington Baby Book Time: South Burlington Community Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 652-7080.

Stowe Story Time for 3-5-Year-Olds: Stowe Free Library, 10:15-11:15 a.m. Info, 253-6145.

Swanton Storytime: Swanton Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Info, 868-7656.

Warren Preschool Story & Enrichment Hour: Warren Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 595-2582.

THURSDAY

Bristol Story Time: Lawrence Memorial Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 453-2366.

Colchester Preschool Story Time: See Monday, 10:30 a.m.

Franklin Story Time: Haston Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 285-6505.

Hinesburg Youngsters Story Time: See Tuesday.

Burlington Mother Up! Monthly Meet-up: Families discuss the realities of climate change, what that means on a local level and how to transition to a safer and healthier world. Vegetarian meal and childcare for ages 3 and under provided. All ages. Unitarian Universalist Society, Burlington, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Info, 765337-2778. FREE

Northfield Children’s Story

Time: See Monday.

Rutland Story Time: Rutland Free Library, 10-10:45 a.m. Info, 773-1860.

Shelburne Musical Story Time: Pierson Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 985-5124.

St. Albans Story Hour: See Monday.

Vergennes Story Time: Bixby Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 877-2211.

Waterbury Preschool Story Time: Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 244-7036.

Westford Story Time: Westford Public Library, 11 a.m. Info, 878-5639.

FRIDAY

Brandon Story Time: Brandon Free Public Library, 2 p.m. Info, 247-8230.

Craftsbury Story Time: See Tuesday.

Enosburg Mommy & Me Story Hour: Enosburgh Public Library, 9-10 a.m. Info, 933-2328.

Essex Musical Story Time: Essex Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 879-0313.

Georgia Preschool Story Time: Georgia Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 524-4643.

Huntington Story Time: Huntington Public Library, 10:45 a.m. Info, 434-4583.

Killington Storytime: Sherburne Memorial Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Info, 422-9765.

Lincoln Story Time: Lincoln Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 453-2665.

Milton Preschool Story Time: Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 893-4644.

Montpelier Story Time: See Tuesday.

Randolph Toddler Story Time: Kimball Public Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Info, 728-5073.

South Burlington Pajamarama: Barnes & Noble, 7 p.m. Info, 864-8001.

St. Johnsbury Story Time: St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 10:30 a.m. Info, 748-8291.

Stowe Baby & Toddler Story Time: Stowe Free Library, 10:15-11:15 a.m. Info, 253-6145.

Swanton Storytime: See Wednesday.

Winooski Story Time: Winooski Memorial Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 655-6424.

SATURDAY

Barre Story Time: Next Chapter Bookstore, 10:30 a.m. Info, 476-3114.

Colchester Saturday Drop-In Story Time: Burnham Memorial Library, 10 a.m. Info, 264-5660.

Enosburg Story Hour: Enosburgh Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Info, 933-2328.

Franklin Walk-in Story Hour: Haston Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 285-6505.

Milton Drop-In Saturday Storytime: Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 893-4644.

Lego Club: See May 4. Preschool Music: See May 4.

Read to Archie the Therapy Dog: See May 4. Ukulele Kids: Itty-bitty ones try out instruments and dance to traditional children’s songs. Ages 5 and under. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Info, 865-7216. FREE

FRANKLIN

Franklin Lego Thursdays: See May 4. St. Albans Library Legos: Aspiring architects engage in construction projects with their peers. St. Albans Free Library, 3-5 p.m. Info, 524-1507. FREE

WINDSOR

Clay for Tots: See May 4.

12 Friday

ADDISON

‘The Red Turtle’: The Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival concludes with this prizewinning animated tale of a man trapped on a remote island and his unexpected adventure. This poetic film is dialogue-free. All ages. Town Hall Theater, Middlebury, 7-9 p.m. $8-12. Info, 202-957-2553.

CHITTENDEN

Balloon Games: Kids get the weekend off to a wacky start with silly games and art. Ages 3-12. Winooski Memorial Library, 3-5 p.m. Info, 655-6424. FREE

Dungeons & Dragons: Players embark on invented adventures, equipped with their problem-solving skills. Grades 6 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Early Bird Math Story Time: See May 5. Family Gym: See May 5. Friday Free for All: See May 5.

Kid’s Night Out: While parents partake of time off, the youngsters have a blast with games, crafts, sports and dinner. Grades K-6. The Field House, Shelburne, 5:30-8:30 p.m. $25; $10 each additional sibling.

Kids in the Kitchen: Lemon Squares: Budding bakers get busy making sweet from sour, while learning the basics of measuring, egg cracking and tasting, too. Healthy Living Market & Café, South Burlington, 4-5 p.m. $25; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See May 5.

Music With Robert: See May 5.

PBS Kids Storytime: Younger viewers enjoy an animated show, munchies, crafts and games. Sponsored by Vermont PBS. South Burlington Community Library, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Info, 652-7080. FREE

Songs & Stories With Matthew: Musician Matthew Witten kicks off the morning with tunes and tales. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:45 a.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Westford Craft and Food Fair: Over 50 vendors offer dinner eats and handmade crafts, with additional merriment of live music and face painting. Westford School, 5-8 p.m. Info, 878-5932. FREE

LAMOILLE

Kids’ Night Out: While their parents appreciate time off, youngsters enjoy dinner, a movie and games. Grades K-6. David Gale Recreation Center, Stowe, 6-10 p.m. $15 per child. Info, 253-6138.

RUTLAND

Magic: The Gathering: See May 5.

ORLEANS

Lego Club: See May 5.

WASHINGTON

Family Story Time: See May 5.

WINDSOR

Foodways Fridays: See May 5. Fun Fridays: See May 5.

13 Saturday

Second Saturdays: This child-friendly afternoon, a collaboration between the Norwich Public Library and the Norwich Bookstore, celebrates reading with various themed activities. Check norwichlibrary.org for location, 1-2 p.m. Info, 649-1184. FREE

ADDISON

Laughfest: No joke, this afternoon is all about silly stories and knock-knock jokes. Ages 5-7. Bixby Memorial Library, Vergennes, noon-1 p.m.; preregister. Info, 877-2211. FREE

Middlebury Farmers Market: See May 6.

CALEDONIA

Caledonia Farmers Market: Freshly baked goods, veggies, beef and maple syrup figure prominently in displays of “shop local” options. All ages. St. Johnsbury Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Info, 592-3088. FREE

CHITTENDEN

Burlington Farmers Market: See May 6.

Craft School Saturday Drop-In: See May 6. Essex Chips 5K: Runners lace up for the annual 5K Race for Mentoring to support local youth. All ages. Founders Memorial School, Essex, 9:30 a.m.-noon. $25. Info, 878-6982.

EvoKids Saturday Drop-In Yoga: See May 6.

J.M.M.Y. Run: Athletes of all abilities lace up for a 5K, 10K, half-marathon, one-mile and a kids’ run. Registration opens at 7 a.m. J.M.M.Y Center, Georgia, 8 a.m. $10-30; all proceeds benefit the Jimmy Messier Memorial Youth Center. Info, 891-6348.

Saturday Drama Club: See May 6.

Spanish Musical Playgroup: Rhymes, books, songs and crafts en español entertain niños Snacks provided. Ages 5 and under. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Info, 878-4918. FREE

Story Time with Jason Chin and Deirdre

Gill: Two children’s authors amuse the audience with readings from their new releases, Grand Canyon and Trains Don’t Sleep, plus a Q&A and drawing demo. All ages. Phoenix Books, Burlington, 11 a.m. Info, 448-3350. FREE

Webby’s Art Studio: See May 6.

FRANKLIN

Movie Matinee: Dim the lights and pass the popcorn! All ages. St. Albans Free Library, 12:30 p.m. Info, 524-1507. FREE

RUTLAND

Rutland Farmers Market: Local vendors peddle farm-fresh produce and fruits, handcrafted breads, artisan cheese and more at this outdoor emporium. All ages. Downtown Rutland, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Info, 342-4727. FREE

See Dr. First videos “First With Kids” at uvmhealth.org.

WASHINGTON

Bridge Street Art Fair: Creativity is celebrated with a professional craft market, live music, art activities, food, face painting and a children’s art show. Event kicks o with a bike parade from Waitsfield Elementary School at noon. All ages. Historic Bridge Street Green, Waitsfield, noon-6 p.m. Info, 496-3643. FREE

Capital City Farmers Market: See May 6. Green Mountain Youth Symphony

Auditions: See May 6.

Kids Trade & Play: Families exchange clean and gently-used clothing and toys, size newborn to 12. Capital City Grange, Berlin, 9:30-11:30 a.m. $3 per family. Info, 831-337-8632.

Orchard Valley Mayfest: Maypole dancing and live music make for a springy celebration. Bring a picnic lunch. Orchard Valley Waldorf School, East Montpelier, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Info, 456-7400. FREE

Waitsfield Farmers Market: Saturday shoppers search out handmade crafts and local produce, meat and maple products, while enjoying lunch fare and live music in this grassy outdoor venue. All ages. Mad River Green, Waitsfield, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. FREE

14 Sunday Happy

Mother’s Day!

CHITTENDEN

Essex Open Gym: See May 7.

Family Gym: See May 5.

LAMOILLE

Family Brunch and Bowl: See May 7.

WASHINGTON

CONCERT TO BENEFIT REFUGEES: The world-renowned Nava Tehila Ensemble from Jerusalem inspires the audience with fresh melodies to familiar texts and songs, finishing the afternoon with a bonfire. Proceeds assist HIAS to help refugees resettle with dignity. All ages. Zenbarn Studio, Waterbury, 4-6 p.m. $6-18; free for children under 5; preregister. Info, 505-3657.

15 Monday

ADDISON

Children’s Art Opening Reception: The community comes out to admire imaginative artwork from area students. All ages. On display through June 8. Bixby Memorial Library, Vergennes, 5-6:30 p.m. Info, 877-2211. FREE

CHITTENDEN

Audubon Nature Playgroup: See May 8.

Lego Club: See May 8.

Milton Legos at the Library: Junior builders bust out interlocking blocks. Snacks served. Grades K-5. Milton Public Library, 3:30-5 p.m. Info, 893-4644. FREE

15 MONDAY, P.34

Adults

15 Monday (cont.)

Preschool Music: See May 4, 11 a.m. Stories with Megan: See May 8.

FRANKLIN

Crafternoon: Artsy kiddos get imaginative with the library’s materials. Ages 6 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m.; preregister. Info, 849-2420. FREE

RUTLAND

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See May 8.

16 Tuesday

ADDISON

Youth Media Lab: See May 2.

CHITTENDEN

Lego Club: See May 2.

Preschool Music: See May 2.

Read to Daisy the Therapy Dog: See May 2.

Spanish Musical Kids: See May 2.

FRANKLIN

Magic: The Gathering Drop-In Gaming

Tuesdays: See May 2.

WASHINGTON

Tissue Paper Balloon Bowl: Crafty kiddos create a bowl from a balloon, paper and glue. Ages 8-11. Waterbury Public Library, 3-4 p.m.; preregister. Info, 244-7036. FREE

WINDSOR

Lego Tuesdays: See May 2.

NEW YORK

Plattsburgh Preschool Story Hour: Aspiring art connoisseurs and their caregivers listen to a picture book, look at original works and create a project to take home. Ages 3-5. Plattsburgh State Art Museum, 10 a.m.; preregistration appreciated. Info, 518-564-2474. FREE

17 Wednesday

CHITTENDEN

Chess Club: Young players check out this strategy game and improve their skills with rooks, pawns and knights. All ages. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 5:30-7 p.m. Info, 878-4918. FREE

Jericho Dungeons & Dragons: See May 3. Little One & Me Circle Time: Tiny tykes team together for movement, songs, play and snacks. Ages 5 and under. Jericho Town Library, 10-11 a.m. Info, 899-4686. FREE

Mater Christi School Spring Open House: Students and their parents interested in this private Catholic school visit K-8 classrooms and chat with staff. All ages. Mater Christi School, Burlington, 8:30-11 a.m.; preregister. Info, 658-3992. FREE

Yoga for Kids: See May 3.

FRANKLIN

Mommy and Me Fitness Meetup: See May 3.

Read to a Dog: Little bibliophiles select stories to share with a furry friend. Ages 5-10. Fairfax Community Library, 3:15-4:15 p.m.; preregister for 15-minute time slot. Info, 849-2420. FREE

RUTLAND

Killington Lego Club: See May 3.

Rutland Farmers Market: See May 13, 3-6 p.m.

WASHINGTON

Marshfield Family-Themed Movies: A wholesome flick fascinates viewers of all ages. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 7 p.m. Info, 426-3581. FREE

WINDSOR

Sensory Lab for Tots: See May 3.

18 Thursday

ADDISON

Quiet Crafternoon: See May 4.

CALEDONIA

Lego Club: See May 4.

Playgroups

ShoeFly Trail Running & Walking Series: Fleet-footed families enjoy fitness together in a 5K, 10K or 1M walk/run. Entry includes admission to select Thursday races on the Kingdom Trails through August and on the second Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. at the PRKR Trails in Littleton, NH. Ages 3 and up. Kingdom Trails Yurt, E. Burke, 5-7:30 p.m. $45; free for children ages 10 and under; preregister. Info, 703-598-1934.

CHITTENDEN

Autism Support Group: Led by a professional, this monthly parent group provides a supportive space, including snacks and smiles. For adults. Stern Center for Language and Learning, Williston, 6-7:30 p.m. Info, 878-2332. FREE Read to Archie the Therapy Dog: See May 4.

FRANKLIN

Franklin Lego Thursdays: See May 4.

PJ Story Hour: Tykes in nightwear nestle together for nursery rhymes, snacks and crafts. St. Albans Free Library, 6:30 p.m. Info, 524-1507. FREE

WINDSOR

Clay for Tots: See May 4.

19 Friday

CALEDONIA

Hardwick Farmers Market: Local produce, plants, artisan cheese, syrup and more fill shoppers’ market baskets. Diverse dinner delectables available. All ages. Atkins Field, Hardwick, 3-6 p.m. FREE

Richmond Playgroup: Richmond Free Library, 8:4510:15 a.m. Info, 899-4415.

Kids enjoy fun and games during these informal gettogethers, and caregivers connect with other local parents and peers. The groups are usually free and often include snacks, arts and crafts, or music. Most playgroups follow the school calendar. Contact the organizer for site-specific details.

MONDAY

Burlington Crawlers & Toddlers: VNA Family Room, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Info, 862-2121.

Burlington Playgroup: Robert Miller Community & Recreation Center, 9-10:30 a.m. Info, 578-6471.

Cambridge Playgroup: Cambridge Elementary School, 9-11 a.m. Info, 888-5229.

Charlotte Playgroup: Charlotte Central School Early Education Program, 9:30-11 a.m.

Milton Playgroup: Milton Public Library, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 893-1457.

Morrisville Playgroup: Morristown Elementary School, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 888-5229.

Open Gym: Central VT Gymnastics Academy, 10-11:30 a.m. $7. Info, 882-8324.

TUESDAY

Bradford Playgroup: Grace United Methodist Church, 9-11 a.m. Info, 685-2264, ext. 24.

Burlington Dads’ Night: VNA Family Room, 4-7 p.m. Info, 860-4420.

Burlington Playgroup: See Monday.

Charlotte Babytime: Charlotte Public Library, first Tuesday of every month, 9-10 a.m.

Essex Junction Playgroup: Maple Street Recreation Center, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 876-7555.

Evolution New Family Playgroup: Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, 11:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Info, 899-0339.

Jericho Playgroup: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 899-4415.

Winooski Playtime: O’Brien Community Center, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 655-1422.

Wolcott Playgroup: Wolcott Depot Center Preschool, 9-10:30 a.m. Info, 888-5229.

WEDNESDAY

ArtisTree Playgroup: ArtisTree/ Purple Crayon, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 457-3500.

Burlington Infant Massage: VNA Family Room, 11 a.m.noon. Info, 862-2121.

Burlington Playgroup: See Monday.

Charlotte Playgroup: Charlotte Central School Early Education Program, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Info, 338-7021.

Colchester Playgroup: Colchester Village Meeting House, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 316-2918.

Essex Baby Playgroup: Sunset Studio, 10-11:30 a.m. Info, 876-7555.

Fairfield Playgroup: Bent Northrop Memorial Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Info, 827-3945.

Hinesburg Family Playtime: Hinesburg Town Hall, 10-11:30 a.m.

Shelburne Playgroup: Trinity Episcopal Church, 9:30-11 a.m. South Royalton Playgroup: United Church on the Green, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 685-2264, ext. 24.

St. Johnsbury Toddler Time: St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 10:30 a.m. Info, 748-8291, ext. 303.

THURSDAY

Alburgh Playgroup: Alburgh Public Library, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 527-5426.

Burlington Drop-In Family Play: VNA Family Room, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Info, 862-2121.

Dads and Kids Playgroup: Family Center of Washington County, 5:30-7 p.m. Info, 262-3292.

Essex Junction Playgroup: See Tuesday.

Hinesburg Baby Time: United Church of Hinesburg, 10-11:30 a.m.

Johnson Playgroup: United Church of Johnson, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 888-5229.

Milton Playgroup: See Monday.

Montgomery Playgroup: Montgomery Town Library, 9-11 a.m. Info, 527-5426. Montpelier Playgroup: St. Augustine Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 262-3292.

Morrisville Baby Chat: The Playroom, first Thursday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m. Info, 876-7555.

Ohavi Zedek Synagogue Playgroup: Ohavi Zedek Synagogue, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Info, 864-0218.

Randolph Playgroup: St. John’s Church, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 685-2264, ext. 24.

Williston Play Time: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 11 a.m.-noon. Info, 878-4918.

Winooski Playtime: See Tuesday.

FRIDAY

Colchester Playgroup: See Wednesday.

Hinesburg Preschool Playgroup: Hinesburg Community School, 9-10:30 a.m. Info, 482-4946.

Huntington Playgroup: Huntington Public Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Info, 899-4415.

Montgomery Tumble Time: Montgomery Elementary School, 10-11 a.m. Info, 347-1780.

Open Gym: See Monday. Randolph Toddler Time: Kimball Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 728-5073.

Rutland Playgroup: Rutland Free Library, 9:30 a.m. Info, 773-1860.

St. Albans Playgroup: St. Albans City School, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Info, 488-0413.

Stowe Playgroup: Stowe Community Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 888-5229.

Underhill Playgroup: Underhill Central School, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 899-4415.

Williston Playgroup: Allen Brook School, first Friday of every month, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 272-6509.

SATURDAY

Montpelier Saturday Playgroup: Family Center of Washington County, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 262-3292.

Stowe Playgroup: Kula Yoga Center, 1-2 p.m. $10; free with attendance at yoga class at 11:45 a.m.

CHITTENDEN

All-Ages Story Time: See May 5.

Early Bird Math Story Time: See May 5.

Family Gym: See May 5.

Family Movie: Viewers enjoy a family-friendly film while feasting on free popcorn. All ages.

Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Friday Free for All: See May 5.

Jiggity Jog: A musical meet-up includes singing, dancing and instrument playing. Ages 2-5. South Burlington Community Library, 10 a.m. Info, 652-7080. FREE

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See May 5.

Live-Action Role Play: LARPers create characters and plots in an amazing adventure of the imagination. For middle and high school students. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-5 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Music With Robert: See May 5.

Tot Yoga: Wee ones and their caregivers stretch, sing, enjoy stories and play games with YogaKids instructor Meredith Bartolo. Ages 2-3. Jericho Town Library, 3-4 p.m.; preregister. Info, 899-4686. FREE

RUTLAND

Magic: The Gathering: See May 5.

ORLEANS

Lego Club: See May 5.

WASHINGTON

Family Story Time: See May 5.

WINDSOR

Foodways Fridays: See May 5.

Fun Fridays: See May 5.

20 Saturday

ADDISON

Middlebury Farmers Market: See May 6.

CALEDONIA

Caledonia Farmers Market: See May 13.

CHITTENDEN

Burlington Farmers Market: See May 6.

Cleo the Therapy Dog: See May 6, 10 a.m.

Craft School Saturday Drop-In: See May 6.

EvoKids Saturday Drop-In Yoga: See May 6.

See Dr. First videos “First With Kids” at uvmhealth.org.

20 SATURDAY, P.36

Hinesburg Big Truck Day and Children’s Festival: Vroom, vroom! Giant auto aficionados climb aboard fire trucks, dump trucks, school buses, tractors and more, then check out games, a BBQ lunch and much more. Horn-free until 1 p.m. All ages. Hinesburg Community School, 9:45 a.m.-2 p.m. $5 per child; free for adults; proceeds benefit Hinesburg Nursery School. Info, 238-4559.

Milton Health and Safety Fair: The community checks out carseat safety inspections and a police bicycle rodeo, and tours the ambulance and station. All ages. Milton Rescue Station, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Info, 893-4111. FREE

Saturday Drama Club: See May 6.

Webby’s Art Studio: See May 6.

Williston Runs for Education: The community comes out for a 5K run, a kids’ fun run and a three-person relay in a spectator-friendly setting. 8 a.m. registration; 9:30 a.m. start. Williston Community Park Playground, 8-11 a.m. $8-40; proceeds benefit school programs. Info, 238-2474.

GRAND ISLE

Champlain Island Farmers Market: Farmers, specialty food businesses and artisans sell their high-quality wares. All ages. St. Joseph Church, Grand Isle, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Info, 372-1883. FREE

RUTLAND

Rutland Farmers Market: See May 13.

WASHINGTON

Capital City Farmers Market: See May 6. Green Mountain Youth Symphony Auditions: See May 6.

Waitsfield Farmers Market: See May 13.

21 Sunday

CHITTENDEN

Essex Open Gym: See May 7. Family Gym: See May 5.

LAMOILLE

Family Brunch and Bowl: See May 7. Stowe Farmers Market: Live music and agricultural and craft vendors make for a bustling atmosphere. All ages. Stowe Farmers Market, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Info, 279-3444. FREE

22 Monday

ADDISON

PJ Story Time: Little ones in jammies with stuffed friends join in for good night tales. Ages 3-5. Bixby Memorial Library, Vergennes, 6-7 p.m.; preregister. Info, 877-2211. FREE

CHITTENDEN

Audubon Nature Playgroup: See May 8. Chess Club: Teen players teach novices new strategies. All ages, but children 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Colchester Crafts for Kids: See May 8. Homeschool Project Day: Out-of-classroom students bring projects to pursue, or share their learning with an admiring audience of parents and siblings. Grades K-12. Milton Public Library, 1-3 p.m. Info, 893-4644. FREE

Lego Club: See May 8.

Preschool Music: See May 4, 11 a.m.

Ongoing Exhibits

ECHO LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN, BURLINGTON Info, 864-1848

Butterflies, Live at ECHO: A pavilion of fluttering creatures enchants visitors who learn about these winged beauties’ lifecycle and how their natural environment can be protected. Through September 4.

FAIRBANKS MUSEUM & PLANETARIUM, ST. JOHNSBURY

X-Ray Vision: Fish Inside and Out: This temporary exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution illustrates the history of evolution through the translucent images of ancient fish, in an elegant union of science and art. Through May 31.

HELEN DAY ART CENTER, STOWE Info, 253-8358

Stowe Student Art Show: Local kids exhibit original artwork, showcasing their skills in multiple medias, with pieces from guest school Peoples Academy. On display through May 27.

FREE

HENRY SHELDON MUSEUM OF VERMONT HISTORY, MIDDLEBURY Info, 388-2117

Focus on the Sheldon: Five-Point Perspective: Five Middlebury-area photographers display their artwork, capturing the museum’s extensive collection of Vermont history, ranging from fabrics and eyeglasses to a sculpted dog and a life-size horse, including photographs of antique dolls. Through May 13.

MONTSHIRE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE, NORWICH

Info, 649-2200

Making Music: The Science of Musical Instruments: The stories, ideas and science behind the creation of musical instruments mesmerize visitors. Through displays, videos and hands-on opportunities, music lovers make and play a variety of instruments, using Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Through September 4.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS, BURLINGTON

Family Portrait Project: In a celebration of family, the Integrated Arts Academy and school PTO team up with Burlington City Arts photographer Michelle Saffran for a joint exhibit of Saffran’s photographs of IAA families paired with students’ written compositions. The artwork is displayed at Burlington City Hall, the Fletcher Free Library, North End Studio and multiple North End businesses. Through May 31. FREE

VERMONT FOLKLIFE CENTER, MIDDLEBURY

Info, 388-4964

Family Traits: Art, Humor and Everyday

Life: Vermonter and artist Stanley Lyndes uses his experience growing up on a multigenerational farm to capture the unique folklore of family life through art. Through May 15. FREE

FRANKLIN

Lab Girls: Young women empower themselves by exploring science through hands-on experiments. Grades 6-12. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m.; preregister. Info, 849-2420. FREE

RUTLAND

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See May 8.

23 Tuesday

ADDISON

Youth Media Lab: See May 2.

CHITTENDEN

Kids in the Kitchen: Chicken Taquitos: Hungry kiddos roll up their sleeves and create tiny tacos, while learning the basics of oven use and sauce making, finishing with an eating fiesta. Healthy Living Market & Café, South Burlington, 4-5 p.m. $25; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

Lego Club: See May 2.

Preschool Music: See May 2. Read to Daisy the Therapy Dog: See May 2. Read to Willy Wonka the Chocolate Lab: See May 9.

Spanish Musical Kids: See May 2.

Tuesday Night Trail Running: Athletes of all ages and abilities choose between 2.5- and 5-kilometer courses or a short ‘Cubs’ option during this fun Tuesday evening race. Catamount Outdoor Family Center, Williston, 6 p.m. $4-12; free for children under 9. Info, 879-6001.

FRANKLIN

Magic: The Gathering Drop-In Gaming

Tuesdays: See May 2.

WASHINGTON

Lego Challenge: See May 9.

WINDSOR

Lego Tuesdays: See May 2.

24 Wednesday

ADDISON

The Great Scientific Sort: Curious kids congregate for this literacy-based program, focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Ages 5-6. Bixby Memorial Library, Vergennes, 3:30-4:30 p.m.; preregister. Info, 877-2211. FREE

CHITTENDEN

Colchester Dungeons & Dragons Night: See May 10.

Jericho Dungeons & Dragons: See May 3.

Lego Fun: Budding builders bust out the blocks. Grades K and up; kids under 5 are welcome to participate with adult supervision. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Wednesday Night Mountain Biking: Pedalers of all ages and abilities wend their way along the trails in a non-intimidating atmosphere. This fun event includes a 2.5k ‘Cadets’ race, a short ‘Cubs’ loop and 5-20K options. Catamount Outdoor Family Center, Williston, 6 p.m. $4-12; free for kids under 9. Info, 879-6001.

Yoga for Kids: See May 3.

Young Writers & Storytellers: See May 10. Zonta Spelling Bee: Sponsored teams compete to outspell the word-wise competition. Proceeds benefit Champlain College’s singleparent scholarship program. Champlain College Alumni Auditorium, Burlington, 7 p.m. Info, 865-6432. FREE

FRANKLIN

Mommy and Me Fitness Meetup: See May 3.

GRAND ISLE

Champlain Island Farmers Market: Farmers, specialty food businesses and artisans sell their homemade wares. All ages. St. Rose of Lima Parish, South Hero, 3-6 p.m. Info, 372-1883. FREE

RUTLAND

Killington Lego Club: See May 3. Rutland Farmers Market: See May 13, 3-6 p.m.

WINDSOR

Sensory Lab for Tots: See May 3.

25 Thursday

ADDISON

Quiet Crafternoon: See May 4.

CALEDONIA

Lego Club: See May 4.

CHITTENDEN

‘My Life as a Zucchini’: This stop-motion animated French film with English subtitles tells the tale of a child lifted from a harsh environment and resettled at an orphanage, where he learns the meaning of trust and love. Appropriate for reading age children. Main Street Landing, Burlington, 7-8:15 p.m. $5-8; free for children under 12. Info, 660-2600.

Jericho Farmers Market: Local vendors offer heirloom tomatoes, fresh greens, fragrant herbs, wildflowers and more at this family-friendly market made merry with live music. All ages. Mills Riverside Park, Jericho, 3-6:30 p.m. Info, 343-9778. FREE

Lego Club: See May 4.

Post-it Note Pixel Art: Imaginative library lovers make a mural with sticky papers. Ages 6 and up. Winooski Memorial Library, 4 p.m. Info, 655-6424. FREE

Read to Archie the Therapy Dog: See May 4. Ukulele Kids: See May 11.

FRANKLIN

Franklin Lego Thursdays: See May 4. St. Albans Library Legos: See May 11, 3-5 p.m.

WASHINGTON

Books Come to Life: This active class, led by a literacy professional, combines reading and movement. Ages 3-6. Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 244-7036. FREE

WINDSOR

Clay for Tots: See May 4.

26 Friday CALEDONIA

Fairbanks Homeschool Day: Students expand their scholastic horizons with a variety of programs. Call for specific topics and location. Grades K-8. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. $8-10 includes museum admission; $5 for planetarium; one free adult per paying child. Info, 748-2372.

Hardwick Farmers Market: See May 19.

CHITTENDEN

Dungeons & Dragons: See May 12.

Early Bird Math Story Time: See May 5.

Family Gym: See May 5.

Family Pizza & Paint Night: See May 5.

Friday Afternoon Movie: Kids snuggle in for snacks and a screening. Children under 10 must be accompanied by a caregiver. Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 3 p.m. Info, 482-2878. FREE

Friday Free for All: See May 5.

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See May 5.

Songs & Stories With Matthew: See May 12.

RUTLAND

Magic: The Gathering: See May 5.

ORLEANS

Lego Club: See May 5.

See Dr. First videos “First With Kids” at uvmhealth.org.

WASHINGTON

Family Story Time: See May 5.

WINDSOR

Branch Out: Creative Activities for Teens: Adolescents socialize while enjoying open art studios for painting and mixed media projects, finger food and music. Grades 9-12. ArtisTree/ Purple Crayon, South Pomfret, 6-9:45 p.m. Info, 457-3500. FREE

Foodways Fridays: See May 5. Fun Fridays: See May 5.

27 Saturday

ADDISON

Middlebury Farmers Market: See May 6.

CALEDONIA

Caledonia Farmers Market: See May 13.

CHITTENDEN

Burlington Farmers Market: See May 6. Craft School Saturday Drop-In: See May 6. EvoKids Saturday Drop-In Yoga: See May 6.

Superheroes! CHILDHOOD ELARLY

Superpower:

Instilling peace. Kristin’s ready smile and penchant for singing help calm those around her.

Good deed done: Kristin is a trustworthy resource for the children she teaches, their families and her coworkers, and provides guidance and compassion during tough times.

Kristin says: “If I had a magic wand, I would take all the trauma away from the children and replace it with joy.”

Superpower:

Being ever-ready with a helping hand! Trisha’s kids know she’s always there for them.

Good deed done: Stepping out of her comfort zone to take leadership roles as a child care center director and as an advocate for kids and creating powerful positive change as a result!

Trisha says: “I’ve found that being an advocate for children and talking to legislators is not as frightening as it might seem at first!”

Superpower: Her contagious passion! When Paula gets excited about something, her energy inspires others to take action.

Good deed done: Forging personal connections with families and discovering what they need to be successful advocates for high-quality, affordable child care.

Paula says: “I didn't know that I could accomplish so much so quickly as an advocate!”

Superpower:

Networking skills! Anne seems to know everyone in her region and the unique value they bring to their community.

Good deed done: Anne finds creative and budget-friendly ways to engage kids and families, like organizing weekly music and movement sessions or arranging monthly playgroups.

Anne says: “I think parents should be empowered to make their own choices about how to best support their family and children.”

Superpower:

Budgeting prowess! Hope helps child care programs make well-planned business decisions so they‘re able to continue the important work they do for children.

Good deed done: Hope has been mentoring child care programs across the state for over 17 years. Her method is considered a proven tool for supporting providers in achieving quality.

Hope says: “I would like for our society to bridge gaps between departments, legislators and communities so we can work together towards a financially viable child care system.”

Kristin Lange Trisha Scharf

Anne Latulippe Hope Campbell

Paula Nadeau

27 SATURDAY, P.38

SWING INTO SPRING SALE

MAY CALENDAR

27 Saturday (cont.)

Ready. Set. Run! Festival: Young racers navigate 0.5-, 1- and 2-mile courses the day before the Vermont City Marathon. Ages 4-14. Waterfront Park, Burlington. Race packet pick-up opens at 7:45 a.m.; races begin at 8:30 a.m. $20 per child before April 30; $25 until May 23 or sold out. Info, 863-8412.

See Dr. First videos “First With Kids” at uvmhealth.org.

NEW YORK

95 No. Brownell Rd., Williston 802-652-0100

rainbowvermont@yahoo.com

www.rainbowplay.com

$100 OFF any

Play System

(Bring in this coupon to receive this offer) Expires 5/31/17

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU, EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.

WIC provides healthy food, nutrition education, and personalized support to pregnant women, moms and their babies, and kids up to five years old. Come meet with our nutritionists and peer counselors – they’re ready to listen and share information.

If you’re a family of four with a household income up to $3793/month, or your child is covered by Dr. Dynasaur then WIC is for you. Income guidelines vary based on family size.

Call 8OO-649-4357

Saturday Drama Club: See May 6. Shelburne Farmers Market: Musical entertainment adds merriment to this exchange of fruits, veggies, herbs, crafts, maple syrup and more. All ages. Shelburne Village Green, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Info, 482-4279. FREE

Webby’s Art Studio: See May 6.

GRAND ISLE

Champlain Island Farmers Market: See May 20.

RUTLAND

Rutland Farmers Market: See May 13.

ORANGE

Open Fields Medieval Festival: The town green is transformed into a medieval village, as royalty, peasants, craftsmen, shepherds and farmers celebrate with music, dance, games, pageantry, eats and more. Costumes encouraged. All ages. Thetford Hill Green, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $7 per person; free for children under 4; food for sale; some activities require a small additional fee. Info, 785-2077.

ORLEANS

Craftsbury Common Farmers Market: Locavores load up on garden-fresh fruits and veggies, Vermont-made crafts, baked goods and more. All ages. Craftsbury Common, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. FREE

WASHINGTON

Capital City Farmers Market: See May 6. Marshfield Community Yard Sale: Good used stu switches owners in this benefit for the Jaquith Public Library. Old Schoolhouse Common, Marshfield, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Info, 426-3581. FREE

Waitsfield Farmers Market: See May 13.

NEW YORK

Memorial Day at Fort Ticonderoga: On the grounds where so many American soldiers fought and sacrificed, armed servicemen and -women are honored with a Fife and Drum Corps presentation and a glimpse into the life of soldiers in the year 1776. Fort Ticonderoga, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. $10-23; free for children under 5. Info, 518-585-2821.

28 Sunday

CHITTENDEN

Essex Open Gym: See May 7. Family Gym: See May 5.

Winooski Farmers Market: Local produce, farm goods, artisan crafts, kids activities and tunes come together on the banks of the Winooski River. All ages. Champlain Mill, Winooski, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. FREE

LAMOILLE

Family Brunch and Bowl: See May 7. Stowe Farmers Market: See May 21.

Memorial Day at Fort Ticonderoga: See May 27.

29 Monday Memorial Day

NEW YORK

Memorial Day at Fort Ticonderoga: See May 27.

30 Tuesday

ADDISON

Youth Media Lab: See May 2.

CHITTENDEN

Adoption Support Group: Families facing adoption issues and challenges join forces in a respectful setting. Childcare and dinner provided. All welcome. Howard Center, Burlington, 5-6:30 p.m.; preregister. Info, 864-7467. FREE

Lego Club: See May 2.

Preschool Music: See May 2.

Read to Daisy the Therapy Dog: See May 2.

Spanish Musical Kids: See May 2.

Tuesday Night Trail Running: See May 23.

FRANKLIN

Magic: The Gathering Drop-In Gaming

Tuesdays: See May 2.

WINDSOR

Lego Tuesdays: See May 2.

31 Wednesday

CHITTENDEN

Jericho Dungeons & Dragons: See May 3.

Wednesday Night Mountain Biking: See May 24.

FRANKLIN

Mommy and Me Fitness Meetup: See May 3.

STEM Club: Sciencey types challenge their imaginations with themed activities. Ages 6 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m.; preregister. Info, 849-2420. FREE

GRAND ISLE

Champlain Island Farmers Market: See May 24.

RUTLAND

Killington Lego Club: See May 3. Rutland Farmers Market: See May 13, 3-6 p.m.

WINDSOR

Sensory Lab for Tots: See May 3.

KIDS JUST FOR

BY MARC NADEL

All the babies in this Maternity Ward are cuddly cuties! And, like all newborns, they sort of look alike. But look twice, and look carefully! There are two babies who are absolutely identical — identical twins, that is. They have the same hair color and the same eye color, and even their purple pajama patterns match perfectly. Can you find the two infants who are mirror images of each other?

Writing Contest

April showers bring May flowers. There are so many beautiful varieties of blooms — from lush peonies to classic daisies. What kind of flower do you like best? Write a poem or paragraph about your favorite flower, describing what makes it special to you. Include a drawing of the flower if you’d like!

COLORING CONTEST WINNERS

SPONSORED BY

The artwork this month saluted spring’s arrival with bursts of blossoms, sparkling raindrops and smiling sunshines. Taylor, 9, surrounded her cotton-candy pink snail, inching over mintgreen grass, with tiny flowers. Anaia, 5, chose a rainbow of colors for her slow-moving creature’s shell, surrounded by pen-and-ink Easter eggs decorated with zig-zags. Our enthusiastic judges had a blast deciphering 7-year-old AJ’s mystery message written backwards in a spiral on his golden snail’s shell. Thanks for the stellar submissions, young artists. Keep ’em coming!

HONORABLE MENTIONS

SLOW-MOVING SAM

Lucia Hackerman, 8, Charlotte

WONDERFULLY WILD

Eleanor Anderson, 6, Montpelier

SWIRLY SHIRLEY

Allison Roy, 9, Milton

HEARTS AND STARS

Kenny Hewitt, 6, Rutland

TIME TRAVELER

Teagan Flinner, 7, Ripton

The winners of annual family memberships to the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium are…

We’ll pick two winners and publish their names and poems in the next issue. Winners receive a $25 gift certificate to Crow Bookshop. Deadline to enter is May 15.

Send your entries to: Kids VT, attn: Writing Contest, P.O. Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.

WRITING WINNERS

Name

Age Town Email Phone

In last month’s issue, we asked kids to USE THEIR SENSES OF SIGHT, SMELL, HEARING, TASTE AND TOUCH TO WRITE A SENSORY POEM ABOUT SPRING We selected two winners who’ll each receive a $25 gift certificate to Crow Bookshop in Burlington. You’ll find their writing below.

Lindley Pickard, 10 SHELBURNE

Spring is a season that surprises all. One year it’s a warm spring, the other is cold. Spring brings warmth and beautiful sights, flowers and colorful lights. I hear the birds coming back North. I hear the cool wind as it gives my spine a chill. I can see the grass on the tall hill as the snow melts away. The best part about spring is that it always reminds you of peace and love.

Emilia Poczobut, 7 BARRE

I see the sky is blue and the ponds are too. I feel the pool is cool. I hear bees waking up in trees. I feel showers for the flowers. The grass is green, better put on sunscreen. The cherry blossom smells awesome. You don’t need a coat when you’re on a boat. I taste sugar on snow; it is time to go.

RAINBOW CRITTER

Evy Dorman, 5, Underhill

BLUE BEAUTY

Tess McGuire, 5, Vergennes

ALL SMILES

Amelia Stacey, 5, Berlin

GRASS TRAVELER

Sophie Kittredge, 10, West

Danville

SIR GASTROPOD

Dorian Britt, 11, South Burlington

SWEET SPRING

Cynthia Smith, 12, Berlin

THE HAPPY SNAIL

Kaja Beeli, 5, South Burlington

TOP TITLES

“MRS. SLIPPY AND THE NORTHERN LIGHTS”

Paris Schoolcraft, 5, Duxbury

“SNAILS LOVE SPRING AND SO DO I”

Ella Bee Apuzzo-Kidder, 6, Vergennes

“THE AMAZING SHAMAN SNAIL”

Jackson Trump, 9, Middlebury

“Let’s Party, Spring is Here”

Jiya Sekar, 4 MONTPELIER

5 & under

“Day and Night Snail” Cindy Do, 8 SOUTH BURLINGTON

6 to 8

“Here Comes Peter Snaily-Tail”

Emilia Carini, 9 UNDERHILL

9 to 12

Coloring Contest!

Three winners will each receive an annual family membership to the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium. Send Kids VT your work of art by May 15. Be sure to include the info at right with your submission. Winners will be chosen in the following categories: (1) ages 5 and younger, (2) ages 6-8 and (3) ages 9-12. Winners will be named in the June issue of Kids VT. Send your high-resolution scans to art@kidsvt.com or mail a copy to Kids VT, P.O. Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.

Sponsored by

Jumble

BY DAVID L. HOYT & JEFF KNUREK

The letters of these crazy words are all mixed up. To play the game, put them back into the right order so that they make real words you can find in your dictionary. Write the letters of each real word under each crazy word, but only one letter to a square.

You are now ready to solve this month’s Jumble For Kids. Study the picture for a hint. Then play around with the letters in the circles. You’ll find you can put them in order so that they make your funny answer.

Print your answer here:

Puzzles4Kids

Riddle Search — MADE WITH EGGS

Look up, down and diagonally, both forward and backward, to find every word on the list. Circle each one as you find it. When all the words are circled, take the UNUSED letters and write them on the blanks below. Go from left to right and top to bottom to find the answer to this riddle: What do you call a playful egg?

ANGEL CAKE BAGEL BUN

COOKIE CREPE

EGG FOO YUNG EGGNOG

EGG SALAD MAYONNAISE MEAT LOAF MERINGUE PANCAKE PASTA ROLL YULE LOG

BY HELENA HOVANEC

Riddle Answer:

Going Big

My husband and I have always shared an abiding love of adventure. It has served us well for our 23 years as a couple. After 12 years together, we were ready for the adventure of having children.

Our first child’s birth ushered us into parenthood with a grueling 52-hour labor that veered toward a cesarean and nearly ended in a blood transfusion. It was easily the most pain and exhaustion I had ever experienced. My husband — wet from holding me up for hours in a birthing tub, and emotionally drained — stayed steadfastly by my side. Finally our son was born, and he was healthy. We emerged from the experience awed and desperately grateful.

The transition was surprisingly graceful. The boys welcomed their brothers with open arms.

surprise addition to her family

connection. Then waves of heartpounding, intense pushing tore me away. The twins were born seven minutes apart — minutes I spent alternating between bonding with the first twin and giving birth to his brother. That was my first lesson in the challenging mothering journey that was yet to come.

they seem to take in just being together; a collective sigh, an easy laugh at a familiar joke that everyone understands.

Three years later another boy followed. And three years after that, another. Three boys in, tired but satisfied, we asked the question: one more?

After many soul-searching conversations, we realized that both of us find deep contentment in being thoroughly immersed in family life. Our three boys were 9, 6 and 3 — a noisy, happy, talkative crew, bursting with energy. Another baby, we decided, would be a welcome next page of this adventure.

For my fourth pregnancy, I decided to have a first ultrasound at 4 1/2 months. I wanted to know: Would we be wrapping up our family with a fourth boy? Or would it be a girl this time? An even four kids. It felt right at the limit of manageable.

And then the ultrasound revealed two heads — two boys.

As I lay on the table, I felt my mind trying to catch up to the reality on the screen. Five boys! How would I be enough for all of them?

When the first twin was born 11 months ago, and was finally — sweet relief — out and up on my chest, I gazed into his eyes. Utterly absorbed, I held him in my arms for a moment of peaceful

Once I had two babies in my arms, I was exhausted and delighted to meet this pair of clearly different but exquisitely connected people. And yes, the challenges soon came: learning to breastfeed two babies at the same time, in public, awkwardly and immodestly; carrying two sick infants in the middle of the night, both coughing and needing my upright body on which to sleep. My household is a cacophony of needs, with constantly nursing twins among them.

While pregnant, I had been very transparent with the big kids that it was normal to feel surprised, and even dismayed, about having twins, and that I sometimes had those feelings as well. I said that, as a family, we would have less freedom while the babies were little, but in exchange we would gain two new people to know and love.

The transition was surprisingly graceful; my boys welcomed their brothers with open arms.

Our house is rich with relationships now — siblings to push against in frustration, siblings to run to for comfort, siblings to simply be close to. I watch the boys try different ways of being. When one child is absent, the dynamics shift, quiet down or ramp up, the eldest in the house briefly taking charge, testing how it feels to direct the play.

I’ve been surprised by how much comfort

Parenting multiple children through different stages has taught me to be more responsive instead of trying to equalize. One child may need to sit in the kitchen while I cook, animatedly talking through idea after idea, while another child may need a protected space away from other siblings to think through a problem quietly on his own. One may crave my attention first thing in the morning with warm cuddling as the sun comes up. And another is looking for late-night connection, laughing over cookies and milk and reading out loud.

My husband and I joke that our motto is “go big — and go home.” And go big we have. Some days as parents we are hardly more than our exhaustion, moving automatically, like two linked people staring at the sun. So many needs at every turn. But we are deeply content — a bedrock under us of gratitude, and shared time well spent.

Yes, I do have my hands full. And I have never been busier. But it’s the most compelling kind of busy. Children are interested in the immediate you; they are demanding, but forgiving, and always brutally honest.

This daily life has sharpened me. Any time I carve out for myself is savored, deliciously. I feel clear and grateful in a new way, often simply too tired to wallow or worry.

When I am overwhelmed, I say to myself, Tend to the child in front of you, now, in this moment. This is what I have chosen — the ride that never lets you off, the mother of all adventure. K

“Use Your Words” is a monthly essay in which writers reflect on parenting and childhood. Got a story to share? Email us

PUZZLE PAGE

RIDDLE ANSWER: What goes up but never comes down? YOUR AGE.

Feel this secure during pregnancy.

When having a baby, you’ll want care and delivery options. We help you find the right ones for you.

Of all you’ll feel when expecting—joy, anticipation, uncertainty—having the right care team is a great comfort. University of Vermont Medical Group Obstetrics and Midwifery makes pregnancy both meaningful and personal. Our online Maternity Match tools help you find a team of caregivers that’s right for you and your baby, whether you choose an OB or nurse midwife. Plus, if concerns ever arise, you and your baby will have access to everything academic medicine can offer.

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