Kids VT, August 2016

✱ GIRL-POWERED MOUNTAIN BIKING

✱ MAGIC HARRY POTTER BUS

✱ FAIR SEASON

TINY HOUSE LIVING WITH A TODDLER

THE WEEKENDER: ADIRONDACKS

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS

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

Copublisher Colby Roberts colby@kidsvt.com ext. 77

Managing Editor Alison Novak alison@kidsvt.com ext. 75

Contributing Editor Meredith Coeyman meredith@kidsvt.com ext. 75

Art Director Brooke Bousquet brooke@kidsvt.com ext. 41

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

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

Calendar Writer Brett Stanciu brett@kidsvt.com ext. 78

Proofreaders Marisa Keller Elizabeth M. Seyler

Production Manager John James

Creative Director Don Eggert

Designers Charlotte Scott

Rev. Diane Sullivan

Circulation Manager Matt Weiner

Business Manager Cheryl Brownell

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

Editorial content 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.

Contributing Writers: Sarah Tuff Dunn, Janet Essman Franz, Sarah Galbraith, Megan James, Mary Ann Lickteig, Ken Picard, Laura Sorkin, Jessica Lara Ticktin

Photographers: Caleb Kenna, Matthew Thorsen, Tristan Von Duntz, Jeb Wallace-Brodeur

Less Is More

FROM MY ARTSY and unconventional mom, my two sisters and I all inherited a deep love of thrift-store shopping. There’s something mysterious and romantic about walking into a Goodwill or consignment shop and methodically sifting through the merchandise in search of some abandoned treasure.

I also find great satisfaction in getting a deal. But that means I sometimes make purchases — especially for my kids — that we don’t really need. That deluxe Barbie Dreamhouse for $20 that I couldn’t pass up? Mira and Theo played with it for 20 minutes before they lost interest. Mira’s flowery cowboy boots? They were stylish but not the most practical choice of footwear. And the scores of used picture books I’ve bought at garage and library sales? Our bookshelves are groaning under the weight of them.

Most of my impulse buys end up cluttering up my life. So, a couple of times a year, I reach a breaking point and do a major house purge.

That’s one of the reasons I was so impressed by Erin Morrison and Matt Cutts. They live with their 2-year-old daughter and dog in a tiny house — a 200-square-foot dwelling just south of Middlebury. I interviewed the couple for “Living Small” (page 20). Every square foot matters in such a little space, so they’ve had to be more thoughtful about the items they bring into their home. By sheer necessity, they’ve eschewed the cycle of purchasing and purging American families like mine know all too well. Not sure I’m ready for that kind of extreme downsizing, but my visit with them

put a temporary hiatus on my thrifting excursions.

Another cool, diminutive space in this issue: the Harry Potter-themed vehicle that belongs to the Clark family of Underhill (“Habitat,” page 43). In 2015, dad Kyle bought a retired school bus and, with the help of family and friends, converted it into a

DISCOVER the DIFFERENCE

Mater Christi School’s 2016-17 academic year begins August 31. We are still enrolling pre-school through grade 8 students, and we invite you to experience our beautiful campus, classrooms, engaging teachers, and welcoming school community.

magical RV so his family of six could take cross-country adventures.

The release of our August issue means that the countdown to the first day of school has officially begun. There’s still time to savor the season, though, and this issue will help you do just that. Head to Sugarbush Resort to enjoy the alpine air, zip line and bungee trampoline (“Destination Recreation,” page 12); stay overnight in the Adirondacks (“The Weekender,” page 24); check out an upscale picnic-themed restaurant in Stowe (“Out to Eat,” page 19); or just browse the calendar and find some family fun.

After all, Barbie Dreamhouses and cowboy boots may provide fleeting pleasure, but those sweet summer memories will stick around forever.

ALISON NOVAK, MANAGING EDITOR

Some of this month’s Kids VT contributors:

JANET ESSMAN FRANZ (“Destination Recreation”) enjoys outdoor adventures near Shelburne, where she lives with her husband, two sons and tortoise-shell cat, Fenêtre  She once talked her family into alpine skiing down a plastic turf-covered mountain in August because she wanted to ski on her birthday.

SARAH TUFF DUNN (“Use Your Words”) writes about health, fitness, nutrition, travel and adventure for national magazines including Scientific American Mind, Clean Eating and the Outdoor Industry Association. She is secretly very lazy and uncoordinated and has fallen off the treadmill three times.

The Novak family with thrifty purchases in a photo shoot from the April 2013 Money Issue

Fairs & Field Days

Vermont's fairs and field days are an easy way to entertain your family. These outdoor events show off the best of the state's summer produce and farm animals, and they even offer opportunities for friendly competition. A field-day visit is also the perfect time to teach kids about Vermont's agricultural history — especially since there's usually cotton candy on hand to sweeten the lesson.

ADDISON COUNTY FAIR & FIELD DAYS

1790 Field Days Road, New Haven

Tuesday, August 9, through Saturday, August 13 addisoncountyfielddays.com

THE VERMONT STATE FAIR

175 South Main Street, Rutland

Tuesday, August 16, through Saturday, August 20 vermontstatefair.org

ORLEANS COUNTY FAIR

278 Roaring Brook Road, Barton

Wednesday, August 17, through Sunday, August 21 orleanscountyfair.net

DEERFIELD VALLEY FARMERS' DAY FAIR

Beaver Street, Wilmington

Thursday, August 18, through Sunday, August 21 dvfair.com

CALEDONIA COUNTY FAIR

1 Fairgrounds Road, Lyndonville

Wednesday, August 24, through Sunday, August 28 caledoniacountyfair.com

BONDVILLE FAIR

30 Route 30, Bondville

Friday, August 26, through Sunday, August 28 bondvillefair.org

CHAMPLAIN VALLEY FAIR

105 Pearl Street, Essex Junction

Friday, August 26, through Sunday, September 4 champlainvalleyfair.org

Wish Upon a Star

XAVIER HART-MARION’s wish came true on a Friday night in Burlington last month. Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2015, the 14-year-old from East Calais asked for a gaming computer from Make-A-Wish Vermont. He got that and whole lot more when he and his family arrived at ArtsRiot on July 22. The event space was transformed into a Star Wars cantina, complete with Stormtroopers, light sabers and Star Wars cupcakes. We sent Kids VT photographer Matthew Thorsen to capture the festivities. The best part: Xavier is now cancer-free.

Best of the Blog

Check out kidsvt.com for these online-only articles:

>> Recipes for quick pickles and salad dressing inspired by American Flatbread

<< Our “Summer Salaries” series, where Kids VT interviews teens about their summer jobs

>> A visit to Smugglers’ Notch Resort’s waterpark and reservoirs

<< A roundup of local spots to pick blueberries and raspberries

Xavier, standing, with Star Wars characters

Winners Circle

Nine-year-old Miranda Gallagher of Fairfax was the Vermont winner of the Healthy Lunchtime Challenge. The nationwide recipe competition promotes cooking and eating nutritious foods as part of Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move initiative. Miranda’s “Go Local Lunch!” recipe included a whole-wheat tortilla chicken salad wrap made with carrots and butternut squash roasted with maple syrup for a Vermont-y twist. On July 14, Miranda attended a kids’ State Dinner at the White House, along with the other 8- to 12-year-old winners from across the nation. Find Miranda’s winning recipe and others at pbs.org/ parents/lunchtimechallenge/winners.

The Green Mountain Gears, a FIRST LEGO League team from South Burlington, was one of 20 semifinalist teams selected to advance to the FIRST LEGO League Global Innovation Award competition in Washington, D.C., at the end of June. The competition received entries from 23 countries around the world. The team of seven kids, ages 11 to 14, created a “Sorta Scrappy” app that teaches players how to sort di erent kinds of trash.

Teens from Vermont technology and career centers took home medals, scholarships and prizes at the National Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville, Ky , in June. St. Johnsbury Academy student Courtney Morehouse received a silver medal in Commercial Banking and earned culinary-school scholarship money. Noelle Cave, Katherine Doucette and Nicholas Armstrong from Southwest Vermont Career Development Center took home silver in the Health Knowledge Bowl. Burlington Technical Center student Lydia Sticker received bronze in Basic Health Care Skills. And Marisa Storto from Green Mountain Technology and Career Center got perhaps the coolest prize to accompany her silver medal in Motorcycle Service Technology — an $18,000 Harley-Davidson.

In July’s Animal Issue, we asked young writers to pen a poem in tribute to their favorite creature. The two winners each receive a $25 gift certificate to Crow Bookshop in Burlington. Find their poems below.

Ella McEntee, 9

UNDERHILL

LION

The Lion sits in majestic beauty looking over his wild kingdom amazing and awesome

The Lion tall and strong never cowardly always proud

The Lion the leader the superior one the king

COLORING CONTEST

Entries in this month’s coloring contest enchanted our judges with bountiful natural beauty and an astounding palette of colors. Ben, 7, drew a rainbow the size of a mountain stretched over a chameleon burrowing into the soil. Five-year-old Ira Davies’ salamander journeyed to a jungle with a turquoise pool and shining sun. Mariah Barrows, 12, created an amazingly intricate, multicolored mosaic on her amphibian, set atop a background of black-and-white miniature jigsaw puzzle pieces. This was an all-around awesome month. Keep the creative compositions coming!

HONORABLE MENTIONS

STAINED-GLASS SALAMANDER

Meghana Curran, 8, Cincinnati, OH

RAINY-DAY DRAWING

Sangeeta, 11, Lincoln

SLEEPING IN THE SUN

Kelsey Glaz, 5, Jericho

LUCKY LIZARD

Olivia Gottlob, 8, Plattsburgh

SLITHERING THROUGH THE FERNS

Celia Fallis, 4, Hubbardton

THE SNEAKY SALAMANDER

Tamara Dumas, 11, Burlington

PATRIOTIC LIZARD

Zoe Kuehl, 7, Montpelier

Chlöe Hardy, 10 MONTGOMERY MY HORSE GINNY

The frisky dance of her mane, her soft grey velvet nose, The sweet smell of her coat, the gentle whisper of her breath, A special rock in the woods holds her place, Now she is gone, But in my heart she will always be with me.

Find this month's writing prompt on page 46. The deadline is August 15.

CAMO CRITTER

Ren Keepin, 3, Burlington

SUNBURNED!

Cheyenne Racine, 12, Milton

CHEERY CHAMELEON

Rosie Vance, 5, Fairfax

DAZED IN THE DESERT

Fayina Martin, 8, Montpelier

FLYING FRIEND

Andy Chen, 11, Essex Junction

TOP TITLES

“TWIST IN TIME”

Oli Cassani, 7, Williston

“THE LIZARD & THE FLOWER”

Eva Lander, 5, East Hardwick

“CUPCAKE CRAZINESS”

Laurence Sheridan, 10, Shelburne

The winners of annual family memberships to the Fairbanks Museum &

are…

“Groovy Gecko” Crosby Waite, 9 RICHMOND

Planetarium

“Orange F” Asher Goodwin, 5 MIDDLESEX

“The Rainbow Lizard” Jazmine Quinn, 7 UNDERHILL

Find this month’s coloring contest on page 44. The deadline is August 15.

THE BEAT

BY ALISON NOVAK AND SARAH YAHM

FITNESS Make a Splash

Calling all aspiring Ariels. The SELKIEMERMAID SCHOOL opened this summer at the Edge in Williston, giving swimmers ages 7 and up the chance to don stretchy tails and glide through the water like sirens of the sea. The school — the first of its kind in New England — was created by Ontario native and lifelong swimmer Elaine Fortin, who now lives in Morristown. She told Seven Days recently that she discovered mermaid swimming during a 2008 trip to the Galapagos, where she was inspired by the sea lions she saw there. Introductory sessions are modeled on American Red Cross swim classes, with a lifeguard on hand to supervise. Participants need to have basic swimming skills and bring a comfortable bathing suit, goggles, towel and water bottle. Tails are provided. — A.N.

SCHOOLS A Safe Space

When Champlain Valley Union High School student Emma Lieberman started having panic attacks at school last year, she got permission from her teachers to leave the classroom to calm down. But she often ended up in the nurse’s o ce, staring up at flickering lights. “I eventually calmed down,” she remembers, “but it wasn’t a calming place.” Last year, as part of an innovation project in her sophomore humanities class, she decided to design a haven for the more than 20 CVU students like her who su er from anxiety and panic disorders. After reading about sensory rooms and consulting with mental-health professionals and school o cials, she embarked on a fundraising campaign to give her high school its very own SENSORY ROOM. To date, she’s raised $2,000 of the $2,500 needed to equip the room with beanbag chairs, weighted blankets, soft lights and other calming items. If all goes as planned, the room will be open to students in the spring of 2017. Emma acknowledges that

SELKIEMERMAID SCHOOL offers a 10-week program, trial lessons and birthday parties. Learn more at selkiemermaid.com.

it’s impossible to eliminate stress from schools entirely. “There’s always social drama,” she says. “If there’s a big exam … you can’t just cancel the test.” But you can create a little oasis that allows students to briefly escape, calm down and then step back into the fray.

— S.Y.

Fire It Up

Pride yourself on a tasty campfire concoction? Tent-pitching gourmands have a chance to win prizes including free camping, firewood, Vermont products and bragging rights in the first CAMPFIRE COOK-OFF CONTEST, organized by Vermont State Parks. To enter, submit a video no more than two minutes long showing yourself preparing your favorite dish, along with a written recipe. Cooking, which can take place at a campsite or at home,

must be done on wood or charcoal. Finalists will be chosen by state park sta and first, second and third place winners will then be selected through online voting. And if s’mores are your specialty, you might be out of luck. Bonus points will be awarded for using healthy and local foods.

— A.N.

To find out more about the CAMPFIRE COOK-OFF CONTEST, visit vtstateparks. com. Deadline is Monday, September 5.

MAGAZINE

Girls Rule

A new quarterly publication for girls ages 5 to 10 has a Vermont connection. KAZOO, touted as “a magazine for girls who aren’t afraid to make some noise,” is printed at Lane Press in South Burlington. And the inaugural Summer 2016 issue features an original comic, “How to Draw a Cat,” by Vermont resident and MacArthur Fellow Alison Bechdel, author of graphic novel Fun Home. Other contributions — all of them written or inspired by women — include a short story by Caldecott Honor children’s book author Doreen Cronin, how-to instructions for making a boat out of twigs and an article highlighting Olympic athletes. The magazine is the baby of Brooklyn-based Erin Bried, a mom of two young girls and former Condé Nast editor who’s worked at SELF and Glamour. Bried recalls being “upset and, honestly, kind of angry” that she couldn’t find any inspiring mags for her 5-year-old girl. She launched a Kickstarter campaign in

April to publish the first four issues and raised over $170,000 in 30 days, making Kazoo the highest-funded journalism campaign in the site’s history. Where’d the quirky name come from? “The beauty of the kazoo is that everybody already has what it takes to play one,” she writes. “I want girls to feel the same way about their own voice — that they already have everything it takes to use it.”

— A.N.

To learn more about, and subscribe to, KAZOO visit kazoomagazine.com.

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Dynamic Dancer

A Vermont gymnast takes a leap — into the School of American Ballet

MATHIAS TORO doesn’t sit still. On a recent summer evening, while his dad, Alejandro, chatted with a reporter, the lithe and springy 9-year-old did round-o s, handstands and splits on the Rochester town green.

Mati, as his family calls him, began doing gymnastics at age 4. But soon he’ll put his flexibility, long legs and strong core to work in a whole new way. This fall, he’ll enroll in the School of American Ballet, the o cial training academy of the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center.

He never set out to be a ballet dancer. He began gymnastics when his family lived in Miami, and it quickly became a passion. When the Toros moved to Vermont three and a half years ago, he continued at Head Over Heels in Rutland. He currently trains at Green Mountain Training Center in Williston, an hour and a half drive from his home.

This past February, the family received a letter — seemingly out of the blue — from the New York City Ballet inviting Mati to audition for a tuition-free program for boys. (They later learned that Mati’s former coach in Miami had sent a highlights reel to the ballet school.)

“There aren’t enough male dancers,” Alejandro explained, so the program often reaches out to boys who have never considered ballet.

The Toros were surprised at first, but Mati wanted to pursue the opportunity. So, in March, they traveled to the Big Apple to vie for a spot, along with around 500 other boys. His audition, at Lincoln Center was very formal but also very simple. “They just wanted to

see his movement and his grace,” said Alejandro.

“First, they lifted my leg up” to test flexibility, explained Mati. “And then we had to do leaps across the floor.” Was he nervous?

“Nah,” Mati said. His dad shook his head and smiled. “He was a little nervous.” A month later, the Toros received an email from the ballet school: Mati was accepted to the program.

The first year is designed to ease Mati into his new life. He’ll enroll in public school and take classes at the School of American Ballet in Manhattan just two times a week. He’ll keep doing gymnastics, too. The next year, he’ll start training six times a week.

Toro said his son is always moving at home. (At one point during the interview on the town green, Mati did a backflip o the picnic table while his dad spotted him.)

“He sometimes watches TV with his legs wrapped around his head like a pretzel,” wrote his mother,

AGE: 9

Alecia, on the family’s GoFundMe page, which they set up to cover the cost of moving their family of four, which includes 5-year-old Martina, to New York.

“He knows his body can do amazing things, and he revels in it,” she continued.

In 2013 and 2014, Mati was ranked second overall in gymnastics for his age group in Vermont. Last summer he attended a camp in Barcelona where he trained with gymnast Gervasio Deferr, an Olympic gold medalist.

Mati says he is excited about this new adventure. The rest of his family is, too. “How can we not try this?” said his dad. “It’s such a huge opportunity. It could mean so much.”

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NAME: MATHIAS TORO TOWN: ROCHESTER

Girls Mountain Biking

TWENTY GIRLS CLAD in bike shorts and colorful cycling jerseys stood in a circle at the Catamount Outdoor Family Center in Williston, sharing creative names they had just made up for themselves. Names like “Magnificent Maddie,” “Awesome Ada,” “Monkey Mae” and “Excited Emma.” Ice-breaking activities like these help get them in gear at the center’s weeklong mountain-biking camp for girls ages 7 to 12, run by the organization Little Bellas.

“This is the vibe,” said Madie Ahrens, a rising sophomore at the University of Vermont who serves as a Little Bellas mentor — the title given to the organization’s instructors. “It’s goofy from the start. We’re gonna sing Taylor Swift. We play a lot of games on the trail. There’s lots of dance parties.”

The campers took a break to apply sunscreen, then circled back up for a bikesafety and helmet check. Afterward, a mentor yelled, “Let’s go do some yoga!” and the girls hopped on their bikes and pedaled down a grassy trail to a serene spot. There, they practiced poses that addressed balance, focus and calming their nerves — all things that apply to mountain biking.

Little Bellas, with its slogan “mentoring on mountain bikes,” is the creation of sisters Sabra and Lea Davison, Vermont natives and professional mountain bikers (Lea was named to the 2012 and 2016 U.S. Olympic mountain bike teams). As they toured the country racing, the pair

noticed a significant gender disparity on the starting line.

While attending Middlebury College in 2007, they teamed up with another prominent Vermont rider, Angela Irvine, to start Little Bellas to give more females the opportunity to experience mountain biking.

In 2008, around 40 girls participated. Since then, the program has expanded beyond Vermont and grown steadily. This summer, 530 girls and counting signed up for day camps and overnight programs in Vermont, Massachusetts, Colorado, Pennsylvania, California, Utah and Georgia.

Through Little Bellas, girls are empowered to overcome their fears and challenge themselves, using their bikes as a tool.

“These are important life skills

for any developing kid,” said Sabra Davison. “We spend a lot of time cultivating a space where all girls are equals, feel improvement and can be themselves.”

Back at camp, the girls moved from

campers. Bike Limbo, an activity in which girls rode under a snake-shaped tube, taught them to get low and move back on their seat with wide arms, the “power position” for trail riding.

According to Ahrens, the girls push each other to try new things, like a tricky bridge crossing or a rock drop.

“They’ll say, ‘It’s not that bad, give it a try!’” Ahrens said.

Midweek, the girls also have the opportunity to ride without adults. Groups of three to five campers get a watch, a time limit and the freedom to do what they choose. There is only one trail entrance and exit, so mentors know the kids are safe and won’t get lost. The girls can ride together or sit on the side of the trail and relax.

yoga to a group bike ride. Mentors used this time to assess campers’ abilities so they could plan smallgroup rides for later in the week, where girls of di erent levels would be grouped together to encourage camaraderie on the trail.

The playfulness continued during the group ride. Girls practiced balance, correct body positioning and going gentle on the brakes by playing a game called Dab Sharks, which challenged riders to stay on their bikes despite distractions from other

They hear ‘no’ all the time,” said Ahrens. “This gives them a chance to make their own decisions. And they come back really stoked, like, ‘We rode Cli s of Insanity nine times!’”

Little Bellas offers girls’ mountain biking camps at locations around the country, including Williston and Craftsbury. To find out more, visit littlebellas.com.

We spend a lot of time cultivating a space where all girls are equals, feel improvement and can be themselves.

SABRA DAVISON

Circling up at Little Bellas camp

Sugarbush Resort — in the Summer

102 Forest Drive, Warren

ON HOT SUMMER DAYS, my family longs for cool alpine air. Luckily, many Vermont ski areas offer year-round activities. Last month, my 8-year-old son, Zac, and I visited Sugarbush Resort for a ride on the chairlift and to try out the zip line and bungee trampoline.

Our adventure started with a drive on Route 17, through Appalachian Gap. The windy road offers excellent views of the Green Mountains. We ski Sugarbush in the winter, but Zac had never seen it in the off-season. He was happily surprised to find it so leafy green, with a swing set and sandbox at the base area.

We chose a five-minute bungee trampoline session for Zac ($11), two-ride zip line packages for both of us ($16 per person), and one adult and one youth chairlift ride ($16 and $11, respectively), bringing the total to $70.

The bungee trampoline is a small square tramp with ropes and pulleys hooked to a harness that allows jumpers to get up to 25 feet of air and do high-flying tricks. Jumpers must be between 20 and 200 pounds and physically fit.

The attendant strapped Zac into the harness and instructed him to stay in the center of the trampoline. He practiced doing somersaults in the air and even attempted a double

backflip. After 10 minutes, his legs were tired and the harness was getting uncomfortable, so we headed to the Super Bravo Express chairlift, which runs continuously throughout the day.

It was strange boarding without skis strapped to our feet, and Zac felt nervous as we lifted off the ground. But those nerves were soon replaced by excitement as he spotted his dad’s favorite ski trail and observed the lush green forest, moss-covered logs and shaggy ferns from above. Wind blew through our hair and cooled our bodies — a delightful feeling on a hot, humid day.

After 15 minutes, we arrived at the top of the mountain, where we discovered ski trails blanketed in grass and wildflowers. We sat on a boulder and enjoyed a home-packed picnic while gazing over the valley. The spot was ours alone, save for an occasional passing mountain biker — and a hermit thrush that serenaded us. The summit’s chalet, Allyn’s Lodge, was unstaffed, but the bathrooms were open.

We stayed on top about an hour, exploring trails,

PROS

• Fun way to cool off

• Beautiful mountain vistas and wildlife

• On-site restaurants offer food and beverages

CONS

• Pricey: $70 for one trampoline session, two chairlift rides and two zip line passes for two rides each

• Not advisable for those scared of heights: The chairlift carries passengers to a vertical rise of 1,525 feet.

searching for moose tracks, and looking at plants and butterflies before riding the chairlift down to the base.

The zip line consists of an 800foot cable strung between a high and low station. The attendant gave us helmets and showed us how to put on a harness. We climbed a few stairs to a wooden platform where he strapped the harness to a cable. There were no age or weight restrictions posted, but the attendant said that kids under 40 pounds might not gain enough momentum to glide across the cable.

On the first 30-second ride, I struggled to stay face forward. Zac stalled near the end, so an attendant pulled him in with a rope. I was glad we bought the two-ride package — the second time around we were more confident and had smoother rides. Two turns felt like plenty to us, but we met a 14-year-old boy who had an all-day pass ($32) and was on his sixteenth ride of the day.

We capped off our mountain adventure with a session on the swings, then made the scenic journey through App Gap back home. K

Zac riding the zip line at Sugarbush

Zac gets air on the bungee trampoline

Active Readers

In 2007, retired Montpelier resident Anne Ferguson wanted to create a literacy resource that would also get families outside and moving. Her idea: take apart simply written, visually appealing picture books, laminate each page and mount them on four-foot mahogany stakes spaced out along a trail. She calls it the StoryWalk Project, a name she’s had trademarked.

With a small grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield, Ferguson began buying materials: books, stakes and Velcro to a x the pages to the stakes. That money is “long gone” Ferguson says, but she’s continuing to run her StoryWalk program with help from the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier.

She’s assembled about 40 books for StoryWalks, which she keeps in a storage space and loans out to recreation departments, childcare centers and nature centers free of charge for up to two weeks. She’s also written detailed directions for creating your own StoryWalk, which can be found on the Kellogg-Hubbard website (kellogghubbard.org/storywalk). At right, find a selection of Ferguson’s favorite StoryWalk books.

LOCAL SPOTS TO READ AND WALK

FERGUSON’S FAVORITE STORYWALK TITLES: Leaves

BY DAVID EZRA STEIN

A simple tale of a young bear’s first autumn

Over in the Meadow

BY EZRA JACK KEATS

A classic Appalachian counting rhyme that takes place in a lush meadow bustling with activity

Emma’s Pet

BY DAVID MCPHAIL

A story about a little girl’s search for the perfect pet, and the love between father and daughter

Find Forest Bright, Forest Night by Jennifer Ward at Shelburne Farms behind the Farm Barn on the walk up to Lone Tree Hill.

At Bombardier West Trail in Milton’s Bombardier Park, you can read Olympig! by Victoria Jamieson.

The Mad River Path Association hosts two walks on Waitsfield’s Revolution Trail, behind American Flatbread. From August 4 to 11, find Dream Big: Starring Olivia by Ian Falconer. From August 11 to 25, families can enjoy The Birdwatchers by Simon James.

At the Lamoille Family Center property on Bridge Street in Morrisville, stroll along to Such a Little Mouse by Alice Schertle.

The story behind StoryWalks

Table for Two

IT’S SUNSET ON A HUMID SUMMER night, and Linda Berlin’s west-facing house is filled with golden rays. Toys float and shimmer on the surface of the backyard pool, a reminder of the playful games she and her 12-year-old daughter, Karina, enjoyed the night before.

As a single mom, Berlin juggles working, paying the bills, maintaining the house and caring for her daughter on her own.

When she was younger, Berlin never imagined embarking on the journey of parenthood solo. She had been in relationships with men, and was once married. Then, in her early 40s, she found herself ready to be a mother — and single — so she decided to adopt.

Linda traveled to Guatemala in 2004 and met 1-month-old Karina. When Karina was 8 months old, Linda brought her home to Vermont; they’ve been inseparable ever since. And since last September, they’ve also been sharing their home with Linda’s mother.

On the morning routine:

LINDA: I get up sometime between 5 and 6 a.m., and I walk the dog, read the newspaper, make the coffee, eat breakfast and, if I have work to do, get some work done until I wake Karina up. I am probably more involved, and foster less independence, because I have one kid. We interact a lot, as opposed to: Set your alarm. Get up. So I wake her up and she comes downstairs and feeds the animals [dog, guinea pigs and fish], and I make her breakfast. Then she goes upstairs and does her whole routine and, during the school year, I make her lunch.

On healthy eating versus independence:

One of the balancing acts I play is — because my field is food and nutrition — it’s always about how much do I fa-

cilitate her independence to make her lunch, versus if I do it, I am chopping up vegetables, I am cutting up fruits, I am doing all those things. So I’ve been having this conversation with myself that maybe it’s time to shift those routines and have her more engaged in doing them, even if the outcome is not as healthy as what I would prefer.

On their summer schedule: I am a 12-month faculty member and I also direct a center. A lot of faculty work nine months, so that means there aren’t as many meetings because a lot of people aren’t there. There’s a lot more flexibility in the summer because not every minute is packed with things to do, so that’s really, really helpful. Karina has tutoring two mornings a week at 9 a.m., and she has music on Thursday evenings, so I often can take her and then a friend’s parent picks her up. Or my mother picks her up. This summer, I had no idea how things were going to go after

our initial childcare situation didn’t work out. I was just going to leave it up to the gods, but she is so happy being at home, and we are making it work.

On decision-making as a single parent: If I had a partner, and we were planning things together, we would probably have a conversation that would lead to really explicit decisionmaking. In the absence of that, it’s an internal conversation that’s sort of like, Oh, I think I should do this. And then I get distracted because I have work to do or something else comes up. So the conversation is sometimes like, Yeah, I was going to make that list of the five things she’s got to remember to do if she wakes up in the morning and I am not here and Grandma’s here, but I haven’t made that list yet!

On intergenerational living: Sometimes it’s a struggle, sometimes not. I would never have been able to have this summer work out as it is if Mom wasn’t living with us.

Karina and I are a team; my mom and I are a team; Karina and my mom are working on finding that connection.

On the lack of “me” time: It would be great, but it happens pretty infrequently. On the weekends, it’s making lists and grocery shopping and laundry and cleaning out animal cages and paying bills and doing work, and there are just a lot of pieces to it. I keep thinking, How do other people do it? And then I realize that it is really different when you have the whole set of responsibilities. I used to say that [time for myself] can’t happen now; it’s just not part of my life and that’s OK. But the good news for me is that I find enough ways to regenerate my energy in little ways — like taking the dog for a walk. Even though it is a responsibility, when I go out in the early morning and the sun is rising, I feel I am walking into the sunrise, and it’s awesome. After I drop Karina off at school, I change the station to public radio because I love listening to public radio. Or when I am cooking dinner, I put on music I want. So it’s like figuring out the ways, through those responsibilities, to get the things that I like.

K

A single mother on eating healthy, internal dialogue and finding “me” moments

Mom: Linda Berlin, 56, director, University of Vermont Center for Sustainable Agriculture; extension associate professor, UVM Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences Daughter: Karina, 12

I regenerate my energy in little ways — like taking the dog for a walk.

Glassblowing

EVERY SUMMER MORNING, my sons ask what we’re going to do for fun. It is, they remind me, summer vacation. As we melt into August, we’ve exhausted our go-to list. Beach with friends? Check. Bristol Falls with cousins? Check. Creemees, creemees, creemees? Check, check, check.

Thanks to John Chiles, I was able to give an exciting answer last month: learn to blow glass. As part of his dream to take glassblowing to the masses, Chiles, the owner of Orwell Glass, has set up a portable furnace at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in Vergennes. There, glassblower Camille Ames teaches novices to blow an ornament and press a sun catcher in 20 minutes. Returning visitors can make a tumbler or vase.

You get to work with a 2,025-degree furnace and a glob of shiny, molten glass. It’s mesmerizing, Chiles said, “because it’s glowing, it’s hot and it’s moving.”

It was 86 degrees the morning my 11-year-old son Andrew and I arrived. The open-air studio sits under a slanted roof just outside the museum’s

blacksmith shop. Colorful glass ornaments hanging from the eaves gave off a cabana vibe.

Andrew and I put on safety goggles, and Ames, looking cool in her aviator sunglasses, walked us through the steps of making a spherical hanging ornament. Hot glass is gathered on the end of a 5-foot steel blow pipe, color is added, the glass is rolled along a stainless-steel-topped table to “marver”

(shape) it, and then the blowing begins. Throughout the process, the glass goes back into the furnace for reheating to keep it malleable. There, the pipe is slowly, steadily turned as Ames watches for the molten glass to wobble a little, signaling that it’s ready to work with again. It’s like toasting a marshmallow, only a whole lot hotter.

Andrew and I each picked an ornament color — green for him, orange for me — and got started. Ames gathered hot glass from a ceramic crucible inside the furnace,

the frit, then he rolled the glass over the marvering table, shaping it into a cylinder. When it was my turn, Ames complimented my steady marvering technique: “You’re nice and calm — at least on the surface,” she said, which I took as the ultimate mom compliment.

After marvering and reheating, Ames “capped a bubble.” She blew hard into the pipe and held her thumb over the end to allow the air to enter the glass. A quick reheat of the glass and it was Andrew’s turn to blow. On the end of the pipe, Ames attached a rubber hose with a mouthpiece that’s sanitized between students.

GLASS CLASS

Anyone age 7 and older can learn to blow glass at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum through the end of August. The $45 fee includes a private lesson, an ornament and sun catcher, and admission to the museum. Sign up at orwellglass.com.

BE PREPARED:

• Wear loose, cotton clothes; under high heat, nylon can turn to shrink wrap.

• Consider wearing long sleeves if you’re sensitive to heat.

• Tie back long hair.

then handed Andrew the pipe. The color, called “frit,” is ground colored glass that looks like cookie-decorating sugar. Andrew pushed the hot glass into the frit to make it stick. Ames helped him put the glass back into the furnace to melt in

Ames sat on the glassblower’s bench rolling the pipe and holding the jacks, a set of giant tweezers, at the point where the glass connects to the pipe. She directed Andrew to blow gently, then progressively harder, and the hot glass ballooned into a sphere.

Ames set it on a stand, scored the top with hefty scissors, then tapped the pipe, releasing the ornament onto the stand. She added a dollop of hot glass to form a hook, then popped the ornament into the annealing oven, to allow the glass to cool slowly overnight.

To make a sun catcher, we pressed a graphite mold — a fleur-de-lis for Andrew and a snowflake for me — onto a blob of hot glass.

• Wear closed-toe shoes. No Crocs! (Imagine hot glass dripping through the holes.)

While it’s true that you finish feeling like you didn’t do much of the work, glass blowing often requires two people, even for the pros, Ames said. “It’s very much a team sport.”

Orwell Glass will ship cooled creations for $15, but we went back to Vergennes to pick up ours. They were waiting on a shelf, inside a paper bag. Opening it was a thrill. “It’s so cool,” Andrew said. “I love it.” K

It’s like toasting a marshmallow, only a whole lot hotter.

MAKE A DAY OF IT! Meander through the museum’s buildings and eat lunch at the Red Mill Restaurant across the road.

Lickteig and son Andrew admiring the ornaments

Glassblower Camille Ames putting the finishing touches on an ornament

CINDY PIERCE INSISTS she’ll discuss anything with her kids, and she’s on a mission to help other parents do the same. The New Hampshire-based sex educator, comedic storyteller and mom of three teenagers navigates topics like sexuality, porn and peer pressure with humor and leaves judgment aside.

Pierce’s 2015 book, Sexploitation: Helping Kids Develop Healthy Sexuality in a Porn-Driven World, encourages parents to have open conversations with their children about sex, rather than leave it to their peers or the internet. If kids enter their teenage years with accurate information, Pierce asserts, they’re more likely to have healthy attitudes about sex and relationships as adults. Here she offers tips on embracing honesty and making peace with the awkwardness.

KIDS VT: At what age should parents begin conversations about sex?

CINDY PIERCE: I thought my pediatrician was picking on me because I had a one-woman show about sex, but it turns out he says this to all his patients: “You should start talking to your kids between kindergarten and second grade.” Certainly by age 7, kids should know how babies come into the world, and that should include babies who have two moms, two dads or were adopted.

KVT: How’d it go when you first broached the subject with your kids?

CP: Of course it was awkward. I backpedaled and made mistakes. With all three of them, it never got any easier. Each one was different with the way they responded and the questions they asked. Everyone says, “Oh, I want to protect my kids’ innocence,” or “They haven’t asked questions so of course they’re not interested.” But as my pediatrician put it: Either you’re the one to tell them about sex, or they will learn about it on the internet. I’m really glad I did it because by the time they were exposed to sexual images on the

internet, they knew what they were seeing, and we had a healthy base to have those discussions.

KVT: How should parents decide how much to reveal during these conversations?

CP: Once you’re in it, answer only the questions they ask, and then, if they’re not asking questions, tell them only what is developmentally appropriate. By first grade, I’m having a conversation with my child about sex. By third grade, I’m talking to them about porn. When I’m in the car with my 7-year-old and the Rihanna song “S&M” comes on and she sings, “Whips and chains excite me,” I say, “OK. Let’s talk about what that means.” Instead of scolding them and freaking out when your child comes across porn, say, “Let’s have a conversation. It’s totally OK to be curious about naked bodies and sex, but the problem is some of the things that are online are not healthy ideas about sex and are disrespectful to women. Or they’re degrading and objectifying to men.” Whatever they saw, take it on.

KVT: What should parents do if they get the question at a moment when they’re not prepared to answer it?

CP: That’s totally fine. Just say, “I’ve got to think about that.” Parents often think they have to be the all-knowing dispensers of knowledge. I’ve said to my kids, “I need some time to think about that one.” We all want our children to grow up and be comfortable in their bodies and with their sexuality. But everyone wants them to learn that from somewhere else. Parents are their kids’ primary sex educators. That begins by using the correct anatomical terminology. And keep your pulse down when they say something unexpected — because they will. I always say, talking about sex will always be awkward, even if you’re comfortable and have done it before. You’ve got to be comfortable making mistakes. You’ll survive it.

KVT: Any helpful resources you can recommend?

CP: Author Robie Harris has a book called It’s Not the Stork!. Another one [by Harris] is called It’s Perfectly Normal. Deborah Rothman has a book called Talk To Me First. She’s my role model. Both of these women have so much practical advice to offer.

KVT: Do you recommend internet filters to block pornography?

CP: For really young kids, it’s worth it. But once your kid is 8 or 9, they’re going to start working around it. Once you feel comfortable about blocking it, you’re just creating sneakier kids and setting yourself up for the lie that they’re never going to see this stuff. The alternative is, assume your kids are going to see these images somewhere. We’re not going to stop the porn industry. Thirty percent of what crosses the internet every month is porn. That’s more than Netflix, Amazon and Twitter combined.

KVT: Any practical advice for curtailing their exposure to such images?

CP: In our house, laptops and phones do not go upstairs to their bedrooms. They do all their homework in one room and all the computers face outward. It’s noisier, they fight more and it’s distracting for me, but that’s how families have to work it out.

KVT: How about what our kids see at their friends’ homes?

CP: You can’t control what other parents do. Different families have different rules. But you have to keep having these conversations. It’s not a box you check once and you’re done. And because it keeps happening, it gets easier. [For me], it doesn’t feel awkward now. It does for [my kids] sometimes. They’re like, “I’ve got a friend coming over. Do you think maybe you won’t mention the word ‘vagina?’” K

When should parents start discussing sex with their kids?

Either you’re the one to tell them about sex, or they will learn about it

the internet.

Pierce

Want to Quit Smoking? Want to Quit Smoking?

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

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

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

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

By Land or By Lake

BY LAURA SORKIN

Harvesting Dry Beans

IN THE JUNE ISSUE, I wrote about planting beans with your kids. If all’s gone well, the beans are now fully grown and hanging on the bushes, starting to dry down. The next step — separating all those beans from their shells — is fun and fast, but first let’s review the all-important drying process.

The beans need to mature on the bushes until their shells feel leathery or crispy and look brown, probably until around midSeptember. If a long spell of rain is in the forecast, harvest them beforehand by cutting the whole plant at the stem close to the ground. Then bring the plant inside and let the beans dry for about a week.

When the shell crumbles easily in your hands and the beans inside are rock hard, it’s time to thresh them, or remove them from the shell. This is when things get exciting. Find a bucket wide enough to step in, or an old pillowcase, and enlist your children to pick the bean pods o the dried plants. (Toss the picked-over plants in your compost; they’re a great source of nitrogen.)

When all of the beans have been placed in the bucket or pillowcase, have your kids put on a pair of shoes with relatively clean soles. If you’re using a bucket, they can climb right in and stomp on the beans. Have them do the twist or the boogie-woogie, periodically stepping out of the bucket to shake it up.

If you’re using a pillowcase, close the top with a rubber band and do the same thing. Fully dried beans can withstand a remarkable amount of pressure, so kids can freely jump up and down on them. I have a friend who gathered his beans in big canvas bags, turned up heavymetal music on his car stereo and drove over them repeatedly.

When your kids have stomped their hearts out, you’ll have a pile of beans and shredded shells. To separate out the beans, you’ll need a bucket or large bowl and an electric fan. Go outside, turn the fan up to high and place the container on the ground. Have your child slowly pour the bean/shell mixture past the fan’s airflow, into the container. The shredded shells will blow away while the heavier beans drop into the container. This is called winnowing. Repeat several times to remove as much dust and shells as possible. My kids love stomping and winnowing; there are always arguments over who gets to do what.

Now you’ll have a lovely bowl of homegrown dry beans. Put them in a container and store them in your pantry until you’re ready to use them. Be sure to include kids in the last step: cooking them. If they were there through the whole process — planting, tending, threshing and winnowing — they’ll likely be very proud of whatever dish you create. One of my family’s favorites is a flavorful bean dip that pairs nicely with tortilla or pita chips.

Cumin-Spiced Bean Dip

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup dry beans (any variety)

Vegetable oil

1 onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and pepper

1 tablespoon chopped tomatoes

Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

• Soak the beans overnight, or for at least several hours, in room-temperature water.

• Drain and place the beans in a medium-size pot with enough water to cover them by an inch.

• Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until very tender, 20-30 minutes.

• In a separate pan, add a tablespoon of oil and sauté the onion.

• Continue cooking until the onion has started to brown, adding more oil as necessary to keep from burning.

• Add the garlic and sauté another five minutes.

• Drain the beans and put them in a food processor or blender along with the onions, garlic and cumin. Blend until smooth.

• Season to taste with salt and pepper.

• Serve in a bowl garnished with tomatoes and cilantro.

“In the Garden” is a summer feature about families digging in the dirt together. Got a food-related topic you’d like us to explore? Email it to ideas@kidsvt.com.

LAURA SORKIN

Winnowing beans

Picnic Social

433 Mountain Road, Stowe, 221-4947

AUGUST IS PRIME TIME for picnicking. For a more sophisticated version of the summertime activity, there’s Picnic Social, a new kid-friendly restaurant located in the Field Guide Hotel. My family checked out the stylish spot in late June.

The hotel and restaurant occupy the former Ye Olde England Inne. When that property fell into foreclosure in 2014, Massachusetts-based Lark Hotels scooped it up and transformed it into a boutique hotel with a modern skilodge feel. (Think faux sheepskin rugs, chunky-knit ottomans, topographicalmap wallpaper and metal animal heads.)

That design aesthetic overflows into Picnic Social, which o ers indoor and outdoor seating. Inside you’ll find exposed wood beams, heather-grey couches and a gas stove that gives o a cozy, après-ski vibe.

Since it was a warm summer evening when we visited, we dined outside on a bright orange picnic table under a covered picnic pavilion, similar to the kind you’d find in a state park. Paper menus, mason-jar glasses and board games conveyed casual dining. At first glance, so did the pared-down menu:

glance, so did the pared-down menu: burgers and sandwiches with baked beans, creamed corn and pasta salad sides — cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, mac and cheese, and chicken tenders for the kids.

But closer examination proved this

wasn’t pedestrian picnic fare. The adult grilled cheese came with spiced seasonal jam, the pasta salad had English peas and cilantro, and kids’ entŕees were accompanied by smashed fingerling potatoes. Fancier items like smokedtrout toast and a cheese plate also graced the menu.

My husband, Je , and I started with the large burrata salad ($15), delivered on a rectangular metal tray, which added to the picnicky feel.

The lightly dressed baby lettuce was tossed with tomatoes, quick-pickled apricots, croutons and edible flowers. Hunks of burrata, a cream-filled mozzarella, provided a rich counterpoint. We also shared the tiny, sweet roasted carrots ($6), which were beautifully presented with their tops intact. Sriracha, lime and peanuts gave them an Asian flare.

them an Asian flare. For

fingerlings were soft inside with crispy skin — a far better use of potatoes than French fries, if you ask me.

aioli. I went with the crispy chicken sandwich ($9), topped with spicy slaw

For his main dish, Je chose a light bite, the heirloom tomato toast ($8) with avocado, basil, cucumber and lemon aioli. I went with the crispy chicken sandwich ($9), topped with spicy slaw and pickles. The breading on the chicken was smooth and shiny, like on fish and chips, while the meat inside was surprisingly juicy. Chef Justin Perdue told me he brines the chicken in advance, dips it in a special batter, then double fries the

Mira’s chicken tenders ($7) were coated in the same magic batter.

surprisingly juicy. Chef Justin Perdue told me he brines the chicken meat. tenders same magic batter.

Theo scarfed down his kids’ cheeseburger ($7). His side of

Hits

• Reasonably priced food

• Stylish hotel lobby, fun for exploring

• Separate fire-pit seating area, good for eating dessert

• Tabletop games to keep kids busy

• Extensive beer list

add deconstructed s’mores to the menu.

For dessert, we each chose ice-cream sandwiches ($6), made up of homemade ice cream between two shortbread cookies. They were tasty but almost too dense and rich; two people could easily split one. Perdue said he was still perfecting them and was also planning to add deconstructed s’mores to the menu.

As we ate, Je and I talked about how

As we ate, Je and I talked about how Picnic Social would be the perfect place to stop after a bike ride on the Stowe Recreation Path or a summer hike.

Truthfully, their fried chicken was reason enough for me to return any time of year.

Misses

• Cornhole game located too close to tables on the picnic pavilion

• Expensive cocktails (the “Summer Picnic” I tried was $12 and forgettable)

Heirloom tomato toast

Mira and Theo enjoying ice-cream sandwiches

LivingSmall

BY ALISON NOVAK

PHOTOS BY CALEB KENNA

Tiny houses are a big phenomenon. Stories of miniature abodes grace magazines, social media and blogs, and fuel TV shows like “Tiny House Nation,” “Tiny House, Big Living” and “Tiny Luxury.” Yet as the average U.S. house size creeps upward — from 1,660 square feet in 1973 to 2,679 square feet in 2013, according to the U.S. Census Bureau — a growing number of people are bucking that trend, making do with 400 square feet or less.

It’s often singles or couples who go

small by choice, which makes Erin Morrison and Matt Cutts unusual. In June, they moved into a 200-squarefoot home — with their 2-year-old daughter, Robyn, and short-haired Havanese dog, Ziggy. The house sits atop a trailer on a plot of land they bought just south of Middlebury.

So far, things are going smoothly. “There hasn’t been that moment of ‘Oh, this is so tiny,’” says Morrison, “where we’re like ‘get out of my space.’”

Why So Tiny?

Morrison, 28, and Cutts, 34, met and fell in love at grad school in Indiana and later moved to Phoenix. Three years ago, while living in a two-bedroom apartment there, Morrison saw an article about tiny houses. Oh, that’s kind of cool, she remembers thinking. Then came a surprise pregnancy. The couple thought they had “missed the boat” on living small, but the

Weight: 8,750 lbs

Height: 13.5’

Trailer dimensions: 8’ x 20’

Square feet of living space: 200

pregnancy made Morrison and Cutts reevaluate how they wanted to live their lives. And when they started crunching the numbers — cost of daycare, housing, meals — the idea of building a tiny house seemed to make sense.

Then, in 2014, the couple visited Vermont on a beautiful Memorial Day weekend for Cutts’ sister’s wedding. “I remember joking with Matt’s mom, I love it. We’re going to move here,” says Morrison, who grew up in Alabama and Mississippi. Cutts warned her not to say it unless she meant it. Turned out she really did.

The two of them started brainstorming possible layouts on a whiteboard in their Arizona apartment and researched the internet for ideas. Morrison says it was the first “adult decision” that she and Cutts made as a couple, “a step our family

Amount of land: 3.4 acres

Total cost for land & house under $100,000

was taking together. That part really excited us.”

Dozens of companies across the county sell finished tiny houses, but Cutts and Morrison wanted to build their own. There were skeptics, like Morrison’s old friend in Mississippi who said Why don’t you just buy a trailer? Why don’t you live in a camper? It gave her pause, but she ultimately realized, “Anyone can do that.” But “there’s not as much hands-on experience, not as much personal blood, sweat and tears, literally.” For them, it was as much about the process as it was about the finished product.

That seems to be a common sentiment among many tiny-house trendsetters. The Yestermorrow Design/Build School in Waitsfield has been o ering a wildly popular tinyhouse course for the past five years.

Executive director Mike Crowley says the act of building a house from the ground up “allows people to become empowered around their own living” and “learn what good design really means.”

Morrison and Cutts’ story aligns them with many of their millennial peers, who have expenses such as

A family of three makes a tiny house their home

Erin Morrison, Matt Cutts and their daughter, Robyn

TINY HOUSE TOUR

KID’S BEDROOM

Elevated sleeping lofts are common in tiny houses, but Cutts and Morrison knew that wouldn’t be safe for Robyn, who learned how to navigate stairs just a couple of weeks before they moved in. Instead they built their daughter a reverse loft, just one step down from the entryway. Colorful strips of material, left over from making a tutu, hang down from a copper pipe to create a whimsical passageway into the bedroom. There’s a twin mattress on the floor with vintage WrestleMania bedding from Cutts’ childhood. A built-in toy chest houses her blocks and puzzles; her entire wardrobe fits into a small wicker bin on a shelf by the front door.

PARENTS’ BEDROOM

A short set of stairs, with webbing made from electric blue and neon yellow Paracord to prevent Robyn from falling, leads to Morrison and Cutts’ bedroom loft on the left. It’s just tall enough for them to sit up in bed. Two long wooden shelves hold their clothes, with the family’s winter gear sealed up in big Ziploc bags underneath.

Every square foot matters when you’re designing a house that’s half the size of an average two-car garage. And there are additional concerns when you have an active, risktaking toddler as a roommate. Here’s how Morrison and Cutts made it work.

“She has probably more personal space than anyone in the house.”

ERIN MORRISON

Tiny House Tour

CONTINUED FROM P.21

KITCHEN

The kitchen, to the left of the entryway, is no smaller than many New York City apartment kitchens. On one side, there’s a small stainless steel sink and some wood counter space. On the other side is a mini-fridge, a two-burner range and large toaster oven. The couple cooks dinners much like people in an average-size home, preparing sautéed veggies and meat, pasta dishes, and fruit smoothies with greens from their garden to give Robyn some extra vitamins. When both adults are in the kitchen at the same time, “we bump booties every now and then,” Morrison explains. “But that’s nothing to complain about.” Through the kitchen is the bathroom, which includes a shower fitted with a showerhead rigged to shoot water in, rather than out, and a composting toilet.

LIVING ROOM

On the right side of the stairway is a living-room loft outfitted with a love seat that converts to a bed.

Living Small

CONTINUED FROM P.20

college debt and are looking for a more “sustainable lifestyle,” Crowley says. The relatively small financial commitment — compared to having a hefty mortgage payment every month — makes tiny houses appealing. Cutts and Morrison’s house and land, for example, cost less than $100,000.

It’s impossible to know how many tiny houses there are in Vermont. The state doesn’t track them, and there’s no specific definition of what constitutes a tiny house in state statute, says Shaun Gilpin, housing policy specialist for the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development.

But Chrissy Bellmyer, student services coordinator for Yestermorrow, knows of quite a few. She built a 240-square-foot house herself last summer and has heard about many others through word of mouth. Many tiny-house dwellers go below the radar, she says, since the structures often don’t meet local building codes. “Most zoning enforcement is complaint-driven, and Vermont is a rural state,” she notes. She characterizes the movement in the state as “pretty strong.”

Building a Foundation

In May of 2015, Morrison and Cutts packed up their apartment in Arizona and, along with 1-year-old Robyn and dog Ziggy, drove to Cornish, New Hampshire, across the Connecticut River from Windsor, Vermont, where Cutts grew up. They’d planned to construct their house on property belonging to Cutts’ mom and stepdad — an engineer who’d built several houses — while they searched for land. Cutts’ stepdad had all the necessary tools, including a 3D-design computer program that allowed them to better refine their plan. They shelled out around $4,500 for an 8-by-20-foot trailer, which serves as the base of their house.

OUTDOOR SPACE

Morrison and Cuts are growing cherry tomatoes, kale and herbs in containers outside their house. Gardening tools, a hiking backpack, bikes, golf clubs, a kids’ stroller and a plastic baby-doll stroller sit near both ends of the house. Clothes and cloth diapers hang off a drying rack. At the far end of their property is a burn pile and a large wooden composting structure they built. They dump grass clippings and the contents of the composting toilet into it and, in a couple of years, hope to have soil they can use.

Several weeks after arriving in New Hampshire, Cutts was hired as an athletic trainer at Middlebury College.

“After we found out he had a job, we were like, Head down, let’s go,” says Morrison.

The couple rented an apartment near Lake Champlain in Addison to be closer to Matt’s work. Erin, whose background is in college recreation, soon got a part-time position at the Addison County Athletics Foundation, an organization that works to give kids more access to sports.

Every weekend, they drove the two hours to Cornish to work on their house (see “The Building Process” at kidsvt.com for more details). Cutts’ mom entertained Robyn while the couple labored alongside his stepdad and stepsister. All of the wood came from pine and ash trees on the property, which they milled on-site.

Morrison estimates they spent around $20,000 to build and outfit the house, a price tag that includes the trailer, hard materials, appliances, fixtures and furniture. Some things, like their pullout love seat and their coffee maker, they got for free or cheap. Because the wood and tools were already provided and the labor was free, they were able to keep costs down.

“There’s no way we would have any of this without them,” Morrison says of Cutts’ family.

A Place to Land

TINY

While Morrison and Cutts were building the tiny house, they were also looking for a spot to park it. The couple contemplated renting land but eventually decided they wanted to buy it as an investment, and so that they could settle more permanently.

Initially they had visions of space to roam, with room for farm animals, but they soon realized that their $75,000 budget didn’t go far in Addison County. They looked at lots of “primitive” spots, says Morrison, but settled on 3.4 acres south of Middlebury. A mobile home had been set up for several years prior, so there was a septic system, electricity hookup, water well and foundation already in place. Two things it didn’t have: internet or cell-phone service.

Because housing regulations vary by state, and even by town, Morrison and Cutts did their research. Last summer, they talked with officials from the towns they were considering to see what was required in order to park a tiny house there. “All were pretty welcoming but also not too sure how to answer questions specifically for tiny-house living,” Morrison says.

In the end, she says the regulations and permits were similar to those required to set up a mobile or modular

home on a plot of land. Initially, they were hoping to install a grey-water system to recycle water from their sink, shower and washing machine, but they were told by the Agency of Natural Resources that it wasn’t permitted in Vermont.

Moving into their tiny house in the beginning of the summer has allowed the family to spend plenty of time outdoors. A sandbox and a swing set, donated by Cutts’ boss, provide entertainment for Robyn. Since the tiny house only takes up a small section of the preexisting concrete foundation, they use the remaining slab as a patio.

Like most homeowners, they still have an ever-evolving list of home-improvement projects. They’re thinking of mounting a TV on the living-room loft wall so that Cutts, an avid sports fan, can stay in the loop during football season.

For now, a portable DVD player allows them to watch the occasional movie before bed.

The couple is also saving up for a heater for winter. They plan to sew curtains to block out the headlights from trucks at night, add an awning and railings to the porch, and build a flip-up table in the kitchen so the family can sit together during dinner.

But, for now, Morrison and Cutts are content to rise when the sun does and savor their coffee outside. “I’m surprised at how motivated I am to get up … how well-rested we feel,” marvels Morrison.

“We’re finally able to enjoy the last year’s worth of preparation, planning, hunting and searching,” says Cutts.

Morrison describes a recent morning scene: She and Cutts were outside, watching Robyn play. “Dude, this feels so good right now,” she remembers thinking. “I’m sitting, drinking coffee, looking at our house. It hit us very quickly — this is awesome.” K

We bump booties every now and then, but that’s nothing to complain about.

HOUSE DWELLER ERIN MORRISON

At the heart of New England. At the heart of the morning. At the heart of the home. At the heart of the kitchen. At the heart of it all.

HoodHeartOfItAll.com

Weekender

ADKs in the Rain

The Weekender at

Loon calls, “camping” at the museum and Wild West mini golf: soaking up the fun in Long Lake, N.Y.

BY KEN PICARD

The Adirondacks’ High Peaks region can be a mixed bag for summer vacationing with kids. When the weather is sunny and warm, the recreational opportunities are limitless: trails to hike; peaks to climb; lakes and rivers to swim, paddle and fish; and numerous beaches to explore. The cool mountain evenings are ideal for s’mores and stories around a campfire.

But when it’s nasty outside, the area offers far fewer options, as my family found out on a midJuly weekend getaway in Long Lake, N.Y., when it rained nearly the entire time. Still, with 6-year-old Manya and 4-year-old Ezra in tow, we managed to make the most of a soggy Saturday and Sunday, in part by availing ourselves of the Adirondacks’ rich and diverse cultural history.

WHERE TO STAY

The ominous forecast convinced me to snag a lakeside cottage rather than our usual economical choice — a primitive campsite on public land — as nothing ruins a weekend getaway faster than waterlogged sleeping bags.

On the recommendation of a longtime Adirondack vacationer, I opted for a “housekeeping cottage” at Long Lake’s Shamrock Motel and Cottages (1055 Deerland Road). Ours was small but quaint, with two bedrooms, one bathroom, a full kitchen and a screened-in porch. The Shamrock, owned by Tim and Beate Touchette, has been in their family for three generations and rocks a mid-20thcentury Adirondacksummer-camp vibe. All the

cottages have been renovated in the last decade and sit on a blu overlooking 14-mile Long Lake below. The one and only smidgen of sunset we saw all weekend was beautiful, and we savored the view to the lonesome calls of a loon.

Though most of the Shamrock’s cottages rent for a one-week minimum during the peak summer season, ours was available for a two-night weekend stay at $150 per night plus tax. If we were staying longer, I’d opt for a larger one with a more spacious porch. Admittedly, the cottages are somewhat close to each other. Still, my wife, Stacy, and I never felt like we were encroaching upon our neighbors’ space, or they upon ours.

The Shamrock is in a desirable location, close to what few public amenities — restaurants, bars, general stores, ice cream stands — exist in Long Lake. If you can’t score a cottage or motel room at the Shamrock, similar accommodations are available nearby at the Motel Long Lake & Cottages (51 Dock Lane), Journey’s End Cottages & Lake House (941 Deerland Road) and Water’s Edge Cottages (957 Deerland Road).

FILE: PAT LEWIS

Long Lake, N.Y.

Manya and Ezra at a beach across from the Adirondack Hotel

The private beach at Shamrock Motel and Cottages

COURTESY OF SHAMROCK MOTEL AND COTTAGES

WHAT TO DO

At the Shamrock, each cottage has its own outdoor barbecue grill beside a short walking path that leads down to a private and largely secluded sandy beach. Our kids enjoyed it on the first night, wading into the water and playing on the hotel’s dock until dark.

Had the weather been more forgiving, we likely would have rented kayaks, canoes, paddleboats or even a small motorboat, all of which are available on the premises for a nominal fee. For inclement days, the Shamrock offers a game room that includes Ping-Pong, foosball, cable TV and a StairMaster machine.

Instead of those activities, we spent about an hour browsing through nearby Hoss’s Country Corner (1142 Main Street), where we picked up several coloring books and games. Hoss’s is your archetypal Adirondack tchotchke shop, filled with a plethora of summer cottage or deer camp schwag sporting images of woodetched wildlife. Whether you need fishing lures, trail maps, beef jerky, salmon filets, stuffed animals, snow globes, long underwear or pinescented toiletries, Hoss’s likely has

it, in spades. Afterward, we grabbed ice cream at Hoss’s Coner across the street. There’s also Custard’s Last Stand (1136 Deerland Road) on the other side of the road.

When the skies are clear, adventurous souls can book an aerial tour at Helms Aero Service, where seaplanes offer a bird’seye view of Long Lake and the surrounding high peaks.

Tickets for 15 to 20 minutes in the air — $40 per adult; $20 for kids 13 and under (a minimum of $90 per flight is required) — are available at Helms’ beachside shack, located directly across the road from the Adirondack Hotel on Long Lake (1245 Main Street). Don’t miss the photos of various celebs who’ve flown here, among them a young and fresh-faced Mick Jagger.

Near-constant downpours and the occasionally violent thunderstorm marked our Saturday, so the Adirondack Museum (9097 NY Route 30, Blue Mountain Lake) was our saving grace for the day, if not the entire weekend. If you’ve never been there, or even if it’s been a while, the museum — $18 for adults 18-61; $12 for teens 13-17; $6 for youth 6-12; free for kids 5 and under — is definitely worth a daylong visit, even when the weather is nice. Stacy hadn’t been there in more than 20 years and said it all looked new to her. Unlike some museums, where little ones can quickly grow bored, this one has enough hands-on activities to keep kids occupied for hours.

From the very first exhibit, I knew the Adirondack Museum was a hit. “The Great Outdoors” lets kids pretend they’re on a camping trip in the deep woods. Ezra particularly enjoyed poking his head into the icefishing shanty and pushing buttons that played the recorded sounds of

motorboats, snowmobiles and ATVs. I officially qualified as an old fart when I saw an exhibit featuring outmoded camping gear I once owned and used myself.

Nearby were Manya and Ezra’s two favorite exhibits. The first was “Little Log Cabin,” a child-scale log dwelling like the ones the original white settlers to the region inhabited. It includes a “wash day” activity station where kids can reenact how people used to do their laundry, from hand-pumping water from a well into a wooden bucket to soaking and plunging clothes in a wooden basin to scrubbing them on a washboard to running them through a wringer and hanging them on a clothesline. If that sounds unappealing, clearly you’re not 4 years old.

The other favorite was the “Reising One-Room Schoolhouse,” where kids can read books, play with toys and sit at authentic 19th-century desks. Adults will get a kick out of reading the posted rules that could cause a teacher’s immediate firing, including “Marriage or other unseemly behavior by women teachers,” and “Joining of

Whether you need fishing lures, beef jerky or snow globes, Hoss’s likely has it, in spades.

Picard with Ezra and Manya outside the Adirondack Museum

Boots and Birdies Minature Golf

The Weekender: ADKs in the Rain

CONTINUED FROM P.25

any feminist movement, such as the Suffragettes.” Scandalous!

Stacy’s and my favorite part was “Work in the Woods: Logging the Adirondacks.” The educational exhibit combines historic photos, dioramas, artifacts and first-person accounts of the daily lives — and deaths — of lumberjacks from the region’s timber trade. I left wondering why Vermont doesn’t have a comparable tribute to its own wood-products industry.

Had we not been there just last summer, we would have returned to the Wild Center (45 Museum Drive, Tupper Lake), which is a mere 25-minute drive from Long Lake. Best visited in good weather to enjoy the new Wild Walk — a trail of bridges that leads through the treetops and features a giant spider web and eagle’s nest — the center also has plenty of indoor activities and attractions. They include tanks of fish, turtles, snakes, otters, porcupines, and other animal and plant species.

Another museum we planned to visit was the quirky Saranac Laboratory Museum (89 Church Street), the first medical lab in the United States devoted to the research of tuberculosis. It includes the restored lab of Dr. Edward Trudeau, who pioneered the prevention and treatment of TB and made Saranac Lake an international destination

for those with “consumption.” It also has a fascinating exhibit, running through fall 2016, called “Medical Marvels: Science or Quackery?” On display are antique medical devices from throughout the ages, some of which were of dubious benefit to the patients subjected to them.

Sunday’s weather improved from drenching rain to a drizzle, so we opted instead to drive about an hour to Lake Placid, where our foursome played 18 holes at Boots and Birdies Miniature Golf (1991 Saranac Avenue). Kitschy but cool, the Wild West-themed course winds through caves and waterfalls. In drier weather, older kids can check out the Ropes Adventure Challenge Course as well as the Eurobungy, the latter of which involves a harness, bungee cords and some puke-inducing bouncing (best enjoyed before lunch).

WHERE TO EAT

For meals in Long Lake, we decided to dine out rather than make our own. Although the options are pretty limited, we enjoyed a nice dinner our first night at the Adirondack Hotel on Long Lake. Built in 1853, the hotel combines Victorian and rustic Adirondack designs and, in 1914,

Stacy with Ezra and Manya at their cabin

The “wash day” station at the Adirondack Museum

got a four-story addition. It features two restaurants, a pub, a gift shop and a spacious veranda for outdoor dining. (Don’t make the mistake of calling it a “porch.”) Despite the Victorian Room’s chichi appearance, the atmosphere was chill — most patrons wore shorts, T-shirts and sandals — and the menu diverse. For garlic-lovers, I strongly recommend the garlic cheese fries. Stacy had a tasty peach and gorgonzola salad; I had a Buffalo chicken sandwich; and the kids, a no-nonsense mac and cheese. Had we wanted more upscale meals, we could have ordered the venison sausage, bouillabaisse, sesame-crusted tuna or linguini with heirloom tomatoes, shallots and lobster meat finished with Chardonnay.

For breakfast on Saturday, we followed a recommendation and headed to the Long Lake Diner & Owl’s Head Pub (1161 Main Street) but were somewhat disappointed. Though the food was OK — I had a breakfast burrito with a less-than-impressive side of potatoes; Stacy had a diner basic of two eggs over easy — it took nearly an hour to arrive. That was especially irksome, as Ezra just ordered a bowl of cereal and Manya, a toasted bagel. Moreover, the “Beware of attack waitress” sign behind the counter proved spot on. In fairness, the kitchen was slammed due to a post-funeral luncheon scheduled that day. Still, I’m always ready to cut waitstaff slack if they just explain the problem to customers. Ours did not.

For dinner Saturday night, we took the advice of an Adirondack Museum docent, who suggested Long Lake’s

The Cellar Restaurant & Pub (3 Kickerville Lane). Though nothing fancy, the food was fast, ample and very good. I ordered chicken fingers and was pleasantly surprised by their size and tastiness. Stacy had a New York strip steak that was grilled perfectly.

We enjoyed a more relaxed, takeout breakfast Sunday morning with bagels from Long Lake’s Lakeside Knoshery (1240 Main Street). To find such authentic New York City Jewish deli fare this far into the North Country was a truly unexpected pleasure. I savored my whitefish salad on an everything bagel, while Stacy enjoyed lox and cream cheese on pumpernickel. Had we eaten on-site rather than getting takeout, I would have tried their Shangra-Latkas, aka authentic potato pancakes.

LOGISTICS

Long Lake is a two-hour drive from Burlington. Cabins, motel rooms and even primitive campsites tend to book up weeks, if not months, in advance, especially on holiday weekends. There are limited rest stops for gas, snacks and potty breaks. Also, because much of the drive goes through the Adirondack Park itself — you know you’re within the park boundaries by the yellow-on-brown town and street signs — cellphone coverage is spotty, and some GPS units may not be operational the entire way. As a precaution, bring paper maps and use them as an opportunity to teach your kids how they did it, as Manya said, “in the olden days.” K

the very first exhibit, I knew the Adirondack Museum was a hit.

The Adirondack Museum

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

Since 1846, the VERMONT STATE FAIR has opened the fairground gates for five summery days of agriculture and amusement. This year, Horsing Around entertains with equine tricks, while Muttville Comic keeps the crowd clapping with perfectly silly pooch performances. The sheep show features shearing, and goats of all breeds strut their stuff in an event of their own. Butterfly Encounter — a netted outdoor walk full of fluttering, delicate-winged beauties — enchants fairgoers, while kiddie rides and cotton candy ensure they’ll leave with a feeling of sweet satisfaction.

VERMONT STATE FAIR: Tuesday, August 16-Saturday, August 20; gates open at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, 8 a.m. on all other days, at the Vermont State Fairgrounds in Rutland. All ages. $5-10; $20-40 for season pass; free for children under 6; additional fee for midway. Info, 775-5200. vermontstatefair.org

CHAMP’S BIRTHDAY

Monday, August 8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the ECHO Center in Burlington.

SPOTLIGHTS & LISTINGS BY BRETT STANCIU

‘A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD: THE MUSICAL’ Thursday, August 11-Saturday, August 13, 7 p.m., with a Saturday 2 p.m. matinee, at the Enosburg Opera House.

MAGNIFICENT MAMMALS Saturday, August 20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Vermont Institute of Natural Sciencein Quechee.

Arts & Crafts

Milton Crafts: Creative kiddos dig into artistic materials. All ages. Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Baby & Maternity

Breastfeeding Support Clinic: A certified lactation counselor answers nursing questions in a supportive setting. Prenatal Method Studio, Burlington, 9 a.m. $15. Info, 829-0211.

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: Moms tote their pre-crawling kids to an all-levels flowing yoga class focused on bringing the body back to strength and alignment in a fun and nurturing environment. Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, Burlington, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. $15; $130 for a 10-class pass. Info, 864-9642.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: Mothers-to-be build strength, stamina, comfort and a stronger connection to their baby. Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, Burlington, 4:15-5:30 p.m. $15 or $130 for 10-class pass. Info, 864-9642.

Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: Brand-new mamas and their littles relax, stretch and bond. For moms with infants and early crawlers. Emerge with Amy Lepage-Hansen, Montpelier, 10:45 a.m.-noon. $15. Info, 223-5302.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: Women prepare for birth through yoga, with a focus on strengthening the body and mind. See prenatalmethod.com for class descriptions. Prenatal Method Studio, Burlington, 4:30-5:30 & 6-7 p.m. $15. Info, 829-0211.

Community

Milton’s National Night Out: Community spirit soars as neighbors gather for food, tunes, children’s games, safety demos and more. Shine your porch light from 9 to 11 p.m. to show solidarity in crime prevention. All ages. Milton Municipal Complex, 5:30-8 p.m. Free. Info, 893-1009.

Education

Read to Willy Wonka the Chocolate Lab: A certified reading pooch listens patiently to emerging readers. Ages 3-8. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 3:30 p.m. Free; preregister for a time. Info, 264-5660.

Time-Travel Tuesdays: History bu s of all ages learn what daily life was like in 1890 by helping prepare seasonal meals, churn butter and wash laundry the old-fashioned way. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $4-14; free for children under 3. Info, 457-2355.

Games

Chess Club: Strategists enjoy competition and camaraderie. All ages. Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington, 3:15 p.m. Free. Info, 422-9765. Fairfax Gaming Group: Game lovers bring their own boards — or borrow from the library’s stash — for tabletop fun. Ages 10 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 5-8 p.m. Free. Info, 849-2420.

Magic: The Gathering Drop-In Gaming Tuesdays: Players of all skill levels team up for card playing. All ages. Haston Library, Franklin, 4-7 p.m. Free. Info, 285-6505.

Summer Chess Club: Teens teach novices new moves. All ages, but children 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 1-2 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Health & Fitness

Orienteering: Local athlete Kestrel Owens leads an outdoor treasure-hunting adventure using map and compass skills. All ages. Craftsbury Public Library, Craftsbury Common, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, 586-9683.

Tuesday Night Trail Running: Athletes of all ages and abilities lace up for the largest weekly trail-running series in the country. This fun event includes 2.5 or 5K options for ages 12 and under and a short loop for ages 8 and under. Catamount Outdoor Family Center, Williston, 6 p.m. start. $3-8; free for kids 8 and under. Info, 879-6001.

Library & Books

Cleo the Therapy Dog: Canine and reading enthusiasts visit with a personable pooch from Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Ages 3 and up. Milton Public Library, 9 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644. Fairfax Preschool Story Time: Kids and their caregivers settle in for themed gatherings around books. Ages birth to 6. Fairfax Community Library, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 849-2420. French for Kids with Phoebe: Wee ones launch into language en français with story, song and art. All ages, but geared toward younger children. Brandon Free Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 247-8230.

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

Cla es

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

Page to Stage: ‘The Day the Crayons Came Home’: Budding thespians rehearse this silly, award-winning story. Performance at 3:15 p.m. Grades 1-5. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2-3:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.

Spanish Musical Kids: Niños celebrate Latin American culture through tunes and games en español, followed by lunch for everyone under age 18. Ages 1-5 with a caregiver. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:45 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Teeny Tiny Backyard Explorers: Wee ones gather with Miss Meg and friends in the garden for stories, songs and bubbles. Ages 2 and under. Wheeler Homestead and Garden Park, South Burlington, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.

Music

Castleton Summer Concert Series: Listeners enjoy a live performance under open skies. Castleton State College, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 468-6039. Gazebo Concert: Musicians make a merry

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

Intro to Fiddle: Thursdays, August 4 and August 11. Woodbury Strings instructors will teach an introduction to fiddle to youth ages 10 and up and adults. $45 includes two classes and a two-week fiddle rental. Instruments provided by Burlington Violin Shop. Location: Burlington Violin Shop, 23 Church St., Burlington. Info: Contact Sarah Hotchkiss at 223-8945, visit woodburystrings.com or email woodburystrings@gmail.com.

Prenatal & Postnatal Yoga Classes at Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center: Have a more comfortable pregnancy and prepare for birth with stretching, strengthening and relaxation in prenatal yoga — and then bring your body back to balance and strength in postnatal yoga. Join our community of mothers at any point in your pregnancy and six weeks or later in your postpartum time (until baby is crawling). No yoga experience necessary.  Prenatal Yoga: Sundays, 10 a.m.; Mondays, 5:45 p.m.; Tuesdays, 4:15 p.m.; Wednesdays, 5:45 p.m.; Thursdays, 12:15 p.m.; Fridays, 8:15 a.m. Postnatal Yoga: Sundays, 12:15 p.m.; Tuesdays, 10:45 a.m.; Thursdays, 10:45 a.m.; Fridays, 8:15 a.m.; Fridays, noon (postnatal core).  Drop-ins welcome; $15/class or $130/10-class pass.

Location:  Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, 20 Kilburn St., Burlington. Info: evolutionprenatalandfamily.com, 899-0339

EvoBaby & EvoKids Yoga at Evolution

Prenatal & Family Yoga Center: Register now for baby and kids’ yoga classes. Join us to bond with your baby or give your child tools to help self-regulate and find more joy. Classes seven days a week for all ages, 6 weeks to teen. See detailed schedule on website for age groupings, descriptions and pricing. Location:  Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, 20 Kilburn St., Burlington.  Info:  evolutionprenatalandfamily.com, 899-0339. Glass Blowing for Ages 7+: At the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. MondayThursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., in August. Make two fun projects — a blown ornament and a

pressed-glass suncatcher — in a 20-minute one-on-one session. Families encouraged. Schedule consecutive sessions and work as a glass-blowing team. Details at orwellglass. com.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for children promotes self-esteem, self-defense and bully-proofing, self-confidence, character development, a physical outlet with discipline, cooperation with other children, respect for peers and adults, perseverance and a healthy lifestyle. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will help your kids to learn realistic bully-proofing and self-defense skills that they can use for the rest of their lives; regular BJJ training builds endurance, resilience, patience, discipline and self-respect and helps to instill courage and self-confidence. First class is free! Please stop by our school, call 660-4072 or email julio@bjjusa.com to register your son or daughter and receive a free uniform with their first month’s enrollment. vermontbjj.com

Summer Violin Lessons! Timothy Swanson o ers individualized violin lessons to beginner and intermediate students from his South Burlington studio. Suzuki/Zweigg method. Opportunities for growth and enrichment are plentiful. Foster a lifelong love of music with this amazing instrument! Excellent references.  Info: Call 373-7223 or email tbswanson@ gmail.com. tbswanson.com

Prenatal Method Studio: Prenatal and postnatal yoga and barre classes; Yoga for Fertility class series; Childbirth Education series and weekend intensives; Yoga Alliance registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training Program; infant CPR; empathy circles; infant massage and new mothers’ groups. Supporting women and their partners in the management and journey of pregnancy and childbirth. Location: Prenatal Method Studio, 1 Mill St., Suite 236, at the Chase Mill in Burlington. $15/onehour prenatal or postnatal yoga. Classes every day: lunchtime, evenings and weekends. Info: 829-0211, beth@prenatalmethod.com. prenatalmethod.com.

outdoor evening. Stowe Free Library, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 253-5555.

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.

Preschool Music: Bitty ones dance and sing to a brisk beat. Ages 3-5. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

Nature & Science

Bird Banding: Science in Action: During this drop-in morning, Audubon sta demonstrate the banding process from mist nets to data sheets. Participants view wild birds up close and learn about conservation. Bring a camera and wear mud boots. Weather dependent. All ages. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 7-11 a.m. $5 suggested donation. Info, 434-3068. Raptors in Residence: The mysteries surrounding birds of prey are revealed as visitors come face-to-face with live owls and hawks. All ages. Shelburne Farms, 1-1:30 p.m. $5-8; free for children under 3. Info, 985-8686.

Summer Gardening: Green-thumbed kiddos enjoy earthy and educational activities. Ages 3-12; children under 6 must be accompanied by an adult. Highgate Public Library, 9-11 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 868-3970.

Parenting

Starksboro Nurturing Parent Program: Moms and dads deepen parent-child communication skills, develop empathy and determine how to empower their family. A light dinner and childcare are included. Robinson Elementary School, Starksboro, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 498-0607.

Theater

‘Beauty and the Beast’: Very Merry Theatre’s thespians perform this classic story of a scary creature transformed by true love. Bring your lawn chair. All ages. Charlotte Public Library, 3 p.m. Free. Info, 425-3864.

3 WEDNESDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 5:457:15 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: New moms gather for toning and relaxation. Prenatal Method Studio, Burlington, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $15. Info, 829-0211.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: Expectant mothers get a ballet-inspired workout. Prenatal Method Studio, Burlington, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $15. Info, 829-0211.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Community

Community Evenings at the Farm: Families bring a picnic or buy some farm-fresh fare, then settle on blankets for live music. Gates open for picnicking at 5:30 p.m. Shelburne Farms, 6:30 p.m. Free; burgers and salads available to purchase. Info, 985-8686.

Family Fun Night: Each week, activities alternate, from soap making to a frisbee challenge. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 6:45 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

Ships Ahoy!

The 11th annual DUCT TAPE REGATTA sets sail in the Champlain Islands this month. Homemade crafts composed of cardboard and duct tape, powered by people with paddles, race to the finish line at the Hero’s Welcome General Store’s dock. In teams or solo, kiddos compete in two age groups: 6 and under and 7-14. Grown-ups get a chance to shine in their own race, too. Prizes are awarded to heat winners and in kooky categories like Most Dogged Racers and Biggest Wipeout. Come clap for kids who make their own boats and muster the moxie to launch them.

3 WEDNESDAY (CONTINUED)

Leddy Park Beach Bites: Families enjoy a lakeside evening with kids’ activities, food trucks and entertainment. Leddy Park, Burlington, 5-8 p.m. Free; food available for purchase. Info, 864-0123.

Education

Kingdom Community Wind Tours: Green Mountain Power gives curious community members the up-close chance to experience an operating wind farm and learn how wind power generates electricity during this 90-minute visit to the turbines. All ages. Kingdom Community Wind Farm, Lowell, 10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 744-6664.

Food

Champlain Island Farmers Market: Farmers, specialty food businesses and artisans sell their homemade wares. St. Rose of Lima Parish, South Hero, 3-6 p.m. Free. Info, 617-652-2304.

The Lunchbox Summer Meal Program: Children ages 18 and under receive nutritious, locally sourced meals at no cost from this mobile learning kitchen. Barton Public Library, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Free. Info, 334-2044.

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party: Wee ones consume cookies and lemonade in a garden wonderland. Ages 2-8. Wheeler Homestead and Garden Park, South Burlington, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.

Middlebury Farmers Market: Crafts, cheeses, breads, veggies and more vie for spots in shoppers’ totes. Marble Works District, Middlebury, Free. Info, 537-4754.

Rutland Farmers Market: Local vendors peddle farm-fresh produce and fruits, handcrafted breads, artisan cheese and more at this outdoor emporium. Downtown Rutland, 3-6 p.m. Free. Info, 342-4727.

Woodstock Market on the Green: Fresh vegetables, farm eggs, local meats and cheeses, cut flowers, and seasonal fruits and berries represent the best of the growing season, with the accompaniment of live music. Woodstock Village Green, 3-6 p.m. Free. Info, 457-3555.

Games

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

Legos for the Little Ones: Budding builders fashion architecturally sound constructions. Ages 4-7. Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Health & Fitness

Wednesday-Night Mountain-Biking: Pedalers of all ages and abilities wend their way along the trails in a nonintimidating atmosphere. This fun event includes 2.5K or 5K options for ages 12 and under and a short loop for ages 8 and under.

Catamount Outdoor Family Center, Williston, 6 p.m. $3-10; free for kids under 8. Info, 879-6001.

Library & Books

Dorothy’s List Book Club: Middle readers make merry conversation around DCF pick Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands. Ages 8-11. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

Reading Buddies: Teen mentors take time to read with youngsters. Bring a favorite book. Grades K-5. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2-3 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.

Summer Reading Celebration: Bingo, pizza and prizes make a perfect end to summer programs. Ages 5-13. Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 422-9765.

Wednesday Wacktivity: Themed summer reading crafts and games change each week. Ages 5-10. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 3 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

Movies

Book to Movie: ‘Soul Surfer’: A brief discussion about the book that chronicles Bethany Hamilton’s battle to get back on her board after losing her arm to a shark is followed by the movie version at 6:30 p.m. Grades 6 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6-9 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Milton Family Movie Night: Flim lovers see a feature flick on the library’s big screen while savoring snacks. Milton Public Library, 6 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Music

City Hall Park Concert Series: Each week, lunchtime musical performances from folk to rock, bluegrass to country, entertain al fresco diners. Burlington City Hall Park, noon-1 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7166.

Craftsbury Chamber Players Mini-Concert in Burlington: World-class musicians present classical works from the baroque to the contemporary era in this special series for children and their families. Elley-Long Music Center, Colchester, 4 p.m. Free. Info, 800-639-3443.

Nature & Science

Science Loves Art: Curious thinkers of all ages combine the natural and artistic worlds using bubbles, prisms, watercolors and more to make take-home creations. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 11:30 a.m. & 12:30 & 2 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10.5013.50; free for children under 3. Info, 864-1848.

Summer Gardening: See August 2, 9-11 a.m.

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

Wonderful World of Bats: Winged creatures captivate children with high-flying facts about echolocation, migration, amazing eyesight and more. Bring a T-shirt, or purchase one for $4, for bat art. Brandon Free Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 247-8230.

4 THURSDAY

Arts & Crafts

Art on Park: White tents house the works of jewelers, potters, painters, fiber artists, food vendors and more. Live music adds to the atmosphere. Park Street, Stowe, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 253-7321.

Baby & Maternity

Essex La Leche League: Moms bring their little ones to a discussion of parenting and breastfeeding. Siblings welcome. Essex Free Library, Essex Junction, 6:30-8 p.m. Free.

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See August 2, 10:4511:55 a.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 12:301:30 p.m.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Community

Summervale: Slow Food Vermont tastings, live music, kids’ crafts and food-focused activities varying by week promise locavore fun in the sun. No pets. Burlington Intervale Center, 5:30-8 p.m. Free admission; cost for food and drink. Info, 660-0440.

Food

The Lunchbox Summer Meal Program: Children ages 18 and under receive nutritious, locally sourced 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.

Games

Big Insane Games: Mike Randall and his Big Blue Trunk of fun o er amateur athletes an afternoon of silliness on the lawn, including Life

DUCT TAPE REGATTA: Saturday, August 6, 9-11 a.m., at City Bay in North Hero. $10 per boat; free to watch; proceeds benefit the North Hero Historical Society. All ages. Info, 370-2088. heroswelcome.com/links-and-fun-stuff

COURTESY OF HERO’S WELCOME

Size Angry Birds Sling Shot and wacky ring toss. Ages 5 and up. Fletcher Memorial Library, Ludlow, 1-3 p.m. Free. Info, 228-3517.

Health & Fitness

Hard’ack Trail Running Series: Running and walking feet get going in 1K, 3K and 5K races. All ages and abilities. Hard’ack, St. Albans, 6 p.m. $4-6; free for kids in the 1K. Info, 524-1500, ext. 266.

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

Young Athletes: Young athletes with and without intellectual challenges are introduced to the Special Olympics before eligibility at age 8. Parent must accompany child. Ages 2-7. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.

Library & Books

Books Come to Life: Led by two literacy professionals, this Active Body-Active Brain class combines literacy and movement. Ages 3-6. Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

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

Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Discussion: Orphan Army by Jonathan Maberry creates a centerpiece for cheerful conversation. Snacks provided. Grades 4-6. Milton Public Library, 6:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

Get Moving Game Day: Kids beat boredom with an assortment of action-packed activities. St. Albans Free Library, 1-4 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

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

Race to the Finish: The summer reading program ends with a flourish, featuring snacks, a movie, crafts and games. Ages 3 and up. South Burlington Community Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.

Movies

LCATV Young Producers Video Day Camp: Aspiring Spielbergs experiment using film equipment, then create a feature program. Ages 8-9. Milton Public Library, 1-2:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

Movie Night: Popcorn, drinks and comfy chairs make for a relaxed family film. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Norwich Public Library, 6 p.m. Free. Info, 649-1184.

Music

Brown Bag Concert Series: Community members spread out their picnic dinner and blanket while listening to regional musicians. Food and wine available for sale. Woodstock Village Green, 5:30 p.m. Donations accepted. Info, 457-3981.

Craftsbury Chamber Players Mini-Concert in East Craftsbury: Small music lovers experience an excerpt of the group’s evening concert, with selections and commentary geared toward young audiences, followed by ice cream. East Craftsbury Presbyterian Church, 2 p.m. Free. Info, 800-639-3443.

De Temps Antan Concert: This three-member band mixes traditional French-Canadian music with new rhythms, after a preshow step-dancing class with Revels North. All ages.

Dartmouth Green, Hanover, 4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 603-646-2422.

Drumming Circle: Music makers bang out traditional tunes from Ghana. Ages 5 and up. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 2 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

Hot Peas & Barley-O: As part of the Vermont Festival of the Arts, families revel in Scottish games and folk tunes. Ages 7-10. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Waitsfield United Church of Christ, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 496-6682. Music for Preschoolers: Lively tunes with local musicians strike the right note among the wee crowd. Ages 5 and under with a caregiver. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Free; limited to one session per week per family. Info, 878-4918.

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. Food and drink available to purchase from various vendors. Snow Farm Vineyard, South Hero, Free. Info, 372-9463.

Summer Concert Series: Picnickers settle down for the evening with a family-friendly band. Old Schoolhouse Common Gazebo, Marshfield, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581. Thursday Evenings on the Green: Folks wind down into the weekend with a di erent outdoor band each week, from the Starline Rhythm Boys to blues and Beatles tributes. Bring a chair or blanket. Maple Tree Place, Williston, 6-8:30 p.m. Free; dinner options available for purchase. Info, 764-3035.

Nature & Science

Discovery Drop-In Day Camp: Young explorers ages 3-8 learn about the many ways nature changes with games, activities, puppet shows and hikes. 3- and 4-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult. The Nature Museum at Grafton, 10 a.m.-noon, $8-10 per session; preregister. Info, 843-2111.

Raptors in Residence: See August 2.

Parenting

Milton Nurturing Parent Program: Moms and dads deepen parent-child communication skills, develop empathy and determine how to empower their family. A light dinner and childcare are included. Milton Family Community Center, 6-8 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 498-0607.

Theater

Summer Reading Finale with Modern Times Theater: A contemporary twist on the Punch and Judy puppet show entertains the audience, followed by a grand prize drawing and cake. All ages. Fairfax Community Library, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 849-2420.

‘Tom Murphy in MetaMURPHosis’: This oneman show synthesizes slapstick comedy, circus acts, dance and more to yield lots of laughter. Ages 5 and up. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, Stowe, 7 p.m. $20-35. Info, 760-4634.

5 FRIDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 8:159:15 a.m.

Mother’s Gathering: Moms and new babies spread out, sip tea, nurse and swap stories. Children under 2 welcome. Yoga Mountain Center, Montpelier, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 223-5302.

Community

Burlington Area Big Latch On: As part of a global initiative, local nursing mothers – and their family and friends – join together for support and socializing. Kids’ activities, a raffle and a sweet treat celebrate the gathering. Landry Park, Winooski, 9:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 318-5437.

Friday Night Family Fun Series: Eclectic entertainers — including magicians, theater troupes, musicians and jugglers — get the crowd cheering at this weekly outdoor fête. Maple Street Park, Essex Junction, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-1375.

Kids’ Night Out: While their parents appreciate time off, youngsters enjoy dinner, a movie and games. Grades K-6. David Gale Recreation Center, Stowe, 6-10 p.m. $15 per child. Info, 253-3054.

Food

5 Corners Farmers Market: Shoppers stock up on local veggies, meats, cheeses, crafts and a variety of savory dinner options. Lincoln Place, Essex Junction, 3:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 5cornersfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

ArtsRiot Truck Stop Burlington: Foodie families enjoy an eclectic array of local grub and live music during this hip block party. ArtsRiot, Burlington, 5-10 p.m. Cost of food and drink. Info, 540-0406.

Burger Night: Picnickers bring a blanket or chair to this local feast of grilled fare and festive music. All ages. Bread & Butter Farm, Shelburne, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Cost of food and drink. Weather dependent; visit breadandbutterfarm.com for latest information. Info, 985-9200.

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

Hardwick Farmers Market: Local produce, plants, artisan cheese, syrup and more fill shoppers’ market baskets. Diverse dinner delectables available. Storytime for small ones from 3-4 pm. Atkins Field, Hardwick, 3-6 p.m. Free.

The Lunchbox Summer Meal Program: Children ages 18 and under receive nutritious, locally sourced meals at no cost from this mobile learning kitchen. Pavilion Park, Island Pond, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Free. Info, 334-2044.

Richmond Farmers Market: Vendors peddle handheld pies, honey ice cream, homemade pickles, just-picked produce and much more at this lively showcase of locavorism. All ages. Volunteers Green, Richmond, 3-6:30 p.m. Free.

Games

Craftsbury Lego Club: Youngsters create with plastic blocks and enjoy companionship. Ages 4-12. Craftsbury Public Library, Craftsbury Common, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 586-9683. Essex Junction Magic: The Gathering: “Planeswalkers” seek knowledge and glory in this trading-card game. New players welcome.

Grades 6 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Killington Magic: The Gathering: Novice and experienced players team up for card playing.

Ages 8 and up. Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington, 3:15 p.m. Free. Info, 422-9765.

Health & Fitness

Fitness Friday Jeopardy: Middle schoolers get moving and grooving. Ages 9-13. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Fitness Fun! Suess-Style: Active ones test their athletic abilities and Suess trivia simultaneously. Ages 5-10. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Library & Books

Craftsbury DCF Book Club: Avid readers dive into a discussion of prize-winning literature while polishing off pizza. Grades 4-8. Craftsbury Public Library, Craftsbury Common, 12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 586-9683.

Essex Story Time: Little ones listen to stories and learn finger plays and rhymes. Ages 5 and under. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 1010:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

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

Garden Adventures with the Bookworms: Junior green thumbs gather with Miss Meg and friends to enjoy stories, crafts and gardening. Ages 3-6. Wheeler Homestead and Garden Park, South Burlington, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.

Summer Story Time: Stories and crafts stimulate small ones. Ages 3-6. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 10:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

Music

City Hall Park Concert Series: See August 3.

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

Theater

‘Julius Caesar’: The Vermont Shakespeare Festival performs the Bard’s political play, exploring a society where people cease to trust their elected leaders. Ages 10 and up. Royall Tyler Theatre, UVM, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $15-30. Info, 877-874-1911.

‘To Kill A Mockingbird’: Professional and local talent performs Harper Lee’s classic story of justice in the American south perceived through the eyes of youth. Theater on the Green, Greensboro, 7:30 p.m. $20. Info, 533-7487.

6 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, Williston, 9 a.m.-noon. Free; preregister at workshops.homedepot.com. Info, 872-0039.

Little Art: Art educator Tina Logan leads kids and caregivers in creating unique masterpieces inspired by the adult Big Art displays in the mall. Ages 5-11. Berlin Mall, 10 & 11 a.m. & 2 & 3 p.m. Free. Limited to 20 participants. Info, 229-4151.

Ongoing Exhibits

ECHO LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN, BURLINGTON

Info, 864-1848

‘Run! Jump! Fly!’: Four comic-bookinspired sets, with themes from surfing to kung fu to flying bicycles, physically challenge kids while teaching about the activities’ cultural origins. All ages. Through September 11.

FAIRBANKS MUSEUM & PLANETARIUM, ST. JOHNSBURY

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. (open Mondays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. April-October)

‘X-Ray Vision: Fish Inside and Out’: This temporary exhibit from the Smithsonian Institute illustrates the history of evolution through the translucent images of ancient fish, in an elegant union of science and art. Through 2017.

FORT TICONDEROGA, N.Y.

Info, 518-585-2821

A Corn Maze Adventure: Get lost! Families navigate their way through a life-size puzzle in the shape of the historic fort while searching for history clues among the stalks. All ages. August 13-October 9.

THE GREAT VERMONT CORN MAZE, DANVILLE

Info, 748-1399

Great Vermont Corn Maze: A 10-acre maze of maize lures labyrinth lovers outstanding in their field. If possible, arrive before 1 p.m. to solve the puzzle without clues. Through October 16.

HELEN DAY ART CENTER, STOWE

Info, 253-8358

‘Exposed’: National and local outdoor sculpture of all sizes spreads through the town of Stowe. Through October 15.

MONTSHIRE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE, NORWICH

Info, 649-2200

‘The Tinkering Loft’: Creative thinkers are challenged to craft STEM-related constructions, including a wind-powered race car, a robot or a pinball machine, using the museum’s materials and their own savvy. Through August 28.

NIQUETTE BAY STATE PARK, COLCHESTER

Info, 893-5210

Poetry Walk: Literary learning and a deeper appreciation of the natural world add another dimension to an easy hiking trial. Poems change throughout the season. Park open from 10 a.m. to dusk. Through October 17.

Baby & Maternity

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See August 2. 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Community City Fest: Music, food trucks, the Skyriders Trampoline Show and ice skating come together to celebrate the city of South Burlington. Fireworks end the evening with a flourish. All ages. Veterans Memorial Park, South Burlington, 4-9 p.m. Free. Info, 846-4107.

Dance

Farm to Ballet: Arts and agriculture come together in this dance performance celebrating Vermont’s farming culture. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for picnicking and farm tours. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 6:30 p.m. $16-37.50; free for children 12 and under but must have ticket; proceeds benefit the museum’s educational programs. Info, 457-2355.

Fairs & Festivals

Art in the Park: In its 55th season, this festival features art and craft demonstrations and vendors, local food and children’s activities. Main Street Park, Rutland, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info, 775-0356.

Rabble in Arms Weekend: History comes alive as costumed reenactors in traditional boats recreate Benedict Arnold’s fleet confronting the British Royal Navy on Lake Champlain. Watch demonstrations of camp life, open-air cooking and blacksmithing all day. All ages. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, 10 a.m. $8-12; free for children under 6. Info, 475-2022.

Food

Burlington Farmers Market: Growers 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. Youth vendor market August 20. Downtown Montpelier, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 223-2958.

Champlain Island Farmers Market: Farmers, specialty food businesses and artisans sell their high-quality wares. St. Joseph Church, Grand Isle, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 617-652-2304.

Middlebury Farmers Market: See August 3. Rutland Farmers Market: See August 3, 9 a.m.2 p.m.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids Saturday Yoga: Youngsters master basic yoga poses through games, songs and dance. Mindfulness activities improve focus and concentration. Ages 3-9. Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, Burlington, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. $15. Info, 864-9642.

Member Guest Day at the Pool: Pool-pass holders bring a friend for a free swim during general and family swim times. Montpelier Public Pool. Free when visiting with a member. Info, 225-8699.

Library & Books

Georgia Public Library’s 120th Birthday: The library celebrates an admirable age with festivities and activities for all. Georgia Public Library, Fairfax, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Free. Info, 524-4643.

5 FRIDAY (CONTINUED)

Movies

Ben & Jerry’s Summer Outdoor Movie Festival: Cinema lovers bring blankets and chairs to watch a flick under the stars. Showtime begins at dusk. Ben & Jerry’s Factory, Waterbury. Free. Info, 882-1024.

Nature & Science

Duct Tape Regatta: Homemade boats constructed from cardboard and duct tape race competitively, while spectators comfortably lounge on the grass. All ages. City Bay, North Hero, 9-11 a.m. Free to watch; $10 per boat. Info, 372-4161.

Raptors in Residence: See August 2.

Summer Naturalist Program: Hands-on exploration of the natural world — from bugs to trees — piques the curiosity of kids of all ages, followed by a craft or game. Mill Trail Property, Stowe, 10:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. Free. Info, 253-7221.

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

Theater

‘Julius Caesar’: See August 5.

‘The Sleeping Beauty’: Young thespians transport the audience through singing and dancing into the magical world of a slumbering princess awakened by true love. Theater on the Green, Greensboro, 2 p.m. $10. Info, 533-7487.

7 SUNDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See August 2, 12:151:30 p.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 1011:30 a.m.

Community

Circus Smirkus Parade: The capital city welcomes the circus with a parade, where all fun-loving spectators are encouraged to partake in the procession. Further festivities on the Statehouse lawn feature a pie-in-the-face booth and silly skills taught by troupers. All ages. Main Street Middle School, Montpelier, 4-5:30 p.m. Free. Info, 533-7443.

Dance

Farm to Ballet: Rutland Area Food & Farm

Link Benefit: Arts and agriculture come together in this benefit dance performance supporting Vermont’s farming culture. Local food available for purchase. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for picnicking. Bring chairs and blankets. Green Mountain College, Poultney, 6:30 p.m. $16-37.50; free for children 12 and under but must have ticket; Green Mountain College students free with ID. Info, 776-6675.

Education

Antique Tractor Day: Visitors ogle retro farm machines from the 1930s to ’60s before taking a tractor-drawn wagon ride, making ice cream and playing in the sandbox. A parade of these restored beauties begins at 1 p.m. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Regular admission, $4-14; free for children under 3. Info, 457-2355.

Preschool Open House: While youngsters romp and make art, prospective parents meet preschool teachers and learn about the school’s program. Ages 2-5. Davis Studio, South Burlington, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 425-2700.

Fairs & Festivals

Art in the Park: See August 6.

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

Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival: Aquatic athletes, community members and breast-cancer survivors paddle their way to victory on 41-foot boats. Onlookers enjoy lively entertainment, food and children’s activities on land. Proceeds benefit Survivorship NOW. All ages. Waterfront Park, Burlington, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info, 999-5478.

Rabble in Arms Weekend: See August 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Food

Colchester Farmers Market: Rain or shine, farmers, artisans, food vendors and musicians gather on the green. All ages. Colchester Town Green, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free.

South Burlington Farmers Market: Locavores skip the grocery store and head to this outdoor market for produce, meat and eggs, plus goods from local artists and ethnic lunch options.

University Mall, South Burlington, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.

Stowe Farmers Market: Live music, agricultural and craft vendors make for a bustling atmosphere. Stowe Farmers Market, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, 279-3444.

Health & Fitness

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

Nature & Science

Discovery Sundays: Families have fun with hands-on science experiments and investigations, using wheels, towers, magnets, feathers, water and bubbles. All ages. Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center, Quechee, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11.50-13.50; free for children under 3. Info, 359-5001, ext. 228.

Sundays for Fledglings: Aspiring junior birders learn all about the work birds do through observation, research and goofing around. Ages 5-9; siblings welcome. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 2-3 p.m. Regular museum

High-Flying Hilarity

Ever dream of running away with the circus? If that escape’s not in your summer plans, CIRCUS SMIRKUS might be the next best thing. Since 1987, the Greensboro-based troupe, made up of performers ages 10-18, has taken their summer show — and star-emblazoned tent — on the road all over New England. This year’s Big Top Tour celebrates the invention of flight with flocks of flying jugglers, swooping aerialists and high-larious clowns. Three days of performances in the capital city kick off with a fun-loving parade. The festivities keep rolling on the Statehouse lawn, where troupers and circus fans join up for juggling, Hula-Hoop twirling and, to top off the silliness, a pie-in-the-face booth.

CIRCUS SMIRKUS: Parade: Sunday, August 7, 4-5:30 p.m. beginning at Main Street Middle School in Montpelier. Shows: Monday, August 8-Wednesday, August 10, 2 & 7 p.m., at Montpelier High School. Friday, August 12, 7 p.m. & Saturday, August 13, 2 & 6 p.m., at the Circus Smirkus World Headquarters Circus Barn in Greensboro. All ages. $15-22. Info, 533-2480. smirkus.org

admission, $3.50-7; free for members and children under 3. Info, 434-2167.

Tour the Cosmos: See August 6.

Theater

Bread & Puppet Performance: The renowned politically oriented theatrical company performs new works, with live music and papier-mâché puppets. Bread and Puppet Museum, Glover, 3 p.m. $10 suggested donation. Info, 525-3031.

‘Julius Caesar’: See August 5, 2 p.m.

‘To Kill A Mockingbird’: See August 5, 2 p.m.

8 MONDAY

Arts & Crafts

Webby’s Art Studio: Go Team!: Crafty ones use mixed mediums to make a mosaic representing their favorite sport. All ages. Shelburne Museum, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $7-24; free for members and children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 5:45-7 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See August 3. Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See August 3.

AUG CALENDAR

8 MONDAY (CONTINUED)

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Food

Mama Mangez: Families prepare and share a meal and conversation. Tulsi Tea Room, Montpelier, 4-6 p.m. Free; ingredient donation optional. Info, 595-7953.

Games

Medieval Games: Court Jester Mike from the Big Blue Trunk arrives with his castle playhouse and costumes. Games and activities lead little ones into the realm of knights, princesses and dragons. Ages 5-10. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 1-3 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

Library & Books

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

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

Playgroups

Kindergarten Story Time: Students entering kindergarten meet new friends and listen to stories. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:307:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Ready, Set, Stories with Megan: Little listeners learn and laugh. Ages 3-6. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

STEM Lego Club: Amazing architects build balloon-powered plastic cars, Lego catapults, zip lines, marble mazes and more. All ages. Highgate Public Library, 6 p.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.

Teens Raid the Garden and Cook: Young adults prepare and share a meal with seniors. Grades 6 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.

Music

Music & Movement for Preschoolers: Educator Emily Lanxner gets the beat going with creative storytelling, movement and rhythm. Geared toward preschoolers, but all are welcome. Jeudevine Memorial Library, Hardwick, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 472-5948.

Music for Preschoolers: See August 4, 11 a.m.

Nature & Science

Bird Banding: Science in Action: See August 2. Champ’s Birthday: Lake Champlain’s legendary monster is celebrated with photos and videos, a

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.

MONDAY

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

TUESDAY

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

Brookfield Playgroup: First Congregational Church of Brookfield, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 685-2264, ext. 24.

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

Burlington New Moms Playgroup: Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, 12:15-1:15 p.m. Free. Info, 864-9642.

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

WEDNESDAY

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

Fairfield Playgroup: Bent Northrop Memorial Library, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 827-3945.

Milton Playgroup: Milton Public Library, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

South Royalton Playgroup: United Church on the Green, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 6852264, ext. 24.

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

THURSDAY

Alburgh Playgroup: NCSS Family Center, Alburgh, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Brandon Stories & Crafts: Brandon Free Public Library, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 247-8230.

Randolph Playgroup: White River Craft Center, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 685-2264, ext. 24.

West Fairlee Playgroup: Westshire Elementary School, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 685-2264, ext. 24.

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

FRIDAY

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

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

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

SATURDAY

Hinesburg Family Playtime: Hinesburg Community School, second Saturday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 482-4667.

Morrisville Baby Chat: Lamoille Family Center, second Saturday of every month, 1011:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-5229.

scavenger hunt and cake. All ages. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 10 a.m.5 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11.50-14.50; free for children under 3. Info, 864-1848.

Milton Olympic Gardening: Young green thumbs grow and cook veggies. Grades 1-5. Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

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

Theater

Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour Montpelier: High-flying feats into the wild blue yonder abound as Smirkus Troupers ages 10 to 18 dazzle crowds with juggling, clowning and airborne tricks. All ages. Montpelier High School, 2 & 7 p.m. $12-22; free for children under 2. Info, 877-764-7587.

Magic Show with Tom Joyce: The library’s summer reading finale celebrates with an evening of comedy and enchantment. All ages. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

9 TUESDAY

Baby & Maternity

Breastfeeding Support Clinic: See August 2. Burlington La Leche League: New moms bring their babies and questions to a breastfeeding support group. Older children welcome. Lending library available. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:15 a.m. Free. Info, 985-8228.

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See August 2.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See August 2. La Leche League of the Northeast Kingdom: Expectant, novice and experienced moms join nursing experts for advice and support. Enter through the children’s section of the library. Siblings welcome. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 720-272-8841.

Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See August 2. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See August 2.

Education

Read to Willy Wonka the Chocolate Lab: See August 2.

Time-Travel Tuesdays: See August 2.

Fairs & Festivals

Addison County Fair & Field Days: Vermont’s largest ag fair includes a barnyard for pint-size animal lovers, arm wrestling for kids and adults, a parade, pulling competitions, rides, crafts and 4-H shows. Admission includes parking, shows and exhibits. Midway opens at noon. Addison County Field Days Grounds, Vergennes, 8:30 a.m. $5-12; $15-40 for season pass; free for children under 6; $15-20 for a ride bracelet. Info, 545-2557.

Games

Fairfax Gaming Group: See August 2.

Magic: The Gathering Drop-In Gaming Tuesdays: See August 2.

Olympic Wii Sports: Game-lovers of all ages get in on the action. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Summer Chess Club: See August 2.

Tabletop Games: Families share their favorite game or select one from the library’s stash. Snacks provided. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 2-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

Health & Fitness

Tuesday Night Trail Running: See August 2.

Library & Books

Legos at the Library: See August 2.

Spanish Musical Kids: See August 2.

Summer Reading Finale: Free books and ice cream celebrate a season of reading. All ages. Craftsbury Public Library, Craftsbury Common, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, 586-9683.

Music

Castleton Summer Concert Series: See August 2. Gazebo Concert: See August 2.

Owl’s Head Music Night: See August 2. Preschool Music: See August 2.

Nature & Science

Brilliant Biology: With educator and writer Rebecca Rupp, junior scientists make model cells, pull DNA from peas and study stomach acid and burps. Ages 6-12. Waterbury Public Library, 6-7:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 244-7036.

Discovery in the Nestlings Nook: Bird enthusiasts stretch their wings during a themed session of tales, crafts, music and outdoor exploration. 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 members and children under 3. Info, 434-2167.

Raptors in Residence: See August 2.

Parenting

Starksboro Nurturing Parent Program: See August 2.

Theater

Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour Montpelier: See August 8.

10 WEDNESDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 5:457:15 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See August 3.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See August 3.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Community

Community Evenings at the Farm: See August 3.

Education

Kingdom Community Wind Tours: See August 3. Magic with Marko: The whole family laughs out loud at this magician’s marvels. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

Young Writers & Storytellers: Small ones spin their own yarns. Ages 5-11. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

Fairs & Festivals

Addison County Fair & Field Days: See August 9.

Food

Champlain Island Farmers Market: See August 3.

The Lunchbox Summer Meal Program: See August 3.

Music

City Hall Park Concert Series: See August 3.

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

Middlebury Farmers Market: See August 3. Rutland Farmers Market: See August 3. Woodstock Market on the Green: See August 3.

Games

Dungeons & Dragons Night: Players don invented personas and use cleverness and luck to overcome challenges, defeat enemies and save the day. Beginners welcome. Ages 9-13. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6-7:45 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

Jericho Dungeons & Dragons: See August 3.

Health & Fitness

Wednesday-Night Mountain-Biking: See August 3.

Library & Books

Burlington Reading Champs: Get Set to Party!: Summer readers celebrate a season’s worth of stories with music, a photo station, watermelon and more. All ages. Family and friends welcome. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 6-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Catapults with Sue: Inventive ones experiment with launching devices. Ages 6 and up; adults required for younger children. Brandon Free Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 247-8230.

Cleo the Therapy Dog: See August 2, 12:30 p.m.

DCF Book Discussion Group: Eager readers strike up spirited discussion around The Seventh Most Important Thing by Shelley Pearsall. Ages 8 and up. Brandon Free Public Library, 3:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 247-8230.

Essex Junction Final Summer Reading Party: Kids who have completed their Reading Records celebrate with No Strings Marionette Company’s performance of “Wasabi, A Dragon’s Tale,” followed by free books. Albert D. Lawton Intermediate School, Essex Junction, 2-3:15 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.

Harry Potter Party: The new J. K. Rowling play is fêted with magical games, Harry Potter trivia and prizes. Jeudevine Memorial Library, Hardwick, 7-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 472-5948.

Milton End of the Summer Reading Program

Party: Ice cream and fun-filled activities reward bookish achievements, with special guest Cleo the Therapy Dog. All ages. Milton Public Library, 1 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

Teddy Bear Sleepover: Tykes of all ages drop o stu ed animals during the day, then teens photograph the furry friends, make cards and munch pizza. Teens grades 6 and up attend from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.

Waterbury DCF Book Club: Bookworms in grades 4-7 gab about The Terrible Two while polishing o pizza. Waterbury Public Library, 5:30-7 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 244-7036.

Wednesday Wacktivity: See August 3, 2-3:30 p.m.

Craftsbury Chamber Players Mini-Concert in Burlington: See August 3.

Preschool Music Hour: Little ones rock and roll. Stowe Free Library, 10:15 a.m. Free. Info, 253-6145.

Woodbury Strings Concert: Instructors Sarah Hotchkiss and John Mowad perform duos with student guests. The audience is invited to try their hand at the fiddle, too. All ages. Burlington Violin Shop, noon-1 p.m. Free. Info, 223-8945.

Nature & Science

Moth Night: Multitudes of moths visit the light station for a marvelous nighttime show, celebrating National Moth Week. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 8:30-11 p.m. $5; free for members; preregister. Info, 229-6206.

Nature Olympics: Young naturalists learn amazing facts about animal athletes, then test their own abilities. Jeudevine Memorial Library, Hardwick, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 472-5948. Science Loves Art: See August 3.

Summer Science: Gears: Imaginative inventors create moving animation with cardboard. Ages 8 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 849-2420.

Wagon-Ride Wednesdays: See August 3.

Theater

Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour Montpelier: See August 8.

‘To Kill A Mockingbird’: See August 5.

11

THURSDAY

Arts & Crafts

Art on Park: See August 4.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See August 2, 10:45-11:55 a.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 12:301:30 p.m.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Community

Summervale: See August 4.

Fairs & Festivals

Addison County Fair & Field Days: See August 9, 8 a.m.

Food

The Lunchbox Summer Meal Program: See August 4.

Health & Fitness

Hard’ack Trail Running Series: See August 4.

Young Athletes: See August 4.

Library & Books

After-Hours Teen Volunteer Party: Young summer helpers reap rewards. Grades 6 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 5-7 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.

AUG CALENDAR

Colchester Lego Club: See August 4. Lego Thursdays: See August 4. Spanish Music With Constancia: Kids bop along to books, rhymes and music en español Ages 5 and under. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

St. Albans Library Legos: Aspiring architects engage in construction projects with their peers. St. Albans Free Library, 3-5 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

St. Albans Summer Reading Finale: Successful readers celebrate with an indoor obstacle course and cake. St. Albans Free Library, 2-4 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Movies

Middle School Books-to-Film Discussion: Bookworms read Holes by Louis Sachar in advance, then watch the big-screen version. Pizza provided. Milton Public Library, 6 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’: Gene Wilder’s classic 1971 performance as the wild-haired chocolatier charms the audience on the big screen. Spaulding Auditorium, Hanover, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 603-646-2422.

Music

Craftsbury Chamber Players Mini-Concert in Greensboro: Small music lovers experience an excerpt of the group’s evening concert, with selections and commentary geared toward young audiences, followed by ice cream. Greensboro Fellowship Hall, 2 p.m. Free. Info, 800-639-3443.

Snow Farm Vineyard Summer Concert Series: See August 4.

Summer Concert Series: See August 4. Thursday Evenings on the Green: See August 4.

Nature & Science

Discovery Drop-In Day Camp: See August 4. Raptors in Residence: See August 2.

Story Times

Parenting

Milton Nurturing Parent Program: See August 4.

Theater

Kamikaze Fireflies: A Comedy Danger Smack

Down: This two-person team mesmerizes the crowd with near-impossible feats of juggling, stilt-walking, stunts and breathing fire. Ages 3 and up. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, Stowe, 7 p.m. $20-45. Info, 760-4634.

‘A Year with Frog and Toad: the Musical’: This beloved, whimsical tale follows two best friends through the four seasons. All ages. Enosburg Opera House, 7 p.m. $5-10; $25 for family of four. Info, 933-6171.

12 FRIDAY

Arts & Crafts

LCATV Young Producers Workshop: Up-andcoming directors learn to use video equipment, then shoot a game show. Ages 8-9. Burnham

Early-literacy skills get special attention during these read-aloud sessions. Some locations provide additional activities such as music, crafts or foreign-language instruction.

MONDAY

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

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

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

Stowe Story Time for 2- to 3-Year-Olds: Stowe Free Library, 10:15 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 Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 796-6077.

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

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

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

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY

Barnes & Noble Saturday Morning Story

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

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

Jericho Story Hour: Jericho Town Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4686.

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

Norwich Story Time: Norwich Public Library, 10:30 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.

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

Swanton Storytime: 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.

THURSDAY

Bristol Story Time: Lawrence Memorial Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 802453-2366.

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

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

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

St. Albans Story Hour: See Monday.

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

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

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

FRIDAY

Craftsbury Story Time: See Tuesday.

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

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

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

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

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

Lincoln Toddler/Preschool Story Time: Lincoln Library, 11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 453-2665.

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

Montpelier Story Time: See Tuesday.

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.

Swanton Storytime: See Wednesday, 10 a.m.

SATURDAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

Memorial Library, Colchester, 2-3:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 8:159:15 a.m.

Mother’s Gathering: See August 5.

Community

Family Night in the Park: Summer’s end is fêted in the open air with live music, a magician, field and carnival games, a bounce house and more. All ages. Memorial Park, Stowe, 6-8 p.m. Free; food and game tickets for sale. Info, 253-6138.

Friday Night Family Fun Series: See August 5.

Fairs & Festivals

Addison County Fair & Field Days: See August 9.

Stowe Antique & Classic Car Meet: Automobile lovers admire over 800 vehicles from yesteryear, with a Saturday evening dance party in the village. All ages. Nichols Field, Stowe, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. $10 per person per day; free for children 12 and under. Info, 253-7321.

Food

5 Corners Farmers Market: See August 5.

ArtsRiot Truck Stop Burlington: See August 5. Burger Night: See August 5.

Foodways Fridays: See August 5.

Hardwick Farmers Market: See August 5. The Lunchbox Summer Meal Program: See August 5.

Richmond Farmers Market: See August 5.

Games

Craftsbury Lego Club: See August 5.

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

Killington Magic: The Gathering: See August 5.

Health & Fitness

Yoga Story Time: Yogi Sophia Barasalow shares movement, imagination and stories. Jeudevine Memorial Library, Hardwick, 10:30 a.m. Info, 472-5948.

Library & Books

Essex Story Time: See August 5.

Family Story Time: See August 5.

Kindergarten Story Time: Kids gearing up for their first school year come for tales, tunes and crafts. Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Literacy Fair: This summer reading finale rocks with prizes, pizza, free books and a Modern Times Theater puppet show, featuring handmade wooden and papier-mache characters. Cobleigh Public Library, Lyndonville, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 626-5475.

Summer Story Time: See August 5.

Music

City Hall Park Concert Series: See August 3.

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

Theater

‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’: Performed by experienced youth thespians, this well-loved musical soars like its high-flying car. All ages. Lost Nation Theater, Montpelier City Hall Auditorium, 7 p.m. $5-10. Info, 229-0492.

Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour

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

Greensboro: High-flying feats into the wild blue yonder abound as Smirkus Troupers ages 10 to 18 dazzle crowds with juggling, clowning and airborne tricks in the 2016 season finale. All ages. The Circus Barn, Greensboro, 7 p.m. $15-22; free for children under 2. Info, 877-764-7587.

‘To Kill A Mockingbird’: See August 5. ‘A Year with Frog and Toad: the Musical’: See August 11.

13 SATURDAY

Arts & Crafts

Children’s Paint-Out: As part of the Vermont Festival of the Arts, children and their parents put paint to paper “en plain air” alongside professional artists. Materials and a free one-hour mentoring session available. All ages, but adult supervision required. Bridge St. Alley Waitsfield, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 496-6682. Little Art: See August 6.

Baby & Maternity

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Community

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

KidSafe Community Yard Sale: Folks browse tons of tables filled with household essentials, children’s clothing, books, collectibles, furniture and more. Proceeds benefit the KidSafe Collaborative in its e orts to prevent and address child abuse and neglect. Donation times and info available at kidsafevt.org. Champlain Valley Expo, Essex Junction, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. $1 donation per adult. Info, 863-9626.

Fairs & Festivals

Addison County Fair & Field Days: See August 9, 9 a.m.

Stowe Antique & Classic Car Meet: See August 12, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

Food

Burlington Farmers Market: See August 6. Capital City Farmers Market: See August 6.

Champlain Island Farmers Market: See August 6.

Middlebury Farmers Market: See August 3.

Rutland Farmers Market: See August 3, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids Saturday Yoga: See August 6.

Library & Books

Author Kara Lareau: The mastermind of The Infamous Ratsos discusses her new chapter book series about two little rodents who attempt to show the world their tiny toughness, with unpredictable results. Grades 5-8. The

Flying Pig Bookstore, Shelburne, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 985-3999.

‘Blueberries for Sal’ Storytime: This beloved Robert McCloskey storybook and a berry activity delight young literature lovers. All ages. Phoenix Books, Burlington, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 448-3350.

Meet Officer Chill: Youngsters learn the dangers of leaving a pet in a hot car. All ages. Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 482-2878.

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

Summer Reading Finale: Messy art, wacky games and more make a marvelous end to Highgate and Swanton’s summer reading programs. All ages. Swanton Village Park, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 868-3970.

Movies

Ben & Jerry’s Summer Outdoor Movie Festival: See August 6.

Nature & Science

Bird-Monitoring Walk: Beginning birders embrace ornithology on an identification walk. All ages. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 7-9 a.m. Donations appreciated. Info, 434-3068.

Raptors in Residence: See August 2. Summer Naturalist Program: See August 6. Tour the Cosmos: See August 6.

Theater

‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’: See August 12, 2 & 7 p.m.

Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour Greensboro: See August 12, 1 & 6 p.m.

Hamel Family Puppet Show: Puppets and crafts make for a delightful morning. Ages 3 and up. Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 244-7036.

‘To Kill A Mockingbird’: See August 5, 2 p.m.

‘A Year with Frog and Toad: the Musical’: See August 11, 2 & 7 p.m.

14 SUNDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See August 2, 12:15-1:30 p.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 1011:30 a.m.

Community

KidSafe Community Yard Sale: See August 13, 10 a.m.-noon.

Dance

Farm to Ballet: Arts and agriculture come together in this dance performance celebrating Vermont’s farming culture. Breeding Barn. Burgers, seasonal salads and local beverages available for purchase. Gates open at 5 p.m. for picnicking. Bring chairs and blankets. Shelburne Farms, 6:30 p.m. $16-37.50; free for children 12 and under but must have ticket; proceeds benefit Junior Iron Chef Vermont. Info, 985-8686.

14 SUNDAY, P.38

Fairs & Festivals

Stowe Antique & Classic Car Meet: See August 12, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

Food

Colchester Farmers Market: See August 7.

Pie & Ice Cream Social: Home-baked delicacies of the peach, apple and berry variety — topped with a scoop of cold, sweet stuff — make for a delicious gathering. Rokeby Museum, Ferrisburgh, 1-4 p.m. $5 per slice of pie; $6 a la mode; proceeds benefit the museum. Info, 877-3406. South Burlington Farmers Market: See August 7.

Stowe Farmers Market: See August 7.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See August 7.

Nature & Science

Discovery Sundays: See August 7.

Sundays for Fledglings: See August 7.

Tour the Cosmos: See August 6.

Theater

Bread & Puppet Performance: See August 7. ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’: See August 12, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.

‘To Kill A Mockingbird’: See August 5, 2 p.m.

15 MONDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 5:45-7 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See August 3.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See August 3.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Community

Kindergarten Kickoff: New elementary students and their parents from Williston and St. George meet other families, enjoy stories and get a library card. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 6:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918.

Education

First-Time Kindergarteners: Soon-to-be elementary school students meet their peers, then share stories, activities and their thoughts. Everyone leaves with a free book. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 10:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

Fairs & Festivals

Open Farm Week: A weeklong celebration of local food origins offers various venues for hands-on farm activities, with music and tasty treats. All ages. Various locations statewide. Free; fee for some activities. Info, 434-2000.

Health & Fitness

The Luneaus Basketball Family: The audience jumps into the action with dribbling, juggling and spinning tricks, teamed up with goal-setting and life balance skills. Ages 4-10. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 3 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

Library & Books

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See August 8. Essex Lego Challenge Club: See August 8. Milton Legos at the Library: Junior builders bust out interlocking blocks. Grades K-5. Milton Public Library, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644. Ready, Set, Stories with Megan: See August 8. STEM Lego Club: See August 8.

Music

Music & Movement for Preschoolers: See August 8.

Music for Preschoolers: See August 4, 11 a.m.

Nature & Science

Moonlit Campfire: A flickering bonfire sets the scene for s’mores, a visit from a live owl and other nature activities. All ages. Shelburne Farms, 6:30-8 p.m. $5-6; preregister. Info, 985-8686.

Nature Playgroup: See August 8. Summer Gardening: See August 2, 9-11 a.m.

16 TUESDAY

Arts & Crafts

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

Baby & Maternity

Breastfeeding Café: Moms nurse their babies, chat and ask for answers from a certified lactation consultant. Pregnant women, supportive dads and older siblings welcome. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 349-3825.

Breastfeeding Support Clinic: See August 2.

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See August 2.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See August 2.

Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See August 2.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See August 2.

Education

Read to Willy Wonka the Chocolate Lab: See August 2.

Time-Travel Tuesdays: See August 2.

Fairs & Festivals

Open Farm Week: See August 15.

Vermont State Fair: Crowds converge on the midway for circus acts, racing pigs, a demolition derby and music galore at this annual ag-centric affair. (See spotlight on page 28.) Vermont State Fairgrounds, Rutland, 5 p.m.-midnight. $5-10; $20-40 for season pass; free for children under 6; free parking on the fairgrounds. Info, 775-5200.

Games

Fairfax Gaming Group: See August 2.

Magic: The Gathering Drop-In Gaming Tuesdays: See August 2.

Health & Fitness

Tuesday Night Trail Running: See August 2.

Library & Books

Fairies in the Library: Small ones make merry with magically themed stories, crafts, games and snacks. Ages 3-9. Fairfax Community Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 849-2420. French for Kids with Phoebe: See August 2.

Music

Castleton Summer Concert Series: See August 2. Milton Community Band Concert: Families settle into a musical evening with a picnic dinner, lawn chairs and conversation. All ages. Milton Outdoor Performance Center, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4922.

Owl’s Head Music Night: See August 2.

Preschool Music: See August 2.

Nature & Science

Raptors in Residence: See August 2. Summer Gardening: See August 2, 9-11 a.m.

Parenting

Starksboro Nurturing Parent Program: See August 2.

17 WEDNESDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 5:457:15 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See August 3.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See August 3.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Community

Community Evenings at the Farm: See August 3.

Doggie Days at the Pool: Pooches get a chance to paddle around the pool during this benefit for shelter animals. Montpelier Public Pool, 5-7:30 p.m. Admission by donation benefits the Central Vermont Humane Society. Info, 476-3811.

Fairs & Festivals

Open Farm Week: See August 15. Orleans County Fair: Agricultural demonstrations — from horse shows to oxen pulls — figure prominently in this annual celebration, which also features arts and crafts, carnival rides, live music, a magic show and a demolition derby. See orleanscountyfair.net for event schedule.

Orleans County Fair Grounds, Barton. $10-15; free for children under 36 inches; $5 parking fee. Info, 525-3555.

Vermont State Fair: See August 16, 8 a.m.-11 p.m.

Food

Champlain Island Farmers Market: See August 3. The Lunchbox Summer Meal Program: See August 3.

Middlebury Farmers Market: See August 3.

Rutland Farmers Market: See August 3.

Woodstock Market on the Green: See August 3.

Games

Jericho Dungeons & Dragons: See August 3.

Health & Fitness

Circus Smirkus at the Jeudevine Library: The circus comes to town with a crowd-pleasing show and an obstacle course for kids. Jeudevine

Memorial Library, Hardwick, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 472-5948.

Wednesday-Night Mountain-Biking: See August 3.

Library & Books

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

Movies

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

Music

City Hall Park Concert Series: See August 3. Craftsbury Chamber Players Mini-Concert in Burlington: See August 3.

Woodbury Strings Concert: See August 10.

Nature & Science

Science Loves Art: See August 3. Summer Gardening: See August 2, 9-11 a.m. Wagon-Ride Wednesdays: See August 3.

Parenting

Breastfeeding Families Group: Nursing moms (and supportive dads, too!) gather for snacks and advice. Church of the Nazarene, Johnson, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 888-3470.

18 THURSDAY

Arts & Crafts

Art on Park: See August 4.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See August 2, 10:4511:55 a.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 12:301:30 p.m.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Community

Summervale: See August 4.

Fairs & Festivals

Open Farm Week: See August 15.

Orleans County Fair: See August 17.

Vermont State Fair: See August 16, 8 a.m.-11 p.m.

Food

The Lunchbox Summer Meal Program: See August 4.

Tea Party: Fancy folks savor sweet treats and tea. Toddler through upper elementary. Brandon Free Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 247-8230.

Games

Lego Day: Amateur architects snap together buildings of their own design. All ages. Children ages 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 1-3 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Health & Fitness

Hard’ack Trail Running Series: See August 4.

Library & Books

Colchester Lego Club: See August 4. ‘Harry Potter’ Party: The library transforms into Hogwarts for an evening of magical activities, trivia and snacks, in this wizards’ world celebration. Fairfax Community Library, 6-8 p.m. Free; RSVP appreciated. Info, 849-2420.

Lego Thursdays: See August 4.

Music

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

Craftsbury Chamber Players Mini-Concert in Greensboro: See August 11.

Music for Preschoolers: See August 4.

Snow Farm Vineyard Summer Concert Series: See August 4.

Thursday Evenings on the Green: See August 4.

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.

Raptors in Residence: See August 2.

Parenting

Milton Nurturing Parent Program: See August 4.

19 FRIDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 8:159:15 a.m.

Mother’s Gathering: See August 5.

Fairs & Festivals

Open Farm Week: See August 15.

Orleans County Fair: See August 17.

Vermont State Fair: See August 16, 8 a.m.-midnight.

Food

5 Corners Farmers Market: See August 5.

ArtsRiot Truck Stop Burlington: See August 5.

Burger Night: See August 5.

Foodways Fridays: See August 5.

Hardwick Farmers Market: See August 5.

The Lunchbox Summer Meal Program: See August 5.

Richmond Farmers Market: See August 5.

South Hero Burger Night: See August 12.

Games

Craftsbury Lego Club: See August 5.

Killington Magic: The Gathering: See August 5.

Library & Books

Family Story Time: See August 5.

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

Movies

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

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

Music

City Hall Park Concert Series: See August 3.

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

20 SATURDAY

Arts & Crafts

Little Art: See August 6.

Baby & Maternity

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Community

Children’s Day: Young visitors play Victorianera lawn games, explore the historic building with a scavenger hunt and enjoy hands-on activities with the museum’s new exhibit: the Mystery of Joe’s Canoe. All ages. Noyes House Museum, Morrisville, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free; donations appreciated. Info, 888-7617.

Milton Car Show: Old, new, classic and muscle cars line up for an admiring crowd. Music, refreshments and activities add to the festivities. All ages. Route 7, Milton, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $2 donation to view; $10 to enter a vehicle; proceeds benefit the Children’s Miracle Network. Info, 893-4502.

Education

Kingdom Community Wind Tours: See August 3.

Fairs & Festivals

Open Farm Week: See August 15. Orleans County Fair: See August 17. Vermont State Fair: See August 16. 8 a.m.-midnight.

Food

Burlington Farmers Market: See August 6. Capital City Farmers Market: See August 6. Champlain Island Farmers Market: See August 6.

Middlebury Farmers Market: See August 3. Rutland Farmers Market: See August 3, 9 a.m.2 p.m.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids Saturday Yoga: See August 6. Youth Tennis Jamboree: Kids bust out the rackets. learn new skills and rally with other tennis fans, finishing up with families on the courts together. Lunch included. Ages 5-15. Middlebury Indoor Tennis, 9 a.m.-noon. $15; preregister.

Nature & Science

Magnificent Mammals Day: Nature-lovers get to know our furry friends through hands-on activities, crafts and games. Live critters from Squam Lakes Natural Science Center appear at 2 p.m. All ages. Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center, Quechee, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $12.50-14.50; free for children under 4. Info, 359-5000.

Raptors in Residence: See August 2.

Summer Naturalist Program: See August 6.

Tour the Cosmos: See August 6.

21 SUNDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See August 2, 12:151:30 p.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 1011:30 a.m.

Dance

Farm to Ballet: Arts and agriculture come together in this season finale dance performance celebrating Vermont’s farming culture. Local food available for purchase. Gates open at 4 p.m. for picnicking, hay rides and baby cow greeting.

Von Gal Farm, Essex Junction, 6 p.m. $16-37.50; free for children 12 and under but must have ticket; proceeds benefit Rural Vermont. Info, 223-7222.

Fairs & Festivals

Open Farm Week: See August 15. Orleans County Fair: See August 17.

Food

Colchester Farmers Market: See August 7. South Burlington Farmers Market: See August 7.

Stowe Farmers Market: See August 7.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See August 7.

Nature & Science

Discovery Sundays: See August 7.

Sundays for Fledglings: See August 7.

Tour the Cosmos: See August 6.

Theater

Bread & Puppet Performance: See August 7.

22 MONDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 5:45-7 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See August 3.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See August 3.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Education

First-Time Kindergarteners: See August 15.

Library & Books

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See August 8.

Essex Lego Challenge Club: See August 8.

Ready, Set, Stories with Megan: See August 8.

Music

Music & Movement for Preschoolers: See August 8.

Music for Preschoolers: See August 4, 11 a.m.

Nature & Science

Nature Playgroup: See August 8.

23 TUESDAY

Baby & Maternity

Breastfeeding Support Clinic: See August 2.

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See August 2.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See August 2.

Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See August 2.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See August 2.

Education

Free Range

A wide array of locally grown, scrumptious food is one of the perks of summertime living in Vermont. OPEN FARM WEEK celebrates this regional bounty with over 100 farms officially welcoming visitors. Families get a chance to meet the folks who grow their food, while checking out their land and barns, in this weeklong event sponsored by DigInVT, a project of the Vermont Agriculture and Culinary Tourism Council. Each participating farm offers unique activities, from wagon rides to egg gathering, garden tours to hikes through freshly cut hay. Bring a shopping tote to take home artisan cheese, pasture-raised meat, leafy greens and sweet berries to grace your dinner table that night.

OPEN FARM WEEK: Monday, August 15-Sunday, August 21, at various farms across the state. All ages. Free; food and drink available for purchase at some venues; fees may apply for some activities. Info, 434-2000. diginvt.com

Read to Willy Wonka the Chocolate Lab: See August 2.

Time-Travel Tuesdays: See August 2.

Games

Fairfax Gaming Group: See August 2.

Magic: The Gathering Drop-In Gaming Tuesdays: See August 2.

Health & Fitness

Tuesday Night Trail Running: See August 2.

Library & Books

French for Kids with Phoebe: See August 2.

Music

Preschool Music: See August 2.

Nature & Science

Raptors in Residence: See August 2.

Parenting

Starksboro Nurturing Parent Program: See August 2.

24 WEDNESDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 5:45-7:15 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See August 3.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See August 3.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Community

Community Evenings at the Farm: See August 3.

Education Kingdom Community Wind Tours: See August 3. Young Writers & Storytellers: See August 10.

Fairs & Festivals

Caledonia County Fair: Old-fashioned festivities include a pig scramble, pony pulls, an escape artist, a demolition derby and rides. Caledonia County Fairgrounds, Lyndonville, 4 p.m. $14-17. Info, 748-4208.

Food

Champlain Island Farmers Market: See August 3. Middlebury Farmers Market: See August 3. Rutland Farmers Market: See August 3. Woodstock Market on the Green: See August 3.

Games

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

Health & Fitness

Wednesday-Night Mountain-Biking: See August 3.

Music

City Hall Park Concert Series: See August 3.

Nature & Science

Science Loves Art: See August 3. Wagon-Ride Wednesdays: See August 3.

25 THURSDAY

Arts & Crafts

Art on Park: See August 4.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See August 2, 10:4511:55 a.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 12:301:30 p.m.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Community

Summervale: See August 4.

COURTESY OF OPEN FARM WEEK

Fairs & Festivals

Caledonia County Fair: See August 24, 11 a.m.

Library & Books

Colchester Lego Club: See August

4.

27 SATURDAY Arts & Crafts

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

Lego Thursdays: See August 4.

Spy Night: Undercover agents train for a top-secret assignment to save the world. Ages 6 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 5-7 p.m. Free. Info, 849-2420.

St. Albans Library Legos: See August 11, 3-5 p.m.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See August 4.

Snow Farm Vineyard Summer Concert Series: See August 4.

Nature & Science

Raptors in Residence: See August 2.

Parenting

Milton Nurturing Parent Program: See August 4.

26 FRIDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 8:159:15 a.m.

Mother’s Gathering: See August 5.

Fairs & Festivals

Caledonia County Fair: See August 24, 7 a.m.

Champlain Valley Fair: Cotton-candy fun and carny curiosities collide at the state’s largest fair, complete with midway rides, daily parades and live entertainment. Midway opens at 11 a.m. All ages. Champlain Valley Expo, Essex Junction. $5-12; free for children under 5; up to 25% discount available at Price Chopper Stores through August 25; ride bracelets $30; additional tickets required for grandstand concerts and rides. Info, 878-5545.

Food

5 Corners Farmers Market: See August 5.

ArtsRiot Truck Stop Burlington: See August 5.

Burger Night: See August 5.

Foodways Fridays: See August 5.

Hardwick Farmers Market: See August 5.

Richmond Farmers Market: See August 5.

Games

Craftsbury Lego Club: See August 5.

Dungeons & Dragons: See August 12.

Killington Magic: The Gathering: See August 5.

Library & Books

Essex Story Time: See August 5.

Family Story Time: See August 5.

Movies

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

Music

City Hall Park Concert Series: See August 3.

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

Children Paint the Park: Young artists create a colorful image of the scenery. Materials and guidance provided. Ages 3 and up. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park, Woodstock, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. Free. Info, 802 457-3500.

Henna: Artsy ones get temporarily inked. Children under 18 must have a parent’s written permission to attend. Fairfax Community Library, 10-11 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 849-2420.

Little Art: See August 6.

Baby & Maternity

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Fairs & Festivals

Caledonia County Fair: See August 24, 7 a.m.

Champlain Valley Fair: See August 26, Sep. 4. Vergennes Day: The Little City is big fun! A pancake breakfast, 5K and 10K races at 9 a.m., kids’ games, bandstand music, a rubber ducky race and a craft fair delight the crowds. All ages. Downtown Vergennes, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Various prices. Info, 388-7951.

Food

Burlington Farmers Market: See August 6. Capital City Farmers Market: See August 6. Champlain Island Farmers Market: See August 6.

Middlebury Farmers Market: See August 3. Rutland Farmers Market: See August 3, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids Saturday Yoga: See August 6.

Library & Books

Book Reading and Craft: Local author Mu y Kashkin Grolier reads from Gregory, Gregory Hates His Food, followed by a felting activity. All ages. Brandon Free Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 247-8230.

Nature & Science

Bird-Monitoring Walk: Eagle-eyed participants bring binoculars to search the museum’s property for fluttering feathers. Best for adults and older children. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 7:30-9 a.m. Free; donations welcome; preregister. Info, 434-2167.

Raptors in Residence: See August 2.

Summer Naturalist Program: See August 6.

Tour the Cosmos: See August 6.

28 SUNDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See August 2, 12:151:30 p.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 1011:30 a.m.

Fairs & Festivals

Caledonia County Fair: See August 24, 7 a.m.

Champlain Valley Fair: See August 26.

www.theschoolhousevt.org

HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SMART

CHOOSE WIC UNTIL YOUR CHILD IS 5.

WIC is here for you and your family. Choose WIC until your child turns 5 for healthy food, nutrition activities, and more! Together we can develop a lifetime of healthy habits. And with the new eWIC card, choosing healthy foods has never been easier. Sign up today!

Get started with WIC by visiting healthvermont.gov/wic or call 1.800.649.4357

AUG CALENDAR

Lake Champlain Islands Farm and Food Festival: Local farmers and food producers come together and o er tastings and demonstrations to families and foodies, with free pizza, popcorn and live music. All ages. Health

Hero Island Farm, South Hero, 3-6 p.m. Free. Info, 309-5011.

Food

Colchester Farmers Market: See August 7.

South Burlington Farmers Market: See August 7.

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

Stowe Farmers Market: See August 7.

Health & Fitness

Catamount Kids Run for Fun: Youth ages 4-14 get their own noncompetitive shot at athletic glory after the adult-geared North Face Race to the Top of Vermont. Stowe Mountain Resort, noon. $10; preregister. Info, 864-5794.

Essex Open Gym: See August 7.

Zoe’s Race: Community members partake in a 1K fun run at 9:30 a.m. or 5K run/walk at 10 a.m. to raise money for children and families who receive support from the Howard Center. All ages. Oakledge Park, Burlington, $20-40. Info, 999-2141.

Nature & Science

Discovery Sundays: See August 7.

Sundays for Fledglings: See August 7.

Tour the Cosmos: See August 6.

29 MONDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 5:45-7 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See August 3.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See August 3.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Education

First-Time Kindergarteners: See August 15.

Fairs & Festivals

Champlain Valley Fair: See August 26.

Games

Dungeons & Dragons Night: See August 10.

Library & Books

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See August 8. Essex Lego Challenge Club: See August 8.

Music

Music & Movement for Preschoolers: See August 8.

Music for Preschoolers: See August 4, 11 a.m.

Nature & Science

Nature Playgroup: See August 8.

30 TUESDAY

Baby & Maternity

Breastfeeding Support Clinic: See August 2.

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See August 2.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See August 2.

Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See August 2.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See August 2.

Education

Read to Willy Wonka the Chocolate Lab: See August 2.

Fairs & Festivals

Champlain Valley Fair: See August 26.

Games

Magic: The Gathering Drop-In Gaming Tuesdays: See August 2.

Health & Fitness

Tuesday Night Trail Running: See August 2.

Music

Preschool Music: See August 2.

Nature & Science

Raptors in Residence: See August 2.

Parenting

Starksboro Nurturing Parent Program: See August 2.

31 WEDNESDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 5:457:15 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See August 3.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See August 3.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See August 2, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Community

Community Evenings at the Farm: See August 3.

Education

Kingdom Community Wind Tours: See August 3.

Fairs & Festivals

Champlain Valley Fair: See August 26.

Food

Champlain Island Farmers Market: See August 3.

Middlebury Farmers Market: See August 3.

Rutland Farmers Market: See August 3.

Woodstock Market on the Green: See August 3.

Games

Jericho Dungeons & Dragons: See August 3.

Music

City Hall Park Concert Series: See August 3.

Nature & Science

Wagon-Ride Wednesdays: See August 3.

28 SUNDAY (CONTINUED)

Magic Harry Potter Bus

WHEN KYLE CLARK decided to build an RV for his family of six, he approached the project using the same method his Burlington tech company, Venture.co, employs to help launch startups: He crowd-sourced the necessary goods and services.

In February 2015, Clark purchased a retired 2003 school bus in New York. He then posted requests on social media inviting friends and neighbors to help with the renovations, offering volunteers “bus bucks” they could use toward bor rowing the vehicle.

Clark, 36, an engineer by training, then spent virtually all his free time for the next few months gutting and renovating the interior. With the help of family and friends, he installed bunk beds, generators, an electrical system, plumbing, a kitchen and water tanks to make the rig self-sustainable for up to a week.

Then came the really fun part: Clark painted the bus purple and tricked it out as a themed RV dubbed the after Potter’s fictional flying broom.

Fans of J.K. Rowling’s series will appreciate Clark’s finishing touches. He painted an eight-foot dragon on the outside. A big patronus charm (a ghostly stag) hangs over the king-size bed. An image of a cauldron is painted on the fridge, and a sign pointing to the lavatory reads, “This way to the

Ministry of Magic” — a reference to the fictional agency’s method of toilet transport.

Each of Clark’s kids — ages 2, 6, 10 and 13 — has a seat with their initial sewn into the leather upholstery in Harry Potter font. Last winter, Clark built all four of them their own paddleboards — complete with owl and dragon inlays — and storage rack.

“It’s not uncommon to be driving down the highway, and there’ll be three teenagers hanging out the window with their thumbs up, pointing and yelling to us,” Clark notes. “And I’m thinking, Did I leave the back door open or something?”

His family once drove the bus all the way to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, an Orlando, Fla. theme park.

Though his insurance prevents him from renting it out, Clark still allows people to borrow , provided they improve upon it.

Two friends installed a cooking grill; others, new blinds. The next musthave item: A copy of J.K. Rowling’s sequel Harry Potter and The Cursed Child, published as an e-book on July 31. K

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

Personalized leather seats

The sign above the toilet

The Clark family

Under the big patronus

COLORING CONTEST!

Three winners will each receive an annual family membership to the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium. Send Kids VT your work of art by August 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 September issue of Kids VT. Send your high-resolution scans to art@kidsvt.com, or mail a copy to Kids VT, P.O. Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.

PUZZLE PAGE

Jumble

BY DAVID L. HOYT & JEFF KNUREK

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

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

Maze

LUCIAN lives in Middlesex and turns 6 on August 2. He’s a happy adventurer and caring friend who can often be found building with Legos and blocks, making art, collecting treasures, and romping around playgrounds.

Lucian wins entry for two to Petra Cliffs’ Friday Night Kids Club.

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Riddle

Search — GEOGRAPHY

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 is the front part of a geography book called?

AREA

BY HELENA HOVANEC

LENA lives in Essex Junction and turns 6 on August 16. She enjoys drawing, sewing, singing and traveling. She most recently visited Lake Tahoe, Calif., where she spotted a bear.

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.

Lena, Aven and Riley each win a day pass to Petra Cliffs.

Riddle Answer:

AVEN lives in South Burlington and turns 7 on August 18. She enjoys playing the violin, swimming in the lake and exploring nature. She’s a farm enthusiast and is planning to build a backyard chicken coop with her dad this summer.

RILEY lives in Pittsford and turns 6 on August 29. The new big sister loves playing and listening to music and doing gymnastics.

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

One to Watch

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

Writing Contest

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Calling all poets!

Before summer slips away and school days return, let’s celebrate the season. Think about your favorite place to spend a summer day in Vermont. Write a poem that describes that place. What does it look like? Sound like? Smell like? How does being there make you feel? Use your senses to tell us what makes your chosen place the perfect summer spot.

We’ll pick two winners and publish their names and poems in the next issue. Winners receive a $25 gift certificate to Crow Bookshop. Deadline to enter is August 15. Send your entries to: Kids VT, attn: Writing Contest, P.O. Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402. 14 Church Street Burlington crowbooks.com 862-0848

New Books, Used Books, Remainders at GREAT PRICES!

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Hello, Muddah

What I learned this summer at my own Mommy Camp

IT SEEMED LIKE A GOOD IDEA AT THE TIME. Back when snow covered the trees and the school bus rolled up every morning at 7:30 a.m. to whisk my little ones away for the day, I decided I would spend the first week of summer vacation with 9-year-old Dillon and 7-year-old Harper. Sure, I had major deadlines, client meetings and doctors’ appointments, but I’d sandwich them in somehow. I called it “Mommy Camp” — a week of summer fun.

But as June 13 approached, “fun” was not the F-word at the tip of my tongue. Exhausted from end-of-school festivities, not to mention a wild wedding weekend in Delaware, I woke up that Monday morning feeling less like a camp counselor and more like Jason Voorhees from Friday the 13th about to stalk Camp Crystal Lake. I’d promised Dillon and Harper exciting adventures, backyard explorations, foreign-language lessons and sweet treats. Could I actually pull it o ?

No problem, I told myself. Adventure No. 1 would be calling up a 13-year-old neighbor to babysit while I escaped for a run.

Big mistake. When I returned, my mind was clear but there was old granola on the breakfast table and toys everywhere. So o to Klinger’s Bread Company we went, where I bought Dillon and Harper each a buttery croissant and told them they could take out their iPod Touches to look up French lessons while I met my friend Jackie to moan about the messy house and messy kids.

(Interestingly, my kids looked up the French translation for “father” and “Father’s Day.” Already they were pining for Dad.)

Procrastination measures met, I powered through a couple of articles in the early afternoon before finally telling kids that “quiet time” (when I worked in my o ce while they played Minecraft and looked up “Dance Mom” videos) was over. Feeling guilty, I invited Harper’s friend, Alex, for a play date and took the trio to Spare Time, where I pecked away at emails on my iPhone while they battled each other in the laser tag arena.

Day 2 began with an equally inauspicious start. Italian was the language of the day, so the kids remembered to bring their iPod Touches to my doctor’s appointment at UVM Medical Center that morning. What Harper managed to forget, however, were his shoes.

“Just pretend you have shoes on!” I whispered to him as we entered through the revolving doors, averting our eyes from the revolted fellow patients who could clearly see that I had brought a 7-year-old with dirty feet into a hospital.

They both looked up the Italian word for “pizza.” We had salami sandwiches for lunch instead. It was hot, and so we went to Shelburne Beach, where we blew bubbles left over from the wedding, waded up to our waists and played on my standup paddleboard.

Things were looking up. I was even meeting my deadlines, with one more big one to go on Wednesday — Spanish day. Harper looked up the translation for “gummy bears” and for “mom.” Dios mio! I fielded calls while they played in the pool at the Edge, then took them to the Inn at Shelburne Farms for iced tea and watercress sandwiches and a romp through the Enchanted Forest. The inn was a selfish way for me to avoid the hot, stinky animals in the Farm Barn; the forest turned out to be surprisingly full of discoveries, with peek-a-boo views of Lake Champlain.

Day 4 began with games of Connect 4 and scones at Village Wine and Co ee in Shelburne while I met with a book client. The kids decided they wanted to learn Zulu, so they looked up the word for “book” while I had my teeth cleaned. We invited a friend’s daughter, Oonagh, to join us at Maple Street Pool in Essex, which was absolutely mobbed.

“OK, Sarah,” I told myself. “Time to get real.” I tucked my phone away, bid good-bye to my inner Jason Voorhees and carefully watched each of the children as they zoomed down the waterslide, taking seriously the risk of one drowning in the crowded waters.

We bought Creamsicles, then hit the playground, where I resisted taking photos and instead simply watched Dillon, Harper and Oonagh clamber up ladders and pump their legs on the swings. Before long, my snarky attitude was softening like a creemee on a hot June afternoon.

As Friday dawned, it dawned on me that Mommy Camp had been less about the kids and more about me — Mommy. I’d been so busy burying my head in work that I’d neglected to pay attention to all the details that make childhood, and life, so delightful.

That final day, the kids and I went on a wild goose chase for dried hibiscus leaves at Healthy Living for a recipe, then we headed to Waterbury for picnicking, paddling and a tour of the Ben & Jerry’s factory.

We had time to shop for souvenirs before the tour began, and Dillon and Harper both agonized over what to buy with their allowance. “Should I buy the lip gloss for myself or a coozie for Daddy?” Dillon asked earnestly. Instead of pooh-poohing the knickknacks as I usually do, I savored her wide-eyed expression and genuine excitement — getting in touch with the magic of Mommy Camp at last.

But the best part was yet to come. As we entered Ben & Jerry’s secret testing room, Harper noticed a word scribbled on a white board: “hibiscus,” just like the leaves we’d been looking for!

Then, as Rupert Holmes sings in “Escape (the Piña Colada Song),” we laughed for a moment. It was the perfect tune to play as we drove home, our hands sticky with samples of Cherry Garcia.

My snarky attitude was softening like a creemee on a hot June afternoon.