Kids VT, June 2011

JUNE 2011

Since my son’s adjustments with Dr. Jennifer Peet, I have noticed an improvement with his colic. Thank you, I have a happier baby.

Part 1: 18

10 day trips exploring history & culture

Don’t Spoil

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS

Publisher Colby Roberts colby@kidsvt.com ext. 77

Editor Cathy Resmer cathy@kidsvt.com ext. 74

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

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

Account Executive Katrina Roberts katrina@kidsvt.com ext. 75

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

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

P.O. Box 1184

Burlington, VT 05402

802-985-5482

kidsvt.com

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

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

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

This month’s cover illustration by Pat Lewis brings to life the start of our summer series: Vermont Day-cations. In July look for day trips related to mountains and hiking, and in August we’ll jump into Vermont lakes, ponds and rivers.

Copy Editors/Godparents Pamela Polston

Paula Routly

Proofreaders Kate O’Neill

Production Manager Krystal Woodward

Designers Brooke Bousquet

Celia Hazard

Rev. Diane Sullivan

Circulation Manager Steve Hadeka

Deputy Web Editor Tyler Machado

Office Manager Cheryl Brownell

Contributing Writers: Erik Esckilsen, Kristin Fletcher, Cheryl Herrick, Megan James, Ken Picard, Katrina Roberts, Vicky Sinagra, Leon Thompson

Photographers: Andy Duback, Caleb Kenna, Jordan Silverman, Matthew Thorsen

Illustrators: Andy Singer, Pat Lewis

ARE WE THERE YET?

Foley, Bristol, VT My son had repeat ear infections and since he started chiropractic with Dr. Peet he has only had one. Also, my hip which bothered me since my pregnancy is much better.

WE CARRY EVERYTHING UNDER THE

Catching Tadpoles

BY CATHY RESMER

THERE HAVEN’T BEEN MANY SUNNY SATURDAYS THIS SPRING, but one at the end of April gave me a glimpse of summer. My partner, Ann-Elise, had helped organized a scavenger hunt at Gilbrook Pond in Winooski, and the kids and I participated.

We were supposed to look for evidence of wildlife. My son Graham ran o with a friend, so my daughter Ivy and I searched on our own. We didn’t see much until I noticed tadpoles swimming in the pond. They were some of the biggest I’d ever seen, with long, sleek tails, and round, half-dollarsized bodies.

There were some hiding in the weeds at the water’s edge, so I crouched in the mud and tried to scoop one up with my hand. It took a few tries, but I finally caught one of the slippery suckers.

Ivy’s almost 3, and I don’t think she’d ever seen a tadpole up close. When I opened my hand and showed it to her, she couldn’t take her eyes o it. I explained that the tadpole was a baby frog, that it would soon grow legs and lose its tail. Then I turned it over in my hand and showed her the tiny legs visible beneath its translucent skin.

I let her hold it, then we dropped it back into the water and watched it swim away. Once it was gone, Ivy said, “Let’s catch another one!” We spent the next hour stalking tadpoles. She got pretty good at spotting them.

When I think of summer, I imagine warm months filled with moments like this one, times when I can show my kids something new about their world. It’s as fun for me as it is for them.

In every issue of Kids VT, we help connect Vermont parents with these experiences — through our daily events calendar, through the ads, and through activity suggestions in “Kids Beat” and “Fit Families.” This month, we’re also introducing a seasonal spotlight — a reminder to take advantage of something that only happens once a year. On page 25, we’ve compiled a list of places to pick strawberries.

This issue also includes the first of our three-part series on Vermont “day-cations,” day trips that we hope will help readers make the most of summer (page 18).

Because, as we all know, it goes by fast. And it’s not just the weather that will change. Those tadpoles will turn into frogs soon enough.

What’s your family’s favorite seasonal snack bar?

Bristol Village Creemee Stand venient location, picnic tables, yummy ice cream and burgers. Nola loves it because the little building is yellow.

— COLBY ROBERTS, PUBLISHER

We have just discovered the van in Colchester called Bri’s Fries. And you can walk down to the old Edgewater Pub (now the Café Window) and get a creemee!

— BROOKE BOUSQUET, DESIGNER

The Dairy Creme in Montpelier, for the endless choices and the party-like atmosphere.

— KRISTIN FLETCHER, WRITER

We like Hoss’s Dogg House in St. Albans because it’s within walking distance of our house and we can tour through the downtown and Taylor Park as we walk home with our creemees.

— KATE LADDISON, ASSOCIATE EDITOR

We dig Toby’s Treats in St. Albans, because they have the best — and most — ice cream and creemees around. The laugh factor of having a fitness center right next door is an awesome bonus.

— LEON THOMPSON, WRITER

C ntest!

Count the Strawberries to Win a Prize

Find all of the strawberries in this month’s issue of Kids VT and you could win tickets to the Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich! First, count the strawberries you see sprinkled throughout these pages. Then tell us how many you found at kidsvt.com, or write us at Kids VT, PO Box 1184, Burlington VT, 05401. We’ll collect the correct responses and choose a winner, who will receive four free passes to the museum. Enter by 5 p.m. on June 15 to win.

Kids Play on Kids Day

Hundreds of families flocked to Battery Park in Burlington for the 26th annual Kids Day celebration on May 14. Kids VT had a table in one of the activity tents; editor Cathy Resmer, associate editor Kate Laddison, account executive Kristi Batchelder and publisher Colby Roberts had a great time talking with parents and kids alike. Photographer Jordan Silverman captured all the fun. See more of his images at our Facebook page, facebook.com/kidsvt.

COLORING CONTEST

Thanks to everyone who entered this month’s coloring contest. We had the largest number of entries ever — more than 100 budding artists sent us their work. Congratulations to all the winners.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

GREATEST GREEN

Hunter Johnson, 4, Colchester

BEST STICKERS

Keely Bohm, 2, Williston

MOST COLORFUL NAME SECTION

Kady Cassani, 4, Williston

COOLEST FREESTYLE

Reese Staples, 7, Fairfax

BEST BEES WINGS

Riley Machanic, 7, South Burlington

MOST AMAZING SUNFLOWERS

Tyler Hedding, 8, Williamstown

PINKEST PURPLE TULIP

Sawyer Curran, 6, Johnson

NICEST TRIBUTE TO MOM

Maya Kenney, 7, Morrisville

MOST COLORFUL GARDEN

Norah Munn, 6, Williston

PRETTIEST PASTELS

Zosia Zalewski, 4, Milton

TOP TEAM EFFORT

Peyton and Drew Coel, 10 and 12, South Burlington

CREATIVE USE OF CRAYONS AND MARKERS

Everett Haddock, 10, Fairfax

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

BEST TITLES

“I q Bugs,” Orion Ward, 5, St. Albans

“Journey Into the Garden,”

Beatric Shlansky, 11, Ferrisburgh

“Flower Power,” Henry Frost, 5, “Super Fun Sunny Summer,” Emma Radler, 10

9 to 12 See

Lohak Von Atzingen, 11

STARKSBORO “A Colorful Day”

Speak Up!

Kids VT wants to publish your rants and raves.

Leah Blais, 4 COLCHESTER “Ladybug’s New Flower”

Daphne Lassner, 7 ROXBURY “Springtime”

4 and under

5 to 8

THE BEAT

BY KATE LADDISON

You might have considered cloth diapers but abandoned the idea because of the daunting logistics of washing and drying them. SMARTY PANTS, a new, door-to-door cloth diaper service, o ers Chittenden County parents a handy solution. For a flat fee of $25

or $35 per week, Smarty Pants will pick up your soiled diapers and drop o a clean batch. Add flannel wipes to the package for $4 a week, or use your own. In addition to the door-to-door service, Smarty Pants is a resource for cloth-diapering information – its

website includes a section with how-to videos, cost comparisons and links to articles about the environmental impact of disposable diapers. “I wanted it to be as much of a resource as a business venture,” says owner Cyndi Sullivan, the Burlington mompreneur behind Smarty Pants. She recently had commercial washing machines installed in her basement to tackle the nine-step wash process of soaking, soaping and flushing the cotton diapers, with water at one stage heated to 155 degrees. Sullivan and her husband cloth diapered their three kids, and she says she’s happy to make it easier for others. Find out how to sign up at smartypantsvt.com, and watch the super-cute commercial Sullivan made with help from local friends.

SMARTY PANTS DIAPER SERVICE: Services available in Chittenden County. Info, smartypantsvt.com.

Maybe it’s their size. Maybe it’s their grace and beauty. Whatever the cause, horses hold special appeal for children. HOPE GROWS COMMUNITY FARM PROGRAM is plugging into that powerful connection with after school programs that pair rescued horses with kids who might also need a helping hand. Hope Grows is located on a 350-acre farm, a former Hyde Park dairy operation owned by Carolyn and Raymond Chauvin. The facility was refitted as a 10-stall horse farm with trails and an outdoor arena. Tracy Goldfine runs the nonprofit program that teaches empathy and confidence building through farm chores and time with the animals. She says it works. “To have this huge animal following you around … I think it’s very empower-

ing,” she says. “It’s a positive light in these kids’ lives.” The horses come from Vermont’s Heartsong Equine Rescue Operation, which saves horses destined for slaughter. The kids are local to the Hyde Park area: Goldfine launched Hope Grows with students from Peoples Academy High School in Morrisville this winter. Working with the rescued animals builds compassion in the kids, and Goldfine says

feedback from the school indicates that students participating in Hope Grows were better behaved and more focused and had better grades. Hope Grows finds kids through community outreach and is looking for community support through donations and volunteers.

HOPE GROWS COMMUNITY FARM: Info, hopegrows.blogspot.com.

EXHIBITS Robot Zoo

There aren’t any animal zoos in Vermont, but this summer, you can bring your kids to the ROBOT ZOO AT THE MONTSHIRE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE in Norwich. The nationally touring exhibit allows visitors to interact with complex mechanical animals. A robot platypus and chameleon show o pistons for muscles, filtering pipes for intestines and computers for brains. Kids can slip on special hand and knee pads and try walking on a sloped surface like a fly, or they can fire the chameleon’s “tongue gun.” Also new this summer, visitors to the museum’s outdoor exhibits can escape the sun — or rain — under the Montshire’s open-sided, outdoor Hughes Pavilion, erected in November. New outdoor restrooms allow for quick trip to the loo. Or museumgoers can head over to the pavilion’s picnic tables where King Arthur Flour will be o ering lunch — another new amenity — beginning June 25.

ROBOT ZOO EXHIBITION: Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich. Robot Zoo is on exhibit through Sunday, September 11. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $12 adult, $10 child, free for kids under 2. Info, 649-3673, montshire.org.

RECREATION

The Unpack ’n’ Play

Instead of taking kids to the playground, the Green Mountain Children’s Museum is taking the playground to the kids. The GMCM is o ering Vermont communities a chance to experiment with a MOBILE PLAY EXHIBIT made by Imagination Playground, the brainchild of New York City architect David Rockwell. The playground is actually a large box full of blue, molded foam cubes, noodles, bricks and cogs. Kids use them to build and rebuild in creative and collaborative ways. Communities or organizations can partner with GMCM to host the exhibit for two-week periods as part of a Creative Learning

EDUCATION Tech Support

Connections Initiative. The organizations take responsibility for siting, storing and running the playground, which is meant for about 25 individuals, ages 2 and older. The exhibit supports GMCM’s mission of using play to nurture children’s growth and development, and has already been to Edmunds and Champlain schools in Burlington. Jennifer Livingston, who’s coordinating the visits, says there’s been no shortage of interest. In fact, the exhibit is already scheduling into November. Interested in bringing the playground to your community? Better make a play date fast.

GREEN MOUNTAIN CHILDREN’S MUSEUM ‘S CREATIVE LEARNING

CONNECTIONS: Initiative Imagination Playground exhibit available now through the Green Mountain Children’s Museum. Info, jenngmcm@gmail.com.

The Vermont Family Network is o ering local parents and educators a digital helping hand with FREE, MONTHLY WEBINARS focused on helping kids with special needs. VFN’s June webinar covers Vermont’s special-education system, with information on individual education plans, evaluations, parents’ rights and managing disagreements. VFN began o ering the hourlong sessions earlier this year; anyone with access to a computer and a high-speed Internet connection can “attend.” Participants log in at the appointed time to hear the VFN presenter and watch a PowerPoint presentation. The forum also allows attendees to ask questions of the presenter via a chat window. It’s a new-school way to get help with old-school questions about kids and community resources.

NAVIGATING SPECIAL EDUCATION: Webinar on Friday, June 10, noon to 1 p.m. Preregister online at vermontfamilynetwork.org. Free. Info, 800-800-4005.

When is a child’s fever too high?

COLDS, THE FLU AND STOMACH BUGS are a normal part of childhood, as are the fevers that accompany them. Parents, especially new ones, often worry whenever their child’s temperature goes above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. But is an above-normal reading on the thermometer cause for concern?

Not necessarily, says Dr. Lewis First, chief of pediatrics at Vermont Children’s Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care. This month, Dr. First o ers parents advice for keeping their cool when the little ones feel hot.

KIDS VT: Should parents always be concerned when a child runs a fever?

LEWIS FIRST: Fever is not a disease; it’s a symptom that points to an “insult” to the body. In most children that’s an infectious germ, but it can also be something as simple as over-bundling a baby. So, it helps to do some detective work to figure out what’s wrong with your child. It’s also important to know that a fever sets a child’s thermostat higher, and when that thermostat goes higher, some pretty good things happen. Viruses and bacteria are killed o more quickly.

KVT: When is it best to treat a fever?

LF: If your child is irritable or uncomfortable and clearly has an elevated temperature, you’re going to want to do something about it. What I’m more concerned about is, what else is associated with the fever? If a child demonstrates di culty breathing and irritability, and isn’t able to drink, then I would want to see that child and find out what’s causing the problem. If a child is breathing comfortably, is well hydrated and still feels warm to the touch, that’s where the fever is working to get rid of the germ, and I would not be overly aggressive in treating it.

KVT: So, let fever run its course.

LF: Assuming your child has been immunized, the vast majority of insults that cause an elevation in the body’s temperature are due to viruses, and they get better with time. So, we need to make our kids comfortable, keep them well hydrated and, if they’re really uncomfortable, give them acetaminophen or ibuprofen, which are essentially equivalent in their e ectiveness. And we dose these products by weight, not by age.

KVT: Can these drugs be taken simultaneously?

LF: Some studies suggest that

alternating the use of both may result in a prolonged period of lower body temperature than if you’re using one at a time. However, all acetaminophen and ibuprofen do is lower the body’s thermostat. They don’t kill germs. Also, ibuprofen is dosed every eight hours, and acetaminophen is dosed every four to six hours. And multiple products contain acetaminophen and ibuprofen under various brand names. So, you can imagine the confusion that can occur as you start mixing products.

KVT: What’s the risk there?

LF: All of a sudden you may be dosing your child with too many acetaminophen or ibuprofen products, both of which can have serious side e ects. Acetaminophen can damage the liver. Ibuprofen can irritate the stomach and result in kidney damage. My suggestion is to start with acetaminophen at an appropriate dose for your child’s weight and go from there.

the thermostat goes even higher, and they start to shiver to generate heat.

KVT: How hot is too hot?

Got questions for

Dr. First?

Send them to ideas@kidsvt.com.

LF: I’m less worried about the number on the thermometer than how your child is acting. If your child has a temperature of 103 and is playing with blocks on the floor, you can certainly call the doctor, but we’re going to want to know what other symptoms your child is experiencing. In the same way, you can have a child with a 99 temperature and a pneumonia who’s having di culty breathing and won’t drink. We’re going to want to see that child. The only time when the height of a fever may be important is in infants under 1 month of age and, some would argue, up to 3 months of age. We tend to want to be called to see the baby if the temperature is over 100.4. These are the unimmunized children whose bodies can’t take much of an infection, so we don’t want to miss a bacterial infection that may require antibiotics.

KVT: So parents should avoid overtreating fevers?

LF: My bottom line is that fever is really our friend, not our enemy. If parents know that, then they’re not going to overtreat, and instead will treat the symptoms that make their child uncomfortable.

KVT: What else do you advise?

LF: Tell your child to rest, engage in quiet activities, and don’t let them overheat. If they want a sponge bath, use lukewarm water. When you use cool water for a sponge bath, the body suspects that the child’s feeling cold, so

KVT: What kind of thermometer do you recommend?

LF: Ear thermometers tend to be less reliable for infants under the age of 1, particularly under 6 months of age. An armpit temperature may be absolutely fine, assuming the proper technique is followed, keeping the thermometer under their arm for three to five minutes. Digital thermometers are fine. Mercury thermometers, if they’re still in the household, should be discarded. A rectal temperature for infants is fine, but proper technique must be used. The accuracy of the fever strip or fever pacifier is not particularly good.

My bottom line is that fever is really our friend, not our enemy.

DR. LEWIS FIRST

FAMILIES BY SKY BARSCH GLEINER

Getting Out in Stowe — Without the Snow

YOU DON’T NEED a lift ticket to enjoy an outdoor adventure in Stowe. The Stowe Recreation Path, with its smooth surface and well-marked road crossings, is a wonderful environment for budding cyclists, parents pushing strollers and kids who use wheelchairs.

If you only know winter Stowe, riding along the bike path will give you a new perspective on the resort community.

The 5.3-mile route follows the West Branch of the Little River and is bookended by two of Stowe’s bestknown landmarks: the Topnotch Resort and Spa property at the northern end and the iconic white steeple of the Stowe Community Church at the southern end. Most of the path is 8 feet wide, with some portions as wide as 10 feet. The southern portion sees more tra c, while the northern is a better bet for a quiet ride.

I met my 8-year-old nephew Noah and Aunt Megan, both of Worcester, at the southern start of the path on a sunny day in May. Noah had a great time pedaling over the bridges and talking with a young girl who was out biking.

The path traverses farmland, forests and fields, as well as the Vermont Route 108 corridor, home to shops and restaurants. While you can get your nature fix, you’re never too far from services in case the kids get hungry or need to use the bathroom.

Plenty of flat, smooth stretches help build confidence in young bicyclists. There are occasional portions with a gentle slope — near the bridges, for example — where your child may want to get o his or her bike and walk for a few feet. No part of the path is so steep that it will induce tears or be discouraging. Just be sure to watch how far you’ve gone, and plan on covering a distance your kids can handle.

For a full, fun summer day, pack bathing suits, towels and a lunch and have a picnic and swim along the shores of the West Branch. Thompson Park (also known as Tobe Reed Park), has parking, picnic tables, bathrooms (portable toilets) and swimming access. It’s located o Route 108, across from Landmark Meadow and just south of Houston Farm Road — about the halfway point of the path. The cool water is a nice refresher and helps break up the ride.

STOWE RECREATION PATH

LENGTH: 5.3 miles

ETIQUETTE: Stay to the right, announce when you are passing someone; dogs on leash.

PARKING: Southern terminus: park behind the Stowe Community Church, 137 Main Street (Vermont Route 100). Along the path: at Chase Park (turn west on Luce Hill Road from Vermont Route 108, cross the river and the bike path); at Thompson/Tobe Reed Park. Northern terminus: Turn west on Brook Road from Vermont Route 108 (just after Topnotch), parking is about 200 feet on the left. More parking: see map at townofstowevt.org/recreationprograms/105.html.

RESTROOMS: Public restrooms are located on Depot Street (turn south on Depot from Main; bathrooms are in the lower level of the building on the right). Portable toilets are located along the path, in the main parking areas.

QUICK, REASONABLY PRICED FOOD ALONG THE PATH: Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge (1899 Mountain Road); the Shed Restaurant and Brewery (burgers, salads, house-brewed beer, 1859 Mountain Road); the Blue Donkey (burgers, 1669 Mountain Road); and the Bagel (bagels, sandwiches, 394 Mountain Road). If you’re stocking up beforehand, try Edelweiss Mountain Deli (large-selection deli, 2251 Mountain Road) or Jamie’s on Main (take-out sandwiches, salads and soups, 1 Depot Building, Main Street).

“Fit Families” is a monthly feature that offers easy and affordable ways to stay active. Got an idea for a future FF? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com. Sky Barsch Gleiner is the owner and editor of Vermont Sports magazine and vtsports.com. She lives in the Northeast Kingdom with her husband and an ever-growing menagerie.

✱ THE LIBRARIAN LIKES

BY KATE LADDISON

LIBRARIAN: Becky Manahan, youngadult librarian at the St. Albans Free Library

BOOK: 11 Birthdays, by Wendy Mass

AGE RANGE: 9 to 12

Manahan’s summary: “Strange things occur when best buddies Amanda and Leo break from a 10-year tradition and don’t celebrate their 11th birthday together. Leo’s hurtful comment at the previous year’s party instigated a falling out. Following her dismal solo 11th birthday, Amanda finds herself in a puzzling phenomenon of repeated days. She miserably stumbles through the looped day again and again until she figures out why it is happening. Along the way, she discovers that small changes in her thoughts and actions lead to getting her best friend back. With the help of a kindly old woman, Amanda and Leo attempt to di use an apparent family feud, and rekindle their friendship.”

Why your middle schooler will enjoy it: “

11 Birthdays is a refreshing book: It o ers a combination of humor, mystery and all the social drama middle schoolers crave. I read this book with a group of homeschoolers ages 9 to 13, and they all agreed it was a great read.”

And it’s an award winner:

11 Birthdays just won the 2010-11 Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award, an annual prize that honors the Vermont education reformer and author. Vermont students choose the winner. Ask for more DCF-award-winning books at your library.

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

If you only know winter Stowe, riding along the bike path will give you a new perspective on the resort community.

...you’re family now

Copley Birthing Center is small That means you get intimate, personal care from staff that’s like an extended family Here, our moms and babies get the kind of care that only a small, community-oriented facility can offer.

• 1:1 labor support • OB/GYN Specialists

• Water Births & Hydrotherapy

• Certified Nurse Midwives

• Pain Management including Epidurals

• Lactation Support

• Vaginal Birth after Cesarean Section (VBAC)

Q Home cooKiN’ by Cheryl h erri C k

A Fresh twist for Strawberries

my older soN likes to eat just a few things, and I count us both lucky that strawberries are one of them. They’re portable, delicious and a special treat when in season.

Though they don’t need a thing to make them great, it’s fun to find new ways to use them. They’re a kid-friendly addition to salads (try with a little bit of goat cheese on spinach), a classic with biscuits and whipped cream, and a natural in fruit salad, too.

If you’d like to whip up something festive and fun, give these ice cream sandwiches a try. They’re best if you eat them right away, but you can also freeze them for later. We made ours with buttery, delicate oatmeal cookies and vanilla ice cream.

serVes 10

lemoN oaTmeal cooKie ice cream

saNdwicHes wiTH FresH sTrawberries

1 pint strawberries

1 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper (optional, but adds a nice zing)

1/2 teaspoon lemon zest or lemon extract

2 sticks softened unsalted butter

1 1/2 cups sugar (you can substitute brown sugar for all or part)

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 1/2 cups oatmeal

1 pint vanilla ice cream

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease two cookie sheets and set aside.

steps the kids can help with:

spreading softened ice cream on cookies. slicing the strawberries (they can be any shape and don’t need to be perfect).

Placing strawberries on the cookies with the ice cream.

2. Gently rinse, dry and quarter the strawberries and set them aside.

3. Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and black pepper (if using) in a small bowl.

4. in a medium bowl, beat the lemon zest or extract, butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla until thoroughly combined. Add the flour mixture, mix well, then add the oatmeal.

5. using a 2-tablespoon-sized scoop, place six rounded scoops on the prepared baking sheet. keeping the scoops evenly sized and rounded will result in more uniform cookies that will pair up easily into sandwiches.

6. bake one sheet at a time for 12 to 15 minutes or until just golden brown. remove carefully with a spatula since they’ll be a bit brittle. let cool thoroughly on a rack.

7. While the cookies bake, take the ice cream out of the freezer to sit at room temperature until it reaches a spreadable consistency.

8. Once the cookies have cooled, find pairs that are closest in size and shape. Take one cookie and spread with about 3 teaspons of ice cream.

9. Place the berry pieces around the outside of the cookie and push into the ice cream, trying to keep the mixture flattened so the other cookie can sit neatly on top. Gently press a cookie on top to get it to stick. eat right away or freeze for later. (if you freeze, thaw sandwiches for five to 10 minutes, allowing them to soften before eating.) K

BIRTHING CENTER

Q oUT To EAT b Y Vick Y Sin A g RA

Texas Roadhouse

ThE TExAs RoAdhoUsE chain promises “legendary food” and “legendary service” with every meal. That might be overstating it a bit, but on a recent visit, our family found the food was good — and plentiful — enough to make us want to return. Plus, the casual atmosphere ensures that any family can enjoy a meal even if a meltdown ensues. That turned out to be handy for us.

My husband, Joe, and I went to the Texas Roadhouse recently with our children, Sophia, 5, and Spencer, 8. We took advantage of call-ahead seating and were happy we did. Calling at 5:24 p.m. on a Saturday, there was already a wait of an hour and 15 minutes. When we arrived, a long line stretched outside, but we gave our number, sat in the “corral” and snacked on complimentary peanuts. Just five minutes later, our number was up.

The hostess escorted us to a booth and gave us rolls with cinnamon honey butter. The kids got crayons and Andy Armadillo paper menus with activities to keep them entertained. Our waitress immediately took our drink order. Sophia colored, and Spencer was instantly glued to the three TVs he could see from his seat.

Both Joe and I ordered the sirloin. I chose the 6-ounce steak, while he opted for the 11-ouncer.

Spencer picked the Chicken Critters Ranger Meal, and, as usual, Soph copied her big brother.

In addition to the TVs, there were plenty of things for the kids to look at while waiting for their food, including walls decorated with mounted animal heads. “Is that moose real or fake?” asked Soph. Later, the staff brought out a saddle for a diner who was celebrating a birthday and invited him to sit on it as they sang, “Happy Birthday.”

Our food arrived in good time, and the waitress asked us to cut into our steaks to verify they were cooked to our liking. Although Joe’s was perfect, mine was still mooing. Our very apologetic waitress took it back to the kitchen.

The kids dove into their dinners of all-white-meat fried chicken strips. All was well until Soph knocked her drink under the table and began to cry. Not just a quiet sob, but an inhale, wait three seconds, then belt-out-a-wail meltdown.

I braced myself for the angry stares, but the music was blaring and no one shot me the “get your kid under control” look. We reassured poor Soph, and she recovered quickly.

The portions were generous; we took home leftovers for the next day’s lunch. Also, our waitress was fantastic: When she dropped off the bill, she didn’t disappear. Instead, she asked Joe, “Should I be in standby mode?” Yes, please!

FAmily-FRiEndly

AmEniTiEs: high chairs, booster seats, changing tables and kids’ entrées.

oUR bill FoR ThREE: $51, including tip.

Kids nighT: mondays, 5-7 p.m., with face painting and balloon animals.

WARning: Peanuts and peanut dust everywhere.

We will go back to Texas Roadhouse: The food is good, and the venue is kid friendly, fast and affordable. The meals we chose might not have been the healthiest option — the phrase “coronary nightmare” comes to mind — but that’s fine in moderation, and a fun night out is an acceptable trade-off. K

“Out to Eat” is a monthly family-friendly restaurant review. Where should we eat next? Email us at ideas@ kidsvt.com. Vicky Sinagra is a freelance writer who lives in St. Albans with her husband and two young children.

Jamie Two Coats’ Toyshop

Clockwise from left: Karter Place, 3; Joe the Clown, Andy Armadillo, Jonnaca Bushey, and Kayden Bushey, 3

Sara Quayle, MD

• Barbara Kennedy, MD • Monica Fiorenza, MD • Michelle Perron, MD Alicia Veit, MD • Ingrid Y. Camelo, MD • Leah Flore, FNP •

SUMMER CAMPS

• Full day programs for children 4+years old

• Themed weeks

• Meals and snacks provided

• Gymnastics lessons

• Friday performances

• Arts and crafts

• Waterslide/Outside play area

Q: How did you celebrate your most memorable Father’s Day?

Joe sinagra, sT albans, execuTiVe officer, Home builders & remodelers associaTion of norTHern VermonT Kids: Son, Spencer, 8; daughter, Sophia, 5

The most memorable happens to be my first one, eight years ago. My mom had passed away in May of that year, and my son was born that year, so my first Father’s Day I went to New York, where I grew up, and spent it with my father for his first Father’s Day without my mother. When one life ends, another one begins — this was truly the case in my family that year.

I grew up in a big Italian family. My parents were married for 40 years. My father took it very hard, as you can imagine, so my wife really was wonderful and said, “Let’s go to New York for the weekend.” You’ve got to celebrate the good times.

My mother lived a great life and was a great mother and grandmother. She got to meet my son before she passed. That was important to me. On Father’s Day, we did what we normally do on the holidays — we went out for a nice brunch. My father lives across from a park. It was a beautiful day out. We went for a walk in the park and just took a chance to really reflect and talk about my mother and about fatherhood.

Henri sparKs, colcHesTer, TeacHer Kids: Daughters Ora, 14, Sira, 11, Odessa, 9

Well, for me, I think my most memorable Father’s Day was when I got my first letter from my daughter — handwritten, big letters — telling me that she loves me. She drew some pictures on it.

I think back to getting that from her, and the thought that she put into it, and realize that was probably the most memorable Father’s Day because the letter was something that she really had to think about. It wasn’t something that she just went out and bought. I think the things that kids create for mothers and fathers are the most significant because they do require thought. It indicates a different side of love.

I have that letter hanging on my classroom wall. I wonder what she would think about it today if she came into my classroom and saw it, if she’d think it was corny. I really wonder what it was like when she sat down and wrote it. That really stuck with me.

Jim lanTz, burlingTon, playwrigHT/professor

Kids: Sons Keenan, 19, Shepherd, 16

I guess the most memorable one was when we three — my two young sons and I — took a camping trip to Whiteface Mountain in the Adirondacks. That was sweet. It was just after we’d moved here from New York, so our boys were young then, maybe 7 and 9, so it was just a perfect age. We’d just gotten a dog by the name of Gromit — he was a sweetheart — and he came along. My wife says that this was a Father’s Day for her, as well — a weekend to herself!

It was one of those early summer days when it’s not too hot and not too cool, and it was rainy and sunny at the same time. There was a powerful thunderstorm that moved through, so that wigged us out. We hunkered under my poncho. We took pictures the whole way, we found a salamander, we came across one of those little lean-tos, and there were other campers up there. That was cool, too. There was this nice group of people we could hang out with. At night we built a campfire. It was just one of those extraordinary weekends that reminds you that being a dad is a cool thing.

geoffrey norman, dorseT, auTHor/ediTor

Kids: Daughters Brooke, 31, Hadley, 29

Father’s Day is not even really something that we pay a lot of attention to.

Generally, around here for Father’s Day, I try to do something for [my family]. I try to take my granddaughters fishing — bobbers and worms kind of stuff, but they like it.

I’ve never much liked Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. I’ve thought that those were kind of phony holidays, so we try not to buy into the commerce and instead do something that’s just fun together. I have two daughters, and I’m very close to both of them, and they’ve been wonderful to me. I don’t think they owe me anything. I owe them a lot. The idea of bringing the old man a gift or cooking him breakfast is kind of off-putting to me. It just seems like there’s an increasing pressure, this mandate, to go out and buy things and indulge. So we do birthdays, and we do Christmas, and the other ones we kind of let go. K

— IntervIews compIled by erIk esckIlsen

and twin daughters, and their dog.

I think the things that kids create for mothers and fathers are the most significant because they do require thought.

Henri sparKs

Q THE ART oF…

Pottery

b

Y Meg A n jAM es

WHEn Kids lEARn to use a pottery wheel, they can put their creations to use: a bowl for the dog, a mug for grandma, or maybe a “volcano” they can fill with baking soda and vinegar and watch erupt. But this craft is not just about the final product. Learning to make pottery helps children develop their fine motor skills and coordination, not to mention “patience and persistence,” suggests Lois Thompson, a retired Mount Abraham Union High School art teacher who’s been teaching kids to work with clay since 1971.

On a recent May day, Thompson is leading a pottery class at the Middlebury Studio School. When she retired from Mount Abe in 2005, “I knew there was nowhere else I’d rather be,” she says of the studio. “It’s a wonderful community — people older than me down to little 5-year-olds.”

Today, Katy and Lena, both 8, are working hard to center their clay on pottery wheels — but not too hard. Lena’s face is smudged with wet, red earthenware, and Katy giggles as her off-center clay wobbles between her hands.

“Is any part of this centered?” Katy asks. Thompson kneels down beside Katy’s stool and wraps her own hands firmly around the revolving mixture, centering and steadying it. Then she moves out of the way so Katy can try again.

The two girls are about as young as you can be to start on the wheel, Thompson says. Younger kids at the school do hand building, sculpting clay and decorating it with colorful glazes. “[Transitioning to the wheel] takes people who can follow directions,” says Thompson.

For beginning potters, it’s all about learning to center the lump of clay: If it isn’t exactly in the middle, that bowl or cup won’t be circular. “It does take a great deal of practice,” Thompson advises. “But it’s fun to just play with it and experiment.”

The weekly, 90-minute, after school class is perfect for experimenting. Katy and Lena are barreling forward at their own pace; Thompson is just there to offer guidance as needed. Lena, who has a little more experience on the wheel, has already made a small bowl and is decorating it with colored slips. Katy is looking for alternatives to centering her clay. “If you make a flower, you don’t have to center it,” she says. “Can I just make a flower?” Thompson doesn’t let her off the hook, though, and eventually Katy gets the hang of it.

There’s magic in the pottery-making process that kids of all ages appreciate. After firing a piece of clay, Thompson notes, “It isn’t the very humble material you started with. Things transform.” K

WHAT You’ll nEEd

setting up your own home studio could cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. But if you take classes at a pottery studio, all the materials — from clay and glazes to buckets and aprons — are provided. You’ll also get access to a pottery wheel and kiln, both of which are prohibitively expensive for most hobbyists. luckily, middlebury studio school isn’t the only place Vermont kids can learn to work with clay. The following area art centers offer clay classes for children:

• Burlington city Arts: burlingtoncityarts.org, 865-7166

• davis studio in Burlington: davisstudiovt.com, 425-2700

• Helen day Art center in stowe: helenday.com, 253-8358

• middlebury studio school: middleburystudioschool.org, 247-3702

• seminary Art center in Waterbury: sites.google.com/site/ seminaryartcenter/Home, 253-8790

• shelburne Art center: shelburneartcenter.org, 985-3648

• studio Place Arts in Barre: studioplacearts.com, 479-7069

Megan James is the staff arts writer at Seven Days. She had a lot of fun trying out the pottery wheel for this story. The Art of... spotlights creative skills that enrich kids’ lives. Got a class or teacher to recommend? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com

Taran Hopkins,

Don’t Spoil Sp rts

A UVM expert offers five tips for having fun on the field

b Y K R is T in Fle T c H e R

YouTH sPoRTs ARe An eAsY sell. So many of the virtues parents want to instill in their kids are right there on the playing field: leadership, cooperation, competitive drive and goal setting, to name a few. organized athletics are a convenient outlet for physical activity and allow children to develop coordination, learn new skills and socialize with friends.

it sounds like a win-win, but youth sport experiences are not all positive. And the pressure to beat the other team is often where it starts to go wrong.

Who cares the most about winning? parents, says declan connolly, a father of four who teaches exercise and strength physiology courses at the University of Vermont. He also directs the school’s Human performance lab.

Connolly is not your average parent roaming the sidelines. He has worked as an exercise physiologist consultant with athletes of all ages and skill levels, including major league hockey and football players.

Connolly writes and lectures regularly about athletic performance and exercise program development. He spoke with Kids VT about some of the pitfalls parents encounter while navigating the pressure-filled fields of youth sports, and described five ways parents and coaches can keep kids engaged.

5 WAYs To KeeP YouTH sPoRTs Fun

1 it’s All About “Age Appropriate”

Every youth sports program relies on volunteers for organizing, fundraising and coaching. But the coaching piece requires more than just good intentions.

Connolly says coaches should have a thorough understanding of age-appropriate development. Without it, “You end up applying an adult’s logic to a 6-year-old,” he says. At the earliest ages, Connolly says, coaches should focus on space awareness and movement rather than on competition. Instead of having full-team scrimmages, for instance, Connolly advises chopping up the field into sections and creating smaller games during practice, i.e. three on three, to help players see the passing lanes. That shifts the style of play away from what he calls “the sheep mentality; everyone is in a 4-foot space around the ball.”

It’s not about eliminating competition, he says — kids keep score regardless — but providing challenging tasks to build coordination and hold interest.

Throwing, catching and coordination — skills that benefit a child in any sport — should come first; elements of conditioning and strategy can be introduced around puberty. For sports that require a more complex skill, such as skating in the case of hockey, it’s a good idea to introduce that skill early to lay the groundwork for future participation.

2 Keep “Play” Front and center

There is sports performance, and then there’s sports play. Parents should keep the two ideas separate, Connolly says, citing a study that found 80 percent of kids who participate in structured competition before 12 years of age never play again after 12.

“We want the kids to have fun,” he says. “Then winning comes into the picture, and keeping score.”

Too much intensity too soon can have diminishing returns, and most leagues recognize that with limits on how often a team can practice per week. At the younger levels, 55 to 60 minutes of structured play at a time is about enough, Connolly says. And spending too much time on one activity during practice results in chaos.

Declan Connolly

3 don’t Review Your Kid’s Performance on the Ride Home

“The parents’ role is to drive the kid to the field and buy the pizza on the ride home,” Connolly says. That’s it.

“The most difficult thing as a parent is to watch your kid fail or struggle. A kid needs to learn to deal with other people, learn to deal with their emotions, learn to deal with success or failure.

Who cares the most about winning? Parents.

“You want to switch things up about every seven minutes,” he says. “Once you get past that, balls start flying around.”

“Parents actually care more than the kids care,” he says. “If you want to get involved with your kid in sports, it should not be in structured sports. A postgame breakdown, for the 8-yearold, it’s not on the radar screen. If he’s emotionally upset, he can’t separate.”

Connolly suggests that parents can offer to help with a specific skill — after some time has passed — such as throwing practice pitches when that last, big strikeout no longer seems so big. Playtime should not be linked to a negative athletic experience.

The postgame analysis is “not productive,” he says, “and that contributes to that stat I mentioned earlier.”

4 Encourage Variety

Limiting a child’s athletic experiences to a very specific set of skills can backfire. Injuries happen. Boredom sets in. Opportunities disappear.

“American football is not a lifetime sport,” Connolly says — there isn’t much opportunity for pickup games once players have abandoned organized play. “You should teach a kid to play things like soccer, basketball, tennis, golf.”

Keep options open and consider the benefits of “contextual interference,” the scholarly term for stepping outside one’s athletic comfort zone. Presenting the body with new challenges, like forcing your non-dominant side to do the work, enhances skill acquisition and retention.

Connolly advocates for multiple sports, but the real goal, he says, is a well-rounded child.

“Athletes that have longevity are smart,” he says. “They’re well rounded in life and the sciences. They study information and are able to understand what they need to do with it. The more well rounded or educated the kid is, the more they’re able to process the entire thing.

“Understanding what to eat, how to rest, how to study and think, that goes a long way. Often the best athletes are not the most physically gifted. They’re often the best because of the decisions they make.”

5 Resist the Temptation to coach Your Kid

Connolly has a long history playing sports and is the director of UVM’s Human Performance Lab. His wife, Shannon, played basketball for Vermont and for the Canadian national team, and coaches in the Burlington area. They are both philosophically opposed to coaching their own children, ages 9, 8, 7 and 4.

–DeclAn connolly

“It’s too difficult a relationship to have,” he says. “I don’t want my motivation to be the reason my kid’s in sports.”

Youth programs would not survive without parents willing to take on that troublesome task. But it requires a concerted effort to be equitable and objective with one’s own child. That, and a load of patience.

When it comes to his own kids, Connolly prefers a more hands-off approach. “Most kids are overcoached these days,” he says. “They look to the sideline to see what the decision should be. They can’t make it by themselves.

“I want my kid to make his own decision.” K

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

The parents’ role is to drive the kid to the field and buy the pizza on the ride home.

VERMONTDay - cations

PART 1: 10 TRIPS EXPLORING HISTORY & CULTURE

BY KATE LADDISON AND CATHY RESMER

SUMMER IN VERMONT IS SHORT AND OH SO SWEET. The lush, green days of June, July and August make up for the long, dark winter.

To help you get the most out of this fleeting season, Kids VT presents a three-part series of recommended summer day trips designed to introduce your family to the rich variety of experiences Vermont has to o er. This month’s list of 10 “daycations” focuses on the state’s cultural and historical attractions, of which there are many. These trips will give you an opportunity to learn about the Green Mountain Boys’ role in the Revolutionary War, see how the granite industry shaped the state and discover evidence of the prehistoric days when tropical marine animals were Vermont’s only residents. Next month’s Kids VT will explore mountains and trails; the August issue will suggest ways to get out on the water.

Each recommendation includes other nearby attractions, as well as an a ordable place to get or eat food. For more meal tips, pick up the 2011 edition of 7 Nights: The Guide to Vermont Restaurants & Bars, available at more than 1000 locations statewide, or find it at sevennightsvt.com. These lists are not comprehensive, but we hope they’ll inspire you to travel to a part of Vermont you’ve never seen before, to get o the highway and try something new. On a gorgeous summer day, the drive along scenic country roads is part of the fun. So get out and enjoy the mountains while they’re still green! It’ll be time to pick apples again before you know it.

Isle La Motte

Shelburne

Graniteville Vergennes

Orwell

Woodstock

Plymouth Notch

Bennington

Glover

St. Johnsbury

1. Goodsell Ridge Fossil Preserve, isle La motte

Before humans walked the Earth — before dinosaurs walked the Earth — the Champlain Valley was part of a shallow tropical sea. Take your pint-size paleontologists to see evidence of Vermont’s aquatic past at the 81-acre Goodsell Ridge Fossil Preserve and look for fossilized marine life, including stromatoporoids, trilobites and cephalopods that lived 480 million years ago. Now, that’s old school. Be ready to walk — no motorized vehicles or bicycles are allowed — and no rocks or fossils may be removed. A one-room museum sheds light on the experience. Call ahead to find out if it’s open.

Hours: None — just walk in Admission: Free Phone: 862-4150

Website: lclt.org

Nearby:

• sT. ANNe’s sHRiNe, isLe LA moTTe: Dating back to 1666, when the French erected a fort and chapel on Isle La Motte, the shrine was once a popular religious pilgrimage destination. Have a picnic on the lakeside grounds, but call to check if the floodwaters have receded first. As they say, God works in mysterious ways. Info, 928-3362, saintannesshrine.org.

• ALLeNHoLm FARm, souTH HeRo: Stop for a maple creemee at this farm and apple orchard, which also has a playground and a petting zoo, and rents bikes. Info, 372-5566, allenholm. com.

• Food: HeRo’s WeLcome, NoRTH HeRo: Get lunch at the deli of this century-old general store, or browse an eclectic collection that includes Vermont gifts, toys, games, kitchen goods, books and clothing. Info, 3724161, heroswelcome.com.

2. Bread and Puppet, Glover

If you’ve been to a summer parade in the Northeast Kingdom — or an antiwar rally in Burlington — chances are you’ve caught a glimpse of Vermont’s resident political puppeteers, whose life-affirming puppetry and pageantry have enlivened the landscape here since the 1970s. You can always learn about

VERMONT DAY-CATIONS

• Food: PARKeR Pie co., WesT GLoVeR: In 2010, Yankee Magazine readers chose this quirky pizza joint as one of the three best pizza places in New England. Closed Mondays. Info, 525-3366, parkerpie.com.

3. Fairbanks museum & Planetarium, st. Johnsbury

Nearby:

• sT. JoHNsBuRy ATHeNAeum: The St. Johnsbury library is full of books, comfy chairs and lots of museumquality art, though the gallery in back is closed for renovations until late 2011. Info, 748-8291, stjathenaeum. org.

the history of Bread and Puppet Theater, and view a collection of its giant puppets, at the Bread and Puppet Museum. Better yet, come on a Sunday afternoon in July or August to watch them in action. The fun starts with a museum tour at 1 p.m., followed by “little street shows and happenings” at 2:30, with the “Man = Carrot Circus” at three. Don’t understand it? Don’t worry. The kids will enjoy the spectacle, and the grounds are a great place to run around. Plus, free sourdough rye.

Hours: Museum is open daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

summer schedule: Annual museum open house, with music and live performances, Sunday, June 5, 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday shows start July 10 and end August 28.

Admission: Free

Phone: 525-3031 or 525-1271

Website: breadandpuppet.org

Nearby:

• oLd sToNe House museum, BRoWNiNGToN: Learn about 19th-century Vermont life by touring six historical buildings on 55 acres, including the home of Alexander Twilight, the nation’s first African American college graduate and state legislator. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Info, 754-2022, oldstonehousemuseum.org.

The Fairbanks bills itself as a natural history museum, and there is certainly much for budding naturalists to see, including dozens of exotic stuffed birds and a giant stuffed moose. It’s also the home base of Vermont Public Radio’s “Eye on the Sky” meteorologists. But there’s more: The Victorian-era museum’s eclectic array of cultural artifacts, including several patriotic “bug art” canvases made from beetles and cabbage moths, lends it a quirky charm that’s missing from more modern institutions. Don’t rush through it; there are some really odd items under the glass in those display cases. The 50-minute planetarium shows are fun, too.

summer hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.

• Food: ANTHoNy’s diNeR, sT. JoHNsBuRy: Have a Woodsman Burger topped with local produce at this downtown diner. Info, 748-3613.

4. shelburne museum, shelburne

You could spend an entire day at the Shelburne Museum and still not see it all. Electra Havemeyer Webb’s vast collection of fine and folk art — 150,000-plus pieces — is displayed in 39 buildings around the property. Explore a historic print shop, jail or apothecary, take one of the daily tours of the steamboat Ticonderoga, or just stroll the grounds and gardens. There are special activities for children in the Owl Cottage Activity Center, plus art safaris and evening events, including a Harry Potter costume party in July. Crafty kids will enjoy this season’s “Paperwork in 3D” exhibit, featuring origami, book arts and other paper-based creativity. The museum contributed a related bookbuilding craft project to Kids VT this month; instructions on page 37.

Hours: Open daily through October 30; hours vary — call or check website

Admission: Adults, $8; seniors and children under 17, $6; children under 5, free; families (two adults and their children), $20. Planetarium shows cost an additional $5.

Phone: 748-2372

Website: fairbanksmuseum.org

Admission: Adults, $20; children 5 to 18, $10; children under 5, free; family day pass (two adults and two children 5 to 18), $50; Vermont residents half-price.

Phone: 985-3346

Website: shelburnemuseum.org

Nearby:

• shelburNe Farms: Kids can pet the sheep and milk a cow at this 1400acre working farm. Parents can snack on the award-winning aged cheddar. Info, 985-8686, shelburnefarms.org.

• Food: archie’s Grill, shelburNe: Try a local-beef hamburger with hand-cut fries at this quick-service, 40-seat eatery on Route 7. Info, 985-4912.

5. rock of ages, Graniteville

Rock out on a narrated tour of this 600-foot-deep granite quarry. Watch gigantic cranes in action and see quarriers cutting huge blocks of stone. The visitors center explains how Barre’s granite industry drew immigrant stonecutters who helped Vermont export this signature product. The arches of the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., were made by Rock of Ages, and memorials all over the world feature Vermont’s own Barre Gray, Bethel White and Salisbury Pink rock. Stop in at the factory during the workweek to view stone sculptors in action, try your own hand at a sandblasted art activity or bowl on the outdoor granite bowling lane.

hours: through August 31: Visitors center, Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; quarry tours, Monday through Saturday, 9:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.; factory tour, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; sandblast activity, mid-June through mid-August, Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.to 3 p.m.

admission: For the guided quarry tour: adults, $5; children ages 6 to 12, $2.50; children 5 and under, free. Self-guided factory tours are free.

Phone: 870-9057

Website: rockofages.com

Nearby:

• hoPe cemeTery, barre: This 65acre cemetery boasts a distinguished history of memorial art; many of the gravestones were designed by the local stonecutters buried here. Walk or drive through and marvel at their artistry.

• VermoNT hisTory museum, moNTPelier: The exhibits haven’t changed in years, but there’s no better place to get a comprehensive overview of the state’s past. Info, 828-2291, vermonthistory.org.

6. lake champlain maritime museum, Vergennes

You’d never know it looking at Lake Champlain today, but this strategically located body of water has seen a lot of action over the years. The Champlain Valley’s maritime history comes alive at this waterfront museum. Kids can step aboard the 54-foot-long Philadelphia II, a full-size replica of a Revolutionary War gunship that sank during the Battle of Valcour Island. And they can stand on the deck of the schooner Lois McClure. The LCMM is also home to a nautical archaeology center that studies shipwrecks, and visitors can tour these sunken “exhibits” using robotic cameras. The museum hosts multiple events throughout the summer, including the Kids Pirate Festival on June 11 and 12 (see spotlight, page 26). It’s also home to the Blacksmith Arts Center.

trails, eat a picnic lunch or visit the park’s nature center. Info, 475-2377, vtstateparks.com/htm/buttonbay.htm.

• Food: The red mill aT basiN harbor club, VerGeNNes: Originally a 19th-century sawmill, this seasonal restaurant’s menu include burgers, seafood and salads. Info, 475-2317, basinharbor.com.

7. mount independence state historic site, orwell

8. billings Farm & museum, Woodstock

hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., through October 16 admission: Adults, $10; seniors, $9; students ages 5 to 17, $6; children under 5, free.

shipwreck-tour price: adults, $22 children, $18.

Phone: 475-2022

Website: lcmm.org

Nearby:

• roKeby museum, FerrisburGh: This historic Quaker homestead was inhabited by four generations of the Robinson family. Farmers, artists, authors and abolitionists, they hid fugitive slaves during the 1830s and ‘40s. Info, 877-3406, rokeby.org.

• buTToN bay sTaTe ParK, FerrisburGh: Samuel de Champlain, Ethan Allen, Ben Franklin and Benedict Arnold all trod this 253acre state park, which is located on a bluff overlooking the lake. Walk the

Teach your kids about early American history at one of Vermont’s most important Revolutionary War sites. It’s hard to believe, but according to the official Mount Independence website, the military complex there was one of the largest communities in North America in the summer of 1776. That’s when 12,000 colonial soldiers built a fort to repel an expected British attack. Their preparations paid off — the redcoats retreated when they saw the fortifications at Mount Independence and Fort Ticonderoga. The British eventually captured the site, and later burned it. Today, trails crisscross the historical area and the remains of the fort.

hours: Daily 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., through October 10

admission: Adults, $5; children 14 and under, free Phone: 948-2000

Website: historicvermont.org/ mountindependence

Nearby:

• ForT TicoNderoGa, N.y.: Fort Ti predates the Revolutionary War — the French built it in 1755 to defend against the British. It’s changed hands a few times since, most memorably when Ethan Allen, Benedict Arnold and the Green Mountain Boys captured it in 1775. Info, 518-585-2821, fortticonderoga.org.

• Food: Goodies sNacK bar, WesT addisoN: Locals love the large sundaes. Goodies serves actual food, too. Info, 759-2276.

Kids get more than a view of the barnyard at Billings Farm — they get to feel the sheep’s wool, touch the chicken eggs, pet the horses and enter the stalls. The museum, located in connected barn buildings, is also kid friendly, with no ropes or barriers to keep visitors from the displays on the culture and science of farm life. Also appealing are the wide-open fields, apple orchard and heirloom gardens kids can explore at will. Check out the Children’s Corner of

the museum shop for turn-of-thecentury games like limberjacks and hoops for rolling, as well as other affordable fun — many items are just $1 or $2. Pack a lunch and picnic on the property, or grab an ice cream cone at the dairy bar.

hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., through October 31

admission: Adults ages 16 to 61, $12 ; seniors 62 and over, $11; children ages 5 to 15, $6; children ages 3 to 4, $3

Phone: 457-2355

Website: billingsfarm.org

Nearby:

• marsh-billiNGs-rocKeFeller maNsioN, WoodsTocK: The mansion, grounds and garden of Vermont’s only national historical park are open for tours and viewing. Info, nps.gov, 457-3368, ext. 22.

• Food: WhiTe coTTaGe sNacK bar, WoodsTocK: Get your hamburgers, hot dogs, fried clams and creemees. Info, 457-3455.

9. President calvin coolidge state Historic site, Plymouth Notch

Two U.S. presidents were born in Vermont — Chester A. Arthur and Calvin Coolidge. Arthur’s supposed birthplace in Fairfield is underwhelming, but Coolidge’s is definitely worth a trip. The site consists of his family’s home, a church, a one-room schoolhouse, a general store and the Plymouth Cheese Factory, which is still producing artisanal cheese. Many of the buildings still have their original furnishings. “Silent Cal” was actually sworn in as president at home, shortly after receiving an urgent message from Washington informing him of the death of President Harding. His father, the local notary public, administered the oath on August 3, 1923 — at 2:47 a.m., by the light of a kerosene lamp. Coolidge’s grave is on the site, as well.

Hours: Daily, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., through October 17

Admission: Adults, $7.50; children ages 6 to 14, $2; children under 6, free; family pass, $20

Phone: 672-3773

Website: historicvermont.org/ coolidge

Nearby:

• food: cAmP PlymouTH

sTATe PArK, ludloW: Miners used to dig for gold here, and some people still pan for it in Buffalo Brook. Picnic on Echo Lake, rent a canoe or hike the Vista Trail. There’s a concession stand at the park. Info, 228-2025, vtstateparks.com/htm/ plymouth.htm.

10. Bennington Battle monument, Bennington

Vermont’s tallest freestanding structure is not a skyscraper — it’s a 300-plus-foot-tall stone obelisk that commemorates the 1777 Battle of Bennington. The battle itself took place in New York when the Brits tried to capture weapons and food stashed in Bennington. The American forces, including members of the Green

VERMONT DAY-CATIONS

Mountain Boys, won the day, which contributed to the British surrender. Learn more about the battle at the monument museum, and ride the elevator up to the observation point.

Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through October 31

Admission: Adults, $2; children ages 6 to 13, $1; children ages 5 and under, free Phone: 447-0550

Website: historicvermont.org/ bennington

Nearby:

• THe BeNNiNgToN museum: The permanent collection here includes Revolutionary War military artifacts, as well as the largest public collection of works by folk artist Anna Mary Robertson “Grandma” Moses. Info, 447-1571, benningtonmuseum.org.

• old BeNNiNgToN WAlKiNg Tour: This hilly, 1.5-mile-route starts at the monument and ends at the museum. It passes the Catamount Tavern site, where Ethan Allen reportedly planned the capture of Fort Ticonderoga. The tour also includes the grave of poet Robert Frost. Info, 447-3311, bennington.com/chamber/ walking/oldbennington.htm

• food: Blue BeNN diNer, BeNNiNgToN: This old-fashioned diner is a melting pot of tourists, locals and Bennington College students. Breakfast is served all day, and there are lots of vegetarian options. Info, 442-5140. K

WHY GIVE? Because, when kids go to camp, they have fun!

Street Center Castle Camp

$32 sends a kid to camp for a day.

$162 sends a kid to camp for a week.

Make that difference today.

Parents, as you sign up your kids for fun in the sun this summer, consider making a difference in the life of a community neighbor by sponsoring a child for a week at Castle Camp.

WHEN KIDS GO TO CAMP, parents are better able to manage their responsibilities knowing that their campers are in a safe, nurturing educational environment.

WHEN KIDS GO TO CAMP, they are more likely to start the school year with a caring, responsible attitude.

WHEN KIDS GO TO CAMP, they are more likely to retain academic achievements from the prior grade.

WHEN KIDS GO TO CAMP, they broaden their horizons through adventures in the community.

MAIL DONATIONS TO: P.O. Box 1615 Burlington, VT 05402

Sponsored By

When 50 of Burlington’s kids get to attend Castle Camp for 8 weeks, they are: Playing tennis, gardening, eating nutritious meals, learning, communicating, acting, reading, cooking, adventuring, practicing math, hiking, leading, sailing, singing, trusting, and decorating crowns!

Early Head Start and Head Start are national programs that provide services to families with children ages 0 – 5. Services include: education, health, nutrition, mental health, and social services that help families and children to grow and to do well in school and in life.

Early Head Start and Head Start help parents to take the lead role in their child’s learning and development, to be their child’s first teacher, and to build positive family relationships. CVHS also provides services for children with special needs, including those with severe dis abilities, and helps families to find transportation services.

Early Head Start serves pregnant women and families with children from birth to 3 years of age. Head Start serves families with children 3 to 5 years of age. Services are free for all eligible families, though some childcare fees may apply in childcare centers in which Head Start services are provided.

In Se ASOn

VermonT’s shorT-buT-sWeeT

sTrAWberry seAson gets underway this month. Picking usually begins in early to mid-June, but ripening depends on location and weather. The businesses below offer pick-your-own berries, a great family activity. Call ahead to confirm that berries are ready and for information on cost and hours of operation.

Addison counTy

Douglas Orchards

1050 Route 74 West, Shoreham, 897-5043

The Last Resort

2246 Tyler Bridge Road, Monkton, 453-2847

chiTTenden counTy

Adam’s Berry Farm

The Intervale, Burlington, 578-9093

Andrews Farm

1147 east Main Street, Richmond, 434-2999

Boutin Family Farm

240 Christmas Lane, Williston, 734-8406

Brigante & Son Fruit & Vegetable Farm

971 Malletts Bay Avenue, Colchester, 655-0483

Chamberlin’s Garden & Farm Market

97 River Road, underhill, 899-3569

Charlotte Berry Farm Route 7, Charlotte, 425-3652

Norris Berry Farm

686 Davis Road, Hinesburg, 453-3793

Paul Mazza’s Fruits and Vegetables Stand

135 Poor Farm Road, Colchester, 879-0102

182 River Road, essex, 879-3760

Sam Mazza’s Farm Market, Bakery and Greenhouses

277 Lavigne Road, Colchester, 655-3440

FrAnKlin/GrAnd isle counTies

Nye’s Berryland

1452 Plains Road, Georgia, 524-4705

Pomykala Vegetable Farm

197 east Shore Road north, Grand Isle, 372-5157

River Berry Farm

191 Goose Pond Road, Fairfax, 849-6853

lAmoille counTy

Valley Dream Farm

5901 Pleasant Valley Road, Cambridge, 644-6598

WAshinGTon counTy

Legare Farm Market Route 14, east Calais, 454-7784

Got ideas for other “In Season” topics or listings?

Camp Sangamon and Camp Betsey Cox

Pittsford, Vermont

Brother-Sister Camps in a rustic setting.

Our all-elective program encourages independence, self-confidence and decision making. Cabin life promotes community and team work. 90 campers, ages 9-15, 45 staff. 2, 3, 5 and 8 week sessions

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

Camp Sangamon tel: (888) 345-9193

email: sangamonvt@aol.com

www.campsangamon.com

Camp Betsey Cox

tel: (866) 213-4717

email: info@campbetseycox.com

www.campbetseycox.com

Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com. k4t-ChamplainOBGYN0511.indd

june calendar

Say “Aaargh”

Swashbucklers swing back in time to land on the deck of the Kids PiraTe FesTiVal at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. Museum staffers take the roles of pirates to teach kids maritime skills and help them master pulley systems that might hoist heavy treasure chests up from the deep. Kids partake in dramatic play and learn sea shanties. The Swing Peepers will also perform morning and afternoon sing-along shows on Saturday, and Toss the Feathers take stage on Sunday. All festival activities are included in museum admission; members get in free. Don’t miss the central show each day around noon.

Kids PiraTe FesTiVal: Saturday and Sunday, June 11 and 12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes. $10 adult, $6 student 5 to 17, free for museum members and children under 5. Info, 475-2022. lcmm.org

1 Wednesday

Community

cookie decorating: Youth doll up freshly baked sugar cookies with sprinkles, frosting, sugar and nuts. Panadero Bakery, Burlington, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. All ages. Info, 863-8278.

Kids Town Baby Gear swap drop-off: Bring gently used baby furniture and gear to the swap sale. If items sell, receive 70 percent of the resale price or 100 percent store credit. Acceptable items include baby backpacks, bassinets, bookcases, booster seats, bouncers, non-dropside cribs, changing tables, dressers, gates, gliders, high chairs, pack ’n’ plays and more. Kids Town, South Burlington, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Info, 865-6870.

Education

Kids cooking Up A story: Kids gather to read a story and bring it to life through cooking. Kids Room, LACE, Barre, 10 a.m. for prekindergarten-age children, 5 p.m. for children ages 5-10. $3 suggested donation. Info, 476-4276.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: Play a little pickup with your friends in this drop-in basketball program supporting healthy alternatives for kids. Players must check in, but all are welcome. St. Albans City Hall gymnasium, 2:30-3:45 p.m. Check in at City Hall. Free. Info, 524-1500 ext. 266.

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

Library & Books

moving and Grooving With christine: Move to the rhythms of old rock-and-roll and world-beat music. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Recommended for ages 2-5 years, but all are welcome. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Role-Playing-Game club: Take a break from your regular persona and try out some Dungeons and Dragons, Magic and other role-playing games. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 3-5 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

2 Thursday

Arts

mom’s matinees: Movies just for parents with infants. No pressure to be quiet, baby friendly volumes and dimmed lights. Palace 9 Cinemas, South Burlington, doors open at 10 am. $7; ages 2 and under free. Info, 660-9300.

Community

Kids Town Baby Gear swap drop-off: See June 1.

Education

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

Kids in the Kitchen: old-school Play dough: Using common kitchen ingredients, mix up a colorful batch to mold, cut, sculpt and take home. Healthy snack provided. Healthy Living Natural Foods Market, South Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. All ages. Preregister. $20 child,

admission free for accompanying adult. Info, 863-2569, ext. 1.

Health & Fitness

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

Library & Books

Food for Thought Library Volunteers: The Teen Advisory Group meets for pizza, discussion and library projects. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 4-5 p.m. Grades 7-12. Free. Info, 878-4918.

music With Raphael: Come sing, dance and clap your hands along with Raphael and his guitar. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Limit one session per week per family. Ages birth-5. Free. Info, 878-4918. open computer Time for Teens: Teens play their favorite Flash games on laptops at the library or browse the web. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216. st. Albans Homeschoolers Book Group: Kids learning at home gather at the library to read and discuss a wide variety of genres. St. Albans Free Library, 1 p.m. Ages 8-14. Free. Info, 527-1507.

3 Friday Arts

‘Beauty and the Beast’: Students from the Stowe Dance Academy perform Beauty and the Beast for their annual spring performance. Dibden Center for the Arts, Johnson State College, 6 p.m. $18 adult, $15 children 12 and under. Info, 635-1476.

Burlington discover Jazz Festival: See spotlight, page 36.

celebration of dance 2011: Vermont Ballet Theater School presents a production of ballet, jazz and modern dance by student performers. Memorial Auditorium, Burlington, 7 p.m. $15 adult, $10 senior and child under 12. Info, 878-2941.

comics club: Doodlers, writers and readers alike have fun with the funnies. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 223-3338.

Family clay drop-in: Play with clay! Learn wheel and hand-building techniques while hanging out with the family. Staff will give demos. BCA Clay Studio, BCA Center, Burlington, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Ages infant and up. $6, $5 BCA member. Info, 865-7166.

Friday Night Teen clay drop-in: Teens don old clothes and get creative. Staff demonstrate hand building of projects; wheels are available to make cups, mugs, bowls and more. BCA Clay Studio, Burlington, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Ages 13-18. $6 person, $5 BCA member.

Purple crayon celebrates National Trails day: Join staff in the celebration of National Trails Day. Purple Crayon is an easy trail destination, and children will be rewarded with creative crafts to take home. Purple Crayon Productions, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 457-3500.

names the Montshire as one of the best science

Ongoing Playgroups

MONDAYS

Burlington Early Months Playgroup: A mother-infant group for moms and their first babies during the first few months after birth. Baby massage, lullabies and information sharing. VNA Family Room, St. Joseph’s School, Burlington, 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420.

Colchester Twins Playgroup: Double your fun in a group setting, sharing ideas and encouragement with other parents of multiples.  Colchester Village Meeting House, 9:30-11 a.m. First and third Monday. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Free. Info, 878-1018.

Jericho Playgroup: Crafts, playtime, stories and songs with local information. Jericho Community Center, 9:30-11 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Free. Info, 899-2228.

South Burlington Playgroup: Time for free play, songs, stories and a snack. Leo O’Brien Civic Center, South Burlington, 9:30-11 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Free. Info, 660-8833.

Winooski Fathers and Children

Together: Evening fun and dinner for dads and kids up to first grade. Winooski Community Center, 5-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420.

Winooski Wellness Playgroup: Playtime focusing on healthy eating and active play. O’Brien Community Center, Winooski, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Free. Info, 655-1422.

TUESDAYS

Alburgh Music and Movement: Get moving and grooving with this playgroup session. Alburgh Elementary School gym, 12:15-1 p.m. Every other Tuesday. Ages birth-6. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Alburgh Playgroup: Children and adult caregivers enjoy lively music and movement. Alburgh Elementary School, 12:15-1 p.m. Every other Tuesday. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Burlington Family Play: Big Room: Activities for parents and children ages birth-5. Work on your GED or high school diploma, take ESL classes or parenting workshops. Baby Room: Learn about your child’s development, baby signs and baby massage. Sessions run simultaneously. VNA Family Room, St. Joseph’s School, Burlington, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420.

Burlington Fathers and Children Together: Evening fun for dads and kids up to first grade. St. Joseph’s School, VNA Family Room, Burlington, 5-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420.

Charlotte Gym for Tots: Open gym with tumbling mats, rider toys, HulaHoops, cones and balls of all sizes. No food or black-soled shoes. Multipurpose room gym, Charlotte Central School, 11:25 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-6 with adult. Free. Info, 764-5820.

Fletcher Playgroup: Kids come to play and interact with games, toys, arts and crafts, snacks, and resources.

Elementary school gym, Fletcher, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 849-9368 or 782-3370.

Georgia Playgroup: Time to kid around in a constructive, fun fashion. Georgia Youth Center, 9:30-11 a.m. Second and fourth Thursday. Ages birth-6 with caregiver. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Hardwick Playgroup: Children get out and play while community parents meet each other. Village Center Hardwick Elementary School, 8:15-10:15 a.m. Free. Info, 652-5138.

Johnson Baby Chat: Playgroup for the youngest members of the community and their caregivers. Socialize while learning about development expectations. Church of the Nazarene, Johnson, 10-11:30 a.m. Fourth Tuesday. Free. Info, 888-3470.

Milton Parent/Child Playgroup: New moms, dads and babies gather to enjoy music, reading, sensory play, and gross and fine motor development. New Life Fellowship Church, Milton, 9:30-11 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5. Free. Info, 893-1457.

South Burlington Playgroup: See Mondays.

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

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

Swanton Playgroup: Ages birth-6 welcome for age-appropriate crafts, play and snacks. Babcock School, Swanton, 9:30-11 a.m. Follows school calendar. Free. Info, 868-7087.

Williston Tiny Tumblers Playgroup: Young bundles of energy play in an environment encouraging both fine and gross motor skills. Green Mountain Gymnastics, Williston, 9:30-11:00 a.m. Ages 6 months-6. $10 child, $15 family. Info, 652-2454.

WEDNESDAYS

Bolton Playgroup: Crafts, playtime, stories, songs, local information and connecting with others. Smilie Memorial School, Bolton, 8:15-10:15 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Free. Info, boltonplay group@gmavt.net.

Colchester Playgroup: Free play and socialization for kids and caregivers. Colchester Village Meeting House, 9:30-11 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Free. Info, 879-0900.

Enosburg Playgroup: Come to enjoy circle time, free play and a craft. Please bring a snack for your child. American Legion, Enosburg, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 933-6435.

Essex Summit Street Playgroup: Stories, songs and simple crafts. Preschool room, Summit Street School,

Note: Most playgroups follow the school calendar and will end or change in the summer. Contact the playgroup coordinator for more information.

support and friendship in the transition between pregnancy and motherhood. Evolution Physical Therapy & Yoga, Burlington, 2-4 p.m. Second and fourth Thursday. Free. Info, 864-9642.

Burlington Family Play: See Tuesdays.

Essex, 9-11 a.m.

Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Preregister. Free. Info, 872-9580.

Essex Welcome Baby Playgroup: Connect with other parents and babies. Essex Junction Teen Center, Municipal Building, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 846-7621.

Fairfax Global Village: Parents and children explore the languages of di erent cultures. Free play, games, stories and conversation. Health room, BFA Fairfax, 10-11 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-6. Free. Info, 527-1941.

Hinesburg Playgroup: Toy-filled environment for tots including craft table, circle time and snack. Hinesburg Town Hall, 10-11:30 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with adult. Free. Info, 482-6401.

Hinesburg Playgroup for Dads: Evening fun for dads and kids up to first grade. Enjoy food, activities and discussion with other adults. Annette’s Preschool, Hinesburg, 5-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420.

Richmond Playgroup: Crafts, playtime, stories, songs, local information and connecting with others. Richmond Free Library, 8:45-10:15 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Free. Info, playgrouprichmond@yahoo.com.

South Burlington Playgroup: See Mondays.

Westford Playgroup: Stories, songs and play. Westford Library, 10 a.m.noon. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Free. Info, 238-5127.

Williston Baby Time Playgroup: Baby play and parent time, too. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m.-noon. For infants and toddlers. Info, 878-4918.

Williston Tiny Tumblers Playgroup: See Tuesdays.

THURSDAYS

Alburgh Family Center Playgroup: Opportunity to play and chat. Alburgh Family Center, 9:30-11 a.m. Follows school calendar. Free. Info, 796-3013.

Burlington EvoMamas Playgroup: EvoMamas fosters community,

Schedule varies, call to confirm. Ages birth-5. Free. Info, 872-9580.

Fairfax Community Playgroup: Children enjoy free play, a craft, circle time and a provided snack. Health room, BFA Fairfax, 9-10:30 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-6. Free. Info, 527-1941.

Fairfield Playgroup and Story Time: Meet new friends at the library. Play games, do crafts and listen to stories. Bent Northrop Memorial Library, Fairfield, 9:45 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-6. Free. Info, 827-3945.

Essex Playgroup: Free play, stories and circle time. Maple Street Parks & Recreation, Essex, 9-11 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5. Free. Info, 872-9580.

Huntington Playgroup: Playtime and connecting with others. Brewster-Pierce Memorial School, Huntington, 3-5 p.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Free. Info, 434-3269.

Milton Parent/Child Playgroup: See Tuesdays.

Montgomery Infant Playgroup: Play time for the little ones while parents meet and talk. Montgomery Town Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Ages birth-2 and adult caregivers. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Morrisville Baby Chat: Playgroup for the youngest members of the community and their caregivers. Socialize while learning about development expectations. Local specialist in child health available. Congregational Church, Morrisville, 10-11:30 a.m.

First Thursday. Free. Info, 888-3470.

Richmond Welcome Baby Group: Welcome the newest community members with play and socialization. Richmond Free Library, 10 a.m. Second Thursday. Free. Info, 899-4415.

South Burlington Playgroup: See Mondays.

St. Albans MOPS: Crafts and group play for kids while moms enjoy a speaker. Church of the Rock, St. Albans, 6:30 p.m. First and third Thursday. Free. Ages birth-6. Info, 524-7047.

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

FRIDAYS

Burlington Crawlers, Waddlers and Toddlers: Learn about development stages, share with other parents, play, move and have fun. VNA Family Room, St. Joseph’s School, Burlington, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 999-5100.

Colchester Playgroup: See Wednesdays.

Essex Town Hall Playgroup: Community playgroup and circulating toy library. Essex Town Hall, 9-11:30 a.m.

Montgomery Tumble Time: Allow little ones to expend some of their abundant energy. Lots of toys and space to run in the gym, play mat for babies. Montgomery Elementary School, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Shelburne Playgroup: Bring a toy to share and a snack for your child. No beef, tree nuts or peanuts. Trinity Episcopal Church, Shelburne, 9:30-11 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Free. Info, 985-2382.

St. Albans MOPS: See Thursdays, 8:45-11 a.m. First and third Friday. Swanton Community Playgroup: Crafty kids will enjoy constructive fun as well as free play, stories and snacks. Holy Trinity Church, Swanton, 10-11:30 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-6. Free. Info, 868-7087.

Underhill Playgroup: Meet for crafts, playtime, stories, songs and local information, and to connect with other area families and caregivers. Underhill Central School, 9:30-11 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-5 with caregiver. Free. Info, 899-4415. Williston Tiny Tumblers Playgroup: See Tuesdays.

Wolcott Playgroup: Young kids get to play out some of their energy in a constructive environment. Depot Center Preschool, Wolcott, 9-10:30 a.m. Follows school calendar. Info, 888-1771.

SATURDAYS

Franklin Playgroup: Playgroup begins with a story followed by a snack and projects. Franklin Central School, 10-11 a.m. Second Saturday. Ages birth-6. Free. Info, 285-6678. Morrisville Baby Chat: See Thursdays, Lamoille Family Center, Morrisville. Second Saturday. North Hero Tumble Time: Children and adult caregivers enjoy stations and free play around the gym with a snack provided. North Hero Elementary School, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

South Burlington Tots and Tykes Open Gym: Open, unstructured play time for South Burlington families. Chamberlin Gym, South Burlington, 9:30-11 a.m. Ages 1-5 and caregivers. Free. Info, 846-4108.

Williston Tiny Tumblers Playgroup: See Tuesdays, 12:30-2 p.m. Every other Saturday.

Community

Kids Town Baby Gear swap drop-off: See June 1.

Richmond Farmers market: June marks the start of the farmers market season with local growers displaying their wares. Face painting, storytellers and live performances add to the family fun throughout the month. The second market each month features a youth booth where young entrepreneurs can sell items they have made baked or grown. Volunteers Green, Richmond, 3-6:30 p.m. Info, 434-5273.

Education

Rockinghorse Learning circle: A support group for women focused on how substances impact children and families. Learn how to nurture yourself and your family, improve family communication, enhance parenting skills, make healthy friendships and relationships,

Short Stacks

JUne Calendar

and develop healthy habits and self-confidence. Childcare provided. Morrisville Congregational Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Preregister. Free. Info, 888-2581.

Health & Fitness

Family Gym at the Burlington YmcA: Put a little play in your day with indoor gym time. YMCA, Burlington, 10:15-11:30 a.m. Ages 7 and younger and their parents. Free for Y Family Members, $5 per visit for families with one child, $8 per visit for families with multiple children. Info, 862-9622.

Family Gym at the Winooski YmcA: Put a little play in your day with indoor gym time. YMCA, Winooski, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Ages 7 and younger and their parents. Free for Y Family Members, $5 per visit for families with one child, $8 per visit for families with multiple children. Info, 862-9622.

Kohl’s Keeps Kids Safe

Date: Saturday, June 25, 2011

Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (rain or shine)

Location: University Mall, outside Hannaford’s - South Burlington

Grammy-winner

Buckwheat Zydeco

Irresistible music of Louisiana’s creole community

Kids get cooking in a hands-on flapjack-making class at Healthy living natural Foods Market. the hourlong session teaches skills such as mixing, measuring and flipping, followed by serving up flapjacks and enjoying the taste. the class is part of the popular Kids in The KiTchen series, directed by chef-instructor nina lesser-Goldsmith, whose family owns the store. lesser-Goldsmith trained at the French Culinary institute in new York City and worked as a personal chef in Manhattan, where she saw how disconnected her clients were from their food and kitchens. She came back to work at her family’s business, bringing her passion to the people via the learning Center at Healthy living. While it might seem tricky to design and direct classes for youngsters, lesser-Goldsmith says the kids often surprise her, as in a recent class on pot stickers. “i was blown away by how able they were to create beautiful food,” she says. “i’m always surprised by what they’re capable of. they inspire me.” the early-afternoon classes focus on baking or cooking and often feature seasonal, local foods. even picky eaters are intrigued by the hands-on approach, and with lesser-Goldsmith’s gentle encouragement, they always try a taste of their own creations.

Kids in The KiTchen: Wednesday, June 8, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Healthy Living Natural Foods Market, South Burlington. Other Kids in the Kitchen events take place throughout the month. Preregister. $20 per child accompanied by an adult. Adult admission free. Info, 863-2569, ext. 1. healthylivingmarket.com

“A propulsive, rollicking swamp-boogie joy ride.” people

3 FRidAY (ContinUed)

3 FRidAY, p. 30

Presented in conjunction with the Town of Hanover’s 250th Anniversary Commemoration. www.hanovernh.org

Generously supported by the Dartmouth College Office of the President and Office of the Provost.

Friday Night Kids Club: Enjoy an evening out while your kids climb the walls and play on the ropes course with sta . Petra Cli s Climbing Center, Burlington, 6-9 p.m. Preregister. $25 with all equipment included. Info, 657-3872.

Kids Open Gymnastics: See June 1. Special Olympics Summer Games: Athletes from around Vermont compete in aquatics, athletics, bocce and softball. Participants in the three-day Law Enforcement Torch Run carry the Olympic flame across the state to kick o the weekend of sporting events. University of Vermont, Burlington, all day. Free. Info, 863-5222.

Library & B ks

After School Book Discussion: Middle schoolers get to drive the discussion on comics, graphic novels, books, short stories and movies with Will Sedlack of the Fletcher Free Library. Lyman C. Hunt Middle School, Burlington, 3-4 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

High School Book Group: Join other high schoolers to discuss plays, graphic novels, novels and short stories. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 4:30-5:15 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Nature & Science

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

4 SATURDAY Arts

Auditions for ‘The Merchant of Venice’: Auditions for the Summer Shakespeare production of The Merchant of Venice. Show dates are July 28-30 and August 4-6 for these traveling troupe performances. Dana Recreation Center, Rutland, noon-3 p.m. For kids in grades 7 through 12. Participation fees: $48 person, $83 family.

‘Beauty and the Beast’: See June 3. Burlington Discover Jazz Festival: See spotlight, page 36.

Celebration of Dance 2011: See June 3, 1 and 7 p.m.

Saturday Drama Club: Come put on a show in three hours. 333, Very Merry Theater, Burlington, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Ages 6-12. $15 or whatever you can a ord. Info, 863-6607.

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

Co unity

Kids Town Baby Gear Swap Sale: Swap sale of gently used baby furniture and other gear. Kids Town, South Burlington, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Info, 865-6870.

Militia Encampment Reenactment: A reenactment of the encampment of Colonial militia who were training to reinforce the American forces in Canada in 1776. Attendees will view periodic “training” of the militia as well as presentations about militia lifestyle and tactical training.

Ethan Allen Homestead Museum, Burlington, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $5 adult, $3 child 6-12, free for kids under 6. Info, 865-4556.

Royal Tea Party: Dress up your day for a royally good time. Come in costume, make a crown and wand, decorate cookies, and share a cup of tea.

Lamoille Family Center, Morrisville, 10 a.m.-noon. Ages 3-10. Preregister. Free. Info, 888-5229.

A Berry Good Time

Something about strawberries simply says “summer.” For a taste of the season, head to Sam Mazza’s Farm Market in Colchester for the annual STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL and savor a long list of berry-inspired treats, including shortcake, milkshakes, fudge, jam, doughnuts and chocolate-dipped strawberries. The Mazzas make fresh, baking-powder biscuits for the event; farmgrown berries top them off. In addition to the food goodies, WVMT radio personality Charlie Papillo plays MC for the day, entertaining kids under the pavilion. They’ll also enjoy face painting, pony rides, draft-horse-drawn wagon rides and a bounce castle. Admission to the property is free, but food items and some activities have a fee. Don’t forget to pick your own strawberries while you’re there!

Fairs & Festivals

Children’s Fun Fair: Families can enjoy games and activities as well as a barbecue and silent auction featuring items such as spa services, Great Escape tickets, tools, restaurant gift cards, artwork and more. Trinity Baptist School, Williston, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Rain or shine. Free. Info, 922-4138.

Health & Fitne

Special Olympics Summer Games: See June 3.

Library & B ks

Read to a Dog: Read to an adorable pooch from Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10-11 a.m. Ages 5 and up. Info, 865-7216.

Nature & Science

Color Mixing: Mix it up by experimenting with primary colors to see what new hues can be created. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. For preschool-age children and their families. Free with admission. Info, 649-2200. Fish Ladder Open House and Tour: Exhibits and hands-on activities focus on the insects of the Connecticut River watershed, their place in the food chain and their importance to the fish. Fish Ladder and Watershed Visitor Center, Bellows Falls, 1-2 p.m. All ages. Free. Info, 843-2111.

Fossils: Explore fossils from the museum’s collection and use clues to uncover their origins. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. For preschool-age children and their families. Free with admission. Info, 649-2200.

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

5 SUNDAY Arts

Auditions for ‘The Merchant of Venice’: See June 4.

‘Beauty and the Beast’: See June 3, 1 p.m. Burlington Discover Jazz Festival: See spotlight, page 36.

Co unity

Ice Cream Sundays: In celebration of dairy month, lend a hand making, then tasting, ice cream — a di erent flavor each week. Learn the history of and scientific facts about this tasty treat. Billings Farm and Museum, Woodstock. Free with admission. Info, 457-2355.

Kids Town Baby Gear Swap Sale: See June 4, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Militia Encampment Reenactment: See June 4.

Health & Fitne

Family Gym at the Burlington YMCA: See June 3, 10:15 a.m.-noon.

Special Olympics Summer Games: See June 3, through 2:30 p.m.

Library & B ks

Read to a Dog: See June 4, 1-2 p.m.

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL: Saturday, June 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sam Mazza’s Farm Market, Colchester. Info, 655-3440. sammazzafarms.com

COURTESY OF SAM MAZZA’S FARM MARKET

Ongoing Story Times

Essex Junction Toddler Story

WEDNESDAYS

craft. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages 3 and up. Free. Info, 388-4097.

MONDAYS

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

Burlington Stories With Megan: Enjoy a fun-filled preschool story time with rhymes, songs and books. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. First and fourth Monday. Ages 2-5. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Milton Infant Story Time: Little ones enjoy lap time, songs and stories. Milton Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Ages birth-18 months. Free. Info, 893-4644.

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

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

Stowe Monday Morning Story Time: Little lit lovers share stories and songs. Stowe Community Room, Stowe Free Library, 1010:30 a.m. Free. Info, 253-6145.

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

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

TUESDAYS

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

Barre Kids Story Hour: Literature hounds show up for tall tales. East Barre Branch Library, Barre, kids under 3 meet at 10 a.m., ages 3-5 meet at 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 476-5118.

East Middlebury Preschool Story

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

Essex Junction Preschool Story

Time: Tots enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and fun activities. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:45 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages 3-5. Preregister. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Time: Simple stories, songs and finger plays. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9:10-9:30 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages 18-36 months with an adult. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Fairfax Preschool Story Time: Children hear stories, sing songs, and create a craft or do an experiment. Fairfax Community Library, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-6 with caregiver. Free. Info, 527-1941.

Grand Isle PJ Story Time: Curl up in your PJs with a good book. Grand Isle Free Library, 6:30-7:30 p.m. First Tuesday. Ages birth-6. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Highgate Toddler and Preschool Story Time: Listen to stories and songs, shake out your sillies, and make a craft. Highgate Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages birth-preschool. Free. Info, 868-3970.

Hinesburg Preschool Story Hour: Drop by for stories, songs and games. Carpenter Carse Library, Hinesburg, 11 a.m. Ages 3-5 with caregiver. Free. Info, 482-2878.

Hinesburg Toddler Story Time: Songs, stories and finger plays. Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 9:30-10 a.m. First and third Tuesday. Ages birth-3. Free. Info, 482-2878.

Lyndonville Baby/Toddler Story

Time: Connect with library friends and enjoy stories, songs, storyboards and finger plays. Cobleigh Public Library, Lyndonville, 10 a.m. Ages birth-3 and caregivers. Free. Info, 626-5475.

Montpelier Story Time: Great books, singing, crafts and fun. Kellogg Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 10:30 a.m. Follows school calendar. Preschool ages. Free. Info, 223-4665.

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

Shelburne Story Time With

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

South Burlington Tiny Tots Story

Time: Enjoy stories, songs and interactive play stations that foster socialization skills and a love of reading. South Burlington Community Library, 10:30 a.m. Ages 1-3. Free. Preregister. Info, 652-7080.

Williston Story Time at Buttered Noodles: See Mondays.

Williston Summer Story Hour: Stories and a craft entertain young readers. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 11 a.m. All ages. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Essex Junction Preschool Story

Time: See Tuesdays.

Highgate Toddler and Preschool Story Time: See Tuesdays.

Lyndonville Preschool Story

Time: Enjoy stories, the letter of the day, a focus on one of the six early literacy skills each week, songs, crafts and friends. Cobleigh Public Library, Lyndonville, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3-5 and families. Free. Info, 626-5475.

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

Middlebury Toddler Story Hour: Stories, songs, rhymes and crafts. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages 1-3. Free. Info, 388-4097.

Montpelier Story Time: See Tuesdays.

Richford PJ Story Time: Get ready for bed and books: Dress up for a story in your bedtime best. Arvin A. Brown Library, Richford, 5:306:30 p.m. Ages birth-6 and adult caregivers. Free. Info, fgibbfdirectservice@gmail.com.

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

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

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

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

THURSDAYS

Barre Kids Story Hour: Snacks and activities follow an hour of tales. LACE, Barre, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 476-4276.

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

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

Middlebury Preschool Story Hour: Stories, songs, rhymes and a

Shelburne Story Time With Mary Catherine Jones: The musician and storyteller brings stories, songs and rhymes to the Pierson Library, Shelburne, 10:30 a.m. All ages welcome. Free. Info, 985-5124.

South Burlington Baby Story Time: Infants are introduced to the wonders of language with nursery rhymes, songs, finger plays and board books. South Burlington Community Library, 10:30 a.m. For children who are not yet walking. Preregister. Free. Info, 652-7080. St. Albans Story Time: See Mondays.

Vergennes Story Time: Themed stories with American Sign Language and an activity. Bixby Library, Vergennes, 10:30 a.m. Preschool ages. Free. Info, 877-2211.

Williston Story Time at Buttered Noodles: See Mondays.

FRIDAYS

Lincoln Children’s Story Time: Songs, crafts and other activities for children. Lincoln Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Ages birth-5. Free. Info, 453-2665.

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

Montpelier Story Time: See Tuesdays.

Moretown Story Time: Stories, songs, crafts and fun! Moretown Memorial Library, 11:15-11:45 a.m. Follows school calendar. Ages 3-5. Preregister. Free. Info, 223-2415.

South Burlington Preschool Story Hour: Stories and activities focus on developing early literacy skills and preparing preschoolers to read. South Burlington Community Library, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3-5. Preregister. Free. Info, 652-7080.

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

Williston Story Time at Buttered Noodles: See Mondays.

SATURDAYS

Burlington Story Time for Kids: Weekly time to listen to favorite and new stories. Borders Books & Music, Burlington, 11 a.m. All ages. Free. Info, 865-2711.

Colchester Saturday Stories: Children of all ages enjoy great picture books. Burnham Library, Colchester, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-0313.

Shelburne Teddy Bear Story

Time: See Wednesdays.

South Burlington Saturday Story

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

Quilt Exhibits

Fri-Sat: 9am-6pm, Sun: 9am-3pm

Youth Class

Youth Quilts

Classes ◆ Lectures

Merchants Mall ◆ Appraisals

Champagne & Chocolate Preview

June 23: 7:30pm, tickets $12

k8v-VTQuiltfest0611.indd 1 5/17/11 10:53 AM

• Safe, loving, and professional in-home caregivers

• Professional screening and strict recruitment process

• Full-time, part-time, temp, event, and sitter services

School’s

We are here to help!

www.babiestoboomersvt.com

Nature & Science

Gearing Up: Build machines with gears and find out how different types of gears change how something moves during this lab-coat investigation. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Ages 9 and up. Free with admission. Info, 649-2200.

Leafcutter Ants: The leafcutter ant colony is a community of insect fungus farmers that grows its own food. Help provide the colony with its morning supply of leaves and get a close look at the insects. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. For preschool-age children and their families. Free with admission. Info, 649-2200.

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

6 Monday Arts

Burlington discover Jazz Festival: See spotlight, page 36.

draw comics: Draw on the expertise of a local comic artist and learn to artfully illustrate your storylines. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Community

militia Encampment Reenactment: See June 4.

Library & Books

music With Raphael: See June 2, 10:45 a.m.

7 Tuesday

Arts

Burlington discover Jazz Festival: See spotlight, page 36.

craftacular Tuesdays: Creative kids get caught up in low-tech projects. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 223-4665.

creative Tuesdays: Artists engage their imaginations with recycled crafts. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 3-5 p.m. Kids under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Free. Info, 863-3403.

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

Community

militia Encampment Reenactment: See June 4.

Health & Fitness

stroller strolling: Rendezvous with the stroller crowd in town and take a walk down the recreation path. Fairfax Community Park parking lot, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-1941.

Library & Books

open computer Time for Teens: See June 2.

Nature & Science

science and stories: Turtle Talk: Visit with turtle ambassadors, explore the lives of these

Ongoing Exhibits

ARTisTREE GALLERY

interactive Toy Exhibit: Builders of all ages, can view a unique display of Learning Materials Workshop block sculptures and play, learn and create their own building designs. ArtisTree Gallery, Woodstock, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. All ages. Free. Info, 457-3500.

EcHo LAKE AqUARiUm ANd sciENcE cENTER

Glow: Living Lights: Explore bioluminescence with this exhibit that features light-up creatures including fireflies, glow worms and angler fish. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $12.50 adult, $10.50 senior and student, $9.50 child age 3-17, free for toddlers and members. Info, 877-324-6386.

moNTsHiRE mUsEUm oF sciENcE

Robot Zoo: A nationally touring exhibit that allows visitors to interact with complex mechanical animals. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich. Through September 11. Open daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $12 adult, $10 child, free for children under 2. Info, 649-3673.

sHELBURNE mUsEUm

New exhibits at the museum run through October. Open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Mid-Junemid-August, Thursday hours are 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Info, 985-3346.

A Passion for quilts: Joan Lintault collects: Quilts collected and made by one of the pioneering art quilt makers. Featuring contemporary quilts by Joan Lintault along with 26 newly acquired quilts.

Lock, stock and Barrel: The Terry Tyler collection of Vermont Firearms: A rare collection of 106 Vermont firearms recently acquired by Shelburne Museum, made from 1790 through 1900.

Paperwork in 3d:  Ingenious work by 23 contemporary artists who transform flat sheets of paper into amazing three-dimensional art. Pictured at right: “Granny Takes a Trip” by Lauren Clay.

Walking Tour: Full steam Ahead: Discover the restored 1906 steamboat Ticonderoga as it existed in 1923. Daily at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

VERmoNT iNsTiTUTE oF NATURAL sciENcE

Visitor events held in the classroom, Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Quechee, daily through June 16 at 2 p.m. All ages. $10.50 adult, $8.50 youth, free for members and children under 3. Info, 359-5000.

Raptors Up close: Explore the fascinating lives of birds in an intimate encounter. Look deeply into subjects ranging from how VINS rehabilitates birds and the fundamentals of how VINS trains raptors to the specialties of raptor groups like falcons and owls.

Talk to the Trainer: Uncover the mysteries of training animals and investigate how trainers work with the animals’ natural behaviors.

shell-bound creatures and go on a turtle scavenger hunt. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 11 a.m. All ages. Free with admission. Info, 877-324-6386.

8 Wednesday Arts

Burlington discover Jazz Festival: See spotlight, page 36.

Community

cookie decorating: See June 1.

militia Encampment Reenactment: See June 4.

Education

Burlington La Leche League: Open to all women, bring your questions, babies, older kids! La Leche League lending library available. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 985-8228.

Kids cooking Up A story: See June 1.

Kids in the Kitchen: short stacks: See spotlight, page 29.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See June 1.

Kids open Gymnastics: See June 1.

Library & Books

moving and Grooving With christine: See June 1.

Role-Playing-Game club: See June 1.

9 Thursday

Arts

Burlington discover Jazz Festival: See spotlight, page 36.

mom’s matinees: See June 2.

Library & Books

Lego club: Join us for creative building time with other kids. Lots of Legos provided. St. Albans Free Library, 3-5 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507. music With Raphael: See June 2. open computer Time for Teens: See June 2.

10 Friday Arts

Burlington discover Jazz Festival: See spotlight, page 36.

comics club: See June 3.

Family clay drop-in: See June 3.

Friday Night Teen clay drop-in: See June 3.

Community

Richmond Farmers market: See June 3.

Education

Rockinghorse Learning circle: See June 3.

Health & Fitness

Family Gym at the Burlington YmcA: See June 3.

Family Gym at the Winooski YmcA: See June 3.

Friday Night Kids club: See June 3.

Kids open Gymnastics: See June 1.

Library & Books

After school Book discussion: See June 3.

High school Book Group: See June 3.

Nature & Science

science and stories: Turtle Talk: See June 7.

11 saTurday

Arts

Burlington discover Jazz Festival: See spotlight, page 36.

saturday drama club: See June 4.

saturday Kids drop-in Art: See June 4.

‘sleeping Beauty’ Ballet: Performed by Northern Vermont Ballet Company and the Ballet School of Vermont. Refreshments benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand; all proceeds to to fight neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer. Dibden Center for the Performing Arts, Johnson State College, 7 p.m. Advance tickets: $15 adult, $10 child. At the door: $18 adult, $13 child. Info, 393-8655.

Community

montpelier Touch a Truck day: Big wheels mean big fun. Kids can climb on, sit in and explore big vehicles including fire trucks, ambulances, backhoes and snowplows during this special event. Entry comes with a free day pass to the Montpelier Recreation Department pool. Montpelier High School, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. All ages. $5 family, $3 adult, $2 child. Info, 225-8699.

Vermont days: See spotlight, page 34.

Fairs & Festivals

Kids Pirate Festival: See spotlight, page 26.

Library & Books

Read to a dog: See June 4.

Nature & Science

chromatography Flowers: Play tricks on your brain and eyes while discovering that things are not always what they appear to be. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. For preschool-age children and their families. Free with admission. Info, 649-2200.

Turtle discovery: Learn about local turtles by observing their behaviors in the aquarium. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. For preschool-age children and their families. Free with admission. Info, 649-2200.

12 Sunday

Arts

Burlington discover Jazz Festival: See spotlight, page 36.

‘sleeping Beauty’ Ballet: See June 11, 3 p.m.

Community

ice cream sundays: See June 5. mad Hatter’s Tea & Bubbly: Whether you are 6 months or 96 years old, you’ll find something delightful at this tea party. Enjoy the gardens of Mary Jo and Randy Miller; nibble on scones, fresh berries and pastries; and sip Champagne, and teas from around the world. Merriment includes treasure hunts, field games and croquet. Don your best chapeau or create one at the party; prizes for the most original. 1201 Spear Street, South Burlington, 3-6 p.m. $35 adult, $15 child. Info, 861-2580.

Vermont days: See spotlight, page 34.

Fairs & Festivals

Kids Pirate Festival: See spotlight, page 26.

Health & Fitness

Family Gym at the Burlington YmcA: See June 3, 10:15 a.m.-noon.

Library & Books

Read to a dog: See June 4, 1-2 p.m.

Nature & Science

Build a Glider: Build a flying glider and experiment with design changes to see if its flight can be improved. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. For preschool-age children and their families. Free with admission. Info, 649-2200.

Learning Balance: Explore the ups and downs of balance and make a balance toy to bring home. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. For preschool-age children and their families. Free with admission. Info, 649-2200. sundays for Fledglings: See June 5.

13 Monday

Arts

draw comics: See June 6.

Library & Books

music With Raphael: See June 2, 10:45 a.m.

14 TueSday

Arts

craftacular Tuesdays: See June 7. creative Tuesdays: See June 7. open studio: See June 7.

Education

Brattleboro La Leche League Newborn Group: Open group for breast-feeding mothers and mothers-to-be interested in breast-feeding. Kids PLAYce, Brattleboro, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 257-5648 or 254-5264.

Kids in the Kitchen: strawberry shortcake: Celebrate strawberry season with a classic dish. Kids get to mix, measure and prepare their own batch of biscuits, slice berries for the topping, and whip up homemade ice cream. Kid-version knife skills taught during class. Healthy Living Natural Foods Market, South Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. All ages. Preregister. $20 child;

admission for accompanying adult is free. Info, 863-2569, ext. 1.

Health & Fitness

stroller strolling: See June 7.

Library & Books

open computer Time for Teens: See June 2.

Nature & Science

Homeschool Get the Bugs out discovery day: Examine insects, their adaptations, and their effects on people and forests through exploration of the forest. Dress for outdoor walking with waterproof shoes. The Nature Museum, Grafton 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Preregister. $20 nonmember family, $5 nonmember individual. Info, 843-2111.

science and stories: Beach Treasures: Hit the beach and search for sandy treasure, digging up some fun and making handmade loot to bring home. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 11 a.m. All ages. Free with admission. Info, 877-324-6286.

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

15 WedneSdSay

Community cookie decorating: See June 1.

Education

Kids cooking Up A story: See June 1.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See June 1. Kids open Gymnastics: See June 1.

Library & Books

moving and Grooving With christine: See June 1.

Role-Playing-Game club: See June 1.

Nature & Science

Bird Banding: science in Action: Join Audubon staff in learning about the bird-banding process from mist nets to data sheets. Bring a camera and mud boots and view wild birds up close. Program is weather dependent; rain date July 22. Sugarhouse parking area, Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 7-9 a.m. All ages welcome with adult companion. Preregister. Donations appreciated. Info, 434-3068.

16 ThurSday

Arts

mom’s matinees: See June 2.

Education

Financial Literacy summit: Attend this daylong event to join the conversation about efforts to bring credit, financial planning, investment and savings curricula into the classrooms at all levels of education. Speakers include Gov. Peter Shumlin and experts in business, policy, education and legislation. IDX Student Life Center, Champlain College, Burlington, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Free. Info, 865-6432.

Library & B ks

Music With Raphael: See June 2.

Open Computer Time for Teens: See June 2.

Nature & Science

Mighty Acorns Preschool Explorers Club: Explore the outdoors, visit di erent habitats and enjoy museum resources through exhibits, puppet shows and dramatic plays. Monthly program focuses on beavers in June. The Nature Museum, Grafton, 10-11:20 a.m. Ages 3-5. Preregister. $7 nonmember. Info, 843-2111.

17 FRIDAY

Arts

Comics Club: See June 3.

Family Clay Drop-In: See June 3.

Friday Night Teen Clay Drop-In: See June 3.

Co unity

Richmond Farmers Market: See June 3.

Education

Rockinghorse Learning Circle: See June 3.

Health & Fitne

Family Gym at the Burlington YMCA: See June 3.

Family Gym at the Winooski YMCA: See June 3.

Friday Night Kids Club: See June 3.

Kids Open Gymnastics: See June 1.

Library & B ks

High School Book Group: See June 3.

Nature & Science

Science and Stories: Beach Treasures: See June 14.

18 SATURDAY

Arts

Bristol Music Festival and Street Fair: Downtown Bristol struts its stu with a daylong festival including fun and activities for children. Main Street is closed to tra c, and local bands perform throughout the day alongside live blacksmithing demonstrations, history booths, antiques, crafts, and brews from the Bobcat Café and Brewery. Downtown Bristol, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, 453-7378.

Major Mess: Glam up a good time with glitter and paints. Come make your own play dough, too. Purple Crayon Productions, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-noon. All ages, children 5 and under must be accompanied by an adult. $10 drop-in per hour. Info, 457-3500.

Make Music!: Robert and Megan lead children in songs that will get toes tapping and fingers snapping. Folsom Educational Center, South Hero, 10-11 a.m. Ages birth-6 and caregivers. Free. Info, fgibbfgrandisle@gmail.com.

Saturday Drama Club: See June 4.

Saturday Kids Drop-In Art: See June 4.

Education

Babysitting Course: This o ering from the American Red Cross delivers knowledge on caring for infants and school-age children. Videos, hands-on skills and discussion are combined for a complete learning experience. Highgate Public

Free Time!

While there’s no such thing as a free lunch, there are lots of free finds during VERMONT DAYS at the state’s parks, waterways and historic sites. Vermont residents and nonresidents can have a reel-y good time without paying for a fishing license on June 11. On both June 11 and 12, state parks and historic sites throw open their gates and doors, offering free day use. Ever been to the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site in Plymouth? How about Molly Stark State Park in Wilmington? This might be a good time for a trip. Or, if you’re looking for indoor adventure, try the Vermont History Museum in Montpelier. Admission there is also free. They’re good days to be a Vermonter.

VERMONT DAYS: Saturday and Sunday, June 11 and 12. Various locations including all Vermont state parks, state-owned historic sites and the Vermont History Museum. vermontdays.com

with awards at 2:15 p.m. All ages. Free. Info, 879-3466.

Microscopic Investigations: Use microscopes to magnify items and discover that there is more to see than meets the naked eye. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. For preschool-age children and their families. Free with admission. Info, 649-2200.

19 SUNDAY

Arts

LCI Father’s Day Fishing Derby: See June 18.

Co unity

Free Tour & Cone For Dad: Treat your dad to a free ice cream treat: Fathers get a free tour and cone on Father’s Day. Ben & Jerry’s Factory, Waterbury, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Info, 846-1543. Ice Cream Sundays: See June 5.

Health & Fitne

Family Gym at the Burlington YMCA: See June 3, 10:15 a.m.-noon.

Library & B ks

Read to a Dog: See June 4, 1-2 p.m.

Nature & Science

Mirrors: Use mirrors to investigate symmetry and turn simple shapes into complex and interesting patterns. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. For preschool-age children and their families. Free with admission. Info, 649-2200.

Optical Tops: Experience how rotational motion can create unusual optical illusions. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. For preschool-age children and their families. Free with admission. Info, 649-2200.

Sundays for Fledglings: See June 5.

20 MONDAY

Co unity

Highgate Backpack Theater Show: Backpack Theater brings its stories and puppet shows to Highgate in an hourlong performance for kids of all ages. Highgate Elementary School, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.

Education

Library, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Ages 11-15. Preregister. $35. Info, 868-3970.

Woodstock Digital Media Festival: With events in several locations around Woodstock, this festival showcases digital media activities to foster interaction between creators and the public. Events include small-group discussions, explorations, a free exhibition of digital media art and an evening reception. Participatory events are appropriate for families with children 10 and older. They include learning to create a digital map of Woodstock’s historic town center, a digital nature walk and a hike that uses a mobile phone app to navigate around Woodstock. Various locations, Woodstock, 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Preregister. Free for some events, $150 family all events. Info, 914-788-1005.

Library & B ks

Read to a Dog: See June 4.

Nature & Science

Color Mixing: See June 4.

Dragonflies and Damselflies at Audubon: Join naturalist Wally Jenkins for a program examining dragonflies and their striking speed and agility. Close-focusing binoculars are recommended. Sugarhouse parking area, Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 1-3 p.m. Ages 8 and up with adult companion. Preregister. $15 suggested donation per family. Info, 434-3068.

LCI Father’s Day Fishing Derby: Lake Champlain International’s three-day derby where entrants register in one of four categories: individual adults, individual juniors, families or individual (everything pass). Anglers can win thousands of dollars in prizes for fish in seven species categories. All ages. Preregister. $70$30. Info, 879-3466.

LCI Little Anglers Derby: A great way to get kids involved in fishing, the Little Anglers Derby is free, and prizes will be awarded. Adults can help with baiting hooks, casting and using a net, but kids play and land the fish. Windemere Way state boat launch, Colchester, noon-2 p.m.

Rutland Breast-Feeding Support Group: A group for new mothers or women considering breast-feeding. Rutland Regional Medical Center, 7-9 p.m. Free. Info, 747-3688.

Library & B ks

Burlington Summer Reading Program

Kickoff: June 20 marks the kicko of the “One World, Many Stories” program. Visit the library anytime during the first weeks of the summer series to kick-start your participation. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington. For kids in kindergarten through 8th grade. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Face Painting: Sign up for the summer reading program and get your face painted. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m. Ages 5 and up. Free. Info, 864-7216.

Music With Raphael: See June 2, 10:45 a.m. Shake Hands With Mayor Kiss: Burlington’s mayor greets summer readers and encourages kids to crack their books this summer. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

COURTESY OF VERMONT STATE PARKS

st. Albans summer Reading sign-Up: Stop by the library to register for the Summer Reading Program and participate in an art activity making African masks. St. Albans Free Library, 1-4 p.m. Appropriate for school-age children. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Nature & Science

Lci Father’s day Fishing derby: See June 18.

21 Tuesday

Arts

craftacular Tuesdays: See June 7. creative Tuesdays: See June 7. open studio: See June 7.

Education

Exordium Adventure With mr. K.: Children hear stories and examine artifacts from Kurt Valenta’s travels through Europe, Asia and South America. Community Room, Highgate Municipal Building, 10 a.m. Designed for school-age children. Preregister. Free. Info, 868-3970. montpelier La Leche League Group: Open group for all breast-feeding mothers and mothers-to-be interested in breast-feeding. Unitarian Church, Montpelier, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7416 or 223-0873.

Health & Fitness

stroller strolling: See June 7.

Library & Books

open computer Time for Teens: See June 2. south Burlington summer Reading Kick-off: Celebrate summer’s start with a visit to the library for a comedy show, “One World, Many Magical Stories,” with Tom Joyce, the Magic Man. During the celebration, bookhounds can sign up for the South Burlington summer reading program. South Burlington Library, 6 p.m. Ages 5-13. Free. Info, 652-7080.

22 Wednesday

Community

cookie decorating: See June 1. summer Travelers: Each week, take a trip to North Beach for a day of fun in the sun. Or head to Spare Time for bowling if the weather is rainy. Meet at the concession area and travel together. Bombardier Park, Milton, noon-4 p.m. All ages. Preregister. $85 child for all trips, $15 child for one trip. Info, 893-4922.

Education

Kids cooking Up A story: See June 1.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See June 1.

Kids open Gymnastics: See June 1.

Library & Books

moving and Grooving With christine: See June 1.

Role-Playing-Game club: See June 1.

23 Thursday  Arts

mom’s matinees: See June 2.

Community

Family Fun Night: Enjoy an evening of free family fun with games in the park and the Vermont

National Guard’s 25-foot climbing wall. Municipal Park, Highgate, 5-7 p.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.

Education

Kids in the Kitchen: Rice Paper Rolls: Learn to make colorful, tasty spring rolls filled with fresh vegetables, wrapped in rice paper and dipped in a variety of sauces. Kids get involved in chopping, rolling and making the sauces. Healthy Living Natural Foods Market, South Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. All ages. Preregister. $20 child, admission for accompanying adult is free. Info, 863-2569, ext. 1.

Library & Books

Africa Jamono: Experience the culture of West Africa through the drumming rhythms and sounds of Senegal, Mali, Guinea and Mauritania. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:45 a.m. Ages 5 and up. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Lego club: See June 9.

music With Raphael: See June 2. open computer Time for Teens: See June 2.

Nature & Science

Whirligigs and Water Tigers: Explore the wet world of aquatic insects at the Peeper Pond. Sit back and enjoy the puppet show, then jump up for a dragonfly dance. Sugarhouse parking area, Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 10-11 a.m. Ages 3-5 with adult companion. Preregister. $10 adult/child pair, $4 each additional child. Info, 434-3068.

24 Friday

Arts

comics club: See June 3.

Family clay drop-in: See June 3.

Friday Night Teen clay drop-in: See June 3.

Community

Richmond Farmers market: See June 3.

Education

Rockinghorse Learning circle: See June 3.

Health & Fitness

Family Gym at the Burlington YmcA: See June 3.

Family Gym at the Winooski YmcA: See June 3.

Friday Night Kids club: See June 3.

Kids open Gymnastics: See June 1.

Library & Books

High school Book Group: See June 3.

25 saTurday

Arts

saturday drama club: See June 4.

saturday Kids drop-in Art: See June 4.

Community

Kohl’s cares For Kids: A kid-friendly safety event in the mall parking lot that includes a free car-seat safety check, tours of a South Burlington fire truck, safe ATV riding seminars, soccer kick/baseball toss with the Vermont National Guard and bike-helmet safety checks. University Mall, South Burlington, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 863-1066.

The TYLER PLACE Family Resort

Early Childhood Programs designed specifically for the developmental needs of children.

Monday - Friday 7:00 am to 5:30 pm for children ages 6 weeks - Pre-K Full-time and part-time openings

discover Jazz

You don’t have to leave the kids at home to enjoy the 10-day BURliNGToN discoVER

JAzz FEsTiVAl. Managing director Brian Mital says children are welcome at all venues, but the outdoor shows are particularly popular with parents toting tiny tots. Worried about ticket sticker shock? don’t be. There are plenty of free concerts, including Big Joe Burrell day in city Hall Park on Saturday, June 4. The noon show overlaps with the popular weekly farmers and artists markets. On Friday, June 10, local eight-piece ensemble Bearquarium take over the Fountain Stage on the church Street Marketplace from 5 to 8 p.m. Vermont kids also perform during the Jazz on the Marketplace series, with middle and high school groups appearing on the city Hall Stage or the Fountain Stage Monday, June 6, through Friday, June 10.

BURliNGToN discoVER JAzz FEsTiVAl: Friday, June 3, through Sunday, June 12. Various locations around Burlington. Info, 863-7992. discoverjazz.com

Education

Native American Encampment: Discover the vibrant native culture of the Champlain region as members of Elnu and other Abenaki tribes sing, drum, dance, perform wampum readings and give craft demonstrations. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free with admission. Info, 475-2022.

Fairs & Festivals

Pet Parade and summer Reading Festival: Bring a favorite pet or stuffed animal for a parade outside the library. Music, face painting and other activities help kick off the summer reading program. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. All ages. Free. Info, 878-4918. sam mazza’s strawberry Festival: See spotlight, page 30.

Library & Books

cajun spice With Jane Napier: Savor a spicy story time including puppets, music and the south Louisiana version of “The Three Little Pigs.” Louisiana “packing peanuts” served at the end of the program. Highgate Public Library, 10 a.m. Ages 4-10. Preregister. Free. Info, 868-3970. Read to a dog: See June 4.

Nature & Science

microscopic investigations: See June 18. sound science: Sounds are all around; experiment with how they are created and how they travel. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. For preschool-age children and their families. Free with admission. Info, 649-2200.

26 Sunday Community

ice cream sundays: See June 5.

Education

Native American Encampment: See June 25.

Health & Fitness

Family Gym at the Burlington YmcA: See June 3, 10:15 a.m.-noon.

Library & Books

Read to a dog: See June 4, 1-2 p.m.

Nature & Science

Build a straw Rocket: Make a rocket, and using the power of the air, see how far it will fly. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. For preschool-age children and their families. Free with admission. Info, 649-2200.

Kitchen chemistry: Explore chemical reactions as you combine common household products and get unexpected results. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. For preschool-age children and their families. Free with admission. Info, 649-2200.

sundays for Fledglings: See June 5.

27 Monday

Arts

draw comics: See June 6.

Library & Books

music With Raphael: See June 2, 10:45 a.m.

Nature & Science

Build a Glider: See June 12. Honeybees: Stop in and find out what the honeybee colony is up to. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. For preschool-age children and their families. Free with admission. Info, 649-2200.

28 TueSday

Arts

craftacular Tuesdays: See June 7.

creative Tuesdays: See June 7. open studio: See June 7.

Health & Fitness

stroller strolling: See June 7.

Library & Books

open computer Time for Teens: See June 2.

Nature & Science

magnets: Discover cool ways to experiment with and use magnets. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. For preschool-age children and their families. Free with admission. Info, 649-2200.

Who sank the Boat?: Kids build a boat and see if it can withstand a challenge to survive a journey. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. For preschool-age children and their families. Free with admission. Info, 649-2200.

29 WedneSday

Community

cookie decorating: See June 1.

summer Travelers: See June 22.

Education

Kids cooking Up A story: See June 1.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See June 1.

Kids open Gymnastics: See June 1.

Library & Books

moving and Grooving With christine: See June 1. Role-Playing-Game club: See June 1.

Nature & Science

Batteries and motors: Explore electricity and circuits by getting motors to spin and bulbs to light. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. For preschool-age children and their families. Free with admission. Info, 649-2200. mirrors: See June 19.

30 ThurSday

Arts

mom’s matinees: See June 2.

Library & Books

music With Raphael: See June 2. open computer Time for Teens: See June 2. Telling Tales With Gigi and michelle: Storytellers Gigi Weisman and Michelle Lefkowitz bring the wisdom of stories to life. Prepare to be enchanted as they take children to new places through humor, music, dance and circus acts. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30-11:15 a.m. All ages. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Nature & Science

microscopic investigations: See June 18, 11 a.m.

New England Wildlife: Examine the museum’s collection of animal mounts and other items to learn more about nearby animal life. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. For preschool-age children and their families. Free with admission. Info, 649-2200. swing Peepers: With inventive, Earth-friendly songs, this multi-instrument duo gets kids singing and dancing. St. Albans Free Library, 1 p.m. All ages. Free. Info, 524-1507. K

25 sATURdAY (cOnTinUed)

Build Your Own Book

MATERIALS

• Decorative paper cut to 4” x 8”

• Four or five sheets of plain white or solid-colored paper cut to 4” x 8” (each 4” x 8” piece becomes four pages in the book)

• Embellishments: magazine images, drawings, cutouts or stickers, beads, yarn, etc.

• Ruler

• Pencil

• Sewing needle

• Craft thread

• Scissors

• Glue

Books help us turn the pages of our imagination, and making one o ers even more opportunities for creative thinking. This book-building craft, courtesy of the Shelburne Museum, invites kids to try some simple measuring and sewing skills. When they’re done, they’ll have blank pages to fill with words, photographs, artwork — whatever they dream up.

— KATE LADDISON

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Choose a piece of decorative paper to serve as the book’s cover, and cut into one 4” x 8” piece.

2. Cut four to five sheets of white or solidcolored paper for the pages of the book, also 4” x 8”.

3. Fold each sheet of paper (including the cover) in half. Use a ruler or other hard edge to make distinct creases along the folds.

4. Next, mark three spots on the inside of the book’s spine to be used for sewing the binding. Use the ruler to measure 1 inch from the bottom edge of one of the sheets. Mark the 1-inch spot on the fold with a pencil. Then, measure 1 inch from the pencil mark and mark another spot on the fold. Lastly, measure and mark a third spot on the fold 1 inch from the middle mark.

5. Repeat the steps for making the markings on each sheet of paper.

Use the needle to pierce the sheets of

6. Use the needle to pierce the sheets of paper, lining up the sheets with the cover and piercing through each mark.

7. Once the holes are made, sew the binding. Begin sewing by threading a needle with craft thread. Be sure to tie a knot at the end.

8. Beginning with the center holes, bring the needle and thread through the pages from the inside, ending by going through the cover.

9. Sew through the bottom hole from the outside, through all the pages, and tie a knot.

10. Repeat the steps for the top holes by beginning with the center holes from the inside and sewing through the top hole from the outside.

11. Decorate the cover and inside pages of the book by gluing or sewing on images, decorative cutouts, or beads, or applying stickers or paint.

This summer, the Shelburne Museum presents the work of 23 book artists in the Paperwork in 3D exhibit, on display through October 30.

Q

THE PARTY

PLANNER by Katrina r oberts

Pedal — or Push — Party

Whether they’re on tricycles, in-line skates, bikes or skateboards, kids love to show off their tricks. Support that passion with a birthday party on wheels.

sKATE PARKs

recreation areas in burlington, Williston and bristol have skate parks where you can invite guests to bring their ride of choice — complete with helmet and pads, of course — and pedal or push to their heart’s content. Make the refreshments picnic-style with things that don’t need refrigeration, add something sweet, and you’re good to go. (tip: the burlington skate Park advisory Committee has recently unveiled new plans for that park. you can follow “burlington, Vt skatepark redevelopment” on Facebook).

TALENT sKATEPARK

For the 8- to 15-year-old crowd, you can get serious and rent out talent skatepark in south burlington. Guests can rent a skateboard, in-line skates, helmets and pads, or bring their own. Cost is $100 an hour for the park, or $129 an hour to add a private room. refreshments are on you. the most popular times are Friday and saturday nights and sunday mornings, so plan ahead and book in advance. Hard helmets only, please. Find more information at talentskatepark.com.

sTAY HomE

you can also easily put on a party at (or near) home with any paved surface. if you’ve got a group of 3-year-olds and some sidewalk chalk, add a few orange cones, and you’ve got a tricycle obstacle course in your driveway, cul-de-sac or local basketball court. Worried about staying safe? the Vermont bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition’s website, vtbikeped.org, is a great local resource. K

cassie lives in West Rutland and turns 18 in june. She graduates this spring and plans to attend Castleton State College to major in education.

Grand Prize Winner

Kai

Halie lives in Barre and turns 2 in june. She loves to color and study with her mom.

Join the club!

To enter your kids, sign up for the FRee e-newsletter at kidsvt. com, where you can get more great information for Vermont families.

just give us your email your children’s names and birthdates, and they’re automatically enrolled in our Kids VT Birthday Club.

He enjoys building with a variety of materials and construction sets.

PuZZLe PAGe

BY JAn BuCKneR WALKeR

Kids Across/PArenTs down

Puzzles4Kids

riddle search — Post office

Search up, down and diagonally, both forward and backward, to find every word on the list. Circle each one as you find it. When all the words are circled, take the unuSeD letters and write them on the blanks below. Read from left to right, top to bottom, to answer this riddle: why did the lady tear the calendar?

DATe

DeCeMBeR

FRIDAY June

MARCH MOnDAY nOveMBeR

SATuRDAY SeASOn SunDAY THuRSDAY WeDneSDAY WeeKenD Y eAR

BY HeLenA HOvAneC

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

oh, K!

Kids Across

1. An eskimo canoe that is spelled (and looks) the same forward and backward

5. A word you might use to describe a considerate person

6. A “jumpy” Australian animal that keeps its baby in its pouch

7. A person (like you) who isn’t a grown-up yet

9. When there’s one on someone’s ring, he doesn’t have to ring the doorbell

10. One of Santa’s nicknames: ____ Kringle

11. A traditional Japanese robe

14. A tangle in your shoestrings

15. Pieces of popcorn

16. A tiny instrument that makes a funny noise

18. To hold on to forever

19. To see a horse race, you might and go to the _____ Derby

PArenTs down

1. Safari-seeker’s African destination

2. Amusingly offbeat, like the Addams family

3. Jokester (or Margot of movie fame)

4. Singer Lang’s initials

6. Soap star Lucci’s longtime character: erica ____

8. XOXO: In a letter, this means hugs and ____

9. Oprah’s column you can count on each month: “What I ___ for Sure”

11. Mariners’ man Griffey, who hits it out of the park

12. Country whose heart is Seoul

13. Hound hotel

14. “Film maker” that has caused many to smile for a moment

15. What an ambitious person hopes an opportunity will do

16. Close relation of “kith”

Riddle Answer:

17. Army’s kitchen patrol assignment, for short

IT’S THE SUMMER TO DISCOVER

Camp Abnaki

Camp Greylock

School Age Summer Camps

Adventure Camps

Nature Camps

gbymca.org/camp

C ntest!

count the strawberries to Win a Prize

Find all of the strawberries in this month’s issue of Kids VT and you could win tickets to the Montshire Museum of Science in norwich!

First, count the strawberries you see sprinkled throughout these pages. Then tell us how many you found at kidsvt.com, or write us at Kids VT, PO Box 1184, Burlington VT, 05401. We’ll collect the correct responses and choose a winner, who will receive four free passes to the museum. enter by 5 p.m. on June 15 to win.

PuZZle PAGe ANsWeRs (See P. 40)

Jumbles ROW, PuMP, PAIR, SOFT

Riddle ANsWeR: The skunks were unpopular because they — PuT On “AIRS”

Riddle ANsWeR: She wanted to take a month off.

GREATER BURLINGTON YMCA

Quittin’ Time

A single dad goes out on a limb ... for laughs

By Leon Thompson

“so, dad, whaT’re you gonna do when you don’t have a job? Just, like, hang out?” This from Bebo, riding in the backseat of the car. David Bowie was singing in the background.

Bebo, my lone child, is 8, the age of masterfully living in the now. But I was forcing her to think about the future — I had just told her that I, her single, 37-year-old father, was leaving my job without another one on deck.

“Uhhh, no, Beebs,” I said, my voice trembling as I glanced at her reflection in the rearview mirror of our tiny black Pontiac. “I’m not just gonna hang out. Nope.”

“Then where will you work?”

It was a fair question, and I had a good answer, but it still made me nervous. My neck tightened, my clutch foot twitched, and my body temperature rose.

I recognized the fear; it struck whenever I told an adult about my seemingly wacky decision. Each time, I expected the same reaction: “Are you crazy?” “In this economy?” “My gawd, you and Bebo will be homeless by July! Way to go, Ward Cleaver!”

But the reaction I’d gotten so far — from adults, anyway — was more along the lines of: “Good for you — jumping without a parachute!” “You’ll be just fine.” And the most shocking: “You’re brave.”

Encouraging? Absolutely. Helpful? Yes — true confidence builders. But only one person’s opinion truly mattered, and she was chewing gum to “Rebel Rebel” in our car. I could not completely exhale until I knew Bebo felt OK.

This was all Robin Williams’ fault.

Countless rock stars say their worlds changed when they first saw Elvis or the Beatles; for me, it was Mork from Ork, Robin Williams’ goofy alien.

I was Bebo’s age when the last episode of “Mork & Mindy” aired on television in 1982. Afterward, I marched into our Swanton kitchen and declared, “I’m going to be a famous comedian when I grow up, just like Mork!”

Mom laughed. Hard.

I was on my way.

I couldn’t major in “comedian” in college, so I spent my freshman year in radio, then switched to writing and journalism and penned a humor column for the student newspaper. I continued on that track for 15 years while working as a news reporter and author in Vermont and South Carolina.

And then, in April, after 11 years, I left my newsroom desk at the St. Albans Messenger … to focus on comedy.

Yup — that’s eggs-actly how Mom laughed in 1982. Being a reporter had its benefits — free food at events, free pens in the office and my name in ink regularly — but life-consuming, daily newspapering eventually took its toll on me. At a small-town newspaper, you either cut your teeth and move on, or stay and burn out. After 15 years, my adult teeth were in, and my flame had faded. I scrounged for creative ways to cover government meetings, court hearings and yet another Vermont Maple Festival. I was bumping my head on the ceiling, and it hurt.

I had two options: Wait until I found a new, full-time job and risk leaving with resentment, or go and gamble that the time was right. No hard feelings. No scars. No plan at all. I took Door No. 2.

Generally, this is not the Swanton way.

My father, also a native Swantonian, has stayed with the same company for 40 years and endured every change along the way — good, bad and “My pension is what?” I respect Dad for that, and he knows it, just as he has respected my dream since my 1982 speech by the stove.

My dad never said, “I don’t know what’s next. I’m working on that.” But that’s what I said to Bebo when she questioned me in the car.

“Will you keep writing?” she wondered from the backseat.

“Yes. That’s what I want to do. And comedy.”

Pause. “O-kaaay, sooo, how will we make money?”

I turned off Bowie. “I’m going to write articles for other newspapers and magazines that will pay me to do it.” Stay in sync, brain and mouth. Keep it together. “That’s called freelancing. So I’ll still work, just not every day at the same newspaper anymore.”

“You weren’t happy there?”

“I needed change. And sometimes, Bebo, when you aren’t happy with something, and you’ve done all you can with it, you can walk away from it for something else, even if you don’t know yet what that something else is.”

Another pause. “Are you happy, Dad?”

My once-shaky voice strengthened and formed the words — genuine and confident — for the first time since early April: “I am happy, Bebo, and we will be fantastic.”

She flashed her I-get-it smile in the rear view mirror, while I found the brakes on my racing mind. Then I taught her how to say, “Nanu nanu!”

She digs Robin Williams, too. K

At Mater Christi School, our teachers are committed to Discovering Personal Greatness in every student.

Call to schedule your personal tour. 802.658.3992 www.mcschool.org

Only one person’s opinion truly mattered, and she was chewing gum to “Rebel Rebel” in our car.

A ministry of the Sisters of Mercy, Mater Christi is a private Catholic school serving students in pre-school through grade 8 in Burlington, Vermont.

©Ambient Photography