Kids VT, August 2018

A TRAIN TRIP TO BRATTLEBORO PAGE 11

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KEEPING KIDS SAFE AROUND WATER PAGE 15

A FAMILY’S GARDEN PARADISE PAGE 16

THE VERMONT TEEN RUNNING FOR GOVERNOR PAGE 32

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS

COPUBLISHER/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Cathy Resmer cathy@kidsvt.com

COPUBLISHER

Colby Roberts colby@kidsvt.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Alison Novak alison@kidsvt.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Mary Ann Lickteig maryann@kidsvt.com

ART DIRECTOR

Brooke Bousquet brooke@kidsvt.com

MARKETING & EVENTS DIRECTOR

Corey Grenier corey@kidsvt.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Kaitlin Montgomery kaitlin@kidsvt.com

CALENDAR WRITER

Brett Stanciu brett@kidsvt.com

PROOFREADERS

Katherine Isaacs, Kara Torres

PRODUCTION MANAGER

John James

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Don Eggert

DESIGNERS

Kirsten Cheney, Todd Scott, Rev. Diane Sullivan

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Matt Weiner

BUSINESS MANAGER

Cheryl Brownell

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Astrid Hedbor Lague, Elisa Järnefelt, Ken Picard, Kristen Ravin, Autumn Spencer

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Andy Brumbaugh, James Buck

ILLUSTRATOR

Marc Nadel

EDITOR’S NOTE

Finding Their Voices

On January 20, 2017, the day of Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration, I flew to New York City with my then-9-year-old daughter, Mira. We traveled there so that we could participate in the following day’s Women’s March, in which people of all ages gathered peacefully around the world to show support and solidarity for women’s rights and human rights.

The act of walking through the streets of Manhattan alongside thousands of others, chanting and carrying hand-painted signs, felt both cathartic and empowering. And having my daughter by my side, taking in the sights and sounds of so many strong women and girls standing up for what they believed in, felt equally important. In the year and a half since, I’ve watched as Mira has embraced the title of feminist, taken an interest in reading books like Rad American Women A-Z and Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, started thinking critically about what she hears in the news, and become involved with e orts to help others through local organizations like Spectrum Youth & Family Services and COTS.

She’s part of a generation that’s become known for its social conscience and political activism, embodied most palpably by the teenagers of Parkland, Fla., who have passionately advocated for gun control since tragedy struck their school.

STAFF QUESTION

Share a photo of a fun family outing you’ve taken this summer.

A highlight of our road trip to THE MARITIMES IN CANADA was a sailboat ride along the shore of Prince Edward Island.

BROOKE BOUSQUET, ART DIRECTOR

Every July, our family spends a weekend camping with three other families at BUTTON BAY STATE PARK IN FERRISBURGH

It’s a great kid-friendly park, with woods to explore, lake access and even a swimming pool with a water slide. It’s what summers in Vermont are made for!

KEN

PICARD, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

At the end of May, my partner, Ann-Elise, and I took our kids canoeing down THE WINOOSKI RIVER from the launch near Salmon Hole to Delta Park in Colchester.

CATHY RESMER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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In this month’s issue, we feature a 14-year-old from Bristol who has embraced politics in a major way — by becoming the youngest candidate for governor in our state’s history. On August 14, Ethan Sonneborn will be one of the choices on the ballot in the Vermont Democratic Party’s gubernatorial primary. Learn more about the inspiring teen, and why he decided to throw his hat in the ring, in “Rising Freshman” on page 32.

On page 20, you’ll find submissions from future voters who have finished our Good Citizen Challenge, a summer civics project we created that’s open to all Vermont K-12 students. We’ve already received 13 completed scorecards and are looking forward to seeing more this month. The deadline to submit entries is October 9, so there’s still time to get started. Find the scorecard in the center of this issue, or download one from goodcitizenvt.com.

Finally, we know that Vermont families will be reveling in these last weeks of summer before school starts back up again. Check out our monthly calendar on page 34. It’s packed with festivals, fairs, nature programs, fun runs and live music performances to help you make the most of this short and sweet season.

ALISON NOVAK, MANAGING EDITOR

Every summer I take my daughter and her best friend camping at BURTON ISLAND STATE PARK. This year, we brought another friend, forgot the camp stove and successfully kept raccoons out of our food.

BRETT

STANCIU, CALENDAR WRITER/CONTRIBUTING WRITER

My family took in the Independence Day fireworks over Lake Champlain from ECHO IN BURLINGTON on the night of July 3.

COLBY ROBERTS, COPUBLISHER

Mira at the NYC Women’s March, January 2017

Bring on the cousins! Why connecting with extended family matters.

Every summer of my childhood, our family piled into our station wagon and traveled 700 miles from Burlington to Pittsburgh to visit our extended family. We’d drive for 12 hours straight, stopping only for bathroom breaks and sandwiches. We entertained ourselves by doing Mad Libs and looking for the letters of the alphabet in road signs. And we always felt a wave of excitement when we passed the Beech-Nut gum factory o Interstate 90 in Amsterdam, N.Y. (Hey, when seat belts are optional, the Walkman doesn’t exist yet, and all the Tab has been polished o , anything is entertaining.)

That drive — though hellish — was always worth it for those two glorious, fun-filled, mischiefmaking, popsicle-eating, cannonballing, movie-going weeks we got to spend with our cousins. As the youngest of 15 first cousins, my dolls’ hair was often mysteriously chopped o , I was generally blamed for blanket-fort failures, and I wasn’t allowed to see Poltergeist until it had been vetted by older

#INSTAKIDSVT

cousins (who definitely tricked the adults into letting me see it, knowing full well I’d be traumatized for life). Still, I loved every second of cousin time.

These days, my kids’ cousins drive up to Vermont from New Jersey every summer to spend a couple of weeks swimming, playing flashlight tag, making bonfires and eating approximately 1,000% more S’mores than they’re actually allowed to have. We also have extended family who live locally, and cousin shenanigans are always in full swing at the annual summer family reunion.

Of course, not everyone has cousins, or wants to spend time with family. Some of us have built a family of friends we prefer to our actual blood relatives. It doesn’t really matter how we come by our extended family — it only matters that we have one, and that our kids have one.

Why? Speaking to the Chicago Tribune, therapist Larry Shushansky explained that, “Relationships with cousins a ord a certain space, a certain

Thanks for sharing your summer photos with us using the hashtag #instakidsvt. We loved this picture of a family outing to Shelburne Farms’ Children’s Farmyard. Share a picture of your kids enjoying the last weeks of summer vacation this month.

HERE’S HOW:

Follow @kids_vt on Instagram.

your

AUTUMN ANSWERS

independence, that allows us to have di erent kinds of experiences with them. They can be a source of balance ... a ording the closeness and common bond that exists in families, as well as the psychological distance that is one step removed from the dependency that causes anxiety and conflict within immediate (family members).”

“‘Remember When We...?’ Why Sharing Memories is Soul Food,” a post published by the online journal, The Conversation, explains how memories and experiences shared with extended family help shape our identities and provide a sca old that supports our working memory as we age.

So, go ahead and invite everyone over for a few days, or pile in the car and take that road trip. Whether it’s your family of origin or your family of friends, connect with them. Let the kids stay up late, swim until the sun sets, build forts and eat too many popsicles. These are the connections, the experiences and the summer days they’ll always remember. In this monthly column, comedian, writer and mom Autumn Spencer answers tricky parenting questions. Have a question for Autumn? Send it to ideas@kidsvt.com.

Vermont Department of Health and Vermont State Parks team up to offer free SPF 30 sunscreen dispensers at 10 state parks. Now if only our kids would let us put it on them!

Oklahoma soccer ref Brian Barlow created a Facebook page to publicly shame cursing, water-bottlethrowing moms and dads at youth sporting events. Social media is the modern-day town square.

Build-A-Bear Workshop’s “Pay Your Age” promotion — which offered kids a chance to get a plush teddy at a deep discount — led to unmanageable crowds, forcing the company to cut off lines before noon. Customers weren’t willing to grin and bear it.

A recent study found that over a 10- year period, U.S. children ages 5 to 17 experienced more than two million bicyclerelated injuries — more than 600 a day. One of the takeaways: Kids should always wear helmets — and parents should model good behavior by wearing them, too!

gretadags

Me: What was your favorite animal we saw today?

L: I would have said the baby goats, but I really liked how lazy the sheep were today. So, yeah, the sheep.

“At least I’m good at catching seaweed!”

—KAIDENCE, AGE 4 (AFTER AN UNLUCKY DAY OF FISHING)

PARENT PARTICIPATION

PET CORNER

In our June 2016 issue, Kacie Badger shared a photo of her daughters Ariana and Ellie with one of the family’s English mastiffs, Remi. Recently, Badger posted an updated photo of Ariana and Remi, who’s now 3 years old and weighs 160 pounds. “Many people think having a big dog means you need lots of space, but that’s not true!” Badger wrote. “She spends her days lying around and ALWAYS wants to cuddle.”

1 Strawberry picking at SAM MAZZA’S is a yearly tradition in our family!

—JESSICA HOAGUE

2 We, as a family, are really trying to have minimal screen time this summer, so we took an impromptu sightseeing/hiking trip to TEXAS FALLS in Hancock — so very beautiful.

3 Enjoying the lovely Vermont summer at WATERBURY RESERVOIR. Our happy place!

—TINA LUNT

4 Taking the Island Runner ferry to do our annual family trek to go camping at a lakeside lean-to at BURTON ISLAND STATE PARK

—CARI BRULEY PAPP

5 Blueberry picking at OWL’S HEAD in Richmond!

—DANIELLE SNELLING

6 Watching fireworks over HUBBARDTON BATTLEFIELD together is a favorite summer tradition of ours.

—KAYLA DELANCEY

7 CANTEEN CREEMEE COMPANY in Waitsfield.

—REBECCA BAYER CLOUGH

8 We hiked up HARMON HILL in Bennington.

—AMY BRZEZINSKI-CONN

9 Enjoying the LAKE MONSTERS GAME for this girl’s 7th birthday. They had a blast on an incredibly hot night!

—AIMEE LAMOTHE

10 Jumping off the high dive at MAPLE STREET POOL in Essex. She could do this all day long!

—AMY FOURNIER-BLONDIN

11

Best friends and beach buddies at CRYSTAL LAKE in Barton.

—LISA HIGGINS

12 Fishing from a rowboat at LAKE GROTON Guess who did all the rowing?!

—KRISTEN MARTIN

13 We love to check out all of our local museums on hot or rainy days. The FAIRBANKS MUSEUM is a new favorite!

—KELLY GOODELL MELASKY

—CRYSTAL JONES

This month, we asked our Facebook followers to share a photo and caption of a fun Vermont outing they’ve taken with their family this summer. Check out their submissions below!

Remi in 2018

Remi in 2016

BY ALISON NOVAK

FILM

Family Flicks

Calling all film-loving families! The Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival has added a prequel. The day before the 4th annual festival opens, KIDS & FAMILY DAY will give cinephiles of all ages the chance to screen three family-friendly films and participate in kid-focused programming. The festivities, based at downtown Middlebury’s Marquis Theatre, begin at 9 a.m., with a flip-book making workshop led by Middlebury College’s Animation Studio. That will prime the audience for the 10 a.m. showing of The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales, an animated film about barnyard animals. Geared toward ages 6 and up, the flick is in French with English subtitles, but the fast-paced, action-driven plot makes it easy to follow, said festival producer Lloyd Komesar. At 1 p.m., documentary film Through the Windmill, recommended for ages 8 and up, tells the story of miniature golf in America. And at 4 p.m., Science Fair, geared toward kids 12 and up, chronicles the journey of nine high school students as they compete in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Face painting, balloonanimal making and tabletop games will be ongoing throughout the day, while

SCIENCE Shoot for the Stars

the Marquis’ Southwest Café will o er a special kids menu. Film festivals often attract an older audience, said Komesar, and this special day devoted to families is a way to reach younger viewers, while keeping in the spirit of the event — celebrating movies made by first- and second-time directors.

The Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival’s Kids & Family Day takes place on Wednesday, Aug. 22. Tickets to each screening are $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 8-18 and free for kids under 8. Seating is first come, first served, and tickets cannot be purchased in advance. Find more information at middfilmfest.org.

CREATIVITY Making Magic

The Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for WORLD’S LARGEST ASTRONOMY LESSON this month with a galactic gathering in downtown St. Johnsbury. The current record — 1,104 participants — was set in 2015 in Kalamunda, Australia. Fairbanks hopes to attract between 1,500 and 2,000 stargazers to its event, said the museum’s director of visitor services, Jennifer D’Agostino. Prior to the lesson, the streetlights on Main Street will be turned o and black lights will illuminate a block party featuring glow-in-the-dark chalk, a paper-airplane agility course, local food trucks and more. The museum and planetarium will stay open up until the approximately 45-minute lesson begins. From a two-story stage, museum science educator Bobby Farlice-Rubio will teach about the history of astronomy, with a focus on female astronomers. In order to ensure the event is Guinness Book-o cial, the museum will use a turnstile to keep track of who’s coming in and out of the lesson; break participants into 50-person groups, each with a designated leader; enlist o cial timekeepers; and submit a video, aerial drone footage and “lots of paperwork” to Guinness, said D’Agostino. Following the main event, Mark Breen will broadcast his annual VPR Star Gazing Party live and on-site.

and more. The museum and planetarium will stay until begins. From a two-story stage, museum science a

The Saint J. Subaru Stargazing Party and World’s Largest Astronomy Lesson takes place on Friday, Aug. 10 at Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium (1302 Main St., St. Johnsbury). Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m.; participants in the astronomy lesson must be assembled by 7:30 p.m.; and the lesson begins at 8:15 p.m. Rain date is Saturday, August 11. Find more info and RSVP for priority access to the event at fairbanksmuseum.org.

For the past decade, the Nature Museum, which celebrates the natural history of northern New England, has drawn visitors to Grafton for its FAIRY HOUSE Located in the gardens, fields and woods that surround the museum, the two-day celebration o ers an array of whimsical activities. After entering through a fairy gate and being greeted by a fairy queen, visitors can take part in arts and crafts, hula hooping and bubble play. Acorns, twigs and other natural materials will be on hand for kids to make a fairy house. People are also encouraged to sign up ahead of the festival to build a diminutive dwelling to display on a fairy house trail — a forest path lined with around 40 natural creations, from elaborate artist-made structures to sweet and simple abodes created by brother-sister teams. The underlying idea, museum communications director Daron Blake said “is to get people interacting with nature and their own imagination.”

The 10th annual Fairy House Festival takes place on Saturday, Sept. 29 and Sunday, Sept. 30 at the Nature Museum (186 Townshend Rd., Grafton). Tickets in advance are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $4 for children ages 3-17. Day-of tickets are $12, $10 and $5. To build a house for the fairy trail in advance, sign up at nature-museum.org.

FESTIVAL

The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales

BOOKWORMS BY BRETT STANCIU

A Fantastic Find

In 2006, Erin Rounds, a teacher at Union Street School in Springfield, took her third grade class to Dinosaur Footprints in Holyoke, Mass., to check out the fossilized tracks left by prehistoric creatures 190 million years ago. “Vermont doesn’t have anything this cool,” some of her students complained.

Searching for an archaeological find in the Green Mountain State to satisfy her class, Rounds discovered Charlotte (pronounced like the girl’s name), the prehistoric beluga whale skeleton found in a farmer’s field in the Vermont town of Charlotte in the 19th century. This ancient creature, she told her students, “would make a really good story someday.”

It turns out Rounds would be the one to write it. This month, Tilbury House Publishers releases Charlotte’s Bones: The Beluga Whale in a Farmer’s Field , her nonfiction picture book with illustrations by Alison Carver of Maine.

In 1849, railroad builders unearthed bones they mistakenly believed were from a horse or a cow beneath 10 feet of blue clay. By chance, local doctor John G. Thorp saw the bones and realized they didn’t belong to a farm animal or any familiar wildlife. He contacted assistant state geologist Zadock Thompson, who directed an excavation. Thompson consulted Louis Agassiz, a zoology professor at Harvard University, who determined the fossilized bones — estimated to be around 11.5 million years old — were the remains of a beluga whale. The discovery of Charlotte was a key piece of evidence that the farmer’s field, and a large swath of Vermont, was once submerged beneath an ancient sea.

In 1993, students from Charlotte Central School traveled to Montpelier to meet with then-Gov. Howard Dean, petitioning him to make the whale Vermont’s official state fossil. In June of that year, Dean signed a bill to that effect into law at a ceremony at the school. Today, visitors to the Perkins Geology Museum at the University of Vermont in Burlington can check out

Charlotte’s wired-together skeleton in a glass case.

Rounds, the mom of a first grader and a third grader, spoke to Kids VT about her first book from her home in Springfield.

Kids VT: One of the things that’s fascinating about your book is the enormous span of time it covers — from prehistory to contemporary Vermont.

Erin Rounds: History is what I tend to write about because I talk about this a lot in the classroom. It’s an important conversation for our kids to have. Fossils were created from the same stuff as oil, and it takes a really long time to make them.

KVT: There’s a clear environmental message in Charlotte’s Bones

Near the end, you write, “The Earth is both strong and fragile.”

ER: Yes! We need to learn from history. We have to take care of things.

I’m interested in Vermont stories that I think are important, but I’m also drawn to scientific stories. I do a lot in my classroom with energy, fossil fuels and renewable energy.

KVT: You have a second book, Where’s Winter?, coming out in October. Can you tell us about it?

ER: Three winters ago, when we had no snow, I pulled into my driveway, and just saw leaves, pine needles, squirrels running all over the woods.

[The evidence of climate change] really hit me, and I ran in the house and grabbed a pencil and paper and wrote until the story all came out.

KVT: What advice would you give to a young child who wants to be a writer?

ER: I encourage kids to write about what they enjoy and what they’re

Try out new words. In second grade, I wrote my first story with a friend about pencils. Pencils were the characters, and I drew illustrations, too. Ever since third grade, I’ve wanted to be a teacher and write. I feel — Success! K

Another noteworthy release in August is Hey, Hey, Hay! A Tale of Bales and the Machines That Make Them by Christy Mihaly of East Calais, illustrated by Joe Cepeda. This picture book features a farming mother-daughter duo and includes a kid-friendly recipe for switchel, a traditional thirst quencher for parched haymakers. Mihaly will read and sign books, and offer handson hay activities for kids on Sunday, Aug. 26, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at Shelburne Farms.

Erin Rounds and illus-

Alison Carver celebrate the release of their joint debut with a book launch party sponsored by Shelburne’s Flying Pig Bookstore on Tuesday, Aug. 7, from noon to 4 p.m., at Charlotte Beach (1371 Lake Rd., Charlotte). Rounds will also read from her book on Friday, Aug. 10, 10 a.m., at the Springfield Town Library; Saturday, Aug. 11, 11 a.m., at Phoenix Books in Rutland; and Sunday, Sept. 16, noon-2 p.m., at Phoenix Books Misty Valley in Chester.

Author

trator

Erin Rounds in front of the “Reverence” sculpture in South Burlington

Montpelier to Brattleboro by Train

F our summers ago, my family traveled by train from Albany, N.Y., to Santa Fe, N.M., and home again. With more than two-and-a-half days of travel — one way — that’s a heck of a long journey. But I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Traveling by train eliminates the When are we going to get there? backseat complaining of car travel and provides the opportunity to relax and take in the passing scenery.

In July, I purchased round-trip Amtrak tickets from Montpelier to Brattleboro for a day trip with my 13-year-old daughter, Gabriela, and her friend, Maverick. Downtown Brattleboro boasts an eclectic mix of art galleries, independent bookshops, record stores and the sprawling sporting goods store, Sam’s Outdoor Outfitters (74 Main St.), which opened in 1932 as an Army & Navy surplus store. Eating options range from chicken salad sandwiches and almond biscotti at Amy’s Bakery Arts Café (113 Main St.) to gourmet pizza with toppings like thick-cut bacon and crispy onions and barbecue plates at the casual restaurant Hazel (75 Elliot St.).

On the morning of our trip, Gabriela and Maverick packed turkey sandwiches, water bottles and a deck of UNO cards for the ride. The train departed Montpelier’s Amtrak station (297 Junction Rd.) at 10:25 a.m. — an ideal time for kids on a laid-back summer schedule. I brought my laptop so I could use the train’s WiFi to work on the approximately 2.5-hour ride, while the girls checked out the snack car and chatted with the friendly conductor.

At 1 p.m., the train pulled into the downtown Brattleboro station

(10 Vernon Rd.). With nothing more on our agenda than exploring, we wandered along the main drag and into an antique shop, Twice Upon a Time (63 Main St.), where the girls admired vintage tulle dresses, a Smith Corona electric typewriter like the one my dad used when I was a kid, and political campaign buttons preserved in plastic. Beside the “Ford/Dole” and “Perot for President” buttons, the girls pointed out a more familiar one: “Bernie 2016.”

To beat the afternoon heat, we stopped in at Blueberry Haus (19 Elliot St.) for homemade ice cream — Chocolate Cocoa Cookie Crumble for Gabriela and Gold Digger, caramel ice cream studded with bits of Heath bar, for Maverick — scooped generously into freshly baked waffle cones rimmed with dark chocolate and rainbow sprinkles. While the girls enjoyed their cones, I checked out

the store’s gift shop, which includes women’s clothing, soaps and baby items.

Next door is Everyone’s Books (25 Elliot St.), a Brattleboro literary fixture. Two peace and anti-nuclear activists — Nancy Braus and Rich Geidel — opened the shop in 1984, stocking literary and political material often not available in mainstream bookstores. The couple still owns the shop, which has a large children’s collection. The girls lingered there, while I browsed the jam-packed nonfiction shelves.

Just a few blocks over, the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center

(10 Vernon St.) — housed in the town’s original train station — offers free admission on Thursdays from 2 to 5 p.m. One current exhibit, “Best of Springs, Sprockets & Pulleys” features the work of artist and inventor Steve Gerberich through September 24. The girls were mesmerized by Gerberich’s unique, motorized creations, which combine barn-sale finds and everyday objects — like a wooden cow with brass bugles for ears — and move, whiz and whir when viewers press buttons.

With time to spare before our 4:56 p.m. departure, we decided to check out the supermarket-sized Brattleboro Food Co-op (2 Main St.). We relaxed on the store’s shady patio beneath blossoming trumpet vines, snacking on local raspberries and Thai spring rolls while people-watching.

Riding Amtrak offers both a taste of the past — Laura and Mary in the Little House books traveled by train, not just covered wagon — and the chance for rural Vermont kids to experience public transportation. The trip also satisfied my hunger for a fun full-day excursion with a little culture mixed in — free from driving stress.

While waiting for the return train, I leaned against the station’s stone wall, listening to Maverick and Gabriela as they plotted their dream cross-country train trip — just the two of them — a few years down the line. K

RIDE THE RAILS

Round-trip Amtrak tickets from Montpelier to Brattleboro start at $36 per adult. Tickets are half price for children ages 2-12 and free for children under 2. The Vermonter runs daily from St. Albans to Washington, D.C., with Vermont stops in Essex Junction, Waterbury, Montpelier, Randolph, White River Junction, Windsor, Bellows Falls and Brattleboro. Buy tickets in advance at amtrak.com.

PHOTOS: BRETT STANCIU

DESTINATION RECREATION BY BRETT STANCIU

Maverick browses at Everyone’s Books

Maverick and Gabriela explore the Brattleboro Museum

Maverick and Gabriela at the Brattleboro train station

Gabriela enjoys ice cream at Blueberry Haus

Renaissance Kid

Creativity and curiosity fuel a young artist

Connor Byam is a fast talker. Within a few minutes of speaking with him, a plausible theory emerges as to why this is the case: His mouth is simply trying to keep pace with his very active, creative and curious mind.

The rising sixth grader is an avid reader — science fiction, fantasy and nonfiction are his preferred genres — who also listens to audio books and podcasts like Science Friday and Stuff You Missed in History Class.

But it’s his artistic talents that have garnered him recent attention. In June and July, the Davis Studio in South Burlington, where Connor has been taking art classes since he was a preschooler, hosted a show of his work. Technical drawings of imaginary vehicles with names like Pond Skipper and Storm Stalker hung across the room from a fake movie poster poking fun at fast food. In the latter piece, a sinister-looking donut, dripping with pink icing, appears under the fictional film title Desserts of the Devil! “I draw a surprising amount of evil food,” he explained.

The through line in Connor’s diverse body of work — and what makes him such a great artist — is his “precision and patience,” said studio director Teresa Davis, who’s known Connor since he was 2.

Davis Studio instructor Amanda DeCarlo has been giving Connor private, weekly drawing lessons since September. “I truly feel that Connor is an art prodigy,” she said. “He is so far beyond his years in both wisdom and art skills.”

Those qualities are on display in another one of Connor’s artistic endeavors — a one-panel cartoon called “Syrup & Cows,” published weekly in The Winooski, a humor website that bills itself as “locally sourced organic Vermont satire.” Connor started drawing the cartoon last June, after his Champlain Elementary School classmate, Ruby, recommended him to her dad, The Winooski’s founder, Adam Hall.

At first, Hall said, he was skeptical

about a then-fourth grader contributing to his website. Then he checked out Connor’s work on Instagram. “Wow, he’s really good,” Hall remembered thinking.

The comic is a collaborative effort: Hall comes up with a caption and a general idea, and Connor brings it to life with pen and ink.

Connor explained that he likes cartooning because “it can express viewpoints without making it dead serious.” Realistic drawing, he said, “can get bland because you’re doing something that’s already there.”

In addition to drawing the weekly cartoon, Connor is currently exploring his passion for history, working on a series of color drawings of notable historical figures, from Queen Zenobia, “a wealthy Syrian queen who took advantage of the Eastern Roman Empire’s weakness,” according to Connor, to Prince Shotoku of Japan, a Buddhist cultural reformer. Rather than simple caricatures, the works are peppered with details to show what each historical figure was like. In a

drawing of Ivan the Terrible, for example, snow falling in the background symbolizes the Russian czar’s “chilly, icy personality,” Connor said.

Though he’s gone through a number of drawing phases, pirates and giant squids among them, Connor is currently into heads — “strange heads, normal heads, there are so many different features,” he explained. When he looks at peoples’ faces, “I start drawing them in my head as caricatures.”

Connor paraphrases the words of Leonardo da Vinci to explain the way he views the world: “Artists see things that others only catch a glimpse of.”

He cites retired cartoonist Bill Watterson, creator of the popular “Calvin and Hobbes” strip, as an inspiration. Watterson’s cartoons are “really amazing,” said Connor, but it’s the artist’s dedication to fighting for things he believes in — bigger panel space in newspapers and resisting licensing of his images because “he

thought it was ruining the spirit of it to put it on things” — that really impresses Connor.

One thing that doesn’t captivate Connor’s attention? Screens. He eschews computerized drawing in favor of Micron fine tip pens, Prismacolor colored pencils and Faber-Castell brush pens, which, he explained, make a “wobbly” line that lends illustrations a more “authentic” look.

His dislike of screens extends to most television and movies, and video games as well.

“Video games — they’re like one second of fulfillment that really isn’t fulfillment, so you never feel content with it,” he explained. “But when you get done with a drawing, you feel like, Oh yeah!” K

See Connor’s work at thewinooski.com and on Instagram at @bam_designs_vt.

One of Connor’s “Syrup & Cows” cartoons

Name: Connor Byam

Age: 11 Town: Burlington

Queen Zenobia

MEALTIME BY ASTRID HEDBOR LAGUE

Italian Garbanzo Bean Salad

An easy, colorful summer dish

On some summer days, it’s just too hot to cook. But everyone still has to eat! Though it might be tempting to just dig out a pint of ice cream for dinner, I’d like to offer a more nutritious option.

This dish is inspired by an Italian salad called insalata di ceci. You can modify it depending on what produce is freshest or in season. When I made it, I used beautiful rainbow cherry tomatoes, which you can find at any good grocery store or your local farmers market. For added crunch, chop up some bell peppers. Like olives? Slice them, and add them to the mix. Want to make this a vegan meal? Leave out the pancetta and the hard-boiled

eggs, and substitute tofu! The options really are endless.

For a beautiful presentation, I like to arrange all of the ingredients in lines, bring the dish to the table, then dress and mix it. The vibrant array of color makes the salad ideal for company.

I served the dish with roasted pork loin and a loaf of Italian bread, and it was a real crowd pleaser. It would also make a great workday or camp lunch, and it will last in the fridge for a few days.

So go ahead, keep cool this summer. And save the ice cream for dessert.K

GARBANZO BEAN SALAD

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces cubed pancetta

• 2 14-ounce cans garbanzo beans

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes (I like the rainbow ones)

• 6 scallions

• 1 small red onion

• 3 tablespoons parsley

Directions:

1. Pan fry the pancetta until crisped. Drain and set aside.

2. Rinse and drain the garbanzo beans. Chop the tomatoes into small pieces. Dice the scallions and red onion. Chop the parsley. Quarter the hard-boiled eggs.

3. To build the salad, arrange each ingredient in a line on your serving dish. (You can also just toss everything together in a bowl, but the presentation won’t

BY KEN PICARD

How can adults keep kids safe around water?

KVT: What are the best ways to prevent drowning?

Vermont. Swimming is great exercise for kids — and lots of fun, too — but it requires vigilance on the part of adults. On average, about 800 kids die from drowning nationwide each year, making it the second leading cause of death, after motor vehicle crashes, for children ages 1 to 4, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Three out of four kids who drown were missing or left alone for less than five minutes, the CDC reports.

Dr. Lewis First, chief of pediatrics at University of Vermont Children’s Hospital, offers advice for keeping kids healthy and safe around water.

KIDS VT: What does drowning look like?

LEWIS FIRST: It’s a silent killer. It can just take a few seconds for a child or teen to drown. The head will appear low in the water, with the mouth at water level, eyes glassy and the child not responsive or moving their arms or legs. They may be hyperventilating, gasping or trying to swim, but not making headway. Most of the time, however, you don’t see that. As soon as water gets into their lungs, they try to breathe and they sink.

LF: There are three factors we can address: lack of swimming ability; lack of protective barriers around pools, such as gates and fences; and, most importantly, lack of close supervision. All children over the age of 4 should learn how to swim in classes that adhere to American Red Cross guidelines. For children ages 1 to 4, swim lessons may reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of drowning.

KVT: What about infants?

LF: Infants can be in a pool with an adult, but there’s no evidence that swim lessons will prevent a child this young from sinking or drowning. Infants can experience water poisoning from swallowing too much water, which can cause seizures. And, because babies are so small, they can cool down very quickly and experience hypothermia, so bringing infants into a pool to get used to the water is not a good idea.

KVT: What about kids who can’t swim?

LF: Any child who cannot swim who’s in a pool should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device. Kids under 5 should wear one with a neck collar that automatically keeps their head above water. Putting a child in water wings, or on

an inner tube, pool toy or raft doesn’t “waterproof” the child. Adults should provide arms-length supervision for any child who cannot swim. Even older kids [who can swim], including teens, should be under direct supervision if they’re not with a swim buddy. That means the adult is not looking at a cellphone, reading a magazine or talking to friends. Someone should have his or her eyes on the swimmers at all times. Have a cellphone on hand in case something goes wrong and you need to call 911. Finally, anyone supervising kids who are swimming should know CPR.

KVT: What is shallow water blackout?

LF: Basically, it’s a loss of consciousness due to hyperventilation, which reduces the body’s desire to take a breath. For example, if kids are doing an underwater swimming contest and take big breaths beforehand, their carbon dioxide level can drop so low that they have no drive to breathe and can literally faint underwater, open their mouth and drown. Generally, shallow water blackout occurs in water that’s less than 16 feet deep, and some studies suggest it may be responsible for more than 50 percent of all drownings. To prevent it, kids shouldn’t run around the pool before jumping in or have underwater breath-holding competitions.

KVT: What are the risks of swimming in natural bodies of water?

LF: Children should be taught to never drink that water or put it in their mouths. Most problems associated with swimming in natural bodies of water are gastrointestinal — nausea, vomiting, diarrhea — and occur several days later. Also, there may be pollutants that irritate the skin, eyes, ears and respiratory tract. Kids should avoid water that’s discolored or has algae blooms. Blue-green algae emits toxins that can be swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin and can affect the nervous and respiratory systems. And, avoid rivers and swimming holes in the days following heavy rains because of the dangers of rushing water, debris and pollutants.

KVT: What are other risks associated with swimming holes?

LF: Swimming holes often have unknown currents that can trap kids underwater. Kids can injure themselves by diving into water that’s shallow or has hidden underwater hazards. There may be rocks and debris on the bottom, so it’s advisable to wear water shoes or sandals. Also, swimmers should avoid swimming near or climbing on waterfalls, which can trap people underwater. Never choose a swimming spot where you hear loud rushing water. Finally, whenever you’re swimming in natural bodies of water, bring along a rope to throw to a struggling swimmer in case of emergency. If someone is struggling, you don’t want to wade or swim into a dangerous current to help. K

Gardeners’ Paradise

Good parents, Dr. Jonas Salk famously said, give their children roots and wings. Stacy Fraser and Nate Carr can most definitely check the first box. They have surrounded their Charlotte home — and their

children, 12-year-old Sawyer and 8-year-old Mavis — with plants.

Flowers and bushes grace their front yard and wind around their 19th-century, yellow clapboard house to a backyard sanctuary. Trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, edibles and ornamentals — hundreds of varieties in all — grow there.

Slabs of Vermont stone form paths and patios.

Chairs and tables await morning co ee or a fat afternoon novel. “We definitely think of it as – it’s a trendy term – but di erent outdoor rooms or outdoor spaces,”

Stacy said, “like the fairy garden space, the relaxed reading patio, the fire pit, the veggies, the dining patio.”

When the couple

bought the house 18 years ago, overgrown weeds, invasive sumac and a broken fence covered the 2/3-acre lot. They kept the peony and lilac bushes framing the front door, and the day lilies on the property’s edges, pulled out everything else, and the transformation began.

“We really started as collectors, like being interested in the diversity of plants and ... we were intrigued by the novelty of variety,” Nate said. He and Stacy, who own landscape-construction and gardening company Church Hill Landscapes, have college degrees in sustainable agriculture, and Nate is a Vermont-certified horticulturalist. They started their ornamental gardens with an oakleaf hydrangea surrounded by shade-garden

perennials. They continued adding beds and uncommon plants, including a weeping larch, dwarf hemlock and golden dawn redwood, now big enough to climb. The flowers were a lot of work, so when the kids were small, the couple incorporated more shrubbery, “plants that take up a lot of space and not a lot of attention,” Nate said. Their most recent plantings are designed to attract birds and pollinators: bees, wasps and butterflies. They chose relatively low-maintenance perennials, including early salvias, perennial geraniums, echinops, asters and monarda, which has attracted a pair of ruby-throated hummingbirds, to line the edge of the backyard. They planted the flowers close together to help suppress weeds. Rather than cutting back each plant individually, Nate mows them down in the spring and leaves the debris to serve as mulch, a method Stacy calls “grow and mow.”

New this year are four raised organic vegetable beds that provide summer meals — and an education. The kids got to pick which vegetables to plant. “Actually their list was twice as long as we could realistically plant,” Stacy said. Asked to name her favorite vegetable, Mavis answered, “I like all of them.”

Sawyer, who dislikes only parsley and cilantro, examined a small green

PHOTOS: JAMES BUCK

HABITAT BY MARY ANN LICKTEIG

We’re teaching them what we know.

STACY FRASER

Sawyer and Mavis tend their new vegetable beds.

Stacy and Mavis inspect cabbage.

FAMILY FAVES

Here are a few of Stacy and Nate’s favorite easy-to-grow-andmaintain perennials that thrive in part or full sun in Vermont.

Agastache

• Ajuga

• Perennial Geraniums

• Knautia

• Monarda

• Nepeta

• Stachys

Salvia

• Sanguisorba

• Scabiosa

pepper they grew. A mushy hole had formed near the bottom. “When the plant is creating the fruit or vegetable and it doesn’t get enough water, it has blossom-end rot,” he explained.

“And we farmers don’t like that!”

Mavis added.

“This [pepper] was a male, and it’s good for cooking,” Sawyer continued. He knew the pepper was the product of a male blossom because it had three bumps on the bottom. “Female peppers have four bumps on the bottom,” he explained. “Those are really sweet, and they are good for normal eating.”

Nate and Stacy want their kids to know how to grow food, to understand the challenges (they spend a lot of time squishing cucumber beetles, cabbage worms and squash bugs), to recognize what a fresh vegetable tastes like and to become confident cooks, said Stacy, who was test kitchen manager at EatingWell for 13 years. “We’re teaching them what we know.” K

Mavis adds mint sprigs to lemonade.

Lush, organic vegetables pack four raised beds.

Mavis, Nate, Sawyer and Stacy with their dog, Fergus

A waterfall graces the fairy garden Sawyer built for Mavis.

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BRACELETS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT PRICE CHOPPER AND MARKET 32 STORES NOW!

For me, summer is a season of nostalgia, filled with memories of growing up in Finland. This year, my sense of nostalgia has been mixed with an urge to introduce my 1-year-old daughter, Saga, to my own childhood memories, as if it were possible for her to inherit the experiences of another person.

As a foreigner, this urge can turn into an acute form of longing, where the Vermont summer becomes defined by what it is missing from the Finnish summer: an Arctic loon’s call, cold and bright nights, young birch tree forests, and the smell of a wood-burning sauna.

To heal my summer sadness, I have developed a remedy: embracing what is special about summer in Vermont. Saga and I spot chipmunks running on the fallen tree trunks and explore the shapes of unfamiliar leaves. We eat an early breakfast by an open café window during a 100-degree heatwave. We feed farmyard pigs, swim in a crystal-clear river and watch how the setting sun colors the Green Mountains purple. We greet the raccoon who passes through our backyard at dusk and fall asleep to the hum of an air conditioner.

I cannot show my daughter what is familiar to me, but I can learn with her in this new environment. As she gets older, I will take her to Finland to introduce her to the sights and sounds of my childhood. Eventually, I hope that she will grow up knowing the calls of both Vermont’s common loons and Finland’s Arctic loons, and feel a sense of nostalgia for both. K

MOM TAKES NOTES BY ELISA JÄRNEFELT

Celebrating Civics

A sampling of entries from our Good Citizen Challenge

COMPILED BY CATHY RESMER

Can you name the three branches of government or the five freedoms specified in the First Amendment? Do you know the Vermont state motto?

Answering all three correctly earns 15 points in Kids VT’s Good Citizen Challenge, a summer civics project we created with support from the Vermont Community Foundation. Open to all Vermont K-12 students, the Challenge invites participants to choose from nearly 70 activities to earn points. Activities include visiting historic sites, learning about government and lending a hand to help neighbors.

Once they’ve accumulated 251 points — the number of towns in Vermont — participants send in their scorecards and evidence of their work to receive a Good Citizen medal and an invitation to the Statehouse in Montpelier, where they’ll meet state o cials and be

recognized for their work. The first 100 students to complete the Challenge will also receive a Good Citizen T-shirt. The deadline to finish is October 9.

Kids VT has already received 13 completed scorecards, and our editors have spotted numerous Good Citizen participants posting about their adventures on social media, using the hashtag #GoodCitizenVT.

There’s still time to take the Challenge! Find a scorecard in the center of this issue, download one from goodcitizenvt.com, or pick one up from our team of volunteers appearing at events throughout the summer; we’ll also be handing out pocket-sized constitutions donated by Phoenix Books.

In the meantime, check out some of our favorite images and entries submitted so far!

ACTIVITY 8: Visit a stop on the Vermont Civil War Heritage Trail.

ACTIVITY 61: Pick up litter by a road in your town.*

Arthur, Joesph and Harvey Neddo

ACTIVITY 1 BONUS: What does the Vermont state motto, “Freedom and Unity,” mean to you?

“It means we can be free, but we are united in helping each other.”

— ALAN MOODY

“Be free, but work together.”

— CHANNING BRUSH

ACTIVITY 46: Draw a picture of a current or past American patriot.

Owen Flanagan submitted this portrait of Paul Revere, famous for warning his countrymen of the impending arrival of British troops during his 1775 midnight ride from Boston to Lexington, Mass.

ACTIVITY 5 BONUS: Attend a reading of Frederick Douglass’ 1852 speech “The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro,” presented by the Vermont Humanities Council.

Gabriela Stanciu at a reading of the speech at the Hardwick Farmers Market.

ACTIVITY 44: Write a poem about America.

America, America,

The great land we love, We look up at the beautiful flag above.

You should vote because we take pride in red, white and blue. Do you know who should vote: I think it’s you!

Don’t forget, your vote counts, too!

— ADDISON MOATS AND ETHAN DELORME

America the beautiful country

The breadbasket of America lets Americans go munchy munchy We like to go hiking and know we like to go biking. Because we are free, free to be, we can do these things!

On the flag you have stripes and stars, Red, white and blue, Stand for me and stand for you!

— RILEY AMERIO

America the great United States

We were the first to walk the moon

You might have heard of our tunes, or you could watch cartoons

We are powerful and strong when we unite

We fought for our freedom with all our might

With all our great leaders we made big dreams

That help our country gleam

We are the great United States

— CHANNING BRUSH AND EMMA MORRISSEY

Awesome Merit Excellence Rights Independence Cooperation (Hopefully) America

— OWEN FLANAGAN

Hannah Smiley at Taylor Park, site of the St. Albans Raid, the northernmost land battle in the Civil War.

* These activities also earn points in the Vermont State Parks’ Venture Vermont Outdoor Challenge.

Celebrating Civics

CONTINUED FROM P. 21

ACTIVITY 46: Draw a picture of a current or past American patriot.

Holly Whitney drew this portrait of Alexander Hamilton because he founded the U.S. Coast Guard and the New York Post, she said.

ACTIVITY 68: Have you been to a protest or rally? Tell us what it was about, why you went and what you remember most about the experience.

Addison Moats described a rally she went to after the Parkland school shooting in Florida: “What I remember from it was that a lot of people held up signs protesting. There was cheering, and people talking on a microphone. It was on the town green in Middlebury and organized by the high school students. I cared about the fact that we needed change to happen, and wanted to be with others who believed the same thing.”

ACTIVITY 49: Make a poster or video encouraging adults to vote.

ACTIVITY 60: Donate food to your local food bank.*

ACTIVITY 57: Help a neighbor or senior citizen with gardening, planting, yard work or other chores.*

Alan Moody helps with haying.

These Vermont students have completed the Challenge!

• Alan Moody, Cabot

• Hannah Smiley, Milton

• Addison Moats, Salisbury

• Owen Flanagan, Salisbury

• Kayla Charbonneau, Salisbury

• Channing Brush, Salisbury

• Riley Amerio, Salisbury

• Mercedes Sheldrick, Salisbury

• Ethan Delorme, Salisbury

• Emma Morrissey, Salisbury

• Holly Whitney, Salisbury

• Thomas Bishop, Salisbury

• Lada Saliba, Stowe

Hannah Smiley making a donation to the Milton food shelf.

Poster by Ethan Delorme

Out of This World! KIDS JUST FOR

It’s summer, and everyone in the whole wide world wants to head to the beach. Better make that everyone in the solar system! It seems that visitors from all the other planets are here for sand, surf and pistachio-pineapple ice cream sundaes! You can only get them here, of course! But the other planets all have a secret, so after you solve the crossword puzzle, look carefully at the names of the planets. What do they all have in common that Earth doesn’t have? And three of them have an even bigger secret! Can you figure out what it is?

ACROSS

1. The red planet

2. Biggest planet

3. Planet tilted completely sideways

DOWN

1. Planet closest to Sun

4. Planet known for its rings

5. Planet farthest from Sun

6. Planet named after goddess of love

KIDS JUST FOR

Writing Contest

In this month’s issue, we write about a local family’s fabulous garden on page 16. Imagine you had the chance to plant your own garden. What kind of flowers, plants, vegetables and fruits would you grow? What would it look like? Tell all about the garden of your dreams — and attach a drawing if you’d like.

COLORING CONTEST WINNERS

The joyful spirit of this month’s artwork was summed up by 5-year-old Rebecca’s submission — a pig prancing in a mud puddle beneath a sparkly rainbow. Amelia, 6, sent us a polka-dotted piggy with red flowers blooming brilliantly in the background. And 11-year-old Natalee made our judges laugh out loud with her drawing — a porker poised on the grill, with the words “Mmm… What’s cooking?” above its head. Enjoy the final weeks of summer, kids, and send us your creative masterpieces again this month.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

“A DAY AT THE FARM”

Hayley Sherman, 7, East

Montpelier

“SHOOTING STAR”

Somerset Pierce, 12, Montpelier

“PIG’S EYE”

Maggie Go , 11, Essex

“COLORFUL BEAUTY”

Kaisa Remsen, 5, Middlebury

“’ELSA THE PIG”

Rye Frances Williams Kaplan, 3, Burlington

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

We’ll pick two winners and publish their names and submissions 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.

WRITING WINNERS

In our July issue, we asked kids to tell us about their perfect picnic. Below, find the winning entries. Sophia and Léonie each receive a $25 gift certificate to Crow Bookshop in Burlington.

Sophia Van Zyl, 10

ADDISON

On a family picnic, I would bring a salad that makes my stomach start grumbling. With peppers and carrots and cheese. Pass the ranch dressing, please!

For dessert, I would eat my mom’s cookies, which cannot be beat. After, I’m full. Picnic meals cannot be dull!

“The Sparkly Spiral Pig”

Jupiter May, 5 SHELBURNE

5 & under

“FLYING PIG”

Nella Flood-Pouliat, 3, Westford

“GETTING MUDDY”

Lachlan Pierce, 8, Montpelier

“TEENAGE NINJA PIG”

Kaydence White, 12, Bristol

“RAINBOWS STOP SADNESS”

“Firework Friend”

Sélah Joy, 8 COLCHESTER

6 to 8

Léonie

Fournier, 10 MONTPELIER

Going on a picnic in Vermont makes you feel like world peace has finally arrived.

A fresh meal is waiting for you as you walk through the warm grass. Slowly, you start to sit on the grass. You feel it spiking up, onto your knees.

You smell freshly baked bread, fol- lowed by smooth, yellow cheeses, and sweet, blood red cherries.

A huge bottle of icy cold basil lemonade sits next to 30 pieces of juicy watermelon.

You would think it couldn’t get any better, but it does.

Behind the watermelon, you see a large bunch of yellow bananas and small cakes.

It all looks wonderful. You really can’t wait to start eating.

Melissa Jones, 7, South Burlington

“CRAZY PIG DAY!”

Hazel Ritzer, 7, Northfield

“MUDDY FIREWORKS”

Cindy Po, 9, South Burlington

“PRINCESS PIG”

Hattie Sterling, 4, Fair Haven

TOP TITLES

“PINK PIG IN CANDYLAND”

Enoch Freebern, 3, Richmond

“THE MAGICAL FOREST”

Lilah Olsen, 7, St. Albans

“SASSY SNOUT VS. THE DREADED SIBLINGS”

Mariela Swiech, 10, Northfield

“Plaid Professor Pig”

Audrey Neilson, 10 CHARLOTTE

9 to 12

CHALLENGE Take the...

CHALLENGE

On these pages you’ll find a list of questions and activities related to the rights and duties of U.S. citizenship. Answer the questions and complete the activities to earn points and win prizes. Designed for youth ages 9 to 14, the Challenge is open to all Vermont K-12 students under 18.

Keep track of the activities you complete by checking the box next to the activity. Some of these tasks you can record directly on your scorecard. For the ones that you can’t, we ask that you show your work by taking a photo, recording audio or video, or attaching additional sheets of paper clearly labeled with the activity number.

When you earn 251 points — the number of towns in Vermont — send us your scorecard and proof of completion to receive a Good Citizen medal. You’ll also be invited to a reception at the Vermont Statehouse where you’ll meet state o cials. The first 100 participants to complete the Challenge will also receive a Good Citizen T-shirt. If you attempt but do not complete the Challenge, send us your scorecard anyway! We’ll send you a Good Citizen sticker and a participation prize.

We’ve divided the activities into 7 categories. To complete the challenge, you need to complete a minimum number of activities in each category, specified at the top of each section. To assist you in your quest, we’ve listed some resources that will help you find the answers you seek.

When your challenge is complete...

Mail your scorecard with photos, copies of recordings and other supporting materials to: Good Citizen Challenge, Kids VT, 255 S. Champlain St. Suite 5, Burlington, VT 05401

Upload a scan of your scorecard with photos, recordings and other supporting materials to Dropbox, Google Drive or another cloudbased album and send the link to goodcitizen@kidsvt.com.

All activities must be completed between April 15 and October 9, 2018. A parent, guardian or teacher must sign o on your work at the end of the scorecard.

If you’re having a problem uploading your photos online, contact us and we can help! Call 802-864-5684, or email goodcitizen@kidsvt.com.

powered by:

History

Suggested resources: ourdocuments.gov, vermont.gov, your local library, your local historical society

Please complete at least 3 of these activities:

1. What is Vermont’s state motto? 5 PTS

BONUS: What does it mean to you? 5 PTS

2. Read a chapter book about U.S. history recommended by your local librarian. 20 PTS

3. Memorize the preamble to the U.S. Constitution and record a video of yourself delivering it. Find it at ourdocuments.gov. 15 PTS

4. Memorize the Gettysburg Address and record a video of yourself delivering it. Find it at ourdocuments.gov. 40 PTS

5. Listen to or read Frederick Douglass’ 1852 speech

“The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro.” Find it at vermonthumanities. org/douglass. 10 PTS

BONUS: Every year, the Vermont Humanities Council organizes events at which this speech is read. Attend one of these events. 20 PTS

BONUS: Organize your own event where the speech is read. 40 PTS

6. Visit the Vermont History Museum. 10 PTS

7. Visit Fort Ticonderoga in New York. 10 PTS

8. Visit a stop on the Vermont Civil War Heritage Trail. Find it at vtcivilwarheritage.net.

10 PTS PER STOP

9. Visit a stop on the African American Heritage Trail. Find it at vermontvacation.com/ africanamericanheritagetrail.

10 PTS PER STOP

History (CONTINUED)

10. Visit any of the Vermont Historic Sites including the Calvin Coolidge Homestead, the Bennington Battle Monument and the Old Constitution House. Find a list of historic sites at sites.vermont.gov. 10 PTS PER STOP

BONUS: Go to the Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site during the reenactment encampment on July 7 and 8. 20 PTS

BONUS: Participate as a reenactor. 20 PTS

11. Find a monument or memorial in your town. Whom does it honor?

GOOD ITIZEN GOOD ITIZEN

10 PTS

HONOREE(S)

12. Pick a street or park in your town and learn about its name. When was it named, and why does it have the name it does? 10 PTS

Government

13. Match the wars below with their dates. 5 PTS

U.S.-Afghanistan War

Civil War

Revolutionary War/War for Independence

World War II

Vietnam War

Korean War

World War I

Gulf War

Reflection

A. 1775-1783

B. 1861-1865

C. 1914-1918

D. 1939-1945

E. 1950-1953

F. 1955-1975

G. 1990-1991

H. 2001-present

Please answer this question in a medium of your choice — write a paragraph or a poem, draw a cartoon or picture, or record a song:

14. What does being a good citizen mean to you? 10 PTS

Add 5 bonus points for each activity you or a parent post on social media using the hashtag #GoodCitizenVT.

CHALLENGE

24.

CHALLENGE

Suggested resources: vermont.gov, sec.state.vt.us/kids, your local library

Please complete at least 10 of these tasks:

15. Name the three branches of government. 5 PTS

21. Name Vermont’s two senators who serve in the U.S. Senate. 2 PTS

Saying “I take the fifth” or “I plead the fifth” is a reference to the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution, which states that the government cannot make you testify or give evidence against whom? 1 PT

16. Name the governor of Vermont. 1 PT

22. Name Vermont’s five Supreme Court justices. 5 PTS

25. Every four years, voters around the country cast their votes for president on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in which month? 1 PTS

17. Name the lieutenant governor of Vermont. 1 PT

18. Name the state treasurer. 1 PT

19. Name your state senators and representatives. 5 PTS

23. Name the five freedoms protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution. 5 PTS

26. Vermont voters elect city or town officers, and approve city and school budgets, on the first Tuesday in March. What is this day called? 1 PT

27. Pass the citizenship tests put together by the Joe Foss Institute: joefossinstitute.org/civicscurriculum/us-citizenship-test. 10 PTS FOR THE 10-QUESTION TEST 25 PTS FOR THE 25-QUESTION TEST 40 PTS FOR THE 100-QUESTION TEST of completion certificate.

20. Name Vermont’s lone member of the national House of Representatives. 1 PT

28. Gerrymandering is the practice of drawing congressional districts in a way that favors one political party over another. Learn how this practice affects elections by playing Gerry Mander: A Voting District Puzzle Game by Vermont-based GameTheory. Find it at playgerrymander.com. 10 PTS

Media

Suggested resources: your local library, iTunes

Please complete at least 3 of these activities:

33. Find a copy of your school newspaper or school district newsletter and read it all. 5 PTS

34. Find a copy of a local newspaper (such as the Colchester Sun, Stowe Reporter, Barton Chronicle or Seven Days) and read three stories. 10 PTS

NEWSPAPER

35. Find a copy of a national newspaper (such as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post or USA Today) and read three stories. 10 PTS

NEWSPAPER

29. Visit the Vermont Statehouse. 10 PTS

30. Go to a city council or selectboard meeting. What were the main items under discussion? 10 PTS

36. Find the masthead of each newspaper, the page that tells you who owns the newspaper, who works for the newspaper, and where it is printed and circulated. 5 PTS FOR EACH

37. Find a copy of a national news magazine (such as TIME, Newsweek, Economist, New Republic or the Atlantic) and read three stories. 10 PTS

MAGAZINE

38. Watch a broadcast of the local TV news. 10 PTS

CHANNEL

39. Watch part of a local meeting on your public access cable channel. 10 PTS

MEETING

40. Listen to a newscast or news program on WDEV or Vermont Public Radio. 5 PTS

PROGRAM

BONUS: Hear the station identify its frequency and location.

5 PTS

41. Listen to a news podcast (such as the Deeper Dig from VTDigger.org, Brave Little State from VPR or the Daily from the New York Times). 10 PTS

PODCAST

42. Read three stories on a local news website. 10 PTS

WEBSITE

BONUS: Find out where the website is based, who owns it and how often it is updated. 5 PTS

Creativity

Suggested resources: Young Writers Project — a free, online platform where Vermont’s young writers can share writing, photos and art at youngwritersproject.org

Please complete at least 2 of these activities and submit your work — or a scan or photocopy — with your scorecard:

BONUS: Introduce yourself during the public comment period and explain why you’re there. 10 PTS

31. Go to a school board meeting. What were the main items under discussion? 10 PTS

43. Create a free account on the Young Writers Project website. 5 PTS

44. Write a poem about America. 30 PTS

BONUS: Submit it to the Young Writers Project. 5 PTS

45. Write a song about the First Amendment naming the five freedoms it protects. 30 PTS

48. Learn to sing the “Star Spangled Banner,” “America the Beautiful” or “This Land Is Your Land” by heart, or learn to play it on your instrument. Record yourself singing or playing the song. 20 PTS FOR EACH

49. Make a poster or a video encouraging adults to vote. 20 PTS

BONUS: Introduce yourself during the public comment period and explain why you’re there. 10 PTS

32. Apply for the legislative page program (open only to eighth graders; deadline September 30, 2018). Find the application at: legislature. vermont.gov/the-state-house/civiceducation/become-a-legislative-page. 20 PTS

*Also part of the Vermont State Parks’ Venture Vermont Outdoor Challenge. Find more info and download a scorecard at vtstateparks.com/venture-vermont.html.

BONUS: Submit it to the Young Writers Project. 5 PTS

BONUS: Record yourself singing it.

15 PTS

46. Draw a picture of a current or past American patriot. Explain who it is and why you chose this figure.

20 PTS

BONUS: Submit it to the Young Writers Project. 5 PTS

47. Draw a comic strip that explains how the three branches of government work. 30 PTS

BONUS: Submit it to the Young Writers Project. 5 PTS

50. Visit the Democracy sculpture on Main Street in Burlington. 10 PTS

BONUS: Why aren’t the puzzle pieces connected? Explain. 5 PTS

51. The U.S. Constitution was signed by the delegates to the constitutional convention on September 17, 1787. Celebrate Constitution Day, September 17, by making a birthday card for the Constitution or recording a birthday greeting for it. Learn more at constitutionday.com. 20 PTS

52. Draw a detailed map of your city or town and include your favorite landmarks. 20 PTS*

HALLENGE

CHALLENGE Community

Suggested resources: Your city or town website; Front Porch Forum — a free, locally owned community-building service that connects neighbors at frontporchforum.com

Please complete at least 2 of these activities:

53. Get a library card if you don’t have one already. 5 PTS

54. Sign up to receive your local Front Porch Forum. (Kids can sign up to receive Front Porch Forum emails, but only adults may post to the service). 5 PTS

BONUS: Get help from an adult to organize a neighborhood event using Front Porch Forum. Print or send the issue in which your message appeared. 20 PTS

55. Plant a native tree or plant in your yard. 10 PTS *

56. Plant flowers in your yard where anyone passing by can see them. 10 PTS

57. Help a neighbor or senior citizen with gardening, planting, yard work or other chores. 10 PTS *

58. Talk with a senior citizen about their childhood hometown. How were things di erent then? 20 PTS

59. Talk with a veteran about military service. Why did he or she serve? 20 PTS

60. Donate food to your local food bank. 10 PTS *

61. Pick up litter by a road in your town. 10 PTS *

62. Talk with someone who serves on a board or commission in your town or volunteers with the local rescue squad. Ask why they volunteer and what they get out of serving, and report on their answers. 20 PTS FOR EACH CONVERSATION

BONUS: Do any of these entities accept student volunteers? Find out. 5 PTS

BONUS: Are you qualified to serve? If so, volunteer your time. 30 PTS

BONUS: Brainstorm some ways your city or town could increase the number of volunteers and write a letter suggesting them to the mayor, city council or selectboard. 20 PTS

Advocacy

Suggested resources: Front Porch Forum — a free, locally owned communitybuilding service that connects neighbors at frontporchforum.com

Please complete at least 1 of these activities and share your notes:

63. With your parents’ or guardians’ permission, interview one of the elected o cials who represents you. Ask them about the most di cult vote they ever had to cast and why they voted the way they did. Report what you learned. 20 PTS

64. Find someone who disagrees with you about an important political issue and ask them why they hold their belief. What did they tell you? Did it change your view of the issue? How? Explain. 20 PTS

65. Find someone in your family or community who has attended a political protest or rally. Ask them what they were protesting and why. Report what you learned. 20 PTS

66. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper about an issue that’s important to you. How is writing a letter to the editor of a newspaper di erent from leaving a comment on Facebook? 20 PTS

67. Write to one of your elected o cials about an issue that’s important to you. 20 PTS

68. Have you been to a protest or rally? Tell us what was it about, why you went and what you remember most about the experience. 20 PTS

Can We Use Your Photos and Audio/Video Recordings?

Thanks for participating in the Good Citizen Challenge! We would like to share your experience to spread the word about the Challenge and inspire others. Please have a parent or guardian fill out and sign this release form. Parents: If you do not wish to share photos and audios of you, your family members and children with others, you do not have to complete this form.

In consideration of my child’s or children’s participation in the Good Citizen Challenge, I give permission to Da Capo Publishing, Inc. (d/b/a Seven Days, Kids VT) and its a liates:

(a) To use, reuse, publish and republish photographic and digital images and audio recordings of myself, my family and my children (individually and collectively, “participants”), in whole or part, individually or in conjunction with other photographs, artwork and poetry, or any medium and for any purpose whatsoever, including (but not by way of limitation) illustration, promotion, and advertising and trade; and

(b) To use the participant’s name in conjunction therewith if Da Capo Publishing so chooses. I hereby release and discharge Da Capo Publishing from any and all claims and demands arising out of or in connection with the use of the photographic and digital images and audio recordings of participants, artwork, poetry and any other submission, including any and all claims for libel.

I am over the age of 21. I have read the foregoing and fully understand the contents thereof.

Signature

Name

Name of Child

Address

Witness Name

Witness Signature

Date

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.

Sponsored by

KIDS JUST FOR

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.

Congratulations

PATRICK lives in Essex and turns 4 on August 8. Paddy is a friendly, happy kid. He loves dinosaurs, baseball and music and is excited to return to preschool in September.

Patrick wins four day passes and four 3D movie tickets to ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain in Burlington.

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

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

Print your answer here:

Puzzles4Kids

BY HELENA HOVANEC

WORD FUN: Study the two words on each line to find the ONE letter in the left column that does not appear in the word in the right column. Write the extra letter on the blank space . Then read DOWN to answer the riddle. Who wrote a book about how to cross the street safely?

OLIVER lives in Swanton and turns 6 on August 4. He enjoys being outside and swimming. He loves tractors, Nerf guns and playing with his best buddy, Reid.

CHARLOTTE lives in Willsboro, N.Y., and turns 13 on out with her friends, reading and politics. She’s the point guard on her basketball team and a student at Lake Champlain Waldorf School.

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

Oliver, Charlotte and Zeke each win four ECHO day passes.

ZEKE lives in Hinesburg and turns 3 on August 22. He’s an imaginative, caring and talkative kid who loves riding his strider bike, reading, exploring the outdoors with his dog, Teddy, and playing with trains, trucks and Legos. He also likes helping his mom bake and eat banana-oatmeal muffins.

ANSWERS P. 51

Rising Freshman

Meet Ethan Sonneborn, the Bristol teen running to be Vermont’s next governor

BY KEN PICARD

Ethan Sonneborn has never run for elected o ce before — assuming you don’t count his stint on Bristol Elementary School’s student council. He’s never been employed, other than mowing lawns and walking neighbors’ dogs. And, he’s never even voted, though in fairness, Sonneborn isn’t eligible to do so for another four years.

But none of those hurdles is preventing the Bristol teen from making a bold bid for the state’s highest elected o ce. Last September, the then-13-year-old middle school student announced, via press release, that he was running for governor. He’s the youngest candidate ever to do so in the history of Vermont and, likely, the country. In June, Secretary of State Jim Condos confirmed that Sonneborn had garnered enough signatures to appear on the August ballot for the Democratic Party primary.

“People may tell you that your voice doesn’t matter because you’re too young,” Sonneborn told a crowd of several thousand people from the steps of the Vermont Statehouse during the Jan. 20 March for Our Future youth rally. “But the truth is, democracies are centered around the idea that every individual can make a di erence. It doesn’t matter what color your skin is, or your gender or even your age. What matters is your willingness to speak up and share your opinions with others.”

On Aug. 14, Sonneborn faces three older challengers in the Vermont Democratic primary: James Ehlers, Christine Hallquist and Brenda Siegel. To date, Sonneborn has participated in at least one candidates’ forum, which was held in June and sponsored by the group Rights & Democracy.

Regardless of the election’s outcome, the 14-year-old, who will be a freshman at Mt. Abraham Union High School this fall, has already left his mark on Vermont politics. Some of the state’s most seasoned politicians describe him as an articulate and intelligent young man whose grasp of the issues is advanced for his years.

“I’ve got to tell you, I really like the kid. He’s engaging, he’s smart [and] he’s curious,” said Vermont Attorney General T.J. Donovan, who met Sonneborn at a Vermont Democratic Party fundraiser in May. Donovan said he was impressed by the teen’s poise in “working the room” while his mother waited in the wings.

“She was letting him sink or swim on his own, doing what every candidate has to do,” Donovan added, “and I just thought it was a great lesson for this young guy in life.”

When Kesha Ram, a former member of the Vermont House and a 2016 candidate for lieutenant governor, first met Sonneborn, she admitted to behaving like “another patronizing adult” by asking him about the “learning experience” of running for o ce.

“He launched right into why the issues matter and what he’s focused on and how we need more diversity of voices at the table,” recalled Ram, who was herself elected to the state legislature at age 21. “He reminded me a little bit of me at that age!”

Indeed, while most of his peers are attending summer camps and going on family vacations, Sonneborn is spending his time giving interviews to reporters from CNN, the Washington Post, the Boston Globe, People and Newsweek He’s also traveling the

state — with his parents as chau eurs — talking to Vermonters about clean water, rural economic development, sensible gun-control legislation and “making sure that we have an economy that works for everyone by raising the minimum wage.”

Kids VT recently interviewed Sonneborn on the Bristol village green where, despite the 90-degree heat, he showed up wearing a sport coat, dress shirt, slacks and a tie. Lest anyone suspect that Sonneborn’s parents pushed him into this campaign as a stunt, a half hour with the former legislative page — six months ago he was delivering phone messages to lawmakers he could soon outrank — will quickly disabuse them of that notion.

“Actually, my dad has never voted,” he said. (His father, Dan Sonneborn, confirmed by email that he considers himself “politically agnostic” with a “fuzzy voting record.”) How does Sonneborn feel about his father’s lack of interest in politics?

Gubernatorial candidate Ethan Sonneborn

“People like my dad are part of the reason I’m running,” he continued. “For a long time, there’s been this stigma around … politicians, that they’re all lying cheaters. I want to reach out to people like my dad who say, ‘What’s the difference? Why should I vote? What does it matter?’ Because our process is overrun with big money and politicians [who] support their donors and lobbyists over constituents.”

Sonneborn’s interest in politics was kindled when he was just 5 years old and came across an old American history anthology at a yard sale in Bristol.

“In that book, I was fascinated by the people who could build coalitions, who were able to bring people together to accomplish a common goal,” he recalled. “The person who personifies that for me is [former U.S. attorney general] Robert Kennedy.”

Sonneborn’s gubernatorial bid began as a homework assignment. In the spring of 2017, while doing research for a seventh-grade class project on the rights and responsibilities of citizens, he discovered that Vermont is one of only two states, along with Kansas, that has no constitutional or statutorily mandated minimum age for its governor. So, after “weighing the pros and cons,” Sonneborn informed his family that he intended to run.

Naturally, his parents were skeptical — not that their son would choose to be a candidate but that he’d be allowed on the ballot. (Dan Sonneborn, an information technology consultant, and Ethan’s mom, Jenna Sonneborn, who works for a local nonprofit, declined interview requests, citing their desire to protect their privacy and that of Ethan’s younger sister, Julia.)

“Once I convinced them that I was eligible, it was pretty smooth sailing,” he said with a smile.

During the school year, Sonneborn enlisted the help of family and friends to launch his candidacy. At times, they joined him at a table on Burlington’s Church Street, where he introduced himself to potential voters. Since school let out in June, he estimated that he’s spending six to seven hours

per day doing “retail politics,” talking to voters at farmers markets, libraries and other public places.

Though he hasn’t raised much money, Sonneborn directs voters to his website where they can make donations.

When Sonneborn discusses his positions on issues, one can hear the influences of his political role models, who include Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), former Vermont governor Howard Dean and former president Barack Obama.

“From day one, I would work with legislative leaders to include a public option in Vermont Health Connect,” Sonneborn said, referring to the state’s federally mandated health

exchange. “And, I want to tackle the opioid epidemic with harm reduction, by prioritizing rehab over imprisonment and treating addiction like the disease it is, instead of a crime.”

Sonneborn’s policy statements aren’t memorized sound bites that he just regurgitates on command. When asked a question, he pauses first to contemplate his answer, but seems comfortable speaking off the cuff. For example, on the day he spoke to Kids VT, the nurses at the University of Vermont Medical Center had just gone on strike. Not only was Sonneborn aware of the labor dispute, he could speak intelligently about the nurses’ demands, and he expressed his “solidarity” with them.

How has the Bristol teen taken to his newfound fame?

“A year ago, if you had told me that I would be someone who could influence the statewide narrative, I would have told you you’re crazy,” he said. “I’m used to it now, but … it still feels surreal sometimes when I send out a press release and it actually gets covered.”

Sonneborn says his biggest challenge in running for office has been “finding a way to show voters that I’m a candidate with practical, progressive ideas who just happens to be 14, instead of a 14-year-old who just happens to have practical, progressive ideas.”

To help with that, Sonneborn has sought the advice of another young candidate running for office: Jack Bergeson, a 17-year-old fellow Democrat and one of six teens running for governor of Kansas this year.

“We have a solid working relationship now,” Sonneborn said of Bergeson. “We talk frequently about our campaigns.” Sonneborn said that the Wichita teen plans to visit Vermont in August and, possibly, campaign with him.

Even if Sonneborn wins the primary, he would still have to defeat one of the nation’s most popular governors, incumbent Republican Gov. Phil Scott, in the November general election. If he doesn’t win, Sonneborn said he’ll definitely run for office again, though his next campaign will likely be for high school student council which, he admitted, “would be humbling” after this year’s highprofile race.

As Attorney General Donovan put it, “My prediction [is] this is not the last political campaign for young Ethan.”

If Sonneborn were to be elected governor, he would face yet another significant hurdle before taking office: State and federal child labor laws make it illegal for a 14-year-old to work more than three hours a day during the school year.

“Yeah, that’s definitely something to consider,” Sonneborn mused. “I would have to look more into that … It’s a bridge we’ll cross when we get there.” K

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ETHAN SONNEBORN

A year ago, if you had told me that I would be someone who could influence the statewide narrative, I would have told you you’re crazy.

14-YEAR-OLD GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE ETHAN SONNEBORN

Sonneborn speaking at a Vermont library

Sonneborn campaigning on Church Street in Burlington

Barnyard Buddies Week to Week

chickens and partake in hands-on children’s activities at FAMILY FUN DAY. Wednesday, August 15, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Boston Post Dairy, Enosburg Falls.

Magnificent Mammals Day: Nature lovers learn about the amazing lives of furry friends through hands-on activities, a puppet show, exhibits and crafts. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Quechee.

Kids Triathlon: Young athletes ages 4-11 swim, cycle and run, nurturing self-confidence, good health and community spirit. 9 a.m.noon, St. Albans City Pool.

Early Childhood Day at the Beach & Flash Mob: Community members and Let’s Grow Kids host a family day of swimming and sand play, including a performance by Mr. Chris from Music for Sprouts, a Kids Out Loud! flash mob, and an opportunity to mingle and converse with Vermont legislators. 4-7 p.m., North Beach, Burlington.

1 Wednesday

ADDISON

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

CALEDONIA

Kindness Rocks Hardwick: Avid artists of all ages drop in and paint rocks with positive messages, then hide these sweet sayings around town. Materials provided; participants welcome to bring their own rocks. Jeudevine Memorial Library, Hardwick, 10 a.m. Info, 472-5948. FREE

CHITTENDEN

Art Play Day: Little ones and caregivers drop in and get messy with multiple materials to spark imagination. Ages 18 months to 5 years. Radiate Art Space, Richmond, 8:45-10:15 a.m., $4 per child; $6 max per family.

Booktivity: Based on the summer reading theme, imaginative kiddos get crafty each Wednesday with a hands-on project. Ages 5 and up. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 3-4 p.m., preregister. Info, 264-5660. FREE

Family Game Day: Grownups and youngsters rally for a weekly round of tabletop fun. Free meals available for ages 18 and under. Winooski Memorial Library, 3-6 p.m. Info, 655-6424. FREE

Family Movie Night: A G-rated flick on the big screen and savory snacks amuse film lovers of all ages. Milton Public Library, 6-8 p.m. Info, 893-4644. FREE

Five Corners Farmers Market: Downtown shoppers fill their baskets with locally grown fresh foods, agricultural products and handmade crafts. Five Corners, Essex Junction, 4-7:30 p.m.

From Page to Stage: Avid actors choose a book and turn it into a play for family and friends. Showtime at 5:10 p.m. Grades 1-5. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 4-5:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Lake Champlain Chocolates Ice Cream Lawn Social: In celebration of its 35th anniversary, this chocolate company hosts an ice cream social every Wednesday of the summer, with sweet stuff from their new ice cream truck, a guest food truck, lawn games and more. Lake Champlain Chocolates, Burlington, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Info, 864-1808.

FREE

Paint What You Hear: Junior artists make masterpieces inspired by music. Ages 5 and up. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 11 a.m.-noon, preregister. Info, 878-4918. FREE

Pebble Art Workshop: Clever kids get creative with crafts. Ages 10-12. Milton Public Library, 10-11 a.m., preregister. Info, 893-4644. FREE

Special Summer Pajama Story Time: Library lovers of all ages cozy up for bedtime tales, cookies and milk. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Info, 264-5660. FREE

Classes

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

EVOKIDS AND EVOBABIES YOGA CLASSES: Now in Burlington and Essex Junction! Register now for our fall sessions of baby and kids yoga, ages 6 weeks to teen. Weekday and weekend classes available in both locations: Evolution Family Yoga Center, 20 Kilburn St., Burlington and 37 Lincoln Street, Essex Junction. Info, evolutionprenatalandfamily.com.

PRENATAL & POSTNATAL YOGA CLASSES

AT EVOLUTION PRENATAL 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 6 weeks or later in your postpartum time (until baby is crawling). No yoga experience necessary. Prenatal Yoga: Saturdays, 11:30 a.m.; Sundays, 10:15 a.m.; Mondays, 5:45 p.m.; Tuesdays, 4:15 p.m.; Wednesdays, 5:45 p.m.; Thursdays, 12:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:15 p.m. Postnatal Yoga: Sundays, 12:15 p.m.; Tuesdays, 10 a.m.; Thursdays, 10:45 a.m.; Fridays, 8:15 a.m. Drop-ins welcome, $15/ class, $130/10 class pass, or $75/ monthly unlimited. Location: Evolution Prenatal Yoga Center, 20 Kilburn Street, Burlington. Info, evolutionprenatalandfamily.com.

BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU: The future of our nation lies in the courage, confidence and determination of its people. Our Kids BJJ Program promotes selfesteem, self-confidence, character development and a physical outlet with discipline, cooperation with other children, respect for peers and adults, perseverance and a healthy lifestyle. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will help your kids to learn realistic bullyproofing and self-defense skills that they can use for the rest of their lives!

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

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 and a short loop for ages 8 and under, beginning at 6 p.m. Catamount Outdoor Family Center, Williston, $4-12; free for kids under 8. Info, 879-6001.

Wildflowers Open Studio: With rotating weekly themes, little ones in play clothes check out paint exploration, tinkering, sensory play and open-ended art. Ages 1-12. Wildflowers Studio, Essex, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $15 per child; $5 each additional child; unlimited summer membership $75. Info, 662-2001.

FRANKLIN

Community Gardening: Green thumbs enjoy earthy and educational activities. Highgate Public Library, Highgate Center, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., preregister for a day, a week or the whole season. Info, 868-3970. FREE Fit Moms: Expectant mamas work out together, preparing for labor with cardio, strength, stretching and breathing. Northwestern Medical Center, St. Albans, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Info, 288-1141. FREE

Make a String Instrument: Mini musicians create a craft and explore tension and pitch. Ages 4 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 11 a.m.-noon, preregister. Info, 849-2420. FREE

GRAND ISLE

Champlain Islands Farmers Market: Growers, specialty food businesses and artisans sell their homemade wares. St. Rose of Lima Parish, South Hero, 3-6 p.m.

RUTLAND

Libraries Rock! Summer Reading Program: Youngsters on summer break gather at the library for weekly events, from art projects to music making. Check the website for details. Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington, 1-2 & 4:30-5:30 p.m. Info, 422-9765. FREE

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. Info, 342-4727.

ORANGE

Randolph Lego Wednesdays: Aspiring architects construct creatively while chatting. Kimball Public Library, Randolph, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Info, 728-5073. FREE

ORLEANS

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

WASHINGTON

Marshfield Wednesday Morning Program: Vacationing kids soak up storytime, followed by a 10:30 a.m. activity and free lunch. Ages 7 and under. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 10-11:30 a.m. Info, 426-3581. FREE

WINDSOR

Afternoon Art: Mixed Media & Crafts: Amateur artists engage in multiple mediums and enjoy each other’s company. Ages 5-12. ArtisTree/Purple Crayon, South Pomfret, 1-4 p.m., $20; preregister. Info, 457-3500.

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. Info, 457-3555.

2 Thursday CALEDONIA

Peacham Farmers Market: Local vendors spread their wares of organic produce, meat, eggs, maple products, baked goods, ice cream, crafts — with live music and kids activities, too. Peacham Village Green, 3-7 p.m. Info, 592-3118.

CHITTENDEN

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

LCATV Young Producers Video Day Camp: Aspiring Spielbergs experiment using film equipment, then create a feature program with Lake Champlain Access Television. Ages 8-9. Milton Public Library, 1-3 p.m., preregister. Info, 893-4644.

Millie the Bookmobile: Families stopping by the farmer’s market visit the bookmobile, browse a literary sale and listen to stories. Milton Farmers Market, 3:30-7 p.m. Info, 893-4644. FREE

Rock Around the World: Teens and seniors prepare an international meal together, then compete in mixed groups in a “Name that Song” intergenerational competition. Essex Senior Center, Essex Junction, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., preregister. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Vermont Lake Monsters: Our own local heroes read stories and sign your memorabilia. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 11 a.m., preregister. Info, 264-5660. FREE

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

FRANKLIN

Community Gardening: See August 1.

DIY Musical Instruments: Crafty kiddos create music from cardboard. St. Albans Free Library, 2 p.m. Info, 524-1507. FREE

Franklin Lego Thursdays: Kiddie constructionists combine their imagination with the library’s supplies. Haston Library, Franklin, 1-6 p.m. Info, 285-6505.

Maker Space: Innovative kids drop in during this engineering time, build with toys and recycled materials, create circuits with batteries, lights and motors and check out DIY musical instrument projects. Bent Northrop Memorial Library, Fairfield, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Info, 827-3945.

AUGUST CALENDAR

2 Thursday (cont.)

Musical Instrument Petting Zoo: Curious kids of all ages drop in and check out a variety of orchestral, folk and international instruments with help from local musicians. Fairfax Community Library, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Info, 849-2420. FREE

Fairs & Festivals

FRANKLIN COUNTY FIELD DAYS: Families

find fun in ag events and exhibits, as well as an ATV drag race, live music, a horse and pony pull and a midway. Franklin County Field Day Grounds, Highgate, THURSDAY, AUG. 2 TO SUNDAY, AUG. 5 $10. Info, 238-4904.

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, THURSDAYS, 5:30-8 P.M. , food and drink available for purchase. Info, 660-0440.

TRUCKS, TAPS & TUNES: This community truck stop features good eats each week, live music and kid-friendly fun. Essex Experience, Essex Junction, THURSDAYS, 5-8 P.M. , free admission. Info, 857-284-4825.

ADAMANT CO-OP FRIDAY NIGHT COOKOUT: Rain or shine, hungry families spread out a blanket and picnic on grill items, seasonal salads and decadent desserts around the waterfall. Adamant Co-op, FRIDAYS, 5:30-7 P.M. THROUGH AUG. 24, $10 per meal. Info, 223-5760.

ARTSRIOT TRUCK STOP BURLINGTON: Foodie families enjoy an eclectic array of local grub and live music during this hip block party. ArtsRiot, Burlington, FRIDAYS, 5-10 P.M. cost for food. Info, 540-0406.

FESTIVAL OF FOOLS: Wacky entertainers take over the Queen City with mindboggling circus arts, music and comedy at four mainstage locations. Check website for specific schedule. Downtown Burlington, FRIDAY, AUG. 3 TO SUNDAY, AUG. 5 donations accepted. Info, 865-5355.

DOG MOUNTAIN SUMMER DOG PARTY: Canine lovers beat the heat with a summer bash, including live music by Chris White from White Steer. Dog Mountain, St Johnsbury, SATURDAY, AUG. 4, NOON-4 P.M. Info, 800-449-2580. FREE

DUCT TAPE REGATTA: Homemade boats constructed from cardboard and duct tape race competitively, while spectators comfortably lounge on the grass. Registration opens at 9 a.m.; races begin at 10 a.m. Hero’s Welcome General Store, North Hero, SATURDAY, AUG. 4, free to watch; $10 per boat. Info, 372-4161.

St. Albans Circle of Parents for Foster & Adoptive Families: Parents share childrearing stories to strengthen skills and build strong families. Franklin County Seniors Center, St. Albans, 5:30-7:30 p.m., preregister. Info, 524-1700. FREE Weekly Trail Runs: Athletes of all ages and abilities break a sweat at their own pace in a 5K race, 3K walk/run or 1K kids run. Hard’ack, St. Albans, 6-7:30 p.m., $4-6; kids 1K is free. Info, 524-1500, ext. 266.

ORLEANS

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

The Lunchbox Summer Meal Program in Newport: Children ages 18 and under receive nutritious, locally sourced meals at no cost from this mobile kitchen. Food available for purchase for adults. Gardner Memorial Park, Newport, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Info, 334-2044.

VERMONT ANTIQUE & CLASSIC CAR SHOW:

ORLEANS COUNTY FAIR:

EAT UP ON THE GREEN AT CAMP MEADE: Live music, art, food trucks and libations make for a merry summer evening. Camp Meade, Middlesex, SUNDAYS, 4-9 P.M. Info, 496-2108. FREE

JEWISH FOOD FAIR: Hungry visitors sample Eastern European, Sephardic and Israeli dishes and decadent desserts, check out a mini craft fair and songs and stories for tots at 11:30 a.m. Ohavi Zedek Synagogue, Burlington, SUNDAY, AUG. 5, 11 A.M.-2 P.M., free admission; food, crafts and clothing available for purchase. Info, 864-0218.

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 organizations supporting cancer survivors and supporters. Waterfront Park, Burlington, SUNDAY, AUG. 5, 8:15 A.M.-4 P.M. free to spectate. Info, 999-5478.

ADDISON COUNTY FAIR & FIELD DAYS:

Vermont’s largest ag fair includes a barnyard for pint-sized 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, TUESDAY, AUG. 7 TO SATURDAY, AUG. 11, $5-12 daily admission; $15-45 for season pass; free admission for children under 6; $12-20 for a ride bracelet. Info, 545-2557.

SOBU NITE OUT: Festive-minded folks flock to the park for a fête of live music and food trucks. Veterans Memorial Park, South Burlington, THURSDAY, AUG. 9, 5-8 P.M. AND THURSDAY, AUG. 23, 5-8 P.M. Info, 846-4108.

NEWPORT’S FRIDAY NIGHT SHUFFLE: The community comes out for a summer downtown stroll to enjoy live music, art exhibits and specials at local eateries. Various locations, Newport, FRIDAY, AUG. 10, 5-8:30 P.M. Info, 988-2611.

SUMMER CELEBRATION: WonderArts gets a summer shindig jamming with live music by Cookie’s Hot Club, a cash bar by the Craftsbury General Store and finger foods from local producers. Greensboro Barn, FRIDAY, AUG. 10, 5:30-8 P.M., suggested donation $10-20. Info, 533-9370.

Automobile lovers admire vehicles from yesteryear, with a Saturday 3:30 p.m. parade and an evening dance party in Waterbury near the restored railway station. Farr Field, Waterbury, FRIDAY, AUG. 10 TO SUNDAY, AUG. 12, 7 A.M., $12 per person per day; free for children under 13. Info, 751-9688.

NORTH BEACH CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION: The community parties at the beach all weekend, with festivities including inflatables and face painting from noon-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, a sand sculpture birthday castle, live music, giveaways, a memorial tree and plaque unveiling, an outdoor movie on the beach Saturday night and more. North Beach, Burlington, SATURDAY, AUG. 11 AND SUNDAY, AUG. 12, food and drink available to purchase. Info, 864-0123. FREE

SPRUCE PEAK FOLK FESTIVAL: This full day, family-friendly musical affair keeps summer jamming, with featured guests Josh Ritter & The Royal City Band, Anaïs Mitchell, and Daniel Rodriguez of Elephant Revival. Vermont buskers fill the limelight from 1-3 p.m. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, Stowe, SATURDAY, AUG. 11, 1-8 P.M. $15-35; food available for purchase. Info, 760-4634.

Agricultural demonstrations — from horse shows to oxen pulls — figure prominently in this annual celebration, also featuring arts and crafts, carnival rides, live music, aerial shows and a demolition derby. See orleanscountyfair.net for event schedule. Orleans County Fair Grounds, Barton, WEDNESDAY, AUG. 15 TO SUNDAY, AUG. 19, $5-12; free for children under 4; $15 ride bracelet; $5 parking fee; $3-5 for demolition derby. Info, 525-3555.

OPEN FARM DAY: Families check out this farm’s live entertainment, fresh and locally prepared food, a petting zoo, agricultural activities, educational games and a shopping venue with over 40 vendors. Tail Feather Farm, Middlebury, FRIDAY, AUG. 17, 3-7 P.M. Info, 683-6436.

PARKAPALOOZA: Live music, a giant slip ‘n slide and a community BBQ trailer fired up for folks to grill their own picnic fixings make for family fun in the park. Hubbard Park, Montpelier, SUNDAY, AUG. 19, 3-6 P.M. Info, 225-8694. FREE

MIDDLEBURY NEW FILMMAKERS FESTIVAL:

KIDS AND FAMILY DAY: Family-friendly flicks enchant the audience with showings at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. with popcorn, cookies and drinks. Kids activities and games throughout the day add more merriment. Marquis Theater, Middlebury, WEDNESDAY, AUG. 22, 10 A.M.-6 P.M., $5-10; free for children under 8; food available for purchase. Info, 202-957-2553.

OPEN FARM WEEK: This week-long celebration of local agriculture features hands-on farm activities, from a children’s garden party to a morning music session. Check diginvt.com for specific dates, times and locations. Various locations statewide, MONDAY, AUG. 13, TO SUNDAY, AUG. 19, fee for some activities.

FREE

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. Vermont State Fairgrounds, Rutland, TUESDAY, AUG. 14, 1-11 P.M. AND WEDNESDAY, AUG. 15

TO SATURDAY, AUG. 18, 8 A.M.-11 P.M. $5-10; free for children under 7; free parking on the fairgrounds; additional fee for midway. Info, 775-5200.

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. Champlain Valley Expo, Essex Junction, FRIDAY, AUG. 24 TO SUNDAY, SEP. 2, $5-12; free for children under 5; 25% off advance discount tickets available at Price Chopper Stores; ride bracelets $30; additional tickets required for grandstand concerts. Info, 878-5545.

VERGENNES DAY: The Little City is big fun! A Friday night art walk and street dance is followed on Saturday with a pancake breakfast, the Little City Road Race, bandstand music, a large craft fair, horse and wagon rides and more. Detailed schedule posted on website. Vergennes City Park, FRIDAY, AUG. 24, 7-10 P.M. AND SATURDAY, AUG. 25, 10 A.M.-3 P.M., some fees apply. Info, 388-7951.

Dragon Boat Festival

SUBMIT YOUR SEPTEMBER EVENTS FOR PRINT BY AUGUST 15 AT KIDSVT.COM OR CALENDAR@KIDSVT.COM

WASHINGTON

Hamel Family Puppet Show & Craft

Time: Little library-goers are amused by an animated performance, followed by an artsy project. Ages 3 and up. Waterbury Public Library, 10:15 a.m., preregister. Info, 244-7036. FREE

WINDSOR

Afternoon Art: Mixed Media & Crafts: See August 1.

3 Friday

ADDISON

Rockin’ Rhythms! with Saragail

Benjamin: Master drummer and author Saragail Benjamin brings drums for kids of all ages to bang out a creative story together. Bixby Memorial Library, Vergennes, 10-10:45 a.m. Info, 877-2211. FREE

CALEDONIA

Hardwick Farmers Market: Local produce, plants, artisan cheese, syrup and more fill shoppers’ market baskets. Diverse dinner fare available. Atkins Field, Hardwick, 3-6 p.m. Info, 832-603-9334.

CHITTENDEN

Burger Night: Picnickers bring a blanket or chair to this local feast of grilled fromthe-land fare and festive music. Bread and Butter Farm, Shelburne, 4:30-7:30 p.m., $10-25; season’s passes $25-90; preregistration required this year. Info, 985-9200.

Essex Junction Big Latch On: Hosted locally by the Chittenden County Breastfeeding Coalition, this worldwide event honors nursing mothers and supporters with a latch-on at 10:30 a.m. Kids’ activities, face painting and sweet treats for all make this a merry morning. Sand Hill Park, Essex, 9 a.m.-noon. Info, 318-5437. FREE

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

Kids’ Night Out: While parents take wellearned time off, kids delight in dinner and fun. Ages 3-12. Greater Burlington YMCA, 6-8:30 p.m., $10-19; preregister. Info, 862-9622.

Magic: The Gathering: Planeswalkers seek knowledge and glory in this tradingcard game. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6-8 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE Screech and Hoot: The Science of Bird Communication: The Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences shares an up-close encounter with talkative hawks, falcons and owls. Young naturalists practice identifying raptors by their calls, learn what these hoots might mean and how these sounds are made. Ages 5 and up. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 3 p.m., preregister. Info, 264-5660. FREE

FRANKLIN

Concert Special: David Rosane & the Zookeepers: This Green Mountain folk-rock protest band entertains the audience during its summer-long Library Benefit Tour to raise funds and advocate for literacy, community and freedom of speech. BFA Fairfax, 7 p.m. Info, 849-2420. FREE

ORLEANS

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

Looking for a playgroup?

Check out our bountiful list at kidsvt.com/ playgroups

Evolution Yoga at Adam’s Berry Farm: Families drop in to the farm for fitness stretching with EvoKids yoga. All ages. Adam’s Organic Berry Farm, Charlotte, 9:30-10:15 a.m., $10-15 per family; preregister. Info, 598-9093.

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

Family Jam: With a fun-based motto of “Anything Goes,” kids launch into a variety of instructor-led activities on the water, including SUP disc golf, hula hooping, surf skiing, jousting and various balance games. All ages. Oakledge Park, Burlington, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $12 per child; parents paddle free. Info, 881-4905.

Family Paint Night: Moms, dads and kids take pleasure in painting together with themed suggestions. Davis Studio, South Burlington, 6-7:30 p.m., $25 per person; preregister. Info, 425-2700.

WASHINGTON

Family Fun Night: Family-focused activities alternate, from a magic show to a hands-on didgeridoo demonstration. See website for specifics. All ages. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 6:30 p.m. Info, 426-3581. FREE

WINDSOR

Bethel First Friday Flicks: Families flock together for free films on the first Friday of each month. Seating available or bring blankets and beanbags. Bethel Town Hall, 6:30-8:30 p.m., donations accepted; popcorn and drinks available for purchase. Info, 234-6305.

First Friday: Vegan Potluck: Hungry folks bring a dish to share and pursue the store’s vegan-based books. Phoenix Books Misty Valley, Chester, 5:30-7 p.m., free to attend; a portion of book sales benefit VINE vegan farm animal sanctuary. Info, 875-3400.

Foodways Fridays: Guests tour the heirloom garden, then watch as veggies make their way into historic recipes prepared in the 1890 farmhouse kitchen, with different menus every Friday.

Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., regular museum admission, $4-16; free for children under 3. Info, 457-2355.

Now enrolling for 2017-18, grades K-8 802-658-4164 » www.theschoolhousevt.org

Now enrolling for 2018-19, grades K-8

Research Opportunity for Participants With and Without Autism

Researchers at the University of Vermont (Burlington, VT) are studying how language and cognition may differ between individuals with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Results may be used to help design and develop education and training programs for individuals with ASD.

Who qualifies?

• Children and adults (ages 5-75) without a history of traumatic brain injury, neurological disorder, psychiatric disorder, substance abuse, or learning disability

• Children and adults (ages 5-75) with a professional diagnosis of ASD—including autism, autism spectrum disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, or Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)

What is involved?

Testing will take place at the research lab in Burlington, VT (although some testing may take place elsewhere upon request). The study will take approximately 3 hours in total.

• Participants will complete an initial screening session (approximately 2 hours) to assess eligibility. This will include questionnaires, behavioral tasks, and interview questions.

• Participants will also complete a testing session which may involve reading words or sentences, listening to stories, or viewing pictures.

• During these tasks, electroencephalography (EEG) may also be recorded. EEG is a non-invasive method of recording brain activity and involves wearing an elastic cap on the head which is soaked in a salt-water solution.

• Eye movement monitoring may also be performed while participants perform computer tasks. Eye-tracking is a non-invasive method of tracking the location of the pupil and involves placing the chin in a chin rest to minimize head movement.

Compensation: Participants will be compensated $15 per hour for study participation (prorated for partial completion of the study). Parking costs will be reimbursed. Participants under age 18 will receive compensation in the form of a gift card or an age-appropriate toy. If interested, participants will also receive the results of the study.

Interested in participating? Questions?

If you are interested in participating or would like to learn more, please contact Emily Coderre, the principal investigator, at Emily.Coderre@med.uvm.edu or (802) 656-0202.

Does your kid ever feel like a square peg in a round hole?

At The S choolhou se, we love all kinds of shapes.

AUGUST CALENDAR

4 Saturday

ADDISON

Middlebury Farmers Market: See August 1.

CALEDONIA

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

Family Art-Making: At the farmers market, children and caregivers check out creative activities led by local artists, with projects including collage and painting. Geared towards ages 6 and under, but all are welcome. St. Johnsbury Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Info, 748-2600, ext. 108. FREE

Live Performances

BURLINGTON SUMMER CONCERTS: The lunch crowd soaks up open-air performances held twice a week. Check burlingtoncityarts.org for specific lineup. Burlington City Hall Park, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS, NOON. Info, 865-7166.

CRAFTSBURY CHAMBER PLAYERS MINICONCERT 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, WEDNESDAYS, 4 P.M. THROUGH AUG. 15. Info, 800-639-3443. FREE

‘A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM’: 18 teen thespians from the Rutland Youth Theatre perform selected scenes from the Bard’s beloved romance about lovers who are manipulated by the forest fairies. The Gables at East Mountain, Rutland, WEDNESDAY, AUG. 1, 6:30 P.M. Info, 591-0041. FREE

SHELBURNE TOWN CONCERT SERIES: Festive folks relax on summer evenings with live music, a picnic from home, or fresh food prepared from farm fare. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Shelburne Farms, WEDNESDAY, AUG, 1, 6:30-8 P.M., donations accepted for Town of Shelburne Recreation Department. Info, 985-9551.

VERY MERRY THEATRE FUNDRAISER: ‘THE WIZ’: Families savor a picnic dinner from home, a complimentary dessert served by the cast and a performance by teen thespians in this annual fundraiser for Very Merry Theatre. Doors open at 5 p.m.; showtime at 6:30 p.m. Shelburne Farms, WEDNESDAY, AUG. 1, 5 P.M., suggested donation $10-25; free for children under 13. Info, 355-1461.

WINOOSKI WEDNESDAYS: City folks sprawl out in the evening with live music, downtown specials and free meals for kids under 18. Rain location is Monkey House. Rotary Park, Winooski, FIRST WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 6-8 P.M. food and drink available to purchase. Info, 777-1621. FREE

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, THURSDAY, AUG. 2, 2 P.M. Info, 800-6393443. FREE

HUNGER MOUNTAIN CO-OP BROWN BAG SUMMER CONCERTS: Music lovers take in an open-air noontime concert. Christ Church Courtyard, Montpelier, THURSDAYS, NOON,AUG. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30., Info, 223-9604. FREE

LANG FARM FAMILY CONCERT SERIES: Rain or shine, families spread out a picnic blanket for summer festivities including live music, local vendors and fresh food, a children’s activity tent by Wildflowers Studio and a cash bar. The Barns at Lang Farm, Essex Junction, THURSDAYS, 5:30-8 P.M. THROUGH AUG. 16. Info, 662-2101. FREE

MARSHFIELD SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: Picnickers settle down for the evening with a family-friendly band, a local food truck and the library’s bake and book sale. Old Schoolhouse Common Gazebo, Marshfield, THURSDAYS, 6:30-8:30 P.M. THROUGH AUG. 16. Info, 426-3581. FREE

OWL’S HEAD MUSIC NIGHT: Weather permitting, berry pickers groove to local bands while gathering nature’s little treasures and enjoying a picnic dinner from home. Fields open at 5 p.m.; music begins at 6 p.m. Space is limited.

Owl’s Head Blueberry Farm, Richmond, TUESDAYS ANDTHURSDAYS,THROUGH

AUG. 16; two-quart minimum blueberry purchase for entry. Info, 434-3387.

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, THURSDAYS. THROUGH AUG. 30. Info, 372-9463.

CHITTENDEN

Burlington Farmers Market: Growers and artisans offer fresh and ready-to-eat foods, crafts and more in a bustling marketplace. Burlington City Hall Park, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Info, 310-5172.

Family Movie Night: Moms, dads and kiddos bring blankets and pillows and relax with a family-friendly flick and refreshments. Ages 6 months to 8 years with caregivers. Greater Burlington YMCA, 6-8 p.m., $10 per family; preregister. Info, 862-9622.

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

Saturday Swim with Shabbat Songs: Families with babies and small ones share a summer afternoon of swimming, splashing, singing and socializing. Oakledge Park, Burlington, 4-6 p.m., bring a vegetarian potluck dish to share. Info, 864-0218. FREE

FARM TO BALLET AT RETREAT FARM: Art and agriculture come together in this dance performance celebrating Vermont’s farming culture. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. to visit animals and enjoy indoor and outdoor play spaces. Bring a blanket or chairs. Fare available from local food trucks. Retreat Farm, Brattleboro, SUNDAY, AUG. 5, 5 P.M., $20; free for children under 13 if pre-purchased; $10-25 day of event.

BROWN BAG CONCERT SERIES: Community members spread out their picnic dinners and blankets while listening to regional musicians. Food and wine available for sale. Woodstock History Center, FRIDAYS, 5:30 P.M. Donations accepted for the Woodstock Community Food Shelf. Info, 457-3981.

‘TILLY THE TRICKSTER’: Based on the children’s book by Molly Shannon, this musical amuses the crowd with the antics of a mischievous girl who struggles to change her ways. McCarthy Arts Center, St. Michael’s College, Colchester, FRIDAY, AUG. 3, 10 A.M. & 2 P.M., SATURDAY, AUG. 4, 10 A.M. AND SUNDAY, AUG. 5, 10 A.M. & 2 P.M. $10. Info, 654-2281.

FARM TO BALLET IN WOODSTOCK: 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. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and a picnic dinner, or purchase locally sourced farm fare. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, SATURDAY, AUG. 4, 6:30 P.M., $20-25; free for children under 13 if pre-purchased, $10 for children’s tickets purchased on day of performance. Info, 457-2355.

BREAD & PUPPET PERFORMANCE: The renowned politically oriented theatrical company performs new works, with live music and papier-mâché puppets. Bread and Puppet Museum, Glover, SUNDAYS, 2:30 P.M. THROUGH AUG. 26, suggested donation $10. Info, 525-3031.

BURLINGTON CONCERT BAND SUMMER SERIES: Music lovers unpack a picnic dinner and enjoy a Sunday evening performance. Battery Park, Burlington, SUNDAYS, 7-8:30 P.M. THROUGH AUG. 12. Info, 864-0123. FREE

LEVITT AMP CONCERT SERIES AT DOG MOUNTAIN: Produced by Catamount Arts, these family and canine-friendly Sundays at Dog Mountain include four-legged agility exhibitions and musical pre-performances beginning at 2 p.m., food truck vendors, games and activities, with the main stage shows from 4-7 p.m. The Stephen Huneck Art Gallery opens at 10 a.m. Dog Mountain, St Johnsbury, SUNDAYS, 4-7 P.M. Food and drink available for purchase. Info, 800-449-2580. FREE

MUSIC IN THE MEADOW: Sunset over the mountains burnishes the backdrop for an outdoor concert, with ample picnicking space. Gates open two hours before performance. Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe, SUNDAY, AUG. 5, 7 P.M. Info, 253-5720. FREE

MUSIC IN THE PARK BY LC JAZZ: Bring a chair and soak up a variety of Swing Big Band music by Little City Jazz in the park. Vergennes City Park, MONDAYS, 7 P.M. THROUGH AUG. 20 FREE

CASTLETON SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: Listeners enjoy a live performance under open skies. Castleton University, TUESDAYS, 7 P.M. THROUGH AUG. 14. Info, 800-639-8521. FREE

RANDOLPH COMMUNITY CONCERT SERIES: Families, friends and neighbors bring lawn chairs and blankets for an evening of fun, live bands — varying each week from country to jazz — and food for sale by area nonprofits. Gifford Park, Randolph, TUESDAYS, 6 P.M. THROUGH AUG. 21. Info, 728-2380. FREE

STOWE GAZEBO CONCERT: Musicians make a merry outdoor evening. Check website for specific performers. Stowe Free Library, TUESDAYS, 6-7 P.M. THROUGH AUG. 14, donations accepted. Info, 253-5555.

Hunger Mountain Co-op Brown Bag Summer Concerts

SUBMIT YOUR SEPTEMBER EVENTS FOR PRINT BY AUGUST 15 AT KIDSVT.COM OR CALENDAR@KIDSVT.COM

Village Green, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Info, 482-4279.

FRANKLIN

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

Shelburne Farmers Market: Musical entertainment adds merriment to this exchange of local fruits, veggies, herbs, crafts, maple syrup and more. Shelburne

COMMUNITY EVENINGS AT THE FARM: Families bring a picnic or buy some farm-fresh fare and Sisters of Anarchy ice cream, then settle on blankets for live music. Gates open for picnicking at 5:30 p.m. Shelburne Farms, WEDNESDAYS, 6-8 P.M. Local food prepared onsite available for purchase. Info, 985-8686. FREE

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, THURSDAYS, AUG. 9 & 16, 2 P.M. Info, 800-639-3443. FREE

‘THERE ONCE WAS...’: This family-friendly creative performance features professional actors, directors and musicians who share Irish stories of fickle fairies, rowdy ghosts, forlorn selkies and magic-wielding priests. Spice Studio, Rochester, THURSDAY, AUG. 9, 7:30 P.M., FRIDAY, AUG. 10, 7:30 P.M., SATURDAY, AUG. 11, 2 & 7:30 P.M. AND SUNDAY, AUG. 12, 2 P.M., $10. Info, 767-4800.

NIGHT AT THE FARM: Families spread out their picnic blankets for a summer evening of live music, food truck fare and the farm’s own Sisters of Anarchy Ice Cream. Fisher Brothers Farm, Shelburne, FRIDAY, AUG. 10, 6-8 P.M., food available for purchase. Info, 846-7370.

‘SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL’: The theater’s youth intensive camp gets the crowd clapping as Dr. Seuss’ beloved characters — including Horton the Elephant and the Cat in the Hat — collide and cavort in a musical caper. Lost Nation Theater, Montpelier City Hall Auditorium, FRIDAY, AUG. 10, 7 P.M., SATURDAY, AUG. 11, 2 & 7 P.M. AND SUNDAY, AUG. 12, 11 A.M. & 2 P.M., $5-10. Info, 229-0492.

VERMONT YOUTH ORCHESTRA +

PHILHARMONIA: Families settle in the park for a picnic and enjoy this youth orchestra performance, part of Burlington City Arts’ Summer Concert Series. Burlington City Hall Park, FRIDAY, AUG. 10, 3-4 P.M. Info, 655-5030. FREE

Science of Sound: Mr. K of Exordium leads an interactive science program about auditory mysteries. Fairfax Community Library, 10 a.m., preregister. Info, 849-2420. FREE

FARM TO BALLET IN WOLCOTT: Art and agriculture come together in this dance performance celebrating Vermont’s farming culture. Doors open at 5 p.m. for picnicking or farm dinner fare and self-guided tours. Bring a blanket or chair. Sandiwood Farm, Wolcott, SATURDAY, AUG. 11, 6:30

P.M., $20; free for children under 13 if pre-purchased: $10-25 day of event.

FARM TO BALLET IN ESSEX: Arts and agriculture come together in this dance performance celebrating Vermont agriculture on the farm which inspired the beloved children’s book Sweet Pea & Friends. Doors open at 5 p.m. Bring a picnic or purchase farm dinner fare. Moonrise Farm, Essex Junction, SUNDAY, AUG. 12, 6 P.M., $20; free for children under 13 if prepurchased: $10-25 day of event.

VERMONT PHILHARMONIC’S SUMMER

POPS CONCERT: Under the direction of Lou Kosma, the orchestra entertains the audience with soloist Marc Dalio, a student performance by French horn player Thomas Bergeron and ‘Traffic Lights’ by student composer Grace Carlomagno. Gates open for picnicking at 3 p.m. Moose Meadow Lodge, Waterbury, SUNDAY, AUG. 12, 4 P.M., $5-20. Info, 229-4191.

MILTON MUSIC IN THE PARK: Families settle down with a picnic basket and lawn chairs while listening to live bands. Bombardier Park, Milton, TUESDAY, AUG. 14, 7 P.M. Info, 893-4111.

FREE

CIRCUS SMIRKUS BIG TOP TOUR IN MONTPELIER: High-flying feats into the wild blue yonder abound as Smirkus Troupers ages 10 to 18 dazzle crowds with jugglers, high-larious clowns, and airborne aerialists, with a theme of “Vaudeville!” – a celebration of the grand American tradition of variety entertainment. Montpelier High School, WEDNESDAY, AUG. 15 TO FRIDAY, AUG. 17, 1 & 6 P.M. $16-22; free for children under 2. Info, 877-764-7587.

CIRCUS SMIRKUS BIG TOP TOUR IN 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 2018 season finale. The Circus Barn, Greensboro, SUNDAY, AUG. 19, 1 & 6 P.M., $16-22; free for children under 2. Info, 877-764-7587.

Oak Meadow is

trusted

option for K-12 homeschooling and distance learning. Stay home this fall and rediscover the joy of learning. Our �lexible curriculum and accredited distance school will challenge, inspire, and support you.

∙ K-4 is child-led, experiential, and nature-based.

∙ 5-8 fosters autonomy, curiosity, and intellectual engagement.

4 SATURDAY, P.40

AUGUST CALENDAR

New Parents

BURLINGTON EARLY MONTHS INFANT MASSAGE: This mother-infant group includes baby massage and postpartum new mama support. The Janet S. Munt Family Room, Burlington, WEDNESDAYS, 11 A.M.-NOON. Info, 862-2121. FREE

EVOLUTION PRENATAL YOGA: Mothersto-be build strength, stamina and a stronger connection to their baby. Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, Burlington, SUNDAYS, 10-11:30

A.M., MONDAYS, 5:45-7 P.M., TUESDAYS, 4:15-5:30 P.M., WEDNESDAYS, 5:45-7 P.M., THURSDAYS, 12:30-1:30 P.M., FRIDAYS,

8:15-9:15 A.M., AND SATURDAYS, 11:30 A.M.12:30 P.M., $15 or $130 for 10-class pass. Info, 899-0339.

MIDDLEBURY LA LECHE LEAGUE MEETING AND PLAYGROUP: Families with infants and toddlers socialize and swap nursing stories. Junebug Mother and Child, Middlebury, FIRST WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 10 A.M. Info, 388-1055. FREE

PRENATAL METHOD PRENATAL YOGA: Women prepare for birth through yoga, with a focus on strengthening the body and mind. See prenatalmethod.com for class descriptions. Prenatal Method Studio, Burlington, MONDAYS, 12:15-1:15 P.M., TUESDAYS, 4:30-5:30 P.M., WEDNESDAYS, 12:15-1:15 P.M. THURSDAYS, 4:30-5:30 P.M., AND SATURDAYS, 10:30-11:30 A.M., $15. Info, 829-0211.

ESSEX LA LECHE LEAGUE: Moms bring their bitty ones to a discussion of parenting and breastfeeding. Siblings welcome. Essex Free Library, Essex Junction, FIRST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 6:30-8 P.M., Info, 879-0313. FREE

EVOLUTION POSTNATAL YOGA: New mamas tote their pre-crawling kids to an all-levels flowing yoga class focused on bringing the body back to strength and alignment in a relaxed and nurturing environment. Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, Burlington, SUNDAYS, 12:15-1:30 P.M., TUESDAYS, 11 A.M.-12:15 P.M. THURSDAYS, 10:45-11:55 A.M., AND FRIDAYS, 8:15-9:15 A.M. AND NOON-1 P.M., $15; $130 for a 10-class pass. Info, 899-0339.

HOW TO BREASTFEED PRENATAL CLASS: Expectant mamas and their partners learn the basics of breastfeeding, how to get off to the best start with their baby and where to find assistance when needed. Central Vermont Medical Center, Berlin, FIRST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 8-9:30 A.M. AND FOURTH TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 4:30-6 P.M., preregister. Info, 371-4415. FREE

HYDE PARK BABY CHAT: Parents with babies mingle, learn more about developmental needs and expectations, and have the opportunity to ask questions of a maternal health specialist. Lanpher Memorial Library, Hyde Park, FIRST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 10-11:30 A.M. Info, 888-5229.

NEW PARENTS PLAYGROUP: Families with very small ones support each other, with assistance from staff. Birth Journeys, Burlington, FIRST AND THIRD FRIDAYS OF EVERY MONTH, 10-11:30 A.M. suggested donation $3. Info, 233-7909.

BOSOM BUDDIES: New and expectant mothers, babies and supportive grandmas rally in a relaxed evening, when peers and professionals answer mothering and breastfeeding questions.

Central Vermont Medical Center, Berlin, FIRST MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 5:30-7 P.M. Info, 371-4415. FREE

NEW MOMS SUPPORT & PLAY GROUP: Novice moms and moms-to-be get professional and peer support as they adjust to the ‘new normal’ of motherhood. Babies welcome. Rachel Totten: Counseling for Teen Girls and Women, Williston, MONDAYS, 11 A.M.-12:30 P.M., preregister. Info, 448-0075. FREE

BOSOM BUDDIES TOO: Nursing mamas of toddlers and mobile wee ones socialize and swap supportive stories and advice with peers and professionals. Babies welcome. Central Vermont Medical Center, Berlin, FIRST TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 5:30-7 P.M. Info, 371-4415. FREE

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

PRENATAL YOGA: Moms-to-be stretch and bend. Embodied, Montpelier, TUESDAYS, 6-7:15 P.M., $16 per drop-in class. Info, 778-0300.

MAMA’S CIRCLE BARRE: This supportive gathering brings moms of new babies and toddlers together to foster friendship through unique-but-shared experiences.

Yoga Barre, SECOND FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 9:30-11:30 A.M. Info, 595-7953. FREE

MORRISVILLE BABY CHAT: Parents with babies socialize, learn more about developmental needs and expectations, and have the opportunity to ask questions of a maternal health specialist. Lamoille Family Center, Morrisville, SECOND SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 10-11:30 A.M. Info, 888-5229.

BURLINGTON LA LECHE LEAGUE: New moms bring their babies and questions to a breastfeeding support group. Older children welcome. Lending library available. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, SECOND TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 10:15 A.M. Info, 985-8228. FREE

LA LECHE LEAGUE OF THE NORTHEAST KINGDOM: Expectant, novice and experienced moms join nursing experts for advice and support. Enter through the children’s section of the library. Siblings welcome. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, SECOND TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 10:30 A.M.-NOON. Info, 720-272-8841. FREE

BREASTFEEDING FAMILIES GROUP: Nursing moms (and supportive dads, too!) gather for snacks and advice. Church of the Nazarene, Johnson, THIRD WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 11 A.M.-1 P.M. Info, 888-3470. FREE

LA LECHE LEAGUE OF CENTRAL VERMONT: Breastfeeding mamas swap stories and support each other, with a professional available for consultation. Good Beginnings, Montpelier, THIRD THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 9:30-11:30 A.M. Info, 595-7953. FREE

NURSING BEYOND A YEAR: In a supportive setting, mothers discuss the joys and challenges of breastfeeding children approaching one-year-old and beyond. Good Beginnings, Montpelier, THIRD FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 9:30-11:30 A.M. Info, 595-7953. FREE

TODDLER LA LECHE LEAGUE MEETING: Moms who are nursing beyond a year share stories and solutions to nighttime parenting, mealtime tips, biting, weaning and other topics. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Middlebury, THIRD MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 1:30-2:30 P.M. Info, 388-0363. FREE

BREASTFEEDING CAFÉ: Mamas nurse their babies, chat and ask for answers from a certified lactation consultant. Pregnant women, supportive dads and older siblings welcome. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, THIRD TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 11:30 A.M.-1 P.M. Info, 349-3825. FREE

MOMMY GROUP: Breastfeeding peer counselor Angela Scavo hosts mamas and answers questions in a relaxed setting. Middlebury Recreation Center, FOURTH WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 9:30-10:30 A.M. Info, 349-9084. FREE

BIRTH, ACTIVISM, AND EARLY INTERVENTION: Maria Rossi, founder of The Doula Project, discusses birth activism and early intervention for at-risk mothers with an adult audience. Online, Burlington, SATURDAY, AUG. 25, 8 P.M., $20; free for members of Birth Love Family. Info, 373-8060.

JOHNSON BABY CHAT: Parents with babies mingle, learn more about developmental needs and expectations, and have the opportunity to ask questions of a maternal health specialist. Church of the Nazarene, Johnson, FOURTH TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 10-11:30 A.M. Info, 888-5229. FREE

4 Saturday (cont.)

GRAND ISLE

Champlain Islands Farmers Market: Growers, specialty food businesses and artisans sell their high-quality wares. St. Joseph Church, Grand Isle, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Community Drum Circle: Saragail Benjamin brings drums for participants of all ages to beat out world rhythms and stories. Grand Isle State Park, 7-7:45 p.m., regular park admission, $2-4; free for children under 4. Info, 828-1532.

LAMOILLE

Spanish Musical Kids: Buenos Aires native Constancia Gomez shares stories, singing, dancing and Latin culture with small ones and caregivers. Ages 5 and under. Varnum Memorial Library, Jeffersonville, 10-11 a.m. Info, 644-2117. FREE

RUTLAND

Rutland Farmers Market: See August 1, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

ORLEANS

ACT 1 Theatre Workshop: ‘Yankee Doodle Dandy’: Aspiring thespians hone acting, singing and dancing skills, through the folktale of Yankee Doodle’s feathered hat.

Ages 6-12. Full performance at 4 p.m. MAC Center for the Arts, Newport, 12:30-4:30 p.m., $25; $40 for 2 participants; inquire for scholarship info; preregister by July 31. Info, 334-1966.

WASHINGTON

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

WINDSOR

Junior Ranger Programs: Fun Adventures: National Park Rangers guide inquisitive kids on engaging nature expeditions, with different topics each session. Call for details. Ages 6-12 with adult. Marsh-Billings Rockefeller National Historical Park, Woodstock, 1-2 p.m. Info, 457-3368. FREE

NEW YORK

Plattsburgh Farmers Market: From honey to freshly baked breads, shoppers stuff their totes with homegrown produce and handmade crafts, while enjoying live music and family-friendly events. Plattsburgh Downtown, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Info, 518-493-4644.

5 Sunday CHITTENDEN

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., $8-14. Info, 655-3300.

Family Gym: See August 3.

Wildflowers Open Studio: See August 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

LAMOILLE

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

ORLEANS

‘Bread and Roses, Too’: The community chats about the 2018 Vermont Reads Book and chimes in for a sing-along of labor songs. Craftsbury Public Library, Craftsbury Common, 7-8 p.m. Info, 586-9683. FREE

WINDSOR

Antique Tractor Day: Visitors ogle retro farm machines from the 1920s to ’70s, take a tractor-drawn wagon ride and participate in children’s activities. A parade of these restored beauties commences at 1 p.m. New this year are pedal tractor pulls for kids. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., regular museum admission, $4-16; free for children under 3. Info, 457-2355.

6 Monday CHITTENDEN

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

Gardening at the Library: Junior green thumbs dig in the dirt and sample their harvest. Grades 1-5. Milton Public Library, 10-11:30 a.m., preregister. Info, 893-4644. FREE

Magic Show With Tom Joyce: An audience of all ages appreciates an evening of comedy and magic. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 6:30 p.m. Info, 878-4918. FREE

Milton Circle of Parents: Moms and dads meet to strengthen parenting skills and socialize, with a focus on guardianship. New Life Fellowship Church, Milton, 6:30-8 p.m., preregister. Info, 498-0607. FREE

Read to Cleo The Therapy Dog: Canine and reading enthusiasts visit with a personable pooch. Ages 2-12. Milton Public Library, 10-11 a.m., preregister. Info, 893-4644. FREE

Summer Chess Club: Players of all ages pursue a game of strategy. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 4-5 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Teen Night: Adolescents drop in to do a di erent activity each week, while socializing and snacking. Milton Public Library, 6-8 p.m., preregister. Info, 893-4644. FREE

Webby’s Art Studio: Yarn Dolls: Inspired by the Museum’s collections, visitors create a contemporary toy modeled after colonial American children’s playthings. Daily through August 12. Shelburne Museum, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., regular museum admission $8-25; free for members and children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

Wildflowers Open Studio: See August 1. Williston Preschool Music: See August 2, 11 a.m.

FRANKLIN

Stay and Play: Little ones rally for romping in the youth room. St. Albans Free Library, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Info, 524-1507. FREE

STEM Family Nights: Moms, dads and kiddos test their science, technology, engineering and math skills with cool and collaborative projects. Highgate Public Library, Highgate Center, 6-7:30 p.m., preregister. Info, 868-3970.

FREE

RUTLAND

Babies & Toddlers

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

WINDSOR

Afternoon Art: Mixed Media & Crafts: See August 1.

Young Adult Book Club: Teens make merry conversation around a brand-new young adult novel. Check the website for the title. Grades 7-12. Phoenix Books Misty Valley, Chester, 4 p.m. Info, 875-3400. FREE

7 Tuesday

CHITTENDEN

Book Launch Party with Erin Rounds: This Vermont author and Maine illustrator Alison Carver celebrate the release of their picture book, Charlotte’s Bones: The Beluga Whale in a Farmer’s Field, with a bathing suit-friendly outdoor storytime, followed by activities, snacks and a book signing. Ages 10 and under.

Charlotte Town Beach, noon-4 p.m., parking fee may apply. Info, 985-3999. FREE

Dorothy’s List Book Club: Middle readers make merry conversation around a DCF pick. Call the library for the title.

Ages 8-11. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 4 p.m. Info, 264-5660. FREE

7 TUESDAY, P.42

AUGUST CALENDAR

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 9-11 p.m. to show solidarity in crime prevention. Milton Municipal Complex, 5:30-8 p.m. Info, 893-1009. FREE

Pet Rock Workshop: Artsy ones get creative with crafts. Ages 4-6. Milton Public Library, 10-11 a.m., preregister. Info, 893-4644. FREE

Read to Willy Wonka the Therapy Dog: A certified reading pooch listens patiently to emerging readers. Ages 3-8. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 4:15 p.m., preregister. Info, 264-5660. FREE

Self-Care Storytime: The library partners with the Winooski Family Center in this 5-week self-care series. Little ones savor a storytime with a special guest and snacks, while caregivers enjoy goodies and activities.

Ages 6 and under with caregivers. Winooski Memorial Library, 10 a.m.-noon. Info, 655-6424. FREE

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

STEAM Series: Inventive youngsters make musical instruments and explore the world of sound. Ages 5-12. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Tuesday Night Trail Running Series: Athletes of all ages and abilities choose between 2.5- and 5-kilometer courses or a short “cubs” race — with a 10K option on the second Tuesday of each month — during this fun evening race. Catamount Outdoor Family Center, Williston, 6 p.m., $4-12; free for children under 8. Info, 879-6001.

Wildflowers Open Studio: See August 1. Winooski Lego Club: Budding builders bust out plastic-block creations with the weekly Lego challenge. Free meals available for ages 18 and under. Winooski Memorial Library, 3-6 p.m. Info, 655-6424. FREE

FRANKLIN

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

Rockin’ Rhythms! with Saragail Benjamin: Master drummer and author Saragail Benjamin brings drums for kids of all ages to bang out a creative story together. Enosburgh Public Library, 10-10:45 a.m. Info, 933-2328.

FREE

Summer Art Expressions: Youngsters explore empowerment, emotions and mindfulness through a hands-on medium. Ages 4 and up. Highgate Public Library, Highgate Center, 1 p.m., preregister. Info, 868-3970.

FREE

Summer Science & Nature With Kurt

Valenta: Children discover and explore the natural world through touchable collections and technology, guided by an experienced educator. Ages 5 and up. Highgate Public Library, Highgate Center, 10 a.m., preregister. Info, 868-3970. FREE

Swing Peepers: Families flock to the library for Vermont-made music and storytelling. St. Albans Free Library, 6 p.m. Info, 524-1507.

FREE RUTLAND

Chess Club: Strategists of all skill levels partner up for playing. Ages 6 and up. Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington, 3-4 p.m. Info, 422-9765. FREE

Ongoing Exhibits

BOMBARDIER PARK, MILTON Info, 893-4644

MILTON AUGUST STORY WALK: Nature walkers of all ages enjoy an outdoor stroll while reading the children’s story Every Little Thing: Based on the Song ‘Three Little Birds’ by Bob Marley by Cedella Marley. Through August 31. FREE

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

HOW PEOPLE MAKE THINGS: This temporary exhibit explores the story of how familiar childhood objects are manufactured from raw materials into finished products. Visitors step onto a factory floor for hands-on cutting, molding, deforming and assembling activities, and create objects to take home. Regular museum admission, $11.50-14.50; free for children under 3. Through September 3.

FAIRBANKS MUSEUM & PLANETARIUM, ST. JOHNSBURY Info, 748-2372

BUTTERFLY HOUSE: This living exhibit features fluttering painted ladies, monarchs, red admirals and more, including info about the life stages of these winged beauties and tips for creating a home butterfly garden. Regular museum admission, $7-9; free for children under 5. Open until the first frost.

FORT TICONDEROGA, FORT TICONDEROGA, N.Y.

Info, 518-585-2821

HEROIC CORN MAZE: Get lost! Families navigate their way through a life-size puzzle in the shape of this historic fort while searching for history clues among the stalks. Regular museum admission, $10-24; free for children under 5. Daily through August 26. Fall weekends through October 21.

THE GREAT VERMONT CORN MAZE, DANVILLE Info, 748-1399

GREAT VERMONT CORN MAZE: A 24-acre maze of maize lures labyrinth lovers. If possible, arrive before 1 p.m. to solve the puzzle without clues. 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; open until 4:30 p.m. on weekends. Through October 14.

ORLEANS

Ice Cream Social: The library celebrates summer readers with free books for kids and ice cream for all. Craftsbury Public Library, Craftsbury Common, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Info, 586-9683. FREE

WINDSOR

Junior Ranger Programs: Short Explorations: National Park Rangers guide inquisitive kids on engaging nature expeditions, with different topics each session. Call for details. Ages 6-12 with adult. MarshBillings Rockefeller National Historical Park, Woodstock, 11-11:30 a.m. Info, 457-3368. FREE

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

Time Travel Tuesdays: History buffs 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., regular museum admission, $4-16; free for children under 3. Info, 457-2355.

Tuesday Afternoon Art Studio: Ceramics: Youngsters create with clay and glazes while enjoying each other’s company. Ages 5-12. ArtisTree/Purple Crayon, South Pomfret, 1-4 p.m., $20; preregister. Info, 457-3500.

HELEN DAY ART CENTER, STOWE Info, 253-8358

RECLAMATION: Nationally acclaimed, contemporary figurative female artists display paintings featuring women from their perspective, transforming the way women are currently portrayed. Through August 25. FREE

‘EXPOSED’: National and local outdoor sculpture of all sizes and shapes spreads through the town of Stowe. Through October 20. FREE

LAMOILLE FAMILY CENTER, MORRISVILLE Info, 888-5229

MORRISVILLE STORY WALK: Nature-loving families savor a saunter and a sweet story about a little mouse who strives to save his strawberry from a hungry bear. Through August 31. FREE

MONTSHIRE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE, NORWICH Info, 649-2200

AIR WORKS: Through hands-on engineering exhibits and activities, curious investigators of all ages examine the scientific properties of air, learn how to move this invisible element, and utilize it in fun and practical ways. Regular museum admission, $14-17; free for children under 2. Through September 3.

SHELBURNE MUSEUM, SHELBURNE Info, 985-3346, ext. 3395

PLAYING COWBOY: The formative ways turn-of-the-century performing and visual arts mythologized cowboys and villainized Indians is investigated through popular forms of mass media and entertainment, including dime novels, live stage performances, traveling exhibitions, illustrations, paintings and sculpture. Regular museum admission, $8-25; free for members and children under 5. Through October 21.

Yoga for Girls: Girls ages 12 and up work on body awareness, posture alignment and core strength in a supportive and all-abilities setting. Bethel Moves, 3:30-4:45 p.m., $15. Info, 234-8902.

8 Wednesday

ADDISON

Middlebury Farmers Market: See August 1.

CALEDONIA

Granite Rocks: History buffs of all ages learn about local granite lore and put their hands to soap carving. Jeudevine Memorial Library, Hardwick, 10 a.m. Info, 472-5948. FREE

CHITTENDEN

‘Wasabi, A Dragon’s Tale’: No Strings Marionnette Company enchants the audience with imaginative scenery and puppets, including a sprite, a knight and a 7’ dragon, in Brownell Library summer reading finale. Maple Street Park, Essex Junction, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Booktivity: See August 1.

Family Game Day: See August 1.

Five Corners Farmers Market: See August 1.

Lake Champlain Chocolates Ice Cream Lawn Social: See August 1.

Leddy Park Beach Bites: Families relax during a lakeside afternoon lavish with kids’ activities, food trucks and entertainment. Leddy Park, Burlington, 5:30-8 p.m. Info, 864-0123. FREE

Strategy Board Games: Game lovers partake in complicated tabletop pastimes. Ages 13 and up. Milton Public Library, 5-8 p.m. Info, 893-4644. FREE

Very Merry Theatre: ‘The Wiz’: This local children’s theatre company gets the crowd clapping. Recommended for ages 5 and up, but all are welcome. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, noon-1 p.m. Info, 865-7216. FREE Wednesday Night Mountain Biking: See August 1.

SUBMIT YOUR SEPTEMBER EVENTS FOR PRINT BY AUGUST 15 AT KIDSVT.COM

Wildflowers Open Studio: See August 1. Young Writers & Storytellers: Small ones spin their own yarns. Ages 5-11. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 4:30-5:30 p.m., preregister. Info, 264-5660. FREE

FRANKLIN

Fit Moms: See August 1.

GRAND ISLE

Champlain Islands Farmers Market: See August 1.

RUTLAND

Rutland Farmers Market: See August 1.

ORANGE

Randolph Lego Wednesdays: See August 1.

ORLEANS

The Lunchbox Summer Meal Program in Barton: See August 1.

WASHINGTON

Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Club: Bookworms in grades 4-7 gab about The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser, and partake in pizza and a craft. Waterbury Public Library, 5:30-6:30 p.m., preregister. Info, 244-7036. FREE

Family Fun Night: See August 3.

WINDSOR

Afternoon Art: Mixed Media & Crafts: See August 1. Woodstock Market on the Green: See August 1.

9 Thursday

CALEDONIA

Peacham Farmers Market: See August 2.

CHITTENDEN

Book launch for ‘Rad Girls Can!’: Author and illustrator Kate Schatz and Miriam Stahl, plus special guests Muslim Girls Making Change and Rep. Selene Colburn, share with the audience the release of this collection of stories and art about inspiring and accomplished girls who have made positive impacts on the world before turning 20. Ages 8 and up. Phoenix Books, Burlington, 7 p.m., $3; free for children under 18. Info, 448-3350.

Colchester Lego Club: See August 2.

Eat the Rainbow! A Healthy-Eating Workshop: Junior chefs make and sample colorful and nutritious snacks under the direction of registered dietician Joanne Heidkamp. Ages 5-11; parent must remain in the store. Williston Hannaford, 10:3011:30 and Essex JunctionHannaford

1:30-2:30 p.m., preregistration required. Info, 238-5414. FREE

Extreme Book Giveaway: Kids are captivated by interactive storytelling performed by Duncan McDougall from the Children’s Literacy Foundation. Every child takes home a new book. Recommended for ages 3-8, but all are welcome. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 1-2 p.m. Info, 865-7216. FREE Millie the Bookmobile: See August 2.

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

Milton PJ Story Time: Small tots in jammies snuggle in for stories, songs and crafts. Ages 3-7. Milton Public Library, 6:30-7:15 p.m. Info, 893-4644. FREE

Music Rocks the World:

Ethnomusicologist Dr. Dennis Waring takes the audience on a participatory musical tour of six di erent world cultures using indigenous instruments. Ages 3 and up. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 2 p.m., preregister. Info, 264-5660. FREE

Teen Volunteer Party: Summer adolescent volunteers polish o pizza. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 5-7 p.m., preregister. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Ukulele Kids: Musical ones join Joe to sing and play to traditional children’s songs. Ages 1-5. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Info, 865-7216.

Williston Preschool Music: See August 2.

FRANKLIN

Franklin Lego Thursdays: See August 2. Maker Space: See August 2.

Modern Times Theater: The library celebrates the end of the summer reading program with a puppet show, prizes and sweet treats. Fairfax Community Library, 6-7:30 p.m. Info, 849-2420. FREE Weekly Trail Runs: See August 2.

ORLEANS

The Lunchbox Summer Meal Program in Newport: See August 2.

WASHINGTON

AB2: Books Come to Life: This Active Body-Active Brain class, led by a literacy professional, combines reading and movement. Babies through preschoolers. Waterbury Public Library, 10:15 a.m. Info, 244-7036. FREE

WINDSOR

Afternoon Art: Mixed Media & Crafts: See August 1.

10 Friday

CALEDONIA

Hardwick Farmers Market: See August 3.

CHITTENDEN

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

Eat the Rainbow! A Healthy-Eating Workshop: See Aug. 9,South Burlington Hannaford, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Vermont Teddy Bears are more than fur & stuffing. Everyday we see Bears come to life in the arms of children, and we knew we needed to share this love with our fellow Vermonters. This is why we created The Vermont Cub Project.

Through this project, every Vermonter four years of age can come to our Bear Shop in Shelburne and pick up a FREE best friend (up to $39.99). Come be a part of this great new program today!

AUGUST CALENDAR

10 Friday (cont.)

Evolution Yoga at Adam’s Berry Farm: See August 3.

Family Gym: See August 3.

Family Jam: See August 3.

Kids Breakout: Mr. Lemoncello’s Library: Escape artists attempt to slip free from a room. Sessions at 10:30 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. for ages 5 and up; 4 p.m. for teens. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, preregister. Info, 264-5660. FREE

Science & Nature

Science & Nature

BANDING AND BIRDING: Naturalists-intraining drop in and get a lesson in tagging wild, feathered creatures, and learn skills including netting and data collection. Weather dependent. Audubon Vermont, Huntington, WEDNESDAY, AUG.

1, 8-11 A.M., donations accepted. Info, 434-3068.

CLEAN WATER WEEK CELEBRATION: Nature lovers of all ages celebrate the importance of clean water by checking out live animal and healthy habitat demonstrations, creating land formations on the Museum’s stream table and more. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, THROUGH AUG. 3, 10 A.M.-5 P.M. Regular museum admission, $11.50-14.50; free for children under 3. Info, 864-1848.

WAGON RIDE WEDNESDAYS: Horse-drawn rides deliver delight to the whole family. Admission includes all farm programs and activities. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, WEDNESDAYS, 11 A.M.-3 P.M. Regular museum admission, $4-16; free for children under 3. Info, 457-2355.

RAPTORS IN RESIDENCE: The mysteries surrounding birds of prey are revealed as visitors come face-to-face with live feathered creatures. Shelburne Farms, SATURDAYS, TUESDAYS, AND THURSDAYS, 1-1:30 P.M. Regular museum admission, $5-8; free for children under 3. Info, 985-8686.

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

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See August 3.

Kindergarten Story Time: Small students gearing up for their first school year come for tales, tunes and crafts. Milton Public Library, 10-10:45 a.m. Info, 893-4644. FREE

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

Music with Raph: Melody lovers of all ages play and sing. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9:30-10 a.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

ORLEANS

Craftsbury Lego Club: See August 3.

WASHINGTON

Rock the World: The audience of all ages takes a musical tour of six different world music cultures with ethnomusicologist Dr. Dennis Waring. Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m., preregister. Info, 244-7036. FREE

MAGNIFICENT MAMMALS DAY: Nature lovers experience the amazing lives of our furry friends through hands-on activities, a puppet show, exhibits and crafts, with special guests of live critters at 2 p.m. Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center, Quechee, SATURDAY, AUG. 11, 10 A.M.-5 P.M. Regular museum admission, $13.50-15.50; free for children under 4; food truck fare available for purchase. Info, 359-5000.

MONTHLY WILDLIFE WALK: Otter Creek Audubon Society and the Middlebury Area Land Trust invite community members to survey birds and other wildlife. Birders of all ages and abilities welcome. Meet at the Otter View Park parking area. Otter View Park, Middlebury, SATURDAY, AUG. 11, 7-10 A.M. Info, 388-1007. FREE

WINDSOR

Author Erin Rounds: This local author shares her new book, Charlotte’s Bones: The Beluga Whale in a Farmer’s Field, with eager young listeners. Springfield Town Library, 10 a.m. Info, 885-3108. FREE

Foodways Fridays: See August 3.

11 Saturday

Addison

Middlebury Farmers Market: See August 1.

CHECKING ON THE HEIFERS WITH RYAN: Inquisitive folks take a stroll around this Stowe Land Trust’s conserved farm, check out the dairy operation and meet the cows. Burnham Farm, Stowe, SATURDAY, AUG. 18, 9:30-10:30 A.M. Info, 253-7221. FREE

HERITAGE CHICKEN DAY: Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Visitors ponder this big question as they visit feathered friends, study different livestock breeds and engage in farm-life games and crafts. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, SATURDAY, AUG. 18, 10 A.M.-5 P.M. Regular museum admission, $4-16; free for children under 3. Info, 457-2355.

SUMMER MIGRATION BIRD-MONITORING

UP, UP AND AWAY: EXPLORATIONS IN AIR: Families investigate the mysteries of this invisible element in a day devoted to hands-on science activities including kite making — and flying — and building gliders, rockets and parachutes. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, SATURDAY, AUG. 4, 11 A.M.-4 P.M. Regular museum admission, $14-17; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

BLUEBERRY SUNDAYS: A free hot-fromthe-oven homemade cinnamon bun fortifies berry pickers on this one-acre mountainside patch. Children welcome. Knoll Farm, Fayston, SUNDAYS, THROUGH AUG. 19, 9 A.M.-NOON, cost of berries; brunch available for purchase. Info, 496-5685. FREE

CHAMP’S BIRTHDAY: Lake Champlain’s legendary water creature is celebrated with stories of encounters, videos and the original infamous Sandra Mansi Champ photo. Games, music and birthday cake are the icing on the top. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, WEDNESDAY, AUG. 8, 10 A.M.-3 P.M. Regular museum admission, $11.50-14.50; free for children under 3. Info, 864-1848.

STARGAZING PARTY AND WORLD’S LARGEST

ASTRONOMY LESSON: An outdoor party to break the Guinness Record for the world’s biggest astronomy lesson gets going with local food trucks, science experiments and a live VPR broadcast. Head count at 7:30 p.m.; the lesson begins at 8:15 p.m., followed by stargazing with the Planetarium’s meteorologist Mark Breen. Rain date August 11. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, FRIDAY, AUG. 10, 5:30-10 P.M. Info, 748-2372. FREE

URBAN CAMPOUT: Families and friends roll out their tents for a night under the stars with games, a moonlight walk, a campfire and — of course — s’mores. Children under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Casavant Nature Area, Winooski, SATURDAY, AUG. 11, 7 P.M. $20 per tent; preregister by August 4. Info, 777-1621.

NESTLINGS FIND NATURE: Preschoolers discover how feathered friends grow using imaginative play, books, crafts, nature walks and activities. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, SECOND AND FOURTH TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 10:30-11:30 A.M. Regular museum admission, $3.50-7; free for children under 3. Info, 434-2167.

FAMILY FUN DAY AT BOSTON POST DAIRY: This family-owned dairy farm opens its doors for folks to meet the animals, pet the goats and chickens and partake in hands-on, child-friendly, educational farm activities. Boston Post Dairy, Enosburg Falls, WEDNESDAY, AUG. 15, 10 A.M.-2 P.M. Info, 933-2749. FREE

INSECT INVESTIGATIONS PRESCHOOL PROGRAM: Little explorers glide through the goldenrod in search of six-legged friends and listen to the meadow music of crickets, grasshoppers and katydids. Ages 3-5 with adult companion. Meet at the sugarhouse parking area. Audubon Vermont, Huntington, THURSDAY, AUG. 16, 9:30-11 A.M., $8 per child; preregister. Info, 434-3068.

WALK: Eagle-eyed birders embrace ornithology on an identification and data-gathering walk. Audubon Vermont, Huntington, SATURDAY, AUG. 18, 7:30-9:30 A.M., donations appreciated. Info, 434-3068.

A WALK IN THE WOODS: WILDLIFE TRACKING: Expert tracker and longtime UVM instructor, Mike Kessler, leads curious nature lovers on an educational exploration. Ages 6 and up. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, THIRD SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 1-3 P.M. Regular museum admission, $3.50-7; free for members and children under 3. Info, 434-2167.

SUMMER CAMPFIRE: Families have fun around flickering flames and meet a special winged guest. Ages 5 and up. Shelburne Farms, THURSDAY, AUG. 23, 6:30-8 P.M., $5-6; preregister. Info, 985-8686.

BIRD-MONITORING WALK: Eagle-eyed participants bring binoculars to search the museum’s property for fluttering feathers. Best for adults and older children. Please bring your own binoculars. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, LAST SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 7:30-9 A.M., donations welcome; preregistration encouraged. Info, 434-2167. FREE

MAKE HAY WITH AUTHOR CHRISTY MIHALY: Eager young farmhands listen to this local author’s new picture book, learn about making hay, check out small models of machinery and get hands-on with square and round bales. Shelburne Farms, SUNDAY, AUG. 26, 11:30 A.M.-12:30 P.M. Regular museum admission, $5-8; free for children under 3. Info, 985-8686.

SUBMIT YOUR SEPTEMBER EVENTS FOR PRINT BY AUGUST 15 AT KIDSVT.COM OR CALENDAR@KIDSVT.COM

CALEDONIA

Caledonia Farmers Market: See August 4. Family Art-Making: See August 4.

CHITTENDEN

‘The Very Berry Counting Book’ Story Time: Small ones snuggle in for a summer’s tale by Jerry Pallotta, then savor a healthy food activity hosted by City Market. Ages 6 and under. Phoenix Books, Burlington, 11 a.m. Info, 448-3350.

FREE

Burlington Farmers Market: See August 4.

Ila Sewell Presents: Cheer Team: Movement lovers dance, learn jumps, chants, cheers and mat skills and play games for strength and flexibility. Ages 3 and up. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 1-2:30 p.m., preregister. Info, 264-5660. FREE

KidSafe Community Yard Sale: Folks browse tons of tables filled with household essentials, children’s clothing, books, collectibles 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. Vermont Lake Monsters’ CHAMP will stop by to shake hands Saturday, August 11, between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Champlain Valley Expo, Essex Junction, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., $1 suggested donation; free for children. Info, 865-4857.

Shelburne Farmers Market: See August 4.

FRANKLIN

Baby Storytime: New babies are welcomed to the library with nursery rhymes, songs and simple stories. Ages 2 and under with caregivers. St. Albans Free Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 524-1507. FREE

GRAND ISLE

Champlain Islands Farmers Market: See August 4.

RUTLAND

Author Erin Rounds: See Aug. 10,Phoenix Books Rutland, 11 a.m. Info, 855-8078. FREE

Rutland Farmers Market: See August 1, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

WASHINGTON

Capital City Farmers Market: See August 4.

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

WINDSOR

Junior Ranger Programs: Fun

Adventures: See August 4.

NEW YORK

Plattsburgh Farmers Market: See August 4.

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

12 Sunday

ADDISON

Pie Social: Home-baked delicacies of the peach, apple and berry variety — topped with a scoop of cold, sweet stu — make for a delicious gathering with added merriment of live music and lawn games.

Rokeby Museum, Ferrisburgh, 1-4 p.m., $6 per piece of pie à la mode; proceeds benefit the museum. Info, 877-3406.

CHITTENDEN

Essex Open Gym: See August 5.

Family Gym: See August 3.

KidSafe Community Yard Sale: See August 11, 10 a.m.-noon.

Wildflowers Open Studio: See August 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

LAMOILLE

Stowe Farmers Market: See August 5.

RUTLAND

Make-A-Wish Author Jamie Heath: This Barre high school senior shares her personal story and new picture book, Wishes Are Medicine, with curious folks.

Phoenix Books Rutland, 1 p.m. Info, 855-8078. FREE

13 Monday

CHITTENDEN

Colchester Preschool Music: See August 6.

Gardening at the Library: See August 6.

Kids Learn to Play the Ukulele: Music aficionados singand learn beginner strumming and rhythm skills. Ages 5 and up. Teen session at 4 pm. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 3-5 p.m., preregister. Info, 264-5660. FREE

Make-A-Wish Author Jamie Heath: This Barre high school senior shares her personal story and new picture book, Wishes Are Medicine, with curious folks.

Phoenix Books, Burlington, 6 p.m. Info, 448-3350. FREE

Musical Monday: Families spread out to take in a movie on the big screen while sipping lemonade and snacking on popcorn. Rated PG-13. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

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

Wildflowers Open Studio: See August 1.

Williston Preschool Music: See August 2, 11 a.m.

13 MONDAY, P.46

Put

AUGUST CALENDAR

FRANKLIN

STEM Family Nights: See August 6.

RUTLAND

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See August 6.

WINDSOR

Afternoon Art: Mixed Media & Crafts: See August 1.

14 Tuesday

CHITTENDEN

Make Your Own Salad on a Stick: Foodfocused families check out City Market’s booth at the Old North End Farmer’s Market for a seasonal snack activity. Dewey Park, Burlington, 3-6:30 p.m. Info, 861-9700. FREE

Read to Willy Wonka the Therapy Dog: See August 7.

Self-Care Storytime: See August 7.

Spanish Musical Kids: See August 7.

Tuesday Night Trail Running Series: See August 7.

Vermont Youth Orchestra Rug Concert: Young classical music lovers meet musicians and orchestral instruments in a childfriendly setting. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 6-7 p.m. Info, 865-7216. FREE

Wildflowers Open Studio: See August 1.

Winooski Lego Club: See August 7.

FRANKLIN

Summer Art Expressions: See August 7.

WINDSOR

Junior Ranger Programs: Short Explorations: See August 7.

Norwich Lego Tuesdays: See August 7.

Time Travel Tuesdays: See August 7.

Tuesday Afternoon Art Studio: Ceramics: See August 7.

Yoga for Girls: See August 7.

15 Wednesday

ADDISON

Middlebury Farmers Market: See August 1.

CHITTENDEN

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

FREE

Family Game Day: See August 1.

First-Time Kindergarteners: Soon-to-be kindergarten students meet their peers, then share stories, activities and thoughts. Everyone leaves with a free book. Ages 3-5. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 10:30-11:30 a.m., preregister. Info, 264-5660.

FREE

Five Corners Farmers Market: See August 1.

Lake Champlain Chocolates Ice Cream Lawn Social: See August 1.

LBGTQ Drop-In: LGBT+ teens and allies socialize with peers and snack on pizza. Recommended for grades 8 and up. Essex Junction Teen Center, 4:30-6 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Wednesday Night Mountain Biking: See August 1.

Wildflowers Open Studio: See August 1.

FRANKLIN

Fit Moms: See August 1.

GRAND ISLE

Champlain Islands Farmers Market: See August 1.

RUTLAND

Rutland Farmers Market: See August 1.

ORANGE

Randolph Lego Wednesdays: See August 1.

ORLEANS

The Lunchbox Summer Meal Program in Barton: See August 1.

WASHINGTON

Just for Fun Film Series: Family flicks entertain viewers of all ages. Visit jauithpubliclibrary.org for movie titles. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 6:30 p.m. Info, 426-3581. FREE

WINDSOR

Afternoon Art: Mixed Media & Crafts: See August 1. Woodstock Market on the Green: See August 1.

16 Thursday Bennington Battle Day

CALEDONIA

Peacham Farmers Market: See August 2. ShoeFly Trail Run Series: Fleet-footed families enjoy fitness together in a 5K, 10K or 1M walk/run. Entry includes admission to select Thursday races on the Kingdom Trails and on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the PRKR Trails in Littleton, NH. Kingdom Trails Yurt, E. Burke, 5:30 p.m., $65 for the season; free for children ages 10 and under; preregister. Info, 626-0737.

CHITTENDEN

Burlington Mother Up! Monthly Meet-Up: Families discuss the realities of climate change, what that means on a local level, and how to transition to a safer and healthier world. Vegetarian meal and childcare for ages 3 and under provided. Unitarian Universalist Society, Burlington, 5:30-7:30 p.m., RSVP requested. Info, 490-6393. FREE

Colchester Lego Club: See August 2.

Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Discussion: Little literati chat about DCF pick All’s Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson while savoring a sweet cool treat. Grades 4-8. Milton Public Library, 6:30-7:30 p.m., preregister. Info, 893-4644. FREE

Ila Sewell Presents: Superhero Training –Circus Style: Junior heros hone super skills in this noncompetitive movement workshop. Ages 3 and up. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 10-11:30 a.m., preregister. Info, 264-5660. FREE

Kick-off/Informational Meeting for Lyric Theatre Company’s ‘Annie’: Theater aficionados meet members of the artistic and production teams for the company’s fall production of ‘Annie,’ learn about casting needs and check out technical opportunities, too. University Mall, South Burlington, 7-9 p.m. Info, 363-4599. FREE

Millie the Bookmobile: See August 2. Williston Preschool Music: See August 2.

FRANKLIN

Franklin Lego Thursdays: See August 2.

Summer Reading Program Finale: Lit lovers celebrate their success with cake, prizes and games hosted by The Big Blue Trunk. St. Albans Free Library, 2-4 p.m. Info, 524-1507. FREE

Weekly Trail Runs: See August 2.

ORLEANS

The Lunchbox Summer Meal Program in Newport: See August 2.

WINDSOR

Afternoon Art: Mixed Media & Crafts: See August 1.

17 Friday

CALEDONIA

Hardwick Farmers Market: See August 3.

CHITTENDEN

Burger Night: See August 3.

Evolution Yoga at Adam’s Berry Farm: See August 3.

Family Gym: See August 3.

Family Jam: See August 3.

Family Movie Night: Moms, dads and kiddos munch free snacks while viewing a familyfriendly flick on the big screen. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’

Bassick: See August 3.

LCATV Young Producers Workshop: Up-and-coming directors learn to use video equipment, put together a program and produce a take-home DVD. Ages 7-11. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 2-3:30 p.m., preregister. Info, 264-5660. FREE

Screech and Hoot: The Science of Bird

Communication: Sponsored by the Winooski Library, the Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences shares an up-close encounter with talkative hawks, falcons and owls. Young naturalists practice identifying raptors by their calls, learn what these hoots might mean and how these sounds are made. Ages 4 and up. O’Brien Community Center, Winooski, 1 p.m. Info, 655-6424. FREE

ORLEANS

Craftsbury Lego Club: See August 3.

WASHINGTON

Children’s Author Christy Mihaly: This local author reads her new picture book to small ones about a mother and daughter haymaking duo. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 10:30 a.m. Info, 223-4665. FREE

Montpelier Mother Up! Monthly Meet-Up: Families discuss the realities of climate change, what that means on a local, state and national level, and how to create a more just and nature-friendly world. Dinner and nature-themed kids’ programming included. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 5:30-7:30 p.m., RSVP requested. Info, 229-0041. FREE

WINDSOR

Foodways Fridays: See August 3.

18 Saturday

ADDISON

Middlebury Farmers Market: See August 1.

CALEDONIA

Caledonia Farmers Market: See August 4. Family Art-Making: See August 4.

CHITTENDEN

Burlington Farmers Market: See August 4. Family Art Saturday: Families drop in and ignite their imaginations with a current exhibit, then get hands-on with an artistic endeavor. Burlington City Arts, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Info, 865-7166. FREE

Milton Car Show: Old, new, classic and muscle cars line up for an admiring crowd. Music, refreshments and activities add to the festivities. Milton, Route 7, 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.

Shelburne Farmers Market: See August 4.

FRANKLIN

Kids Triathlon: Young athletes swim, cycle and run in this event which encourages self-confidence, good health and community spirit through participation. Ages 4-11. St. Albans City Pool, 9 a.m.-noon, $22-30; preregister. Info, 524-1500.

GRAND ISLE

Champlain Islands Farmers Market: See August 4.

RUTLAND

Rutland Farmers Market: See August 1, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

SUBMIT YOUR SEPTEMBER EVENTS FOR PRINT BY AUGUST 15 AT KIDSVT.COM OR CALENDAR@KIDSVT.COM

Story Time with Katy Farber: This award-winning author shares her naturebased picture book, Salamander Sky, the story of a mother and daughter who assist these spotted creatures to cross a road in a rainy spring night. Phoenix Books Rutland, 11 a.m. Info, 855-8078. FREE

WASHINGTON

Capital City Farmers Market: See August 4.

WINDSOR

Junior Ranger Programs: Fun Adventures: See August 4.

NEW YORK

Plattsburgh Farmers Market: See August 4.

19 Sunday

CHITTENDEN

Essex Open Gym: See August 5.

Family Gym: See August 3.

Wildflowers Open Studio: See August 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Youth Auditions for Lyric Theatre Company’s ‘Annie’: Budding performers vie for roles in the fall musical production of ‘Annie’ based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray. Ages 9-15; minimum age must be met by August 19. See lyrictheatrevt.org for specific info. Fusion 802, South Burlington, 8:30-9:15 a.m. Info, 363-4599. FREE

LAMOILLE

Stowe Farmers Market: See August 5.

20 Monday

CHITTENDEN

Big Insane Games: The Big Blue Trunk gets kiddos laughing with lawn games and an outrageous obstacle course. Ages 3 and up. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 2-4 p.m., preregister. Info, 264-5660. FREE

Birds of Prey: Curious naturalists of all ages come face-to-face with the Southern Vermont History Museum’s live raptors and learn about their amazing adaptations. Ages 5 and up. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 3 p.m. Info, 264-5660. FREE

Colchester Preschool Music: See August 6. Lego Fun: Budding builders bring out the blocks. Children under age 5 must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Read to Cleo The Therapy Dog: See August 6.

Wildflowers Open Studio: See August 1.

Williston Preschool Music: See August 2, 11 a.m.

RUTLAND

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See August 6.

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

21 Tuesday

CHITTENDEN

Auditions for Adult Roles in Lyric Theatre Company’s ‘Annie’: Performers vie for various roles in the fall musical production of ‘Annie’ based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray. Ages 15-65. See lyrictheatrevt.org for specific info.

Fusion 802, South Burlington, 5:45-6:15 p.m. Info, 363-4599. FREE

Self-Care Storytime: See August 7.

Tuesday Night Trail Running Series: See August 7.

Wildflowers Open Studio: See August 1.

Winooski Lego Club: See August 7.

WINDSOR

Junior Ranger Programs: Short Explorations: See August 7.

Norwich Lego Tuesdays: See August 7.

Time Travel Tuesdays: See August 7.

Yoga for Girls: See August 7.

22 Wednesday

ADDISON

Middlebury Farmers Market: See August 1.

CHITTENDEN

Auditions for Adult Roles in Lyric Theatre Company’s ‘Annie’: See August 21.

Family Game Day: See August 1.

First-Time Kindergarteners: See August 15.

Five Corners Farmers Market: See August 1.

Lake Champlain Chocolates Ice Cream Lawn Social: See August 1.

Leddy Park Beach Bites: See August 8.

Strategy Board Games: See August 8.

Wednesday Night Mountain Biking: See August 1.

Wildflowers Open Studio: See August 1.

Young Writers & Storytellers: See August 8.

FRANKLIN

Fit Moms: See August 1.

GRAND ISLE

Champlain Islands Farmers Market: See August 1.

RUTLAND

Rutland Farmers Market: See August 1.

ORANGE

Randolph Lego Wednesdays: See August 1.

22 WEDNESDAY, P.48

W -Mail!

AUGUST CALENDAR

22 Wednesday (cont.)

ORLEANS

The Lunchbox Summer Meal Program in Barton: See August 1.

WASHINGTON

Dog Day at the Pool: Pooches get a chance to paddle around the pool. No swimming for people, although adults may enter to knee height. Ages 2 and up. Montpelier Public Pool, 5-6:30 p.m., suggested donation $20 per family. Info, 476-3811.

WINDSOR

Woodstock Market on the Green: See August 1.

23 Thursday

CALEDONIA

Peacham Farmers Market: See August 2.

CHITTENDEN

Auditions for Adult Roles in Lyric Theatre Company’s ‘Annie’: See August 21.

Colchester Lego Club: See August 2.

Ukulele Kids: See August 9.

Williston Preschool Music: See August 2.

FRANKLIN

Franklin Lego Thursdays: See August 2.

ORLEANS

The Lunchbox Summer Meal Program in Newport: See August 2.

24 Friday

CALEDONIA

‘Alpaca Lunch’ Storytime: In the Hardwick Farmer’s Market library tent, the creator of the bestselling Sweet Pea & Friends picture books — and his sidekick Laddie — shares his fourth release, featuring an adventurous young alpaca named Poppy who discovers new foods growing around her farm. Atkins Field, Hardwick, 4 p.m. Info, 472-5948. FREE Hardwick Farmers Market: See August 3.

CHITTENDEN

Dungeons & Dragons: See August 10.

Evolution Yoga at Adam’s Berry Farm: See August 3.

Family Gym: See August 3.

Family Jam: See August 3.

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See August 3.

Live-Action Role Play: See August 10.

Music with Raph: See August 10.

LAMOILLE

Kids’ Night Out: While their parents appreciate time off, youngsters enjoy dinner, a movie and themed activities.

Ages 5-10. David Gale Recreation Center, Stowe, 6-10 p.m., $15 per child; drop-ins welcome. Info, 253-6138.

ORLEANS

Craftsbury Lego Club: See August 3.

WINDSOR

Foodways Fridays: See August 3.

25 Saturday

ADDISON

Middlebury Farmers Market: See August 1. Vergennes Day Fun Run: Fleet-footed athletes lace up for a noncompetitive, half-mile race on the Outdoor Classroom trails, followed by festivities at the city park. Costumes encouraged. Registration at 8:45 a.m.; start at 9:15 a.m. Vergennes Elementary School. Info, 877-2873. FREE

CALEDONIA

Caledonia Farmers Market: See August 4.

CHITTENDEN

Burlington Farmers Market: See August 4. Early Childhood Day at the Beach & Flash Mob: Community members and Let’s Grow Kids host a family day of swimming and sand play, including a performance by Mr. Chris from Music for Sprouts, a Kids Out Loud! flash mob — bring your capes — and an opportunity to mingle and converse with Vermont legislators. North Beach, Burlington, 4-7 p.m., beach parking fee, $6-8. Info, 448-4409.

FREE

Rock the End of Summer: Successful summer readers stop in at the library to hand in their reading logs and receive a certificate and refreshment. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 2-4 p.m. Info, 865-7216. FREE

Shelburne Farmers Market: See August 4.

GRAND ISLE

Champlain Islands Farmers Market: See August 4.

RUTLAND

Rutland Farmers Market: See August 1, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

WASHINGTON

Capital City Farmers Market: See August 4.

NEW YORK

Plattsburgh Farmers Market: See August 4.

26 Sunday

CHITTENDEN

Essex Open Gym: See August 5. Family Gym: See August 3.

Wildflowers Open Studio: See August 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Zoe’s Race: Community members partake in a 1K fun run or 5K run/walk — plus a 10K loop this year for the race’s 10th anniversary — to raise money for children and families who receive support from the Howard Center. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m.; races begin at 8:30 a.m. Oakledge Park, Burlington, $15-40; free for children under 18; preregister. Info, 488-6910.

SUBMIT YOUR SEPTEMBER EVENTS FOR PRINT BY AUGUST 15 AT KIDSVT.COM OR CALENDAR@KIDSVT.COM

LAMOILLE

Kids Run for Fun: Youth ages 4-14 get their own noncompetitive shot at athletic glory in 1 or 2K loops after the adultgeared Northeast Delta Dental Race to the Top of Vermont. Stowe Mountain Resort, noon, $10; preregister. Info, 864-5794.

Stowe Farmers Market: See August 5.

27 Monday

CHITTENDEN

Colchester Preschool Music: See August 6.

Wildflowers Open Studio: See August 1. Williston Preschool Music: See August 2, 11 a.m.

RUTLAND

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See August 6.

28 Tuesday

CHITTENDEN

Burlington Circle of Parents for Adoptive & Guardianship Families: Moms and dads come together to socialize about their parenting experiences and strengthen skills. Childcare and dinner included without fee. Howard Center, Burlington, 5-6:30 p.m., preregister. Info, 864-7467. FREE

Firefighter Story Time: Local heroes share stories with literary lovers. All ages. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Info, 878-4918. FREE

Kids Bowl Free Day: Youngsters who mention Kids VT bowl for free, with shoes gratis, too. Ages 15 and under. Spare Time Entertainment, Colchester, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Info, 655-2720. FREE

Tuesday Night Trail Running Series: See August 7.

Wildflowers Open Studio: See August 1.

Winooski Lego Club: See August 7.

WINDSOR

Norwich Lego Tuesdays: See August 7.

Yoga for Girls: See August 7.

29 Wednesday

ADDISON

Middlebury Farmers Market: See August 1.

CHITTENDEN

Family Game Day: See August 1.

Five Corners Farmers Market: See August 1.

Lake Champlain Chocolates Ice Cream

Lawn Social: See August 1.

FAMILY SERIES

Sensory Open House

Saturday, September 15 from 1-3 pm, free

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

Parent Coffee Time: On the first day of the school year, parents drop by the library for co ee, cookies and conversation. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9-10 a.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Wildflowers Open Studio: See August 1.

FRANKLIN

Fit Moms: See August 1.

GRAND ISLE

Champlain Islands Farmers Market: See August 1.

RUTLAND

Rutland Farmers Market: See August 1.

ORANGE

Randolph Lego Wednesdays: See August 1.

WINDSOR

Woodstock Market on the Green: See August 1.

30 Thursday

CALEDONIA

Peacham Farmers Market: See August 2.

CHITTENDEN

Colchester Lego Club: See August 2.

Williston Preschool Music: See August 2.

FRANKLIN

Franklin Lego Thursdays: See August 2.

31 Friday

CALEDONIA

Hardwick Farmers Market: See August 3.

CHITTENDEN

Burger Night: See August 3.

Family Gym: See August 3.

Family Jam: See August 3.

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’

Bassick: See August 3.

ORLEANS

Craftsbury Lego Club: See August 3.

WINDSOR

Foodways Fridays: See August 3. Looking

Red Kite Green Mountain

Sunday, November 11 at 11 am, 2 pm, and 4 pm

Elf

Wednesday-Thursday, November 14-15 at 7:30 pm

Cirque Mechanics:

42FT–A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels

Tuesday, December 4 at 7:30 pm

The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System

Thursday, January 10 at 6 pm

Cirque Éloize: Saloon

Wednesday, February 13 at 7 pm

The Sound of Music

Tuesday-Wednesday, February 26-27 at 7 pm

Kodo

Monday, March 18 at 7 pm

18/19 ON SALE

JUST ADDED!

Bollywood & Classical

Indian Dance for Kids 8-12

Tuesday, August 2

Flynn Youth Theater Company How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

Thursday-Sunday, August 2-5

Day Camps 8/6-10

Summertime Jazz (13+)

Jazz Improv for Beginners (8-12)

Frozen (ballet, 6-8)

Disney’s Frozen Kids Pilot (musical theater production, 9-13)

Poets on Stage (9-13)

Auditions & Placement Sessions

Adult & Youth Jazz Combos 9/4

Flynn Youth Theater Company 9/5 (placement session for gr 2-8)

Flynn Show Choir 9/8

SIGN UP TODAY!

Over the Edge for the Flynn

Saturday, September 1

save up to 15%

USE YOUR WORDS BY KRISTEN RAVIN

Back in the Saddle

How indoor cycling helped a new mom regain her confidence

On a cold morning last winter, I found myself pedaling a stationary bike in a dimly lit room, surrounded by a half dozen other cyclists, all of us sweating along to “Malibu” by Miley Cyrus. Although I wasn’t covering any actual ground, I was making progress: 18 months after my daughter, Virginia, was born, I was regaining my fitness and my confidence, one wheel rotation at a time.

I first heard about indoor group cycling, or Spinning — the cardiovascular workout set to music — in the pages of a celebrity gossip magazine. In 2014, sitcom actress Tia Mowry told In Touch Weekly that Charlize Theron had snubbed her at SoulCycle, a high-intensity indoor cycling class. “So, indoor cycling is for super-fit celebs,” I thought. “Got it.” The activity sounded interesting, but inaccessible.

In fact, Spinning isn’t just for the Hollywood elite — and the activity has grown in popularity in recent years. A class search on spinning.com, the o cial website for the worldwide Spinning fitness program and equipment company, yields 38 results in Vermont alone.

Trying a new fitness class might not seem like a big deal, but I had experienced some setbacks after delivering my daughter. For one, I gained about 40 pounds during pregnancy, more than I’d anticipated, and more than doctors advise for a woman of my size. Also, I had a cesarean section. Healing from the surgery and subsequent infections made for a long recovery.

I still remember walking slowly up a small hill near my house, feeling the pull of the stitches in my abdomen and the crush of disgust and defeat. Before pregnancy, I’d been able to accomplish just about

anything I had wanted to do physically. A runner since middle school, I enjoyed hiking and road biking. All of a sudden, I was limited.

I felt inadequate for my inability to quickly snap back to my pre-baby abilities. Turns out I wasn’t alone.

Leslie C. Johnson, associate professor of behavioral sciences at Northern Vermont University’s Johnson campus, has researched first-time moms’ experiences with “postpartum weight bias” — the social devaluing of women who carry baby weight. In a study of 148 women, Johnson and her students found that new moms’ perceived postpartum weight bias related to lower overall psychological well-being and lower comfort in their roles as mothers. Sounds about right, especially in a world where gossip sites laud celebrities with flawless post-baby figures, with headlines like this one from DailyMail.com: “Kylie Jenner flaunts her incredible post-baby body in striking ruched bodycon dress in San Francisco.”

Last summer, after we moved from Jericho to Bristol, I joined the local gym, with the goal of integrating exercise back into my life. I grabbed the group class schedule and found that the only classes that fit into my work and parenting timetable were Intro to Spinning, Spinning and Express Spin. “I guess I’m getting on a bike,” I thought.

Intro to Spinning, a 30-minute beginner lesson, seemed like the best place to start. I showed up early, and an instructor helped me to adjust my seat and handlebars and strap my feet onto the pedals. My fellow classmates included a handful of older men and women who pedaled and sang along to the upbeat oldies playlist, altering their speed and resistance at the instructor’s

Planning a kids event?

List it for free in the Kids VT monthy calendar. Submit your September event by August 15th online at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com

mands. Strands of rope lights illumi-

commands. Strands of rope lights illuminated the room, creating a comfortable atmosphere in which I didn’t feel self-conscious about my red, sweaty face. That first ride wasn’t easy, but it was fun.

Since that day, I’ve graduated to 60-minute classes, but still enjoy the 30-minute sessions when I’m pressed for time, which is almost always. (Have you heard that working moms are super busy? It’s true.)

Top 40 songs, ’80s throwbacks and hip-hop bangers propel my workouts and transport me back in time to dance parties with my friends.

Going to class has become something I look forward to, for both the exercise and the break it provides from the responsibilities that come with being an Adult with a capital “A.” Contrary to its name, group cycling is, at least for me, an individual activity and o ers a much-needed sense of alone time, even with other cyclists around me. Having a kind and outgoing teacher greet me by name can turn my day around. Feeling active and healthy, releasing stress, and taking time for myself all help to boost my mood and give me more patience. That means I’m able to be a better me — and a better mom — when I get home.

I haven’t stopped at Spinning. With my renewed stamina and confidence, I trained for and ran in the People’s United Bank Vermont City Marathon as part of a twoperson relay team in May. That’s 13.1 miles per team member — a distance I hadn’t covered since my running heyday about eight years ago. The race came 23 months after my daughter was born, and felt like a major milestone.

My parents brought Virginia to the race. I know she won’t remember it, but I look forward to showing her pictures of us on race day. I’ll remind her of the time she cheered me on as I kept putting one foot in front of the other.

CALENDAR

PUZZLE PAGE ANSWERS

SEE “JUST FOR KIDS” SECTION FOR PUZZLES

CROSSWORD ANSWER: All the planets, except for Earth, have at least one letter from the word SUN in their names. Venus, Saturn, and Uranus have all three letters!

WORD FUN ANSWER:

MOO-SICAL

The cow that was able to play songs on the banjo was

LOG. SICK. MESS. ROAD.

JUMBLE:

Top 40 songs, ’80s throwbacks and hip-hop bangers propel my workouts and transport me back in time to dance parties with my friends.

THANK YOU EMPLOYERS, for making Vermont breastfeeding-friendly.

CHITTENDEN COUNTY

American International Distribution Corporation

Brewster Pierce Memorial School

Browns River Middle School

Burlington Primary Care

Burton Snowboards

Century 21 The Martin Agency

Champlain College

Champlain Vocational Services

Charlotte Central School

Choice Strategies, Division of WageWorks

Community College of Vermont - Winooski

Dealer.com

Discover Chiropractic & Wellness Center

Evergreen Family Health

Essex Middle School

Founders Memorial School

Gallagher, Flynn & Co.

Greater Burlington YMCA

Hagan, Rhinehardt & Connolly Pediatricians

Hampton Direct, Inc.

Hilton Hotel

Howard Center

IBM/Global Foundries

Instrumart

Kelliher Samets Volk

Let’s Grow Kids

Lund Family Center Matrix Health Systems

Milton Family Community Center

Mirabelle’s

Mount Mansfield Union High School

National Gardening Association

Olympia Sports - South Burlington

Open Tempo

Orbit Hair Design

Outdoor Gear Exchange Pediatric Medicine

Physician’s Computer Company

Planned Parenthood of Northern New England

Richmond Elementary School

Shelburne Community School

Sweet Clover Market

Tetra Tech ARD

Toys R Us

Trudell Consulting Engineers

University of Vermont

UVM Medical Center - Given Health Care

UVM Medical Center - Women’s Health Care

U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services

Vermont Energy Investment Corporation

Vermont Adult Learning - Chittenden County

Vermont Public Radio

Visiting Nurse Association

Vermont Dept of Health - Burlington District

Vermont CARES

ESSEX COUNTY

Brighton Elementary School Community National Bank

Corporation

Dickinson & Branon Dental Care

Duke’s Fitness Center

Fairfax Community Library

Fairfield Center School

Fletcher Elementary School

Franklin Central Supervisory Union

Franklin County Caring Communities

Franklin County Home Health Agency

Frozen Ogre, The

Georgia Elementary & Middle School

Georgia Public Library

Guy’s Farm & Yard

Maple City Candy

Maple Leaf IT

Maple Leaf Montessori

Messenger Print & Design

Missisquoi Valley Union Middle & High Schools

Mylan Technologies

Mystic Waters Day Spa

Northwest Access TV

Northwestern Counseling & Support Services

Northwestern Medical Center

Olympia Sports - St. Albans

Peoples Trust Company of Vermont

Rail City Market

RAW Fitness

RE/MAX Destinations

RPM Logos, Inc.

Sheldon Elementary & Middle School

S. R. Smith Real Estate

St. Albans City School

St. Albans Free Library

St. Albans Messenger

St. Albans Museum

St. Albans Town

St. Albans Town Educational Center

Superior Technical Ceramics

Town of Enosburgh

Train Station

Village Hair Company

Vermont Adult Learning - Franklin & Grand Isle

Counties

Vermont Dept of Health - St. Albans District

Walmart - St. Albans

What A Yarn

GRAND ISLE COUNTY

Folsom Education & Community Center

Grand Isle Elementary School

LAMOILLE COUNTY

Apple Tree Learning Centers

Appleseed Pediatrics

Behavioral Health & Wellness Center

Bishop John A. Marshall School

Central Vermont Adult Basic Education

Clarina Howard Nichols Center

Community College of Vermont - Morrisville

Community Dental Clinic

Community National Bank

Copley Hospital - The Women’s Center

ORANGE COUNTY

Blue Mountain Union School

Center for Northern Woodlands Education

Clara Martin Center

Creative Spirit Children’s Center

Mascoma Savings Bank

Orange County Parent Child Center

ORLEANS COUNTY

Charleston Elementary School

Children’s Integrated Services

Community College of Vermont

Community National Bank

Coventry Village School

Dr. Dennis LeBlanc

Jay/Westfield Elementary School

Lake Region Union High School

NEKCA Head Start / Early Head Start

North Country Hospital

North Country Pediatrics

North Country Union High School

North Country Union Jr. High School

Olympia Sports - Newport

Orleans Elementary School

Orleans-Essex VNA and Hospice

Troy School

Vermont Dept of Health - Newport District

Vermont Dept for Children & Families - Newport

District

Wright’s Enterprises

RUTLAND COUNTY

Assistive Intelligence

Avanti Salon

Community College of Vermont - Rutland

Casella Waste Management

Castleton University

CHCRR Pediatrics

Frogs and Lily Pads

Fruition Finery

Laughing Child Farm

Midas Automotive Systems Experts

Miss Lorraine’s School of Dance

Neshobe Elementary School

Pawlet Public Library

Promise Lactation Consulting

Pyramid Holistic Wellness Center

Questech Metals

Raw Honey Apparel

Rutland City Public Schools

Rutland Free Library

Rutland Herald

Rutland Mental Health Services

Rutland Town School

Rutland Regional Medical Center

Sal’s Italian Restaurant

Stone Valley Community Market

Tree Song Doula

Vermont Adult Learning - Rutland County

Vermont Dept of Health - Rutland District

VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region

Wonderfeet

Morrison’s Feed Bag

NECKA Parent Child Center

New Beginnings Child Care Center

Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital

Olympia Sports - St. Johnsbury

Riverside Life Enrichment Center

Riverside School

Ryegate Small Animal Clinic

St. Johnsbury Academy

St. Johnsbury Health & Rehab

St. Johnsbury Pediatrics

The White Market

Town of Hardwick

Umbrella, Inc.

Vermont Dept of Health - St. Johnsbury District

Vermont Community Action Head Start

XIP Training Systems

FRANKLIN COUNTY

Abbey Group, The Academy Mortgage Corporation

A. N. Deringer, Inc.

Bakersfield Elementary & Middle School

Ballet School of Vermont, The

Barry Callebaut

Bellows Free Academy

Fairfax

Bellows Free Academy St. Albans

Ben & Jerry’s Homemade

Cold Hollow Career Center

Champlain Valley Area Health Education Center

Choice Physical Therapy

City of St. Albans

Collins Perley Sports & Fitness Center

Community College of Vermont - St. Albans

Community National Bank

Copley Woodlands

Dunkin Donuts

Lamoille County Mental Health Services

Lamoille Family Center

Lamoille Valley Building Bright Futures

Napa Auto Parts

Morristown Elementary School

Morrisville Family Health Center

Neurology Clinic

Olympia Sports - Morrisville

River Arts of Morrisville

Smugglers’ Notch Resort

Stowe Family Practice

Vermont Community Action Head Start

Vermont Dept of Health - Morrisville District

Vermont Electric Cooperative

Woodard Marine

WASHINGTON COUNTY

Aartistic, Inc.

Aldrich Public Library

Berlin Health & Rehabilitation Center

Berlin Veterinary Clinic

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Vermont

Burger King - Berlin

Capitol Plaza Hotel & Conference Center

CAPS: Center for Achievement in Public Service

Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice

Community College of Vermont - Montpelier

Community National Bank

Children’s Early Learning Space, The

Dunkin Donuts - Montpelier

Family Center of Washington County

Good Beginnings of Central Vermont

Health Center (NEWCCH) - Plainfield

Heather’s Nearly New

Hunger Mountain Cooperative

Institute for Sustainable Communities

Main Street Middle School

National Life Group

Office of the Governor

Olympia Sports - Berlin

Onion River Animal Hospital

Positive Pie

Red Hen Baking Company

Savoy Theatre

Sugarbush Resort

SunCommon

TDS Telecom

Turtle Island Children’s Center

Union Elementary School

UVM Health Network - Central Vermont Medical Center

Vermont Adult Learning - Central Office

Vermont Chamber of Commerce

Vermont College of Fine Arts

Vermont Community Loan Fund

Vermont Commission on Women

Vermont Dept of Health - Barre District

Vermont Dept of Social & Rehabilitative Services

Vermont League of Cities & Towns

Vermont Mutual Insurance Company

Vermont State Employees Credit Union

Williamstown Elementary School

Women & Children First

Zutano

WINDHAM COUNTY

Against the Grain

AIDS Project of Southern Vermont

Amy’s Bakery Arts Café

Bradley House

Brattleboro Centre for Children

Brattleboro Food Coop

Brattleboro Hearing Center

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital

Brattleboro Retreat

Brattleboro Savings & Loan

Brattleboro Town School District

Brattleboro Union High School #6 District

Chroma Technology Corp

Community College of Vermont - Brattleboro

Dummerston Town School District

Early Education Services

Everyone’s Books

Family Garden, The

Flatter Me Hair Salon

Fores Trade, Inc.

G.S. Precision

Grace Cottage Hospital

Guilford Town School District

Hermitage Inn

Holton Home

Just So Pediatrics

Kids in the Country Childcare & Preschool

Landmark College

Marlboro College

Mount Snow Ski Resort

Mulberry Bush Early Learning Center

Natural Patches of Vermont

Neighborhood Schoolhouse

New Chapter

New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA)

Oak Meadow School

Olympia Sports - Brattleboro

Omega Optical

Park Place Financial Advisors

Pine Heights

Putney Town School District

River Valley Credit Union

Salon 6

Side Hill Farm

Silver Forest of Vermont

SkiHome Realty

Sojourns Community Health Clinic

State of Vermont - Brattleboro (232 Main Street)

Tami’s Head Lines

Timson Hill Preschool

Thompson House

Town of Putney

Twombly Wealth Management

United Way of Windham County

Vermont Adult Learning - Windham County

Vermont Bread Company

Vermont Country Deli & Market

Vermont Dept of Health - Brattleboro District

Vermont Technical College - Brattleboro

Vernon Elementary School

Vernon Town School District

Wellness Services

West Bee Nursery School

Winston Prouty Center for Child Development

World Learning, Inc.

WINDSOR COUNTY

Cedar Hill Continuing Care Community

Community College of Vermont - Springfield

Community College of Vermont - Upper Valley

Corporate Lactation Services

Fogg’s Hardware

Green Mountain Children’s Center

Hartford Memorial Middle School

Hartford High School

Hartland Elementary School

Health Care & Rehabilitation Services of SE VT

Historic Homes of Runnemede

Lincoln Street, Inc.

King Arthur Flour

Mascoma Savings Bank

Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center

Okemo Mountain Resort

Ottauquechee Health Center

Ottauquechee School

Southeastern VT Community Action Head Start

Springfield Area Parent Child Center

Springfield Family Center

Springfield Food Coop

Springfield Health & Rehabilitation Center

Springfield High School

Springfield Hospital

Springfield Probation & Parole

Springfield School District

Tami’s Head Lines

The Family Place

Two Rivers Supervisory Union

Upper Valley Haven

Veremedy Pet Hospital

Vermont Adult Learning - Windsor County

Vermont Dept for Children & Families - Springfield

Vermont Dept for Children & Families - White River

Jct District

Vermont Dept of Corrections - Hartford Probation & Parole

Vermont Dept of Health - Springfield District

Vermont Dept of Health - White River Jct District

Vermont Vocational Rehabilitation

Visiting Nurse and Hospice for VT & NH

White River Family Practice

White River School

Windsor Early Childhood Education Center

Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union

Woodstock Union High School and Middle School

World of Discovery

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

Mascoma Savings Bank - Lebanon