Kids VT, July 2014

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS

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

Copublisher Colby Roberts colby@kidsvt.com ext. 77

Managing Editor Megan James megan@kidsvt.com ext. 73

Lead Designer Brooke Bousquet brooke@kidsvt.com ext. 41

Calendar Writer Alison Novak alison@kidsvt.com ext. 75

Marketing & Events Manager Corey Grenier corey@kidsvt.com ext. 76

Account Executive Kaitlin Montgomery kaitlin@kidsvt.com ext. 72

P.O. Box 1184 Burlington, VT 05402 802-985-5482 kidsvt.com

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

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

Copy Editors Paula Routly Courtney Copp

Proofreaders Marissa Keller Meredith Coeyman

Production Manager John James

Creative Director Don Eggert

Designers Aaron Shrewsbury Rev. Diane Sullivan

Circulation Manager Matt Weiner

Business Manager Cheryl Brownell

Contributing Writers: Nancy Stearns Bercaw, Thea Lewis, Tricia Kennedy, Mary Ann Lickteig, Ken Picard, Elaine Young, Natalie Williams

Photographers: Matthew Thorsen, Kelly Schulze, Jon Shenton, Natalie Williams

Illustrator: Ian Webb

dog days

Last year at this time, my family of four was grieving. Our beloved 13-year-old dog, Nader, got so sick last May that she could barely breathe. We had no choice but to put her to sleep.

After that heartbreak, we weren’t sure we wanted another dog. But by Christmastime, my partner, Ann-Elise, and I, and our kids, Graham and Ivy, agreed that we wanted to adopt a puppy.

On New Year’s Day, some family friends showed us a cellphone video of a litter of adorable black and brown pups. Born on Thanksgiving Day, they belonged to Father Lazarus, the head of a Greek Orthodox monastery in Richford. Mom was a pitbull, dad was a mix of Bernese mountain dog and black and tan coonhound. We drove two hours to see them and came home with a new puppy. Ivy named her Ginger, after the gingerbread houses that proliferate around the holidays.

Ginger got off to a rocky start. Two weeks after we brought her home, she ate rotting compost and had a few seizures, necessitating a trip to the emergency vet. A couple weeks after that, her jaw swelled up — spider bite? — so we took her in again.

When I finally brought her to the vet for shots, the vet tech showed me Ginger’s fat folder full of paperwork. “I’ve never seen a 12-week-old puppy with a file this thick before,” she marveled.

But Ginger is as cute and sweet as we’d hoped. She greets strangers by flopping at their feet and rolling over, begging for a tummy rub.

I brought her along when I walked

Graham and Ivy to school this past spring. Ginger’s effect on the kids was fascinating to see. Some of them rushed to pet her; others, especially many of the New American students, were shy or even afraid at first. Most warmed up to her over time.

One morning as Ginger and I were walking home, a tall teenage boy approached us, backpack on, earbuds in, obviously running late. As we were about to pass each other, he stopped and his surly expression melted into a smile. He asked to pet Ginger, then bent down and rubbed her head.

“How old?” he asked.

We talked for a minute, and then he got up. “Thanks for letting me pet your dog,” he said politely as he trotted off to class. That encounter made my day.

It also illustrates the transformative power of animals. This Pet Issue of Kids VT explores our relationships with them. Dr. Lewis First enumerates the health effects of having a pet (“Ask the Doctor,” page 10). Horseback riding enthusiasts explain the physical and psychological benefits of riding (“Fit Families,” page 11). And Tricia Kennedy shares her struggle to love her family’s slobbery Saint Bernard (“Use Your Words,” page 51 .)

We hope you enjoy these stories as you’re lounging in your backyard — or around the campfire — this summer. Drop us a line and tell us about your pet projects, or say hi when you see us at the dog park. We love hearing from you.

Cathy ResmeR, exeCutive editoR

Some of this month’s Kids VT contributors:

Nancy Stearns Bercaw (“Summer Day-cations”) is a frequent contributor to Kids VT. An edition of her 2013 book, Brain in a Jar: A Daughter’s Journey Through Her Father’s Memory, was released last month in India. She lives in South Burlington with her husband, Allan Nicholls, and their son, David. Natalie Williams (“Habitat”) is the editor-in-chief of the Vermont Cynic, the student newspaper at the University of Vermont. She’s doing an internship this summer with Seven Days, Kids VT’s parent company. She’d never seen a real, live hedgehog before taking this assignment.

NBT Bank offers iStrive Checking, Debit and Savings products, built specifically for young adults. Designed to grow with their individual needs, iStrive provides hands-on experience in managing their money and supports a positive relationship with personal finance. NBT Bank also provides valuable educational resources to help grow their money skills. At NBT Bank, we’re as committed as you are to helping them achieve their goals.

For more information visit nbtbank.com/istrive or our local office today.

ivy and Graham with pup Ginger

Hit the Nail on the Head

Erik, you hit a chord with this one [“DIY Dad,” June 2014]! My daughter, who is now an adult, followed her dad everywhere when she was little, including down to his workbench in the basement. She had her own little tool belt and a stool to stand on, so that she might be almost as tall as her dad. Throughout the years, she trimmed trees, mulched, learned the basics of auto mechanics and even worked with my husband to build our backyard deck.

Our daughter has grown into a strong, self-su cient young woman, and much of this is owing to my husband. I just wanted to thank you for reminding me what a wonderful father my husband was, and still is. Keep doing what you’re doing and oh, by the way, Happy Father’s Day!

Phyllis Karpen SKANEATELES, N.Y.

Best of the Kids VT Blog

Most-shared articles this month on kidsvt.com:

“Less is More: A Vermont Mom Experiments With Simplicity Parenting,” by Alison Novak (April 2014)

469 Shares

249 Shares

Home Cookin’: Kale Salad

BY ERINN SIMON

The Kids VT blog welcomed a new contributor this month. Erinn Simon makes lunch every day for the toddlers and preschoolers at Burlington Children’s Space. She lives in Burlington’s Old North End with her husband, photographer Sam Simon, and kids Eli, 10, Cal, 6, and Sadie, 3.

I get so excited when I discover a recipe that’s nutrientrich, yummy and simple enough that kids can have a hand in preparing it. In this case, it was a kale salad from Deb Perelman’s blog, smittenkitchen.com.

A coworker suggested I try out the dish on BCS sta during a meeting, and it was a smash. I made it for my family the next night, and we ate the whole thing with some crusty bread and a bowl of strawberries. I’m pretty sure it was the best summer dinner I’ve ever made.

With a few tweaks, I knew it would be a perfect lunch salad for the kids at BCS: a little crunchy, a little salty, a little sweet and super healthy. I was right. Since its introduction, it’s become a staple at school.

“Free-Range Toddlers: A FarmBased Childcare Program Counters the Overprotective Parenting Trend,” by Ken Picard (April 2014)

“The Art of Needle Felting,” by Alison Novak (June 2014)

50 Shares

Morrisville Grandma Pens Pet-Themed Series for Kids

BY ALISON NOVAK

Brenda “Grannie” Snow had only one book in her house when she was growing up in Morrisville — a story about a bunny. She can’t remember its title, but she does remember clinging fiercely to the book. “I was a late reader, and once I started reading, I was just struck by the eloquence of writing,” she says.  Now the human resources director for Turtle Fur but still a resident of Morrisville, Snow has always dreamed about being a writer. But it wasn’t until she became a grandmother that she decided to go for it.

“I’m going to be 60 this year, and I thought, ‘If I don’t do it now I probably never will,’” she says.

Big Ole Striped Silas, which Snow self-published in January, tells the story of an older woman whose beloved cat, Ninnie, has died. She goes to the shelter in search of a new companion and comes home with Silas. The picture book tells the story in playful rhyme accompanied by colorful pictures by East Burke illustrator Matthew Gauvin.

Find the recipe for Kale Salad with Pecorino & Walnuts at kidsvt.com.

Read more about the local author at kidsvt.com.

Best of the Beasts

This year, Seven Days, the newsweekly that owns Kids VT, added a new “Silly Siblings” category to its annual pet photo contest.

Readers voted for their favorite submissions and chose this photo of Jace Stevenson, 8, and his family cat, Charlie, as the winner.

Mom Karin Stevenson says the nearly 1-year-old, short-haired Siamese-tabby mix allegedly helped Jace “read more by snuggling up to him as he was reading out loud.”

Charlie, apparently, isn’t always so photogenic, says Stevenson. “He is very camera shy normally!”

Congratulations on being named one of the Best of the Beasts.

COLORING CONTEST

We received some fantastic foxes in the mail last month in response to our June coloring contest. Readers submitted numerous Father’s Day-themed entries, including a handful depicting hunting lessons. Some sly young artists added other animals in the background — one even imagined a loving wolffox pair. Thanks for sharing your creativity with us, and congratulations to all the winners!

HONORABLE MENTIONS

SWEETEST SISTERS

Saraday Holness, 11, Winooski

THE AWESOMEST EVERYTHING

Jakobi Kmiecik, 4, Worcester

TOP TROPICAL SCENERY

Aubrey Merrill, 8, Burlington

FANCIEST FOREST

Emeri Rasco, 5, Westford

MOST ADVENTUROUS ASTROFOXES

Linnaea Shear, 7, Montpelier

CUTEST COUPLE

Hazel Dority, 9, Fairfield

MOST PATRIOTIC

Charlotte Dodds, 9, Burlington

MANLIEST MUSTACHE

Connecting the Drops in Essex Junction

Last summer, Kids VT created a stormwater storywalk that was installed on the Church Street Marketplace. The panels accompanied a series of artist-designed rain barrels. Together they formed the Connecting the Drops Project, which drew attention to steps homeowners can take to reduce stormwater runo and pollution in Lake Champlain.

Connecting the Drops is back this month at Maple Street Park in Essex Junction. The Kids VT Stormwater Story is once again on display, along

with new, arty barrels. Stop by before July 16 to read about how rain becomes runo , and visit letitrainvt. org to learn more about rain barrels.

You can also still play Runo , the video game Seven Days and Kids VT created with Birnam Wood Games, Logic Supply and the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center. The arcade version of the game is still at ECHO. Or you can play Runo online at playruno .com, or download the mobile version for Apple devices in the Seven Days app store.

Jenna Day, 11, Bristol

COZIEST DEN

Joshua Vidrine, 10, Middlebury

FINEST FOX FEAST

Zebediah Wilcox, 7, Milton

BEST BOWLER HATS

Joshua Kafumbe, 7, Middlebury

TOP TITLES

“FORTRESS OF THE FOXES”

Aiden Sage Huston, 6, West Berlin

“FOXES IN A COLOR STORM”

Acadia Clark, 8, Vergennes

“SHOWERS OF FLOWERS”

Rachel Porth, 9, Jericho

The winners of our three $25 gift certificates to Creative Habitat are:

Liv-Berit Heinz, 10 PANTON

“Zentangle Foxes”

Nadia Glod, 4 ESSEX JUNCTION “Untitled”

Mia Morselli, 8 GEORGIA “Dinner Time”

THE BEAT THE

BOOKS

Puppy Love

Brooklyn, N.Y.-based elementary school teacher Nicole Brierre revisited her Rutland childhood to write her first children’s book, CHANTERELLE FINDS A FAMILY. Chanterelle, a carefree puppy, lives in the wilderness with his animal pals. Sometimes, though, he dreams of life as a cherished pet. When a human family hikes through his neck of the woods, Chanterelle follows them home. Brierre’s family dog inspired the story for kids ages 5 to 7; her brother, Ben Brierre, and his girlfriend, Sidney Hoang, created the illustrations. Kids will connect with the cuddly dog’s desire for independence and security. Brierre hints that she has fodder for more books because the real Chanterelle, who was also discovered in the woods, gets into “lots of mischievous situations.”

‘CHANTERELLE FINDS A FAMILY’: Available on Amazon for $11.69, paperback.

BY NANCY STEARNS BERCAW

ACTIVITIES New Heights

A new climbing facility in Essex is going up. Opening in July, METROROCK CLIMBING CENTER boasts 5,500 square feet of bouldering terrain and 11,500 square feet of rope-climbing walls. The high-ropes course includes kid-friendly and adult obstacles that’ll teach teams of all ages to work together as they test their limits. Harnesses ensure a safe experience for everyone on the rocks and in the rafters. Those who prefer to stay grounded can enjoy on-site workout rooms and yoga studios. MetroRock — which currently operates two climbing gyms in Massachusetts — will also host birthday parties and events. Rock on.

METROROCK CLIMBING CENTER: 6 Susie Wilson Road, Essex. Find more information at metrorock.com/burlington.

TUNES Pop Music

ALWAYS THERE: Launch party at Bread and Butter Farm, Tuesday, July 1, 4 p.m. with a concert at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Rain date is July 2. Find more information at misterchrisandfriends.com.

Musician Chris Dorman, of Mister Chris and Friends, has always been there for his kids. Running Bread and Butter Farm in Shelburne with his partner, Corie Pierce, has allowed him to be a stay-at-home dad to 6-year-old Henry and 3-year-old Samantha. His two little ones inspired Dorman to create Music for Sprouts — a music-andmovement program for the 3-and-under set. This month, Dorman embarks on a new musical homage to kids and kin: putting together his first full-length children’s album. He hopes the collection, titled ALWAYS THERE, “will be cherished while our kiddos grow and maybe even be shared with our kiddos’ kiddos.” Dorman’s neighbor Donna Hartley created artwork for the album, pictured, and Burlingtonian Jared Slomo will engineer and produce the sound. A 30-day Kickstarter campaign to fund it begins with a July 1 launch party.

COMMUNITY

Putting Down Roots

When Williston mom Marie-Claude Beaudette was living in St-Bruno-de-Montarville, near Montréal, the Québec town gave her family a tree to plant to celebrate the birth of her son. “The symbolic gesture made me think about how we are all connected to nature,” she explains. Eighteen years later, Beaudette is helping to pilot a similar initiative in Williston. The BIRTH TREE PROJECT, coordinated by community group Sustainable Williston, will give a native tree to residents who welcome a newborn or an adopted child into their families. Proud parents can pick a red twig dogwood, elderberry, red maple, serviceberry, northern white cedar or balsam fir. A collection of public and private partners is providing funds to purchase the saplings. Williston parents who’d like to participate should register children born in 2014 by August 21; fall and winter babies will be eligible next year.

BIRTH TREE PROJECT: Find the registration form on the Sustainable Williston website, sustainablewilliston.org/ongoing-projects/ birth-trees/.

ENVIRONMENT History Hike

The petrified prehistoric organisms are reason enough to visit Isle La Motte’s Goodsell Ridge Preserve this summer. But there’s another one: The 83-acre natural area on the Chazy Fossil Reef is hosting an evolutionary exhibit, “WALK THROUGH TIME.” Created in 1996 by Sid Liebes, a scientist at Hewlett-Packard Labs, its 71 colorfully illustrated panels showcase 4.6 billion years of evolution of life on Earth. To help viewers put that mind-boggling time frame in perspective, the panels are spread over a 4,600-foot trail; each foot represents a million years. Scientist Jane Goodall, who has visited the traveling exhibit, called it “an unforgettable experience, awe-inspiring and humbling.”

‘WALK THROUGH TIME’: Goodsell Ridge Preserve, 239 Quarry Road, Isle La Motte. Exhibit on display through October. Find more information at walkthroughtime.org and ilmpt.org.

A certified lifeguard/instructor brings swim lessons and water safety tips to your home or neighborhood pool.

• Private and semi-private lessons

• Teach your child(ren) the importance of water safety

Teach your child(ren) the

• Have fun and learn life-long skills

• Convenient schedule

For more information, call Jaimie Held at 652-8156 for details

Q DiGiTAl DilEmmAS anSWerS TO QUeSTiOnS aBOUT THe eVer-eVOLVinG OnLine WOrLd

Q: my husband and i let our kids play games and use apps on our tablets and smartphones, but is it bad manners for kids to use iPads and iPhones in public settings such as restaurants? Do you have any tips for setting rules around screen use in public?

a : Great question. There are no hard and fast “digital etiquette” rules yet, though a growing number of individuals are thinking it through.

The first step as a parent is to find out if the establishment you’re visiting has any specific rules about electronic devices. Some businesses are starting to set their own digital device policies, from stores asking people not to use their cellphones as they check out to businesses such as Burlington’s august First Bakery going “screen free” and prohibiting the use of laptops and tablets in their café.

Q ASK THE DOCTOR By Ken Picard

VERmOnTERS lOVE THEiR AnimAlS The state has the nation’s highest rate of pet ownership — more than 70 percent of all Vermont households have at least one dog or cat.

Kids learn numerous life lessons from their pets. Animals provide companionship, boost selfesteem, teach responsibility and instill in their owners a sense of respect for other living creatures. But they can also bite, scratch, trigger allergies and spread diseases. We asked Dr. Lewis First, head of pediatrics at Vermont Children’s Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care, to weigh in on the health risks and rewards associated with those furry family members.

KidsVT: How do pets affect children’s health?

Dr. Lewis First: Pets have been shown in some studies to lower blood pressure and improve one’s mood. Pets also allow kids to get out and exercise. A pet can help when a child feels lonely. Some studies suggest that young children who are exposed to pets tend to have fewer infections early in life and are less likely to be allergic to the pet itself.

KVT: Does it matter whether the pet has fur or hair?

i f screens are allowed, and you’re OK with your children using them, set some ground rules. For example, sound from a game might be distracting to other patrons, so you might want to turn it off. a nd consider which tools keep your children engaged appropriately when out in public. i f the game or activity gets them excited, it may be a poor choice in any venue.

if you’d rather not have kids tune out in front of a screen, you could also bring other items along. Books, art supplies and board games may occupy younger kids just as well as electronic devices. Or you could engage in face-to-face conversation, which can be easier to sustain with older kids. But that’s a choice you need to make based on your family’s values.

Elaine Young is the author of Tuned-In Family: How to Cope, Communicate & Connect in a Digital World, and is a professor at Champlain College, where she specializes in digital marketing and social media. Got a question about navigating the digital world with your family? Send it to ideas@ kidsvt.com.

LF: Allergies to pets are not due to the fur itself. They’re due to a protein in the animal’s skin, dander, feathers or urine. When infants are exposed to those proteins early in life, it helps train their immune system. It’s almost like vaccinating your child against common allergens. This may be more true with dogs versus cats, but studies suggest that both are beneficial. On the other hand, sometimes pet allergies aren’t due to the pet itself but to the dust, mold and other allergens the pet carries.

KVT: What if there’s a strong family history of pet allergies?

LF: Then a family may want to think twice before introducing a pet into the home. But if the pet is already there, and a child develops an allergy, it doesn’t mean that the animal automatically has to go. You just have to find ways for your child to deal with the allergic reactions. Your child's healthcare professional can offer suggestions.

KVT: Such as?

LF: Dealing with a pet allergy could involve allergy medication, shots or more simple interventions such as not having the pet sleep in the same room as the child, vacuuming frequently, getting rid of carpeting and having a good air filtration system in the house. Probably the safest, most hypoallergenic pet would be fish — except if you have tropical fish in a heated tank in a humidified room. That can breed mold, and mold can trigger allergies.

KVT: Should certain pets be avoided because of the diseases they carry?

LF: Exotic animals may be fun, but they run the risk of carrying diseases. Reptiles such as snakes, turtles, lizards and iguanas could be the salmonella “poster pets.” Baby chicks can also carry salmonella.

KVT: Do rodents such as mice, gerbils and guinea pigs make good pets for kids?

LF: They can, but they can also carry salmonella and ringworm. Sometimes they bite and often don’t hold children’s interest for very long. For the most part,

KVT: Are some kids too young to be around pets?

LF: No, but parents should do their research on animals that will enjoy being around young children. A seasoned dog that’s accustomed to children is more apt to be docile than a new puppy, which can be feistier and less tolerant. Parents also need to teach kids about animal safety generally — kids shouldn’t approach a dog they don’t know, pull an animal’s tail or take food away while an animal is eating. The most important rule: A parent should never leave a young child unsupervised around a pet.

KVT: How should parents prepare a pet for the arrival of a new baby?

Bring home the baby’s diaper from the hospital for the pet to smell, to get used to the scent around the crib. If the pet was sleeping in the room where you’re setting up the nursery, move the pet out early enough so it gets used to sleeping elsewhere.

KVT: What should parents do if a child gets a bite or scratch?

they’re not high risk for rabies, though there are some germs that can be carried by rodents that can cause swollen lymph nodes, fevers and achiness, but that’s rarer. Ferrets tend to bite if they’re not well handled, and their bites can be severe. Obviously, you don’t want to bring anything that’s roaming the woods into the house, as there’s always the risk of rabies. Finally, most rodents are nocturnal, so they tend to be awake when children are asleep and sleep when children are awake.

LF: Any bite or scratch should be well irrigated and cleaned out. The ones I worry about the most are cat bites. They almost always need an antibiotic because these are usually puncture wounds into deep tissue, where you can’t really clean them out well and they run a high risk of infection. A dog is more likely to gnash and what you get is what you can see. If parents have a concern, they should talk to their health care professional, who can check the child’s immunization status and give further guidance on whether stitches or antibiotics are required.

KVT: Any final advice to parents?

LF: Even if your child is asking for a pet, don’t expect them to take care of it. Parents are going to remain the pet’s chief caretaker at least until your child is school-age, if not an adolescent. But overall, the benefits of pet ownership far outweigh the risks.

What are the pros and cons of having a family pet?

Reptiles such as snakes, turtles, lizards and iguanas could be the salmonella

“poster pets.”

By mary ann lickteig

Horsing Around

Faith brushed Kally, the 11-year-old American paint pony the family leases, and got her ready to ride. She put a sticky pad on the horse’s back to stabilize the saddle, followed by a quilted, red saddle blanket and then finally the saddle itself. She tightened Kally’s girth, the strap that goes under the horse and holds the saddle in place.

Horses have personalities, Faith explained: “They’re like people.” Kally was a little challenging at first because she hadn’t been ridden in a year. Now, after two years together, Faith understands her horse; it was she who first noticed Kally had sore feet a week earlier during a show.

Faith rode around the arena, taking Kally from a walk to a canter, then dropping the stirrups in an exercise to ride more evenly. Meanwhile, Adaline helped get her pony, BJ, ready for her lesson.

Once astride BJ, Adaline’s feet reached only to the middle of his belly. Although she has most of her baby teeth, she orders the 725-pound horse around as if he’s a teddy bear at her tea party. “BJ, stop! I want to get off,” Adaline said.

That, her mom and instructor agree, builds confidence. Riding also boosts stamina and body awareness. “You have to be very conscious of how you use your body,” Hart-Ahonen said. A horse feels and responds to its rider’s movements. Turn in the saddle, and the horse may turn. Clench the reins, and the horse won’t go forward.

When preschooler Faith plooF initially begged to ride a pony, her parents thought it was a phase. But after a year of repeated requests, the little blonde got her wish: Her parents signed her up for riding lessons.

That was six years ago. The phase has turned into a lifestyle the whole family has embraced. Faith, 11, now rides four to six days a week, competes in horse shows and has gotten her 6-yearold sister, Adaline, into the sport. “They pretty much live here at the barn in the summer,” said their mother, Elizabeth Ploof.

But the horses aren’t the only ones getting a workout. It may surprise those who don’t know a canter from a trot that horseback riding packs a passel of fitness benefits. “It actually works almost the entire body at once,” Colchester stable owner Patty HartAhonen said.

HammerFit Athletic Club co-owner Jessica Ebert Edelmann agrees; she’s been riding since she was 4. Horseback riding builds core strength, balance, flexibility and posture while working all upper and lower body muscles. It’s even a cardio workout, she said, “because you breathe hard and you sweat.” Try to find a single gym class that does all of that.

Hart-Ahonen, who owns Enniskerry Farm, usually starts kids riding at age 6. They need to be sufficiently tall and able to concentrate enough to stay on the horse.

The Ploof girls, from Essex, take lessons once a week and ride and clean stalls on other days. On a recent Friday, they were greeted by the smell of hay and dirt, along with three black labs that are part of the farm’s menagerie.

Riding can also meet emotional needs, noted Ebert Edelmann, especially for girls in their early teens who aren’t into team sports. “For some reason the connection with the horse and the responsibility of caring for the horse, and the feedback you get from a living animal while not just riding them, but taking care of them, interacting with them, is so amazing and almost addictive.”

After her lesson on that spring Friday, Faith rode Kally around in a loop to let her cool down before removing her saddle to comb and brush her. The girls’ father, Brad, cleaned stalls.

“My husband calls it ‘barn time’ because you get lost in it,” said mom Elizabeth. Some nights, girls who ride at the stable hang out and talk. Elizabeth has watched them sitting on horses, laughing and taking selfies. “And that, to me, is just priceless. I mean, no cares in the world, no pretentiousness, just genuine friendship.

“I often walk away thinking I would never want my kid anywhere else.” K

reaDy to riDe?

enniskerry Farm is one of several stables that offer lessons in northwestern Vermont. Find lesson and camp info at enniskerryfarm.com. and you don’t need to own a horse to ride one: When you sign up for lessons or camp, you typically use a “school horse” owned by the barn.

More serious riders lease horses. arrangements vary. in a “free lease,” you cover the horse’s expenses: farrier, vet and board. in a more typical lease, you pay ⅓ to ¼ of the horse’s value per year plus expenses. the lease may run for a month, six months or a year, and riders will sometimes share the cost.

Faith and Adaline Ploof with Kally

The Balancing Act Enrichment Center at

• Preschool program ages 3-5 years

• After-school program options available ages 3-12

• Experienced teachers dedicated to the development of the whole child

• Encouraging learning, laughter and positive social interactions while focusing on stages of early childhood development

• Weekly lessons with USAG-certified gymnastics coaches

• Daily play in our gymnastics facility and outdoor exploration in our play yard & nature trails

• Nutritious snacks and lunch provided and prepared on site

two new summer camps

Discovery adventure camp

Ages 3-7 • June 16-August 22

3-day & full-day options

Gymnastics camp

Boys & Girls • Ages 6-14 • July 14-August 22 NEw!

Seasonal Reads

Kids VT asked local librarians to recommend books for kids featuring awesome animals.

Book-Review Winners

Congratulations to these enthusiastic young critics who shared their reading recommendations in June. Each wins a $25 gift certificate from Crow Bookshop in Burlington. We loved reading about all the entrants’ literary adventures and have included some excerpts below.

Wiener Wolf

BY JEFF CROSBY

Ages 7-10

Ages 3-7

Wiener dog lives a boring, predictable life with Granny. He yearns for more excitement, so one day hitches a ride into the wilderness. After hanging out for a few days with a pack of wolves, he realizes that life with Granny wasn’t so bad.

“The illustrations depict Wiener dog’s moods in a hilarious way, especially his limp-bodied, bored look,” says Cheryl Sloan, youth librarian at the Charlotte Library. “This is a great read when you hear ‘I’m bored’ a few too many times, or when a child feels the grass might be a little greener in someone else’s yard,” she adds.

Binky the Space Cat

BY ASHLEY SPIRES

Housecat Binky thinks he’s a space cat, but in reality he’s never left his family’s home. This graphic novel, the first book in the Binky Adventure series, chronicles the feline’s imagined adventures as he blasts o into outer space, explores unknown places and battles

Josh Muse, technology and communications specialist at Colchester’s Burnham Memorial Library, recommends the book for its “endearing and fun” drawings. “Binky is an amusing character, who is also a crucial part of his family,”

The World According to Humphrey

BY BETTY G. BIRNEY

Humphrey is a pet hamster in room 26 at Longfellow School. He has learned how to read, write and escape from his cage. As Humphrey gets to know the students, he finds ways to help each of them, which results in fun and adventure.

Ages 8-12

Issue, of

This chapter book is “a sweet story that will appeal to both boys and girls,” says BFA-Fairfax school librarian Joy Mercer, who recommends it for a family read-aloud. “The story’s message of kindness and acceptance is clear without being overwhelming,” she adds. “Humphrey loves all of the students no matter what.”

Cynthia Smith, 10 BERLIN recommends:

Pony

Pals:

A Pony in Trouble

by Jeanne Betancourt

“Pam’s pony is sick and he needs help. They find out he was overeating. Someone was feeding him apples very early in the morning.”

Anna Huener, 10 BURLINGTON recommends:

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

“What I like about Wonder is it’s so realistic. It makes me feel the main character Auggie’s sadness and happiness. I even caught myself crying a few times.”

Lily Merchant, 11 ESSEX JUNCTION recommends:

Escaping the Giant Wave by Peg

Kehret

“My favorite part of the story was when the author described the e ects of the earthquake in the hotel room where BeeBee and Kyle were alone. It was up to them to decide what to do next. They had to be responsible and mature.”

Joy Eliza Holzhammer, 10 ORWELL recommends:

Warriors: Firestar’s Quest by Erin

Hunter

“I liked when Firestar, Echosong and Leafdapple went onto the ledge to meet the SkyClan ancestors so Leafdapple could receive her nine lives and become Leafstar, Leader of the Sky Clan. I love these books!”

SIZZLING SUMMER

THE LEARNING CENTER AT HEALTHY LIVING

ZESTY DOUBLE PORK SLIDERS

INGREDIENTS

1 lb ground pork

1/2 lb bacon; cooked and broken into slider sized pieces

1 small head scallions; cut into small pieces

1-2 white onions; shaved thin

4 oz cheddar; sliced Cilantro; to garnish Pickles; to garnish

EVOO; as needed

Salt Pepper

8 slider buns FOR THE ZESTY MAYO:

1 cup of mayonnaise

1/4 cup ketchup

1 Tbsp hot sauce (optional)

1 1/2 Tbsp smoked paprika

2 Tbsp brown sugar

5 garlic cloves; minced

KIDS IN THE KITCHEN IN JULY

DIRECTIONS

Mix together green onions and ground pork and season with salt and pepper. Shape into 2 oz burger patties. In a medium bowl blend together mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, paprika, brown sugar, and garlic. Mix until evenly blended and refrigerate. Heat a sauté pan over medium heat with 2 Tbsp of oil and shaved onions. Cook for about 10 minutes stirring regularly until onions become translucent and a light caramel color. Remove from heat, salt as desired, and set aside. Heat a sauté pan on medium high heat, add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan, and add pork patties (do not overcrowd pan). Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side, flip burgers, cook for an additional two minutes, top with cheese, and cook until cheese is melted. Serve on a bun with zesty mayo, and top with caramelized onions, cilantro, and pickles. Happy dining!

All classes require pre-registration. For a full schedule, or to register, go to healthylivingmarket.com; or call Customer Service at 802.863.2569.

Take it Outside: Summer Picnicking Tips & Tricks

NOTHING COMPLETES a summer meal like a fat slice of the great outdoors. Whether you’re eating fried chicken and potato salad, grilled portobelli, or a loaf of bread and a jar of peanut butter, family dining is just better al fresco.

“You say to the kids, ‘picnic,’ and they know it’s going to be fun,” said Terra Heilenbach, a Jericho mom who grew up celebrating her birthday every year with a barbecue in the park.

I found Heilenbach at Burlington’s Oakledge Park on a sun-kissed Saturday in June, sharing an impromptu cookout with family and friends. Her 3-week-old son, Illo, slept snuggled in a sling against her chest while she explained that this was already his second picnic. A week earlier, Heilenbach had taken him and big brother, 2-year-old Finch, to Mills Riverside Park in Jericho. She likes to pack finger foods, along with extra water to rinse those grapes that hit the ground.

“For kids, I think just getting out of the house changes their vibe,” Heilenbach said. “The space entertains them.” At Mills Riverside, she said, Finch played with toys and waded, and baby Illo slept in the shade of the cooler. While we talked at Oakledge, Finch ran by, chasing his father’s business partner with a stick.

“What are you doing, Finch?” Heilenbach asked.

“Playing pirates,” he answered. I met more picnickers at Burlington’s North Beach, including Tasha Beaupre, mother

of four. She counts kids burning energy as a picnic plus. I talked with Beaupre as she dined with a gaggle of relatives. Watermelon, strawberries, hot dogs, chips and water are this Burlington family’s picnic staples, but what’s on the menu doesn’t really matter to 8-year-old Phoebe Beaupre. She’s all about the sand and the water, said her mom, Terrie. “Really, what we do is just put food aside, and she’ll eat when we get home.”

Nearby, 3-year-old Amelie Grujic filled a floppy, pink sun hat with sand and presented it to her mother. “It’s ice cream,” she said in her native German, with her dad, Zlatko Grujic, translating to English. The Grujic family was visiting from Germany.

Amelie and sister, Lana, who’s 5, love to eat sausages on their picnics. “You can also make great bananas on the grill,” o ered their mom, Sabrina. She o ered some unique ways to grill fruit: Cut a banana lengthwise, stu chocolate chips into the slit, wrap it in foil, and grill it for seven or eight minutes. Or core an apple, fill it with chewy caramels, wrap and grill until it’s as soft as you like, probably 15 to 20 minutes.

Down the beach, two local families relaxed around a wicker picnic basket lined with red, plaid fabric. “Pack the night before, or at least prepare everything the night before,” advised Rose Wood, who lives nearby in Burlington.

Still, added her friend Kristen Badger, expect to leave an hour late;

wrangling kids and all of the stu you need takes time.

The e ort pays o , though, thinks Badger’s 12-year-old nephew, Matthew Dow. “Lake Champlain and s’mores,” he said. “Perfect combination.”

Packing Your Picnic Basket

City Market’s food and nutrition education coordinator, Caroline Homan, has developed a kids picnicking class. Homan, mom to Nikolas, 7, and Linnea, 4, offers families these picnicking tips:

1. Bring finger foods, such as chicken wings or drumsticks, open-faced sandwiches, boiled or deviled eggs, corn on the cob, sugar-snap peas and watermelon.

2. Keep it simple. Instead of drinks in pitchers, let kids use their water bottles. Instead of salad, pack cut veggies. For a quick dipping sauce, mix ¼ cup each freshly ground peanut butter, tamari and water (adjust the water for desired consistency), 4 teaspoons toasted sesame oil, and 2 to 4 tablespoons of maple syrup. Shake till smooth. Leftovers are great on noodles the next day.

3. Go for wholesome. kids that outdoor exercise and fun goes along with good nutrition,” Homan said. Skip processed, packaged foods and sodas. If you must have chips, try organic corn versions, which pack some whole grain and fiber.

4. Come prepared for cleanup. Bring a wet and dry cloth to wipe hands and faces, trash bags for disposables and containers for leftovers.

5. Conceal dessert dishes have been eaten. Nothing saps a kid’s incentive to reach for a carrot like a plate of brownies. If your picnic site sells treats, don’t bring dessert at all. That way you can say yes to the creemee stand.

PRESENTS

2014 BIG TOP TOUR

DATES ACROSS VERMONT AND BEYOND!

GREENSBORO OPENER JUNE 29

ST. JOHNSBURY JULY 2-3

ESSEX JUNCTION JULY 8-10

MONTPELIER AUG 10-13

GREENSBORO FINALE AUG 15-16

TICKETS! VISIT SMIRKUS.ORG OR CALL 1-877-SMIRKUS

GROUP RATES CALL 802-533-7443 X27

Matt GaGnon VERGENNES

owner, Soap and SudS CleaninG ServiCe; HazMat teCHniCian, verMont air national Guard Sons Riley, 8, Cole, 5, Bryce and Chase, 1

A few years ago, Riley and Cole wanted a puppy. I grew up with trained hunting dogs, and I knew having a dog was a big commitment, but I was out-voted.

We found our 2-year-old hound, Clover, at All Breed Rescue. The boys fell in love with her, and we brought her home. When the twins came along, we introduced them to Clover slowly because we wanted to be careful. Now that they’re older, it’s two against one — now we have to protect the dog.

Having a pet teaches responsibility. But it’s still easy for them to get caught up in sports and Scouts and forget about her. We have to remind them, “Hey, guys, you need to go play with Clover. Why? Because she’s your dog.”

They’re learning. They feed her, go out in the yard and play soccer with her. When we go for family walks, I’ll let Riley hold her leash.

Dogs are great pets. When I get home from work, there she is, with a soccer ball in her mouth, ready to play. It’s unconditional love.

SaM KrotinGer

Our family dog died prematurely, and we’d been pet-less for a while. It was close to Easter when my wife found our bunny, Steeley, on Craigslist. He was advertised as super-mellow, friendly and completely house-trained. That sealed the deal.

He has funny markings on his face that make him look like Frank Zappa. (I posted pictures of both on Facebook, and my friends thought the resemblance was uncanny.) He didn’t come with any toys, so my wife bought him a Disney Princess ball, and he’s absolutely in love with it. He pushes it and makes these little grunting sounds and lies down next to it. If you kick it, he’ll run after it like a dog.

I think people want pets because animals are fascinating. The ones that really respond to you, like mammals, give you love with no strings attached. They can’t talk back to you, they can’t play mind games. They’re never passive aggressive. It’s just pure, unfiltered adoration. I think that feels good within the complexities of our human experience.

exeCutive direCtor, BiG Heavy world Daughter Sophia, 13

I’m very much a dog person at heart, but as an adult I had a cat that was kind of a magical creature, so I like cats. We have four.

When it comes to cat acquisitions, I am not the cat curator. My daughter, Sophia, is, and I just make sure we have a happy, healthy, cat household.

Our cats came from different places. Our first was a Christmas gift from a professor’s house in Starksboro, who had a sign by the road that said, “Free Kittens.”

Another time we answered an ad for available kittens and discovered those cats were being offered from a barn full of cats that weren’t especially healthy. One kitten ended up sleeping on my head every night; she’s much healthier now.

Our cats are all indoor cats. They live upstairs and down. They all lick each other’s heads and play patty-cake. Every one of them is a little person to us, so they’re all family members. Cats are a way to jam more happiness and love into a tiny house.

JoHnny Mendez ESSEX Co-owner, HenHouSe Media Daughter Francesca (Frankie), 9

We had two house-trained bunnies before our daughter was born. By the time she was about 2, they had both passed away, and we gave it a little bit of time before we got another pet.

Frankie was a huge fan of cats — she liked the cats in her books and liked the idea of them. We had taken her to the humane society a few times, and she loved the cats there. She liked the puppies, too, but my wife and I have very busy schedules and a owning a dog wouldn’t fit our current lifestyle.

Cats need love and care, but they’re pretty self-sufficient, so it was a great fit. I watch my daughter with our cat and see that it teaches her responsibility and really gives her some structure. When she gets up she knows she has to feed the cat. There’s dinner, there’s playtime in the evening. Pets kind of become like our children. They teach us a lot of things if we’re open to it. When you take care of another living being, there’s learning that happens that can’t be measured. 

WARREN teaCHer, Harwood union HiGH SCHool Daughters Sophie, 10, and Eliza, 6

JaMeS loCKridGe BuRliNGtoN

How and why did your family decide to get a pet?

When you take care of another living being, there’s learning that happens that can’t be measured.

JoHnny Mendez

String Instruments

Visit any local farmers market, summer festival or coffee-house jam session, and you’ll likely see adults making music with fiddles, banjos and mandolins. It’s no surprise, then, that Vermont kids want in on the action.

Woodbury Strings caters to their interest. The business specializes in teaching beginners to play string instruments: the fiddle starting at age 3, the ukulele starting at 4, the banjo starting at 5, and the mandolin and guitar starting at 10.

Husband-and-wife duo Sarah Hotchkiss and John Mowad run Woodbury Strings out of a small office on lower North Street in Burlington. Hotchkiss has dabbled in teaching string instruments to kids since she was in high school; the Jericho native played viola with the Vermont Youth Orchestra and studied music at the Crane School of Music and the University of Vermont. She began teaching formally in the late 1980s, when her own children were young. In 2000, she met Mowad, a lifelong musician who had just arrived from Nashville, and they soon began teaching together in a studio in Montpelier.

In 2003, Hotchkiss founded the Vermont Fiddle Orchestra — she retired as its director last year — with Mowad leading the rhythm section and composing for the group. In their current Burlington location, Hotchkiss teaches younger students, while Mowad works mostly with older kids and adults.

The couple has a teaching philosophy that is as folksy as the music they help create. Hotchkiss calls her style a “wholeperson approach,” where she adapts her instruction to each student’s learning style and pace. Sometimes during lessons Mowad uses his composing skills to spontaneously create songs that help students practice a specific skill, such as using a bow.

The teachers arrange annual opportunities for students to gather for informal music-making sessions during which parents are encouraged to play their own instruments as backup.

Friends Hadley Stockwell, 9, and Caroline Swayze, 8, of Charlotte have been taking fiddle lessons from Hotchkiss since the fall. During a recent lesson, Hadley got instruction from Hotchkiss while Caroline looked on nearby, happily playing with play dough.

Hadley’s session started with a review

of technique and posture. Hotchkiss gave her a piece of purple foam to put in between her thumb and pointer finger to help her avoid pinching the fiddle’s neck.

Next, the 9-year-old practiced scales; Hotchkiss gave her tips on positioning and holding the bow so that she could get a more concentrated, clear sound. She incorporated the feedback while playing a catchy Irish jig called “Road to Lisdoonvarna” that she had learned in a previous lesson.

At the end of the class, Caroline joined Hadley and Hotchkiss for a song.

Beginning students typically start off with half-hour lessons, then progress to 45 minutes, and eventually an hour, says Hotchkiss. In the first session, students learn about the parts of the instrument, and how to handle and care for it. By the end of the second lesson, Hotchkiss aims to have students playing an easy song such as “Hot Cross Buns.”

“Once my students have three to five simple tunes and they’re making music, it really gets them invested in it,” Hotchkiss says.

How do you choose an instrument to learn? There are virtues to each of them, she says. Banjo and ukulele can be initially more rewarding for young kids to play because just strumming the strings produces a nice sound. But Hotchkiss says she’s a bit biased toward the fiddle.

“It’s just a beautiful instrument and bowing is a compelling activity,” she says, adding that the fiddle’s sound is the closest match to the human voice of any instrument. Learning how to use a bow can be tricky at first, but it’s a skill that helps with all aspects of a child’s development, Hotchkiss says. And the instrument comes in sizes small enough for the youngest of musicians.

Farm Life Exhibits

Engaging Programs and Activities

May – October, Daily November –February Weekends

802-457-2355

www.billingsfarm.org

Woodstock, Vermont

k8v-BillingsFarm0714.indd 1 6/19/14 12:30 PM

JOIN CHAMP’S

Kids Club Members (12 & under) will receive:

*Free Admission to five (5) Vermont Lake Monster home games

Jean Swayze, Caroline’s mother, says her daughter’s weekly 45 minutes of fiddle instruction has taught Caroline more than musical rudiments.

“Through the lessons, Sarah has opened the door to fiddling in the real world, from participating in concerts to giving recitals to playing on Church Street,” Swayze said. “Sarah also has this wonderfully gentle gift of relating to the kids on their level, which I think enables her to coax music from everyone.”

woodbury strings offers music lessons at their office at 12 north street in Burlington. For more information, visit woodburystrings. com, or contact them at woodburystrings@gmail.com.

*10% off merchandise on CHAMP’s Kids Club days

*Admission to exclusive CHAMP’s Kids Club events

*Official Kids Club membership card and much more...

You can join CHAMP’s Kids Club by visiting www.vermontlakemonsters.com

For questions, call 802.655.4200

BIRTHDAYS AT THE BALLPARK

For on $16 each kid (12 & under) will receive:

For only $16, each kid (12 & under) will receive:

*A reserved seat to the game

*A voucher for a hot dog, soft drink and dessert item on the night of the game

*A Fun Zone pass for unlimited inflatable games on the night of the game

*Special video board announcement and much more!

To book your party call 802.655.6611

By the end of the second lesson, Hotchkiss aims to have students playing an easy song such as “Hot cross Buns.”

Caroline Swayze, Hadley Stockwell and instructor Sarah Hotchkiss

CHICKEN BIG

Vermont’s farm families aren’t the only ones raising poultry

BY KEN PICARD

Liz Sma has

quite the br d.

And despite being young, they all have “old-lady names”: Pauline, Penny, Esther, Edith, Rosie and Milly. These aren’t Small’s children — they’re her chickens, a pair of Black Australorps, a couple of golden Bu Orpingtons, a Rhode Island Red and a speckled, black-and-white Barred Rock.

Small and her husband, Eric, started building their flock on their two-acre Cambridge homestead as a sustainability lesson for their smaller brood of children — Savannah, 5, and Danyon, 22 months. But the novelty of collecting eggs — the birds generate four to five daily during their spring to late-fall laying season — quickly wore o for the kids.

Their mother doesn’t seem to mind. She’s hooked on the birds: on the hens’ vibrant colors, their inquisitive personalities and their eggs. She says they taste creamier and have larger yolks than eggs that come from the store.

Raising chickens, she says, is “so addicting. I’d like to get more ... I’m the crazy chicken lady.”

Small isn’t alone. In recent years, a growing number of Vermont families are squawking about their backyard roosts. Equal parts pet, food supply, fertilizer and pest control, chickens can provide families with hours of healthy and relatively clean outdoor fun with only a moderate investment of time, space and money.

It’s hard to quantify chicken ownership — the State of Vermont doesn’t keep statistics — but municipal o cials in Burlington say they’ve definitely noticed an uptick in calls from residents curious about the subject. The city is currently reworking its ordinances to address the expanding interest in chickens and other forms of urban agriculture.

That said, the growing popularity of poultry has its downsides, including possible exposure to salmonella (see sidebar). In proportion to the increased interest in chickens, the Humane Society of Chittenden

County is getting more calls from people whose fowl have become unwanted or problematic.

For people ready for the challenge of owning backyard chickens, the internet provides valuable information and networking. Chicken-related postings abound on Front Porch Forum, and bird fanciers organize meet-ups and swaps using social media. A Facebook page called Burlington Backyard Chicken Owners, which began in February 2011, has at least 132 likes.

“Backyardchickens.com is a great source,” Small says. “They even have their own iPhone app.”

Small, a freelance designer who works from home, started researching

chickens about a year and a half ago, inspired by the 2008 documentary Food, Inc., and other films about factory farming and industrial food production. The Smalls ordered their first chicks in February 2013. The hatchlings arrived in mid-April and

were kept inside until they feathered — at about six weeks — and began laying eggs 16 to 20 weeks later. The Smalls built their own coop from plans they downloaded from the internet.

And talk about a coop de Ville! Spacious and clean, it has a corrugated metal roof, three nesting boxes, heat lamps for the winter, and hanging food and water containers inside and out. Evidently, when chickens are outside and hungry or thirsty, they’re not smart enough to go inside to eat and drink.

Located under a good shade tree, the coop is enveloped by plenty of rigid wire mesh (not, as one might

They’re like dogs you don’t have to walk.

KRISTEN RYAN

COURTESY OF LIZ SMALL

Savannah Small with her chickens

Poultry Pointers

chickens, including the habits and personalities of different breeds, so they know what they’re getting into, says Kristen Ryan. They should factor in all the practical considerations, such as how much chickens eat, where to buy feed, what to do with their waste and how to ventilate the ammonia from the coop. “There’s a lot to know about chickens,” she says. “It’s a real project.”

Chickens will attract predators, such as skunks, raccoons, weasels and even coyotes, cautions JoAnn Nichols, a humane investigator with the Humane Society of Chittenden County. In the last year or two, the humane society has been getting more calls to rescue chickens from unsafe environments. “The humane society is not currently equipped to take in chickens and be able to house them safely and appropriately,” Nichols says. She suggests checking with your local humane society to find out if any hatchlings are available for adoption before purchasing new ones.

Research your town’s laws on backyard-chicken ownership. Ordinances vary from one community to the next, especially on the maximum number of chickens allowed, whether roosters are permitted and how much space is required per chicken.

Buy chicks in late April or May, Liz Small. When they arrive, they’re not fully feathered and won’t thrive in colder temps.

Chickens not only spread diseases, but they catch them, too. You’ve heard of avian flu, but probably not bumblefoot or bent gleet, aka “nasty chicken butt.” Not all local vets treat chickens. For those who do, it’s a good idea to call ahead to ensure the waiting room will be free of other animals. To find a chicken vet in your area, contact the Vermont Veterinary Medical Association, or visit their website at vtvets.org. Click on the “Find a veterinarian” link, then look for “types of animals seen in practice.”

recommends

Poop happens, and having a coop full of the smelly stuff is no fun — for you or your neighbors. But many backyard chicken enthusiasts use the messy manure and soiled bedding as compost in their gardens. Especially handy DIY coop builders may consider building a mobile coop that can be rolled around the yard, allowing the hen droppings to fertilize different spots on the lawn.

Kids need to be taught proper hygiene for handling chickens, as baby chicks are notorious for being vectors for disease. Bradley Tompkins, an infectious disease epidemiologist with the Vermont Department of Health, reports that although there haven’t been any salmonella-related hospitalizations in Vermont in 2014, last year one child was hospitalized with the illness after handling poultry. People of any age can contract salmonella from live poultry, but it’s especially common in young kids, he explains, in part because their hand-washing abilities aren’t very good, and also because children’s immune systems aren’t mature enough to stave off the infection. “Also, kids are more attracted to little chicks,” Tompkins adds. “They’re cute little birds, and kids always want to pick them up and play with them.”

Chickens often outlive their egg-laying days. Parents should decide what they’ll do with their geriatric hens and have a “game plan” in mind — especially once your child has named them all. “For us,” says Kristen Ryan, “we’re going to have a really nice chicken old-folks’ home.”

“Start small, and build the coop larger than you think you need to,” Liz Small suggests, because “you’ll want more.” Although many people start with a dozen, you need adequate space in the coop because chickens don’t like to be cramped “or things start to get ugly.”

The Burlington Urban Agriculture Task Force recommends having at least 1.5 square feet of space per chicken for indoor coop space and twice as much run space outdoors. We did the math for you: Six chickens need a minimum of nine square feet of coop space and 18 square feet of

Raising chickens can be a rewarding and fun-filled project — but it’s not for everyone. Here are some aspects of poultry rearing to consider before investing time and money:

assume, chicken wire) to keep out weasels, squirrels, foxes and other predators. Otherwise, the chickens have free range of a section of yard that’s surrounded by deer netting, which, as Liz Small explains, is there mainly to keep the hens from digging up her vegetable garden.

Chicken upkeep hasn’t been overly taxing, though Small points out they do eat a lot. In addition to feed, the hens also get table scraps such as cabbage and lettuce ends, as well as occasional oyster shells to provide them with enough calcium to lay eggs with strong shells.

As for the time commitment for their care, Small says she spends “way more time than I have to,” including 15 to 20 minutes in the morning feeding and watering the chickens, and about the same amount of time in the evening. Gathering eggs takes a few minutes a day. The Smalls sell about a dozen a week to neighbors, and the proceeds go into Savannah’s piggy bank.

Small says having chickens has taught her kids a lot, but not all of the lessons have been easy ones.

— Tom Wilson, actor/writer/comedian

Kristen and Olivia Ryan with Barbara and Mae

MATTHEW THORSEN

“We’ve had to ‘do away’ with some,” Small says, referring to the rooster they slaughtered rather than contend with 5 a.m. wake-up calls and irate neighbors; he was also beating up the hens. His death “was much less traumatic for the 5-year-old than I expected,” Small says.

“It’s one more step to being sustainable,” she adds. “And I like the fact that they know where eggs come from and they’re not just something you buy at the store.”

Small points out that living in the country makes it easier to have chickens, but a rural setting isn’t a requirement. Kristen Ryan, her wife, Sally, and their 6-year-old daughter, Olivia, keep two hens in their backyard in densely populated Winooski. When a neighbor offered the couple some chickens before moving three years ago, Ryan admits she wasn’t exactly thrilled with the idea, especially because they had to build a coop in the dead of winter. But she quickly warmed to the chickens, and has since had as many

as six — the maximum allowed under city ordinance.

“It’s been a great experience,” reports Ryan. “They are known to invade our snow forts. They’re like dogs you don’t have to walk.”

Like Small’s chickens, the Ryans’ two hens, Barbara and Mae, also have old-lady names. Ryan explains that the couple continued their neighbor’s tradition of naming their hens after maternal grandmothers. Olivia hasn’t tired of gathering eggs and feeding them leftovers.

“We called her ‘the chicken whisperer’ for a while because she was great at finding worms and bugs, and [the chickens] just follow her around,” Ryan says.

What’s the best aspect of keeping backyard chickens?

“They’re fun to watch,” she adds. “I didn’t know anything about chickens, but I find them to be very gregarious and curious little creatures. If you’re weeding a garden, you’ll suddenly have a chicken head next to you wondering what you’re doing.”

Liz Small’s chicken, Pauline

Day-cations

NEAR & FAR

School’s out, and “Day-cations” are in. Every summer, Kids VT seeks out family-friendly destinations where you and your kids can experience the natural beauty and unique culture of our region. They’re all places you can visit in a day.

Each of our three summer issues features two recommended trips, complete with tips on nearby dining and attractions. This month, calendar writer Alison Novak takes her family fishing in Colchester, while contributor Nancy Stearns Bercaw eyes exotic animals in a foreign country: Canada.

Looking for more day-trip ideas? Read the rest of our award-winning Day-cation series at kidsvt.com.

Monkey Business: Granby Zoo

BY NANCY STEARNS BERCAW

I am a zoo aficionado. From a sweet wildlife park in Panama City to a sad glass menagerie in Beijing, I’ve seen the best and worst the world has to o er. After a visit to the Granby Zoo in Québec, I’m ready to declare it among the most delightful places anywhere to see animals up close.

On the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, my 10-year-old son, David, and I drove two hours north of Burlington to the town of Granby in French-speaking Québec. My pal Jon Shenton and his 11-year-old daughter, Olive Oski, came along, too. This was our first visit to the zoo; we knew very little about it and had few expectations. We parked for free in an almost-empty lot and eagerly bought our tickets to Zoo de Granby.

First, we hit Le Marché, a food court o ering the standard American fare, along with French fries smothered in gravy and cheese curds, aka poutine. Jon and I each spent about $15 Canadian on cheeseburgers, fries and onion rings, and cold drinks — très a ordable compared to what I’d forked over at Tampa’s Busch Gardens back in March.

After lunch, David and Olive opted to ride the onehump camel together. Although there were no lines for the brief dromedary excursion, there was an additional

$2 fee. I was glad Jon had brought a handful of Canadian coins.

Fortunately, we soon discovered that we could use our American credit cards to buy coupon booklets — $20 for 10 coupons — for these pop-up opportunities that aren’t included in the admission price. We used two coupons each to board the Orient Express, a monorail-style train, to get an overview of the zoo. During the 10-minute ride, we looked down over kangaroos hopping across the “Australian Outback” and red pandas playing around a Chinese pagoda.

We missed out on the details about the animals and their environments, though; the conductor’s running commentary was all in French. Most zoo employees do speak English well and readily, but not while giving presentations, apparently. Thankfully the signage is bilingual.

Granby Zoo is organized by region: Africa, South America, Asia, Oceana and South Pacific. O the train, we went to Africa, where we had great views of zebras, ostriches and gira es wandering and grazing together just as they do on the savannah. We also watched the big cats — lions and leopards — lounging in authentic landscapes. All the animals appeared healthy and happy, although the gargantuan gorilla was a tad grumpy. Jon and Olive witnessed him bang abruptly against the glass wall, which scared the bejesus out of a human mother and child.

David and I gasped at the sight of a hippo pooping on

the side of his swimming hole. We learned that hippos weigh as much as three tons and are extremely territorial and aggressive. These seemingly lazy, water-loving herbivores apparently kill more people in Africa than any other animal.

Jon and I shared a good laugh as we headed in the direction of the rhinos; he thought I said, “The winos are over there.” We giggled again upon realizing that wine and beer are, in fact, available at a stand near the prehistoric-looking beasts.

If parents choose to relax with a Molson Canadian or a glass of Chardonnay, there are a number of fun spots for kids to stop and play. We paused in the heart of Africa, sans vin, to try out some silly Serengeti settings. David hung from the doors of a replica safari vehicle and hummed the theme from the Indiana Jones movies. Then he stood on the wings of a bush plane and pretended he’d just crash-landed in the Congo.

The more adventuresome Olive

was thrilled to discover real rides at the zoo. She and Jon boarded the Anaconda roller coaster — twice, at two coupons per person each time — while David and I played in the arcade. Young tots would likely enjoy the wee bumper cars and a carousel.

Granby is also home to a water park called the Amazoo, named in honor of the Amazon, though it wasn’t open during our early summer visit. A wave pool and lazy river are among its aquatic features.

Visitors access the Amazoo through an entrance in the South America region, which is home to ocelots, piranha, spectacled bears, monkeys and marmosets. Kangaroo, wallaby and emu reside in the Oceania section, which encompasses the Outback. Aptly, the South Pacific showcases an array of marine life, including sharks, rays and sea anemone.

We were especially eager to visit Asia because we’d been so taken by the red pandas from our perch on the

Poles and Paddles: Colchester Pond

BY ALISON NOVAK

Who knew there was a 182-acre pond in Colchester?

I certainly didn’t, until a friend told me he took his 3-year-old daughter on an introductory fishing trip there. It piqued my curiosity, so our families made plans to meet up one Sunday morning for some boating, fishing and exploring.

We arranged to borrow a canoe from our neighbors — an aluminum four-seater from the early 1970s. With their help, we strapped the behemoth to the roof of our car. Then came cheap fishing poles, a tackle box, life jackets and lots of snacks. Soon enough, the whole family — me, my husband, Je , my 7-year-old daughter, Mira, and my 4-year-old son, Theo — was on its way.

Colchester Pond is less than 25 minutes from our home in Shelburne. It’s o Route 2A in Colchester and down a long dirt road — which is probably why I’d never come across it before. The Winooski Valley Park District runs it, along with 17 other parks and natural areas in Burlington, Colchester, Essex, Jericho, South Burlington, Williston and Winooski.

When we got there a little after 9 a.m., the parking lot was filling up, and anglers already dotted the banks. We met up with our friends Josh, Lindsey and their 3-year-daughter, Aila, and made a group decision to leave the canoe on the roof for the time being and start with fishing.

All the animals appeared healthy and happy, although the gargantuan gorilla was a tad grumpy.

Alison, Mira and Theo Novak

DAY-CATIONS: GRANBY ZOO P.24 »

Granby Zoo

1050 Boulevard David Bouchard nord, Granby, Québec, canada, 450-372-9113. zoodegranby.com

Know before you go:

travelers age 16 or older must have current passports or enhanced driver’s licenses to cross the border. children under 16 can present passports or proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. through August 24, Granby Zoo and Amazoo Water park are open from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily.

Admission is in canadian dollars and includes entrance to both the zoo and Amazoo: Adults ages 13-64, $35.95; seniors 65 and over, $27.95; children 3-12, $23.45; 2-year-olds, $10.95; children under 2, free. you can also purchase a package for four — two people over 13 and two children between 2 and 12 — for $105.95. two-day rates are also available, as are annual passes.

the zoo is largely an outdoor experience, but clean bathrooms, including nursing stations, are plentiful, as are shady spots to escape the noonday sun.

Day-cations: Granby Zoo

continueD from p. 23

Orient Express. Up close and personal, they resembled fluffy foxes. Red pandas are much smaller than their blackand-white brethren, but have similarly adorable faces and expressions.

David declared the red pandas his creature du jour and purchased a stuffed version from the gift shop. Olive decided on a soft and snuggly sloth as her souvenir. We didn’t come across any of those slow-moving animals on our journey through the zoo, but her choice was a testament to the greater gift of the day: David and Olive left Granby with a deeper appreciation of the animal kingdom, and stronger instincts to conserve the wildlife they have yet to see.

Where to eat:

café Rouge 32 rue principale, Bedford, Québec, just past the border, opens at 8 a.m., with fine teas, coffees and pastries. it offers sandwiches and salads for the lunch crowd.

Thai Express, at the intersection of route 137 and route 10, in Ange-Gardien, about 15 minutes before Granby, is a chain restaurant where you can find cheap thai on the fly.

food selections inside the zoo are plentiful and affordable. Visitors can also bring their own picnics to enjoy on the grounds — there are dozens of picnic tables scattered around.

Also nearby:

Walk the trails and enjoy the best bird-watching in Québec at the centre d’interprétation de la nature du lac Boivin, a 1,000-acre marsh reserve and interpretation center. exit 74 off route 10. Visit cinlb.org for rates and hours (in french).

David and Olive riding a camel

The Amazoo Water Park courtesy of Jon s henton

courtesy of Jon s henton

Day-cations: Colchester Pond

ContinueD from P 23

Josh led us on a five-minute walk to a large patch of dirt with a wooden bench that was big enough for our party of seven to use as home base.

While Jeff and Josh prepped the fishing poles, Mira, Theo and Aila ogled a tub of worms we’d brought to use as bait.

According to Josh, who is an avid fisherman, Colchester Pond is inhabited by bass, pike, blue gill and sunfish. Looking into the shallow water, we could see a couple of fish swimming around.

But within about 15 minutes, we’d lost a bobber, got our line tangled in a low-hanging tree several times and had a worm stolen off our hook. Expert anglers we’re not.

Our more experienced friends did manage to catch a small pumpkinseed, so Mira and Theo got a chance to see a hooked fish up close — though they opted not to touch it.

As one might have predicted, the young kids didn’t have the patience required for fishing, so Lindsey and I accompanied the three small fries on an impromptu nature walk. Mira picked wildflowers that lined the grassy trail while Theo ran full speed ahead in true 4-year-old form.

The narrow pathway on which we walked was part of a 3.25-mile loop

that wraps around the pond and cuts through fields and woods. A dog walker we encountered warned us about a steep incline a little further down and said it was muddy in spots. When my kids are a little older I can imagine returning to circumnavigate the pond, but this time around, we weren’t that goal-oriented.

And we still had to get the canoe into the water. The vintage Grumman we borrowed was heavy compared to modern fiberglass models. A wooden ramp near the parking lot and a couple of trolleys in the well-marked boat-launch area simplified the challenge.

A friendly young Winooski Valley Park staffer was there to answer questions. He told us that otters, beavers and wildcats have been spotted in the area. He also warned us about poison ivy growing on the sides of the path.

Then he plucked a plant with serrated leaves from a crop of greenery. “Jewelweed,” he told us, which could be crushed up or frozen into ice cubes as a natural remedy for poison ivy. He dipped the plant into the water and its leaves took on a silvery glow, which is how the plant got its name, he explained.

As we surveyed the pond, Theo remarked, “New York doesn’t look too far away.” It made me wonder when my little guy would stop assuming that every body of water he came across was Lake Champlain.

Our 45-minute canoe trip took us around the pond. Coordinating four different paddle strokes was a bit tricky, but we enjoyed seeing the pond’s lush green banks from the water. We also spotted a wide array of birds, including a pileated woodpecker, red-winged blackbirds, a kingfisher, an osprey and a family of geese.

At the end of the four-hour adventure, all of us were completely exhausted — but happy to have found this gem so close to home. We’ll be back for more outdoor fun later this summer. Maybe we’ll even catch a fish next time. K

colchester Pond

Colchester, 863-5744, wvpd.org

Know

before you go:

Wear shoes that can get wet, like Bogs or Keens, and bring an extra pair of clothes for the kids to change into for the car ride home. my kids got pretty soggy getting in and out of the canoe.

there’s no public restroom at the pond, so plan accordingly — and if you need to pop a squat, look out for poison ivy. if you plan to go fishing, adults need a license. it costs $25 for the season and is easy to purchase online at the Vermont fish & Wildlife website. Kids under 15 fish for free.

By 10:30 a.m. the parking lot was full and parking along the road is not permitted. Arrive early to ensure you get a spot. it’s oK to bring dogs, but keep them leashed.

no motorized boats are allowed on the pond.

Swimming is permitted, but there’s no beach — so leave the lounge chairs at home. Consider buying durable kids’ fishing poles. Wayne Jones at the otter creek Bait shop in Vergennes recommended Shakespeare Brand Sturdy Stiks for $20 a pop.

Where to eat:

Bring snacks and a lunch (and perhaps a blanket, since there’s only one picnic table at the pond), or stop for a meal or treat afterward at one of the many casual places fewer than 10 minutes away. Bayview Eats, at 97 Blakely road in Colchester, serves up sandwiches, soups, salad and brunch on Sunday — and has a separate kids menu. Firebird café, at 163 Pearl Street in essex Junction, specializes in burritos and has breakfast options like omelets and french toast all day. for creemees and new orleans-style shaved ice, try sweet clover market, a natural food store at 21 essex Way in the essex outlets. The Village scoop, at 419 main Street in Colchester, has a large selection of soft-serve and hard ice cream.

Also nearby:

maple street Park at 75 maple Street in essex Junction boasts multiple climbing structures, a skate park and basketball courts. there’s also a pool there that’s open for public swimming in the afternoon.

Woodside Natural Area and overlook Park on Woodside Drive in essex has a one-mile loop trail and a picnic area with scenic views of the Green mountains.

coordinating four different paddle strokes was a bit tricky, but we enjoyed seeing the pond’s lush green banks from the water.

Josh and Aila Halman

Who are the kings and queens of the playground in this year’s Seven Daysies?

PICK UP THE JULY 30 ISSUE OF SEVEN DAYS AND SEE WHO WON...

Best Vermont day trip with the kids

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Best place to bike

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the 12th ANNUAL READERS’ PICKS 1 2 3 NominatE

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JULY CALENDAR

There’s no need to pack a picnic at SUMMERVALE, where area eateries offer a wide range of tasty fare that satisfies even the pickiest eater. Slow Food Vermont tastings introduce budding foodies to new flavors, while City Market-sponsored activities include butter making and bike-powered smoothies. Adventure seekers can hunt for frogs in the Intervale Center’s pond, then wind down with a fruity pop from Adam’s Berry Farm. Grown ups get in on the fun with live music and libations from Citizen Cider and Zero Gravity Craft Brewery. Now that’s a satisfying summer evening.

Farm-Fresh Fun

SUMMERVALE: Thursdays from July 3 to August 28 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Intervale Center in Burlington. Donations accepted; food available to purchase. Info, 660-0440. intervale.org

SPOTLIGHTS & LISTINGS BY ALISON NOVAK

1 TUESDAY

Arts & crafts

creative Tuesdays: Artists engage their imaginations with Legos, recycled materials and crafts. All ages, but kids under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30-11:45 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: Mothers-to-be build strength, stamina, comfort and a stronger connection to their baby in this all-levels class. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 4-5:30 p.m. $14. Info, 864-9642.

Education

Time-Travel Tuesdays: Kids of all ages learn what daily life was like in 1890 by helping to prepare seasonal meals, churn butter and do laundry the old-fashioned way. All ages. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $414; free for children under 3. Info, 457-2355.

Food

chocolate-Bar making: Budding chocolatiers temper and mold the sweet stuff, then create and wrap four goody-filled bars to take home. Children under 9 must be accompanied by an adult. South End Kitchen, Burlington, 3 p.m. $25; preregister. Info, 864-0505.

old North End Farmers market: Fresh fruit and veggies, breads and baked goods, prepared foods, pickles and more draw a crowd. All ages. Dewey Park, Burlington, 3-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 376-1977.

Health & Fitness

Adventures to Fitness: Kids work up a sweat following along with this engaging exercise program on the library's SMARTboard. Ages 5-10. South Burlington Community Library, 2-2:30 p.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.

catamount Trail Running series: Athletes of all ages and abilities choose between 2.5 and 5 kilometer courses — with a 10K option on the second Tuesday of each month — during this fun evening race. Catamount Outdoor Family Center, Williston, 6 p.m. $3-8; free for children under 9. Info, 879-6001.

Hard'Ack Trail Running series: Fast feet get moving in 1K, 3K and 5K races on alternating courses. Hard'ack, St. Albans, 6 p.m. $3-5; free for kids and Ben & Jerry's employees; preregister. Info, 524-1500, ext. 266.

shelburne open Gym: Tumbling tots burn energy on trampolines, balance beams, rings and more. Gymstar Gymnastics, Shelburne, 2:30 p.m. $3-6. Info, 985-8948.

stowe Public skating: Sharp-footed youth escape the heat and whirl and twirl to their heart's delight. All ages. Stowe Arena, 12:15-1:15 p.m. $5; $5 skate rental; $2 helmet rental. Info, 253-2264.

Theater

'The Lone Ranger meets cherokee Princess': Hi-Yo, Silver Away! Very Merry Theatre kids perform this original sequel to the Lone Ranger tale, which highlights the plight of the Cherokee. Deborah Rawson Memorial Library, Jericho, noon. Free. Info, 355-1461.

2 WEDNESDAY

Baby & maternity

montpelier Postnatal Yoga: Brand-new mamas and their littles relax, stretch and bond. For moms with babies one year and under. Emerge Yoga, Montpelier, 10-11 a.m. $12. Info, 778-0300.

Food

chocolate-Bar making: See July 1. colchester Farmers market: Rain or shine, local farmers, artisans, food vendors and musicians gather on the green. All ages. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 4-7 p.m. Free. Info, 879-7576.

Kids in the Kitchen: Vegan coconut cupcakes: Kids mix, measure and bake their way to moist and delicious coconut-lime cupcakes, then decorate their mini masterpieces with vegan icing. All ages. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 4-5 p.m. $20 per child-adult pair; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

Preschool music With derek: Kids tap their toes in time to a fun, tune-filled gathering. Ages 3-5. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

Rockin' Ron the Friendly Pirate: Small scallywags "ooh" and "aargh!" during swashbuckling songs, movements and guessing games. Ages 7 and under, with their parents. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.

Vermont symphony orchestra summer Festival Tour: manchester: Listeners pack a picnic and listen to toe-tapping melodies from the world of dance — from waltzes to swing and polkas to salsa. The night ends with a bang — of fireworks. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Hunter Fairgrounds, Manchester, 7:30 p.m. $32-37; children under 18 are free with ticket in advance and $12 at the gate. Info, 864-5741, ext. 10.

Nature & science

Classes

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

summer camps 2014: Boys Basketball Camp

July 7-11. Summer Day Camp

July 28-August 1, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Brandon Gleason Christian Boys Basketball Camp August 4-8. Coed Basketball Camp August 11-15. Located in Enosburg/Sheldon area. Info: Matt Luneau, 315-952-5005 or 9332052. godsvision.net.

Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: The Vermont Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Kids Program is designed to promote self-esteem, discipline, “bully-proofing,” cooperation with peers and overall health and well-being. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu promotes mental toughness, perseverance and builds and instills courage and self-confidence. Your son or daughter will interact with other kids and have a chance to make new friends!

Ages 4-7: Weekly on Wednesdays, 4:15 p.m. & Saturdays, 8:15 a.m.; Ages 8-10: Weekly on Wednesdays, 5 p.m. & Saturdays, 9 a.m. Vermont Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, 55 Leroy Rd., Williston. For information call 660-4072 or email julio@bjjusa.com. vermontbjj.com.

Backyard swim Program: Learn how to swim with a professional certified lifeguard and instructor in the convenience of your own backyard! The Y comes to your home, condo association or neighborhood pool and provides water safety instruction and swim lessons. Private and semi-private lessons available. Teach your children the importance of water safety. Have splashes of fun and learn lifelong skills. Time lessons to fit your schedule. Cost is determined by the number of visits. Contact Jaimie Held at 652-8156 or jheld@gbymca.org.

Yoga with danielle: Curious toddlers and preschoolers learn movement techniques through social interaction, repetition and play. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1800.

Library & Books

Gaming For Teens & Adults: Players of all skill levels engage in Magic: The Gathering and other tabletop amusements. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult or have parental permission to attend. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 5-7:45 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216. meet the Lake monsters: Local players read to baseball fans and sign memorabilia. Ages 3-10. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

messy science with ms. Liza: Kids take part in some gooey exploration. Grades K-6. Highgate Public Library, 10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 868-3970.

music

children's sing-Along With Lesley Grant: Parents sip coffee while wee ones break into song with a local musician and educator. Preschool-age kids and younger. The Bees Knees, Morrisville, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 888-7889.

Nature & science

microscopic investigations: Microscopes help kids discover there's more to the world than meets the eye. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Summer museum admission, $13-16; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200. mirror, mirror: Little ones use looking glasses to investigate reflection and symmetry. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Summer museum admission, $13-16; free for children under 2. Info, 649-2200. Night sky: Out-of-this-world kids and adults take a 30-minute tour of stars, planets and constellations. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, 3:30-4 p.m. $2; $5 per family. Info, 748-2372.

Raptors in Residence: The mysteries surrounding birds of prey are uncovered as visitors come face to face with live owls and hawks. All ages. Shelburne Farms, 1 p.m. $5-8; free for children under 3. Info, 578-8013.

The Lunchbox summer meal Program: Children ages 18 and under receive nutritious meals at no cost from this mobile learning kitchen. St. Paul's School, Barton, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Free. Info, 334-2044.

Games

Experiment & Explore: monkeys over the River: Builders ages 5-10 create a sturdy structure, then guide a simian to safety. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 2 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids: outside!: Parents can attend a bydonation community yoga class while kids head outdoors for a stretchy workout. Grades K and up. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 4:30-5:30 p.m. $15; $20 for two children. Info, 864-9642. shelburne open Gym: See July 1. stowe Public skating: See July 1.

Library & Books

dorothy canfield Fisher Book discussion: Courage Has No Color by local author Tanya Lee Stone is at the center of a spirited conversation between 8- to 11-year-olds. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

marshfield Wednesday morning Program: A story time, followed by hands-on science activities, helps to engage vacationing kids ages 7 and under. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 1011:30 a.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

marshfield Wednesday Night Program: Topics including gooey science, reptiles, the scientific method and summer constellations are explored during these interactive evening classes for all ages. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581. music & movement With Ellie: Toddlers and preschoolers jump around to jolly tunes. Highgate Public Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.

music

city Hall Park concert series: Lunchtime musical performances in genres from folk to rock, bluegrass to country entertain al fresco diners. Burlington City Hall Park, noon-1 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7166.

Lunch at the Library: The Burlington School Food Project provides nutritious meals to kids and teens ages 18 and under. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, noon-12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216. submit your August events for print by July 15 at kidsvt.com or to

color mixing: Mini mixologists blend primary colors into brand-new hues. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Summer museum admission, $13-16; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200. Kingdom community Wind Tours: Green Mountain Power gives curious community members the chance to experience an operating wind farm and learn how wind power generates electricity during this 90-minute visit to two turbines. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Kingdom Community Wind Farm, Lowell, 10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 744-6664.

Leafcutter Ants: Nature fans examine the secret lives of "insect fungus farmers" during this hands-on investigation. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Summer museum admission, $13-16; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Wacky Wednesday: Build a Tall Tower: Using supplied materials, aspiring engineers build a structure that outmeasures them. Ages 8 and up. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 12:30-1 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10.50-13.50; free for children under 3. Info, 877-324-6386.

Wagon-Ride Wednesdays: Horse-drawn wagon rides provide fun for the whole family. Admission includes all farm and museum programs and activities. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $4-14; free for children under 3. Info, 457-2355.

Theater

'The Lone Ranger meets cherokee Princess': See July 1, Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, noon. Free. Info, 355-1461.

circus smirkus Big Top Tour st. Johnsbury: High-flying feats abound as Smirkus Troupers ages 10 to 18 dazzle crowds during a nautical production with a high seas theme. All ages. Leonard Field, St. Johnsbury, 1 & 6 p.m. $12-20; free for children under 2. Info, 877-764-7587.

3 THURSDAY

Arts & crafts

Art on Park: White tents house the works of jewelers, potters, painters, fiber artists, food vendors and more. Live musicians play weekly. Park Street, Stowe, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 253-2275.

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See July 1, 5:457:15 p.m.

Essex La Leche League: Moms bring their little ones to a discussion of parenting and breastfeeding. Pregnant and planning moms are also welcome. First Congregational Church of Essex Junction, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 383-8544.

community

celebrate the Lake Party: A 3rd of July celebration to benefit educational programs at Echo includes delicious barbecue fare, live music, a DJ dance party and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Echo Lake Aquarium and Science center, Burlington, 5:30-11 p.m. $20-25 for children; $50-60 for adults. Info, 488-5430.

See Dr. First videos “First With Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

smArt series: All American Afternoon: An afternoon of lawn games, art making, music by the Brummy Brothers and a traditional summer barbecue makes for a patriotic time. All ages. Shelburne Museum, 3-7 p.m. Regular museum admission, $5.50-22; free for children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

summervale: Live music, food tastings and kids crafts promise fun under the sun. All ages. See calendar spotlight on page 27. Burlington Intervale center, 5:30-8 p.m. Free admission; cost of food and drink. Info, 660-0440.

Food chocolate-Bar making: See July 1. Lunch at the Library: See July 1. The Lunchbox summer meal Program: children ages 18 and under receive nutritious meals at no cost from this mobile learning kitchen. Gardner Memorial Park, Newport, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Free. Info, 334-2044. milton Farmers market: Farmers, foodies and crafters come together to celebrate the bounty of the growing season. All ages. hannaford Supermarkets, Milton, 4-7 p.m. Free. Info, 893-1009.

Health & Fitness

shelburne open Gym: See July 1.

Holidays

Bristol Fourth of July celebration: The small town celebrates the Fourth in a big way with live music, games, crafts and a bright lights show ending Thursday evening with a bang. A 5K road race, the Great Bristol outhouse Race and a themed parade extend the fun to Friday. Various locations, Bristol, 6 p.m. Info, 453-5451.

Burlington independence day celebration: Live bands and fun-filled activities — including stilt walkers, face painting, amusement-park rides and theater acts — set the scene for spectacular fireworks over Lake champlain at 9:30 p.m. Waterfront Park, Burlington, 4-11 p.m. cost for some activities. Info, 864-0123.

montpelier independence day celebration: Patriots catch street entertainment, music on the Statehouse lawn and a 6 p.m. parade. Downtown fills with bands and vendors before 9:30 p.m. fireworks. Downtown Montpelier, 3-9:30 p.m. Free. Info, 223-9604.

The Big shaBANG: A cookout, lawn games and a front seat to Basin harbor club's fireworks display makes for pre-Independence Day fun. Lake champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, 6:30 p.m. $15-25 for adults; $10 for children. Info, 475-2022.

music

music for Preschoolers: Lively tunes with Peter Alsen or Derek Burkins strike the right note among the wee crowd. Ages 5 and under with a caregiver. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Free; limited to one session per week per family. Info, 878-4918. music With mr. chris: Singer and storyteller chris Dorman leads kids in music and dance. All ages. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.

snow Farm Vineyard summer concert series: Weather permitting, crowds gather for a weekly rotation of classical, jazz, swing, bluegrass and rock. Picnicking begins at 5 p.m.; music starts at 6:30 p.m. Snow Farm Vineyard, South hero, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free; food and drinks available for purchase. Info, 372-9463.

spanish musical Kids: Niños celebrate Latin culture through songs and games en español.

Ages 1-5 with a caregiver.

Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 917-1776.

Vermont symphony orchestra summer Festival Tour: Grafton:

See July 2, gates open at 5:30 p.m. Grafton Ponds Nordic center, 7:30 p.m. $31-36; children under 18 are free with ticket in advance and $12 at the gate.. Info, 864-5741, ext. 10.

Williston summer concert series: An eclectic array of family-friendly tunes reverberate through the shopping plaza, including tributes to Frank Sinatra, Garth Brooks, the Beatles and U2. Maple Tree Place, Williston, 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 879-9100.

Nature & science

Raptors in Residence: See July 1. Rocks & Volcanoes: Fledgling geologists learn about lava-spewing mountains. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Summer museum admission, $13-16; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Theater

'The Lone Ranger meets cherokee Princess': See July 1, charlotte Public Library, noon. Free. Info, 355-1461.

circus smirkus Big Top Tour st. Johnsbury: See July 2.

4 FRIDAY

Food

Happy Independence Day!

Burger Night: Live music and kids activities lend a festive air to a local feast of grilled fare. All ages. Bread & Butter Farm, Shelburne, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Free admission; cost of food and drink. Weather dependent; visit breadandbutterfarm.com for latest information. Info, 985-9200.

Five corners Farmers market: From natural meats to breads and wines, farmers share the bounty of the growing season at an outdoor exchange, complete with live entertainment and kids activities. Lincoln Place, Essex Junction, 3:30-7 p.m. Free. Info, 5cornersfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

The Lunchbox summer meal Program: See July 3, Pavilion Park, Island Pond, 11:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. Free. Info, 334-2044.

Lyndonville Farmers market: Fresh, locally grown produce, homemade jams and jellies, baked goods and crafts figure prominently in displays of "shop local" options. All ages. Bandstand Park, Lyndonville, 3-7 p.m. Free. Info, 626-4124.

Richmond Farmers market: Vendors peddle maple iced tea, honey ice cream, vegan chocolates, just-picked produce and much more at this lively showcase of locavorism. All ages. Volunteers Green, Richmond, 3-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, rfmmanager@gmail.com.

Truck stop: Families of foodies enjoy an eclectic array of local grub and live music during this hip block party. ArtsRiot, Burlington, 5 p.m. Free; cost for food. Info, artsriot.com.

Health & Fitness

stowe Public skating: See July 1.

Holidays

'An old Vermont Fourth': Traditional music, flag making, hand-cranked ice cream and a reading of the Declaration of Independence combine for a patriotic celebration. All ages. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular museum admission, $4-14; free for children under 3. Info, 457-2355.

2013-14 CLASS

2013-14 CLASS REGISTRATION

July calendar

Brandon independence day celebration: Family fun kicks off on Friday with a food fest and street dance. Saturday festivities include karaoke, a pie-eating contest, children's games, a 1 p.m. parade and afternoon music. Fireworks burst over the village at dusk. All ages. Central Park, Brandon, 5-9 p.m. Most events are free. Info, 247-6401.

Bristol Fourth of July celebration: See July 3, 7:30 a.m.

Burke Fourth of July celebration: A party with outdoor music, a barbecue and scenic chairlift rides ends with a smashing display of fireworks. Burke Mountain, East Burke, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Cost for some activities. Info, 626-7300.

colchester Fourth of July celebration: AllAmerican revelry includes a fun run, parade and live music, topped off with fireworks at dusk. Various locations, Colchester, 7:30 a.m.8:45 p.m. Free for most events; $5 for fun run. Info, 264-5640.

Essex Fourth of July celebration: Patriotic revelers take a dip in the pool, dance to songs from the Contois School of Music Band and partake in face painting, balloon art and a bounce castle. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Maple Street Park, Essex Junction, 6-10 p.m. Free; cost for food and some activities. Info, 878-1375.

Jeffersonville independence day celebration: A parade with a "Freedom and Independence" theme kicks off the festivities, which include crafts, games and watermelon eating and frog jumping contests. Parade originates at G.W. Tatro Construction. Cambridge Elementary School, Jeffersonville, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 242-0426.

Rutland Fourth of July celebration: Awardwinning fireworks at 9:45 p.m. cap Summer Smash 2013, which includes carnival-style concessions and the Stoney Roberts Demolition Derby. Vermont State Fairgrounds, Rutland, 4:30 p.m. Info, 775-5200.

stowe Fourth of July celebration: An oldfashioned shindig starts with marching music in the Moscow parade. Face painting, music, clowns and food in the village follow from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fun picks up at Mayo Farm at 6 p.m., with fireworks at dusk. Various locations, Stowe, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 253-7321.

Ticonderoga independence day celebration: History buffs celebrate America on the very ground where soldiers served to secure independence by watching reenactments and listening to patriotic music. Fort Ticonderoga, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. $8-17.50; free for children under 5. Info, 518-585-2821.

music

city Hall Park concert series: See July 2.

Kids music With Linda 'Tickle Belly' Bassick: Toe-tapping good tunes captivate kiddies. Radio Bean, Burlington, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 660-9346.

music With derek: An immature audience shakes out its sillies with tune-filled activities. All ages. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.

Vermont symphony orchestra summer Festival Tour: shelburne: See July 2, gates open at 5:30 p.m. Shelburne Farms, 7:30 p.m. $17-39. Info, 864-5741, ext. 10.

Nature & science

Fossils: Youth sleuths clue into the origins of preserved remains. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Summer museum admission, $13-16; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

submit your August events for print by July 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.

Kitchen chemistry: Mad scientists combine common household products, which yield unexpectedly entertaining results. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Summer museum admission, $13-16; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Theater

'The Lone Ranger meets cherokee Princess': See July 1, Staige Hill Farm, Charlotte, noon. Free. Info, 355-1461.

5 SATURDAY

Arts & crafts

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

Kids craft: Hand Tracing Artwork: Young project doers outline their hands on green foam, then cut it out to make a fantastic frog. Ages 5 and up. Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $5. Info, 862-0646.

Food

Burlington Farmers market: Producers and artisans offer fresh and prepared foods, crafts and more in a bustling marketplace. All ages. Burlington City Hall Park, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 310-5172.

capital city Farmers market: Veggies, honey, maple syrup and more change hands at a celebration of locally grown food. All ages. State Street, downtown Montpelier, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 223-2958.

chocolate-Bar making: See July 1. Pittsford Farmers market: Local vendors peddle home-grown goods. All ages. Pittsford Village Green, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 483-2829.

shelburne Farmers market: Musical entertainment adds cheer to this exchange of fruits, veggies, herbs, honey, maple syrup and more. All ages. Shelburne Village Green, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 985-2472.

st. Johnsbury Farmers market: Freshly baked goods, veggies, beef and maple syrup provide a pleasing selection for roving locavores. All ages. St. Johnsbury Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 626-4124.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids saturday Yoga: Youngsters master basic yoga poses through games, songs and dance. Mindfulness activities help them improve their focus and concentration. Ages 3-9. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 11-11:45 a.m. $15; preregister. Info, 864-9642.

Tots on the move: Young yogis ages 18 months to two and a half years engage in physical play, singing and stretching in classes with themes that change each week. Part of Evolution's Summer Yoga Minis series. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 10:15-11 a.m. $15; preregister. Info, 864-9642.

Holidays

Brandon independence day celebration: See July 4, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

Ticonderoga independence day celebration: See July 4.

movies

EcHo Wildlife movie: Families take a walk on the wild side as they screen animal flicks. All ages. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 12:30 p.m. Regular admission, $10.50-13.50; free for members and children under 3. Info, 877-324-6386.

Ben & Jerry’s outdoor movie Festival: Cinema lovers bring blankets and chairs to watch a flick under the stars. Ben & Jerry’s Factory, Waterbury, 8 p.m. Free. Info, 882-2062.

music

Vermont symphony orchestra

summer Festival Tour: Randolph: See July 2, gates open at 5:30 p.m. Three Stallion Inn, Randolph, 7:30 p.m. $10-14; children under 18 are free with ticket in advance and $5 at the gate. Info, 864-5741, ext. 10.

Nature & science

See Dr. First videos “First With Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

Batteries & motors: Light bulbs flicker — both literally and metaphorically — as kids make and measure electricity. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular summer admission, $13-16; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

my sky: Astronomy enthusiasts learn about celestial objects in this program geared toward kids ages 3-8. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, 12:30-1 p.m. $2; $5 per family. Info, 748-2372.

Raptors in Residence: See July 1. sound science: Keen listeners explore how audio travels through different materials. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Summer museum admission, $13-16; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

summer Naturalist Program: Hands-on exploration of the natural world — from bugs to trees — piques the curiosity of kids ages 3-12. Mill Trail Property, Stowe, 1-2 p.m. Free. Info, 793-6101.

Theater

saturday drama club: Thespians help Very Merry Theatre produce a show in just three hours. Ages 5-12. 333 Stage Performing Arts Studio, Burlington, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $15 or pay what you can. Info, 863-6607.

6 SUNDAY

Baby & maternity

Burlington Postnatal yoga: Moms bring their pre-crawling kids to an all-levels flowing yoga class focused on bringing the body back to strength and alignment in a fun, nurturing environment. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 12:15-1:30 p.m. $14. Info, 864-9642.

Burlington Prenatal yoga: See July 1, 10:0511:30 a.m.

Fairs & Festivals

middlebury Festival-on-the-Green: Musicloving families take in daily concerts all week long, including "brown bag" family-friendly jam sessions at noon each day. Festivities begin Sunday at 7 p.m. and evening performances fill the night air from 7 to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. A street dance closes the festival Saturday, July 12, starting at 7 p.m. Middlebury Green. Free; donations welcome. Info, 462-3555.

Food

south Burlington Farmers market: Skip the grocery store and head to this outdoors market for produce, meat and eggs, plus goods from local artists and ethnic lunch options. South Burlington High School, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, sbfm.manager@gmail.com.

stowe Farmers market: Live music, face painting and cooking demos complement an array of food and craft vendors. All ages. Stowe Farmers Market, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, 472-8027.

Winooski Farmers market: Local produce, farm goods, artisan crafts, kids activities and live music come together on the banks of the Winooski River. Champlain Mill, Winooski, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 413-446-4684.

Health & Fitness

yoGirls yoga class: Fierce females acquire self-confidence, emotional stability and a positive body image through yoga poses, mindfulness activities, games and crafts. Ages 7-11. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 2:30-3:30 p.m. $15; preregister. Info, 864-9642.

Holidays

Ticonderoga independence day celebration: See July 4.

movies

EcHo Wildlife movie: See July 5.

music

music on the Porch: Families gather for a relaxing afternoon of tunes, from bluegrass to classic rock, jazz to folk. Green Mountain Coffee Visitor Center and Café, Waterbury, 1-3 p.m. Free. Info, 882-2700.

Vermont symphony orchestra summer

Festival Tour: stowe: See July 2, gates open at 5:30 p.m. Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe, 7:30 p.m. $30 for adults; free for children under 18 accompanied by a ticketed adult. Info, 864-5741, ext. 10.

Nature & science

Bug & Butterfly Walk: Insect lovers bring binoculars, magnifying glasses and butterfly nets to experience little critters up close. All ages. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 10 a.m.-noon. Free; donations welcome. Info, 434-2167.

Exploring magnets: Budding scientists experiment with invisible pull. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Summer museum admission, $13-16; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Lab coat investigation: Topics including using microscopes, extracting DNA and modeling glaciers are explored in these activities for ages 9 and up. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Summer museum admission, $13-16; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Night sky: See July 1.

7 MONDAY

arts & crafts

Webby's art studio: Picture Perfect star

Bursts: Taking inspiration from the museum's objects and the exhibition, All Star Quilts, young artists make their own stellar quilt squares. Geared toward ages 4-12 but all are welcome. Shelburne Museum, noon-4 p.m. Regular museum admission, $5.50-22; free for children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

Baby & maternity

montpelier Prenatal yoga: Pregnant mamas focus on movements that will ready their bodies for the next phase of life. Yoga Mountain Center, Montpelier, 5:30-7 p.m. $15. Info, 778-0300.

Vergennes Prenatal yoga: Moms-to-be learn different breathing techniques and positions in preparation for birth. 2 Wolves Holistic Center, Vergennes, 5:30-7 p.m. $14. Info, 870-0361.

Fairs & Festivals

middlebury Festival-on-the-Green: See July 6, noon & 7 p.m.

Library & Books

Write Now!: Best-selling authors-to-be get inspired to start penning a book or poem. Grades 6-12. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5666.

Rain barrels serve as artist canvases in the second annual Connecting the Drops exhibit. Come see the painted barrels, read the Kids VT Stormwater Story, and sign up to win your own: letitrainvt.org

Come

7 moNday (coNTiNueD)

young adult advisory board: Teens help make the library a destination for their peers. Grades 6-12. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 5:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5666.

movies

Teen animation camp: Creativity soars as first-time moviemakers attend a weeklong workshop. Ages 12-18. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, -11, 1-3 p.m. Free; preregister online at colchestervt.gov/library. Info, 264-5666.

music

music for Preschoolers: See July 3, 10:45 a.m.

Nature & science

blow Things up with will!: Mad scientist Will Sedlack leads messy investigations involving things that foam, pop, change and disappear. Ages 7-10. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 1-2 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 865-7216.

microscopic investigations: See July 1. mirror, mirror: See July 1.

Nature connections: Explorers of all ages learn about outdoors topics like sand, ferns and roots through discussion, a kid-friendly nature hike and a take-home craft. Niquette Bay State Park, Colchester, noon-2 p.m. $2-3 park admission; preregister. Info, 893-5210.

8 TUESDAY

arts & crafts

creative Tuesdays: See July 1. webby's art studio: Picture Perfect star bursts: See July 7, noon-4 p.m.

baby & maternity

burlington La Leche League: New moms bring their questions to a breast-feeding support group. Babies and older children welcome. Lending library available. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Free. Info, 879-3000.

burlington Prenatal yoga: See July 1.

education

Time-Travel Tuesdays: See July 1.

fairs & festivals

middlebury festival-on-the-Green: See July 6, noon & 7 p.m.

food

chocolate-bar making: See July 1. Lunch at the Library: See July 1. old North end farmers market: See July 1.

Health & fitness

adventures to fitness: See July 1. catamount Trail running series: See July 1. Hard'ack Trail running series: See July 1. stowe Public skating: See July 1. yoga with danielle: See July 1.

Library & books

exordium adventures: Library goers explore science topics. Grades K-6. Highgate Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3970. Gaming for Teens & adults: See July 1.

movies

Teen animation camp: See July 7, 1-3 p.m.

music

children's sing-along with Lesley Grant: See July 1.

Nature & science

color mixing: See July 2. Leafcutter ants: See July 2. Learn about air molecules: Biologist Sheila Chairviolotti leads curious kids in some experimentation. Grades K-8. Grand Isle Free Library, 2-3 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 372-4797. Night sky: See July 1. raptors in residence: See July 1. storytime in the Nestlings Nook: Little ones listen to stories about feathered friends. Tales are followed by a nature walk, craft project or music. Intended for preschoolers but all ages are welcome. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Regular museum admission, $3.50-7; free for children under 3. Info, 434-2167.

summer bug walk: Net-wielding naturalists catch and observe creepy, crawly critters as they stroll the trails. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 3:30-5 p.m. $3-5. Info, 229-6206.

Theater

circus smirkus big Top Tour essex Junction: High-flying feats abound as Smirkus Troupers ages 10 to 18 dazzle crowds during a nautical production with a high seas theme. All ages. Champlain Valley Expo, Essex Junction, noon & 6:30 p.m. $19-22; free for children under 2. Info, 877-764-7587.

9 WEDNESDAY

arts & crafts

Let's build it! fairy House day: Kids ages 5 and under construct homes for enchanted creatures. Highgate Public Library, 10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 868-3970.

webby's art studio: Picture Perfect star bursts: See July 7, noon-4 p.m.

baby & maternity

infant yoga & massage: This interactive class for wee ones ages 6 weeks to 6 months and their parents or caregivers introduces basic yoga poses and concepts through gentle stretches and songs as well as baby massage techniques. Bring a thick blanket. Evolution Physical Therapy and Yoga, Burlington, 10:45-11:30 a.m. $15; preregistration recommended. Info, 864-9643. montpelier Postnatal yoga: See July 2.

community

community evenings at the farm: Families bring a picnic or buy some farm-fresh fare, then settle on blankets for live music. Shelburne Farms, 6:30 p.m. Free; burgers and salads available to purchase. Info, 985-8686.

Arty Party

Downtown Waterbury transforms into a lively outdoor gallery during waTerbury arTs fesT. Kicking off this two-day fête, Friday’s block party serves up pizza from the Blue Stone along with Nimble Arts’ aweinspiring aerial acrobatics. The next morning, kids head to Rusty Parker Park at 9 a.m., where they decorate bikes for a pirate-themed parade. Afterwards, an ArtSpy scavenger hunt encourages them to observe and record demonstrations by local artisans, who share the creative process behind wares ranging from painting to pottery. Aimed at engaging youngsters with art and artists, this interactive activity earns them a take-home art project. live music, face painting, and treats from Ben & Jerry’s and King Arthur Flour complete the day.

waTerbury arTs fesT: friday, July 11 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, July 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Waterbury. Free. Info, waterburyartsfest.com

Fairs & Festivals

middlebury Festival-on-the-Green: See July 6, noon & 7 p.m.

Food

chocolate-Bar making: See July 1.

colchester Farmers market: See July 2.

Kids in the Kitchen: Local Pork sliders: Kids learn the ins and outs of cooking meat safely, then whip up juicy patties with caramelized onions on top. All ages. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 4-5 p.m. $20 per child-adult pair; preregister. Info, 863-2569. The Lunchbox summer meal Program: See July 2.

Games

Experiment & Explore: Kabloom splat!: The library's Young Adult Advisory Board runs an exploratory science session. Ages 5-10. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 2 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

Family Game Night: Players sit down for friendly competitions of Candy Land, checkers and Monopoly. Visitors are welcome to bring their own games. Georgia Public Library, Fairfax, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 524-4643.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids: outside!: See July 2. stowe Public skating: See July 1.

Library & Books

marshfield Wednesday morning Program: See July 2.

movies

Just for Fun Film series: Family flicks entertain viewers of all ages. Visit jaquithpubliclibrary.org for movie titles. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581. stories on The screen: Snacks and flicks on the big screen make for relaxing fun. All ages. South Burlington Community Library, 6:45 p.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.

Teen Animation camp: See July 7, 1-3 p.m.

music

city Hall Park concert series: See July 2. Preschool music With derek: See July 2.

Rockin' Ron the Friendly Pirate: See July 2.

Nature & science

Astronomy in Pictures: Local sky gazers help kids use telescopes to look for solar flares and sunspots on our nearest star. Grades 2-8. Grand Isle Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 372-4797.

See Dr. First videos “First With Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

Kingdom community Wind Tours: See July 2, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Little Explorer Program: Preschoolers discover their community through hands-on exploration of nature topics including farming, sugaring and gardening. Ages 3-5. Highgate Public Library, 11 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 868-3970.

Project micRo: Young scientists explore tiny worlds with Janet Schwarz from the UVM Microscopy Imaging Center. Bring an interesting object to look at. Ages 5 and up. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 2-3 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918.

Rocks & Volcanoes: See July 3.

Wacky Wednesday: Build a symmetrical structure: Problem solvers build unique holders for water bottles using provided material. Ages 8 and up. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 12:30-1 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10.50-13.50; free for children under 3. Info, 877-324-6386.

Wagon-Ride Wednesdays: See July 2.

Theater

circus smirkus Big Top Tour Essex Junction: See July 8.

10 THURSDAY

Arts & crafts

Art on Park: See July 3.

Lego Fun: Budding builders make towers with interlocking blocks. Grades K-6. Highgate Public Library, 3 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 868-3970.

submit your August events for print by July 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.

Webby's Art studio: Picture

Perfect star Bursts: See July 7, noon-4 p.m.

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal yoga: See July 1, 5:45-7:15 p.m.

community

summervale: See July 3.

Fairs & Festivals

middlebury Festival-on-the-Green: See July 6, noon & 7 p.m.

Food

chocolate-Bar making: See July 1.

Foodie competition: Amateur drink makers concoct fizzy liquids using secret ingredients and vie for a prize. Ages 12-18. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 3 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5666.

Lunch at the Library: See July 1.

The Lunchbox summer meal Program: See July 3.

milton Farmers market: See July 3.

Games

st. Albans Legos: Building-block lovers keep busy with the library's giant collection. All ages. St. Albans Free Library, 3-5 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Library & Books

magician Tom: Trickster Tom Joyce wows kids with the science behind magic tricks. Ages 5-10. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

movies

Teen Animation camp: See July 7, 1-3 p.m.

music

Battery Park concert series: Listeners gaze out at Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks while swaying to summer tunes. Battery Park, Burlington, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 223-2396. music for Preschoolers: See July 3. music With mr. chris: See July 3.

snow Farm Vineyard summer concert series: See July 3.

Williston summer concert series: See July 3.

Nature & science

Behind-the-scenes Tour: Fans of feathers learn what it takes to care for the myriad of avian patients and residents of the nature center, with a tour of Rehab-in-Action and the Wild Bird Hospital. Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center, Quechee, 2-2:45 p.m. $4-6 fee for ages 8 and up with $11-13 regular admission; free for children under 4. Info, 359-5000. Fossils: See July 4.

Kid's Power Program: Kids learn about energy alternatives during this science-focused session. Franklin Town Hall, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 285-6505.

Kitchen chemistry: See July 4. Raptors in Residence: See July 1.

Theater

'Beauty & the Beast, Jr.': Audiences are transported to a quaint French town as they watch Belle teach her captor the meaning of true love. Performed by children ages 7 and up. Vermont Children's Theater, Lyndonville, 7 p.m. $5-10. Info, 626-5358.

circus smirkus Big Top Tour Essex Junction: See July 8.

11 FRIDAY

Arts & crafts

Family Fridays: "Make and take" activities in the museum's backyard — including weaving, stenciling and paper dolls — give kids a glimpse into the past. Rokeby Museum, Ferrisburgh, 10 a.m.-noon, Free with $8-10 museum admission or $3 per participant. Info, 877-3406. Webby's Art studio: Picture Perfect star Bursts: See July 7, noon-4 p.m.

community

Friday Night Family Fun series: Eclectic entertainers, including magicians, theater troupes, Irish musicians and jugglers, make for family-friendly fun at this weekly outdoor fête. Maple Street Park, Essex Junction, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. Info, 878-1375.

From the moment his tall, red-and-white-striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that THE CAT IN THE HAT is the funniest, most mischievous cat they have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and craziest of ideas, he is certainly fun to play with. And he turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure.

Friday, July 18 at noon

Saturday, July 19 at 10:00 a.m.

Sunday, July 20 at 10:00 a.m. & noon

Dear Edwina is a heartwarming musical about the joys of growing up. Edwina Spoonapple, is an advice-giver extraordinaire, like a spunky, singing version of Dear Abby. Edwina and her friends share wisdom on everything from trying new foods to making new friends through clever, catchy and poignant songs!

Friday, August 1 at noon

Saturday, August 2 at 10:00 a.m.

Sunday, August 3 at 10:00 a.m. & noon

Vive La France!

Francophile families revisit their roots at FRENcH HERiTAGE dAY, an annual celebration of Vermont’s cultural connections to canada. Bandstand concerts from deja-nous, Va-et-Vient and Gitane Gypsy entertain festivalgoers, who tap into traditions with square dancing and with call-and-response songs taught by alliance Française. French fables, rope making, ice-cream churning and old-time games engage les enfants, while waiter races, horse-drawn carriage rides and walking tours of historic Vergennes prove interesting for mère and père. Samuel de champlain would approve, n’est pas?

FRENcH HERiTAGE dAY: Saturday, July 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Vergennes City Park. Free; food available to purchase. All ages. Info, 388-7951. frenchheritageday.com

11 FRidAY (continued)

Fairs & Festivals

middlebury Festival-on-theGreen: See July 6, noon & 7 p.m.

stoweflake Balloon Festival: Floating orbs go up while families enjoy music and activities. Stoweflake, Stowe, 4 p.m. $10 admission; free for children under 12. Info, 253-7355.

Theater

'Beauty & the Beast, Jr.': See July 10.

See dr. First videos

“First With Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

Waterbury Arts Fest: The streets are transformed into a lively outdoor gallery and fair with gourmet food, live music and goods from local artisans. See calendar spotlight page 32. Downtown Waterbury, 6 p.m. Free. Info, 496-6466.

Food

Burger Night: See July 4.

Five corners Farmers market: See July 4.

Foodways Fridays: Visitors tour the heirloom garden, then watch how veggies make their way into historic recipes prepared in the 1890 farmhouse kitchen. All ages. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular admission, $4-14; free for children under 3. Info, 457-2355.

The Lunchbox summer meal Program: See July 4.

Lyndonville Farmers market: See July 4.

Richmond Farmers market: See July 4. Truck stop: See July 4.

Games

Big insane Games: Fun-lovin' youngsters flock to the library lawn for obstacles, catapults and silliness. Ages 5-10. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

Health & Fitness

Family Yoga: Flexible families bring calm to their minds while learning new poses, breathing techniques and games. Barlow Street Community Center, St. Albans, 6-6:45 p.m. $5 per child; free for adults; preregister. Info, 524-1500, ext. 266.

stowe Public skating: See July 1.

Library & Books

Garden Adventures with the Bookworms: Outdoorsy preschoolers get up close and personal with special stories. Wheeler Homestead and Garden Park, South Burlington, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7539.

movies

Teen Animation camp: See July 7, 1-3 p.m.

music

city Hall Park concert series: See July 2.

Kids music With Linda 'Tickle Belly' Bassick: See July 4.

music Night with About Time Vermont Band: Live funk, jazz and rock and complimentary refreshments are served up to music lovers of all ages. Brown Dog Books & Gifts, Hinesburg, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 482-5189.

music With derek: See July 4.

Nature & science

Batteries & motors: See July 5.

Nature's Night Lights: Petite biologists learn about bioluminescence, then create their own glowing sea creature with Professor Fizzywig. All ages. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 11 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918. sound science: See July 5.

sunset Walk: Nature-loving families watch the sun set over Lake Champlain on a leisurely and educational summer stroll hosted by the Winooski Valley Park District. Delta Park, Colchester, 8-9 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 863-5744.

12 SATURDAY

Arts & crafts

Kids craft: clay Frog: Youngsters use Sculpey clay to mold a hoppy frog, then bring their cute critter home to bake. Ages 5 and up. Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $5. Info, 862-0646. Webby's Art studio: Picture Perfect star Bursts: See July 7, noon-4 p.m.

community

charlotte children's center Birthday Party: A farmyard-themed bash with activities including pony rides, fair games and live music from the Hokum Bros. helps mark the center's 30th year. Ages 10 and under. Charlotte Children's Center, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Suggested $20 donation per family of four. Info, 425-3328.

Fairs & Festivals

French Heritage day: This cultural celebration features reenactors, Franco-American music, step dancing, craft demonstrations, old time games and horse and carriage rides. Vergennes City Park, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info, 388-7951. middlebury Festival-on-the-Green: See July 6.

stoweflake Balloon Festival: See July 11. Waterbury Arts Fest: See July 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Food

Burlington Farmers market: See July 5. capital city Farmers market: See July 5. chocolate-Bar making: See July 1. Pittsford Farmers market: See July 5. shelburne Farmers market: See July 5. st. Johnsbury Farmers market: See July 5.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids saturday Yoga: See July 5. Parents Night out: Adults looking for some alone time drop off their young yogis for dancing, game playing, pizza eating and relaxation activities with different themes each month. Ages 4-11. Evolution Physical Therapy and Yoga, Burlington, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $25 for one child; $15 for siblings; preregister. Info, 864-9643.

Tots on the move: See July 5.

Library & Books

'oh so Brave dragon' story Time: The upstate New York-based author and illustrator David Kirk — creator of the Miss Spider series of books — reads from his newest tale about a dragon who must turn to his forest friends to find the source of a scary noise. All ages. Phoenix Books, Essex Junction, 2 p.m. Free. Info, 872-7111.

movies

EcHo Wildlife movie: See July 5. Ben & Jerry’s outdoor movie Festival: See July 5.

Nature & science

Bird-monitoring Walk: Beginning birders embrace ornithology on an identification walk. Appropriate for older children. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 7-9 a.m. Donations appreciated. Info, 434-3068. it's a Worm's World!: Growing gardeners learn about composting, then make their own worm bin to take home. Ages 3 and up. Gardener's Supply, Williston, 10 a.m.-noon. Free; preregister. Info, 658-2433.

my sky: See July 5.

Raptors in Residence: See July 1. summer Naturalist Program: See July 5. super science day: Up, Up and away!: Kids explore air power by building gliders, rockets, parachutes and kites — and letting them fly. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Summer museum admission, $13-16; free for children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Theater

'Beauty & the Beast, Jr.’: See July 10, 2 & 7 p.m.

saturday drama club: See July 5.

13 SUNDAY

arts & crafts

Webby's art studio: Picture Perfect star Bursts: See July 7, noon-4 p.m.

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal yoga: See July 1, 10:0511:30 a.m.

Food south Burlington Farmers market: See July 6.

stowe Farmers market: See July 6.

Winooski Farmers market: See July 6.

Health & Fitness

yoGirls yoga class: See July 6.

small wooden slabs to create sky-high towers. Start stacking and see where it goes!

moNTsHiRE mUsEUm oF sciENcE

Info, 649-2200

'a T. Rex Named sue': A cast skeleton of the largest, most complete and best-preserved T. rex ever found is the centerpiece of this visiting exhibit, which also includes interactive mechanical models, activities and videos.

VaRioUs LocaTioNs

Where's champ?: The famous lake monster makes appearances at more than 30 businesses in the Champlain Valley this summer. Kids can pick up a Where's Champ passport at Phoenix Books in Burlington or Essex for a chance to win prizes.

WoNdERFEET Kids' mUsEUm

Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Info, 282-2678

Wonderfeet Kids' museum: This children's museum features interactive exhibits that allow kids to explore, role play and create. Ages 3-8.

July calendar

movies

EcHo Wildlife movie: See July 5.

music

A Babar Brunch: A buffet of french toast sticks, breakfast sausages and granola parfait is served alongside a narrated instrumental performance of Poulenc's The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant. Basin Harbor Club, Vergennes, 12-1:30 p.m. $12 for children; $25 for adults. Info, 658-2592.

music on the Porch: See July 6. summer concert in the Park: A changing lineup of local musicians provides the sound track for picnicking park goers. Dover Park, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 464-5100.

Nature & science

microscopic investigations: See July 1. mirror, mirror: See July 1.

Night sky: See July 1.

sundays for Fledglings: Aspiring junior birders learn all about feathers and flying through observation, research and goofing around. Ages 5-9; siblings welcome. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 2-3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $3.50-7; preregister. Info, 434-2167.

14 MONDAY

Arts & crafts

Webby's Art studio: Animated Animals: Using pipe cleaners, kids make creatures found in the museum's collection. Recommended for ages 6-12 but all are welcome. Shelburne Museum, noon-4 p.m. Regular museum admission, $5.50-22; free for children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

Baby & maternity

montpelier Prenatal Yoga: See July 7. Vergennes Prenatal Yoga: See July 7.

Education

Gases: Not Just Hot Air!: Science educator Kurt Valenta teaches kids about the invisible gases around us with demos and hands-on activities. Ages 5-10. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 3:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

Library & Books

Filmed Book Reviews: Amateur broadcasters give their take on recent reads for Lake Champlain Access Television. Ages 12 and up. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 5-7:30 p.m. Free; call to schedule an appointment. Info, 264-5666.

music

music for Preschoolers: See July 3, 10:45 a.m.

Nature & science

color mixing: See July 2.

Leafcutter Ants: See July 2.

Nature connections: See July 7.

Parenting

Growing Kids Essex Junction: Parent Education Workshop: Psychologist Louise Dietzel — author of Parenting with Respect and Peacefulness — presents on the topic of self esteem and how kids can build a strong sense of self. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 863-3367.

15 TUESDAY

Arts & crafts

creative Tuesdays: See July 1. Webby's Art studio: Animated Animals: See July 14, noon-4 p.m.

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See July 1.

Education

Time-Travel Tuesdays: See July 1.

Food

chocolate-Bar making: See July 1. Lunch at the Library: See July 1. old North End Farmers market: See July 1.

Health & Fitness

Adventures to Fitness: See July 1. catamount Trail Running series: See July 1. Hard'Ack Trail Running series: See July 1. stowe Public skating: See July 1. Yoga with danielle: See July 1.

Library & Books

Exordium Adventures: See July 8. Gaming For Teens & Adults: See July 1.

music

children's sing-Along With Lesley Grant: See July 1.

Nature & science

Bats on the Farm: The evening starts with a discussion about bat benefits, rabies and white nose syndrome with Barry the Bat Guy and continues with outdoor exploration. All ages. Shelburne Farms, 7:30-9 p.m. $6-8. Info, 985-8686.

microscopy class: Project MICRO brings sand specimens from around the world, fabrics, bugs and more for viewing under the 'scope. Kids are welcome to bring their own objects to examine. Grades 1-8. Grand Isle Free Library, 5-6:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 372-4797.

moonlit campfire: A flickering bonfire sets the scene for s'mores, a visit from a live owl and other nature activities. Shelburne Farms, 7-9 p.m. $5-6; preregister. Info, 985-8686. Night sky: See July 1.

Raptors in Residence: See July 1. Rocks & Volcanoes: See July 3.

Theater

'The King and i': The Very Merry Theatre youth performers present this musical about a British school teacher who travels to Bangkok to teach English. Performance in Richmond Park. Richmond Free Library, noon. Info, 355-1461.

16 WEDNESDAY

Arts & crafts

Experiment & Explore: Tie-dye T-shirts: Fledgling fashion designers create a swirly piece of wearable art. Ages 5-10. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 1:30 & 2:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

Webby's Art studio: Animated Animals: See July 14, noon-4 p.m.

Wire sculpture: Spectacular sculptors bend and shape wire to create interesting objects. Ages 11 and up. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 2 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918.

Baby & maternity

infant Yoga & massage: See July 9. montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See July 2.

community community Evenings at the Farm: See July 9.

dance

Folk dancing: Sue Morris teaches traditional moves to hoofers of all ages and abilities. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

Food

chocolate-Bar making: See July 1.

See Dr. First videos “First With Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

colchester Farmers market: See July 2. The Lunchbox summer meal Program: See July 2.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids: outside!: See July 2.

stowe Public skating: See July 1.

Library & Books

marshfield Wednesday morning Program: See July 2.

Pajama story Time: Small ones curl up for bedtime tales, cookies and milk. Ages 18 months to 5 years. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

music

city Hall Park concert series: See July 2. craftsbury chamber Players mini-concerts: Small music lovers experience an excerpt of the group's evening concert, with selections and commentary geared toward young audiences. UVM Recital Hall, Burlington, 4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 800-639-3443.

Preschool music With derek: See July 2. Rockin' Ron the Friendly Pirate: See July 2.

Nature & science

Fossils: See July 4.

Kitchen chemistry: See July 4. messy science day: Little ones experiment with getting their hands dirty. Ages 5 and under. Highgate Public Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.

searsburg Wind Facility Tours: Members of the public get a closer look at an operating wind power site. Ages 6 and up. Searsburg Wind Power Facility. Free; call to schedule a tour. Info, 244-7522.

Wacky Wednesday: Build a Unique structure: Using provided materials, kids design containers that protect an egg from a threestory fall then put them to the test. Ages 8 and up. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 12:30-1 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10.50-13.50; free for members and children under 3. Info, 877-324-6386.

Wagon-Ride Wednesdays: See July 2.

Theater

'The King and i': The Very Merry Theatre youth performers present this musical about a British school teacher who travels to Bangkok to teach English. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, noon. Free. Info, 355-1461.

17 THURSDAY

arts & crafts

art on Park: See July 3.

Body art: Henna tat expert Rebecca Freedner gives teens a primer on the ancient art of mehndi. Ages 12-18. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 2-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5666.

Webby's art studio: animated animals: See July 14, noon-4 p.m.

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal yoga: See July 1, 5:457:15 p.m.

montpelier La Leche League: Breastfeeding moms make new friends as they discuss the joys and challenges of nursing. Snacks provided. Lending library available. Babies and toddlers welcome. Good Beginnings, Montpelier, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 244-1254.

community

summervale: See July 3.

Food

chocolate-Bar making: See July 1.

Lunch at the Library: See July 1.

The Lunchbox summer meal Program: See July 3.

milton Farmers market: See July 3.

Library & Books

Bursting With Books Giveaway: Captivating tales told by a Children's Literacy Foundation storyteller are followed by a book giveaway. Recommended for ages 5-8 but all are welcome. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

movies stories on The screen: See July 9, 2 p.m.

music

Battery Park concert series: See July 10.

craftsbury chamber Players mini-concerts: Small music lovers experience an excerpt of the group's evening concert, with selections and commentary geared toward young audiences. Hardwick Town House, 2 p.m. Free. Info, 800-639-3443.

music for Preschoolers: See July 3.

music With mr. chris: See July 3.

snow Farm Vineyard summer concert series: See July 3.

Williston summer concert series: See July 3.

Nature & science

Batteries & motors: See July 5. Raptors in Residence: See July 1. sound science: See July 5.

Theater

'The King and i': The Very Merry Theatre youth performers present this musical about a British school teacher who travels to Bangkok to teach English. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, noon. Free. Info, 878-4918. 'West side story': Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City as two young lovebirds find themselves caught between warring street gangs in this performance by young thespians. Vermont Children's Theater, Lyndonville, 7 p.m. $5-10. Info, 626-5358.

18 FRIDAY

arts & crafts

Family Fridays: See July 11.

monster Hunters: Small sleuths discover cryptic creatures and make comic books during this workshop. Ages 5-10. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 3 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660. Webby's art studio: animated animals: See July 14, noon-4 p.m.

Food Burger Night: See July 4. Five corners Farmers market: See July 4. The Lunchbox summer meal Program: See July 4.

Lyndonville Farmers market: See July 4.

JULY CALENDAR

Richmond Farmers Market: See July 4. Truck Stop: See July 4.

Health & Fitness

Kids Creative Yoga: Poses, imaginative games, storytelling and friendship-building activities create a fun and peaceful atmosphere for kids ages two and a half to five. Part of Evolution's Summer Yoga Minis series. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 10:45-11:30 a.m. $15; preregister. Info, 864-9642.

Stowe Public Skating: See July 1.

Tots on the Move: See July 5, 9:45 a.m.

Library & Books

Garden Adventures with the Bookworms: See July 11.

Music

City Hall Park Concert Series: See July 2.

Kids Music With Linda 'Tickle Belly' Bassick: See July 4.

Music With Derek: See July 4.

Nature & Science

Exploring Magnets: See July 6.

Lab Coat Investigation: See July 6.

Theater

The Cat in the Hat’: A rainy afternoon is transformed into an amazing adventure in this adaptation of the popular children’s book. St. Michael’s Playhouse, Colchester, noon. $10. Info, 654-2281.

'The King and I': See July 18, Staige Hill Farm, Charlotte, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 355-1461. 'West Side Story': See July 17.

19 SATURDAY

Arts & Crafts

Kids Craft: Pot Frog: Foam, paint, google eyes and markers are used to transform a clay vessel into an awesome amphibian. Ages 5 and up. Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $5. Info, 862-0646.

Webby's Art Studio: Animated Animals: See July 14, noon-4 p.m.

Dance

Tap Kids SPEC-TAP-U-LAR: Some of the country's best young tappers, ranging in age from 9 to 22, take to the stage in this rousing celebration of dance. Black Box, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 2:30 & 8 p.m. $25. Info, 922-2998.

Fairs & Festivals

Do Good Fest: Food trucks, kids activities, a "village" showcasing local nonprofits and live music all day capped o with a performance by Eric Hutchinson at 7 p.m. make for a family-friendly celebration. Gates open at noon. National Life Group, Montpelier, 1-9 p.m. $20 parking fee benefits Cancer Patient Fund. Info, info@dogoodfest.com.

Stars & Stripes Parade: Festival floats roll through town while over 40 crafters and vendors set up shop in the park and the Crunchy Western Boys provide the tunes. Downtown Lyndonville, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 626-9696.

Story Times

MONDAY

Fizz, Boom, Stories with Megan: Fletcher Free Library, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Northfield Children’s Story Time: See Thursday. Thursdays, 10-11 a.m.

Richford Story Hour: Arvin A. Library, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 848-3313.

St. Albans Story Hour: See Thursday. Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Stowe Story Time for 2- to 3-Year-Olds: Stowe Free Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 253-6145.

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

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

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

TUESDAY

Alburgh Story Hour: Alburgh Community Education Center, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 796-6077.

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

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

Georgia Pajama Story Time: Georgia Public Library, third Tuesday of every month, 6:307:30 p.m. Free. Info, 524-4643.

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

Hinesburg Toddler Story Time: CarpenterCarse Library, first Tuesday of every month, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 482-2878.

Food

Burlington Farmers Market: See July 5.

Capital City Farmers Market: See July 5.

Chocolate-Bar Making: See July 1.

Pittsford Farmers Market: See July 5.

Root Beer Float Day: Families looking for some kid-friendly suds on the day of Vermont Brew Fest head to ECHO for Rookie's Root Beer topped with Island Ice Cream and farm-to-table picnic fare from Sugarsnap. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10.50-13.50; free for children under 3; extra cost for food and drink. Info, 877-324-6386.

Shelburne Farmers Market: See July 5.

St. Johnsbury Farmers Market: See July 5.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids Saturday Yoga: See July 5.

Tots on the Move: See July 5.

Library & Books

Meet the Pig From 'If You Give a Pig a Pancake': Children meet the cute character from Laura Numero 's popular picture book, listen to hourly story times and participate in porcine-themed activities, including face painting. Buttered noodles are free for all. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.

Movies

ECHO Wildlife Movie: See July 5. Ben & Jerry’s Outdoor Movie Festival: See July 5.

Early-literacy skills get special attention during these read-aloud sessions. Some locations provide additional activities such as music, crafts or foreign-language instruction. Contact the story-time organizer or visit kidsvt.com for details.

Richmond Story Time: Richmond Free Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 434-3036.

Teeny Tiny Backyard Explorers: Wheeler Homestead and Garden Park, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.

Williston Summer Story Time: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

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

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

WEDNESDAY

Johnson Story Time: Johnson Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 635-7141.

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

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

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

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

Swanton Story Hour: Swanton Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 868-7656.

Warren Preschool Story & Enrichment

Hour: Warren Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 595-2582.

Williamstown Toddler Story Time: Ainsworth Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 433-5887.

THURSDAY

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

Northfield Children’s Story Time: Brown

Nature & Science

Kingdom Community Wind Tours: See July 2, 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.

Microscopic Investigations: See July 1. Mirror, Mirror: See July 1.

My Sky: See July 5.

Raptors in Residence: See July 1. Summer Naturalist Program: See July 5.

Theater

Saturday Drama Club: See July 5. The Cat in the Hat’: See July 18, 10 a.m. 'West Side Story': See July 17.

20 SUNDAY

Arts & Crafts

Circuspalooza: Aerial artists pull o fanciful feats under the big top while kids take part in carnival games and activities galore. All ages. Shelburne Museum, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Regular museum admission, $5.50-22; Free for children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

Baby & Maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See July 1, 10:0511:30 a.m.

Public Library. See Monday. Free. Info, 485-4621.

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

St. Albans Story Hour: St. Albans Free Library, See Monday. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

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

FRIDAY

Brandon Preschool Story Time: Brandon Free Public Library, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 247-8230.

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

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

Lincoln Toddler/Preschool Story Time: Lincoln Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 453-2665.

Moretown Story Time: Moretown Memorial Library, July 11, 11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 496-9728.

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

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

Stowe Baby & Toddler Story Time: Stowe Free Library, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 253-6145.

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

SATURDAY

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

Burlington Story Time: Phoenix Books, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 448-3350.

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

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

South Burlington Story Time: See Wednesday.

St. Johnsbury Story Time: See Friday. First Saturday of every month, 10:30 a.m.

Swanton Story Hour: See Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.

Winooski Stories with Jess: Winooski Memorial Library, July 5 only, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 655-6424.

SUNDAY

Williston Russian Story Time: Buttered Noodles, 11-11:45 a.m. Free. Info, 730-2673.

18 FRIDAY (CONTINUED)

Food

National ice cream day: Got a sweet tooth? Visitors learn the history and science of "the great American dessert" by hand-cranking their own frozen treats. Horse-drawn wagon rides and 19th-century games are the cherry on top. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular museum admission, $4-14; free for children under 3. Info, 457-2355.

south Burlington Farmers market: See July 6. stowe Farmers market: See July 6. Winooski Farmers market: See July 6.

Health & Fitness

cystic Fibrosis champs challenge: Active types choose from a scenic 8- or 40-mile bike ride or a 5K walk/run, followed by a barbecue and raffle. Basin Harbor Club, Vergennes, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Funds raised support grants to help people with cystic fibrosis improve their health through physical activity; preregister. Info, 310-5983.

movies

EcHo Wildlife movie: See July 5.

music

music on the Porch: See July 6. summer concert in the Park: See July 13.

Nature & science

color mixing: See July 2.

Leafcutter Ants: See July 2. Night sky: See July 1.

Theater

The cat in the Hat’: See July 18, 10 a.m. & noon.

21 MONDAY

Arts & crafts

Webby's Art studio: Fabulous Flowers: Taking a cue from the Museum's gardens, aspiring Monets paint pretty petals with watercolors. Recommended for ages 4-12 but all are welcome. Shelburne Museum, noon-4 p.m. Regular museum admission, $5.50-22; free for children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

Baby & maternity

montpelier Prenatal Yoga: See July 7. Vergennes Prenatal Yoga: See July 7.

Library & Books

Filmed Book Reviews: See July 14.

music

music for Preschoolers: See July 3, 10:45 a.m.

Nature & science

Firefly Walk: A Winooski Valley Park District educator leads an evening walk around the homestead's trails, where vigilant visitors catch glimpses of lightning bugs and learn about wildlife behavior at night. All ages. Ethan Allen Homestead Museum, Burlington, 8 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 863-5744.

Nature connections: See July 7.

Rocks & Volcanoes: See July 3.

Theater

summer Encore Theater: An original story about a mad scientist who wants to take over the world performed by teens delights kids ages 4-10. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

21 moNdAY, p.40

JULY CALENDAR

22 TUESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Tie Dye for Teens: Fashionistas soak plain tees in buckets of color to create spiral and starburst patterns. Ages 12-18. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5666.

Webby's Art Studio: Fabulous Flowers: See July 21. July 27, noon-4 p.m.

Baby & Maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See July 1.

Education

Time-Travel Tuesdays: See July 1.

Food

Chocolate-Bar Making: See July 1.

Lunch at the Library: See July 1.

Old North End Farmers Market: See July 1.

Health & Fitness

Adventures to Fitness: See July 1.

Catamount Trail Running Series: See July 1.

Playgroups

MONDAY

Barre Open Gym: Sunrise Gymnastics, Mondays, 10 a.m.-noon. $10 per child. Info, 223-0517.

Burlington Crawlers, Waddlers & Toddlers: St. Joseph School, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 862-2121.

Williston Playgroup: Alice in Noodleland: Buttered Noodles, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.

TUESDAY

Burlington Dad's Night: VNA Family Room, 3-7 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420.

Burlington Family Play: Ethan Allen Homestead Museum, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. In the summer months, buses transport families from 20 Allen Street to Ethan Allen Homestead for outdoor play. Info, 860-4420.

Johnson Baby Chat: Church of the Nazarene, fourth Tuesday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-3470.

Hard'Ack Trail Running Series: See July 1. Stowe Public Skating: See July 1. Yoga with Danielle: See July 1.

Library & Books

Animation Camp: This two-day workshop teaches fledgling illustrators the basics of putting pictures into motion. Grand Isle Free Library, 1-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 372-4797.

Cardboard Box Parade: Creative kids craft a costume from a corrugated container then join other square friends for a parade to City Hall Park. Meet at the top of Church Street. All ages. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 1-3 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Exordium Adventures: See July 8, 2:30 p.m. Gaming For Teens & Adults: See July 1.

Sumo Lego Bots: Using the scientific method and basic physics, budding engineers construct robots that duke it out in the ring. Ages 5-11. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 2-3:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

Music

Children's Sing-Along With Lesley Grant: See July 1.

Nature & Science

Fossils: See July 4.

Kitchen Chemistry: See July 4.

Night Sky: See July 1.

Raptors in Residence: See July 1.

Summer Bug Walk: See July 8.

Theater

See Dr. First videos “First With Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

'X Theatre Presents': Burlington Parks & Recreation's Open Stage Performance Camp puts on a wondrously wacky original play. Ages 5 and up. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

23 WEDNESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Color Chaos: Petite Picassos have fun with paint. Ages 5 and under. Highgate Public Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.

E-Textiles: Make It Glow: Crafting gets a 21stcentury twist as kids sew LEDs into fabric and build simple circuits. Ages 11 and up. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 1-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918.

Kids enjoy fun and games during these informal get-togethers, and caregivers connect with other local parents and peers. The groups are usually free and often include snacks, arts and crafts, or music. Contact the playgroup organizer or visit kidsvt.com for site-specific details.

WEDNESDAY

Barre Open Gym: See Monday.

THURSDAY

Brandon Stories & Crafts: Brandon Free Public Library, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 247-8230. Burlington EvoMamas Playgroup: Evolution Yoga, July 10, 10:20-11:50 a.m. Free. Info, 864-9642.

Burlington Family Play: See Tuesday. Morrisville Baby Chat: First Congregational Church of Morrisville, first Thursday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-3470.

Petting Barn Play Group: Triple K Petting Barn, 10 a.m.-noon, $5-6; free for children under 2. Info, 558-5900.

FRIDAY

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

Experiment & Explore: Poetry Garden: Sensitive artists paint rocks with beautiful illustrations and poetic expressions. Ages 5-11. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 2 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

Webby's Art Studio: Fabulous Flowers: See July 21. July 27, 12-4 p.m.

Baby & Maternity

Infant Yoga & Massage: See July 9.

Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See July 2. Nursing Beyond a Year: Moms gather to discuss the joys and challenges of an older nursling. Discussion topics include nighttime parenting, weaning and setting limits. Bring a snack to share. Aikido of Champlain Valley, Burlington, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-3000.

Community

Community Evenings at the Farm: See July 9.

Food

Chocolate-Bar Making: See July 1. Colchester Farmers Market: See July 2. The Lunchbox Summer Meal Program: See July 2.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids: Outside!: See July 2. Stowe Public Skating: See July 1.

Library & Books

Animation Camp: See July 22. 9 a.m.-noon. Marshfield Wednesday Morning Program: See July 2.

Marshfield Wednesday Night Program: See July 2.

Movies

Stories On The Screen: See July 9.

Music

City Hall Park Concert Series: See July 2. Craftsbury Chamber Players Mini-Concerts: See July 16.

Preschool Music With Derek: See July 2. Rockin' Ron the Friendly Pirate: See July 2.

Nature & Science

Batteries & Motors: See July 5. Kingdom Community Wind Tours: See July 2.

mesmerizing moths: Emeralds, loopers, underwings, darts, owlets and many more species of moths dazzle viewers after dark. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 9-11 p.m. $3-5. Info, 229-6206. sound science: See July 5.

Wacky Wednesday: Build a Unique structure: See July 16.

Wagon-Ride Wednesdays: See July 2.

24 THURSDAY

Arts & crafts

Art on Park: See July 3.

Lego Fun: See July 10, 1 p.m.

Webby's Art studio: Fabulous Flowers: See July 21, noon-4 p.m.

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See July 1, 5:457:15 p.m.

community

summervale: See July 3.

Food

chocolate-Bar making: See July 1. Lunch at the Library: See July 1. The Lunchbox summer meal Program: See July 3. milton Farmers market: See July 3.

Games

monopoly Tournament: Kids join up with friends for some fast-paced board game playing. Prizes, snacks and drinks provided. Ages 6-18. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

Library & Books

Young Producers Workshop: Lake Champlain Access TV offers a hands-on introduction to the world of TV. Ages 8-9. Preregister. Fairfax Community Library, 1:30-3 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 849-2420.

music

Battery Park concert series: See July 10. craftsbury chamber Players mini-concerts: See July 17.

music for Preschoolers: See July 3. snow Farm Vineyard summer concert series: See July 3.

Williston summer concert series: See July 3.

Nature & science

down by the River Preschool Program: Naturalists-in-training grab a net and head to the Huntington River to discover what lurks under the rocks and mud. Ages 3-5. Meet at the sugarhouse parking area. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 9-10:30 a.m. $8-10 per adult-child pair; $4 for each additional child; preregister. Info, 434-3068.

Exploring magnets: See July 6.

Lab coat investigation: See July 6.

Physics of Flight: Kids marvel at and learn about a live raptor from the Vermont Museum. Franklin Town Hall, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 285-6505.

Raptors in Residence: See July 1.

25 FRIDAY

Arts & crafts

Family Fridays: See July 11.

Webby's Art studio: Fabulous Flowers: See July 21, noon-4 p.m.

Food Burger Night: See July 4.

Five corners Farmers market: See July 4.

Kids in the Kitchen: Farmstand Pizza Perfection: Young chefs stretch dough into a pie shape then top it with an array of veggies while learning about the importance of local foods.

All ages. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 4-5 p.m. $20 per child-adult pair; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

The Lunchbox summer meal Program: See July 4.

Lyndonville Farmers market: See July 4. Richmond Farmers market: See July 4. Truck stop: See July 4.

Health & Fitness

stowe Public skating: See July 1.

Library & Books

Garden Adventures with the Bookworms: See July 11.

LcATV child Producers Workshop: Aspiring directors learn to use video equipment, then conduct a talk show-style interview. Ages 8-9. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 2-3:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

music

city Hall Park concert series: See July 2.

Kids music With Linda 'Tickle Belly' Bassick: See July 4.

music With derek: See July 4.

Nature & science

microscopic investigations: See July 1. mirror, mirror: See July 1.

slime science with dr. Einstein: Kids get a humorous look at the scientific properties of gooey stuff, followed by a slime-making session. All ages. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 11 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918.

Theater

'West side story': See July 17.

26 SATURDAY

Arts & crafts

Kids craft: craft stick Frog: Young makers use Popsicle sticks to make a cute hopper to hang on the wall. Ages 5 and up. Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $5. Info, 862-0646. Webby's Art studio: Fabulous Flowers: See July 21, noon-4 p.m.

Baby & maternity

colchester Baby & Toddler social: Families with children ages 3 and under meet other families and enjoy music with Ellie, prizes and snacks. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, noon-2 p.m. Free; preregister at colchestervt. gov/library. Info, 264-5660.

Fairs & Festivals

Essex dog days of summer celebration: People and on-leash pups convene on the park for an exciting day of Disc Dog competitions, info booths from pet-related businesses and the chance to adopt rescue animals. See calendar spotlight page 44. Essex Dog Park, Essex Junction, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free; donations benefit the Essex Dog Park; food available to purchase. Info, 878-1375.

submit your August events for print by July 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.

Food Burlington Farmers market: See July 5. capital city Farmers market: See July 5. chocolate-Bar making: See July 1.

pittsford Farmers market: See July 5. shelburne Farmers market: See July 5. st. Johnsbury Farmers market: See July 5.

movies

EcHo Wildlife movie: See July 5. ben & Jerry’s outdoor movie Festival: See July 5.

Nature & science

A plethora of polarization: Physics students from UVM lead hands-on activities related to light and color. All ages. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10.50-13.50; free for children under 3. Info, 864-1848.

behind-the-scenes Tour: See July 10, 12:301:15 p.m.

bird-banding demonstration: Avian enthusiasts see songbirds up close as they are caught, measured and banded for the study of their survival skills and reproductive success. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 7-11 a.m. Donations welcome. Info, 229-6206.

bird-monitoring Walk: Eagle-eyed participants bring binoculars to explore the museum's property for fluttering feathers. Best for adults and older children. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 7:30-9:30 a.m. Donations welcome; preregister. Info, 434-2167.

Live caterpillar Zoo: Naturalist and photographer Sam Jaffe helps visitors discover the largest, spiniest and wackiest caterpillars residing in their own backyards. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $3-5. Info, 229-6206.

my sky: See July 5.

raptors in residence: See July 1.

summer Naturalist program: See July 5.

super science day: Nature close-up: Walkers

Step Right Up

ladies, gentlemen and kids of all ages — the circus is coming to town! this month, the award-winning performers of circus smirKus roll into st. Johnsbury and essex Junction as part of their big Top Tour throughout New england and New york. Hailing from as far away as mexico, 30 “smirkos” ages 10 through 18 treat Vermonters to breathtaking feats in “Anchors Away for Atlantis!” inspired by the ocean’s beauty and mystery, aquatic aerialists and amphibious acrobats make a splash alongside castaway clowns and fishy jugglers in a seaworthy show.

circus smirKus big Top Tour: Wednesday, July 2, and Thursday, July 3, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Leonard Field in St. Johnsbury and Tuesday, July 8, Wednesday, July 9 and Thursday, July 10, at noon and 6:30 p.m. at the Champlain Valley Fairgrounds in Essex Junction, All ages. $12-22; free for children under 2. Info, 877-764-7587. smirkus.org

trek outdoors for a detailed look at the forest canopy, meadows, rivers and ponds then go indoors to view the animals that inhabit them. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Summer museum admission, $13-16; free for children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Theater

saturday drama club: See July 5. 'West side story': See July 17, 2 & 7 p.m.

27 SUNDAY

Arts & crafts

Webby's Art studio: Fabulous Flowers: See July 21, noon-4 p.m.

baby & maternity

burlington prenatal Yoga: See July 1, 10:0511:30 a.m.

Food

south burlington Farmers market: See July 6.

stowe Farmers market: See July 6.

Winooski Farmers market: See July 6.

Health & Fitness

Yogirls Yoga class: See July 6.

movies

EcHo Wildlife movie: See July 5.

submit your August events for print by July 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.

music

music on the porch: See July 6.

Nature & science

Hay day: Fledgling farmers learn about 19th-century haying techniques while enjoying horsedrawn wagon rides, rope-making demonstrations and penny-inthe-haystack games. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular museum admission, $4-14; free for children under 3. Info, 457-2355. Night sky: See July 1. rocks & Volcanoes: See July 3. sundays for Fledglings: See July 13.

see dr. first videos “First With Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

Young producers Workshop: See July 24.

music

music for preschoolers: See July 3, 10:45 a.m.

Nature & science

Fossils: See July 4. Kitchen chemistry: See July 4. Nature connections: See July 7. starry, starry Night: Families look upward for an evening of stargazing and meteor watching. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 9 p.m. $3-5. Info, 229-6206.

28 MONDAY

Arts & crafts

Webby's Art studio: creative clutter: Using puzzle pieces, buttons and other cast-off items, budding artists manufacture their own recycled art. Geared toward ages 4-12 but all are welcome. Shelburne Museum, noon-4 p.m. Regular museum admission, $5.50-22; free for children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

baby & maternity

montpelier prenatal Yoga: See July 7. Vergennes prenatal Yoga: See July 7.

Health & Fitness

stowe public skating: See July 1, 3:15-4:15 p.m.

Library & books

intergenerational dessert book discussion: Lit lovers gather for a good read-and-rant session, complete with something sweet. Grades 6 and up. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5666.

The science of Archaeology: Little diggers excavate a staged dig site to discover the treasures that lay beneath. Ages 6-11. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

29 TUESDAY

Arts & crafts

creative Tuesdays: See July 1.

Webby's Art studio: creative clutter: See July 28, noon-4 p.m.

baby & maternity

burlington prenatal Yoga: See July 1.

Education

Time-Travel Tuesdays: See July 1.

Food

chocolate-bar making: See July 1. Lunch at the Library: See July 1. old North End Farmers market: See July 1.

26 sATurdAY (coNtiNued)

If your child is 2 – 17 years old and struggles with eczema, they may be eligible for a local medical research study currently being offered at Timber Lane Allergy & Asthma Research, LLC in Burlington. The study is for an investigational, steroid-free eczema medication that is applied directly to the skin.

The study lasts about 2 months, and there is no cost to participate. You may also be reimbursed for your time and travel.

Hooray for Hounds

Why should humans have all the fun? leash up lassie and bring her down to the third annual EssEx doG dAYs oF sUmmER a fundraiser for the essex dog Park, this fido fest celebrates man’s best friend. agile canines from 802 disc dogs steal the show with Frisbee-catching skills during a high-flying demonstration. Joining the pooch party, doggie-related businesses from pet portraits to animal wellness set up shop, donating goods and services to a silent auction. rounding out the day, adoptable dogs from local canine rescues spark puppy love. Who knows? your family might go home with a new four-legged friend.

EssEx doG dAYs oF sUmmER: Saturday, July 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Essex Dog Park. All ages. Free. Info, 878-1375. ejrp.org

Theater

'once on This island': Very Merry Theatre presents this musical about a brave girl in the Carribean who uses the power of love to bring people together. Shelburne Farms, 5:30-9 p.m. $25; $200 for ten tickets; money raised benefits Very Merry Theatre. Info, 878-4918.

30 WEDNESDAY

Arts & crafts

community

Friday Night Family Fun series: See July 11.

summervale: See July 3.

Health & Fitness

Adventures to Fitness: See July 1.

catamount Trail Running series: See July 1.

Hard'Ack Trail Running series: See July 1. stowe Public skating: See July 1, 3:15-4:15 p.m.

Yoga with danielle: See July 1.

Library & Books

Firefighter story Time: Community helpers greet library-goers and teach them how to be safe in an emergency. All ages. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Gaming For Teens & Adults: See July 1. sumo Lego Bots: See July 22.

music

children's sing-Along With Lesley Grant: See July 1. owl's Head music Night: Berry pickers groove to local bands while gathering nature's little treasures. Owl's Head Blueberry Farm, Richmond, 6 p.m. Two-quart minimum blueberry purchase for entry. Info, 434-3387.

Nature & science

Batteries & motors: See July 5. Night sky: See July 1. Raptors in Residence: See July 1. sound science: See July 5.

see dr. First videos “First With Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

Experiment & Explore: Paper Engineering: Creative crafters make a 3-D card that blinks. Ages 5-11. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 2 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660. Webby's Art studio: creative clutter: See July 28, noon-4 p.m.

Baby & maternity

infant Yoga & massage: See July 9. montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See July 2.

community community Evenings at the Farm: See July 9.

Food

chocolate-Bar making: See July 1. colchester Farmers market: See July 2. The Lunchbox summer meal Program: See July 2.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids: outside!: See July 2. stowe Public skating: See July 1. 3:15-4:15 p.m.

Library & Books

marshfield Wednesday morning Program: See July 2.

marshfield Wednesday Night Program: See July 2.

Toy Hacking: Got junk? Young innovators take apart old play things to make something new. Ages 11 and up. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 1-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918.

ViNs Nature Program: Leap, slither, Flap: Animal lovers get up close and personal with raptors, snakes and frogs. Grades K-6. Highgate Elementary School, Highgate Center, 10:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 868-3970.

music

city Hall Park concert series: See July 2. craftsbury chamber Players mini-concerts: See July 16.

Preschool music With derek: See July 2. Rockin' Ron the Friendly Pirate: See July 2.

Nature & science

Exploring magnets: See July 6.

Kingdom community Wind Tours: See July 2. Lab coat investigation: See July 6.

Wacky Wednesday: Build a Unique structure: See July 16.

Wagon-Ride Wednesdays: See July 2.

31 THURSDAY

Arts & crafts

Art on Park: See July 3.

Webby's Art studio: creative clutter: See July 28, noon-4 p.m.

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See July 1. 5:457:15 p.m.

Food

chocolate-Bar making: See July 1.

Lunch at the Library: See July 1. The Lunchbox summer meal Program: See July 3.

milton Farmers market: See July 3.

Games

Games in the Park: Mike & the Big Blue Trunk lead a fun-filled play session. Grades K-6. Highgate Town Park, 5-6:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 868-3970.

Health & Fitness

stowe Public skating: See July 1, 3:15-4:15 p.m.

Library & Books

sing a song of science: Tunes about rockets, simple machines and a frog's life cycle make fun work of learning scientific facts. Ages 5-11. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 3 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660. spanish stories & music: Kids learn to rhyme, read and sing en español with Constancia Gomez. Ages 6 and under with a caregiver. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

The Lake monsters create a spark: Baseball heroes from the home team share books, answer questions and sign autographs. Ages 5 and up. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Young Producers Workshop: See July 24.

movies

stories on The screen: See July 9, 3 p.m.

music

Battery Park concert series: See July 10. craftsbury chamber Players mini-concerts: Small music lovers experience an excerpt of the group's evening concert, with selections and commentary geared toward young audiences. East Craftsbury Presbyterian Church, 2 p.m. Free. Info, 800-639-3443.

music for Preschoolers: See July 3. owl's Head music Night: See July 29. snow Farm Vineyard summer concert series: See July 3.

Williston summer concert series: See July 3.

Nature & science

Build a Balloon car: Auto enthusiasts construct their own air-powered vehicles. Ages 8 and up. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 2-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918. microscopic investigations: See July 1. mirror, mirror: See July 1.

Raptors in Residence: See July 1.

Theater

'once on This island': See July 29, Bristol Town Green, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 355-1461. 

Pets

IF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY LOVE ANIMALS and want to help care for one in a time of need, consider being a foster family.

Dogs and cats sometimes need a temporary home while awaiting adoption — so do hamsters, guinea pigs and ferrets. The reasons are varied: some are too young to be adopted; some need socialization; others may be recovering from surgery or illness. Some animals are simply not suited to live in a shelter, around lots of other animals.

Foster care can last anywhere from a week to several months. Some agencies provide food and supplies, others cover only veterinary expenses. Families gather valuable information about their foster pets’ personalities, which helps the shelter find them a compatible “forever” home. In return, families receive the love of a pet and the satisfaction of making a di erence.

Interested in fostering a pet? Robyn Santor, animal care supervisor at the Humane Society of Chittenden County, and Sam Punchar, owner of Random Rescue in Williamstown, o er the following advice:

• Prepare for all the duties of full-fledged pet ownership, such as feeding, walking, scooping poop, cleaning litter boxes and trips to the vet. If you want to foster dogs but have never owned one, consider borrowing a friend’s for a weekend before diving in to foster care. Research different breeds to learn which ones best fit your family.

• Pet-proof your house. Crawl around on a dog or cat’s level to see what the animal would see. Cords, toys and socks can get chewed and/or swallowed. Remove chemicals, cleaners and family heirlooms. Get a crate or exercise pen for a dog, and maybe a spray bottle, to help with training. Consider gating off your entryway so a dog or cat won’t bolt if a child opens the door.

• Don’t be shy! Ask shelter staffers for any information about the animal so you know what you’re getting into.

• Pour on the TLC. Kids ages 4 and up offer much-needed attention and playtime that helps socialize animals.

• Expect the unexpected. Each animal comes with its own personality, temperament, history, likes and dislikes. That adorable fur ball might throw you a curveball. Some stories will be amusing — in hindsight. “Keep an eye on the big picture,” Santor says.

• Gear up for good-bye. Lots of foster families can’t part with their foster pets. Some, called “foster failures,” decide to keep the animal permanently. Either way, recognize the service you provide by helping prepare an animal for its new home. And remember that when you give the animal back, you can take in a new one — and so can the rescue agency. That way, says Punchar, you’re not saving one, you’re saving three.

Hedgehog Home

HEDGEHOGS AREN’T the fuzziest of pets, but that’s why Livia Ball likes them. The Essex Junction middle schooler got one in December for her 12th birthday. She named him Bilbo, after The Hobbit’s Bilbo Baggins. “He’s pretty prickly on the top,” she says, “but he’s really soft on his belly.”

Before her parents agreed to let her have a hedgehog, Livia spent a full year researching these small, nocturnal African animals and how to care for them — she found a lot of tips on YouTube.

Livia has since made Bilbo a home in her room, which includes a small house that she crafted out of cardboard and felt, a heat lamp above his cage and a heating pad under his bedding to keep him toasty. Hedgehogs like it warm — if it drops below 75 degrees in there, he’ll go into hibernation mode.

Livia takes Bilbo out of his cage daily, nestled in a towel. It provides him a dark place if he wants to hide, and keeps his quills from poking her. Though hedgehogs are often described as being too prickly to pet, Bilbo’s quills are surprisingly soft when you stroke them in the right direction: head to tail. They also fall out periodically — Livia collects them in a small container.

Bilbo has pointy little teeth, but Livia says he has only nipped her a couple of times, when he was afraid.

Her prickly pet “isn’t that hard to take care of,” says Livia. “He can be grumpy sometimes,” she concedes, probably because he doesn’t naturally like to be awake during the day, but “other than that, he is pretty fun.”

Tips for making your own hedgehog habitat

• Livia made the base of Bilbo’s cage using connected metal storage cubes from Bed Bath & Beyond. Vinyl flooring lines the sides and bottom. Remember to protect your hedgehog from other pets: Livia placed an extra shelf on top of Bilbo’s cage to keep her two cats out.

• Hedgehogs need a dark, sheltered place to sleep during the day since they are awake at night.

• Put a wheel in the cage for exercise.

• There aren’t many hedgehog breeders in Vermont, so you might have to travel out of state to buy one. Livia got Bilbo in New Hampshire.

Owner: Livia Ball, 12 Pet: Bilbo the hedgehog, nearly 1 year old

Book Review

Puzzles4Kids

Riddle Search — CONSTRUCTION SITES

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

AWL BASEMENT

BEAM

BRICK CEMENT CONCRETE FLOOR

FOREMAN

HARD HAT LADDER

LATHE

GRAND-PRIZE WINNER

ANDREW lives in North Ferrisburgh and turns 9 on July 8. He is an enthusiastic and thoughtful kid who loves biking, kayaking, swimming, soccer and trains. He is always excited to try new things.

Andrew wins a birthday-party package for up to 10 kids.

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

Just give us your contact info, your children’s names and birth dates, and a photo, and they’re automatically enrolled.

Lincoln, Nicole and Cooper each win a player pass.

LINCOLN lives in St. Albans and turns 8 on July 27. He loves playing with Legos, reading, archery and swimming.

BY HELENA HOVANEC

NICOLE lives in Burlington and turns 10 on July 19. She likes to sing along to music, draw, ride her bike and help her parents with chores around the house.

MIXER MORTAR PANEL ROOF RULER TAPE

TOOL BELT TRANSOM TROWEL VEHICLE

Riddle Answer:

COOPER lives in Barre Town and turns 11 on July 8. He is an animal lover and enjoys spending time outside and playing hockey and lacrosse.

More to do under one roof than anywhere in VT!

MINI-GOLF • GIANT PLAY STRUCTURE PIZZA • CAKES • LASER TAG ARCADE • BATTING CAGES BIRTHDAY CROWN OR TIARA

Bud the Dog

In 1903, many people still traveled by horse and buggy, and thought automobiles were a passing phase. Horatio Nelson Jackson, a doctor from Burlington, Vermont, set out to prove them wrong.

Jackson had hoped to find a small dog to keep them company, and he got his wish in Idaho. A man there offered them Bud, a young bulldog with a great, big grin.

The trip to New York City took 63 days, 12 hours, and 30 minutes. Afterward, Jackson and Bud came home to Vermont, where Jackson became president of a bank and started Burlington’s first radio station. He and his wife, Bertha, made sure Bud lived a happy life. People would often see Jackson riding through Burlington in his automobile, with his faithful pal Bud smiling in the passenger seat.

Bud loved riding in Jackson’s car, even though it had no roof and the roads were often dangerous and dusty - back then, there were only 150 miles of paved roads in the entire country! To keep the dirt out of his eyes, Bud wore goggles, just like his master. He even learned to watch for bumps in the road, so he wouldn’t get tossed around the car.

Jackson and his co-driver, Sewell Crocker, completed the first cross-country road trip. They left from San Francisco, California, in a 20-horsepower Winton they called the Vermont.

COLORING CONTEST!

Three winners will receive $25 gift cards to Creative Habitat and free framing of their artwork for its Kids Gallery, located at the store on 555 Shelburne Road in Burlington. Winning artists can pick up their framed work to display at home any time in July. Send Kids VT your work of art by July 15. Be sure to include the info at right with your submission. Winners will be chosen in the following categories: (1) ages 5 and younger, (2) ages 6-8 and (3) ages 9-12. Winners will be named in the August issue of Kids VT. Send your high-resolution scans to art@kidsvt.com or mail a copy to KidsVT, PO Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.

LuLu’s Lessons

How I learned to love our Saint Bernard

b y Tricia Kennedy

sanTa claus broughT her two and a half years ago. Left her under the tree, in an open box with a big red bow. The kids, then 5, 3 and 18 months, shrieked upon discovering the 8-week-old Saint Bernard clumsily loping around the living room.

“It’s a real dog!” they shouted repeatedly, smitten on sight.

My friends and family told me I must be crazy for agreeing to add a puppy to our already busy household, but I brushed it off. I grew up in a house teaming with dogs, cats, rodents, feathered friends and creatures with claws and fins. I could handle this: I was an animal lover!

And Lucille Cinderella, aka LuLu, was adorable. Every time I walked her, people would stop to give her belly rubs and comment on her size, which was rapidly increasing.

But LuLu wasn’t like any of my previous pets. To my surprise, I found it challenging to open my heart to her.

For one thing, caring for her was a lot more work than I had anticipated. It didn’t take long to house-train her, but she was so lazy that sometimes she had to be carried outside to do her business.

When she did go out, she liked to dig; our backyard became a minefield of three-foot-wide holes. She also liked to scale the garden fences and flop down on my husband’s veggies. She always managed to escape from our house when one of the kids left a door open. And oh, how she loved the snow and the mud! She tracked it all over the house.

A nipping phase turned into a full-on chewing phase. We lost more than 10 pairs of shoes, countless stuffed animals and sections of our stairs and walls. Not to mention toys — and she preferred to gnaw on the expensive, wooden ones.

I was worried she was going to turn into a biter and sink her teeth into my precious kids, but fortunately she outgrew it.

And boy, did she grow. That adorable little puppy became a drooling, shedding, 150pound beast. Her classic Saint Bernard eyes got droopier and droopier. Her jowls, like her body, developed at an astounding rate. One shake of her head sent slime flying — on walls, cabinets and shirts.

My kids simply wiped it off. They sang to her, brushed her coat,

fed her and played whirlwind games of “Bull Shark,” with LuLu in the leading role. My husband didn’t grow up with a dog, but he softened to her and was happy to provide a lap for her to lounge on.

I, on the other hand, dreaded being coated with her drool and pungent dog smell. I perfected a sidestepping technique when we passed so as to not make contact with her. I was embarrassed by the dog hair she left on people’s pants, and all over my house; I greeted guests with, “Oh no, you wore black!”

I’m a working mom with three young kids, and LuLu became another item on my dreaded to-do list. Eventually she recognized my indifference. She stopped looking to me to take her for walks. We shared a house but led separate lives.

Then, late one night this past spring, I was reading a book in our living room. LuLu came running in and pressed her nose against the glass of the bay window. She snarled in a deep, menacing way that I had never heard before. I realized that she saw something outside and was protecting me — me, who barely gave her a second thought. I had to admit that it felt good to have a faithful watchdog.

Then, a few weeks later, I wound up sick at home with a double ear infection. Laying on the couch in total agony, I was sure my eardrums were going to explode. As I started to cry in pain, LuLu leapt up onto the couch and staked out a spot next to me. I reached out to pet her, and she dipped her Herculean head and snuggled into me. Just like that, LuLu forgave me. My heart swelled with the realization that this beautiful beast accepted me for who I was. She was willing to be friends if I was — so I dove in.

Now LuLu seeks me out when I’m alone. She knows the weekday mornings and afternoons are busy. She stays out of my way, as much as a 150-pound dog can. But when I pause to catch my breath and curl up on the couch, she finds a spot right next to me. If I go near her leash, she sits at attention, ready for the signal that we’re headed out.

And I’ve found that I have boundless love for her — my walking partner, who loves romping in the snow and has taught me to enjoy the mud squishing through my toes and that the dishes can wait. My friend, who encourages me to lay in the grass and feel the sun on my face.

LuLu has redeemed herself. I only hope that I have, too. K

i’m a working mom with three young kids, and lulu became another item on my dreaded to-do list.