Kids VT, September 2013

While your child’s teeth might appear to be straight, there may actually be a problem that needs to be evaluated by an orthodontist. If you recognize any of the following issues with your child, please schedule a check-up with your local orthodontist. It may be one of the most important actions you can take to ensure your child’s healthy and happy smile.

• Early or late loss of baby teeth

•

• Mouth breathing

• Jaws that shift or make sounds

• Speech difficulties

• Biting the cheek or the roof of the mouth

• Facial imbalance

• Grinding or clenching of the teeth

• Thumb or finger sucking

Orthodontists are specialists in straightening teeth and aligning your bite. They have two to three years of education beyond dental school. So they’re experts at helping you and your child get a great smile—that feels great, too.

JOIN THE VERMONT YOUTH ORCHESTRA ASSOCIATION

for its 50th anniversary season. Program openings for students who have at least one year of experience on an instrument. Vocalists entering 3rd grade and above are welcome. Enrollment is still open. Students perform at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts and the Elley-Long Music Center at St. Michael’s College.

Why age 7 is the right time to see an orthodontist.

SEPTEMBER 2013

WE BELIEVE all children deserve an education that nurtures confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning. Our carefully crafted homeschooling curriculum is infused with imagination and heart. Use it independently or through our fully accredited distance learning school that offers expert teacher support and official school records.

ON THE COVER

Artist Jeff Drew designed our back-to-school cover. It’s a modern interpretation of Norman Rockwell’s “Schoolboy Gazing Out Window,” a painting which appeared on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post in 1922.

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS

Copublisher Colby Roberts colby@kidsvt.com ext. 77

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

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

Managing Editor Carolyn Fox carolyn@kidsvt.com ext. 73

Marketing & Events Manager Corey Grenier corey@kidsvt.com ext. 76 Account Executive Kaitlin Montgomery kaitlin@kidsvt.com ext. 72

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

• Published 11x per year.

Circulation: 25,000 at 400+ locations throughout northern and central Vermont.

• © 2013 Da Capo Publishing Inc. All rights reserved.

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

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

Copy Editor Paula Routly

Proofreaders Meredith Coeyman

Hayley Lamberson

Production Manager John James

Lead Designer Brooke Bousquet

Designers Aaron Shrewsbury

Rev. Diane Sullivan

Circulation Managers Steve Hadeka

Matt Weiner

Digital Media Manager Tyler Machado

Office Manager Cheryl Brownell

Contributing Writers: Megan James, Alice Levitt, Suzanne Loring, Cypress Marrs, Christy Mihaly, Cindy Morgan, Ken Picard, Sarah Tuff

Photographers: Matthew Thorsen, Jeb Wallace-Brodeur

Illustrators: Mark Armstrong, Jeff Drew, Rev. Diane Sullivan

High school students will find opportunities for dual enrollment advanced study life experience credit travel and summer programs

Visit Oak Meadow’s website or call to speak with an Educational Counselor to learn more about how students in grades K-12 can explore their interests, develop their talents, and discover their own inspired path to learning. oakmeadow.com 802-251-7250

Shelburne Farms

Saturday  SEPTEMBER 21  10 AM–4 PM

Forest, Farm & Traditional Arts Exhibits & Demonstrations  Children’s Activities

 Children’s Farmyard  Locally Produced Food  Wagon Rides by Green Mountain Draft Horse Association & Green Mountain Miniature Horse & Donkey Association  Haybale Maze and more ...

PERFORMANCES BY:  Burlington Morris Ale  Jim Burns and Forrest Newton  Celtic Company

 Tony Demarco and Siobhan Butler  Gary Dulabaum  Fiddleheads  Jon Gailmor

 The Irregulars  Tim Jennings and Leanne Ponder  Jeunes musiciens du monde

 Ed Larkin Old Time Dancers  Pete Sutherland and Rose Diamond  Bob and Andrea Teer Very Merry Theatre (featuring Anything Goes)

ADMISSION: Adults $8  Children $5 

Children under 3 & Members Free

INFORMATION: 985-8686 or www.shelburnefarms.org

DIRECTIONS: FOLLOW SIGNS FROM RTE. 7

1611 Harbor Road  Shelburne, VT

RAIN OR SHINE  Please no pets  ATM ON PREMISIS

Lots to Learn

As kids All Across the stAte return to their classrooms, it’s an appropriate time to think about education — hence this back-to-school issue of Kids VT

But a good education is about more than academics.

One of my favorite things about going back to school as a kid was seeing my friends again. My grade school and high school classmates have been some of the most important people in my life. In many ways, they’ve shaped the adult I’ve become.

I’m still in touch with many of them, though we live hundreds of miles apart. This summer, my family and I traveled to Detroit to spend time with my oldest friend, Celeste, who I met in preschool.

Celeste and I don’t talk as much as we used to, but over the past 35 years, we’ve shared so much — hopes, fears, births, deaths, marriages — that it doesn’t matter. When we do connect, we pick up where we left off.

That said, our lives are very different now. I doubt we’d even know each other if we hadn’t shared the same classroom years ago.

I want my own kids to have friendships like that, even if it means occasionally driving them to playdates in other towns. I find myself doing that more and more as some of their friends leave Winooski for towns with “better” schools. I wrote about the exodus this month in “School Choices” (page 18). It’s a bummer to see those families go, but I hope we can stay in touch.

Good nutrition is another prerequisite for educational success; kids can’t learn unless they’re eating right. This issue of Kids VT offers some help in that department. Food writer Alice

Levitt interviews the author of the blog Lunches Fit for a Kid (page 22) to find out how she creates meals that are nutritious, easy to make and fun to eat.

Physical fitness is also key. After reading Sarah Tuff’s “Fit Families” (“Family Court,” page 11), I’m thinking about signing my kids up for tennis. Circus camp is also an option: See Megan James’ “Art Of” (page 17).

Of course, homeschooling parents face the daunting prospect of having to tackle all those challenges and manage their kids’ education. Writer Christy Mihaly explains how — and why — she homeschooled her daughter for a year in this month’s “Use Your Words” essay (page 55).

Though education is important, so is kicking back and having a good time; lots of events and activities in these pages will help you and your family do just that. You’ll find the Kids VT staff at the Kids Hop, part of Burlington’s South End Art Hop, on Saturday, September 7. And we’ll be at the Shelburne Farms Harvest Festival on September 21. Stop by and say hi!

Or drop us a line and let us know how you’re surviving the back-to-school season. We love hearing from you.

Cathy ResmeR, exeCutive editoR

Some of this month’s Kids VT contributors:

Alice Levitt (“The Lunch Box Diaries”) is a Seven Days food writer. Her favorite school meal growing up in Connecticut was a mystery-meat dish called “Chicken Roundup.” She lives in South Burlington.

Suzanne Loring (“Go Ask Dad”) is the program director of the Children’s Literacy Foundation. She lives in Bolton Valley with her husband, Gribbin, and two young boys, Tucker and Max.

Christy Mihaly (“Use Your Words”) is a lawyer who recently took up nonlegal writing. After living in Spain with her family for a year, she’s glad to be back home in Montpelier, where she enjoys walking her dog in Hubbard Park and learning to play the cello.

Fall | Winter 2013-2014

KIDS MENU

C HI CK EN T ENDERS

Free-range chicken tenders. Served with hand-cut fries or side salad or steamed broccoli. $6

M IXED G REEN S ALAD

Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, choice of Ranch or Balsamic. $4 add all-natural grilled chicken $3

E DDIE S PA G HETTI

Made with marinara or butter. $5 add 2 meatballs for $1.50

P ERSONAL P IE FOR K IDS Comes with cheese & choice of 1 topping. $6 add additional toppings for $.75

H A M BUR G ER OR C HEESEBUR G ER

Local all-natural beef. Served with hand-cut fries or side salad or steamed broccoli. $6.50

F RUIT & C HEDDAR C HEESE C UBES

Chef’s selection of fresh fruit & cheddar cheese cubes. $6

P IE C ASSO ’ S L ASA G NA

Made with beef & pork, marinara sauce, fresh basil, layered with ricotta & mozzarella cheese. $7

H U MM US & V E GG IES

House made lemon-garlic hummus served with veggies for dipping. $5

P IZZA R OLL

Fresh baked dough wrapped with mozzarella, herbs & choice of pepperoni or broccoli. $5

G RILLED C HEESE

Texas toast with cheddar & american cheese, served with hand-cut fries or side salad or steamed broccoli. $5 add tomato for $.75 add bacon or ham for $1.75

school friends reunion with kids in michigan

1899 MOUNTAIN ROAD, STOWE 802.253.4411 PIECASSO.COM

Day-cation Inspiration

Natural Attraction

First-Day FLAShBAcKS

Our back-to-school theme inspired Kids VT staff and contributors to share photos and memories of their first day of school. See more at kidsvt.com.

“i was terrified of school buses! luckily, i lived down the street from my elementary school and was able to walk there. i got over my fear by the time i had to take the bus in middle school.”

Managing editor Carolyn Fox, 1991

So glad I saw this article [“Vermont Day-cations: Culture & Nature,” August 2013] ... I brought my little one to Rock of Ages. It was a great time. Tip for parents: Make sure to use the restroom before getting on the bus. I didn’t even think about it and had to wander away from the group for my little man to use a tree, so we missed part of the information being given.

Bekah Gwozdz Cambridge

Contests & Events

Win a 2014 Vermont State Parks pass

This is awesome [“Families Out and About: Communing With Nature,” Kids VT blog, August 2013]. My 3-year-old loves the Williston playground, but we have never been on the [Allen Brook] Nature Trail. Time to check it out!

Lisa Sholk Waterbury

“i’m wondering why my sister got a real lunch box while i got a measly paper bag? you can tell from the way i’m holding it how much i love lunch. still do.”

Copy editor Paula Routly, 1965

“Having just moved from england to ohio with my family, i was very excited for my first day of kindergarten at an American school! unfortunately, my british accent was not a hit among my classmates and was gone by christmas.”

Contributor Sarah Tuff, 1977

Leave a comment on any story, blog post or listing on our website and you’ll be entered in a drawing to win a 2014 Vermont State Parks pass. Never left a comment on our site? Go to kidsvt.com and click “register” in the top right-hand corner to create a user profile. The deadline to enter is September 20.

South End Art Hop’s Kids Hop

Kids VT will have a table at the South End Art Hop’s Kids Hop on Saturday, September 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in a tent behind Burlington’s Maltex Building on Pine Street. Stop by for arts-and-crafts fun, giveaways and children’s entertainment.

Shelburne Farms Harvest Festival

Come get your face painted with Kids VT! This annual celebration, also featuring children’s activities, horse-drawn hayrides and farmfresh food, takes place on Saturday, September 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Shelburne Farms.

Best of the Kids VT Blog

Families out & About: Slip Slidin’ the Day Away

By A L i S on n o VAK

An indoor water park isn’t the most logical destination on a gorgeous summer day. But on a recent Sunday, spurred by my 6-year-old’s incessant begging, my family made the hour-and-a-half trek north to the Pump House Indoor Waterpark at Jay Peak Resort.

We’d been to the Pump House several times before, but only as an antidote to cabin fever in the dead of winter. Without a blanket of thick snow, the resort was easier to navigate. And the mild weather meant no jarring transition from winter boots and coats to bathing suits.

It also meant fewer crowds, as we happily discovered upon entering the building around 11 a.m...

“I loved school but dreaded having my mom braid my hair every morning. This photo shows the aftermath of trying to give myself a haircut; it was the only time I had bangs in my life.”

Account executive Kaitlin Montgomery, 1987

COLORING CONTEST

Nine-year-old Jade Mitchell of Williamstown wrote “We love fish” on her Coloring Contest entry. Our feeling exactly; we loved seeing all of your aquatic artistry. We netted 100 submissions this month and can’t wait to “sea” what you send us next!

These winners get $25 gift cards to Creative Habitat in Burlington and free framing of their artwork for its Kids Gallery.

“My two best friends and I walked to Poultney Elementary School past the office of our local newspaper, the Area News The editor took this photo and we were in the next issue. The news clipping may still be on the fridge of at least one of our mothers.”

Lead designer Brooke Bousquet, 1982

HONORABLE MENTIONS

A+ ARTWORK “Back to School”

Liza Cahill, 12, Williston

BEAUTIFUL BLUNDER

“Boo-Boo Fish”

Ember Miel Byers, 3, Montpelier

COOL COLORATION

“Pink-Eye, Purple-Lips Fish”

Phoebe Ziegerhofer, 4, Je ersonville

EXCELLENT ESCAPE ARTIST

“I really enjoyed my elementary school experience — the walk to the bus, recess on the playground, even classes. My teachers all seemed to use storytelling, humor and kindness to deliver their message.”

Copublisher Colby Roberts, 1980

Other recent web exclusives:

Home Cookin’: Carrot

Cake With Cream-

Cheese Icing: Want your kids to eat more vegetables?

Managing editor Carolyn Fox shared her recipe for a cake that’s loaded with carrots but still tastes sweet.

Family-Friendly Winners of the Seven Daysies

Awards: Last month, Seven Days — the Vermont independent newsweekly that owns Kids VT — announced the winners of its 2013 Guide to Readers’ Picks. We rounded up the family-friendly victors.

“He’ll Never Find Me! This Is Not My Hat!”

Sarah Block, 8, Rutland

FABULOUS FISH OUT OF WATER

“Rainbow Sky-Fish”

Hazel Dority, 8, Fairfield

FLASHY FLOUNDER

“Jazzy Joe”

Natasha Lambert, 12, Swanton

GLISTENING GUPPY

“Shimmer Fish”

Emma Lowry, 9, Burlington

GREAT GOATEE

“Patriotic Fish With Beard”

Jack Austin, 8, Essex

INSPIRED INVESTIGATOR

“Fishy the Detective”

Raghav Dhandi, 8, Montpelier

RAINBOW ROYALTY

“King of the Fish”

Maggie Leuschner, 7, Hinesburg

SILLIEST SWIMMER

“Clown Fish”

Eva Goodwin, 9, Middlesex SMARTEST SCHOOL

“Fishy Stream”

Addie Yandell, 4, Essex

TOP TITLES

“MCGILLS”

Noah Cueto, 12, St. Albans

“SWIM, FISH, SWIM!”

Nora Austin, 6, Essex

Find this month’s coloring contest on page 53. The deadline for submissions is September 15.

“Rainbow Water”

Evie Pirie, 4 TOPSHAM

“Colorful Starry Fish”

Nithya Bellomkonda, 7 MONTPELIER

“The Polka Dot Princess”

Gracie Gardner, 9 BURLINGTON

THE BEAT

BY CAROLYN FOX

Providing a mixed-aged, developmental program for children 3-12 years of age.

Providing a mixed-aged, developmental program for children 3 - 12 years of age. A child-centered alternative education.

.. dedicated to the philosophy and teachings of Maria Montessori

Montpelier Montessori School

EDUCATION

Money Matters

Berlin, VT

VT www.mscvt.org

inquiries:

All inquiries: 802.223.3320

No parents want to see a “D” on their child’s report card. But that’s the grade Vermont scored in the NATIONAL REPORT CARD ON STATE EFFORTS TO IMPROVE FINANCIAL LITERACY IN HIGH SCHOOLS, released this summer by Champlain College’s Center for Financial Literacy. In fact, “Just 40 percent of states were given grades that you would want your children to bring home from school: grades A or B,” states the report. “In too many of our states, our youth receive little, if any, personal finance training in middle school, high school and college.” That could change, though, as Vermont and other states align with the Common Core State Standards, which require students to think about real-world math. The report asks: “What’s more real than creating a budget, getting a credit card, applying for a loan and saving for retirement?”

NATIONAL REPORT CARD ON STATE EFFORTS TO IMPROVE FINANCIAL LITERACY IN HIGH SCHOOLS: Read the full report at champlain.edu/centers-of-excellence/ center-for-financial-literacy/report-making-the-grade.

ARTS Getting Creative

Why not learn some of the steps!

Call now for information and reserve a spot in our Fall Classes!

Classes offered in Williston & Middlebury

Beth Anne McFadden T.C.R.G. (802) 999-5041

www.mcfaddenirishdance.com

The annual Colors of the Kingdom Festival sweeps through St. Johnsbury on September 21 with a parade, craft fair and street entertainment. But there’s even more to celebrate this year: the grand opening of OUTBACK ARTSPACE. Owned and operated by Catamount Arts, the building is the catalyst for “an ambitious new arts education program focused on children in grades K through 8,” writes arts education coordinator Anne Campbell. After school, on weekends and during school vacations the space will o er classes in visual art, crafts, music, dance, theater, media and creative writing. Want in on the arts action? Conga drumming, storytelling and family weaving workshops are on the fall schedule.

BURLINGTON BOOK FESTIVAL FAMILIES AT PHOENIX SERIES: Saturday, September 21, noon-5 p.m., at Phoenix Books Burlington. Visit burlingtonbookfestival.com for more

Tracey Campbell Pearson

WORDS

Book Bonanza

Vermont has more writers per capita than any other state — and dozens of them come together with lit-lovin’ audiences at the ninth annual BURLINGTON BOOK FESTIVAL. This year, Phoenix Books Burlington hosts a full afternoon exclusively geared toward the state’s littlest literati. Stories of trick-or-treating monkeys, an elephant learning the alphabet and the inventor of hip-hop highlight the FAMILIES AT PHOENIX SERIES. The varied lineup features readings by esteemed authors Marilyn Webb Neagley, Brian D. Cohen, Eileen Christelow, Laban Carrick Hill and Tracey Campbell Pearson. “It’s set up in a very accessible, friendly fashion so you can wander in and out,” notes festival founder and director Rick Kisonak. Write on.

NUTRITION

Cafeteria Cuisine

Buying lunch at school doesn’t have to mean eating pizza or chicken nuggets. That’s the theme of NEW SCHOOL CUISINE: NUTRITIOUS AND SEASONAL RECIPES FOR SCHOOL COOKS BY SCHOOL COOKS, a new cookbook from Vermont FEED, the Vermont Agency of Education and the School Nutrition Association of Vermont. It features 80 recipes for dishes including braised greens and beans, kale chips, quinoa salad, and cold blueberry soup. Vermont school cooks developed all the o erings, which have been tested by local students — as well as the New England Culinary Institute. With a strong emphasis on local ingredients, the dishes also meet new U.S. Department of Agriculture dietary guidelines. In fact, every USDA Child Nutrition Program in the country will receive a copy, as will all Vermont schools.

NEW SCHOOL CUISINE: NUTRITIOUS AND SEASONAL RECIPES FOR SCHOOL COOKS BY SCHOOL COOKS: The book will be available for free online in early October. Visit vtfeed.org for more information.

COMMUNITY

Help for the Hungry

Last fall, more than 700 Vermonters packed up nine-and-a-half tons of food for hungry children in Ghana. When the volunteers completed their two-hour shifts, they asked, “Is that it? Can we do more?” recalls Fred Kenney, president of local nonprofit With Love From Vermont. So the donation goals have doubled for this year’s FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN MOBILEPACK, held in Essex and Bristol in October. Raising awareness about local and global hunger, the event aims to send 272,000 meals around the world and 1500 pounds of nonperishable food to the Vermont FoodBank. Want to get your family involved? Register online to volunteer. “A family can work together side by side packing the food,” says Kenney. “It’s a great event.”

FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN MOBILEPACK: Friday, October 18, and Saturday, October 19, at Albert D. Lawton Intermediate School in Essex and Mount Abraham Union High School in Bristol. Visit withlovefromvermont.com for more information.

• Professional screening and strict recruitment process

•

We’ve got everything you need for your FALL dance classes. Dancewear, Shoes and all the Accessories for all types of dance!

How can parents help prevent or reverse childhood obesity?

By Ken Picard

LAST MonTH BRougHT SoMe RARe gooD neWS about childhood obesity. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that obesity rates among low-income preschoolers dropped in 19 states for the first time ever. Vermont was not among them, in part because the state’s percentage of overweight kids is already relatively low: 12.9 percent.

Still, childhood obesity remains a serious problem with potentially long-term consequences. This month, Dr. Lewis First, head of pediatrics at Vermont Children’s Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care, has the skinny on healthy dietary and exercise habits that can last a lifetime.

KIDS VT: How serious is childhood obesity?

LEWIS FIRST: What we’re seeing now is a national epidemic, where one in three kids between the ages of 2 and 19 in the United States is considered obese. If you’re obese as a teenager, you’re about 16 times more likely to remain obese into adulthood.

KVT: How do we define obesity?

REAL FUN! Real Science.

LF: It’s measured by what we call the body mass index, which is based on your child’s height and weight. Your child’s health care provider should calculate this. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that a child’s BMI be measured at every wellness visit after age 2 to detect any signs of a child becoming overweight.

KVT: Why is measuring the BMI so important?

KVT: So what are the true culprits of weight gain?

LF: It’s diet, sedentary behavior and the choices people make about how active they are.

KVT: What can parents do to keep their kids’ BMI in a healthy range?

LF: When a family member is obese, their weight loss is more successful when the family works on the problem together. At the national level, Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign pro-

KVT: What bad practices should we drop?

LF: Oversize portions, especially at fastfood restaurants, are one problem — and the fact that more than 80 percent of parents take their kids to a fast-food restaurant at least once a week. The portion size of meat or protein should be about the size of your palm, and the amount of condiments should be no bigger than the size of the top of your thumb. Also, the idea that a child must clean his or her plate before leaving the table contributes to overeating.

KVT: Does breast-feeding babies affect their weight later in life?

LF: Yes. Breast-feeding has been associated with preventing excess weight gain. It’s felt that breast-fed babies are better able to control their intake and follow their own internal hunger cues versus those who are given a fixed quantity of milk or formula in a bottle. It’s believed that breast-fed babies develop a better sense of when they’re full.

•  125+ Hands-on Exhibits

•  Daily Activities

•  Visiting Exhibitions

•  Science Park with water exhibits

•  Nature Trails

• Live animals & aquariums

•  Museum Store

$2 Off Admission! When you subscribe to Montshire’s eNews at montshire.org.

Rated “Top Ten Science and Technology Museum” in the country. (Trekaroo.com) Montshire

LF: We now know that everything from high blood pressure to high cholesterol to what’s now called Type 2 diabetes — it was once called adult-onset diabetes — is occurring in school-age and adolescent children. That didn’t happen years ago. In addition, overweight children can develop problems in their joints and bones, as well as obstructive sleep apnea. Down the road, children who are overweight or obese are at heightened risk for heart failure, stroke and serious cardiovascular disease. Psychologically, these kids are more prone to being bullied, which can lead to low self-esteem, depression and increased risk of substance abuse.

KVT: How much of our weight is genetic?

LF: While genetics do play a part, genetic and hormonal disorders that can result in children being overweight represent only 2 percent of the total number of kids considered obese.

motes healthier schools, more affordable and healthier meals, more physical activity, and families making better choices. Let’s Move recommends a “five, two, one, zero” prescription.

KVT: What does that mean?

LF: First, a child needs to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Second, limit a child’s recreational screen time — including TVs, computers and handheld electronics — to two hours or less per day. Third, a child should engage in at least one hour of physical activity daily. Even babies and toddlers should be active at least 15 minutes of every hour they’re awake. Finally, children should have zero sugary drinks, including sodas, juices and sweetened sports drinks.

KVT: What food myths should we dispel?

LF: Be very careful of fad diets, especially for children and adolescents. These can result in all sorts of metabolic changes and can be very hazardous to a young person’s health. There is no magical diet that’s going to “fix” your child.

There’s also a myth that, if you’re bigger, you need to eat more to stay healthy. Not true.

Finally, no matter what size your children are, love them for who they are inside and do all you can to build their self-esteem. Blaming anyone for being overweight is the wrong approach. This is something we all have to work on together. K

To calculate your child’s body mass index, visit letsmove.gov/obesity.

Children should have zero sugary drinks, including sodas, juices and sweetened sports drinks.

BY SARAH TUFF

Family Court

rackets, easier for small hands to grip; foam or low-compression balls for a less intimidating bounce; and a smaller court. Shorter matches allow for simpler scoring.

Also called 10 and Under Tennis, QuickStart has “revolutionized” the game for younger kids, says longtime Burlington instructor Jake Agna. He puts the program into practice at the King Street Youth Center’s Kids on the Ball program, which he founded 12 years ago.

Agna’s junior programs at the Edge in South Burlington accept players as young as 4 and put the focus on the kids, not the rulebook. “I try not to get them thinking too much,” he says. Instead, he aims to teach young kids the “basic square” of aligning the feet so that they run parallel to the sidelines, which sets them up for success in later years. “You’ll see it when they’re 12 or 13 that they started o really smoothly,” says Agna.

Little tennis tykes can also benefit from a simple counting game called Numbers, in which they try to hit the ball over the net 10 or 20 times in a row.

“It’s amazing how they can get better because they see what causes the ball to go over the net versus into the net,” says Agna. “It’s a self-discovery about the arc swing.” When kids see what works, they can be rewarded; Agna gives out Life Savers candies as players improve.

Once kids are 6 or 7, says Agna, they should be ready to play a game.

My kids aren’t there yet. But in the backyard, we’ve begun playing Numbers for M&Ms. I may need to switch to a healthier reward, though — on our most recent attempt, my daughter easily racked up six before nailing me in the crotch with one particularly hard-hit ball.

✱ THE LIBRARIAN LIKES

Grattan’s summary: It’s the summer of 1964 in Hanging Moss, Miss. For Gloriana June Hemphill, better known as Glory, summer is all about backyard baseball games with her best friend, Frankie; reading Nancy Drew books; playing junk poker with her older sister, Jesslyn; and spending time at the Hanging Moss Community Pool, where she plans to hold her 12th birthday party on the Fourth of July.

This year, though, everyone else has other concerns.

When Glory learns that the segregated pool is at the center of a fierce debate, her summer becomes a mission to open the minds and hearts of the people in her racially divided town.

Why you’ll like it: Glory

THE TIMING OF WIMBLEDON and the U.S. Open suggests tennis is a summer sport, but empty courts and cooling temperatures make fall an ideal time for Vermont families to pick up their rackets.

My own children, ages 5 and 6, are just starting to make contact with the ball. But they’re no Venus and Serena Williams. Can such little kids actually learn to play tennis?

Well, yes — thanks in part to QuickStart Tennis. The program, launched in 2008 by the United States Tennis Association, aims to make the sport accessible to a much wider cross-section of the population.

Forget white tennis togs and stu y clubs. Specifically designed to get more kids ages 10 and under into the game, QuickStart begins by making sure tennis equipment is sized down for younger players. Think shorter and lighter

I’m happy to see her beginning to grasp the game while having more fun than I did as a kid during stricter lessons with adult-oriented equipment. If I have to collect a few bruises in the process, I’m OK with that.

GET ON THE COURT:

Kids on the Ball has clinics during school hours at all Burlington elementary schools, and after school at the Edge on Eastwood Drive in South Burlington. For more information, visit kingstreetcenter.org or call 862-6736.

The Edge follows the QuickStart program in its fall-semester tennis program for juniors. Visit edgevt.com or call 658-0002 for

LIBRARIAN: Lindsay Grattan, Fletcher Memorial Library

BOOK: Glory Be by Augusta Scattergood

AGE RANGE: 8 and up

Be captures the simple pleasures of summer through a child’s eyes, while reminding us that there comes a time in everyone’s life when things get a bit more complicated. Glory is an empowering character who will make young readers feel like they can do anything. This wonderful work of historical fiction has been nominated for a Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award and is a musthave for schools and libraries.

“The Librarian Likes” features a different librarian and book each month.

Got an idea for a future “LL”?

Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

“Fit Families” is a monthly feature that offers easy and affordable ways to stay active. Got an idea for a future “FF”? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

details.

Kids learn the QuickStart program at Burlington’s Roosevelt Park

Bluebird Barbecue

MY KIDS ARE 11, and when we go out to eat these days, they usually skip the chicken fingers and French fries on the kids menu and go straight for the adult fare. Their increasingly refined palates please me — until we get the bill. Which is why we went to Burlington’s Bluebird Barbecue on a recent Tuesday night: Kids under 12 eat free from the kids menu with the purchase of an adult entrée. And there wasn’t a chicken finger in sight.

At 5:45 p.m., we were able to snag a table on the screened-in patio with a view through the woods to the Winooski River. The vibe at Bluebird is upscale barbecue joint: The vinyl tablecloths are more Martha Stewart than roadside dive. The cheap condiment squeeze bottles are filled with gourmet, housemade

sauces: Kansas City-style tomato-based “red,” Carolina-style apple vinegar, Memphis-style maple and from-scratch ketchup.

We couldn’t resist starting o with some southern-comfort appetizers. My son got the smoked wings with Scotch bonnet sauce. My daughter ordered a basket of hushpuppies, and my husband and I tried the cornbread.

The wings were a four-napkin, two-wet-wipe a air that my son deemed “di erent ... but really good.”

Not so the hushpuppies. My daughter and I found them dry and tasteless — “like hard balls of fried corn bread,” in her words. My husband appreciated the savory cornbread loaves with their serious pork

undertones, but I prefer mine sweeter and cakier. These were fine, but definitely needed honey — lots of honey, in my opinion.

Choosing main courses involved a great deal of deliberation. Did we want fried chicken and wa es? Pulled pork from the restaurant’s wood smokehouse? Baby back ribs?

TOTAL BILL FOR FOUR: $94.41

KID-FRIENDLY AMENITIES: four high chairs; two booster seats; coloring supplies

And then there was the kids menu, which included mac and cheese, a pulled-pork slider, a smoked-chicken quesadilla and catfish sticks. Each entrée was listed for $5 to $7 and came with a choice of one side.

After we made our final choices, the meals arrived on cute metal baking trays covered with parchment paper. Still sporting some Scotch bonnet sauce, my son tucked into his half rack of ribs with great gusto. He immediately declared them, and the restaurant, fantastic.

“We can come back here, right?” he asked. His side of mac and cheese was creamy enough to have been Velveeta-based, but I later found out it was made with Cabot’s American cheese. My daughter’s pulled-pork slider from the kids menu was generously sized and came with a large serving of fries — plenty of food for a hungry 11-year-old. The shredded pork was smoky and tender. It was the perfect canvas for her to sample each of the barbecue sauces.

Bluebird’s are the best kid portions anywhere

My blackened catfish was cooked just right and intensely spiced — and delicious for it. The accompanying chewy and bland red rice was a miss, though. My husband enjoyed his lean and flavorful pork sausage, as well as his pit beans with cooked pork, which he found both smoky and salty. The kids gobbled up the traditional slice of white sandwich bread that came with it.

After our smoked-meat gluttony, no one could fathom dessert — something that rarely happens when we dine out. Next time we come for Kids

Eat Free Tuesday, we’ll skip the hushpuppies and cornbread and save room for a Rookie’s Root Beer float or slice of pecan pie.

MATTHEW THORSEN

Esme Olsen eats catfish sticks for dinner at Bluebird Barbecue

Q:

Liam Griffin

bolton Valley

Owner/fOunder, event cOnsuLtinG cOmpany superGOOdthinGmaker

Son Milo, 3

My favorite books to read to Milo are Down by Jim Long’s Stage and One Wonderful Fine Day for a Sculpin Named Sam, both by Al Pittman. Al wrote these stories because there were no children’s books about Newfoundland, where I grew up. Al was a good friend of my dad and godfather, and it was a good friend of my mother who illustrated Sam. My folks gave me both of the copies I now own.

Reading them to Milo creates a great connection to my home country and reminds me of when my dad read these same stories to me. With my family living far away, this is a great way to show Milo where his family is from. We’re always trying to educate him about that, and these books are a fun way to do it.

mike chiareLLa

essex

directOr Of OperatiOns, richmOnd rescue

Son Matthew, 3; daughter Caroline, 1

Most recently, Matthew has been on a Richard Scarry kick, so we’ve been reading a lot of Cars and Trucks and Things That Go. Scarry’s illustrations are so detailed and it’s especially fun to look at his construction sites and machinery. It’s really interesting to see how Matthew is able to relate the pictures to the real world.

We’ve been working on finding the character Goldbug on each page, but it can be challenging. Matthew has started spotting him in a lot of the other Scarry books, as well, so that’s fun.

Caroline tends to have a shorter attention span with books, being only 1. Any of the lift-the-flap or peek-a-boo books seem to grab her attention and hold it. They’re interactive and give her something to do, even if she doesn’t grasp all the concepts just yet.

JasOn cushner

burlington

prOGram cOOrdinatOr, BiG picture schOOL Daughter Mica, 5; son Joseph, 2

Having a daughter, I really like books with strong, smart female characters. I think the stories that stick out the most are The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch and Willow by Denise Brennan-Nelson and Rosemarie Brennan. In Willow, the main character is a girl who breaks the mold and is a great model for standing up for what you believe.

I also love any of the Magic Tree House books. Not only are they interesting for me to read because of the historical content, but there’s a strong female character, Annie, who is bold, outgoing and insightful. Throughout each of the books in the series, she works closely with her brother to show the importance of teamwork, which is great. My daughter loves these books because they’re fun.

mark GuiLmette

Monkton after-saLes services, mammut spOrts GrOup Daughters Piper, 8, and Hazel, 6

I don’t have a favorite book. We have books everywhere. I build a bookshelf and it gets filled; I could build another bookshelf and it would be filled. My family goes to two different libraries and checks out the maximum number of books. Our goal is to saturate the house with books and let the girls read as much as they can.

So, since we have such a variety of books coming in and going out of the house, I very seldom read a book aloud more than once. I know it doesn’t usually happen that way, but for us it does.

When I do read aloud — usually to my younger daughter, as my older daughter likes to read to us or by herself — I try to choose books that allow me to put on a show, like The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka. K

I try to choose books that allow me to put on a show, like The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon scieszka.

mark GuiLmette

Circus

By meg AN j A mes

“It’s a lot about practicing,” he told me. “You can learn the technique of riding very easily, but it’s just constantly practicing, riding and riding, and getting a feel for what it is.”

When it comes to circus arts, honing technical skills such as acrobatics, aerials, juggling and clowning is key. So is learning to engage an audience and improvise. In a performance class, for example, campers might imitate different animals or dance as if the floor were on fire.

Sixteen-year-old Mariah

Fraker waved her hands wildly as she described the moment seven years ago when she realized she wanted to be a circus performer. She was a fourth grader, hanging upside down from monkey bars with a friend.

“We were like, ‘I wonder what trapeze is like,’” recalled the Washington, D.C., resident in hot pink sneakers and bright yellow shorts over spandex pants printed with neon images of Las Vegas. “‘I wonder if there’s such a thing as circus camp.’”

Turns out, there is: It’s Vermont’s Circus Smirkus, and Fraker has attended every summer since.

“This is my favorite place in the world,” she said as she took a break from clowning and juggling at the final camp session of the summer at Burke Mountain Academy. “It goes circus camp and then Las Vegas, and that says a lot.”

Circus Smirkus began in a 200-yearold farmhouse in Greensboro. Since 1990, it has offered one- and two-week summer camps, as well as a two-day starter camp, for kids ages 5 to 18. The group’s main event is the two-monthlong Big Top Tour, for which kids audition each summer; this year’s tour wrapped up in mid-August.

The world is wackier at Circus Smirkus — and that’s the point. The day I visited, camp director Megan Rose was wearing bear ears. It was Wild Wednesday, which is the day after Tutu Tuesday, so counselors and campers sported animal-themed clothes and accessories.

“It’s perfectly normal to wear weird things on your head,” Rose said. Also normal here: Unicyclists spinning, rolling and occasionally tumbling on a patch of pavement near the parking lot. Inside one of the four brightly colored circus tents, kids dangled and twirled from long swaths of fabric. Another tent was filled with equipment — stilts, mini trampolines, a Chinese pole — and kids learning to do an acrobatic trick called a two-high.

“It’s standing on each other,” explained Rose.

This was the advanced session, for which campers age 12 to 18 have to audition. But acrobatic skills aren’t all that matters when it comes to camp admission. Said Rose, “It’s based on attitude and answering questions like ‘What does respect mean?’ ‘Are you willing to work hard?’”

Zach Ellis is. The 13-year-old camper from New York has been perfecting his unicycling skills over the last two years.

Working together as a team is paramount, offered assistant camp director Mary Blouin Auffert. “[Circus is] a wonderful marriage of art and athletic stuff, so you have to depend on one another a lot in order to make stuff happen,” she said.

Campers may be focused on stilt walking and backflips, but there’s more to Smirkus than circus. “Kids can come here and feel safe to be themselves,” said Rose, “to try out a different version of themselves, try new things without feeling like they’re going to be judged.” K

Clowning around circus smirkus offers one-day to two-week school residencies and after-school programs throughout the year. Visit smirkus.org for more information.

Want to create your own clown act at home? circus smirkus offers tips on its website for making a clown costume: “Put a pillow in your pants to make a big tummy or bottom. sew big buttons or colorful patches onto old clothes.” combine any of the following and voilà!

• Oversize or extra-short pants

• Fuzzy slippers or an adult’s shoes

• Suspenders

• Bow tie

See page 33 for information on free kids circus classes at New England Center for Circus Arts in Brattleboro.

Jillian

all ages.

learning how to juggle at Circus Smirkus

SCHOOL CHOICES

Winooski has a great reputation when it comes to live music and trendy restaurants. People often refer to it as “Burlington’s Brooklyn.” But you don’t hear much praise for Winooski’s public schools. The general consensus is that they’re “bad.”

My partner, Ann-Elise, and I have lived in the Onion City since 2003. Our son, Graham, is 7; our daughter, Ivy, just turned 5. We hear negative comments about the schools all the time — at cocktail parties, backyard barbecues, family gatherings.

At city hall years ago, a municipal employee even tried to convince AnnElise to send Graham to the Catholic school up the street. He would be “safe” there, she said, implying that he was at risk in Winooski’s public schools.

This, understandably, freaked us out. Where you send your kids to school is one of the most important decisions you make as a parent, and we didn’t want to screw this one up.

That anxiety is partly to blame for all the young families leaving our city for South Burlington, Essex and Williston — we’ve known at least three families with little kids who

have mentioned this explicitly as a reason for moving elsewhere.

“We have a PR problem,” concedes school board member Tori Cleiland, whose daughter, Anna, is a fourth grader; her younger daughter, Eliza, starts kindergarten this fall. When you tell people that you have kids in Winooski schools, Cleiland says, “They kind of look at you like you’re a

statewide average in reading and math. The high school scores were even lower.

On paper, it would seem that Winooski schools are some of the worst in Vermont.

But Ann-Elise and I don’t buy it. After researching the school and getting to know other parents, we decided to send Graham to Winooski’s

We’re not alone — there are other active, engaged parents like us who are excited about JFK.

Cleiland has been in Winooski as long as we have. When Anna was about to enter kindergarten, in 2009, Cleiland and her husband had the option of enrolling her at Williston Central School, where Cleiland worked as a special educator.

The di erences between Williston and Winooski are stark: for starters, Census data in recent years shows that the median household income in Williston is about $97,000; in Winooski, it’s roughly $45,000. Cleiland found the atmosphere of the two schools to be “completely di erent ... It was like walking into a cathedral versus walking into a 1950s grocery store.” Winooski had an unappealing air of “old industrialness,” she says.

bad parent: ‘Why in the world would you send your kid to that school?’”

At the root of this bad rep are Winooski’s student scores on the New England Common Assessment Program, the primary standardized measurement of school performance.

Winooski students from third through eighth grade who took the NECAP earlier this year scored a depressing 14 to 19 percentage points below the

JFK Elementary School. Now both of our kids are enrolled there. Graham is in second grade; Ivy is in kindergarten. After two years in the system, we think Winooski’s elementary school is actually pretty great; the test scores simply don’t tell the whole story.

Graham loves school. He’s had fantastic teachers. He’s testing at above grade level. So far, Ann-Elise and I would give JFK an “A.”

But Cleiland stuck it out, in part because Winooski o ers something Williston doesn’t: diversity. Just 61 percent of JFK students are white; it’s truly a multi-ethnic, multi-racial environment. Seventy-eight percent of students qualify for free and reduced lunch, which means it’s socio-economically diverse, as well.

About 27 percent of the students at JFK are in the English Language

Why we love our “failing” school

BY CATHY RESMER

On paper, it would seem that Winooski schools are some of the worst in Vermont.

Learner program. They’re immigrants and refugees from countries all over the world, which creates an atmosphere of cross-cultural exchange. Such opportunities aren’t measured by the NECAP — at least not in a positive way. Students who may not speak English yet have to take the same tests as their native-born classmates, even if they can’t understand

the questions. Not surprisingly, that results in lower test scores. The same goes for children struggling with poverty. Schools all over the state are failing to meet the needs of kids in those two areas, and Winooski has more of those students than most Vermont districts.

For Cleiland, who grew up in Georgia in the 1970s, the school’s

mixed student body is a plus. “From a personal standpoint, from my own history,” she says, the school’s diversity is “amazing.”

It’s important to Arica Bronz, too. Her daughter, Linden, is in fifth grade; her son, Jonah, is starting kindergarden. Most of Linden’s friends are of other races and from other cultures.

Bronz was somewhat wary of

the school at first. “I was worried,” she recalls, before she enrolled her daughter in kindergarten at JFK. “I was scared.”

But she says she’s appreciated the way the teachers and administrators have accommodated Linden, who is testing above grade level. “What’s

School Choices

CONTINUED FROM P. 19

been great for us is how they’ve met her,” she says.

Bronz points out that the sta has been very flexible whenever her daughter has expressed interest in programs outside the normal curriculum. Last year, they let the fourth grader practice violin twice a week with the high school orchestra. This year, Linden will spend one day a week at an alternative, outdooreducation program called Crow’s Path; we’re sending Graham there, too.

Kate Simone has had a similar experience with her son, Leo, a first grader. We met them because Leo was in Graham’s reading group last year. He’s a year younger than Graham, but his kindergarten teacher moved him up into a more advanced group of older kids. “I think Leo had a great time,” says Simone.

A senior editor/production specialist for Burlington’s Tetra Tech ARD, Simone says she’s also enjoyed being involved at the school. She and her husband, Justin, a

welder, have lived in Winooski for years, but haven’t gotten to know many people until now. She says she was “totally thrilled” with the “nonthreatening” atmosphere of the school community.

“I just love the fact that I can go in there and get to know everybody,” she says.

One of the ways Simone has gotten involved is through the newly formed Parents and Community Together with Schools, or PACTS — AnnElise is also part of the group. Members helped organize a new welcome-toschool barbecue for incoming kindergarteners in June 2012. Last April, some of them, including Simone, helped organize a Spring Into the Arts event, which brought student artists out into the community. There definitely seems to be an active group of involved parents at the elementary school level.

Another positive development: Last

What About Winooski Middle-High School?

I spoke with many parents for this story, all of whom were uniformly happy with JFK Elementary School. But almost all of them expressed concern about Winooski’s combination middle-high school.

Winooski Middle-High School’s 2012 NECAP scores were even lower than JFK’s. For example, 95 percent of 11th graders failed to meet proficiency in science; 91 percent failed to meet proficiency in math. And because of its small size, the school has far fewer options for electives, language classes and advanced-placement courses than most Burlington-area middle and high schools.

Everyone agrees that it’s possible to get a great education there — last year’s salutatorian, Canary Ly, is proof of that. Her family came to the U.S. from Vietnam when she was 3; she’s headed to Middlebury College this fall.

But the school is clearly struggling to meet the needs of all of its students. “We’ve got a long way to go,” says principal Leon Wheeler. “There’s no doubt about that.”

There does seem to be a new sense of optimism, though, fueled in part by new leadership. With the exception of JFK, run by veteran teacher and administrator Mary O’Rourke, the district has been plagued in the past few years by inconsistent administration.

Wheeler is in his second year at the high school; he has a new assistant principal this year. Over the past 10 years, Winooski has had four di erent superintendents. Sean McMannon,

number five, arrived over the summer. One parent described him as “an Energizer bunny.”

McMannon, 44, got his first teaching gig in the Peace Corps in Botswana. He and his wife later taught at a school in an Eskimo village in Alaska. He did a stint as a special educator at a school in urban Boston before landing at CVU in Hinesburg, where he was principal for eight years.

on maternity leave. The sta asked her to stick around for another year — and she is. Willey doesn’t need the job. She spent 10 years in special ed and another 25 as an assistant superintendent in Addison County, and had more or less retired. She says she’s staying in Winooski because she sees progress. She cites the new leadership team and new collaborations such as the Burlington-Winooski Partnership for Change, a multi-year, multi-million-dollar grant-funded e ort to reenvision the two communities’ schools.

“If I wasn’t optimistic,” she says, “there’s no way I would be coming back this year.”

He’s already been building relationships in the community — something other administrators haven’t always done. At a recent community dinner at Winooski’s O’Brien Community Center, he diligently filled a poster-size pad of paper with comments from parents.

In a subsequent interview, McMannon explained his five-point plan, which includes increasing collaboration and communication between the elementary and middle-high school — something that seems to be on everyone’s radar.

He’s eager to get started. “I just can’t wait for the students to get here,” he enthuses.

Winooski’s part-time curriculum coordinator, Jan Willey, echoes his optimism. The 66-yearold administrator was brought in last year as a temporary replacement for someone who went

Linda Gregoire, whose daughter is entering seventh grade this year, is somewhat encouraged by their outlook. I ran into Gregoire and her daughter at the city library just before school started. Her daughter said she might want to go to a bigger high school — while she and her mom loved JFK, neither has been thrilled with the transition to middle school.

Regarding the school’s plans for improvement, Gregoire echoed something I heard from other middle-high school parents: Talking the talk is di erent from walking the walk.

When I tell Wheeler about reactions like Gregoire’s, he says he understands that skepticism. But he feels confident that the pieces are in place to ignite students’ passion for learning and help them achieve proficiency.

“It is going to happen in Winooski,” he says. “There’s absolutely no question in my mind.”

We’ve got a long way to go. There’s no doubt about that.

LEON WHEELER, PRINCIPAL

ILLUSTRATIONS: MARK ARMSTRONG

year, JFK adopted a new set of expectations for student behavior known as STARS, which stands for Striving, Thoughtful, Accepting, Responsible and Safe. It’s a discipline program that encourages teachers and students to define productive and unproductive behavior in the moment and keep track of it over time. The teachers and kids set goals and earn rewards for meeting them.

It sounds cheesy, but it seems to be working. My son talked about it all year, and still wears his STARS T-shirt; a fifth grader I met one Saturday morning at the city library told me, unprompted, that the STARS program had gotten him “to do stu ” at school that he hadn’t cared about before.

JFK administrators have also proven responsive to parent input. When the school was struggling with student behavior problems two years ago, Cleiland suggested a “social thinking” learning curriculum she liked. The school embraced it and rolled it out last year. It teaches kids — and adults — to articulate their thoughts and reactions in a new way. Unproductive habits become villains called “The Unthinkables,” including Rock Brain, Mean Jean and Grump-Grumpaninny.

Here’s how a typical worksheet describes Rock Brain: “When Rock Brain gets into a person’s head, he will get the person to do only what he wants to do and will not let him negotiate with other people.”

The kids “fight” him by learning social strategies that help them self-regulate. An example: “Take a deep breath and remember that being part of a group means that you cannot always do it your way or make the decisions you want.”

I was skeptical about all this at

first, but a few months into the year, we actually started using it at home.

JFK principal Mary O’Rourke credits these initiatives — and the work of two new school-wide reading and math coaches — for JFK’s rise in last year’s NECAP scores. “Our math scores went up 7 percent last fall,” she notes proudly. “Reading scores went up 4 percent.”

Although she recognizes the need for accountability, O’Rourke questions an assessment that takes a single snapshot of student learning and uses it to rate achievement.

She and other administrators and school board members favor assessing student growth over time and measuring how far they’ve come. They point out that, if you dig into the numbers, you can make the case that they’re doing a good job with the population they serve.

Houda Musanovic isn’t that concerned about the numbers.

“It doesn’t matter, the NECAPs,” she says.

“It matters what my son is getting, what my son is learning.”

getting, my which

Musanovic, who works as a dental assistant, came to the U.S. from Morocco in 2001. Her fourth-grade son was born here but is in the ELL program at Winooski; both she and her husband speak English with Arabic accents, which can skew their son’s pronunciation.

Musanovic was one of four interpreters at a recent school board-sponsored community dinner, which drew about 80 parents and school o cials. When I asked her afterward if she’d heard about the negative perception of the schools, she said yes — her friends are “shocked” when they find out her son goes to Winooski. They ask her why.

“For them, it’s more important, the numbers.” But so far, she says, “I am happy with it.”

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Brain plasticity has been called the most important scientific discovery of the last 50 years. It provides a way to change learning at any age, using targeted exercises that build stronger connections and automaticity in learning.

So far, Ann-Elise and I would give JFK Elementary School an “A.”

The Lunch Box Diaries

Back-to-school tips from a Vermont food blogger

BY ALICE LEVITT

Parents of schoolkids face a perennial challenge: packing school lunches that are healthy enough to sustain kids until dinner but interesting enough that they’ll actually eat them.

Need some lunch-box inspiration? You’ll find it at Lunches Fit for a Kid, a food blog written by Colchester mom Astrid Hedbor-Lague, who describes her mission as “packing fun and healthy lunches for my kids (and for myself!) and sharing some of my favorite recipes along the way.”

During the school year, Hedbor-Lague posts near-daily accounts of what’s inside the lunch bags of her two kids, Evalina, 10, and Philip, 7. One day it might be ham-and-bread skewers served with mixed berries and cheese; another day, bagel sandwiches with goldfish crackers and cucumber slices.

Whatever it is, the food is always artfully displayed. Drawing inspiration from Japanese-style bento boxes, Hedbor-Lague uses cookie cutters and melon ballers to serve sandwiches and fruit in fun shapes. She throws in pretty toothpicks as well as trivia, jokes or inspirational messages.

It’s obvious Hedbor-Lague loves food. She’s worked part-time at Burlington’s Kiss the Cook for 19 years, since she was just 17. The job has inspired her to make meals as fun to look at as they are to eat. Her interest in blogging, however, stems from her full-time career as a molecular biologist at Haematologic Technologies in Essex.

him correctly with insulin

how many carbohydrates

each day, she needs to know he’s ingested. So his mother calculates and posts the carb content of every lunch he eats as a photo caption on her blog; the nurse checks it to figure out how much insulin to inject.

Hedbor-Lague doesn’t keep tabs on page views of her blog, so it’s hard to gauge her audience, but more than 3200 Facebook followers attest to her blog’s popularity. Last year, Trader Joe’s Cookbook: Easy Lunch featured some of her recipes. Her e orts have also caught the attention of her children’s classmates — especially when Evalina brings a sandwich on her mom’s homemade rainbow-

her Cooking With Boxes swirl bread.

What is a bento box?

“You don’t know how many times

how I’ve had to tell them, ‘It’s rainbow bread and it’s supposed to be that way,’” recounts the fifth grader.

stars,

Common in Japanese cuisine, these artistic meals package everyday foods into eye-pleasing arrangements. In kids’ bentos, rice balls are often styled to look like animals or anime characters. Fruits and vegetables may be cut into stars, hearts or other fun shapes.

With two jobs and two kids, it’s surprising that Hedbor-Lague has time to make daily

lunches at all,

let alone blog about them. We recently visited her kitchen to find out how she does it.

“I don’t keep a lab notebook for my kitchen, but sometimes I wish I did,” she says, noting she’s “always experimenting and looking for new ways to improve.”

She started her blog in 2009, a year after Evalina began kindergarten, to keep a record of her homemade lunches. Hedbor-Lague and her husband are focused on their health and always take wholesome, hand-packed lunches to work for themselves. It was a no-brainer to do the same for their daughter.

Blogging became a necessity when Philip began school. The now-second grader has Type 1 diabetes. In order for his school nurse to dose

Astrid Hedbor-Lague packs school lunches for her kids

The Lunch Box Diaries

What’s in an average lunch?

Because every family member has di erent tastes and nutritional needs, each lunch is slightly di erent. Wraps are often the central element. Here’s what Hedbor-Lague packed for an August hike at Silver Lake State Park in Barnard. This is slightly more food than the kids would eat during the school day:

“[Philip] had a wrap with hummus, lettuce, turkey and Muenster, along with strawberries, yellow watermelon, a granola bar, cheddar pretzels and cheddar goldfish puffs.

[Evalina] had a wrap with hummus, lettuce, turkey and cheddar, along with strawberries, blueberries, a granola bar, cheddar pretzels, and cheddar goldfish puffs.

I had a wrap with hummus, lettuce, turkey and Muenster, along with cherries, strawberries, a granola bar, cheddar pretzels and cheddar goldfish puffs.”

Co on side dishes and snacks:

- melon ba s

- sliced fruit

- berries

— think zucchini stu ed with black rice or roasted-vegetable-and-cheddar phyllo pie.

How does she get kids involved in their meals?

- pistachios

- baby carrots

- goldfish crackers

- granola bars

- yogurt-covered pretzels

- cucumber slices

How long does it take to make the lunches?

“Generally, I spend no more than 10 minutes packing both lunches,” Hedbor-Lague writes in the FAQ section on her blog. She knows where every item is stored, which helps speed up the process.

Once the food is packed, it takes another 10 minutes to post photos and captions to her blog.

Why go bento?

It’s convenient, says Hedbor-Lague, like a compartmentalized TV dinner. It’s easy to make a fun meal with small portions of varied foods.

How does she keep meals healthy?

Hedbor-Lague makes practically everything herself, from bread to granola bars. In the summer, many of her blog posts are about dinners prepared with the vegetables in her CSA share

- ro ed-up lunch meat

- raisins

Hedbor-Lague often allows her kids to order their meals à la carte. She’ll make a list of available ingredients in categories including grains, fruits, vegetables and protein.

“It’s fun for them to say, ‘Oh, I want to have a hard-boiled egg and hummus, then carrots,’” she explains.

How does she deal with picky eaters?

When it comes to eating with an eye toward nutrition and flavor, HedborLague never stops testing boundaries.

“I’m kind of unrelenting when it comes to trying things,” she says, while pushing Evalina to taste a cantaloupe ball. When the young girl balks, she gets some tough love: “One bite of something will not kill you, so you’re not spitting it out. You’re not allergic to it.”

What food do her kids love that surprised her?

Goat meat. When Hedbor-Lague and several grown-up friends had a sushimaking party with unconventional ingredients, both her o spring went gaga for goat-filled rolls.

“You never know if your kid is gonna like goat meat,” she says. “You’ve gotta try.”

How does she keep mealtime fun?

Hedbor-Lague makes special meals, such as “Wacky, Worldly Wa e Wednesdays.” Each week, one of the kids gets to choose a country he or she would like to learn more about. Their mom will concoct a themed recipe for the occasion.

When Philip chose Sri Lanka, Hedbor-Lague used rice flour and coconut milk in the wa es. Exploring the aromatic cuisine, she made two di erent toppings: a beet curry and an eggplant dish called brinjal. The final touch was a coconut chutney — sans the usual chiles to make it more palatable for tender taste buds.

What do her kids think of her meals?

As Evalina listens to her mother discuss the work that goes into her daily cuisine, she rolls her eyes.

“You’re completely obsessed with making lunches,” she says to her mom as she leaves the room to watch TV with her brother.

“I’m completely obsessed with making lunches, that’s fair,” answers Hedbor-Lague. “But I bet you’re not sad about it, kiddo.”

Follow the Lague family’s lunch-box adventures at lunchfitforakid.blogspot.com.

Photo and text excerpted from Lunches Fit for a Kid

“This was one of the students' favorite field trips last year.”

present:

A Halloween Family Concert

Peter& WOLF The story true the of

It’s OK to “boo”

performers

at this kid-friendly Halloween family concert! A woodwind quintet introduces instruments and spooky selections including “Boo” Rag. The performance highlight is narration of an arrangement of the timeless classic: “Peter & the Wolf.”

Special guest narrator/composer Peter Hamlin has composed some alternate endings for the story that involve the audience.

Come in costume; there will be a parade of costumes! Also, door prizes! And everyone gets a treat for the road.

VSO Wind Quintet members are Anne Janson, flute; Mary Watt, oboe; Gary Wright, clarinet; Becky Eldredge, bassoon; and Shelagh Abate, French horn.

Saturday, October 19 & Sunday, October 20 & 27

Unitarian Church, Montpelier, Saturday, October 19 at 11am

• BFA Performing Arts Center, St. Albans, Saturday, October 19 at 4pm

• McCarthy Recital Hall, St. Michael’s College, Colchester, Sunday, October 20, 2pm

• Mahaney Center for the Arts, Middlebury College, Sunday, October 27 at 2pm

College, Sunday, October 27 at 2pm

Sponsored by:

$7 for adults • $5 for seniors & children • $15 for families (up to 5 people)

There is a $1 MIddlebury College service charge per ticket or family ticket for the Middlebury concert.

For more information & ticket outlets, visit vso.org

SEPT CALENDAR

Hop to It

Does your child want to be an artist when he or she grows up? Why wait that long? At the SOUTH END ART HOP’S KIDS HOP, little ones benefit from arts-and-crafts sessions led by dozens of Davis Studio staff instructors. With live music and food vendors, the tented event — part of a three-day showcase of Vermont’s art scene — is a “spectacle of imagination and creativity,” says Adam Brooks, executive director of the South End Arts and Business Association. When you’re done, grab a Kids Hop passport and continue on to other family-friendly venues, including Lake Champlain Chocolates, Davis Studio, Aikido of Champlain Valley, Creative Habitat, Burton Snowboards and Evolution Yoga.

SOUTH END ART HOP: Friday, September 6, 5-11 p.m.; Saturday, September 7, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; and Sunday, September 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., in Burlington’s South End. Saturday’s Kids Hop, for families with children ages 3-12, takes place in the SEABA tent behind the Maltex Building from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, 859-9222. seaba.com/art-hop

SPOTLIGHTS AND LISTINGS BY CAROLYN FOX

COURTESY OF SEABA

Like Fletcher Allen Health Care on Facebook and get weekly updates from Dr. First!

Sponsored by:

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

Classes

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

create With clay: The tactile, threedimensional wonders of clay will inspire and challenge the most adventurous artists! Students will work with air-dry, polymer, paper-based and firing clays to create sculptural works of art while learning about form, perspective, process and problem solving through a variety of handson techniques. Instructor: Stephanie Drews-Sheldon. Ages: 7-11. Mondays, Sep. 23-Oct. 28 (no class Oct. 14), 3-5 p.m. $110. Location: Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. Info: education@helenday.com, 253-8358, helenday.com.

Paper Arts: With paper, the creative possibilities are endless! Through inventive paper-engineering techniques, students will create a project book and a final piece focusing on a subject of their choice. Discover cool relationships to math and science, and learn the process of brainstorming, organizing and implementing artistic ideas. Instructor: Judy Sgantas.

Ages: 7-11. Session 1: Wednesdays, Sep. 25-Oct. 30 (no class Oct.16). Session 2: Wednesdays, Nov. 6-Dec. 11 (no class Nov. 27), 3-5 p.m. $110 for one session; $200 for two sessions. Location: Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. Info: education@ helenday.com, 253-8358, helenday.com.

draw! Paint! sculpt!: Come draw, paint, sculpt and engage in a variety of creative activities. Different themes and media will be explored each week. Themes will include abstract, realistic and imaginary imagery. Different styles of art and artists will be introduced. Instructor: Liz Kauffman. Ages: 4-6. Session 1: Thursdays, Sep. 26-Oct. 31 (no class Oct. 17). Session 2: Thursdays, Nov. 7-Dec. 12 (no class Nov. 28), 3-5 p.m. $110 for one session; $200 for two sessions. Location: Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. Info: education@ helenday.com, 253-8358, helenday.com.

EvoKids at Evolution Yoga:  Join us this fall for kids yoga!  Whether you are looking for a way to bond with your child, tap into your toddler’s imagination, or give your child tools to focus and find confidence, our children’s yoga series for ages 1-5 offers a consistent way to bring yoga into your family’s life. Mondays: 1:30-2:30 p.m., Dr. Seuss Story Time Yoga (ages 3-5). Wednesdays: 9:45-10:30 a.m., Tots on the Move (ages 1.5-2.5); 10:45-11:30 a.m., Kids Creative Yoga (ages 2.5-5). Fridays: 9:45-10:30 a.m., Tots on the Move. Saturdays: 9:15-10 a.m., New Explorers Yoga (walkers-18 mo.); 10:15-11 a.m., Tots on the Move. Sessions begin Sep. 16, $143/11 weeks. Location: Evolution Yoga, 20 Kilburn St., Burlington. Info: evolutionvt.com, 864-9642.

EvoKids drop-in classes at Evolution Yoga: Come once or come every week — finally, drop-in yoga classes for your

school-age child! No more conflicts with other activities; you can make room for yoga in your child’s life when there’s time. Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m., After School Special (grades K and up). Saturdays, 11:15-12:15 p.m., EvoKids (ages 4-9). Sundays, 2:30-3:30 p.m., YoGirls (ages 7-11); YoBoys (ages 6-10). Classes begin Sep. 9. $14/class. Location: Evolution Yoga, 20 Kilburn St., Burlington. Info: evolutionvt.com, 864-9642.

EvoBabies at Evolution Yoga : Our classes for birth to age 1 provide you with the opportunity to mindfully connect with your little one through movement, massage, song and relaxation. Mondays, 9:4510:30 a.m., Infant Yoga and Massage (2-6 mo.); 10:45-11:30 a.m., Baby Yoga (6 mo.crawlers). Sessions begin Sep. 16. $104/8 weeks. Location: Evolution Yoga, 20 Kilburn St., Burlington. Info: evolutionvt.com, 864-9642.

Tiny Tots: Fun and fitness for the 1-2.5-year-old set (and their ride, too!). Toddlers are ready to play and move, and they’ll do plenty of both at Tiny Tots. Dance, jump, tumble, play games! Get those bodies moving and make some nice social connections with others along the way. 7 Thursday sessions beginning Sep. 12, 1111:40 a.m. $48/members, $62/community; 8 Thursday sessions beginning Oct. 31, 1111:40 a.m. $55/members, $70/community. Location: Winooski YMCA, 32 Mallets Bay Ave. Info: gbymca.org, 655-YMCA.

Busy Bodies: Stretch and strengthen little bodies ages 2.5-4. Toddlers are made to move, and, at this age, they are also eager to explore. Release that excess energy and channel it into new grooves including improvisational dance, gymnastics, yoga and even ballet. Adults join the class, too – or not. Your choice. 7 Thursday sessions beginning Sep. 12, 10-10:45 a.m. $48/members, $62/community; 8 Thursday sessions beginning Oct. 31, 10-10:45 a.m. $55/members, $70/community. Location: Winooski YMCA, 32 Mallets Bay Ave. Info: gbymca. org, 655-YMCA.

Aikido of champlain Valley: martial Arts and conflict Resolution for children: The Japanese martial art of Aikido integrates self-defense with a philosophy of non-violence and compassion. Children’s classes include physical conditioning, bully awareness and prevention, and methods to cultivate inner calm. Visitors are always welcome, and children can try a class. Kindergarten (5-6 year olds): Thursday, 4 p.m. beginning Sep. 5. 7-12 year olds: Tuesday, 4 p.m.; Wednesday, 4 p.m. & Saturday, 9 a.m. Free trial class: Classes begin on Sep. 4 & Sep. 7. Location: Aikido of Champlain Valley, 257 Pine St., Burlington. Info: bpincus@burlingtonaikido.org, 951-8900, burlingtonaikido.org. K

Musical Mâché-Up

You’ll find lots of live music at randolph’s NEW WoRLd FEsTiVAL — and lessons in history and culture, too. more than 75 performers celebrate new england’s musical heritage, deeply rooted in celtic and French american traditions brought here by immigrants. Indoor stages and outdoor tents showcase everything from contra dancing and French quadrilles to energetic Irish tunes and playful puppetry. throw children’s crafts and international foods into the mix, and it’s joie de vivre in action.

NEW WoRLd FEsTiVAL: Sunday, September 1, noon-11 p.m., at Chandler Center for the Arts and downtown locations in Randolph. $5-39. Info, 728-6464. newworldfestival.com

COURTESY OF ROBERT EDDY

1 SUNDAY

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal yoga: Mothers-to-be build strength, stamina, comfort and a stronger connection to their baby in this all-levels class. Free class coupons are available through midwives and OB/GYNs. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 10:05 a.m. $14. Info, 864-9642.

Health & Fitness

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

Postnatal yoga: Moms bring their pre-crawling kids to an all-levels flowing yoga class addressing sore shoulders and back pain through gentle core work. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 12:15 p.m. $14. Info, 864-9642.

shelburne Prenatal yoga: Yoga postures, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques nurture bodies and create a loving connection between moms-to-be and their babies. Women at all stages of pregnancy are welcome. Yoga Roots, Shelburne, 4:30-6 p.m. $15 drop-in. Info, 985-0090.

community

Vermont Lake monsters Game: The Green Mountain State’s minor-league baseball team steps up to the plate at a home game. Centennial Field, Burlington, 5:05 p.m. $5-10. Info, 655-4200.

Fairs & Festivals

Guilford Fair: Following a tradition started in 1942, Vermonters gather for horse shows, sheep-shearing demos, an ice-cream-eating contest and thrilling rides. Weatherhead Hollow Road, Guilford, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Various prices. Info, vtnhfairs.com. mad River Valley craft Fair: Artisans from the Northeast and beyond present their handcrafted wares under a sprawling outdoor tent. Face painting, a giant slide and dress-up activities entertain the kids. Kenyon’s Field, Waitsfield, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $4; free for kids under 13. Info, 496-3409. New World Festival: More than 70 musicians celebrate Vermont’s Celtic and French Canadian heritage through traditional tunes and dance. See calendar spotlight on page 28. Chandler Center for the Arts, Randolph, noon-11 p.m. $5-39. Info, 728-6464.

Northfield Labor day celebration: Bathtub races, face painting, carnival rides, a pie-eating contest and a kids fun run converge at a three-day party with a street parade. Various locations, Northfield, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Various prices. Info, 485-9206.

southern Vermont Garlic & Herb Festival: Vampires are sure to shun this annual extravaganza featuring crafts, food, children’s games, live music and entertainment. Camelot Village, Bennington, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $1-5. Info, 447-3311.

Vermont Festival of the arts: A whoppin’ fiveweek festival boasts art exhibits, performances and workshops celebrating painting, poetry, crafts, culinary arts and everything in between. Visit vermontartfest.com for details. Various locations, Mad River Valley, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Various prices. Info, 496-6682.

Vermont state Fair: Crowds converge on the midway for circus acts, racing pigs, demolition derbies and live music at this annual ag-centric affair. Vermont State Fairgrounds, Rutland, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. $1-15 per day; $25-35 for season pass. Info, 775-5200.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: Fans of cocoacovered confectioneries experience the tempering and dipping process. All ages. Laughing Moon Chocolates, Stowe, ongoing, 2 p.m. Free. Info, 253-9591.

Power of Produce (PoP) club: Winooski: Kids register for a Passport to Health at the Winooski Farmers Market, which earns them a tote, button and tokens for fruits, veggies or plant starts. Additional children’s activities focus on food, farming and nutrition. Ages 5-12. Winooski Falls Way, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 413-446-4684.

Power of Produce (PoP) club: south Burlington: South Burlington Farmers Market patrons sign up for a Passport to Health, receiving a $3 token to spend on fruits, veggies or plant starts. Weekly activities focus on food, farming and nutrition. Ages 5-12. South Burlington High School, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Donations accepted; $25 season membership. Info, sbfm.manager@gmail.com.

Jay Peak Trail Running Family Festival: Quick-footed participants big and small hoof it along 5K, 25K and 50K routes — and a kids fun run. Ages 4 and up. Jay Peak Resort, 8:30 a.m. $15-80 per race; additional tickets required for a post-race barbecue.

music

music on the Porch: Hard Scrabble, Dave Keller, the Growlers and Seth Yacavone are among the artists featured in this weekly lineup of tunes. Rusty Parker Memorial Park, Waterbury, 1-3 p.m. Donations accepted for Food 4 Farmers. Info, 882-2700.

North Branch Bluegrass Festival: This outdoor music bash by the Ottaquechee River features New England bands, music workshops, nightly jam sessions and camping. Bridgewater Center Rd., 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $5-20 per day; $20-50 weekend pass; free for kids under 5. Info, 672-3042.

Nature & science

color mixing: Preschoolers and their families blend primary colors into brand-new hues. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

a corn maze adventure: Get lost! Families navigate their way through a life-size puzzle in the shape of the historic fort. All ages. Fort Ticonderoga, Sep. 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular admission, $8-17.50; free for kids under 5. Info, 518-585-2821.

Exploring magnets: Budding scientists experiment with invisible pull. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Farm activities: Animal lovers explore the Children’s Farmyard and walking trails at this working farm and National Historic Landmark. A “Raptors in Residence” program is held Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 1 p.m. Shelburne Farms, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission, $5-8; free for kids under 2; additional cost for property tours. Info, 985-8686.

Great Vermont corn maze: A 10-acre maze of maize lures labyrinth lovers outstanding in their field. The Great Vermont Corn Maze, Danville, 10 a.m. $10-15; free for kids under 5. Info, 748-1399.

Labor & Leisure day: Families pitch in on the farm, helping to build a split-rail fence and do laundry on a washboard. Come quittin’ time, they hop a wagon ride and sample some fresh-churned ice cream. All ages. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular admission, $3-12; free for kids under 3. Info, 457-2355.

Planetarium Presentation: An astronomy expert offers a guided tour of the cosmos. Ages 5 and up. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, 1:30-2:30 p.m. $5. Info, 748-2372.

Rockin’ the Little River: Explorers meet at the Waterbury Dam viewpoint and monument to learn how the Civilian Conservation Corps saved the Winooski Valley from flooded ruin. Little River State Park, Waterbury, 11 a.m. $2-3; free for kids under 4; call to confirm. Info, 244-7103.

sundays for Fledglings: Aspiring junior birders learn all about feathers and flying through observation, research and goofing around. Ages 5-10. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 2-3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $3-6; preregister. Info, 434-2167.

ViNs daily Programs: Wilderness lovers gather for songbird feeding time, raptor programs and activities in the “nature nook.” All ages. Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center, Quechee, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Regular admission, $11-13; free for members and kids under 4. Info, 359-5000.

War of the Weeds!: Garden helpers learn about plant identification while removing invasive honeysuckle shrubs. Meet at A-Side Camper’s Beach parking lot, Little River State Park, Waterbury, 10 a.m. $2-3; free for kids under 4; call to confirm. Info, 244-7103.

Our new, state-of-theart Children’s Inpatient Program combines best practices in clinical space design with a strong sense of wonder for the young people in our care. Highlights include:

• Comforting, child-friendly design and decor

• Private bedrooms for up to 12 children

• Sensory room with soothing bubble tubes and other sensory integration tools

• Multi-use community rooms

• Low stimulation suite and quiet room

• Dedicated family visiting space

Here, we help children find the strength to overcome their challenges, in a warm, welcoming place of safety and hope. Learn how we’re leading the way at brattlebororetreat.org

2 MONDAY

Baby & maternity

montpelier Prenatal Yoga: Pregnant mamas focus on movements that will help prepare their bodies for labor and birth. Yoga Mountain Center, Montpelier, 5:30-7 p.m. $15 drop-in. Info, 778-0300.

Yoga After Baby: New moms work on their core, pelvic floor and arm strength, bringing their infants along if they choose. Shambhala Center, Montpelier, 11 a.m.-noon. $10. Info, 778-0300.

community

Vermont Lake monsters Game: See September 1, 6:05 p.m.

Fairs & Festivals

Guilford Fair: See September 1, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Northfield Labor day celebration: See September 1, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Vermont Festival of the Arts: See September 1, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Vermont state Fair: See September 1.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See September 1.

Health & Fitness

YmcA Free Programs Week: From Hula-Hooping to swimming, kids sample classes that build skills and self-confidence. Offered at the Pomerleau Family YMCA, Burlington, and Winooski YMCA, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Info, 862-9622.

Yoga class: Playful breathing, stretching and relaxation techniques build mindfulness and body awareness. Ages 6-12. 2 Wolves Holistic Center, Vergennes, 4-5 p.m. $14 drop-in. Info, 870-0361.

Nature & science

A corn maze Adventure: See September 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Farm Activities: See September 1.

Great Vermont corn maze: See September 1. Hoopster Gliders: Creativity soars as kids craft a flying contraption. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

sound science: Good listeners explore how audio travels through different materials. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Three-mile corn maze: Outdoor adventurers get lost — or not — in the stalks, tracking their progress at numbered stations along the way. Sam Mazza’s Farm Market, Colchester, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Call for price. Info, 655-3440.

ViNs daily Programs: See September 1.

3 TUESDAY

Arts & crafts

creative Tuesdays: Artists engage their imaginations with recycled crafts. All ages, but kids under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 3:15-5 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See September 1, 4 p.m.

Postnatal Yoga: See September 1, 10:30 a.m.

community

Vermont Lake monsters Game: See September 1, 7:05 p.m.

Fairs & Festivals

Vermont state Fair: See September 1, noon-10 p.m.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See September 1.

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

Games

chess club: Checkmate! Kids of all ability levels scheme winning strategies. All ages. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m. Free. Info, 849-2420.

Health & Fitness

martial Arts class: Playful but focused activities build agility, strength, balance and peaceful cooperation. Ages 7-12. 2 Wolves Holistic Center, Vergennes, 4-5 p.m. $14 drop-in. Info, 870-0361.

YmcA Free Programs Week: See September 2. Sep. 8, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

Library & Books

cleo the Therapy dog: Canine companions visit with a friendly pooch from the Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Ages 3 and up. Milton Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

movies

Youth media Lab: Aspiring Spielbergs film, edit and produce videos while exploring other areas of digital media. Grades 4-6. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

music

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

Nature & science

Farm Activities: See September 1.

Great Vermont corn maze: See September 1. Three-mile corn maze: See September 2. ViNs daily Programs: See September 1.

4 WEDNESDAY

Baby & maternity

Breast-Feeding mom support: New mothers get to know each other during this informative and informal session. Children welcome. Grace Church, Rutland, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 747-8665.

community

Vermont Lake monsters Game: See September 1, 7:05 p.m.

Education

Back-to-Homeschool social: Stay-at-home learners enjoy games, puzzles and a craft as their parents swap educational ideas and materials. St. Albans Free Library, first Wednesday of every month, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

social Thinking: Kids with nonverbal learning disabilities, Asperger’s syndrome and high-functioning autism develop their social skills. Call for times. Ages 6-17. Preregister. Maple Leaf Clinic, Wallingford, Info, 446-3577.

Fairs & Festivals

Vermont state Fair: See September 1, noon-10 p.m.

Food

caledonia Farmers market: Freshly baked goods, veggies, beef and maple syrup figure prominently in displays of “shop local” options. All ages. Route 2, Danville, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 592-3088.

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See September 1.

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

cookie decorating: Budding bakers doll up treats with sprinkles, frosting, sugar and nuts. Barrio Bakery, Burlington, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 863-8278.

maple candy making: Confectioners crystallize syrup into sugar — and sweet-toothed visitors sample it fresh from the mold. New England Maple Museum, Pittsford, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, 483-9414.

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

middlebury Farmers market: Crafts, cheeses, breads, veggies and more vie for spots in shoppers’ totes. All ages. Marble Works District, Middlebury, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 537-4754.

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

Games

Lego afternoons: Youngsters create freely from big buckets of building blocks. Parents encouraged to send a snack; popcorn provided. Ages 6 and up. Lincoln Library, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 453-2665. Lego club: Amateur architects piece together creative scale models of cityscapes. Lawrence Memorial Library, Bristol, 3:15-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 453-2366.

Health & Fitness

afternoon Hoops: Basketball-loving high school students spend the afternoon dribbling, shooting and scoring. St. Albans City Hall, 2:30-3:45 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 524-1500, ext. 266.

EvoKids afterschool yoga: Parents can attend a bydonation community yoga class one room over from this workout for kids. Grades K and up. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 4:30-5:30 p.m. $14; $20 per two children. Info, 864-9642.

ymca Free Programs Week: See September 2, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

Library & Books

dorothy canfield Fisher Book discussion: Bibliophiles voice likes and dislikes about awardnominated books, such as Veera Hiranandani’s

The Whole Story of Half a Girl. Ages 8-11. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-0313.

Richford PJ story Time: Kids gather with friends for bedtime prep through stories, songs and crafts. Ages 6 and under. Arvin A. Library, Richford, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

music

moving & Grooving With christine: Tots let loose to the rhythms of rock-and-roll and world music. Recommended for ages 2-5, but all are welcome. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Preschool music With mr. chris: Kids tap their toes in time to a fun, tune-filled gathering. Ages 3-5. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 878-0313.

Nature & science

autumn activity Time on the Farm for Preschoolers: Stories, hands-on activities and snacks teach little ones about life on the farm. Ages 3 and up. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 9-10:30 a.m. $3-5 includes museum admission; preregister. Info, 457-2355.

Farm activities: See September 1.

Great Vermont corn maze: See September 1.

Three-mile corn maze: See September 2.

ViNs daily Programs: See September 1. Wagon Ride Wednesdays: Giddyup, let’s go! Horses carry wagons through the operating dairy farm.

submit your october event for print by september 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com

All ages. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Regular museum admission, $3-12; free for kids under 3. Info, 457-2355.

5 THURSDAY

Baby & maternity

Breast-Feeding support Group: Lactating moms bring their babies and bond over stories and advice. Family Birthing Center, Northwest Medical Center, St. Albans, 10 a.m.-noon. Free; preregister. Info, 524-7970.

Burlington Prenatal yoga: See September 1, 5:45 p.m.

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

Fairs & Festivals

Vermont state Fair: See September 1, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See September 1.

Jericho Farmers market: More than 20 vendors offer heirloom tomatoes, fresh greens, fragrant herbs, wildflowers and more at this family-friendly market with live, local music. Mills Riverside Park, Jericho, 3-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 343-9778.

milton Farmers market: Farmers, foodies and crafters come together to celebrate the bounty of the growing season. All ages. Milton High School, 4-7 p.m. Free. Info, 893-1009.

Health & Fitness

martial arts class: See September 3.

ymca Free Programs Week: See September 2, Sep. 8, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

Library & Books

Kitten story Hour: Furry felines from the Franklin County Humane Society make for a purr-fect readaloud time. Haston Library, Franklin, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 285-6505.

music

music for Preschoolers: Lively tunes with Peter Alsen or Derek Burkins strike the right note among the wee crowd. For ages 5 and under with a caregiver. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Free; limited to one session per week per family. Info, 878-4918.

music With mr. chris: Singer, storyteller and puppeteer Chris Dorman leads kids in song and dance. All ages. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.

Nature & science

Farm activities: See September 1.

Great Vermont corn maze: See September 1. Three-mile corn maze: See September 2.

ViNs daily Programs: See September 1.

6 FRIDAY

Baby & maternity

Postnatal core yoga: Get your abs on! New moms learn to reengage core muscles lost during pregnancy in this flowing yoga class for all levels.

Pre-crawling babies are welcome. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 1:30 p.m. $14. Info, 864-9642.

community

Glass-Blowing demos & Food Trucks: Families view art in action as eight mobile vendors serve good grub nearby. All ages. AO Glass Works, Burlington, 5-8 p.m. Free. Info, 488-4455.

Dance

First Friday Family Dance: A wholesome evening of live music and dancing ends with a song circle. All ages. Worcester Town Hall, 6:30-9:30 p.m. $5-12. Info, 229-0173.

Education

Early Bird Math: Young children and their caregivers put two and two together using interactive books, songs and games to explore early math concepts. Richmond Free Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 434-3036. Homeschool Day: Students learn about the life of an 18th-century soldier on a day exclusively reserved for homeschool groups. All ages. Fort Ticonderoga, N.Y. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular admission, $8-17.50; free for kids under 5. Info, 518-585-2821.

Fairs & Festivals

South End Art Hop: Queen City artists come out of the woodwork for this exciting and varied exhibition of visual art. Saturday’s Kids Hop takes place behind the Maltex Building from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Visit seaba. com for more information. See calendar spotilght on page 27. Various South End locations, Burlington, 5-11 p.m. Free. Info, 859-9222.

Vermont State Fair: See September 1.

Food

Burger Night: Live music and kids activities lend a

festive air to a local feast of grilled fare. All ages. Bread & Butter Farm, Shelburne, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Free admission; cost of food and drink. Info, 985-9200.

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See September 1.

Five Corners Farmers Market: From natural meats to breads and wines, farmers share the bounty of the growing season at an outdoor exchange, complete with live entertainment and kids activities. Lincoln Place, Essex Junction, 3:30-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 5cornersfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

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

Library & Books

Book Sale: Bibliophiles thumb through hundreds of hard covers, paperbacks, CDs and DVDS. Proceeds support library collections and activities. Rutland Free Library, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 773-1860.

Music

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

Three-Mile Corn Maze: See September 2. VINS Daily Programs: See September 1.

Theater

First Friday Gallery Walk: Circus Performance: Advanced- and professional-level students from the New England Center for Circus Arts dazzle audiences on a freestanding aerial rig. After, folks can view colorful circus-inspired paintings inside the museum. Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, 6-6:20 p.m. Free. Info, 254-9780.

7 SATURDAY

Kids in the Kitchen: Lasagna Roll-Ups: Budding bakers think outside the pan as they create an Italian dish with a delicious twist. All ages. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $20 per child; free for accompanying adult; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

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

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See September 4.

YMCA Free Programs Week: See September 2, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

Story Times

MONDAY

Burlington Stories With Megan: Fletcher Free Library, starts Sep. 23, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

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

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

Richmond Pajama Time: Richmond Free Library, 6:30-7 p.m. Free. Info, 434-3036.

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

Stowe Story Time for 2- to 3-Year-Olds: Stowe Free Library, 10:15-11 a.m. Free. Info, 253-6145.

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

Waterbury Baby & Toddler Story Time: Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036. Woodstock Baby Story Time: Norman Williams Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 457-2295.

TUESDAY

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

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

Colchester Toddler Story Time: Burnham Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-0313.

East Barre Kids Story Hour: East Barre Branch Library, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 476-5118.

Georgia Pajama Story Time: Georgia Public Library, third Tuesday of every month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 524-4643.

Grand Isle PJ Story Time: Grand Isle Free Library, first Tuesday of every month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

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

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

Music With Derek: The wee crowd convenes to shake out their sillies in tune-filled activities. All ages. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.

Spanish Musical Kids: Amigos learn Latin American songs and games with native Argentinian Constancia Gómez. Ages 1-5. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Nature & Science

Farm Activities: See September 1.

Foodways Fridays: Children tour the heirloom garden, watching how the veggies make their way into historic recipes prepared in the 1890 farmhouse kitchen. All ages. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular admission, $3-12; free for kids under 3. Info, 457-2355.

Great Vermont Corn Maze: See September 1.

Arts & Crafts

Art Workshops With the Art House: Kids create marbled paper, mosaics, puppets, potato prints and more at the farmers market. Ages 3-15. Craftsbury Common, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $8. Info, 586-2545. Clay for Families: Special ceramics made in the studio are left for firing and glazing, then picked up later. All ages. ArtisTree Community Art Center, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-noon. $20 per parent/child pair; $5 per additional person; preregister. Info, 457-3500.

Kids Craft: Alien in a Saucer: Youngsters fashion an extraterrestrial in a spacecraft from plastic plates, cups and pom poms. Ages 5 and up. Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $5. Info, 862-0646.

Traditional Craft Saturdays: Local artisans demonstrate rug braiding, natural wool dying, tinsmithing and more. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10

Early-literacy skills get special attention during these read-aloud sessions. Some locations provide additional activities such as music, crafts or foreign-language instruction. Contact the story-time organizer or visit kidsvt.com for details. Schedules generally follow the school calendar; call ahead to confirm.

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

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

South Burlington Tiny Tot Story Time: South Burlington Community Library, 9:15 & 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7539.

Williston Story Time With Corey: Buttered Noodles, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.

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

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

WEDNESDAY

East Barre Realms of Reading Crafts: East Barre Branch Library, 3-5 p.m. Free. Info, 476-5118.

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

Grand Isle Preschool Story Time: Grand Isle Free Library, 10 a.m. Free; newcomers should preregister. Info, 372-4797.

Hardwick Preschool Story Time: Jeudevine Memorial Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 472-5948.

Montgomery Story Hour: Montgomery Town Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, montgomery.librarian@gmail.com.

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

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

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

South Burlington Baby Book Time: South Burlington Community Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7539.

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

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

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

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

Williamstown Story Time: Ainsworth Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 433-5887.

THURSDAY

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

Fairfax PJ Story Time: Fairfax Community Library, first Thursday of every month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

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

Rutland Story Time: Rutland Free Library, 1010:45 a.m. Free. Info, 773-1860.

Shelburne Story Time With Mary Catherine Jones: Pierson Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 985-5124.

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

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

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

FRIDAY

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

Essex Musical Thirds Story Time: Essex Free Library, third Friday of every month, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.

Enosburg Story Hour: Enosburg Public Library, 9-10 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Essex Drop-in Story Time: Brownell Library, Sep. 6, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

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

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

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

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

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

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

South Burlington Story Time Adventures: South Burlington Community Library, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7539.

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

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

SATURDAY

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

Burlington Saturday Story Time: Phoenix Books, Sep. 7, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 448-3350.

Colchester Saturday Drop-In Story Time: Burnham Memorial Library, 10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-0313.

South Burlington Story Time: See Wednesday. St. Johnsbury Story Time: See Friday; first Saturday of every month, 10:30 a.m.

6 FRIDAY (CONTINUED)

a.m.-5 p.m. Regular admission, $3-12; free for kids under 3. Info, 457-2355.

Youth & Family saturday drop-in: Artsy types create everything from wooden paddle boats to gourd people to tin nightlights in this ever-changing weekly series. Call for specific class activities. Shelburne Craft School, 10-11:30 a.m. $12 each; $10 with a friend or participating parent. Info, 985-3648.

Baby & maternity

Baby-item sale: Hosted by the local La Leche League and Babywearers, this annual event in its third decade offers affordable, quality goods. Item donations accepted on September 6, 8 a.m.-noon. All ages. Bethany Church, Montpelier, 9 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 244-1254.

Breast-Feeding support Group: The Vermont Department of Health organizes this informative social group for moms, babies and families. Bent Northrop Memorial Library, Fairfield, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 524-7970.

community

Girl scout day: The Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York host a day of activities geared toward their peers. All ages. Fort Ticonderoga, N.Y. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular admission, $8-17.50; free for kids under 5. Info, 518-585-2821.

Education

Kids Workshops: Children learn do-it-yourself skills and tool safety as they build a different project each session. Ages 5-12. Home Depot, Williston, 9 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 872-0039.

Fairs & Festivals

Bakers’ Harvest Festival: Foodies and families twist their own soft pretzels, dip apples in caramel, sample fresh-from-the-oven treats and watch a live amateur baking competition. King Arthur Flour, Norwich, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info, 649-3361.

south End Art Hop: See September 6, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

Vermont state Fair: See September 1, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

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

caledonia Farmers market: Freshly baked goods, veggies, beef and maple syrup figure prominently in displays of “shop local” options. All ages. 50 Railroad Street, St. Johnsbury, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 592-3088.

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

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See September 1.

middlebury Farmers market: See September 4.

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

Health & Fitness

Kids Hop at Evolution Yoga: As part of the South End Art Hop, the yoga studio hosts fun and creative kids classes, face painting, Hula-Hooping and more. Ages 5-12. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 12:30-4 p.m. Free. Info, 864-9642.

YmcA Free Programs Week: See September 2, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

Yoga Tots: Toddlers and parents stretch it out in exercises meant to build self-esteem and positive attitudes toward physical activity. Ages 3-6. Highgate Town Office Building, first Saturday of every month, 9 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 868-3970.

Library & Books

Book sale: See September 6, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. meet Pete the cat: Eric Litwin’s moving and

grooving feline protagonist entertains little ones at an hourly story time, complete with face painting and fun activities. Ages 8 and under. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info, 764-1810. spanish stories & music: Kids learn to rhyme, read and sing en español with Constancia Gomez. Ages 6 and under with a caregiver. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

movies

Wildlife movie marathon Weekend: Families take a walk on the wild side as they screen animal flicks. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Come dressed as your favorite wild animal for $2 off regular museum admission, $9.50-12.50; free for kids under 3. Info, 864-1848.

music

introductory Taiko Workshop: Music makers feel the beat at this beginners’ session in ancient Japanese drumming. Ages 6-12. Burlington Taiko, 10 a.m. & 6 p.m. Free. Info, 658-0658.

Nature & science

A corn maze Adventure: See September 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

creeping colors: Marker dyes break down into a rainbow of hues as small scientists watch capillary action. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Farm Activities: See September 1.

Great Vermont corn maze: See September 1.

Planetarium Presentation: See September 1.

sound science: See September 2.

Three-mile corn maze: See September 2.

ViNs daily Programs: See September 1.

Theater

Free circus classes: Ever wanted to run away with the circus? Try out the trapeze, low wire, aerial silks and more with experienced staff members. Parents must be present to sign a waiver. New England Center for Circus Arts, Brattleboro, ages 1.5-7 attend with their parents from 2-3 p.m.; ages 8 and up attend from 3-4 p.m. Free. Info, 254-9780.

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

8 SUNDAY

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See September 1.

shelburne Prenatal Yoga: See September 1.

community

Family day: shelburne museum Goes to the dogs!: Families dress in their best neon and leg warmers for an ’80s-themed day showcasing the high-flying talents of DockDogs. Proceeds benefit local dogrescue groups and humane societies. Shelburne Museum, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $5-10; free for members, dogs and children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

Fairs & Festivals

south End Art Hop: See September 6. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Vermont state Fair: See September 1.

Food chocolate-dipping demonstration: See September 1.

Power of Produce (PoP) club: Winooski: See September 1.

Power of Produce (PoP) club: south Burlington: See September 1.

Health & Fitness

Women’s Basketball skills clinic: Coaches and players from the St. Michael’s College women’s 8 sUNdAY, p.34

•

• Private party space staffed by a Vermont Teddy Bear Ambassador. Newly refurbished 900 sq.ft. private party space

basketball program provide personal on-court instruction and performance assessment. Grades 6-12. St. Michael’s College, Colchester, 9:30 a.m.noon, $25 per session; $75 for four sessions. Info, 654-2503.

YmcA Free Programs Week: See September 2.

YoBoys Yoga class: Yoga poses, relaxation techniques and themed discussions help young boys learn to increase their attention spans, self-regulate their emotions and manage stress. Ages 6-10. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 2:30-3:30 p.m. $14. Info, 864-9642.

YoGirls Yoga class: Preteen girls acquire self-confidence, emotional stability and a positive body image through yoga poses, mindfulness activities, games and crafts. Ages 7-11. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 2:30-3:30 p.m. $14. Info, 864-9642.

Library & Books

Book sale: See September 6, 4-8 p.m.

movies

Wildlife movie marathon Weekend: See September 7.

Nature & science

A corn maze Adventure: See September 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Farm Activities: See September 1.

Fingerprints: Kids get up close and personal with their prints, exploring what makes them unique. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Fossils: Evidence of the Past: Youth sleuths clue into the origins of preserved remains. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Great Vermont corn maze: See September 1.

Planetarium Presentation: See September 1. sundays for Fledglings: See September 1.

Three-mile corn maze: See September 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

ViNs daily Programs: See September 1.

9 MONDAY

Baby & maternity

montpelier Prenatal Yoga: See September 2. Yoga After Baby: See September 2.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See September 1.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids Afterschool Yoga: See September 4. Yoga class: See September 2.

Library & Books

dot Week: Peter Reynolds’ picture book The Dot inspires special programs involving felt and food. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 10:30 a.m. & 3:30 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4095.

Write Now!: Best-selling authors-to-be get inspired to start penning that book or poem. Ages 12-18. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-0313.

Young Adult Advisory Board: Sixth through 12th graders help make the library a destination for their peers. Ages 12-18. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 5:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-0313.

music

music for Preschoolers: See September 5, 10:45 a.m.

Nature & science

Farm Activities: See September 1.

Great Vermont corn maze: See September 1. Three-mile corn maze: See September 2. ViNs daily Programs: See September 1.

10 TUESDAY

Arts & crafts

creative Tuesdays: See September 3.

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See September 1, 4 p.m.

Postnatal Yoga: See September 1, 10:30 a.m.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See September 1.

old North End Farmers market: See September 3.

Games

chess club: See September 3.

Health & Fitness

martial Arts class: See September 3.

Library & Books

dot Week: See September 9, 10:30 a.m. & 3:30 p.m. Little Night-owl story Time: Listeners swoop in for some bedtime tales, songs and crafts. Ages 5 and under. Essex Free Library, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.

movies

Youth media Lab: See September 3.

music

children’s sing-Along With Lesley Grant: See September 3.

Nature & science

Farm Activities: See September 1.

Great Vermont corn maze: See September 1. story Time in Nestlings Nook: Preschoolers settle in for avian education. Activities include crafts, music and nature walks, if the weather permits. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 10:30 a.m. Regular museum admission, $3-6. Info, 434-2167. Three-mile corn maze: See September 2. ViNs daily Programs: See September 1.

Parenting

Growing Kids south Burlington: Parent-Education series: Early-childhood-education expert Scott Noyes shares ideas to help parents ease transitions and improve routines. For parents/guardians of young children. F. H. Tuttle Middle School, South Burlington, 6:45-8:45 p.m. Free. Info, 863-3367.

11 WEDNESDAY

Baby & maternity

Burlington La Leche League: Babies and older kids are welcome as moms bring their questions to a breast-feeding support group. Lending library available. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 985-8228.

Education

History for Homeschoolers: Reading, writing and hands-on activities hosted by the Vermont Historical Society offer a new perspective on the past. Ages 6-12. Vermont History Museum, Montpelier, 1-3 p.m. $4-5; free for parents and nonparticipating children; preregister. Info, 828-1314.

social Thinking: See September 4.

Technology safety With Technicool: Prevent Child Abuse Vermont hosts this workshop covering safer passwords, sharing information, gaming, social networking and cyberbullying. For kids in grades 4-8 with their parents/guardians and educators. South Hero Community Library, 7-8 p.m. Free. Info, 372-6209.

Food

caledonia Farmers market: See September 4.

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See September 1.

colchester Farmers market: See September 4.

cookie decorating: See September 4.

maple candy making: See September 4.

music

music for Preschoolers: See September 5.

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

middlebury Farmers market: See September 4.

Woodstock Farmers market: See September 4.

Games

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

Lego Afternoons: See September 4.

Lego club: See September 4.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See September 4.

EvoKids Afterschool yoga: See September 4.

Library & Books

dot Week: See September 9. Sep. 14, 10:30 a.m. & 3:30 p.m.

music

moving & Grooving With christine: See September 4.

Preschool music With mr. chris: See September 4.

Nature & science

Autumn Activity Time on the Farm for Preschoolers: See September 4.

Farm Activities: See September 1.

Great Vermont corn maze: See September 1.

Three-mile corn maze: See September 2.

ViNs daily Programs: See September 1.

Wagon Ride Wednesdays: See September 4.

12 THURSDAY

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal yoga: See September 1, 5:45 p.m.

Education

History for Homeschoolers: See September 11.

Fairs & Festivals

The Tunbridge World’s Fair: This old-fashioned agricultural extravaganza features dairy shows, antique tractor pulls, free shows and a midway. Tunbridge Fairgrounds, Barre, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. $8-13; $35 season pass; free for children under 12. Info, 889-5555.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See September 1.

Jericho Farmers market: See September 5. milton Farmers market: See September 5.

Games

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

Health & Fitness

martial Arts class: See September 3.

Library & Books

dot Week: See September 9, 10:30 a.m. & 3:30 p.m.

music With mr. chris: See September 5.

Nature & science

Farm Activities: See September 1. Great Vermont corn maze: See September 1.

Three-mile corn maze: See September 2. ViNs daily Programs: See September 1.

13 FRIDAY

Baby & maternity

Postnatal core yoga: See September 6.

community

Glass-Blowing demos & Food Trucks: See September 6.

Education

Early Bird math: See September 6.

Homeschool Project day: Siblings and parents act as the audience as out-of-classroom learners present current and past projects. Milton Public Library, 2:30 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Fairs & Festivals

The Tunbridge World’s Fair: See September 12, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

Food chocolate-dipping demonstration: See September 1.

Five corners Farmers market: See September 6. Richmond Farmers market: See September 6.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See September 4.

Library & Books

dot Week: See September 9. Sep. 14, 10:30 a.m. & 3:30 p.m.

songs & stories With matthew: Musician Matthew Witten helps kids start the day with tunes and tales of adventure. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

music

Kids music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See September 6.

music With derek: See September 6.

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

Nature & science

Farm Activities: See September 1.

Foodways Fridays: See September 6. Friday Nights for Teen Tinkerers: Would-be Ben Franklins create, design or build something cool, from “Frankenstuffies” to stop-motion animation. Grades 6-9. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 6:30-8 p.m. $14-16; preregistration encouraged. Info, 649-2200.

Great Vermont corn maze: See September 1.

Three-mile corn maze: See September 2.

ViNs daily Programs: See September 1.

14 SATURDAY

Arts & crafts

Kids craft: Alien Reusable Tote Bag: Little ones create a carryall that’s out of this world. Ages 5 and up. Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $5. Info, 862-0646.

Lizzy S. with Matt age 6 ¾ Y Family ShelburneMember

Traditional craft saturdays: See September 7. Youth & Family saturday drop-in: See September 7.

Education

Training for FiRsT Lego League coaches: Programming Workshop: Skye Sweeney schools adults in basic navigation and object manipulation that will help teams of kids carry out their visions. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 649-2200.

Fairs & Festivals

Fall Festival: Quintessential autumnal fun includes cider doughnuts, apple picking, hayrides, face painting and a petting farm. Adams Apple Orchard & Farm Market, Williston, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Info, 879-5226.

Glory days Festival: An annual family-oriented fest celebrates the town’s choo-choo history with minitrain rides, carnival games, children’s entertainment and a pancake breakfast. Downtown, White River Junction, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $3 admission; $10 train excursions. Info, 295-5036.

The Tunbridge World’s Fair: See September 12, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

Food

Burlington Farmers market: See September 7. caledonia Farmers market: See September 7. capital city Farmers market: See September 7. chocolate-dipping demonstration: See September 1.

middlebury Farmers market: See September 4. Pancake Breakfast: Rise and shine! Folks pile their plates with flapjacks, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, home fries and toast. And maple syrup, of course. All

ages. Lakeview Grange Hall, West Barnet, 8-10 a.m. $3-7. Info, 748-8180.

shelburne Farmers market: See September 7.

Vermont mac & cheese challenge: Twenty-five regional chefs duke it out for best dish, using Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company’s artisanal cheeses. Live music, a petting zoo and beer pairings for adults round out the day. All ages. Artisans Park, Windsor, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $10-15; free for kids under 7. Info, 457-9992.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids saturday Yoga: Youngsters master basic yoga poses through games, songs and dance. Mindfulness activities help them improve their focus and concentration. Ages 4-9. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. $14. Info, 864-9642.

Library & Books

dot Week: See September 9.

Family Poetry Night: Folks recite favorite stanzas and original works at this gathering with Vermont poet David Budbill. Franklin Town Hall, 7 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 285-6505. meet curious George: The popular children’s book character joins fans at activity stations and book readings by the man with the yellow hat. University Mall, South Burlington, 10 a.m.-noon. $3 suggested donation to VNA Family Room. Info, 863-1066, ext. 11.

movies

movie matinee: Dim the lights and pass the popcorn! Kids screen a beautifully animated adventure film. St. Albans Free Library, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Nature & science

A corn maze Adventure: See September 1, 10 a.m.5 p.m.

Farm Activities: See September 1.

Great Vermont corn maze: See September 1.

Hoopster Gliders: See September 2. microscopic investigations: Hand lenses and microscopes help kids discover there’s more to the world than meets the eye. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

movin’ & Groovin’ Weekend: In conjunction with the “Cool Moves” exhibit, youngsters explore motion while making a keepsake button, tackling trivia questions and getting their faces painted. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular museum admission, $9.50-12.50; free for kids under 3. Info, 864-1848.

Planetarium Presentation: See September 1.

Three-mile corn maze: See September 2.

ViNs daily Programs: See September 1.

Theater

saturday drama club: See September 7.

15 SUNDAY

Baby & maternity

Birth Preparation Workshop: Expectant mothers practice visualizations, learn important coping techniques for labor and create beautiful birth visuals at an empowering workshop with Francesca Arnoldy of VT Birth Haven. Yoga Roots, Shelburne, 2-4 p.m. $25; preregister. Info, 985-0090.

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See September 1.

shelburne Prenatal Yoga: See September 1.

community

dessert social: Folks bring a potluck treat and mingle with students, staff and directors of the

acclaimed circus school before watching a few sample performances. All ages. New England Center for Circus Arts, Brattleboro, 7-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 254-9780.

Fairs & Festivals

community Barn dance & Harvest Festival: Neighbors dance to live music until the cows come home, enjoying hayrides, refreshments, games and a silent auction. Beard’s Barn, Waterbury Center, 3-6 p.m. $20 per family includes raffle entry. Info, 244-5605.

Fall Festival: See September 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. small Farms Food Fest: Local eats, tractor hayrides, a hay-bale maze, face painting and more fill this farmer-appreciation festival. See calendar spotlight on page 42. Shelburne Orchards, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $5; free for folks under 6.5 or over 65; nonperishable food donations accepted for the local food shelf. Info, 985-2753.

The Tunbridge World’s Fair: See September 12, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See September 1.

Power of Produce (PoP) club: Winooski: See September 1.

Power of Produce (PoP) club: south Burlington: See September 1.

Health & Fitness

Women’s Basketball skills clinic: See September 8. YoBoys Yoga class: See September 8.

YoGirls Yoga class: See September 8.

Nature & science

A corn maze Adventure: See September 1, 10 a.m.5 p.m.

SEASON

Farm Activities: See September 1. Great Vermont corn maze: See September 1.

mirror, mirror: Little ones use looking glasses to investigate reflection and symmetry. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

movin’ & Groovin’ Weekend: See September 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See September 1, 4 p.m.

See Dr. First videos

“First with Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

Parachutes: Curious kids make their own ’chutes to test air resistance. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Planetarium Presentation: See September 1.

sundays for Fledglings: See September 1.

Three-mile corn maze: See September 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

ViNs daily Programs: See September 1.

16 MONDAY

Arts & crafts

clay for Kids: Participants improve their sculpting, brushwork and glazing skills through guided projects and free time. Ages 6-12. ArtisTree Community Art Center, Woodstock, 3-5 p.m. $20; preregister. Info, 457-3500.

clay for Tots: Little potters practice and play with a malleable artistic medium. Ages 2-5. ArtisTree Community Art Center, Woodstock, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $15 drop-in. Info, 457-3500.

Baby & maternity

montpelier Prenatal Yoga: See September 2. Yoga After Baby: See September 2.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See September 1.

Games

Lego club: Builders fashion architecturally sound constructions. Ages 7-12. Milton Public Library, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids Afterschool Yoga: See September 4. Yoga class: See September 2.

movies

Young Adult Film crew: Wannabe actors, directors and audiovisual buffs put together a program for Lake Champlain Access Television. Ages 12-18. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-0313.

music

music for Preschoolers: See September 5, 10:45 a.m.

Nature & science

Books & Beyond: science for Preschoolers: Children’s literature and hands-on activities combine for fun science learning and exploration. Ages 3-5 and their parent or caregiver. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 10:15-11 & 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Farm Activities: See September 1.

Great Vermont corn maze: See September 1.

Three-mile corn maze: See September 2.

ViNs daily Programs: See September 1.

17 TUESDAY

Arts & crafts

creative Tuesdays: See September 3.

Postnatal Yoga: See September 1, 10:30 a.m.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See September 1.

Kids in the Kitchen: Easy as Apple Pie: Petite pastry chefs transform a favorite fall fruit into a sweet treat. Ages 6 and up. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $20 per child; free for accompanying adult; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

old North End Farmers market: See September 3.

Games

chess club: See September 3.

Health & Fitness

martial Arts class: See September 3. moovin’ & Groovin’: Energetic youngsters develop self-confidence, coordination, and language and social-interaction skills through jumping, dancing and tumbling. Ages 18 months-4 years. ArtisTree Community Art Center, Woodstock, 10-10:45 a.m. $12 drop-in; preregister. Info, 457-3500.

Yoga for Tots: Mini yogis jump like frogs and stretch like dogs in this relaxed class filled with games, stories and songs. ArtisTree Community Art Center, Woodstock, 11-11:45 a.m. $12 drop-in. Info, 457-3500.

Library & Books

cleo the Therapy dog: See September 3. Preschool story Time & craft: Good listeners settle in for tales and simple hands-on activities. Ages 3-5. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

movies

Youth media Lab: See September 3.

music

children’s sing-Along With Lesley Grant: See September 3.

Nature & science

Farm Activities: See September 1.

Great Vermont corn maze: See September 1. Three-mile corn maze: See September 2.

ViNs daily Programs: See September 1.

18

WEDNESDAY

Arts & crafts

Arts for Tots: Music, movement, free play and art projects inspire creativity in young minds. 18 months-4 years. ArtisTree Community Art Center, Woodstock, 10:15-11:15 a.m. $10 drop-in; preregister. Info, 457-3500.

dance

5, 6, 7, 8 ... Jazz & musical-Theater dance: Broadway hits and music videos inspire dance-floor action. Ages 12 and up. ArtisTree Community Art Center, Woodstock, 4:15-5:30 p.m. $15 drop-in. Info, 457-3500.

creative movement: Tiny dancers learn new steps in a social environment. Ages 2-5. ArtisTree Community Art Center, Woodstock, 11:15 a.m.-noon, $12 drop-in. Info, 457-3500.

dance combinations: Movers and shakers learn the basics of ballet, jazz and contemporary in fun and interactive sessions. Ages 4-6. ArtisTree Community Art Center, Woodstock, 3-4 p.m. $12 drop-in. Info, 457-3500. Education

social Thinking: See September 4.

Ready, Set, Run! Shelburne Farms Fun Run

Food

caledonia Farmers market: See September 4.

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See September 1.

cookie decorating: See September 4.

maple candy making: See September 4.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See September 1.

Kids ages 8-‐10 and parents are invited to participate in the Parents and Peers Project at the University of Vermont.

Families will come to the Family Development Lab for a 2.5-‐hour visit that includes games, discussions of kids’ recent experiences with peers’ and questionnaires.

Families receive $40 and kids receive a prize! For more info’ contact us at 802-‐656-‐4409 or famlab@uvm.edu.

See dr. First videos “First with Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

middlebury Farmers market: See September 4.

Woodstock Farmers market: See September 4.

Games

Lego Afternoons: See September 4.

Lego club: See September 4.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See September 4.

EvoKids Afterschool Yoga: See September 4.

Library & Books

Pajama story Time: Small ones curl up for bedtime tales, cookies and milk. Ages 18 months-5 years. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-0313.

music

moving & Grooving With christine: See September 4.

Preschool music With mr. chris: See September 4.

Nature & science

Autumn Activity Time on the Farm for Preschoolers: See September 4.

Farm Activities: See September 1.

Great Vermont corn maze: See September 1.

magnificent monarchs: Preschoolers investigate the mysteries of these busy butterflies at an educational story hour. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 11:30 a.m. Regular museum admission, $9.50-12.50; free for kids under 3. Info, 877-324-6386.

spider safari: Amazing arachnids inspire kids to look closely at live specimens and practice weaving a web. Ages 3-5 with an adult companion. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 10-11 a.m. $8-10 per adult/child pair; $4 per additional child; preregister. Info, 434-3068.

Three-mile corn maze: See September 2. ViNs daily Programs: See September 1.

Wagon Ride Wednesdays: See September 4.

Parenting

Vermont Kin as Parents conference: Keynote speaker Deidra Razzaque speaks on enriching the journey of “Parenting Revisited” at this gathering for grandparents and other relatives caring for children, and those who support them. Doubletree Hotel & Conference Center, South Burlington, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $60-75; free for caregivers. Info, 871-5104.

19 THURSDAY

Arts & crafts

Pollywog Preschool Art drop-in: Multimedia projects involving play dough, paint and paper introduce young kids to artistic expression. Ages 6 months-5 years, accompanied by an adult. BCA Center, Burlington, 9:30-11:30 a.m. $6. Info, 865-7166. scaly creatures: Kids learn about dinosaurs, dragons, snakes and turtles through stories, songs and crafts. Ages 3-5. ArtisTree Community Art Center, Woodstock, 10:15-11:15 a.m. $10 drop-in. Info, 457-3500.

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See September 1, 5:45 p.m.

Jericho Farmers market: See September 5.

Kids in the Kitchen: Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies: Dessert lovers bake fall-flavored treats that are healthier than the average cookie. All ages. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $20 per child; free for accompanying adult; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

milton Farmers market: See September 5.

Health & Fitness

Hooping for Kids: Boys and girls twirl hoops to music, improving their motor skills, agility and cardio health. Ages 6-12. ArtisTree Community Art Center, Woodstock, 3:15-4 p.m. $12 drop-in. Info, 457-3500.

martial Arts class: See September 3.

Library & Books

Franklin-Grand isle Bookmobile: A roving library hits the brakes for a children’s story hour. Haston Library, Franklin, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 285-6505.

PJ story Hour: Miss Sarah fosters a love of reading in young listeners, who also partake in songs, crafts and snacks. Ages 6 and under. St. Albans Free Library, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

movies

middle school Books-to-Film discussion: Bookworms read Jeanne DuPrau’s The City of Ember, then watch the movie adaptation at the library over snacks. Milton Public Library, 3:30 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

music

music for Preschoolers: See September 5. music With mr. chris: See September 5.

Nature & science

Farm Activities: See September 1.

Great Vermont corn maze: See September 1. Homeschoolers day: Botany & microscopes: Out-of-classroom learners zoom in on the world of plants. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200. Three-mile corn maze: See September 2. ViNs daily Programs: See September 1.

20 FRIDAY

Arts & crafts

Art studio: Under the guidance of a nurturing instructor, kiddos express themselves through painting, drawing, sculpture and printmaking. Ages 2-5. ArtisTree Community Art Center, Woodstock, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $5. Info, 457-3500.

Family Wheel drop-in: Parents and kids make bowls, cups and sculptures from clay. All ages. BCA Center, Burlington, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $6 includes one fired and glazed piece per participant; additional pieces are $5 each. Info, 865-7166.

Baby & maternity

Postnatal core Yoga: See September 6.

community

Glass-Blowing demos & Food Trucks: See September 6.

Education

Early Bird math: See September 6.

Food

Apple-dipping Festival: Confectioners dip local apples in homemade caramel, offering free samples

18 WEdNEsdAY (Continued)

Playgroups

MONDAY

All Aboard!

Long before Disney’s Cars and Planes, there was Watty Piper’s children’s book about a toy-filled train and the little engine that pulls it over the mountain. ArtsPower National Touring Theatre reinvents that story for the stage in THE LITTLE ENGINE THAT COULD EARNS HER WHISTLE, which kicks off the 2013-14 Arts in Education season at Woodstock’s Pentangle Arts. In this song-filled production, Little Blue Engine dreams of one day becoming a main-line engine with the Piney Vale Railroad. Young audience members will recognize lines from Piper’s illustrated story as they learn an important lesson: “If you think you can, you’re halfway there.”

‘THE LITTLE ENGINE THAT COULD EARNS HER WHISTLE’: Tuesday, September 24, 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., at Town Hall Theatre in Woodstock. Grades K-3. $5. Info, 457-3981. pentanglearts.org

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

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

Burlington Crawlers, Waddlers & Toddlers: St. Joseph School, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 999-5100.

Cambridge Playgroup: Cambridge Elementary School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 888-5229.

Colchester Playgroup: Malletts Bay School, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 264-5900.

Jericho Playgroup: Jericho Community Center, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4415.

Morrisville Hometown Playgroup: Morristown Graded Building, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-5229.

Williston Playgroup: Alice in Noodleland: Buttered Noodles, 10-11 a.m. Free. No session September 2. Info, 764-1810.

Winooski Fathers & Children Together: Winooski Family Center, 5-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 655-1422.

TUESDAY

Bristol Playgroup: Bristol Baptist Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 388-3171.

Burlington Family Play: VNA Family Room, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420.

Burlington Fathers & Children Together: VNA Family Room, 5-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420.

Colchester Playgroup: See Monday, 9-11 a.m.

Hardwick Playgroup: Hardwick Elementary School, 8:15-10:15 a.m. Free. Info, 652-5138.

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

Middlebury Playgroup: Middlebury Baptist Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 388-3171.

Milton Playgroup: New Life Fellowship Church, Thursdays, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 893-1457.

Montpelier Tulsi Morning Playgroup: Tulsi Tea Room, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 223-0043.

WEDNESDAY

Barre Open Gym: See Monday, 10 a.m.-noon.

Essex Building Bright Futures Baby Playgroup: Move You Fitness Studio, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 876-7555.

Essex Junction RU12? LGBTQA Family Playgroup: Leaps and Bounds Child Development Center, starts Sep. 11, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 860-7812.

Richmond Playgroup: Richmond Free Library, 8:45-10:15 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4415.

Shelburne Playgroup: Trinity Episcopal Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 764-5820.

South Royalton Playgroup: United Church on the Green, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 685-2264.

St. Albans Playgroup: NCSS Family Center, St. Albans, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Vergennes Playgroup: Congregational Church of Vergennes, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 388-3171.

Williston Baby Time Playgroup: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Free. Info, 876-7555.

Williston Evening Baby Playgroup: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, first Wednesday of every month, 6-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 876-7555.

THURSDAY

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

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

Burlington EvoMamas Playgroup: Evolution Yoga, second Thursday of every month, 10:20 a.m.noon. Free. Info, 864-9642.

Burlington Family Play: See Tuesday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Essex Building Bright Futures Playgroup: Essex Junction Recreation and Parks Department, 9:3011 a.m. Free; bring indoor shoes. Info, 876-7555.

Johnson Hometown Playgroup: United Church of Johnson, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-5229.

Milton Playgroup: See Tuesday, 9:30-11 a.m.

Montgomery Infant/Toddler Playgroup: Montgomery Town Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

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

Winooski Playgroup: O’Brien Community Center, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 655-1422.

FRIDAY

Bradford Story Hour: Bradford Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 222-4536.

Essex Center Toy Library Playgroup: Memorial Hall, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 876-7555.

Ferrisburgh Open Gym: Ferrisburgh Central School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 388-3171.

Huntington Playgroup: Huntington Public Library, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Info, 899-4415.

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

St. Albans MOPS: Church of the Rock, third Friday of every month, 8:45-11 a.m. First meeting is free; $4 dues per each meeting that follows. Info, 393-4411.

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

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

Williston Playgroup: Allen Brook School, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 876-7555.

SATURDAY

South Burlington RU12? LGBTQA Family Playgroup: Leaps and Bounds Child Development Center, South Burlington, Sep. 25, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 860-7812.

South Burlington Tots & Tykes Open Gym: Chamberlin Elementary School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 846-4108.

Morrisville Weekend Baby Chat: Lamoille Family Center, second Saturday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-3470.

to sweet-toothed visitors. Laughing Moon Chocolates, Stowe, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Info, 253-9591. chocolate-dipping demonstration: See September 1.

Five corners Farmers market: See September 6. Richmond Farmers market: See September 6.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See September 4.

Library & Books

Jiggity Jog: A tuneful meetup with Miss Susan entails singing, dancing and instrument playing. Ages 2-6. South Burlington Community Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7539.

movies

smArt series: Snacks and an art activity follow a screening of Up in the new Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education. Shelburne Museum, 5-8 p.m. Regular museum admission, $5-22; free for children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

music

Kids music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See September 6.

music With derek: See September 6. music With Robert: See September 13.

Nature & science

Farm Activities: See September 1.

Foodways Fridays: See September 6.

Great Vermont corn maze: See September 1. Three-mile corn maze: See September 2.

ViNs daily Programs: See September 1.

21 SATURDAY

Arts & crafts

Art Workshops With the Art House: See September 7.

Kids craft: Alien mask: Young artists create an intergalactic costume piece. Ages 5 and up. Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $5. Info, 862-0646.

Traditional craft saturdays: See September 7. Youth & Family saturday drop-in: See September 7.

community

Grand opening of outback Artspace: Movies, music, poetry readings, art and dance classes celebrate Catamount Arts’ new arts-education building. All ages. Outback Artspace, St. Johnsbury, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Info, 748-2600, ext. 108.

Welcome Baby celebration: Speakers, book donations, giveaways and refreshments honor Milton’s newest — and smallest — residents. For ages 1 and under with their families. Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

Education

Practice sAT Exam: Students take the aptitude test, then come back the next week to receive their scores and go over potential problem areas and strategies with a Princeton Review instructor. Ages 15-18. Our Lady of Grace Parish, Colchester, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-0313.

Fairs & Festivals

cambridge Harvest Festival: Folks breathe in the crisp fall air during a day of hayrides, grape stomping and food sampling. Proceeds benefit Camp Ta-KumTa. Boyden Valley Winery & Spirits, Cambridge, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Info, 644-8151.

colors of the Kingdom Autumn Festival: Dazzling foliage inspires this townwide celebration, featuring a pancake breakfast, train rides, arts and crafts fair, bake sale, and Main Street parade. Downtown St. Johnsbury, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Various prices. Info, 748-3678.

Harvest Festival: Celebrate autumnal abundance in style with hayrides, children’s activities, fall foods and musicians on multiple stages. Shelburne Farms, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Regular admission, $5-8; free for members, Shelburne residents and children under 3. Info, 985-8686.

Food

Apple-dipping Festival: See September 20, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Burlington Farmers market: See September 7.

caledonia Farmers market: See September 7. capital city Farmers market: See September 7. chocolate-dipping demonstration: See September 1.

middlebury Farmers market: See September 4.

shelburne Farmers market: See September 7.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids saturday Yoga: See September 14.

Ongoing Exhibits

BiLLiNGs FARm & mUsEUm, WoodsTocK

Info, 457-2355

Annual Quilt Exhibition: Windsor County quilters display their masterful textiles at an eye-catching exhibition. Quilting activities and demonstrations appeal to all ages and skill levels. Through September 22.

BiRds oF VERmoNT mUsEUm, HUNTiNGToN

Info, 434-2167

‘The Breeding Bird Atlas: science and Art’: More than 300 citizen scientists, artists and photographers contributed to this exhibit about avian life in Vermont. Through October 31.

EcHo LAKE AQUARiUm ANd sciENcE cENTER, BURLiNGToN

Info, 864-1848

‘Bigger Than T-Rex’: Petite paleontologists study prehistoric skeletons of Giganotosaurus, Mapusaurus and other humongous dinos. A hands-on dig pit, excavation videos and animatronic raptors make it even more exciting. All ages. Through September 2.

‘cool moves’: Get a move on! This traveling exhibit explores the phenomenon of motion through such interactive features as a ripple tank, three-wheeled racers and giant dancing wall. Runs September 14 through January 6.

FAiRBANKs mUsEUm & PLANETARiUm, sT JoHNsBURY

Info, 748-2372

‘Wildflower Table’: This living exhibit reflects the abundance and diversity of flowers, grasses, berries, ferns and evergreens found in the Northeast Kingdom. Kids are introduced to more than 400 species displayed throughout the year, in both fruit and flowering stages.

moNTsHiRE mUsEUm oF sciENcE, NoRWicH

Info, 649-2200

‘Playing With Time’: Turn back the clock – or speed it up – at this exhibit that allows visitors to time travel through the natural world. Through September 8.

‘From the mountains to the sea: Plants, Trees and shrubs on New England’: A juried exhibition of paintings celebrates the beauty and diversity of our region’s native plants. All ages.

Library & Books

Burlington Book Festival: The Queen City puts on its reading glasses for three days of readings and social events focused on the written word. Downtown Burlington, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 658-3328.

Burlington Book Festival: Families at Phoenix: Children’s authors Marilyn Webb Neagley, Brian D. Cohen, Eileen Christelow, Laban Carrick Hill and Tracey Campbell Pearson read aloud from their books. Phoenix Books, Burlington, noon-5 p.m. Free. Info, 448-3350.

curious day With curious George: Inquisitive youngsters monkey around with the popular children’s book character through stories, activities and treats. Barnes & Noble, South Burlington, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 864-8001.

music

Hopstop Family series: steve Blunt & marty Kelley: The New Hampshire entertainers deliver sweet and silly songs and stories. Ages 3 and up with accompanying adult. Hopkins Center for the Arts, Hanover, N.H., 11 a.m. Free; space is limited. Info, 603-646-2010.

Nature & science

A corn maze Adventure: See September 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Farm Activities: See September 1.

Full moon Hike & marshmallow Roast: Lunar light adds intrigue to a moderate 1.5-mile walk along wooded trails. Classic campfire treats await your return. Hard’ack, St. Albans, 8-9 p.m. $4-6. Info, 5241500, ext. 266.

Great Vermont corn maze: See September 1.

Planetarium Presentation: See September 1. skulls: Science lovers explore skeletal remains of local wildlife. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

straw Rockets: Imaginative inventors use air power to make space contraptions fly. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Three-mile corn maze: See September 2. ViNs daily Programs: See September 1.

Theater

saturday drama club: See September 7.

22 SUNDAY

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See September 1. Newborn 101: Moms- and dads-to-be learn baby basics — from breast-feeding to prolonged crying — as well as how to enjoy the first three months of parenthood. Franklin County Home Health Agency, St. Albans, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $30; preregister. Info, 527-7531.

shelburne Prenatal Yoga: See September 1.

Food

Apple-dipping Festival: See September 20, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See September 1.

Power of Produce (PoP) club: Winooski: See September 1.

Power of Produce (PoP) club: south Burlington: See September 1.

Health & Fitness

shelburne Farms Fun Run: Racers hoof it along half-, one- and 1.5-mile courses. Ages 4-12. Shelburne Farms, 11 a.m. $3-5 per child; $6-10 maximum per family; preregister. Info, 863-8412.

Women’s Basketball skills clinic: See September 8.

YoBoys Yoga class: See September 8.

YoGirls Yoga class: See September 8.

Library & Books

Burlington Book Festival: See September 21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

nature & science

a corn maze adventure: See September 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Farm activities: See September 1.

Great Vermont corn maze: See September 1.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See September 1.

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

Planetarium Presentation: See September 1.

Rocks & Volcanoes: Fledgling geologists learn about magma, hot ashes and gases. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

sundays for Fledglings: See September 1.

Three-mile corn maze: See September 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Turtle discovery: Young naturalists learn about this slow and steady species and help feed those that reside in the museum. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Vins daily Programs: See September 1.

23 MONDAY

Baby & maternity

montpelier Prenatal yoga: See September 2. yoga after Baby: See September 2.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See September 1.

Health & Fitness

evoKids afterschool yoga: See September 4.

yoga class: See September 2.

Library & Books

Burlington Book Festival: See September 21, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Pajama story Time With abby Klein: Flannel-clad kiddos bring their favorite stuffed animals for tales, crafts and a bedtime snack. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

music

music for Preschoolers: See September 5, 10:45 a.m.

nature & science

autumn equinox Walk: Binocular buddies stroll the trails with a Winooski Valley Park District educator, learning how wildlife is preparing for autumn’s cooler weather. All ages. Ethan Allen Homestead Museum, Burlington, 5 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 863-5744.

Farm activities: See September 1.

Great Vermont corn maze: See September 1. Three-mile corn maze: See September 2. Vins daily Programs: See September 1.

24 TUESDAY

arts & crafts

creative Tuesdays: See September 3.

Teen art studio: Creative juices flow as local artists encourage adolescents to dream up ideas and carry them out in an anything-goes atmosphere.

Helen Day Art Center, Stowe, fourth Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 253-8358.

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal yoga: See September 1, 4 p.m.

Postnatal yoga: See September 1, 10:30 a.m.

old north end Farmers market: See September 3.

Games

chess club: See September 3.

Health & Fitness

martial arts class: See September 3.

movies

youth media Lab: See September 3.

music

children’s sing-along With Lesley Grant: See September 3.

nature & science

Farm activities: See September 1.

Great Vermont corn maze: See September 1. it’s a Wonderful Leaf!: Science educator Kristen Littlefield shares seasonal stories and helps listeners make a collage from fall foliage. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Three-mile corn maze: See September 2. Vins daily Programs: See September 1.

Parenting

Parent discussion Group: The importance of nonfiction for Kids: Youth-services librarian Tricia Allen emphasizes the role of factual literature in today’s new Common Core State Standards. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 6 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4095.

Theater

‘The Little engine That could earns Her Whistle’: ArtsPower presents a musical rendition of Watty Piper’s children’s story about hard work, determination and friendship. See calendar spotlight on page 39. Grades K-3. Woodstock Town Hall Theatre, 9:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. $5. Info, 457-3981.

25 WEDNESDAY

Baby & maternity

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

dance

5, 6, 7, 8 ... Jazz & musical-Theater dance: See September 18.

education

social Thinking: See September 4.

Food

caledonia Farmers market: See September 4.

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See September 1.

cookie decorating: See September 4.

Kids in the Kitchen: Hot Tamales!: Fledgling foodies make and sample traditional Mexican party treats. All ages. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $20 per child; free for accompanying adult; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

maple candy making: See September 4.

middlebury Farmers market: See September 4.

Woodstock Farmers market: See September 4.

Games

Lego afternoons: See September 4.

Lego club: See September 4.

Saturdays, 9-10 a.m.

Gutterson Field House

New and Advanced Levels Welcome!

Ages 3 through Adult

No skate rental at arena attn: Jennifer Lupia - LTS program 802-309-0419 • CVSC_US@yahoo.com www.champlainvalleyskatingclub.org

Autumn Afternoon

Fall swoops into the Green mountain State swiftly, and the best place to greet the season is at the small farms food fesT. Families can pluck fruit from the trees at a pick-your-own apple orchard before touring the grounds on a hayride, roaming the hay-bale maze or meeting trusty farm steeds at a tractor “petting zoo.” local bands create a live soundtrack for face painting, rope making and craft activities, and small-scale farmers serve specialty foods and apple-cider doughnuts for a sweet finish.

small farms food fesT: Sunday, September 15, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., at Shelburne Orchards. $5; free for folks under 6 or over 65; nonperishable food donations accepted for the local food shelf. Info, 985-2753. shelburneorchards.com

Tot

Youth

Temple Sinai 500 Swift Street, So. Burlington

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See September 4. EvoKids Afterschool Yoga: See September 4.

music

moving & Grooving With christine: See September 4.

See dr. First videos “First with Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

Preschool music With mr. chris: See September 4.

Nature & science

Apple Time: At this story hour, preschoolers explore a seasonal fruit through tales, crafts and a taste test. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 11:30 a.m. Regular museum admission, $9.50-12.50; free for kids under 3. Info, 877-324-6386.

Autumn Activity Time on the Farm for Preschoolers: See September 4.

Farm Activities: See September 1.

Great Vermont corn maze: See September 1.

Three-mile corn maze: See September 2.

ViNs daily Programs: See September 1.

Wagon Ride Wednesdays: See September 4.

Theater

‘The Pirates of Penzance’: Stowe Theatre Guild presents its rendition of Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic operetta love story about a young man, a band of tenderhearted pirates and a leap-year birthday. See calendar spotlight on page 44. Town Hall Theatre, Akeley Memorial Building, Stowe, 8 p.m. $10-20. Info, 253-3961.

26 THURSDAY

Arts & crafts

Pollywog Preschool Art drop-in: See September 19.

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See September 1, 5:45 p.m.

Education

Homeschoolers Project day: Stay-at-home learners share their science experiments, artwork, book reviews and nature projects. Haston Library, Franklin, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 285-6505.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See September 1.

Jericho Farmers market: See September 5.

milton Farmers market: See September 5.

Top chef shenanigans: Food-lovin’ teens concoct a dish from limited ingredients. Grades 7-12. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 5-7 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

Games

Library Legos: See September 12, 3-5 p.m.

Health & Fitness

martial Arts class: See September 3.

Library & Books

Teen.comm Fall meeting: Teenagers bring their ideas and their calendars as they plan for upcoming Halloween and holiday gatherings. Ages 12-18. St. Albans Free Library, 6 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

music

music for Preschoolers: See September 5. music With mr. chris: See September 5.

Nature & science

Farm Activities: See September 1.

Great Vermont corn maze: See September 1.

Three-mile corn maze: See September 2.

ViNs daily Programs: See September 1.

Theater

‘The Pirates of Penzance’: See September 25.

27 FRIDAY

Arts & crafts

Art studio: See September 20.

Family Wheel drop-in: See September 20.

Baby & maternity

Postnatal core Yoga: See September 6.

community

Glass-Blowing demos & Food Trucks: See September 6.

Education

Early Bird math: See September 6.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See September 1.

Five corners Farmers market: See September 6. Richmond Farmers market: See September 6.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See September 4.

Toddler Yoga & stories: Children stretch and strike simple poses at tale time with Karen Allen. Ages 1-5. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:15 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Library & Books

songs & stories With matthew: See September 13.

music

Kids music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See September 6.

music With derek: See September 6.

music With Robert: See September 13.

Nature & science

Farm Activities: See September 1.

Foodways Fridays: See September 6.

Great Vermont corn maze: See September 1.

Three-mile corn maze: See September 2.

ViNs daily Programs: See September 1.

Theater

‘The Pirates of Penzance’: See September 25.

28 SATURDAY

Arts & crafts

Kids craft: space Frame: Inspired by the Milky Way, participants decorate photo frames using foam spaceships, acrylic paint and glitter. Ages 5 and up. Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $5. Info, 862-0646.

Traditional craft saturdays: See September 7. Youth & Family saturday drop-in: See September 7.

community

Face Painting: Kids get fancy with facial embellishments by Snowqueen, near the food court. University Mall, South Burlington, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Info, 864-0683.

Education

Practice sAT Exam: See September 21, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

28 sATuRdAY, p.45

• Tots Ages 2 1/2 to 3 years

• Children’s Intro to Dance, Ages 4-5

• Children’s Intro to Ballet, Ages 6-7

• Classical Ballet & Pointe, Ages 8 & up Beginner to Professional

• Teen and Adult Ballet, Beginner to Advanced

• Hip Hop, Jazz & Tap, Ages 5 &

Classes begin September 9!

TWO

NEW MOMS!

Are you leaking urine when trying to get back to exercise?

Does your scar feel weird or uncomfortable?

Where did your “abs” go?

Will intimacy ever feel the same again?

If these questions sound familiar, you may benefit from our postpartum physical therapy program.

Treatment at Pelvic Health is designed to relieve pain and restore strength and function to help you return to your pre-pregnancy self! Katie

Buried Treasure

Ahoy! Just after International Talk Like a Pirate Day — September 21 this year — Stowe Theatre Guild stages THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, packed with swashbuckling songs and adventures for audiences of all ages. While opera is seldom suitable for young children, this charmingly ridiculous operetta about young love in the Victorian era is a rare exception. Silly wordplay, thrilling sword fights, elaborate pirate costumes and catchy tunes will appeal to little theatergoers and their parents.

‘THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE’: Wednesdays through Saturdays, September 25 through October 12, 8 p.m., at Town Hall Theatre, Akeley Memorial Building, in Stowe. $10-20. Info, 253-3961. stowetheatre.com

SEPT CALENDAR

28 SATURDAY (CONTINUED)

Fairs & Festivals

Bristol Harvest Festival: Family fun commences with bandstand music, kids activities, crafts and the BestEver Apple Pie Contest. All ages.

Bristol Town Green, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info, 453-5885.

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

Champlain Mini Maker Faire: Tech enthusiasts celebrate the DIY mindset at this quirky science fair featuring robotics, student experiments, performing arts and more. Shelburne Farms, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Fall Foliage Festival: In honor of the colorful leaves, folks gather for live music, horse-drawn wagon rides, a farm-animal petting zoo and cowplop bingo. Village Green, East Burke, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, 467-1266.

Pittsford Harvest Fair: Carvers compete in the pumpkin-decorating contest, while entertainment, concession stands, animals and more amuse the masses. All ages. Pittsford Village Green, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info, 483-9972.

Food

Burlington Farmers Market: See September 7.

Caledonia Farmers Market: See September 7.

Capital City Farmers Market: See September 7.

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See September 1.

Middlebury Farmers Market: See September 4.

Shelburne Farmers Market: See September 7.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids Saturday Yoga: See September 14.

Nature & Science

Color Mixing: See September 1, 11 a.m.

A Corn Maze Adventure: See September 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Farm Activities: See September 1.

Great Vermont Corn Maze: See September 1.

Leafcutter Ants: Nature fans investigate the secret lives of “insect fungus farmers.” All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Planetarium Presentation: See September 1.

Three-Mile Corn Maze: See September 2.

VINS Daily Programs: See September 1.

Theater

‘The Pirates of Penzance’: See September 25. Saturday Drama Club: See September 7.

29 SUNDAY

Baby & Maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See September 1.

Shelburne Prenatal Yoga: See September 1.

Fairs & Festivals

Champlain Mini Maker Faire: See September 28, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Cider House Run & Pie Fest: Apple lovers run through the orchard, heading straight for a homemade-pie competition. Shelburne Orchards, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $8-35 includes pick-your-own-apples bag; preregister to run. Info, 316-7142.

Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival: Homemade trebuchets catapult orange orbs into the sky at a daylong throwing contest. Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $5. Info, 603-630-4800.

Food

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See September 1.

Power of Produce (POP) Club: Winooski: See September 1.

Power of Produce (POP) Club: South Burlington: See September 1.

Health & Fitness

Women’s Basketball Skills Clinic: See September 8.

YoBoys Yoga Class: See September 8.

YoGirls Yoga Class: See September 8.

Music

Vermont Youth Orchestra Fall Concert: Student instrumentalists present soaring masterworks by Antonio Vivaldi, Carl Otto Nicolai and Antonín

Dvořák to kick o the VYO’s 50th anniversary season. Ages 7 and up. Flynn MainStage, Burlington, 3-5 p.m. $12-17. Info, 655-5030.

Nature & Science

A Corn Maze Adventure: See September 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Creeping Colors: See September 7.

Farm Activities: See September 1.

Great Vermont Corn Maze: See September 1.

Planetarium Presentation: See September 1.

Sound Science: See September 2.

Sundays for Fledglings: See September 1.

Three-Mile Corn Maze: See September 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

VINS Daily Programs: See September 1.

30 MONDAY

Baby & Maternity

Montpelier Prenatal Yoga: See September 2.

Yoga After Baby: See September 2.

Fairs & Festivals

Northeast Kingdom Fall Foliage Festival: Walden, Cabot, Plainfield, Peacham, Barnet and Groton host consecutive town parties, filled with art exhibits, crafts, hayrides and a lumberjack breakfast. Various locations, Northeast Kingdom, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Various prices. Info, 748-3678.

Food

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See September 1.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids Afterschool Yoga: See September 4. Yoga Class: See September 2.

Library & Books

Author Talk With S.S. Taylor: The Vermont writer gives the inside scoop on The Expeditioners and the Treasure of Drowned Man’s Canyon, a Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award-nominated steampunk adventure. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4095.

Intergenerational Dessert Book Discussion: Lit lovers gather for a good read-and-rant session about Billy Collins’ Poetry 180, complete with something sweet. Ages 12-adult. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-0313.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See September 5, 10:45 a.m.

Shake Your Sillies Out: Tots swing and sway to music with children’s entertainer Derek Burkins. Center Court, University Mall, South Burlington, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 863-1066, ext. 11.

Nature & Science

Farm Activities: See September 1.

Great Vermont Corn Maze: See September 1.

Three-Mile Corn Maze: See September 2. VINS Daily Programs: See September 1.

CONTEST

BOOK-REVIEW WINNERS

CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE ENTHUSIASTIC YOUNG CRITICS who shared their reading recommendations with us this month. Each wins a $25 gift certificate from Crow Bookshop in Burlington. We loved reading about all the entrants’ literary adventures and have included some of our favorite excerpts below.

Sawyer Kless, 3 ESSEX JUNCTION

recommends:

Inside-Outside Dinosaurs by Roxie Munro

“It shows dinosaurs and skulls and skeletons. My favorite part was the Stegosaurus!”

Julia Correll, 10 COLCHESTER

recommends: A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Vile Village by Lemony Snicket

“My favorite part of the story was when the Quagmire triplets are rescued by Hector. I like that part because Count Olaf can’t get them.”

Gracie Adamczak, 11 ST. ALBANS recommends: The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen

“When Jessica meets Rosa, they don’t really see eye to eye. After the race, Jess and Rosa become really good friends. I liked the part where Jessica helps Rosa in the race.”

Ava Stotz, 11 UNDERHILL recommends: How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell

“My favorite part was when Hiccup and all the other Viking boys went into the cave full of sleeping dragons to pick one out and take it home. I felt like I could hear and smell it myself.”

Find this month’s Book Review Contest on page 50. The deadline is September 20. Happy reading!

Materials

• newspaper

• large frame

• paintbrush

• acrylic paint (optional)

• thick piece of corrugated cardboard, sized to fit the frame

• chalkboard paint, available at craft and home-improvement stores

• chalk

SMARTBOARDS ARE STANDARD IN CLASSROOMS these days, but good old-fashioned chalkboards are still handy at home. Kids can use these easily erasable surfaces to practice their ABCs and improve their artistic skills. Start the school year with a clean slate by repurposing a thrift-store photo frame for this simple, speedy craft. It’ll be ready to use as soon as the paint is dry.

— CAROLYN FOX

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cover your workspace with sheets of newspaper.

2. If desired, paint or decorate the frame with acrylic paint.

3. Paint one side of the cardboard with chalkboard paint.

4. When everything is completely dry, secure the painted cardboard into the frame. It’s ready for chalk!

5. To wipe the chalkboard clean, run a damp paper towel over it and let the board dry before using again.

CAROLYN FOX

✱ CONTEST Book

Sponsored by

GreenMountainFreestyle.com

LEARN TO FLY

GMFC provides a safe learning environment for skiers and snowboarders to learn and train tricks, aerial awareness and technique before taking it to the snow!

Mondays & Wednesdays

3:30 & 4:30 ages up to 7th grade 5:30 for 8th graders and above

Review

Calling all bookworms!

Send us a thoughtful paragraph about a recent read for the chance to win some literary loot.

Book:

Author:

Describe your favorite part of the story. What did you like about it?

Feel free to use additional pages!

260 Avenue D Suite 30, Williston (off Industrial Ave.) 802.652.2455

Lake Champlain Waldorf School

Rummage Sale

Lake Champlain Waldorf School

saturday, sept. 15 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

359 turtle lane, shelburne

Rummage Sale

to be Missed”

Books, Clothes, Furniture, Boutique, Housewares, Linens, Toys...Everything!

Saturday, September 21 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

New location this year!

Former Morgan Horse Museum, top of Bostwick Rd, Shelburne (The future site of the Lake Champlain Waldorf High School)

Doors open at 9:00 am sharp coffee, BakeD gooDs etc. while you wait!

www.lakechamplainwaldorfschool.org • (802) 985-2827

shelburne Village: west at harbor rd light, right on turtle lane. 985-2827 www.lakechamplainwaldorfschool.org

We could all use a little retail bliss...

We’ll pick the four most creative entries and excerpt them in the next issue. Winners receive a $25 gift certificate to Crow Bookshop. Deadline to enter is September 20. Send your entries to: Kids VT, attn: Book Review, P.O. Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.

New Books, Used Books, Remainders at GREAT PRICES!

Name Age Town Email Phone

14 Church Street Burlington crowbooks.com 862-0848

“Rummage Sale Bliss Not

Super-Cool Preschool

BY CAROLYN FOX

“WHEN YOU ENTER THIS CLASSROOM, you are scientists. You are explorers. You are artists. You are mathematicians. You are authors.”

So reads a sign on a door inside Heartworks School in Shelburne. Within the building are six pre-K classrooms — colorful, comfortable spaces designed to support young students’ adventures in education. Giant murals of Vermont farms and mountains cover the classroom walls; paper cutouts transform the main hallway into a leafy forest scene with deer and squirrels. Christmas lights illuminate a lending library, and classroom floor pillows invite children to cuddle up for circle time and story hour.

“We think it’s important to have beautiful spaces for children,” says Diane Rooney, cofounder of the Heartworks and Renaissance Schools. She notes that kid-friendly décor goes a long way in helping little learners feel at home in their first academic environment.

“We do try to have it feel homey,” says Rooney. “It’s kind of like this is their living room, and they’ve arrived as special guests for the day.”

• A large foam obstacle course and picnic tables inhabit a common room used for recess, music class and after-school programs.

• Wooden blocks, dollhouses and toy kitchens are surrounded by lots of open carpet space for free play.

• All classrooms have cubbies and coat hooks neatly labeled with each child’s name.

• A fenced-in, outdoor playground features a sandbox, swing set, jungle gym and mini rockclimbing wall.

PHOTOS: MATTHEW THORSEN

Preschoolers sit down for arts and crafts at Heartworks School

PUZZLE PAGE

Congratulations

Puzzles4Kids

Riddle Search — Quiet

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

CALM FAINT

GENTLE HUSHED MUM MUTE

NOISELESS QUIET SILENT

GRAND-PRIZE WINNER

ETHAN lives in South Burlington and turns 10 in September. This sports enthusiast enjoys playing and watching soccer, baseball, basketball and football.

Ethan wins eight open-gym passes.

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

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

Gavin, Hannah and Sofia win one hour-and-a-half opengym pass.

GAVIN lives in Georgia and turns 4 in September. He spends time reading, playing with his cars and learning to ski.

BY HELENA HOVANEC

HANNAH lives in Bristol and turns 8 in September. She likes horseback riding, theater and dance, as well as playing with her twin sister, Isabelle, and younger brother, Sam.

SOFT SOUNDLESS STILL SUBDUED UNSAID UNSPOKEN VOICELESS WEAK

Riddle Answer:

SOFIA lives in Berlin and turns 9 in September. She loves drawing and being an artist. She also has a knack for styling and French-braiding hair.

COLORING CONTEST!

Three winners will receive $25 gift cards to Creative Habitat, and free framing of their artwork for its Kids Gallery, located at the store on 555 Shelburne Road in Burlington. After a monthlong display of the winning artwork, Creative Habitat will give each artist the framed print to display at home. Send Kids VT your work of art by September 15. Be sure to include the info at right with your submission. Winners will be chosen in the following categories: (1) ages 4 and younger, (2) ages 5-8 and (3) ages 9-12. Winners will be named in the October issue of Kids VT. Send your high-resolution scans to art@kidsvt.com or mail a copy to KidsVT, PO Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.

Homeschooling

Life Lessons

BY

“AVARICIOUS.” My daughter, Abby, and I contemplated the first word in her bright yellow spelling book. It was her first day of eighth grade last fall. Abby’s former classmates were taking their seats in new classrooms, but she and I were sitting at our kitchen counter, breakfast plates cleared, a pile of books in their place. We had decided to try homeschooling.

At that moment, I was pretty sure it was all a big mistake. What was I supposed to do with “avaricious,” or the rest of the words on this list? How could I make memorizing spelling words interesting? For an entire year? Yikes.

I looked at my new “teacher’s planner,” listened to the clock tick and felt like an utter fraud. I put the speller to the side, and pulled the history book from the pile.

Homeschooling was something I’d sworn I would never do. I had a demanding career I loved, and it wasn’t teaching. I liked knowing my kids were being taught by professionals. Abby’s older siblings had completed their educations in school.

Then an unexpected opportunity shook us out of our routine.

When Abby was in seventh grade, my husband had the chance to teach and study for a year in Seville, Spain. We moved there and registered Abby at a local school. She opted to be “immersed” — she wanted to meet Spanish kids and learn their language.

In that year, my daughter’s immersion became my immersion. At first, she understood nothing in school. Her teachers spoke little English. So on evenings and weekends, she and I slowly deciphered lessons on everything from ancient history to multivariable equations, relying on my college Spanish and a Spanish-English dictionary. Together, we tackled it all.

By January, Abby was hitting her stride. By April, she was doing well in school, arranging a pool party with friends, and speaking better Spanish than I ever could.

Although we were happy to return to Montpelier that summer, Abby was reluctant to go back to middle school. She worried it would be “boring” after her year abroad. Her dad and I were inclined to agree.

Abby wanted to maintain her Spanish fluency, and study advanced math. We thought she should catch up on the American history she’d missed in Spain. Plus, I’d really enjoyed working side by side with my daughter, and watching her learn, during that intense year. I wasn’t quite ready to let go of that closeness.

So, despite the skepticism of certain family members who seemed to believe we were joining a weird cult, Abby and I decided to homeschool for a year.

I knew I wasn’t ready to be her only teacher. Luckily for

us, Vermont allows homeschoolers to take classes outside the home. Abby was accepted into Spanish IV at our high school. And at Pacem Learning Community, a nearby homeschool center, she signed up for twice-weekly physics classes. (I couldn’t teach that!)

The rest, I felt I could teach — or, at least, supervise. And I’d still be able to work part time from home. Of course, nothing went quite as anticipated; we learned as we went. Things improved when I realized that rather than pretending to know everything, I should just join Abby in learning. The online math course we’d chosen was often confusing, so we started watching the videos and reading the materials together. Then I could answer Abby’s questions and check her work. It was often frustrating, but we both mastered the algebra. And Abby resolved some issues herself. When she felt I wasn’t clear enough about our plans, she created a whiteboard calendar. On Sunday nights, we’d map out the upcoming week’s schedule.

As for that spelling book — boy, was it boring! Eventually we stopped worrying about Friday spelling tests and just learned to spell the words we needed for other lessons. Similarly, we abandoned regular 10:30 a.m. history sessions in favor of history field trips around New England. When you’re homeschooling, your schedule is flexible.

That flexibility also allowed Abby to volunteer as a mentor for first graders in the mornings. In the spring she served as a legislative page at the Statehouse. The two of us joined a string ensemble — she playing violin, me playing cello. We still had time for writing, reading, hiking, skiing and just talking. And, unlike most of her schooled friends, Abby usually got enough sleep. Homeschooling did involve trade-o s. I missed going to work. My husband, who worked long hours away from home, sometimes felt excluded from our domestic homeschooling scene. And though Abby still saw her friends, coordinating get-togethers with “schoolers” took extra e ort.

But homeschooling was empowering and fun. We were the ones in charge of Abby’s education, and we were following her dream curriculum. Family dinner conversations became livelier as our lessons overflowed into the dinner hour.

This fall, as we’d planned, my student is heading o to high school. She’s looking forward to being back in a classroom. I know I’ll miss all that one-on-one time we had. But as we head deeper into Abby’s teenage years, I’m especially grateful for one lesson homeschooling taught us: Working together, we’re a pretty good team.

PUZZLE PAGE

ANSWERS (see p. 52)

JUmbLES dry. rink. wait. comb.

RIDDLE ANSWER: where can you always find money when you look for it“IN thE DIctIoNARy”

RIDDLE SEARch ANSWER: you can hear a pin drop.

was a learning experience for my daughter —and me

CHRISTY MIHALY

I had a demanding career I loved, and it wasn’t teaching.

Great Vermont Apples Essay & Drawing Challenge

For kids in grades K through 5

Pick for Your Neighbor

Visit a participating local orchard to pick and purchase apples for donation to the Vermont Foodbank. PFYN will provide fresh, nourishing apples to more than 270 hunger relief organizations across Vermont. PFYN also increases business for local orchards, which are important parts of our communities.

Apples to iPods

Vermont’s apple growers are again working with the Vermont Department of Tourism, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Small Dog Electronics and Vermont Hard Cider Company to provide an additional reason to visit Vermont orchards this fall. Find the wooden “voucher” apple in participating orchards and redeem it for an Apple iPad or other Apple electronic accessories.

Category 1: Students in Kindergarten & First Grade are invited to submit original drawings of themselves, their classmates, friends or families enjoying a day in the orchard picking or eating apples. Drawings may be in any medium (pencil, crayon, ink, watercolors, etc.) on white paper, no larger than 9 by 12 inches.

Category 2: Students in Grades 2 & 3 are invited to submit original essays on one of the following topics: 1) visiting an apple orchard or 2) enjoying fresh apples.

Category 3: Students in Grades 4 & 5 are invited to submit original essays on the importance of including apples and other fresh produce in their daily diets.

Categories 2 & 3: Handwritten essays should be submitted on 8 ½ X 11 inch ruled paper and be no longer than two pages.

Typed essays should be submitted on nonruled 8 ½ X 11 inch paper using a 12 pt. font.)

Prizes: Gift certificates for each grade level will be awarded as follows:

1st place- $100; 2nd place- $50 ; 3rd place- $25. Gift certificates may be redeemed at any Vermont independent bookseller (see our website for links). Names of all entries will be entered into a drawing for apples for their respective classes (a total of 20 bushels of apples will be awarded to 20 entries).

Entries & Deadlines: Each entry must include the student’s name, grade level and teacher’s contact information (e-mail or telephone number). Entries must be mailed to Great Vermont Apples, 1765 Center Rd., Montpelier, VT 056028544 and received by November 18, 2013.

The Great Vermont Apple Essay & Drawing Challenge is sponsored by Vermont’s apple growers. Top entries will be posted on our website. For more information on where to pick apples and for ideas on essays and drawings, students are encouraged to visit www.vermontapples.org.

To locate an apple orchard near you or to learn more about Vermont apples, visit

www.vermontapples.org

Hey Kids! The Great Vermont Apples Essay & Drawing Challenge is open to students in Kindergarten through Grade 5-in Vermont or any other state. The rules are simple: